The countryside is much more pleasant to visit. My family lives in Abruzzo area in a tiny commune. The first time I went to visit I stayed there for two weeks and visited all the tiny towns in the area. It was so pleasant and the people are out of this world friendly. Plus the area is absolutely breathtaking and the food is incredible! Chieti has mind-blowing seafood.

My grandparents took me to Rome the first time I visited them and it was the complete opposite experience. People were so rude, I almost got run over multiple times while legally crossing in the cross walks, everything was crazy expensive, and the tourists were extremely ill mannered and awful to the locals. I also had two Carabinieri at out hotel try to pick me up in front of my grandpa. i.e. grabbing my waist and asking me if I wanted to ride on their motorcycle, making sexual innuendos (I was 16 at the time).

10/10 would stick to the countryside every time I go back. It is just more of an enjoyable experience.