Hey everyone- I'm off to Rome for a couple of days, and if anyone has been then I would love to know of your thoughts, advice, places of interest- that would be a massive help.
Thank you.
Steven.

Rome is beautiful! I went for 3 days a couple of years ago, and tried to fit everything in but I still really want to go back.

My advice is just to do as the guidebooks say, just go for a walk around and youll come across plenty of amazing sights

As far as specific places you could go to, just the usual...lets see...

the trevi fountain which was crawling with tourists but beautiful
The colosseum is incredible, I cant beleive its so old!you have to see that
St peters, Im biased being catholic lol, but it was still pretty amazing! beautiful artwork and architecture, if thats your thing
The palatine and the foro romano are the ruins of and old villiage and huge palaces from back in the day, very cool nice for a walk around and great views

Cant remember anything else, I didnt make the Sistine chapel and its forst on my list for next time, but if you have the chance you really should go in, those ceilings!!! theres a big long tour of all the Vatican museums which ends there, defnitely worth it, so pray for a rainy day!

Hope that helps, enjoy!

susannah said:

Hey there- thank you loads.
Just trying to get a good idea of where to go and it's helpful to have the guide books information backed up by people who have also been there....
cheers!
Steven.

susannah said:

All of that is backed up by me.

I had a few delightful guided tours when we were there, but I can't remember the name of the tour company.

stevenpottle said:

No Problem! I find that when you dont have a lot of time and you dont really know what youre doing, just wandering about and getting a feel for the place id the best idea. So try to do some of that, instead of just mindlessly visiting sites without any context!

have fun!

Just what Susannah said.

When I went there in October; the weather was absolutely beautiful, and made the holiday that much more enjoyable.

Vatican City was gorgeous too



















I really hope you enjoy your visit

Hey you guys are the best, I usually research and plan- went to Malta last year and had the best time, but this one is happening so quickly and I'm not ready.
But everyone agrees that it's beautiful, so that's cool.
Thank you everyone.
Steven x

Been to Rome, Italy - Beautiful city!!

Here's my advice:

1) Keep a toilet roll or tissue with you. Public washrooms may not have toilet paper.

2) Public washrooms - you may have to pay some Lira change, keep change handy.

3) Watch out for Gypsies, they work in groups and especially watch out for gypsy children to avoid being pick pocketed, and other things stolen. I found by letting them know by looking at them long enough they know you know they are there. Beware.

4) Beware of mopeds. A ride by grab your purse robbery.

5) Learn basic Italian. Italians do speak English. They do appreciate that you try to converse.

6) Go visit St. Paul's Cathedral. Go see the Sistine Chapel, the ceiling is awewsome. No video or cameras allowed to avoid damage to ceiling. Guards watch you.

7) Italian pizza is not the same pizza you are accustomed to like Pizza Hut.

8) Shop where to locals shop. Touristy areas are a trap.

9) When shopping and you find something you want to buy - haggle, haggle, haggle!!! It's fun!!!

10) On your site seeing, take bottled water with you. Depending when you go, it is quite hot there.

11) Learn about Italian customs and culture etc., different country, different way of life - you are not at your own home.

12) Go to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Make sure you go to visit Venice.


Italy is beautiful. Have fun!!

sawah said:

I want to go back again

I really wanna go back again too I'm sick of cold, rainy England.



Perfect advice! Haggling is so fun! If you persevere, they WILL end up accepting almost any amount of money for the item; as long as they get SOME!

Btw, beware of the roads!! Yes, the mopeds are EVIL, and have hardly any concept of safe driving.

Also watch out for people giving you the wrong change! If they know that you are not Italian, they might try and rip you off (this is particularly stands in the streets).

And yes, take bottled water and LOTS of it. Although, come to think of it, I remember seeing water fountains where you can fill your bottles up, but that may have just been near the Vatican City.

Tbh, I think the food there made us feel all a little queazy at some point, because it is all so rich. (Then again, that may just have been the late nights, early mornings and heavy drinking!) But do be sure to try lots

Most importantly- DON'T forget to take lots of film for your camera

stevenpottle said:

I highly recommend making your way to Vatican City, if you can. Also, house wine is cheaper than soda. Drink it up. And eat a "pistache" gelato cone for me!!!

Have a grand time!! Viva Roma!!!