Rome if you want to: A Traveler’s Guide to Rome
Sure, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but you can no doubt make a day, or days, out of it. The Eternal City remains unrivaled when it comes to the sheer aesthetic supremacy of its antique structures and its impressive, widely-venerated history. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Rome claimed the #2 spot on the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2004 Reader’s Choice Awards Top 10 European Cities; bested only by its northern cousin, Florence.
Rome has a population of about 2.7 million people. Climate is mild to rainy in winter while hot and dry in the summer. Except for a specific list of European countries, everyone must have a passport to enter Italy. However, you do not need a Visa if you’re only staying for 90 days or less. Experts recommend visiting Rome in the off-peak months between October and March to so you won’t lose your wits in the summer mob. In choosing accommodations, try to book a hotel near—if not within—the centro storico or historic district. It cannot get any better located than the Hotel de Russie found between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. These will obviously be the first places worth seeing before heading out to the main attractions.
The best way to take in the city’s artistic treasure trove is on foot because you can play it by ear, taking quick side trips at your muse’s prodding. Still, it’s best to list down the sites you intend on visiting beforehand to save cash as things can add up without you noticing it. Private guided tours are a convenient way to get around and are easily available from your hotel’s concierge. Another great way to economize is by taking the TramBus system, which goes around the city and provides a fascinating tour of Rome’s neighborhoods.
No matter what your tourist inclinations may be, there are certain places that should not be missed when sightseeing in Rome. The Coliseum is probably, next to the Vatican, the most popular—at the very least, most recognizable—structure in this city. You can tour the premises on your own or join those conducted every hour by guides dressed as Gladiators. Operating hours vary throughout the year so be sure to call ahead for admission details.
After an awe-inspiring tour of The Coliseum, walk across the street to Foro Romano or The Roman Forum. This was the civic center of Ancient Rome where political, religious, and economic activities took place. Many of its columns remain standing among the ruins even after 2000 years, displaying the intricacies of Roman architecture. Admission is free, opens at 9 am and closes an hour before sunset. There are matching fees for guided and audio tours.
It would be hard to believe that The Pantheon is 1,800 years old when it stands today, virtually unchanged. This structure can be perceived as how the Foro Romano ruins would have looked had its buildings held. The Pantheon means “temple to all gods” and was built around 125 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian. Its concrete dome features a 9-meter opening that provides the only source of illumination within. Many prominent individuals, including two Kings of Italy, Vittorio Emmanuel II and Umberto I, and Renaissance painter Raphael, are buried here. As the building has endured countless civilizations, retaining much of its form, imagine strolling inside it during Hadrian’s time and picture yourself among the Romans. Did they look at or appreciate the sculpture and woodwork the same you do now? What kind of clothing, gestures, conversations, or types of people would you come across? The thoughts that come to mind can induce goose bumps all over. The Pantheon is open every day of the week including holidays except Christmas. Admission is free.
If you followed the way these places are listed on this article and visited them all in one day, at this point, you’re probably up for just one more stop before heading back to the hotel. You can easily spend three hours visiting The Vatican and its collection of sculptures, paintings, books, and many other artifacts that chronicle the Catholic Church’s history. Of course, this amount of time doesn’t provide for detailed examination of the various pieces as much as one would want. Besides, if that were the case, one day is not enough to barely scratch the surface of the Vatican collection. In St. Peter’s Basilica, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pieta, its detailed masonry, or the papal catacombs. Move on to the Vatican Museum where even more magnificent antiquities are housed, not the least of which are Egyptian mummies from B.C. era. If pressed for time, skip everything else and proceed to the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo, primarily, was known as an excellent sculptor so when Pope Julius II commissioned him to paint the Bible on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he thought it was a ploy by his rivals who thought Michelangelo, not being a full-on painter, would yield mediocrity and embarrass himself. Of course, we all know it didn’t quite turn out that way. In fact, the Sistine Chapel is probably the most recognized piece of work from the Renaissance period. Remember to call one day ahead of your trip to find out about any changes in schedules which are quite irregular to start with. But don’t let that hinder you from the rewarding experience the Vatican offers.
Many restaurants and cafes are situated around major tourist attractions so there is no problem finding replenishment. Wear comfortable shoes and keep the things you carry around to a minimum; a bulky backpack will make it hard for you to maneuver through crowds. As always, the hotel concierge is the best source for specials and tourist information so get to know yours well.
