Rome 1st Time - Wish you'd known, tips, unexpected surprises
Oct 16th, 2015, 02:03 AM
#21
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ kleeblatt - yes it's a good site - this is another one but more geared toward the expat community in Rome - however also good for what's going on
http://www.wantedinrome.com/
http://www.wantedinrome.com/
Oct 16th, 2015, 07:46 AM
#22
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know what Rome was like five years ago, but something tells me that the motorcycles had not yet made quite the inroads as a form of transportation. I was in Rome last week and the virtually constant roaring and whizzing of the Hundreds of THOUSANDS of motorcycles, coupled with the even higher number of autos, a staggering number of GIGANTIC, diesel powered tour busses and a sea of humanity--most with cigarettes in hand--trying to traverse the 12" wide sidewalks, got to be quite disgruntling, long before the end of the day. Colleseum? Pantheon? The Vatican? Save your lungs, your heart, your sanity and your money and look at the photos online. Rome just isn't worth the trouble, not anymore. AND, you are thinking MAY???? Seriously, ask your friends to hold an "intervention" for you. We were here in October and it was hot, humid and PACKED with tourists. May will be so much worse.
Oct 16th, 2015, 08:42 AM
#23
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Several years ago we let our children help us with planning things to do in each of the cities we visited. My cat-loving son found the Cat Sanctuary where volunteers take in all the stray cats in the area and take care of them in some of the old Roman ruins. For a cat loving family it was pretty neat. Certainly something off the beaten path for many tourists. It is right down town and within walking distance of may sites. Check out http://www.romancats.com/torreargent...troduction.php
Oct 16th, 2015, 09:06 AM
#24
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you like gardens, which just did a tour of the Vatican gardens with a guide and loved it.
On our first trip to Rome 7 years ago I didn't expect to like it and I loved it. 4 trips later I still love it and didn't find it any more crowded than my first trip.
The Ara Pacis is a nice small museum that is uncrowded and has a nice wine bar nearby named Gusto, where I always stop for a refreshment.
On our first trip to Rome 7 years ago I didn't expect to like it and I loved it. 4 trips later I still love it and didn't find it any more crowded than my first trip.
The Ara Pacis is a nice small museum that is uncrowded and has a nice wine bar nearby named Gusto, where I always stop for a refreshment.
Oct 16th, 2015, 09:17 AM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm OP of this thread. You fodorites are so reliable with helpful info. Grazie X10.
My 4 nites/3.5 days in Rome rough itinerary.
Day 1: 1/2 day getting situated, leisurely lunch, maybe see pantheon, Castel S'Angel. The easy ones.
Day 2: Colloseum, Forum, Palatine,
Day 3: Vatican/ Trastevery (Friday)
Day 4: Borghese Gallery and gardens/P de Popolo.
Will see some churches and plazas such as trevi, spagna, Venezia and others along the way to/from sites. I'm the kind of traveler that like to soak in the city atmosphere and wander. Poke into shops and sit at cafes.
Before visiting a city, European, or those outside of the US, I always read about the BAD things about it. I "You Tube" and "google walk" the heck out of every city to the point that I feel that I've been there before once I get there.
I have a realistic expectation about Rome: the graffiti, crowd, traffic, pick-pockets. Somehow, it makes me all the more curious if I will survive it.
I've survived Athens, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, etc, and some chaotic 3rd world Asian cities. Surely I will survive Rome.
Streamliner, I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience in Rome after spending your vacation time and $$$. Thanks for sharing your experiences in your Trip Report.
My 4 nites/3.5 days in Rome rough itinerary.
Day 1: 1/2 day getting situated, leisurely lunch, maybe see pantheon, Castel S'Angel. The easy ones.
Day 2: Colloseum, Forum, Palatine,
Day 3: Vatican/ Trastevery (Friday)
Day 4: Borghese Gallery and gardens/P de Popolo.
Will see some churches and plazas such as trevi, spagna, Venezia and others along the way to/from sites. I'm the kind of traveler that like to soak in the city atmosphere and wander. Poke into shops and sit at cafes.
Before visiting a city, European, or those outside of the US, I always read about the BAD things about it. I "You Tube" and "google walk" the heck out of every city to the point that I feel that I've been there before once I get there.
I have a realistic expectation about Rome: the graffiti, crowd, traffic, pick-pockets. Somehow, it makes me all the more curious if I will survive it.
I've survived Athens, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, etc, and some chaotic 3rd world Asian cities. Surely I will survive Rome. Streamliner, I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience in Rome after spending your vacation time and $$$. Thanks for sharing your experiences in your Trip Report.
