barbara33

Thanks, Margie. My Rick Steves' "Italy 2005" says the Pantheon is open until 7:30 Mon-Sat and until 6:00 on Sundays. Also, because it came up earlier in the thread, the same book says the Colosseum is open until 7:00 (at least in the summers)

Melissa5

Barbara33, as you already have the Rick Steve's guidebook, I can tell you that the Ristorante der Pallaro was listed in his Italy 2004 guidebook. Also his guidebook is an excellent source for restaurants in Rome. The fodors guidebook is great for comparing how sites are rated between the 2 books.

Margie

GOOD! Glad to hear it is open a little later than I thought. It would have been incredibly disappointing to be standing in front of it and not be able to get in!

metellus

Ugh. Ignore the Spanish steps. They are nothing more than a set of steps. There is literally nothing there to see. It is only worthwhile if you like watching vapid teenage girls with bare midriffs and enjoy being hounded by sun glass hawkers.

It is however, the only place in Rome where you can sit down for free. This must account for its appeal to some people. (If you don't know what I mean, just wait until you get there.)

The Trevi fountain, however, is a Rome must-see. But leaving Rome without seeing the Collosseum and forum is unthinkable. It's one of those places that pictures can never do justice to.

wliwl

metellus:
OK, I want to know what you mean by "It is however, the only place in Rome where you can sit down for free."

Patrick

The other day there was a post seemingly seriously asking if you had to pay to sit down in a piazza in Rome. Metellus, are you the one spreading that rumor? I'm curious too what you mean about the only place you can sit down for free?

DonnieD

A reader was confused with the concept of paying more if you choose to sit in a cafe, than standing at the bar or take-out.

It got miscommunicated as having to pay to sit down.

sallyjane3

My daughter and I met in Rome for Xmas 2003. We are ladies with lots and lots of words to say to each other but were totally speechless when we turned from our drinks in a cafe across the street from the Colosseum to see the sun setting and the amber lights in every nook and cranny of the edifice. It was magical. Please do not miss that sight.

barbara33

Thanks SallyJane. The sun sets pretty late in June, so I'll make a point to catch it by the Colosseum one of the two evenings I'm there!

Huitres

Pantheon! It is more contained and easier to see everything inside during an afternoon. Also, you don't need a ticket to get into the Pantheon. You can just walk in and wander about at will.

The Colosseum is much more expansive and requires lots of walking around the place (up, down, etc), plus you will want to give that spot more time anyway (vs going at end of day when it is ready to close).