More Articles
Top 10 Vacations To Meet A Mate
1. Winter Park, Colorado has everything yo...
top-10-vacations-to-meet-a-mate.php
Top 10 Winter Getaways
1. Hershey. If you are traveling before or during the Christmas season, consider Hershey, Pennsylvania as yo...
top-10-winter-getaways.php
Amtrak A New Adventure
During your trip by train, you will likely find t...
amtrak--a-new-adventure.php
Airport Security Tips For Getting In And Out Quickly
Here are five easy tips for getting through airport security with time to spare. ...
airport-security-tips-for-getting-in-and-out-quickly.php
The Great Outdoors Best Campsites In The Us
Camping can be enjoyed as an individual or as a family. Campsites are available almost...
the-great-outdoors-best-campsites-in-the-us.php
So You Wanna See A Volcano
Visiting Stromboli...
so-you-wanna-see-a-volcano.php
Whadya Bring Me Souvenirs That Everyone Will Love
If you drive yourself or your family to your vacation...
whadya-bring-me-souvenirs-that-everyone-will-love.php
Vacation In 4 Hours How To Getaway In Your Hometown
The Hometown Getaway...
vacation-in-4-hours-how-to-getaway-in-your-hometown.php
Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations In The Us
1. The top honeymoon destination in the United States has l...
top-5-honeymoon-destinations-in-the-us.php
Cheap Seats How To Get A Great Price On Airline Tickets
JetBlue Airlines is one airline built on the goal of creating affordable...
cheap-seats--how-to-get-a-great-price-on-airline-tickets.php
Plan The Perfect Vacation Getaway Tips For Making Your Vacation Stressless
First off, make sure you have planned your vacation well. M...
plan-the-perfect-vacation-getaway-tips-for-making-your-vacation-stressless.php
The Perfect Spa Getaway 5 Places To Go
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa...
the-perfect-spa-getaway-5-places-to-go.php
Pony Up Vacations For The Cowboy In All Of Us
The Hartley Guest Ranch located in Northeastern New Mexico bordering the ...
pony-up-vacations-for-the-cowboy-in-all-of-us.php
Traveling The Us What To Do And Where To Go
New York City is perhaps the most diverse city in the world. When travelin...
traveling-the-us--what-to-do-and-where-to-go.php
Sailing Skiing And Surfing Best Vacations For The Water Sports Enthusiast
Set your sails for adventure and prepare your body, mind and soul for paradise when you visit the Island of St. Lucia...
sailing-skiing-and-surfing-best-vacations-for-the-water-sports-enthusiast.php
Take A Trip Back In Time Historic Vacation Destinations In The Us
History-themed holidays are a creative way to directly aug...
take-a-trip-back-in-time--historic-vacation-destinations-in-the-us.php
Ten Vacations For Under 100000
1. Take a family of four camping for a week at a State Forest or National Pa...
ten-vacations-for-under-100000.php
A Whole New World Things To See And Do In Disney World
The average vacation to Disney World is five to seven days. This is actually as much time it takes to see everythi...
a-whole-new-world-things-to-see-and-do-in-disney-world.php
Travel Insurance Necessity Or Not
There are a number of unexpected circumstances that could arise prior to your trip ...
travel-insurance-necessity-or-not.php
Two If By Sea How To Plan Your Cruise
The first step to planning your cruise is to decide where you want to cruise to. Nowadays you can c...
two-if-by-sea-how-to-plan-your-cruise.php
Tips For Choosing A Travel Agent
Using a travel agent can provide you with a number of benefits you would otherwise miss out on if you were t...
tips-for-choosing-a-travel-agent.php
Are We There Yet A Travel Guide For Parents
For kids, going away on a family vacation can be the highl...
are-we-there-yet--a-travel-guide-for-parents.php
Top 5 International Honeymoon Destinations
1. While planning your honeymoon you will undoubtedly find limitless honeymoon destination aro...
top-5-international-honeymoon-destinations.php
Best Theme Park Destinations
1. The Magic Kingdom at Disney World (FL)...
best-theme-park-destinations.php
The Ancient City Ten Things To See And Do In Greece
1. Visit the Acropolis. The most recognized symbol of the Greek nation, it only makes sense for it to be the first stop...
