Travel and Tourist Tips for Rome, Italy
Just as Rome was not built in a day, a traveler should not expect to see every tourist site in one visit. When in Rome, there is so much to do with — limited time. Even for the traveler who winces at engaging in the typical tourist adventure, Rome is filled with a trove of treasures. The art and museums of Rome are too vast and awe-inspiring to mention, individually. A few highlights can help prioritize a tourist attraction checklist.
~~”Rome, a lifetime is not enough” – Silvia Negro, Italian author
The Coliseum (Roman Colosseum)
Although, the famous landmark, the Colosseum is inundated with a bustle of tourists, it’s a must-see. As one of the most recognizable symbols of Rome, the Coliseum is regarded as a perfect example of ancient Roman architecture. Engineered in 72 AD, the Roman Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Shortly after the faÃ?§ade was opened to the public, lurid games of bloody gladiator combat and wild beast shows took place.
For the crowd-phobic, the best time to visit the Colosseum is in the morning when the lighting is luminous. Around the massive structure, tourists snap photos. Gladiator impersonators answer tourist questions and pose for photos. The tour of the Colosseum is open from 9 AM to 4 PM and until 6 PM during the summer. (It costs 8,00 euros but the price for admission and the hours of business could change). Tours are either guided or self-guided with rented handheld radio sets.
Tip: Tours occur every hour on the hour – so plan wisely. Remember to ask for tour information when you purchase your tickets. Because there is a great deal of confusion when entering the Coliseum, make sure that your are in the correct entrance. Headsets are rented at another information desk in the Coliseum.
The Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
After you have visited the Coliseum, you can head over to the Forum (virtually across the street). It’s the perfect place to see Roman ruins. Although many of the ruins may look the same, the most notable ruins are the Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius, the arch of Titus, Arch of Septimius Sererus, but it depends on personal taste. A redeeming feature about Rome is that many sights are engulfed by beautiful trees and flowers.
Tip: To take advantage of the scenic views, stop at a deli to pack a lunch. If you’re traveling in the summer the heat at the Forum can be intense – plan accordingly.
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The Downside of Rome
There aren’t many downsides to visiting Rome. It simply depends on your personal taste. The only considerations for visiting Italy are the numbers of tourists and scooters. Because Italy is famous for its culture and history, it is rampant with tourists. If you want to avoid some of the travel insanity, visit Rome during the off peak season, the end of October to March. (Winters can be a bit nippy). Additionally, if you have a severe aversion to scooters, you might be a little overwhelmed in Rome, but it’s nothing that their delicious food can’t cure.
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The Pantheon
Architecturally exquisite, the Pantheon is famous for its dome. It possesses the largest dome ever created out of concrete. The diameter is greater than the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The structure’s sole light source is from an opening at the dome’s apex.
Free to visit, the Pantheon is generally open during daylight hours. It may be hard to find or identify in Rome, because on the exterior of the fa�§ade, the dome is concealed by a slanted rooftop. Photographing the exterior poses a few challenges because it is surrounded on all sides by other buildings. It resides on the sidelines of the- Piazza Della Rotunda (in front of it).
Tips: A fountain with an obelisk coming out of the middle is a good landmark to use in locating the Pantheon. After visiting the Pantheon, several caf�©s are congregated at the Piazza Della Rotunda to enjoy a favorite beverage for people watching. (If for any reason, a tourist is having an American food craving a McDonalds located adjacent to the Pantheon).
Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
Even if the Pope is unavailable, St. Peter’s Basilica is well worth its wait and goal. Traced back to 319 AD, the artwork is mesmerizing. Michaelango’s gems, the Pieta and the Cupola are gorgeous exhibits to see. Throughout the Catholic sanctuary, papal tombs are housed. For the most picturesque journey to the Vatican, start at the Castel Sant’Angelo and head west to Borgo Pio toward St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro).
Tips: If you plan to go to St. Peters, make sure you do not wear shorts or sleeveless blouses and be prepared for your bags to be searched before gaining entry. Call in advance to determine if there are any special ceremonies at St. Peters to confirm that the Piazza is open to the public. Free tours are usually available Monday through Sunday, but it’s best to confirm the touring times.
