We are planning a trip to Rome in May. We have never been before and am not sure which area we should stay in. Is everything within walking distance and do you think that 3 or 4 days would be better. Also would we need a full day at Vatican City.

We returned from Rome & Naples in November. 4 full days will give you plenty of time to see everything, if you are not jet lagged. We did 5 nights there, and it was almost too much for me. You can walk most everywhere if you are healthy, the metros are SO crowded, we tried to avoid our usual way of transport. A full day at the Vatican is exhausting, be sure to get there 1st thing in the morning, I'm sure the wait is long in May, we were off season and were in within 45 minutes of waiting - it is fabulous. Go to the Borghese Gallery, make a reservation on line - it is an unforgettable art experience in an amazingly beautiful park.

Pamsrollz - can you book the Vatican or do we just join the queues? Also would you recommend the hotel you stayed in?

I can recommend the HotelSpringhouse if you want to be near the Vatican. We got to Rome by train and It was one quick ride on the metro then a short walk to the hotel which is in a nice neighborhood. (take a cab from the Metro stop if your luggage isn't on wheels) They had bikes for us to use, and since we stayed 4 nights they included transportation to the airport when we left.

We would definitely stay there again though other people prefer to be more in the center of the city. We had no trouble getting around and liked being in more of a "real neighborhood."
www.hotelspringhouse.com

If you book a hotel in the old city center, then yes, most of the sights are within walking distance, though you may want to take a bus or taxi back from the Colosseum.

The Vatican, however, is kind of far, on the other side of the river. If you stay there, then you basically have to take the bus back to the other side each day. I see NO REASON why you should stay out there.

I wouldn't stay near the Vatican. Too far from the center of the city. We stayed in the Campo de Fiori area. LOVED it! Most people on here will probably tell you to stay near Pantheon/Piazza Navona. I liked Campo better. I don't know, it just felt slightly less touristy. It was very lively at night. Lots of young people. During the day it had a great market.

Hi Larrainebp,

Since you titled your post Vatican City, this is your highlight, correct?

If so, plan on 2 days. The Vatican is more than words can describe and if you already have a dedicated intrest in visiting, you will want an extra day.

The rest of Rome was disappointing for us. Not very clean. Unless your a history major, most of the sites are wasted. The Colesium, Panthenon, and Trevi Fountain are great. You can skip the Spanish Steps (very disappointing and the shops near there are untouchable unless you're a millionaire) 4 days is plenty.

Ciao
Clark

<<4 full days will give you plenty of time to see everything, if you are not jet lagged. We did 5 nights there, and it was almost too much>>

<<Unless your a history major, most of the sites are wasted>>

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but these statements are incredible to me! I spent 5 nights in Rome in Sept and barely scratched the surface. I can't wait to go back. If you have a choice of 3 or 4 days, definitely take 4.

You don't have to be a history major to enjoy the many wonderful things in Rome. I do recommend a tour for the Forum, as the history behind what you're seeing will really enhance what is left there. If the Vatican is most important, a tour there might also be a good idea. There are plenty of recommendations for tours here. Context Rome (small groups, very detailed and informed guides, expensive), Icon Tours (less expensive, bigger groups, still great, informative guides) are just a couple.

The Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Campo de Fiori area is much more central than the Vatican for a hotel.

wliwl - I have looked up the Campo de Fiori area on venere.com but it isn't there. Can you tell me where it is near.

The Vatican is not the higlight of our trip. We want to see as much as possible and would like to stay more central so we are in the middle of everything. We are thinking of getting a guided tour of the Vatican and then doing the rest ourselves with guide books. Any suggestions.

larainebp:
If you look at their Piazza Navona map, at about 7:00 (pretend it's a clock) you'll see it.

Larrainebp-
Just to add my two cents,Rome is a treasure trove whether *your* a history major,or not.Certainly not everyone loves it,but those of us who do,feel like we're always just scratching the surface!

I agree that the areas near Piazza Navona,Pantheon and Campo dei Fiori are the most convenient and charming.

I am a loyal and devoted fan of the Context Rome small-group tours.They're not cheap,but worth every euro!
Buon Viaggio.

Hi

You could try - http://www.odyssey-tours.com/tours/vatican.asp.

Also see http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/in...040112_en.html

larrainebp:
I remember when we were planning our trip to Rome I posted a question about neighborhoods and got some good advice on this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568026

I think it was all pretty accurate!

thank you for all the advice, I will certainly follow up on it and check out the recommended websites

I loved every minute of my time in Rome. The Vatican was extraordinary -- but one long day was enough for me to get a good overview. I don't know how much more sensory stimulation I could have appreciated -- but I would have also enjoyed an additional day in the Vatican museums. FYI, I'd recommend doing a guided tour of the Vatican. My guide was fantastic -- and it really helped to understand what I was looking at. I'd do a guide one day - and then go back and wander at my own pace a second day.

I loved just walking around the city. Wandering and browsing among ancient ruins, piazzas, and cobblestone streets was incredible. The architecture is fantastic everywhere. I had only three days and saw the "highlights" (the Pantheon, Colisseum, Forum, Trevi fountain, and many piazzas) -- loving every one. It would have great to have another several days to do it at a more leisurely pace. Next time, I'll spend much longer.

So . . . I'd say at least 4 days and I'd stay in the "old city" area. The Vatican's not near anything -- but the Vatican. I was very happy with the reasonably priced Hotel Cesari (near the Pantheon) and walked everywhere (but I'm a big walker).

ttt