Oct 16th, 2015, 11:49 AM
#26
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have just returned from my 5 th visit to Rome. Love it. Like others have sais in is quite easy to walk from site to site.
If you can work it in do go to the Capuchin Crypt near Piazza Barbirini.
A new place we found was the Domus Romane. This villa was opened to the public in recent years. I would advise getting advance tickets as there are limited numbers (15) of people allowed entrance at one time. A plexiglass floor has been placed over top of the ruins. As you progress along lights will illuminate a feature as the audio guide provides an insight to the life of a Roman. At one point the guide opens a door and you are looking at the base of Trajans Column.
It is located beside the Piazza Venezia in the Palasso Valentini.
Trajans Column and other fora are located across the street from the Roman Forum so would fit in quite nicely on Day 2 of your itinerary.
If you can work it in do go to the Capuchin Crypt near Piazza Barbirini.
A new place we found was the Domus Romane. This villa was opened to the public in recent years. I would advise getting advance tickets as there are limited numbers (15) of people allowed entrance at one time. A plexiglass floor has been placed over top of the ruins. As you progress along lights will illuminate a feature as the audio guide provides an insight to the life of a Roman. At one point the guide opens a door and you are looking at the base of Trajans Column.
It is located beside the Piazza Venezia in the Palasso Valentini.
Trajans Column and other fora are located across the street from the Roman Forum so would fit in quite nicely on Day 2 of your itinerary.
Oct 16th, 2015, 12:57 PM
#27
Streamliner - I really feel for you that Rome was such a let down. How was Tuscany? Florence? I hope that you found the Italy that you were searching for somewhere.
going back to Ffpizz - of course you will survive Rome - it's just a big city in a way, though a very special one.
it's a good idea, I think, to schedule one big attraction per day, and then see what time, and energy, you have left. However, your first ½ day leaves out a number of interesting places that you can see in the "centro storico" without going as far as the Castel San Angelo, which it would make more sense to leave until your "Vatican" day.
I would suggest going from the Pantheon to the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva [look for the elephant on the top of the column outside] and then head for the Corso from where you will get a view of monument at the top of the piazza Venezia aka the "typewriter". Also in the via Corso is the entrance to the Galleria Doria Pamphilij, where you have the chance to learn about the lives of one of Rome's great families and to see a wonderful collection of art, with very few other people around. then take any of the little streets off to the left in order to get back to the Pantheon. there are no wrong turnings in Rome - there is something interesting on every street and street corner.
on your Vatican day, you can book an entrance ticket in advance or a tour. Whichever, take the chance if you can to leave the Sistine Chapel through the rear group exit door which takes you down some steps to a door on your left; go through it and you find yourself on some stairs round the back of St Peters which lead to the front of the Basilica. You have just avoided a very long walk around the walls of the Vatican and the queues to get through security again.
once you have toured the Basilica, you can go to the Castel San Angelo, and/or Trastevere, which is indeed a very nice area to walk around, but perhaps might be more fun at night. You might also think about a walk around the Ghetto and lunch there - the food is very good.
in 3 visits to Rome I've not yet made it to the Borghese - next time perhaps - so I can't help you with that.
going back to Ffpizz - of course you will survive Rome - it's just a big city in a way, though a very special one.
it's a good idea, I think, to schedule one big attraction per day, and then see what time, and energy, you have left. However, your first ½ day leaves out a number of interesting places that you can see in the "centro storico" without going as far as the Castel San Angelo, which it would make more sense to leave until your "Vatican" day.
I would suggest going from the Pantheon to the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva [look for the elephant on the top of the column outside] and then head for the Corso from where you will get a view of monument at the top of the piazza Venezia aka the "typewriter". Also in the via Corso is the entrance to the Galleria Doria Pamphilij, where you have the chance to learn about the lives of one of Rome's great families and to see a wonderful collection of art, with very few other people around. then take any of the little streets off to the left in order to get back to the Pantheon. there are no wrong turnings in Rome - there is something interesting on every street and street corner.
on your Vatican day, you can book an entrance ticket in advance or a tour. Whichever, take the chance if you can to leave the Sistine Chapel through the rear group exit door which takes you down some steps to a door on your left; go through it and you find yourself on some stairs round the back of St Peters which lead to the front of the Basilica. You have just avoided a very long walk around the walls of the Vatican and the queues to get through security again.
once you have toured the Basilica, you can go to the Castel San Angelo, and/or Trastevere, which is indeed a very nice area to walk around, but perhaps might be more fun at night. You might also think about a walk around the Ghetto and lunch there - the food is very good.
in 3 visits to Rome I've not yet made it to the Borghese - next time perhaps - so I can't help you with that.
