Rome Tips
May 24th, 2014, 03:05 AM
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Rome Tips
What to do and not to do for first time in Rome What to see in order of First to last We are a family of three adults and three children ages 11, 9 and 5 and will be staying in Rome for three nights from 27 December 2014 to 30 December 2014
May 24th, 2014, 03:21 AM
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Hi Marego
Apart from what to see, the best piece of advice we were given for our first visit to Rome related to getting yourself from one side of the street to the other . . . those drivers are something else!
A pedestrian crossing seems to have absolutely no meaning for car drivers there, so just stand at the kerb until a local or someone braver comes along, then dash across safely tucked in behind them.
If no other pedestrians appear, then step onto the road, fix your eyes firmly on those of the car driver approaching, then start to walk - this seems to work, provided you walk slowly but firmly across the road.
Enjoy Rome - it's a fabulous city, Di
Apart from what to see, the best piece of advice we were given for our first visit to Rome related to getting yourself from one side of the street to the other . . . those drivers are something else!
A pedestrian crossing seems to have absolutely no meaning for car drivers there, so just stand at the kerb until a local or someone braver comes along, then dash across safely tucked in behind them.
If no other pedestrians appear, then step onto the road, fix your eyes firmly on those of the car driver approaching, then start to walk - this seems to work, provided you walk slowly but firmly across the road.
Enjoy Rome - it's a fabulous city, Di
May 24th, 2014, 03:41 AM
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I can't imagine any sights that are not listed in guide books unless it's something that tourists are not interested in. You could go to any suburb and wander around. That would not be in guide books but it also won't be interesting to the average tourist who is in Rome for the first time.
If you want help prioritizing sightseeing (what to see in order first to last) then we need to know what you want to see. My list in Rome will probably not be the same as your list, particularly as you have 3 young children to consider.
After reading guide books, what looks interesting to you? What is the reason you've decided on going to Rome? There must be a few top sights that intrigue you.
I'm sure you children will want to see the Colosseum but what else would interest them?
As to crossing Roman streets - it's very easy. If you cross at the cross walk (which I totally encourage you to do) then the drivers will stop for you. The Roman driver are adept at stopping quickly. If you hang out at the curb then of course the driver won't stop as you're on the curb.
If you cross in a section without a cross walk then the drivers will swerve around you but not stop. Once you start crossing then you must continue and not stop nor hesitate as that is when people will be run down because you confuse the drivers.
If you want help prioritizing sightseeing (what to see in order first to last) then we need to know what you want to see. My list in Rome will probably not be the same as your list, particularly as you have 3 young children to consider.
After reading guide books, what looks interesting to you? What is the reason you've decided on going to Rome? There must be a few top sights that intrigue you.
I'm sure you children will want to see the Colosseum but what else would interest them?
As to crossing Roman streets - it's very easy. If you cross at the cross walk (which I totally encourage you to do) then the drivers will stop for you. The Roman driver are adept at stopping quickly. If you hang out at the curb then of course the driver won't stop as you're on the curb.
If you cross in a section without a cross walk then the drivers will swerve around you but not stop. Once you start crossing then you must continue and not stop nor hesitate as that is when people will be run down because you confuse the drivers.
May 24th, 2014, 04:30 AM
#7
What to do:
Prebook the colosseum using their websites. No standing in line.
Don't bother wasting to much time in the Romun forum. It gets a bit tedious looking at old ruins after awhile. The Colosseum is a definite must.
Think about a bike tour with the kids. There's some good ones listed on tripadvisor and they're a lot of fun.
Do the walk between Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain twice: once during the day and once in the evening. It's magical.
Also, walk down the Via Coronari... it has some great little shops. The area between the Piazza Navona and Coronari is delightful.
The hop on/hop off bus is fun but it doesn't get you into the heart of Rome but it's a great way to relax and get a feel of the city.
Trastevere and the Vatican should be on your list as well. I'm not sure the Vatican museum should be on your list. It depends on how much time you have and what the weather's like.
Prebook the colosseum using their websites. No standing in line.
Don't bother wasting to much time in the Romun forum. It gets a bit tedious looking at old ruins after awhile. The Colosseum is a definite must.
Think about a bike tour with the kids. There's some good ones listed on tripadvisor and they're a lot of fun.
Do the walk between Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain twice: once during the day and once in the evening. It's magical.
