tamarat

I just was notified that I've been booked for tickets for the Borghese Gallery, even though I thought the chances were almost non-existant because everyone has said that it's impossible to book on-line for May (I'm going in 2 days). I didn't plan for it in my itinerary because I didn't think it would really happen, so I planned for something else during that time slot. Would you recommend the Borghese as one of the must-sees of Rome?

thanks again

Tamara

grsing

It's not absolutely must see, but, if you like sculpture at all, it's pretty high up there. What would you have to give up to see it? If it's the Vatican or the Forum, then I wouldn't, if not, then I'd probably try to make it.

cparris

I loved the Borghese. Its only 2 hours of your time and very well worth it.

MFNYC

I didn't go to Borghese my 1st visit to Rome. The 2nd time I made sure to go. I lvoed it. I find large museums overwhelming, especially when they're crowded. Because of the timed admissions, Borghese never gets too crowded.

I guess it depends on what you may be giving up to see this, but I definitely am glad I went, and I'd happily go again.

MFNYC

Just in case my last post wasn't clear, the Borghese is neither large nor overwhelming, and the sculptures and mosaics are incredible.

tamarat

I'm only in Rome for 1 1/2 days - the first 1/2 day we have from only around 3 p.m. and are going to do the Colloseum, Forum, and that whole area.

The second day we're doing the Vatican in the morning w/a private guide (which will take 4-5 hours), and I was hoping to have the afternoon for wandering around on our own. This is where the Borghese would be. I was also wondering if it's too much art to do both the Vatican and Borghese on the same day, especially since the Vatican will be so lengthy.

jkstrouse

I loved the Galleria Borghese, but I think with your itinerary and limited time frame, just wandering around Rome might be a better bet. If you're already spending 4 to 5 hours in the Vatican, you'll probably be all "museum-ed" out for that day and will get more out of exploring the city. Just my opinion, of course. Have a great trip!

SAB

The Borghese Gallery was one of my must-sees, but it it a matter of interest. It is an exquiste small museum, with fabulous Bernini sculpture, mosaics and great Caravaggios ( one of my personal favorites). My sister who is not a big museum or gallery person went because it was high on my list and loved it. She now says it was one of the highlights of our trip.

LCBoniti

I agree with SAB - but then also with jkstrouse.

My personal opinion is that I would choose the Borghese over the Vatican - that is how much I loved it. My experience was that the Vatican is crowded to the max and, although the art is amazing, it is difficult to appreciate it amidst the crush of (not always pleasant) humanity. The Borghese, on the otherhand, is smaller, more organized and allows you to truly take the time to appreciate what you are seeing. And what you are seeing is beautiful! However, I realize this is a minority opinion.

At any rate, in view of your time constraints, I would only do one or the other because much of the enjoyment of Rome is just being there.

Have a great trip!
Linda

grsing

With that little of time, I'd (reluctantly) say to skip the Borghese. I at least am tempted to say I also liked it better than the Vatican, but the Vatican is pretty much a must-see, and I can't imagine doing the Vatican and the Borghese in one day.

rkkwan

I agree with others. Do go, don't skip it. Best museum experience I have had, anywhere in the world. You will not regret it.

As far as the Vatican Musuem goes, it's huge with lots of stuff to see, but you don't have to see everything. With the limited time you have, I suggest going through it quickly and reserve time - and energy - for the Sistine Chapel that's at the end of the tour.

michigandra

I agree with grsing, but I would also mention that, if crowds really bother you, the Borghese is the better option--the limited number of visitors for the 2-hour period makes this museum stand out in the crowd of museums (sorry, couldnt' resist).

I do agree with rkkwan's first paragraph, but disagree with the second. Having been to both, given your limited time, my vote is for the Vatican City musuems. It'd be a shame to rush through everything just to see the Sistine Chapel where there is so much, much more than that.

Take your time to relish the beauty of whereever you go and enjoy it!

bobthenavigator

It is in my top 5 Rome things.
Bernini was a genius.

grsing

It was definitely in my top 5, too, I'm just not sure you can shoehorn even 5 things into a day and a late afternoon and enjoy them at all.

wliwl

Ah! Such different opinions on here. I liked the Borghese a lot -- but I was pretty "museumed out" by the time we got there, and we went through very quickly.

I can't imagine going to Rome and not doing the Vatican though.

Hal8999

We both love art and museums and looked forward to visiting the Borghese. Frankly, we found it horribly overrated. Granted there are some nice pieces which I am glad I saw. But, given the time frame that you have, wandering around Rome would be a lot more fun; in fact, given any time frame, wandering around Rome is a great way to spend a day.

Skip the Borghese, you can always go next time.

Intrepid1

I really like the Borghese BUT if you have a choice of going there or seeing St. Peter's then it is a no brainer IMO..go see St. Peter's. As to the Vatican Museum vs. the Borghese to me like comparing apples and oranges; Vatican is much more extensive (and probably tiring) but I would not advise missing the Sistine Chapel, for example, in favor of the Borghese.

pkt

The Borghese Gallery is marvelous, but I missed it on my first trip to Rome. No worries. If you see Borghese, you will have seen much of the attractions of Rome, but you may be shorting yourself on Rome itself. If you can see the Collosseum and the Forum on your first day, and the Vatican museums and St. Peter's Basilica on the morning of your second day, you're doing pretty darn well. Your choice really comes down to either hustling over to Borghese after you leave the Vatican (exhausted), or taking it easy and wandering around Rome to experience the city and see the outdoor sights (Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, etc.). I'd do the latter and save Borghese for later.

tamarat

Thank you all for your extremely helpful replies. It's so difficult choosing what to do when time is so short! Your advice was excellent. In particular, PKT, you captured the essence of our Rome stay, and encouraged me that what we'll be doing is enough (there's always that feeling that you're going to be missing out on something that you might regret). I'm grateful to everyone for your time!

cparris

Since you have such limited time I would skip it. I loved the museum, but I would go wander around the area around the Panthenon. In 1 1/2 days you really can't see everything. Its nice to just sit at a cafe and relax alittle too.