First timers in Rome!?!?!?!?!?! Need advice on sights, attractions, etc...?

Question

Hello. My best friend and I are traveling to Florence in late June and neither of us have been there before. What are some things to see, shops, attractions, restaurants, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Rome is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The very cradle of human civilization, its many landmarks are a joy for the eyes to behold. The Eternal City remains unrivaled when it comes to the sheer aesthetic supremacy of its antique structures and its impressive, widely-venerated history. It doesn't come as a surprise then that Rome has claimed the #2 spot on the top travel destinations in the world.

Rome

With a climate mild and rainy in winter rather than full of snow, many find Rome the perfect place to vacation during any time of year. You do not need a Visa if you're only staying for 90 days or less. Experts recommend visiting Rome in the off-peak months between October and March to avoid the summer rush. If you can, try to book a hotel near or within the centro storico or historic district.

Take The Tour

Be sure to make a list of locations you intend to visit within Rome beforehand to save you time and money. Private tours are a great way to get around and at the same time soak up the local culture. Another great way to economize is by taking the TramBus system, that goes around the city and provides a fascinating tour of Rome's neighborhoods.

Don't Miss These Locations

The Coliseum is probably, next to the Vatican, the best structure to visit in the city. You can tour the premises on your own or join those conducted every hour by guides dressed as Gladiators. Operating hours vary throughout the year, so you will want to call in advance if at all possible.

The Roman Forum

Check out the civic center of Ancient Rome where political, religious, and economic activities took place. Many of its columns remain standing among the ruins even after 2000 years, displaying the intricacies of Roman architecture. Admission is free, opens at 9 am and closes an hour before sunset. If you want, you can spend a little more to get a personalized guided tour complete with audio pedestals where you can learn more.

The Vatican

One of the most popular spots to visit in Rome is, of course, the Vatican. In addition to its religious importance, the Vatican has a fine collection of sculptures, paintings, books, and many other artifacts that chronicle the Catholic Church's history. You can view St. Peters Basilica, marvel at Michelangelo's Pieta, its detailed masonry, or the papal catacombs. Move on to the Vatican Museum where even more magnificent antiquities are housed, not the least of that are Egyptian mummies from B.C. era.

The Sistine Chapel

If pressed for time, skip everything else and proceed to the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo, primarily, was known as an excellent sculptor so when Pope Julius II commissioned him to paint the Bible on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he thought it was a ploy by his rivals who thought Michelangelo, not being a full-on painter, would yield mediocrity and embarrass himself. Of course, we all know it didn't quite turn out that way. In fact, the Sistine Chapel is probably the most recognized piece of work from the Renaissance period.

Answer 2

i can only speak for ROME -- recommend hotels along the via della conciliazione (www.hotelcolumbus.it) - right by the Vatican and close to the metro - very central. also right by the Borgo Pio which has great shops, bakeries, tratorria's etc. 
the pope usually has a general audience on Wednesday’s - free but you need a ticket.
vatican museum 12 euro's and another 3 at the coffee shop on the corner while you're waiting in line and take turns to run and get coffee LOL
postcards are between 1 or 2 for 1euro
when you go into churches you will have books for purchase -some of them are worth it and very interesting - about 5 euro - they will also have lighting for the main artwork - this ranges between the half and 1 euro - hand on to your coins as you can't usually get change!
colossuem was 10 euro (and watch out for the crooks in front in roman garb who pose for pictures with you -- i got rooked when i had nothing smaller than a 20 and he said 5 euro's each! they are NOT part of the facility!!!)
castle san angelo 6 euro and make sure you know the history - made it more worth while
roasted chestnuts in Piazza Navonna - 3 eor's and a must!
pizza (lunch) 7-10 euro's
dinner 30 euro's should work - sometimes more sometimes less.
2-5 euros - gelato
1.10 euro - candy bar

go to www.romaturismo.it and they had a SUPER map that was our saving grace! i still have it as i mapped out various walking tours. it has the metro and city all mapped out and detailed.

please feel free to email me if you'd like the walking tours - we had 4 of them and the main and not so main things to see along the way. 

you have to get up to the Gianicolo & San Pietro on the Janniculum Hill and there is a church atop the mt. where they say St Peter was crucified -- it's a spot most people DO not visit as it's not the "famous" one -- it was darling and really something to see!

the other book i recommend = knopf mapguides - it's just perfect in size and has most of the information for the basics.

one thing i did that might sound silly.... i had a small journal with me everywhere and took notes - sometimes simple ones but.... with 6 days it can get a little overwhelming and you don't want to miss out on remembering just what that picture was! for example - to the left of the street coming up to the vatican is a little know church called Santo Spirito - it was built in the 1200's Michelangelo did the ceiling - it was a hospital at one point during one of the many sieges/battles and returned to a church! the ceiling was beautiful!

thanks for the trip down memory lane and have a lovely time!!! Ooh dress in layers and take a scarf or hat!!! a sturdy wind proof jacket would work best!

sorry this is sooooo long.  i almost forgot - the Scala Santa - right across from St John Lateran - it was really something!

ooh and most places close in the afternoon about 4p then the restaurants open at 7-8pm. i took snacks and a fruit and nut type trail mix & diet pepsi because they don't have diet anything! i'm glad too because i shopped, boy did i shop so i had space from my junk food to fill with treasures!

Answer 3

are you visiting Rome / Florence or both, as your question is a little unclear??   So, i'll assume both :)

ROME: The Eternal City! Its an absolutley amazing city FULL of history, art, culture, food and chaos! Some things i would reccomend you do,

GO inside the colloseum - pay the extra euro's for a tour -- they're very interesting and last for up to two hours! depending on which one you get.. i dont think you get the full experience of Rome with out going in side the colloseum.

St Peters Basicila, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City : I would probably do  these over two seperate days, as you are coming in june, expect crowds at all locations. The vatican museum is great and you need a full day , to go slow and take it all in!

Climb the basicila, the view is incredible!

Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori, Trastevere, The Catacombs, Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, Spanish steps, Circus Maximus - the list goes on! i hope you have at least 4 days in rome to fit it all in!

THe best part is just wandering around - find a piazza , grab a coffee or gelato and soak up the culture! its a beautiful city!

Florence : The Duomo , Ponte Vecchio, michelangelo's david. If you can spend the time outside florence in the country also, you wont be disappointed!

Buon Viaggio!

Answer 4

you're talking about one of most beatiful town in italy...everywhere is art  in florence...ponte vecchio,piazza s.spirito,s.maria novella,palazzo pitti..., of michelangelo "the david" and remeber da vinci...by the way check :

www.comune di firenze.it

have a nice holiday...and

viva L'italia

ciao!!!!!