Oct 16th, 2015, 01:11 PM
#28
FYI, Ara Pacis is about halfway between Castel Sant'Angelo and Piazza del Popolo.
http://en.arapacis.it/
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cast...41.9107038!3e2
http://en.arapacis.it/
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cast...41.9107038!3e2
Oct 16th, 2015, 05:12 PM
#29
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I recommended a good guidebook upthread, and since that recommendation has been challenged, I wanted to explain my reasoning:
Although I, personally, find much merit in consulting a few good guidebooks, their value IMO is not primarily tied to finding hotels or restaurants or opening hours. The main value, even for experienced travelers, but especially for novice ones, is learning what one never thought to ask. Things like: Should you tip, and if so, who and in what amount? Are there hand gestures or other nonverbal signals that have very different meanings in the culture to which you will travel than in your own? What are the local food or beverage specialtes, and local handcrafts, that you might want to seek? What are typical opening hours and national holidays, and are there local festivities you might want to enjoy? Stuff like that. AND – bonus – all in the same book that has maps and a brief phrase book and some information about history and culture and context and basic lists of key contacts in each city, not to mention information about how to get around and what might want to see and experience, and – in the better guidebooks – information about transportation options between key cities (how, how long, how often). Yes, any info about opening hours, not to mention housing or dining options, is best confirmed via the internet when possible, but guidebooks easily merit their generally nominal costs, IMO – and for that matter, you may be able to consult them for free at a library.
Although I, personally, find much merit in consulting a few good guidebooks, their value IMO is not primarily tied to finding hotels or restaurants or opening hours. The main value, even for experienced travelers, but especially for novice ones, is learning what one never thought to ask. Things like: Should you tip, and if so, who and in what amount? Are there hand gestures or other nonverbal signals that have very different meanings in the culture to which you will travel than in your own? What are the local food or beverage specialtes, and local handcrafts, that you might want to seek? What are typical opening hours and national holidays, and are there local festivities you might want to enjoy? Stuff like that. AND – bonus – all in the same book that has maps and a brief phrase book and some information about history and culture and context and basic lists of key contacts in each city, not to mention information about how to get around and what might want to see and experience, and – in the better guidebooks – information about transportation options between key cities (how, how long, how often). Yes, any info about opening hours, not to mention housing or dining options, is best confirmed via the internet when possible, but guidebooks easily merit their generally nominal costs, IMO – and for that matter, you may be able to consult them for free at a library.
Oct 16th, 2015, 11:42 PM
#30
Agree Kja.
My method of planning a trip for a group of people (10+):
1. Choose a destination that you would like to see 7 months before the actual trip.
2. Go to a travel agency and get an offer for a flight/package deal for a specific time.
3. Contact a tour guide and ask him to put together an itinerary for 3 days.
3. Do intensive research on the net by surfing and asking questions on forums. Also buy a guide book.
4. Write down a plan and itinerary and send it out to the other travel members of the group
5. Book
6. Begin researching the destination again, looking for restaurants, events and other things to do.
7. Organise a meet up with a local from the area.
8. Start the trip
9. Become aquainted with the receptionist at the hotel. Have them book restaurants if not booked previously.
10. Treat the guide with respect by showing up on time and showing interest.
11. Have fun at the meet up.
12. Relax and enjoy the trip.
The maps in the books are fantastic but sometimes hotels supply even better maps of the area.
My method of planning a trip for 1 - 4 people:
1. 3-4 months before going, decide on a destination.
2. Research hotels and flights
3. Book via internet
4. Buy a guidebook and slowly read up on the destination
5. Two weeks before going, do some intensive research on the internet
6. Make a rough itinerary. Do any internet pre-bookings
7. Go and enjoy! Be flexible, enjoy time sitting at cafes and just talking with each other while absorbing the energy of the atmosphere around you.
I'm lucky enough to be able to do both kinds of travel. I don't have a partner to travel with but I have like-minded friends who make brilliant travel companions.
This has less to do with Rome than how to travel generally. Sorry about going off course (but isn't that what travel can be about?)
My method of planning a trip for a group of people (10+):
1. Choose a destination that you would like to see 7 months before the actual trip.
2. Go to a travel agency and get an offer for a flight/package deal for a specific time.
3. Contact a tour guide and ask him to put together an itinerary for 3 days.
3. Do intensive research on the net by surfing and asking questions on forums. Also buy a guide book.
4. Write down a plan and itinerary and send it out to the other travel members of the group
5. Book
6. Begin researching the destination again, looking for restaurants, events and other things to do.
7. Organise a meet up with a local from the area.
8. Start the trip
9. Become aquainted with the receptionist at the hotel. Have them book restaurants if not booked previously.
10. Treat the guide with respect by showing up on time and showing interest.
11. Have fun at the meet up.
12. Relax and enjoy the trip.
The maps in the books are fantastic but sometimes hotels supply even better maps of the area.