Also, walk down the Via Coronari... it has some great little shops. The area between the Piazza Navona and Coronari is delightful.
The hop on/hop off bus is fun but it doesn't get you into the heart of Rome but it's a great way to relax and get a feel of the city.
Trastevere and the Vatican should be on your list as well. I'm not sure the Vatican museum should be on your list. It depends on how much time you have and what the weather's like.
May 24th, 2014, 04:42 AM
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You have some good suggestions above. And don't miss the Pantheon. What you see in what order depends in large part on your interests and where you are staying. Give us some information to work with and we can be more helpful.
May 24th, 2014, 12:16 PM
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Well - here's an example of different likes/dislikes. I find the Forum fascinating - but then I know what the ruins are and what roe those buildings playe din the civic life of ancient rome. Without that information (either from a guide or a good guidebook and some knowledge of ancient roman politics) it is indeed just "old ruins".
(I find it fascinating the Romans had apartment buildings, flush toilets and public baths thousands of years ago - just a few among the many things that most of the world forgot until a couple of hundred years ago.)
(I find it fascinating the Romans had apartment buildings, flush toilets and public baths thousands of years ago - just a few among the many things that most of the world forgot until a couple of hundred years ago.)
May 25th, 2014, 12:49 AM
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The above answers illustrate the problem with asking other people for their opinions. Kleeblatt says that the Colosseum is much more worth a visit than the Roman Forum, whereas I would say exactly the opposite. However, when we took my granddaughter to the ancient sites, and again when we took my young nieces there, the absolute favorite was the Palatine Hill, which for some strange reason a lot of people don't visit at all. (It's in all the guidebooks, though!)
Another place sure to appeal to the kids is the Villa Borghese Park, where you can rent bicycle carts, go-karts, or bikes, and where there is a zoo, a puppet theatre, a lake with boats and ducks, and lots of green space to run around in. It's also in all the guidebooks!
I agree that almost everything worth seeing in Rome is in guidebooks. I have the Blue Guide to Rome, which has whole pages of churches and museums in its index. I suggest the DK Eyewitness Guide to Rome, which has lots of pictures. If you thumb through it, I'm sure you'll see things that would appeal to you.
Another place sure to appeal to the kids is the Villa Borghese Park, where you can rent bicycle carts, go-karts, or bikes, and where there is a zoo, a puppet theatre, a lake with boats and ducks, and lots of green space to run around in. It's also in all the guidebooks!
I agree that almost everything worth seeing in Rome is in guidebooks. I have the Blue Guide to Rome, which has whole pages of churches and museums in its index. I suggest the DK Eyewitness Guide to Rome, which has lots of pictures. If you thumb through it, I'm sure you'll see things that would appeal to you.
May 25th, 2014, 01:09 AM
#12
"different opinions"
People have different perceptions which is human nature. Thank goodness it's that way or this world would be a boring place.
I've been to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palentine Hill four times with different groups.
With each visit, we first toured the colosseum (awe-inspiring), walked up to the Palentine Hill (interesting for 30-40 minutes, especially when you can make it come alive with stories, enjoy the views and walk through the garden) and then did the Roman Forum, which by that time every single group had had enough of trying to make the ruins come alive. It was just too much.
People have different perceptions which is human nature. Thank goodness it's that way or this world would be a boring place.
I've been to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palentine Hill four times with different groups.
With each visit, we first toured the colosseum (awe-inspiring), walked up to the Palentine Hill (interesting for 30-40 minutes, especially when you can make it come alive with stories, enjoy the views and walk through the garden) and then did the Roman Forum, which by that time every single group had had enough of trying to make the ruins come alive. It was just too much.
May 25th, 2014, 03:34 AM
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Kee, I'm certainly not questioning your right to your opinion, I was joint making the point that asking other people what you should see is not necessarily going to result in choices that would please everyone.
I've always been fascinated by Roman history. To me, the Colosseum is a sports stadium, while the Roman Forum is the cradle of western civilization. To the kids I've taken there, neither one was as fascinating as the Palatine Hill. The best way to find things that YOU will like is to take the time to read a good guide book.
I've always been fascinated by Roman history. To me, the Colosseum is a sports stadium, while the Roman Forum is the cradle of western civilization. To the kids I've taken there, neither one was as fascinating as the Palatine Hill. The best way to find things that YOU will like is to take the time to read a good guide book.
