I have been living in Rome since January happily playing the permanent tourist role and helping people plan their vacations in the Eternal City. And man, Eternal is right. You can read any guidebook or check TripAdvisor and find ongoing lists of things to see and do during your trip. The top 10 on any list, however, are always the same.
Vatican City (Sistine Chapel)
Pantheon (evening)
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Villa Borghese
Trevi Fountain (late at night)
Castel Sant'Angelo
Appia Antica (Catacombs)
Campo dei Fiori (early morning)
Spanish Steps
...
(listed in order of my favorites and with tips)
This list generally holds true no matter what Web site you check or how many friends you ask who have been to Rome a time or two. They are the standard because they are all truly incredible* and provide you with memorable and unique experiences you just can't find anywhere else. If you do a few of them together, you get a pretty good overview of the 2,700+ year history of this one, lasting city and people who have lived here over centuries and helped shaped the world's religious, political and personal culture.
If you are blessed with ample time and fair-good navigational skills, take some time to explore the 11 and up sites as well. Stroll over to Aventine Hill and take in the gorgeous city views from the shaded gardens above. Or book a guide and driver and spend a day exploring Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este in Tivoli. Take a walk through Renaissance Rome at Villa Farnesina in Trastevere or, hell, spend a few hours at the Gladiator School re-enacting gladiator combat - drink included. I'm totally not joking about that last one.
More than places to visit, Rome is also full of experts who can fill your time with just about anything including wine, food, art, olive oil... Mamma mia, the list goes on and on.
Mmmm artichokes.
Sorry, got distracted.
In conclusion, take in the Super Sites - you would be remiss not to. Anyway, I truly believe it is best to leave some things unseen when you visit a city. That way you just have to come back. And what you don't know you're missing, won't hurt you anyway!
Ahem. You should always start your vacation with My Real Rome walking tour with Yours Truly. Check out the info on the right-hand side of your screen.
*The Spanish Steps are not incredible. They are pretty, but they're just steps. And that whole area is too expensive. Rating: Overrated.
 |
| Villa Borghese |
Pantheon (evening)
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Villa Borghese
Trevi Fountain (late at night)
Castel Sant'Angelo
Appia Antica (Catacombs)
Campo dei Fiori (early morning)
Spanish Steps
...
(listed in order of my favorites and with tips)
This list generally holds true no matter what Web site you check or how many friends you ask who have been to Rome a time or two. They are the standard because they are all truly incredible* and provide you with memorable and unique experiences you just can't find anywhere else. If you do a few of them together, you get a pretty good overview of the 2,700+ year history of this one, lasting city and people who have lived here over centuries and helped shaped the world's religious, political and personal culture.
If you are blessed with ample time and fair-good navigational skills, take some time to explore the 11 and up sites as well. Stroll over to Aventine Hill and take in the gorgeous city views from the shaded gardens above. Or book a guide and driver and spend a day exploring Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este in Tivoli. Take a walk through Renaissance Rome at Villa Farnesina in Trastevere or, hell, spend a few hours at the Gladiator School re-enacting gladiator combat - drink included. I'm totally not joking about that last one.
 |
| Oh yeah, baby. |
Mmmm artichokes.
Sorry, got distracted.
In conclusion, take in the Super Sites - you would be remiss not to. Anyway, I truly believe it is best to leave some things unseen when you visit a city. That way you just have to come back. And what you don't know you're missing, won't hurt you anyway!
Ahem. You should always start your vacation with My Real Rome walking tour with Yours Truly. Check out the info on the right-hand side of your screen.
*The Spanish Steps are not incredible. They are pretty, but they're just steps. And that whole area is too expensive. Rating: Overrated.
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