Can I find myself in Rome?
Mar 18th, 2010, 01:14 PM
#1
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Can I find myself in Rome?
I wasn't expecting to be planning a trip to Italy, but as of today I booked a trip in April. Going to Rome for one week, traveling by myself. I've never done that before.
I am looking forward to following my own schedule, making my own plans, eating what I want to eat when I want to eat it.....in short, living for myself. The idea of running away from my real life doesn't hurt right now, either.
So, I've been to Rome several times now. I'm looking for the truly hidden and unexpected - any advice? Any restaurants, museums, shops, or experiences I really shouldn't miss? Any tips for a solo traveler? (I speak Italian fluently and lived there for a few years, but it's different when you are traveling on your own for a short time).
I'd also be happy to get any links to trip reports from solo travelers. Thanks in advance.
I am looking forward to following my own schedule, making my own plans, eating what I want to eat when I want to eat it.....in short, living for myself. The idea of running away from my real life doesn't hurt right now, either.
So, I've been to Rome several times now. I'm looking for the truly hidden and unexpected - any advice? Any restaurants, museums, shops, or experiences I really shouldn't miss? Any tips for a solo traveler? (I speak Italian fluently and lived there for a few years, but it's different when you are traveling on your own for a short time).
I'd also be happy to get any links to trip reports from solo travelers. Thanks in advance.
Mar 18th, 2010, 01:53 PM
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OK, you asked for it! I've been to Italy seven times by myself and loved every minute. I will go again this July if the flight prices come down! All the trips included Rome, my favorite place. Here are my reports:
Venice/Florence/Siena/Pienza/Rome Sept 2005:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nt-like.cfm?87
Rome March 2006 (this one in particular for running away from real life...):
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nt-like.cfm?56
Rome Xmas/New Year's 2006:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?63
Venice/Bologna/Rome July 2007:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...as-cold.cfm?81
Rome Feb 2008:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?62
Capri/Sorrento/Rome July 2008:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?91
Rome Feb 2009 (I never finished this one, I really should):
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?24
Venice/Florence/Siena/Pienza/Rome Sept 2005:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nt-like.cfm?87
Rome March 2006 (this one in particular for running away from real life...):
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nt-like.cfm?56
Rome Xmas/New Year's 2006:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?63
Venice/Bologna/Rome July 2007:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...as-cold.cfm?81
Rome Feb 2008:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?62
Capri/Sorrento/Rome July 2008:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?91
Rome Feb 2009 (I never finished this one, I really should):
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...oncello.cfm?24
Mar 19th, 2010, 03:05 AM
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Anyone else? SusanP's info was great, but I wouldn't mind a second (or third, or fourth, or.... 
) perspective. I'm in my early 30s and wouldn't mind some nightlife recommendations, either. If you like trip reports and have time and want to see what I have already done before you reply, I have written several (two exclusively on Rome), but it was always with others.
Some things I think I'll have to redo on my own even if I've already done them.
) perspective. I'm in my early 30s and wouldn't mind some nightlife recommendations, either. If you like trip reports and have time and want to see what I have already done before you reply, I have written several (two exclusively on Rome), but it was always with others.Some things I think I'll have to redo on my own even if I've already done them.
Mar 19th, 2010, 06:37 AM
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What kind of nightlife are you looking for? The historic center is full of bars and cafes that are filled with people until late at night.
As for finding yourself, bear in mind the quotation attributed to Confucius: "No matter where you go, there you are."
As for finding yourself, bear in mind the quotation attributed to Confucius: "No matter where you go, there you are."
Mar 19th, 2010, 09:39 AM
#15
FYI - Under the "Travel Tips and Trip Ideas" forum there is a solo travel selection in the drop down box. You might try checking there and also reposting on that forum.
http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/
http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/
Mar 19th, 2010, 11:04 AM
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nnolen...
Although not solo trips, I've visited Rome 4 times in the last 3 years and on my most recent trip (last October) I discovered the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
(http://www.doriapamphilj.it/ukhome.asp ). There is quite an art collection and you can walk through several of the apartment rooms. The audioguide was included in the admission price and there were very few people when we were there.
We also found a nice little trattoria called Da Tonino at Via del Governo Vecchio, 18. We had a lunch and a dinner there. It's a small place and when we were there it seemed like most patrons were locals, we were the only non-Italian speakers there at that time.
Although not solo trips, I've visited Rome 4 times in the last 3 years and on my most recent trip (last October) I discovered the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
(http://www.doriapamphilj.it/ukhome.asp ). There is quite an art collection and you can walk through several of the apartment rooms. The audioguide was included in the admission price and there were very few people when we were there.
We also found a nice little trattoria called Da Tonino at Via del Governo Vecchio, 18. We had a lunch and a dinner there. It's a small place and when we were there it seemed like most patrons were locals, we were the only non-Italian speakers there at that time.
Mar 19th, 2010, 04:36 PM
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nnolen,
My last trip, sadly a whole 5 years ago!, was solo and my days in Rome were wonderful. I did visit the Domus Aurea and took an English speaking, archeologist lead tour. It was good, but you really have to use your imagination. Not a lot to see and very little (compared to the estimated extent) of the palace is excavated.
I especially enjoyed a day trip out to Tivoli to visit Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este. The fountains and garden at the Villa d' Este were a wonderful, delightful surprise! You may have already visited, but if not, I highly recommend.
Buon viaggio! Have some gellati for me!
My last trip, sadly a whole 5 years ago!, was solo and my days in Rome were wonderful. I did visit the Domus Aurea and took an English speaking, archeologist lead tour. It was good, but you really have to use your imagination. Not a lot to see and very little (compared to the estimated extent) of the palace is excavated.
I especially enjoyed a day trip out to Tivoli to visit Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este. The fountains and garden at the Villa d' Este were a wonderful, delightful surprise! You may have already visited, but if not, I highly recommend.
Buon viaggio! Have some gellati for me!
