Italy, Rome
Jan 18th, 2014, 11:09 AM
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Italy, Rome
Hi Everyone! My boyfriend and I are traveling to Rome the first week in August. I have heard it is very busy that time of year, but I am a single mom who is in school full time, so my schedule is not very flexible/ We are traveling on a budget, don't care about frills or luxury...we just want to go and explore! Main concern, of course, safety...other than that, open to any and all suggestions concerning lodging, food, hidden treasures, places to see that are maybe a bit off the beaten path...tips for avoiding lines and getting scammed...Thanks so much!!
Jan 18th, 2014, 11:37 AM
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Really tight budget, check out a monastery or convent: http://www.monasterystays.com/ Please note, though, you'd want to book soon. Because of the cost, these book up quick. No frills (usually no phone/tv/wifi), but clean bed and your own bath (and privacy). Do note that some have "curfews" because a nun or priest or monk has to lock the door at night. :] )
You should also look at hostels. There are many in Rome. If you do another post specifically for hostel recommendations, that might work best. I found one website that seems to list a few: http://www.hostels.com/rome/italy But once you've located a few, do check on TripAdvisor.com to see reviews.
You should also consider an apartment. If you look at some further out, but on a metro line, they will be more affordable. Probably worth it if you are on a tight budget. A weekly metro/bus/tram pass in Rome is about $32.00.
I would suggest a really good guidebook, too. Get one now to start planning, since you only have a short time in country. I like the DK Eyewitness Guides (for "visual" folk like me). But certainly you can head to your local book store and browse guidebooks there. (Or your library).
If you do Hostel or Convent, try to get as close to city center as you can: Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Trevi, Trastavere. All good options.
Good luck!
You should also look at hostels. There are many in Rome. If you do another post specifically for hostel recommendations, that might work best. I found one website that seems to list a few: http://www.hostels.com/rome/italy But once you've located a few, do check on TripAdvisor.com to see reviews.
You should also consider an apartment. If you look at some further out, but on a metro line, they will be more affordable. Probably worth it if you are on a tight budget. A weekly metro/bus/tram pass in Rome is about $32.00.
I would suggest a really good guidebook, too. Get one now to start planning, since you only have a short time in country. I like the DK Eyewitness Guides (for "visual" folk like me). But certainly you can head to your local book store and browse guidebooks there. (Or your library).
If you do Hostel or Convent, try to get as close to city center as you can: Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Trevi, Trastavere. All good options.
Good luck!
Jan 18th, 2014, 11:38 AM
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To avoid the long, long queues at the colosseum go to either The Forum or Palatine Hill and buy a combo ticket. When you go to the colosseum keep to the left of the people waiting to purchase tickets and go straight to bag check. You'll save about an hour!
I understand your need for a budget but it will be hot in Rome and it would be worth paying a bit extra for air conditioning.
The no 64 bus is great for getting around Rome but it is also known as 'the pickpocket express' so use it but keep your wits about you. I had my hand on the zipper of my bag but still found that someone attempted to unzip it!
I hope you love your time in Rome.
I understand your need for a budget but it will be hot in Rome and it would be worth paying a bit extra for air conditioning.
The no 64 bus is great for getting around Rome but it is also known as 'the pickpocket express' so use it but keep your wits about you. I had my hand on the zipper of my bag but still found that someone attempted to unzip it!
I hope you love your time in Rome.
Jan 18th, 2014, 11:43 AM
#4
willow - what HAVE you been reading for safety to be your first concern? or for you to be worried about being scammed?
Rome is a modern capital city in a pretty civilised part of the world; of course it has areas that might be described as "dodgy" but they are not places that you as tourists are likely to be spending much time in and are probably no worse than similar areas where you come from.
In a week you can see a quite a lot of Rome and perhaps have the odd day trip too. There are plenty of threads here with ideas of what you can see in that time, and with suggestions of where you might stay. another good place to look is at the "destinations" button at the top of this page.
with a week, an apartment might be a good idea - they are generally cheaper and more spacious than hotels and allow you to save money by catering for yourselves. we stayed at an apartment which is quite cheap and very central:
http://lacasadiclelia.webs.com/
[it says that it's for 4 persons but really is better suited to 2-3, so it would be fine for you]
Wherever you stay, an absolute must in August is air conditioning.
Rome is a modern capital city in a pretty civilised part of the world; of course it has areas that might be described as "dodgy" but they are not places that you as tourists are likely to be spending much time in and are probably no worse than similar areas where you come from.
