3 days in Rome, Should we hire a guide?
 

We will have 2 full days and 2 half days in Rome, is it best that we do a city type tour and then explore on our own for a day and our half days? We are staying in Trastevere and I think we are close enough to a few of the sights but, it may be too hard to get around not knowing our way. If you think a guide or tour company is worth our while any suggestions for a name are certainly welcome.

It is easy to walk around Rome. I don't think you need a guide...just get a good guidebook and plan what you really, really want to see, leaving enough time to just relax and enjoy the surroundings.

In most cases, you would meet a guide at a venue; they wouldn't pick you up and take you there. Unless, of course, you are talking about a driver guide. Very expensive in Rome.

Since you are staying in Trastevere, I'm guessing you might be on a budget. So that kind of leaves you to find your own way around, anyway.

I have heard of people taking the hop on/hop off bus, but to me, the best streets in Rome are the ones that a bus won't fit on.

Consider putting in some time learning about the lay of the city, and how to get around. A very good book to purchase in Rome is the Stradale a Roma, or Rome street guide. I think I have the name right... might be off a bit.

It isn't that big of a city. We have used the metro, trams and busses, but not extensively. On most of our visits to Rome, we have only required a few trips on public transportation.

In my opinion, Rome is one of the easiest cities to get around either by foot,bus,underground or taxi. Its a very walkable city(and I need a knee replacement!). Just get some decent guidebooks and you will be good to go. The on/off bus might be a good way the first morning for you to see it all so that you can concentrate on what you really want to spend more time on later in your visit.Have fun!

Sure, Rome is easy to get around but, if you have the budget, I wouldn't hesitate to hire a guide, why not.

We used Vatican Tours & Beyond (www.vaticantoursinc.com) and we had a wonderful experience. IMO, we got a lot more out of using a guide than just reading about things in the guide book. In addition, we saved time. As an example, we didn't wait in line at the Vatican because a guide waited for us and just called us when we were ready to go in. Also, I think we saw a lot more than if we had done it on our own. I would highly recommend a guide wherever your budget permits. There's nothing wrong with getting help.

Pugsly, I agree with you. I thought anabelle was asking about a guide to show them around the actual city.

Pugsly,

Thank you for that information, I just sent off a email of inquiry to the tour company you mentioned.
Can you please tell me just what tour you took?