wrenwood

The last time we were in Rome we had a tour for Borghese booked with Context, they had to cancel and re-schedule because of something with Borghese, we couldn't change our plans to accommodate the new time, so we missed out.

When we are in Rome in 2014, we will stay very near Borghese. Out tentative plan is to book a tour with someone for the first visit, and then go on our own another time (and use the gardens to walk off gelato and pasta calories!)

So I am wondering if any particular day of the week or time of day is less crowded?

bobthenavigator

I like Sunday so I can see the famalies in the park.

Reading54

Are you asking about visiting the Borghese Gallery or the Borghese Park?
If the Borghese Gallery, then only 300 people are admitted in every 2-hour slot. So it does not matter when, as long as you book your time slot and visit in your time slot, there won't be more than 300 visitors inside the Gallery.
There was an English tour available at 11:10am for E6.5/pp when we went last year. Our time slot was 11am to 1pm, so we were able to sign up for the English tour on the spot and enjoyed the tour very much.

adrienne

I would take the docent led tour that the Borghese offers. As Reading says, it was a very good tour and it's only E5 per person (the web site shows E5). The English tours are at 9:10 and 11:10 but go to where the docents stand on the hour. Do not wait as there is a maximum number they will take. I believe you join the tour by where you pick up audio tours.

I also agree that there is no one day that's better than others since they sell the maximum number of tickets for each time slot.

Since you're already at the Gallery I would book back to back tickets. That's what I did last time.

wrenwood

Reading, asking about the Gallery, since we will be so close for a week, we can visit the Park/Gardens at any time (I believe?No cost?)

The Docent Tour sounds perfect, thanks, and I had never thought of booking back to back, interesting idea (or even same day with a break for lunch?)

adrienne

The gardens are open to the public; no fee. If I remember correctly I walked from the Borghese through the gardens to the Spanish Steps. It was a lovely walk.

I thought it best to book back to back tickets (9 & 11) since I didn't have to check my purse again. There are long lines for the check room and it can take quite some time to get through the line. Allow 30 minutes for this.

Reading54

Borghese Park is free.
Read details about booking admission tickets online. You must bring a print out of your email confirmation to the Gallery 30-min prior to pick up your admission ticket. Sign up to join an English guided tour after you pick up your admission ticket.

wrenwood

adrienne, good point about booking back to back so as to not have to check belongings again!