My method of planning a trip for 1 - 4 people:
1. 3-4 months before going, decide on a destination.
2. Research hotels and flights
3. Book via internet
4. Buy a guidebook and slowly read up on the destination
5. Two weeks before going, do some intensive research on the internet
6. Make a rough itinerary. Do any internet pre-bookings
7. Go and enjoy! Be flexible, enjoy time sitting at cafes and just talking with each other while absorbing the energy of the atmosphere around you.
I'm lucky enough to be able to do both kinds of travel. I don't have a partner to travel with but I have like-minded friends who make brilliant travel companions.
This has less to do with Rome than how to travel generally. Sorry about going off course (but isn't that what travel can be about?)
Oct 17th, 2015, 02:26 AM
#31
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do book Vatican in advance, but you don't need to book Colosseum. In fact the line of booked people in front of Colosseum is longer then the line of unbooked ones. Or you can always buy the ticket at Roman Forum, which includes Colosseum, and at which the line is not long.
I speak from my experience of being there right in JULY this year. In the middle of the top crowded season. It's not that crowded and hot as people made it sound like (or it depends on your level of tolerance).
Do not take pictures with the scams who dress in ancient outfit outside of Colosseum or other Roman ruins. They'll charge you 20 Euros
If you like ice cream, always have a handful of cash in your wallet
I speak from my experience of being there right in JULY this year. In the middle of the top crowded season. It's not that crowded and hot as people made it sound like (or it depends on your level of tolerance).
Do not take pictures with the scams who dress in ancient outfit outside of Colosseum or other Roman ruins. They'll charge you 20 Euros
If you like ice cream, always have a handful of cash in your wallet
Oct 17th, 2015, 05:03 AM
#33
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Carry a water bottle. Every (well, almost every) fountain has a tap where you can get potable water that is actually quite delicious.
Check for holidays preferably before you book your tickets because there will be closures and crowded, less frequent transportation.
I think your schedule is a good one for someone with four days and no particular interest in churches, art in churches, or church architecture. If it rains . . . .
We rode the minibus through the grounds of the Borghese. Because the people waiting for the bus were not standing in a queue at the shelter but churning around and hanging out, the driver ignored them and left them standing open-mouthed.
I am lost in admiration of Kleebatt's trip planning process. It is going into my permanent file.
Check for holidays preferably before you book your tickets because there will be closures and crowded, less frequent transportation.
I think your schedule is a good one for someone with four days and no particular interest in churches, art in churches, or church architecture. If it rains . . . .
We rode the minibus through the grounds of the Borghese. Because the people waiting for the bus were not standing in a queue at the shelter but churning around and hanging out, the driver ignored them and left them standing open-mouthed.
I am lost in admiration of Kleebatt's trip planning process. It is going into my permanent file.
Oct 17th, 2015, 05:16 AM
#34
Carry a water bottle. Every (well, almost every) fountain has a tap where you can get potable water that is actually quite delicious.>>
I've posted here before that I was in the Forum once, refiling my water bottle from one of the water fountains, when I overheard a french mother berating her son that he shouldn't ever do such a dirty thing. Shame that he may never know the pleasure of drinking water, cold and fresh, straight from a roman fountain.
<<Do book Vatican in advance, but you don't need to book Colosseum. In fact the line of booked people in front of Colosseum is longer then the line of unbooked ones. Or you can always buy the ticket at Roman Forum, which includes Colosseum, and at which the line is not long.>>
FuryFluffy - I'm not doubting your experience at all, but this is the first time I've ever seen it suggested that it is a bad idea to obtain tickets for the Colosseum in advance. I suspect that most people's experience would be the opposite i.e. that it's much better to buy your ticket in advance, or at the Forum entrance, rather than to join the ticket queue at the Colosseum. Certainly on the 3 times I've been, that's what we found.
I've posted here before that I was in the Forum once, refiling my water bottle from one of the water fountains, when I overheard a french mother berating her son that he shouldn't ever do such a dirty thing. Shame that he may never know the pleasure of drinking water, cold and fresh, straight from a roman fountain.
