We were in Rome for 6 days last April and saw no trash. I commented how clean the streets were. I thought everything was lovely and well-kept.
Now the crowds---
We couldn't even navigate the Coliseum, and totally hated the Vatican. I cannot stress how horrible that experience was, even with "skip the line" tickets. But walking the cobblestone streets was doable and the other sights were fabulous, if crowded. Glad we went. Bucket-list item!
Times Square was just a trash heap when I visited back in 2001.