Off to rome at the wkend, any tips for seeing the major sights e.g.what timing should I allow for queues etc?

Question

Off to rome at the wkend, any tips for seeing the major sights e.g.what timing should I allow for queues etc?

Answer 1

Do a round trip of major landmarks, like i did.

Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the ruins, etc

take plenty of water and a map. its so much fun, great exercise and you get to see all the nice parts of Rome.

Oh, and for a nice dinner try one of the smaller cobblestone roads. sweetly quaint.

Queues can get bad, so make sure you book things in advance. Rome is a popular destination, after all...

Answer 2

Morrissey lives there..watch out for him sitting outside some cafe sucking on  a cornetto

Answer 3

Prioritise the sights you want to see and plan your itinerary accordingly. You will see a good tourist map with sights, attractions and shops outlined at:

  http://www.gostreetmaps.com/rome.html  

Answer 4

Like most tourist sites, try to avoid visiting them in the middle of the day as this is when it is busiest.  

I would recommend going to the Colosseum first thing in the morning before it gets too busy, or last thing in the afternoon.  You can join group tours there which are recommended - just find a group with an English-speaking guide, sidle up to them and a representative will take your payment and give you a sticker.  Make sure this ticket also covers the cost of a tour of the Forum later.

To visit the Forum I would also say get the last tour of the day - the sun sets over the ruins and it's beautiful, plus there is almost no one around as the guards will have started to clear out the tourists.

To do the Vatican, again, get there early in the morning.  It's a good idea to prebook (online) a tour, so you can avoid queuing.  Get one for 9am so you are done by lunchtime!  However, it is also worth going up to the cupola of the dome, which you will have to queue for... take a bottle of water and some snacks for when you are waiting.

During the middle of the day when attractions are busy, spend that time strolling around the streets, have a long lunch somewhere - (avoid main piazzas for food, not only will you get tourist prices, but you will get tourist quality and service... a real disappointment when there are so many great little restaurants around)!

It's a good idea to have lunch in Trastevere.  It's a small walk from the centre, but it's not too crowded and there are so many great places to eat!!  

The Trevi Fountain is ALWAYS crowded, but again, early morning or late at night are great times to go past, as you will get a chance to get a photo in front of it, or throw a coin over your shoulder (which will certify a return to Rome)!  

Be wary of all the tat-sellers, selling stupid toys, noisy clacky things and cheap roses... they are everywhere, and sadly, ruin the ambience of the major sites.  They can also annoy you when you are eating dinner!!  Just say "No!!  Vada Via!" (Go away).  They will soon leave you alone.  Also be careful with your bags as pickpocketing it notorious there.  Don't let it worry you, just leave any valuables in your hotel safe, and be sure to leave your bag fastened and close to your body at all times.

Enjoy Rome, I love that city.