In a week you can see a quite a lot of Rome and perhaps have the odd day trip too. There are plenty of threads here with ideas of what you can see in that time, and with suggestions of where you might stay. another good place to look is at the "destinations" button at the top of this page.
with a week, an apartment might be a good idea - they are generally cheaper and more spacious than hotels and allow you to save money by catering for yourselves. we stayed at an apartment which is quite cheap and very central:
http://lacasadiclelia.webs.com/
[it says that it's for 4 persons but really is better suited to 2-3, so it would be fine for you]
Wherever you stay, an absolute must in August is air conditioning.
Jan 18th, 2014, 12:07 PM
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I went in August last year and had no problem because I booked EVERYTHING that I wanted to do ahead of time - this way I skipped lines and had no stress about being able to get in, etc.
I stayed at Hotel Navona and had good luck there - I was alone and didn't need anything fancy. I loved being so close to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, and found the location to be very convenient.
I stayed at Hotel Navona and had good luck there - I was alone and didn't need anything fancy. I loved being so close to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, and found the location to be very convenient.
Jan 18th, 2014, 01:45 PM
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just as in new york city, i feel that location is everything in rome. i don't know how low your budget is, but you want to be at a location in an area where you will be in awe each time you walk out your door. we like the area near the pantheon... but just make sure you are central. otherwise, you will spend a long time getting to and from the areas you want to walk. and, yes, air conditioning could be a lifeline at that time of year!
Jan 18th, 2014, 04:43 PM
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Without a specific budget in euros it's really difficult to provide specific recommendations. But do be aware that the most inexpensive properties will not have AC (unbearable in Rome in summer without it) and often have shared baths and stairs versus elevator.
IMHO spending a little more to stay right in the center is worth it - rather than trekking around a large city in that awful heat and humidity.
IMHO spending a little more to stay right in the center is worth it - rather than trekking around a large city in that awful heat and humidity.
Jan 18th, 2014, 05:42 PM
#10
Interesting that a convent/monastery was suggested for an unmarried couple... If you're thinking of sharing a room, I don't know how the nuns/priests/monks would react. I'd find an apartment instead.
Jan 18th, 2014, 06:18 PM
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Thanks so much everyone! Wow, so many wonderful suggestions. As far as the safety thing goes, I've just heard a lot about pick pockets..,on the other hand, I lived in Santa Fe for 8 years and grew up not far from New York and Philly, I am pretty used to cities. I am so excited about this trip, you guys have been so incredibly helpful!
Mar 17th, 2014, 07:05 AM
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Willow, I second the guidebook recommendation. And the suggestion you look for something central. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Much of Rome is very walkable--and walking is fun.
Use the guidebook to "cluster" things you want to see. On my first visit (okay, it was 1975), I looked up things to see in a guide book I bought at the train station each night; each day I took a bus (or walked) to the most distant monument/museum/sight and walked back in, discovering things along the way. When I went with my husband in 2001, we did much the same. We are doing it now--we head to Rome on 31 Mar.
We often buy fruit, cheese, olives, cold cuts, bread and picnic rather than eat in restaurants. Saves money and has great romantic potential. Consider packing a "reusable" shopping bag, like the ones you get at your supermarket, for when you go shopping. Also, keep bottled water in your room. You WILL be thirsty.
Early risers do better. Lines are shorter, air is cooler.
Don't feel you have to see EVERYTHING. Sit over that espresso. Stroll in the gardens (See Borghese). Consider some of the less famed sites. I have a soft spot for the Catacombs of Priscilla and the church of Santa Constanza. They are about a 25 minute walk apart, are a bit out from the center. Check them out in the guidebook.
Do have a wonderful time!
Use the guidebook to "cluster" things you want to see. On my first visit (okay, it was 1975), I looked up things to see in a guide book I bought at the train station each night; each day I took a bus (or walked) to the most distant monument/museum/sight and walked back in, discovering things along the way. When I went with my husband in 2001, we did much the same. We are doing it now--we head to Rome on 31 Mar.
We often buy fruit, cheese, olives, cold cuts, bread and picnic rather than eat in restaurants. Saves money and has great romantic potential. Consider packing a "reusable" shopping bag, like the ones you get at your supermarket, for when you go shopping. Also, keep bottled water in your room. You WILL be thirsty.
Early risers do better. Lines are shorter, air is cooler.
Don't feel you have to see EVERYTHING. Sit over that espresso. Stroll in the gardens (See Borghese). Consider some of the less famed sites. I have a soft spot for the Catacombs of Priscilla and the church of Santa Constanza. They are about a 25 minute walk apart, are a bit out from the center. Check them out in the guidebook.
Do have a wonderful time!
Mar 17th, 2014, 08:29 AM
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I hesitate to recommend an apartment to inexperienced travelers. The hotel receptionist can be a great help with all sorts of things, and in an emergency is invaluable. If you do stay in an apartment, make sure there will be someone who can be reached, and who speaks English, in an emergency, and make sure you both have working phones.
