It’s no secret that some of Europe’s top tourist attractions have become a little overcrowded in recent years.

A travel expert has told Express.co.uk that one of his worst experiences was at the Colosseum in Rome.

The largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, Italy’s Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into the continent’s Roman history.

However, Michael Donovan, a travel expert and blogger at StayNewEngland.com, has said the site was a bit of a disappointment for him.

He told Express.co.uk: “The reality of visiting this iconic wonder can be a crowded, chaotic nightmare if you don’t come prepared.

“We’re talking about being engulfed by a straight-up tidal wave of tourists from every corner of the globe, inching along at a snail’s pace.

“Don’t even get me started on the beastly queues to get inside if you don’t have pre-booked tickets.”

Michael recommends booking tickets ahead of time online or booking a guided tour with skip-the-line access to avoid the queues.

He added: “The hard truth is this iconic structure has been standing for nearly 2,000 years. While the renovations never stop, it’s still an aged ruin at its core that shows plenty of wear and tear.

“Don’t be surprised to find certain sections roped off and inaccessible – this baby has seen better days!

“Between those factors and simply being bombarded by crowds at every turn, it can honestly be pretty tough at times to fully take in and appreciate the immense scale and majesty of the Colosseum’s design.”