A long-time popular destination, Rome is famous for its classical Roman buildings and the culture that surrounds the city. Located in the middle of the stretch of Italy, on the western side, the city is now 2,700 years old.
What is Rome like?
Rome is a beautiful, historic city filled with architecture and the hustle and bustle of Italian life. Home to the shops of leading fashion designers from around the world, some located near the Spanish Steps, and also the famous Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and more, there is often too much to see rather than too little. The streets of Italy’s capital are very busy, but they have plenty of quaint restaurants and lovely ice cream shops (a true taste of Italy, extremely sweet and refreshing handmade gelato), especially if you venture into some of the outskirts. so you get a true Italian experience.
things to do
Vatican City, home of the Pope of the Catholic Church, is located within Rome. A trip to this small landlocked sovereign state is an interesting experience. Remember to bring something to cover your shoulders as a sign of respect, something important to keep in mind if you want to walk around the Vatican. With little shops lining the outer streets of this area, it’s a good jaunt and easy to get to from central Rome. Be sure to visit the Sistine Chapel, with its Michelangelo-painted ceiling, and St. Peter’s Basilica while you’re there and maybe even send a postcard to get the Vatican postmark.
Around Rome there are many tourist traps, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain (legend has it that if you throw a coin, one day you will return, and if you throw two coins, you will find your true love), the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Getting around the city to see it all is easy with the Metro underground system and plenty of buses.
Try and visit places like the Villa Borghese Gardens, near the Spanish Steps, and the wonderful bridges that cross the Tiber River, to get away from the big crowds. Ask the locals at restaurants down the street or at the hotel to find some hidden gems the city has to offer. There are plenty of museums full of classic Italian art, for example, and it’s easy to take day trips to less touristy but equally enjoyable parts of Italy like Assisi, Palestrina and Frascati via train services or coach tours.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Rome, so why not start with an open top bus tour to get a feel for the Eternal City and its layout, then plan your days from there.
things to think about
It is important to realize that due to the popularity of the city, it also has a high crime rate for pickpockets. Use a hotel safe for all your valuables and never take all your money or passports out when you go out – only take what you need. Remember, with the sheer volume of people, you will rarely catch a thief after he has attacked.
Rome can also be quite an expensive place to travel, so make sure you have enough money if you plan to take a trip there. Try to book accommodation near Stazione Termini (Rome’s main train station) if you want something a little cheaper but nice, this will allow you to use the train to travel, but without the expense of the main part of Rome.
Happy Holidays