Homer

Honestly, I've booked this trip on a whim. I know next to nothing about Rome (other than the obvious landmarks). I'll be staying around the Villa Borghese. I've never used this site before, but was just hoping for some ideas that I may not find in the Michelin or Fodors. I apologize if I've posted too broad a request. Thanks!

nemo

It will be in the Guide books but make plans now to visit Villa Borghese it can be done by phone or internet and is worth the effort. Bernini's statue of Hades and Presephone is a marvel. Also try to go to St Clemente's near Esquilino it is a small church whose crypts open on to the buried remains of ancient Roman streets and houses. I loved it. Post here if I can e-mail you direct. Nemo

shelley

Hi Homer,<BR>You will love it! The Colosseum is a must! Make sure you ask when you buy your ticket where you can rent the audio guide-it is wounderful. Eat pizza(margarita pizza_ across from the Colosseum-pretty good!<BR>Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, soo much to do. Hang out at the Piazza Navona. There is a really great Restaurante off the Spanish Steps called Restaurant 34 or Il 34. Very reasonable and great service- get the the raviolli 34. INSANE. Gelato is a must!!! Have fun. We will be getting back the day you leave our 4th time there. Yeah

Carol

We did the same thing last year, booking at the last minute. You are so fortunate to have 6 nights in Rome. We just loved Rome.<BR><BR>The best thing we did was to book a tour with Scala Reale to see the Vatican and St. Peter's. They have terrific, knowledgeable guides. The next time in Rome, we're booking the Colosseum/Roman Forum tour and the Scavi tour. Check out their Web site. They also have what they call an orientation walk the day you arrive which was wonderful. That walk is usually with a small group of folks staying in hotels in your area.<BR><BR>There is so much to see. Bring a good guidebook and better walking shoes. We found that the Eyewitness guide books, although heavy, have not only descriptions, but also photos. So if you are walking around and pass something, you can identify it from the book.<BR><BR>Our favorite part of town is the Centro Storico area where the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are located and both are a "must see."<BR><BR>I have the names of restaurants, etc. If you are interested, write me.<BR>

lisa

Hi Homer. If you see someone wandering the streets looking blurry eyed and lost, it will probably be me. I'll be there the same time as you although I have less time because I am taking a quick side trip to Florence for two days. My first time in Italy. Have a great trip!!!!

elaine

Hi<BR>I second the ideas for seeing the Borghese Gallery (just gorgeous inside and out) and for using Scala Reale as your tour guides. Contact them now if you want to; they only take small groups and so book up well in advance.<BR>It will be money very well spent.<BR>Go elsewhere on this Fodor's website (look at restaurant Rants and Raves), andat at www.timeout.com for some restaurant suggestions. <BR>Also, if you do a search on this message board for <BR>Rome Restaurant or just Rome you will find many many past suggestions<BR>

homer

Thanks to all that posted a reply. Still looking for more input if anyone feels like it

Joe_H

Just got back from a week in rome. awesome experience. The park in villa borghese is beatiful. The museum was ok but did had some expectional parts. We took the subway all around the city. The subway is a little crowded and dirty but it is very convenient and pretty simple to navigate buy a BIG All day pass for 3.5 Euro. The Vatican Museum will only let you in from 8:20 till 12:30 so get there early. I think it stay open till 4 but won't let you in after 12:30. There may be a long line but it went quickly. We didn't know much italian but everyone spoke english and was very friendly. We had no problems w/ pickpockets but I carried all valueables in a fanny pack and kept an eye out. Pantheon is gorgeous and close to Trevi and Plaza Navoli (both worth going to and good food at Navoli) Colosseum at night is spectactular as is Trevi fountain. St Peters Cathedral is fantastic. If you don't mind the climb pay 4 Euros and climb the step to the top (for 5 Euros you can take an elevator). Spanish Steps are nice but the shops in the area are fantastic. We spent most of the time walking around the city and just window shopping recommend the AAA spiral guide it had lots of good suggestions.