How to Plan a Trip to Rome

The “Eternal City” offers something for everyone. Marvels are around every corner in Rome, from the site of the ancient, brutal gladiator matches at the Colosseum, to the center of the Catholic Church in Vatican City, to the ruins of the ancient buildings at the Roman Forum. The old adage “Rome wasn’t built in a day” rings true as one explores the city. No matter how much time you have to spend in Rome, you’ll be left with more areas to see on your next visit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Travel and Hotels

1. Decide when to visit Rome. Spring and fall typically have the mildest weather. If possible, avoid visiting in August because many parts of Rome close for two weeks in August while Rome’s residents take vacations.

2. Determine how to get to Rome. The main airport in Rome is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. More than 60 airlines fly into this airport and some of them offer direct flights to the United States. This airport is connected to the center of Rome through public transportation. Rome’s main railway station is the Termini Station. It is easy to take the train to Rome from most areas of Italy and Europe.

3. Choose how to get around Rome. Although Rome is a great walking city, it is often time consuming and tiring to walk to some of the major sites (e.g., the Colosseum and Vatican City). However, taxis are easy to find at any of the main piazzas. The Metro (Rome’s underground train system) will also take you to many areas of town, including the Colosseum.

4. Decide where to to stay. The area around the Termini is inexpensive and convenient. However, some parts of this area are shabby. The area around Piazza Navona has many restaurant options and is an easy walk to many areas of the city. The area near Villa Borghese is picturesque and is slightly away from the fast-pace of the main attractions. Trastevere is a good option for those who want to stay away from the main tourist areas.

5. Find a hotel in your chosen area of the city. Go online to find the best hotel values. Research hotel reviews on TripAdvisor, then use the popular booking Web sites, such as Expedia, Orbitz and Venere to find the cheapest rates.

Places to Go

6. Go to Vatican City to tour the Vatican Museums. These are some of the most impressive and complete collections of artwork in the world. Throughout the museums, you will see artwork on the walls, ceilings, floors and windows. At the end of the museum, visit the Sistine Chapel, where you can see the famed ceiling, Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

7. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica after leaving the Vatican Museums. Get a good view of Michelangelo’s Pieta, which is behind glass wall and Bernini’s massive altar canopy.

8. Visit the Colosseum and imagine the ancient arena full of spectators, gladiators, and wild beasts. The Colosseum is arguably the most-recognized symbol of Rome and first-time visitors shouldn’t miss it.

9. After leaving the Colosseum, wander over to the Roman Forum. This was the center of ancient Roman life. It still houses the ruins of the government and commercial buildings, some better preserved than others.

10. Stroll to the top of the Palatine Hill. This hill is home to the legend of Remus and Romulus, the famous twins who were raised by a she-wolf and later founded Rome. From this hill, you see amazing views of Rome, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Vittorio Emmanuale Monument.

11. Stroll to the Trevi Fountain. Although the Piazza di Trevi is often crowded, you won’t want to miss visiting the Trevi Fountain in the evening. Make sure to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to Rome.

12. Visit Piazza di Spagna and climb the Spanish Steps, home to the Spanish embassy. This is one of the main gathering places in Rome and is almost always crowded.

13. Stop by the Pantheon and view its magnificent dome. This was one of Rome’s first temples to be converted to a church. It houses the remains of many famous Italians, including the painter Raphael.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the long lines at the Colosseum by buying your ticket at the Palatine Hill. This combined ticket will get you into both attractions, allowing you to skip the queue at the Colosseum.
• Consider booking a tour of the Vatican. This will cut down on the time you’ll need to wait in line and will ensure that you get into the museums before closing time. Tours are also able to use a special entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, which skips the long line outside the cathedral.
• Bring a pocket-size pack of tissues or toilet paper with you. Many of the public toilets in Rome are missing toilet seats and toilet paper. However, most of the museums and restaurants have clean toilets.
• Watch out for pick-pockets. Wear a money belt, if possible, and be especially vigilant in the Metro. Pick-pockets often work in teams, with one person distracting you while the other steals your money.
• Watch out for “fake” taxis. All authorized taxis in Rome are white and should display a taximeter and identification.
• Remember to cover your shoulders and knees at religious sites, including the Vatican.

Resources

• Venere
• TripAdvisor
• Expedia