There are a few unscrupulous characters in the apartment rental business in Rome. Sometimes it's a bait-and-switch tactic; you'll informed at the last minute that there was "water damage" at the apartment you had reserved and that you'd have to be moved to a different one. Sometimes it's even worse than that. You have to do some very careful research. Even a good agency sometimes has bad apples among their clients.
I use www.booking.com to find lodging in Rome. They list mostly hotels, but also hostels, guest houses, apartments, and other budget lodging. The apartments they list are usually managed by hotels or other larger organizations, so the risk is less. If you enter "Rome city centre" as your destination, they'll show you only lodgings in the very center of Rome. Then you can sort the list by price. Pay attention to the guest rating, and read the guest reviews before making a final choice.
If you don't find anything within your budget in the most central area, try the Termini station area, which has a lot of budget lodgings; it's not as central, although still walking distance from the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, and it's well connected to the rest of the city by metro and bus.
What are your main interests? I hesitate to make suggestions for things to see and do if I know nothing of your interests.
There are a few unscrupulous characters in the apartment rental business in Rome. Sometimes it's a bait-and-switch tactic; you'll informed at the last minute that there was "water damage" at the apartment you had reserved and that you'd have to be moved to a different one. Sometimes it's even worse than that. You have to do some very careful research. Even a good agency sometimes has bad apples among their clients.
I use www.booking.com to find lodging in Rome. They list mostly hotels, but also hostels, guest houses, apartments, and other budget lodging. The apartments they list are usually managed by hotels or other larger organizations, so the risk is less. If you enter "Rome city centre" as your destination, they'll show you only lodgings in the very center of Rome. Then you can sort the list by price. Pay attention to the guest rating, and read the guest reviews before making a final choice.
If you don't find anything within your budget in the most central area, try the Termini station area, which has a lot of budget lodgings; it's not as central, although still walking distance from the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, and it's well connected to the rest of the city by metro and bus.
What are your main interests? I hesitate to make suggestions for things to see and do if I know nothing of your interests.
Mar 17th, 2014, 08:32 AM
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I really don't think the nuns who are renting out beds in their convents are going to ask to see a marriage license. At the most, they'll say a prayer for you. Times have changed since you were in parochial school, Jean!
However, a convent will almost always have a curfew, which may not be congenial to a young couple. They also tend to get booked up very early, at least those that could be considered budget lodging; some convents cost more than the average hotel.
However, a convent will almost always have a curfew, which may not be congenial to a young couple. They also tend to get booked up very early, at least those that could be considered budget lodging; some convents cost more than the average hotel.
Mar 17th, 2014, 10:18 AM
#15
Interesting, bvlenci. Although we advise people to dress and act respectfully when entering Catholic churches, I guess you're saying that in convents we can disregard what the Catholic hosts believe and do whatever we please.
On this we'll have to disagree. I don't consider convents the equivalent of, say, Etap or Formule 1.
On this we'll have to disagree. I don't consider convents the equivalent of, say, Etap or Formule 1.
Mar 17th, 2014, 02:15 PM
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Oh please! The nuns are not monitoring who is married and who is not. They run these places as businesses and welcone people of every religion and believer and non-believer alike. Half the people who stay in convents haven't got a clue to begin with what Catholic dogma is about marriage -- and by the time these travelers get to Rome it may have hanged anyway. The new Pope has said to relax about this sex stuff. Let's not be more Catholic than the Pope.
willow
The single biggest thing you can do to save money on your trip to Rome is to buy a guidebook and take it with you.
willow
The single biggest thing you can do to save money on your trip to Rome is to buy a guidebook and take it with you.
Mar 17th, 2014, 03:44 PM
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There was a time, about 40 years ago, when the nuns would have cared very much if a young couple who came to their convent were married. They just don't care any more. As a matter of fact, the churches we attend are full of people who don't adhere to the Vatican's dress code, either, and I haven't heard a peep from a priest about modesty.
As recently as fifteen years ago, if a bride in Italy bought a sleeveless wedding gown, it was sold with a little modesty cape or shrug that she could wear during the mass. Last year, we were at a wedding where the bride not only had a sleeveless gown, it was open all the way down the back to sub-crack level, with a little lacing here and there to hold it all together.
As recently as fifteen years ago, if a bride in Italy bought a sleeveless wedding gown, it was sold with a little modesty cape or shrug that she could wear during the mass. Last year, we were at a wedding where the bride not only had a sleeveless gown, it was open all the way down the back to sub-crack level, with a little lacing here and there to hold it all together.
Mar 18th, 2014, 02:09 AM
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The Colosseum tickets booked online and printed at home are not valid indefinitely. They're good for the date you booked them for and the next day, for one entrance to the Colosseum and one entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill site.
