I'm flying in Monday at 11am. What would you do that day? I'm staying at the Hassler. Realistically, what can and should I do other than enjoy two good meals.

I have three additional days in Rome for my honeymoon in which I can see some of Romes great sites.

Thanks for your advice.
Natalie

Many may suggest otherwise, but I think visiting the Colloseum and the Forum on the first day is a great way to try to fight jetlag, especially if the weather is cooperating. Being outside and enjoying the atmosphere in Rome will help combat jetlag. I would avoid any museum or any kind of sightseeing bus, as both can make you tired.

I try to take a small nap in the afternoon, but I always set my alarm clock so I don't sleep more than an hour or so.

Tracy

I never plan anything for my first day. I fly from west coast US and suffer terrible jet lag. I check in to my hotel, or drop my suitcase off if it is too early. Then just do lots of walking, drink some wine, people watch, have a nice meal, try to get the lay of the land near my hotel or in a central interesting area. I take a nap in the afternoon as soon as I can get into my room. Then get up and walk some more and have a nice dinner. Going to bed at a normal local time.

This may or may not be of any interest to you. Depending on where you are traveling from and how well you adjust to time changes.

It definitely depends on how well you handle jet lag. I take an Ambien on the flight over, and come from the Midwest, so I usually don't have too much of a problem, but I still don't try to plan a whole lot. We usually play it by ear and see how we feel when we get there.

Tracy

I would agree with the two previous posters: Stay outside, walk around. If you feel the need, sit down and have a coffee or a glass of wine. Almost all of the historical center of Rome is accessible on foot from the Hassler or, if your new husband is agreeable to it, you can do some window-shopping on Via Condotti and the neighboring streets just below the Spanish Steps.

Thank you for the feedback... its greatly appreciated. I know we have to play it by ear, but was wondering if there was a CHANCE we might be energized to see some outdoor sights.

Thanks !!

Call me old fashioned, but there used to be a time when honeymooners didn't need to find outside activities when they first arrived at their hotel!

I usually check in as early as possible, take a nap, eat, and walk around. I know many people say do not sleep until it's bedtime there, but I can't make it. My head spins until I get an hour of sleep. Then I can actually walk around & enjoy stuff. I would NOT want to try to tackle a major tourist site like the Colosseum after a long flight. Do you really want to wait in line for a ticket, and walk around like a zombie for several hours?

I would stroll down to the Fountain of Trevi, or the Spanish Steps, or the Pantheon. Maybe have dinner at a restaurant overlooking a piazza or the Vatican. Walk around some quaint streets & window shop, visit a church or two, feel the vibes of the city. Don't kill yourself or overplan. You might feel like crap when you get off the plane, or have a delay, so don't plan anything major. Go to bed early & save your energy for your full days ahead.

Are you talking up this upcoming Monday, the day after Easter? You might find that many museums and such are closed, almost mandating that you actually relax and stroll around.

I generally find that if I can't get into my hotel room for a nap, I nonetheless have to avoid places with a lot of roaring traffic and other noise. So I stay away from Rome's busiest streets and instead head for a traffic-free piazza or stroll the alleyways for a quiet restaurant and a leisurely lunch. Back to the hotel for a nap, and then I'm up at the cocktail hour. Back to my favorite piazzas, and a simple dinner. Early to bed.

We arrived in Rome at 1 p.m. on a train, and dropped our stuff at the hotel (we stayed near the Trevi Fountain), and wandered and wandered until we ran into the Colisseum and the Forum.

It's so much fun to wander in Rome. Stop for a gelato, drink some wine, and try to stay up until at least 9 p.m. so you can wake up pretty much used to local time the next morning.

Enjoy your trip!

Jules