We recently went to Rome for five nights (apologies I know it wasn't really a weekend) during September and had an absolutely amazing time in what was pleasant but not overpowering temperatures.
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT
We arranged the trip ourselves and flew into Ciampino airport on one of the low cost airlines. From the airport which was fairly basic but acceptable there were a number of options of how to get into Rome itself namely: - coach direct to the central train station - bus to the local railway station and then a train into the centre of Rome - bus to a train on the Metro system and then metro to
our location.
We jumped the first bus that came along and found ourselves on a short trip to the metro station. When there we decided to buy a week pass which covers all Rome buses (except the Tourist open topped route and the Tourist bus down the Appian way) and the metro as well as some trains - pretty good value for 16 euros.
The Metro system is two lines which cross in one place (At the main train station) and as such has limited use for getting around Rome although trains are frequent. If you do use them beware of the pickpockets especially on the stations around the Coliseum.
The bus system around Rome was really impressive, there were a variety of routes right the way across town on what seemed like new clean buses. Bus stops are clearly marked and also tell you the main stops for each rote which we found really useful. Although I would advise to get hold of a bus route map, either from the transport authority or in a guide book (our Time Out guide had the same transport maps found in the Metro stations).
All transport works by validating your ticket in a big yellow machine which takes your ticket from you and then returns it. Don’t be put off by the number of locals who don’t seem to validate on transport we did see fines being handed out first thing on Sunday morning!
Lots of sites are within walking distance of each other but buy good shoes the cobbled floors can play havoc with your feet. Probably not great if you had buggies or wheelchairs either.
TRIPS / THINGS TO SEE AND DO We had planned out our visit in advance but quickly found that we couldn't keep on itinerary because everywhere we went there was something worthy of further investigation at the end of the street!. All major sites and a surprising number of other locations have information boards with brief explanations of history and art and architectural points of note which was very useful and easy to understand and were mostly available in both Italian and English.
Rome is the kind of city where you could live for a year and not get to see everything and I certainly couldn’t cover here. However our advise based on our trip is to do the major sites, e.g. Pantheon, Coliseum, Vatican but also pick out some sites not on the “Top 5” or “Top 10” lists. - We checked out the ruins on the Palatine Hill as well as the Roman Forum and got some great views both across the Forum and the Circus Maximus and an added advantage of a ticket that also acted as a queue jumper for the Coliseum. - We took a morning and early afternoon trip down the Appian Way where there were significantly less tourists. It was maybe a 2.5 mile walk but there were also a number of bus routes if you did not want to do the walk. The Catacombs along the road are inspiring. We stopped of at the Catacombs of San Sebastian which are not the biggest but were great and our Guide spoke excellent English and answered all questions thrown her way. About five minutes from the Church and Catacombs was one of our favourite spots The Circus Maxentius which we had entirely to ourselves when we visited. - We also caught the train about 30 minutes out of Rome to Ostia Antica which was the Port of Ancient Rome. The ruins here rival those at Pompaii and were a real unexpected highlight of our trip. An entire Roman town including the Forum of Corporations with some excellent mosaics and one of the oldest Synagogues in Europe. If the Ancient world fascinates you I would recommend making your trip to Rome that bit longer to let you take in this site.
TOP TIP- Take a water bottle on your travels but don't be afraid to fill it up at the street water fountains and pumps. the water is safe to drink and is nearly always cold and is free - much better than buying from the street traders found near most sites of interest.
FOOD and DRINK
We had a bit of a hit and miss experience with food. There are clearly some great locations we tried the Pizzeria Remo (Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice) for wonderful pizza and atmosphere. Also well worth a look was the Alle Fratte di Trastevere (Via del Fratte di Trastevere) However food and drink was pricy especially around tourist areas (we got fleeced 13 Euros for a coke on the Via Veneto!) and there was also the addition of Service which I have been told is not leagl in Italy (not sure about that though!).
SUMMARY A fantastic lively city with loads to experience – it can be done on a budget but if you are looking to have a decent places to lay your weary feet at the end of a busy days sightseeing and have a couple of courses and a bottle of wine be prepared to spend more than some other city break type trips.
We will be going back!
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great review! hoping to go there at the end of feb but can't get a cheapish flight anywhere!
MALU 12.09.2004 21:07
There is a different church for every day of the year! --- Many years ago I was in Rome for two weeks, didn't go to a museum for years after that, heehee. --- 13 Euro for a coke is sheer robbery; Service is legal in Italy, though, in fact you have to pay for it in every restaurant, it includes the bread sticks you find on the table. In Rome the water is often included as well, poor students can fill themselves with water and breadsticks while waiting, then they don't have to order so much. :-)
Benn3004 12.09.2004 18:32
Good review, sounds like you had a great time. I'd love to go there some time. Ben
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Advantages: History, lots of things too see and so, food, amazing museums, Gelato Disadvantages: Too much to see, crowded around major sight, fear of being pickpocketed
gard 18.09.2005 ·
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Review of Rome (Italy)
Sep 12th, 2004
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