The Vatican Museum (Musei Vaticani)
After visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums are seven blocks away. There is more to the Vatican Museums then the Sistine Chapel. Try to plan a minimum of 3 hours to visit the museum because there are unfathomable treasures of antiquity to see. From the artwork that adorns the courtyard, to the Egyptian mummies and sculptures dating back to centuries BC, the exhibits are astounding. (Admission is approximately 10 ? (euros) or $9.)
Tips: Before planning a visit to the Vatican museums, research the schedule because there are limited hours on certain days. http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm. Look into both in-house and independent tours. Also, be prepared for a crowded and long walk to the Museum from the Vatican.
Other Tourist Spotlights (The Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona)
Three more other famous tourist destinations are The Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona. All locations are outside and offer distinctive sites to visit. The Spanish Steps is a good place to snap a photo and grab a bag of roasted chestnuts. Although the Trevi Fountain is spatially limited with crowds, the sculptured backdrops of the fountain are spellbinding. The fountain on the Piazza Navona is perfect for a late afternoon cappuccino at one of the outdoor cafes or an evening stroll.
Dining in Rome
The backdrop of an ancient city is what makes dining alfresco in Rome so romantic. Because eating in Rome is an event within itself, dining service is very rarely rushed. (Although certain restaurants open early to serve tourists dinner, eight o’clock is the dining norm). Throughout Rome, the food is fresh and succulent. Carafes of vino (wine) are served for a reasonable price.
At Campo dei Fiori piazza, terrace restaurants are abound for dining alfresco. It is located near the Jewish ghetto and conveniently to major attractions. Another good area for experiencing the Italian dining experience of Rome is in Trastevere (The narrow streets and alleys of the area spill into the Piazza San Cosimato). For the native dining experience, try the Baccala. (The locales frequent the restaurant).
Tip: For the budget conscious tourist, an abundance of ma and pa restaurants serve authentic Italian meals for under $40. Consuming gelato should be a tourist’s requirement when visiting Rome (unless the traveler suffers from a lactose intolerance).
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Rome Hotel Reservation Checklist
Book hotels with termini transportation. Try to book hotels that offer airport transit. It will simplify transportation from the airport. (A taxi can cost $50 or more from the termini to a hotel in ancient Rome).
Price compare hotel amenities. Before booking hotels price compare hotels that offer a breakfast. The breakfasts usually include fresh fruits, cereal, muffins, cheese, meat selections juices, coffee and tea.
Ensure restful travel. In Rome depending on where you book your hotel reservation, some streets are noisy with traffic. To avoid being disturbed by street noise, request a quiet and romantic room. (Requesting a serene room, only — can land you in accommodations the size of a shoebox).
Enhance the hotel experience. If you would like a panoramic view of the city, look for hotels that have a roof deck garden.
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Rome Travel Tips
Learn a little lingo. Although most Italians speak English, it’s good to learn a few words.
Consult the concierge. Check with the hotel concierge about any tourist packages and restaurant recommendations. (Remember to request places where the denizens frequent).
Evade tourist traps. Avoid restaurants with large American signage, most likely they are tourist traps (over-priced and lacking Italian authenticity).
Plan a touring budget. Admissions to museums and tours in Rome can accrue, rapidly. Remember to prioritize tours if you are considering visiting many sites.
Dodge buses. Avoid tour sites that buses and tour groups are converging on.
Shop smartly. Plan shopping excursions before 1:00 PM or after 3:30 PM because many shops close daily for siestas.
Save on taxi/cab fare. The TramBus system in Rome is an excellent way to see other neighborhoods and get around for less.
Keep it comfy. On many of the streets and sidewalks in Rome, the pavement is cobblestone. Walking from tourist sites requires comfortable shoes.
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Regardless of how much time you have in Rome, it will not be enough — unless you move there. If you are an explorer, the lesser known piazzas, parks and bridges offer touring alternatives. As new excavations are unearthed in Rome, it is an ever-evolving city of immeasurable ancient treasures. The art history married to the amore of the Italian culture and natives make it a mecca for anyone to return, repeatedly.
