Hi, <BR> <BR>I have found two suitable apartments in Rome, one behind the Vatican and the other near the Forum. Which area is safer/ more central? <BR> <BR>All flats nearer Navona/C de fiore seem to be booked. I need a place for 3 for a week, end of Sept, safe and comfy. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the tips on agencies - would appreciate any more helpful info. <BR> <BR>-n

Hi. While I'd say the area near the Vatican would probably be saf<I>er</I>, that doesn't mean the area near the Forum is <I>un</I>safe. And the area near the Forum is definitely more central.

Neither location is particularly central, though the Forum location would be an easier walk to Campo dei Fiori, Pza Navona, Trastevere, Spanish Steps, etc. I'd still plan on using the buses. Where are you planning on spending your days? That should factor into your choice.

Hi, <BR> <BR>I agree with Capo that both areas are safe. You won't have to worry about anything except pickpocketers as Marianna mentioned. <BR> <BR>I too, would stay in the Vatican area over the Forum, the transportation connections are much better and easier from that location (you have a better choice), even though the Forum is more central.

thank you, but I'm still confused - would anyone know which is closer to the airport? <BR> <BR>And any idea how long it tales to walk from the Vatican to Spagna? <BR> <BR>

The Vatican location would be closer to the airport, but not by much when you consider how far both of those locations are from the airport. <BR> <BR>If you're in good shape, I think you could walk from the Vatican to Piazza di Spagna in 30 minutes or less.

Really, it's not possible to answer the original question without having actual addresses. The general "forum" area is quite large. And there are several forums. I can think of locations nearby that I'd find quite inconvenient, although in general I'd argue the area is more convenient ... for most visitors ... than "near the Vatican". And "near the Vatican" could be quite convenient if the apartment is near a subway stop, major bus stop, or if most of the visit will be spent at the Vatican. On the other hand if the apartment is to the west of the Vatican it could be a terribly inconvenient location. <BR> <BR>As to which is closer to the airport? The &gt;&gt;city&lt;&lt; is about 35 km from the airport. Since one would take slightly different routes the travel time would be about the same. The general locations are only about 3 km apart. <BR> <BR>Walking to "Spagna" would take about 20-25 minutes from the "the Vatican" and about 15-20 minutes from "the Forum". Normally I might take the metro from the Vatican and a bus from near the forum. <BR> <BR>twenj

You've all been really helpful, thank you... the apartment neat the vatican fell through, apparently its being painted, so my choice was made for me. I am now nervous about sending off a huge deposit - any advice? how can I make sure i'm not ripped off... <BR>

<BR>ttt

Hi n raza, <BR>if you are still confused and have fear to be ripped off try ( for every kind of advice) with a secure operator (catherina) who perfectly knows Rome ([email protected])