the-ancient-city--ten-things-to-see-and-do-in-greece.php
The Grand Canyon 10 Things To Know Before You Go
1. You must decide how you will get there....
the-grand-canyon-10-things-to-know-before-you-go.php
Vacation With The Stars Where Hollywood Goes To Relax
For an exotic getaway fit for a star try the South Pacific Island o...
vacation-with-the-stars-where-hollywood-goes-to-relax.php
Condos And Time Shares How Does It All Work
Once purchasing a timeshare, these are owned by a number of people who spilt time at the property...
condos-and-time-shares--how-does-it-all-work.php
On The Road Again Money Savers For Car Trips
One of the biggest areas where money can be saved on road trips is food. If you are traveling with kids (...
on-the-road-again-money-savers-for-car-trips.php
Top Ten Places To Get A Tan
1. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Copacabana Beach is one of the most beautiful b...
top-ten-places-to-get-a-tan.php
International Cruises What To Expect When You Get Off The Boat
When traveling internationally on a cruise it might be a good idea to invest in travel insurance. N...
international-cruises--what-to-expect-when-you-get-off-the-boat.php
Shop Til You Drop The Ultimate Shopping Vacations
Camp Snoopy is the largest indoor family theme park in the nation, inviting guests to take a whirlwind ride on ...
shop-til-you-drop-the-ultimate-shopping-vacations.php
Your Fantasy Trip To Europe Must See Attractions
Tower of London...
your-fantasy-trip-to-europe--must-see-attractions.php
Bargain Vacations Your Dream Getaway On Ebay
Stay at a bed & breakfast, a hotel, or rent a house or condo. Purchase a trip to visit the ...
bargain-vacations-your-dream-getaway-on-ebay.php
Top Of The Mornin To Ya Ten Reasons To Visit Ireland
1. Once in Ireland the first thing you will notice is t...
top-of-the-mornin-to-ya-ten-reasons-to-visit-ireland.php
Cold Hard Cash A Guide To Currency Conversion
The world currencies started to measure their economies in accordance to supply and demand, rousing ...
cold-hard-cash-a-guide-to-currency-conversion.php
Top 5 Kid Friendly Vacation Spots
1. The top family vacation destination in the world has long been lo...
top-5-kid-friendly-vacation-spots.php
Kissimmee Ten Attractions That Arent Disney World
Kissimmee has its own popular and family oriented at...
kissimmee-ten-attractions-that-arent-disney-world.php
Budget Busters When You Want To Splurge
Why not start your vacation off on the right foot by flying to your vacation des...
budget-busters-when-you-want-to-splurge.php
Air Hotel Rental Car Best Buys In Travel
JetBlue Airlines is one airline built on the g...
air-hotel--rental-car-best-buys-in-travel.php
5 Bad Vacation Destinations And Why You Dont Want To Go There
In order to prevent one bad vacation turning into two, let me give you a list of ...
5-bad-vacation-destinations-and-why-you-dont-want-to-go-there.php
Rving A Vacation Worth Taking
RVs of all sizes are available for purchase. Depending on the number of people you ...
rving--a-vacation-worth-taking.php
Top 5 Hotels In The Us
1. Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, located in ...
top-5-hotels-in-the-us.php
A Christmas Gift To Yourself Best Places To Travel During The Holidays
What better place to visit during the holiday season than the North Pole – North Pole, New York that is. ...
a-christmas-gift-to-yourself--best-places-to-travel-during-the-holidays.php
Top 6 Getaway Spots You Havent Thought Of
1. For a historical, scenic vacation spot away from it all, try Quebec City. Located northeast of Mont...
top-6-getaway-spots-you-havent-thought-of.php
Tips For Making Vacation Reservations Online
Before booking your vacation, make sure to do your research. If you are smart you will want to get yourself the b...
tips-for-making-vacation-reservations-online.php
Passport Please Tips For International Travel
When traveling internationally it might be a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Not only does tra...
passport-please-tips-for-international-travel.php
Call Of The Wild Best Safari Vacations
The Serengeti is well known for the wildebeest migration...
call-of-the-wild-best-safari-vacations.php
Frequent Flyer Miles How Does It All Work
Frequent flyer programs are somewhat easy to understand. For ...
frequent-flyer-miles-how-does-it-all-work.php
Menu
Articles