What are your experiences of Rome?

Question

I am going to visit Rome for the first time and I was wondering what are your experiences (both good and bad)? Also what do you recommend (not) doing, eating, seeing (apart from the very famous sights like the Colosseum, the st. Peter's Basilica and such) etc.

Answer 1

The sistine Chapel,

St Peters Basilica

The Spanish Steps

The Fountain of Trevi

Make sure to visit the Sta Maria Maggiore Church, just abut 10 minutes walking from the train station.

The restaurants will charge you from $2.00 to $3.00 Euros per person for service. on top of that some restaurants include the tip. which is another service.  So. Don't tip them, because they include the tip.

I went to the local markets, and bought water and fruit, so I would have something to munch on my day trips and would have a bottle or 2 of water with me.  You can save up to $2.00 Euros per bottle if you go to the market.

If you seat down at the Spanish steps or other places, always have your purse and belongins in front of you.  Be alert on what is around you.

You will have a great time!

Answer 2

My first experience of Rome was getting my wallet removed from my pocket by a little group of girls who couldn't have been much more than 8 years old. This happened within ten minutes of getting out of my car!

There are a lot of pickpockets and other sorts of thieves in Rome, so spend a little time on the Internet researching how you can protect yourself. Basically, I'd suggest you be immediately alert the moment ANYONE touches you, no matter what the reason. Avoid carrying valuables if at all possible and keep everything you have very close to you. Don't get lost in the experience or distracted by what you're seeing or people are saying to you. If you're in a group, make sure you're all aware of the hazards, that you watch each other's backs and that you make it clear to anyone around you that you _are_ watching each other's backs.

While my first visit to Rome lasted all of ten minutes, my second was a long weekend and it was great fun.

We did most of the touristy stuff (expect for the Vatican), but the visit we most enjoyed was to the Domus Aurea, the subterranean remains of Nero's "Golden House", the entrance of which is across the road from the Colosseum.

Answer 3

If you will be there on a Sunday, take a walk on the Appian Way just outside the city, it is closed to all motor vehicles. Visit the San Callisto  Catacombs, the tombs and have lunch at L'Archeologia.

Also, there is so much to see and do in Rome it is highly advisable to get a good guide book -- Eyewitness, Cadogan are good.  

Answer 4

I am Italian and i recommend you to go for a walk in Villa Borghese, it's so much fun!