Whirlwind trip!
 

Ok, I'm going to Rome for basically 5 days early September. I've never been. What are the "don't miss it" things to do - besides the Sistine Chapel, which I feel I must see? Go!

Everyone's "don't miss it" things are different. Pick up a good guidebook on Rome, or go to the top of this page and choose "destinations" and look at the excellent info on Rome.

Borghese Gallery...amazing sculptures
We did the Vatican museum with Walks of Italy, pristine Sistine tour...really great. If you can go with Stuart, he goes straight to the Sistine chapel when it is still quite deserted and then works his way back through the museum. When you get back to the Sistine chapel....you will appreciate having been there when it wasn't packed.

We also enjoyed the Walks of Italy's tour of the Colisseum (there is one the includes the top tier and underground, plus the Forum). Very good.

I also enjoyed Doria Pamhilj for wonderful art and an uncrowded site in the middle of Rome. Get the audio guide if you go.

You might check Villa d'Este in Tivoli has evening openings while you are there. We went and it is gorgeous with incredible fountains and those lit up at night was a treat. Rome was quite hot (we were there in midSept) and enjoying a cool stroll through Villa dEste was very welcome. Highly recommend.

I wouldn't miss the wonderful Roman pizza at Forno in Campo dei Fiori. The Pantheon is massive (go early in the AM to miss the crowds) but, to me, a must.

I would also suggest The Ecstasy of Santa Teresa in Santa Maria Della Vittoria and also the gorgeous mosaics in Santa Maria in Trastevere.

If you enjoy wine, Vino Roma does great tastings!

Enjoy Rome.

1.) You'll want to go to the Roman Colosseum - Get a ticket and reservation for the Roman Colosseum Underground and Third Ring Tour (lower and upper levels only accessible on a tour). This is a terrific tour, plus getting the ticket in advance saves you a LOT of time because you do not have to stand in that long line! http://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm

2.) You mentioned that you're going to see the Sistine Chapel and that pairs with seeing St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums of course. But if you love small museums packed with fabulous art, get a reservation for the Borghese Museum (reservation required).

3.) Look into the 3 Day Roma pass and see if the €38,50 price is worth it to you for the museums and sites it offers.

4.) Indulge in the BEST gelato: Gelateria Giolitti, Rome’s oldest Gelateria.

5.) Save some energy for sunset and twilight at the Colosseum, simply wonderful to see it lit up at night

Have fun in wonderful Rome!

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have found out that I will have charge of my almost-four year old grandson for a couple of days. Any suggestions from anyone on kid friendly stuff for this age? I'm thinking Borghese park one day but any other thoughts? Thanks.