<<Do book Vatican in advance, but you don't need to book Colosseum. In fact the line of booked people in front of Colosseum is longer then the line of unbooked ones. Or you can always buy the ticket at Roman Forum, which includes Colosseum, and at which the line is not long.>>
FuryFluffy - I'm not doubting your experience at all, but this is the first time I've ever seen it suggested that it is a bad idea to obtain tickets for the Colosseum in advance. I suspect that most people's experience would be the opposite i.e. that it's much better to buy your ticket in advance, or at the Forum entrance, rather than to join the ticket queue at the Colosseum. Certainly on the 3 times I've been, that's what we found.
Oct 17th, 2015, 05:20 AM
#35
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Early access to the Sistine Chapel was something we loved. We met a guide about 7:30. She guided a group of 12 through the long galleries to the Sistine Chapel. We were the first in the Chapel and were able to spend as long as wished there. The guide stayed for about 15 minutes to answer our questions. The ticket included the Vatican Museums, so after spending a peaceful half an hour or so in the Chapel, we were able to move to other areas of the Museums to explore key areas before the crowds. Walking around so early was truly incredible and worth the, approx. 50 Euros.
To get a wonderful views of Rome take the elevator to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument (7 Euros)
We rented an apartment very close to the Pantheon. This allowed us so many dining options around the Pantheon, Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Ghetto and Trastevere. Accommodation near any of these means you can walk almost everywhere. We really only took buses to the Vatican and Gallery Borghese. Buses are cheap, frequent and very easy to use.
The Bernini sculptures in the Gallery Borghese are not to be missed, but you need to buy tickets ahead.
To get a wonderful views of Rome take the elevator to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument (7 Euros)
We rented an apartment very close to the Pantheon. This allowed us so many dining options around the Pantheon, Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Ghetto and Trastevere. Accommodation near any of these means you can walk almost everywhere. We really only took buses to the Vatican and Gallery Borghese. Buses are cheap, frequent and very easy to use.
The Bernini sculptures in the Gallery Borghese are not to be missed, but you need to buy tickets ahead.
Oct 17th, 2015, 06:12 AM
#36
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
annhig: because every "know" that they should book tickets before hand, so the line of the booked people in Colosseum is rather long. And I think I'm not the first person to say that. I encountered that opinion several times on internet (in TA maybe). When I saw an enormous line in front of Colosseum, I felt panicked and joined the line immediately. After 5 mins, my mom had to yank me ouf of it to the real line of non-ticket people, which took me directly to the ticket counter
Oct 17th, 2015, 08:56 AM
#38
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is a nice thread. We are just back from Rome. Agree with others that the Galleria Borghese was a highlight of our trip. I did a blog post about it here: https://polloplayer.wordpress.com/20...eria-borghese/
The day we were there they were turning people away with the next available opening four days hence, so you absolutely must purchase your tickets ahead.
Someone mentioned Armando al Pantheon. It was one of our best dining experiences in Rome. As was Alfredo alls Scrofa, surprisingly: https://polloplayer.wordpress.com/20...i-secondi-nap/
Something I knew ahead but didn't want to accept so I ignored it is the fact that Rome is all about hills and stairs. Yes, I know it is the city of seven hills but somehow I thought it wouldn't interfere with my back problems and need for flat walking. You won't see much if you aren't able to climb hills and stairs. The flattest area seems to be in the neighborhoods near the Pantheon. We stayed on Via Veneto and climbed the hill from Piazza Barberini several times a day. It was all worth it.
Loved, loved Rome!
The day we were there they were turning people away with the next available opening four days hence, so you absolutely must purchase your tickets ahead.
Someone mentioned Armando al Pantheon. It was one of our best dining experiences in Rome. As was Alfredo alls Scrofa, surprisingly: https://polloplayer.wordpress.com/20...i-secondi-nap/
Something I knew ahead but didn't want to accept so I ignored it is the fact that Rome is all about hills and stairs. Yes, I know it is the city of seven hills but somehow I thought it wouldn't interfere with my back problems and need for flat walking. You won't see much if you aren't able to climb hills and stairs. The flattest area seems to be in the neighborhoods near the Pantheon. We stayed on Via Veneto and climbed the hill from Piazza Barberini several times a day. It was all worth it.
Loved, loved Rome!
Oct 17th, 2015, 09:38 AM
#40
My two favourites:
climbing the Dome of St Peter's
exploring the tiny streets in the triangle between the river [the Tevere or Tiber] the cross Vittorio Emmanuele and the Piazza Navona. I could spend days round there.
eating fiori fritti. I could do that all day too.
[sorry, that's 3]
climbing the Dome of St Peter's
exploring the tiny streets in the triangle between the river [the Tevere or Tiber] the cross Vittorio Emmanuele and the Piazza Navona. I could spend days round there.
eating fiori fritti. I could do that all day too.
[sorry, that's 3]
