Was there 2 years ago. Great city, incredible architecture and history.
There are lots of busses and trams also, but there wasn't as many tram routes as I thought.
I got some good advice from an Italian about places to see etc, but the best advice they gave me was about where to stay. I always stay where I go out. So, we stayed in an area called Trastevere, it has loads of restaurants and some pubs, but is only a tram ride away from the centre. Lovely place to stroll around at night.
It can be really hot there and it's a place a lot of walking is unavoidable, so a good pair of comfortable shoes is essential. There slots of queuing for the big sites. St. Peters is usually on peoples lists, but if you leave it too late, you can be there for quite a while in the Q. I would recommend going into St. Peters Dome(cupola in Italian), this has a seperate Q, and a longer wait but it was fairly impressive. The Vatican Museum is probably a must see place, again, we queued for over 2 hours for that. Colleseum is another great place.
From the ariport, you can get a taxi, but it's fairly expensive, better is to get the train directly from the airport into "Termini" the main bus and train station, and make your way to your accommadation from there.
Rome is a lovely city but try to avoid the train station area at night, its get's a bit dodgy. Good transport system but it is a very easy city to walk around. Most of the sites are free, eg. Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, St Peter Basicila,Pantheon but you have to pay to go into Colosseum and Vatican Museum, but on the last sunday of every month this is free, but it seems like you won't be able to avail of this.
Some lovely restaurants and pubs and all very reasonably priced but beware that when you order steak or any meat that is all you order, side dishes all cost extra.
On the downside, Rome is pretty dirty with lots of Graffiti and Pickpocketing is very common, but there are police everywhere. Another down side is the traffic, you take you life into your hands when crossing roads and cars contantly bump each other to get out of the way, Italian drivers have no patience and pedestrians seem to bea huge hindrance to them.
I'm sure you will have a great trip and am certain that when you come home you will be booking a trip to go back.
thanks for posting the pictures,that is the one place i am really looking forward to visiting.any info on visiting the ncropolis under st peters? i have heard that this tour has to be booked months in advance!! dont know how true that is.we are staying very close to the vatican,so it should be good! (hoping to squeeze in lazio v sampdoria on the sunday but havent told herself yet!!!)
Agree with all of the above. Was there a few times. Incredible city. You'll get to know your way around the centre quickly enough. Whether you're religious or not, take at least one full day to see the Vatican. Do the Sistine Chapel and go all the way to the top (outside) of St. Peter's Basilica. What a view of Rome!
And on the first street on the right of the Basilica is the shop with the finest ice cream I've ever tasted.
One tip for you. Italians like to skip their way up along a queue so don't be afraid to be assertive!
It can be really hot there and it's a place a lot of walking is unavoidable, so a good pair of comfortable shoes is essential.
Not in October it isn't...
Rome - my favourite city by a country mile.
You can possibly give or take the Vatican. It is impressive and there is a beautiful view from the top of the Dome. If you are religious it may mean much more.
The Roman Forum is my fav - transport yourself back to the time of Caesar, smack bang in the middle of the city.
Dont have any fear of thieves or pickpockets and if you dont carry much cash then you have no worries in this regard.
Take your time there and enjoy the style of the place and people. Appreciate the great food and wine and spend time wandering around the city in the evening visiting the Trevvi fountain and Piazza Navona (must do's!!!).
what a fantastic city it is! took the advice of going to the top of st peters,it was a tough slog up them steps but it was so worth it.the view from up there was fantastic
the colloseum was the highlight for me,met up with a tour early thursday morning and the guide was excellant.that tour also included the roman forum and palatine hill.
went to the trevi fountain and the spanish steps early on friday morning before the crowds got too crazy,we went back saturday evening and the crowds there were huge but it was nice to see them in the dark.
all in all a great trip and will hope to go back there again in the not too distant future.
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