We overlapped slightly so can totally appreciate all your comments. My top tips to add are:
1. We were told to watch out for teenage girls holding phones and telling you they are lost. They are often part of a pickpocketing group where one distracts you and another swoops in to pickpocket. We were approached like this at the Pantheon but forewarned is forarmed so we knew to ignore her.
2. We bought the Rome Pass which was excellent value for money and included tickets to more places than we could in fact see.
3. We saved on a guided tour at the Vatican museum by buying an audio guide instead. It meant we could go at our own pace. The hoards of people and endless tour groups are a strain but the Sistine chapel is worth it in the end. We were told to avoid anyone trying to sell you a tour whilst you are in the queue. There are signs on the railings that say official museum tours don’t use this approach. We nearly got sucked in to an upgrade. It’s easy to do as they wear official looking lanyards but I just had a feeling something wasn’t quite right. I’m glad I stuck to my guns as it would have cost an extra 50 euros per person for the ‘upgrade’ otherwise. I’d stick to the audio guide which was only 8.
4. Don’t over think which restaurant to go to. All the ones we tried were delicious.
5. The catacombs are interesting but if you do visit one would be enough to give you the idea.
6. Our Rome pass included a walking tour- highly recommend doing that on your first day to get your bearings and some historical background.
I loved the city but need to go back for Part 2 as there is way too much to see in 3 days.
We went to Rome in September 2017, the weather was beautiful. We stayed in the River Palace Hotel for 5 nights. It is situated near the Piazza Del Popolo. Which you can walk through to get so many shops, cafes and restaurants. Trevi fountain is also located in that area too. Which is stunning, especially at night when lit up. The metro is also near the hotel. When walking around you'll find many hidden gems including churches and pretty court yard gardens stepping through wooden doors.....a cross between the wardrobe of Narnia and the tardis. 😉 We also went to Sistine Chapel etc with a tour guide.....prices seem to have risen a lot since we went. 🙁 Fortunately it wasn't as crowded either and we could walk and stop to look at everything and take our time. It was amazing, but I wouldn't go and see it again if we went back. There is so much to see and probably there are more hidden gems then we found. We didn't have problems with pick pockets and I felt safer there than I did in Barcelona. But it's been a few years since we were in Rome. Definitely a place to visit and we had a wonderful time there. Would recommend the hotel and we would go back. Near to everything, walking distance to most and a good bus service if you prefer to the metro. Sally, I loved your advice about crossing the road with a Nun 😂 Will remember that for future trips.....as long as I don't get mistaken for a stalker! 🤣
Great tips Sally. We went 3 years ago in June and stayed in The Hoxton which is a little outside the centre but within walking distance if you like getting your steps in. Definitely need to visit again as we didn’t do the Vatican City tour. So much to see and do and like you, I’m completely in awe of the Romans!!! All food was good and happened to be sitting next to Paul Simon in one restaurant which was a bit special 😍
Love this, already looking forward to next week's instalment. Me and him indoors tend to do city breaks 'on the fly ' but doubt that would work in Rome! Your guide will be very handy some day, doing Granada next month so will add Rome to the list 😀
Great tips, could have done with all this info in 1979! I still have all the memories of that visit ,it was fabulous . My photos , in August, show few crowds , no phones obvs . I did as you say committed it all to memory. In the Sistine Chapel I remember sitting on a raised fitted bench at one end and being able to look up at leisure until we'd had our fill. Stupendous.
Your comment on crossing the road with the nuns made me howl 🤣🤣
We overlapped slightly so can totally appreciate all your comments. My top tips to add are:
1. We were told to watch out for teenage girls holding phones and telling you they are lost. They are often part of a pickpocketing group where one distracts you and another swoops in to pickpocket. We were approached like this at the Pantheon but forewarned is forarmed so we knew to ignore her.
2. We bought the Rome Pass which was excellent value for money and included tickets to more places than we could in fact see.
3. We saved on a guided tour at the Vatican museum by buying an audio guide instead. It meant we could go at our own pace. The hoards of people and endless tour groups are a strain but the Sistine chapel is worth it in the end. We were told to avoid anyone trying to sell you a tour whilst you are in the queue. There are signs on the railings that say official museum tours don’t use this approach. We nearly got sucked in to an upgrade. It’s easy to do as they wear official looking lanyards but I just had a feeling something wasn’t quite right. I’m glad I stuck to my guns as it would have cost an extra 50 euros per person for the ‘upgrade’ otherwise. I’d stick to the audio guide which was only 8.
4. Don’t over think which restaurant to go to. All the ones we tried were delicious.
5. The catacombs are interesting but if you do visit one would be enough to give you the idea.
6. Our Rome pass included a walking tour- highly recommend doing that on your first day to get your bearings and some historical background.
I loved the city but need to go back for Part 2 as there is way too much to see in 3 days.
Have fun if you go.
Fabulous sub stack you brought your whole trip to life with fantastic useful insights/information and photos ❤️❤️xx
We went to Rome in September 2017, the weather was beautiful. We stayed in the River Palace Hotel for 5 nights. It is situated near the Piazza Del Popolo. Which you can walk through to get so many shops, cafes and restaurants. Trevi fountain is also located in that area too. Which is stunning, especially at night when lit up. The metro is also near the hotel. When walking around you'll find many hidden gems including churches and pretty court yard gardens stepping through wooden doors.....a cross between the wardrobe of Narnia and the tardis. 😉 We also went to Sistine Chapel etc with a tour guide.....prices seem to have risen a lot since we went. 🙁 Fortunately it wasn't as crowded either and we could walk and stop to look at everything and take our time. It was amazing, but I wouldn't go and see it again if we went back. There is so much to see and probably there are more hidden gems then we found. We didn't have problems with pick pockets and I felt safer there than I did in Barcelona. But it's been a few years since we were in Rome. Definitely a place to visit and we had a wonderful time there. Would recommend the hotel and we would go back. Near to everything, walking distance to most and a good bus service if you prefer to the metro. Sally, I loved your advice about crossing the road with a Nun 😂 Will remember that for future trips.....as long as I don't get mistaken for a stalker! 🤣
Another great read Sal, add travel blogger to your list of talents!! can we request city breaks for you to scope out for us?!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this with my cup of tea this morning-thank you! Sending it across to friends who are visiting Rome soon!
Great tips Sally. We went 3 years ago in June and stayed in The Hoxton which is a little outside the centre but within walking distance if you like getting your steps in. Definitely need to visit again as we didn’t do the Vatican City tour. So much to see and do and like you, I’m completely in awe of the Romans!!! All food was good and happened to be sitting next to Paul Simon in one restaurant which was a bit special 😍
Love this, already looking forward to next week's instalment. Me and him indoors tend to do city breaks 'on the fly ' but doubt that would work in Rome! Your guide will be very handy some day, doing Granada next month so will add Rome to the list 😀
Great tips, could have done with all this info in 1979! I still have all the memories of that visit ,it was fabulous . My photos , in August, show few crowds , no phones obvs . I did as you say committed it all to memory. In the Sistine Chapel I remember sitting on a raised fitted bench at one end and being able to look up at leisure until we'd had our fill. Stupendous.
Your comment on crossing the road with the nuns made me howl 🤣🤣
Brilliant read Sally. One question are you fluent Italian speakers?
I do an annual trip with my son. I’m definitely putting this on the list. Really useful tips.
This is brilliant Sal. Well done. So helpful for a visit to beautiful Roma.