Last-Minute Rome Tips?

[KKD]

H and I are headed to Rome for four days next week.

First, is the airport (FCO) the best place to handle our initial currency exchange? That's what we did in Paris last year, although Rick Steves recommends using bank ATMs in Rome. We are renting an apartment and will need to pay in cash upfront, and I'm not sure if we'll have access to a bank ATM beforehand since we are going straight from the airport to the apartment.

Second, we do not have set plans to visit the National Museum of Rome. Should we? I just don't know where to fit it in, or what to take out, especially since we won't otherwise be in that part of the city.

So far, here are our plans. We arrive at our apartment near the Pantheon around 10:30am on Monday, which limits what's open to us, and we like to keep our first day low-key anyway, basically with a walk to orient ourselves and see some easy sights. Any other day we like to squeeze in as much as we can.

Day 1: Campo de' Fiori market, Piazza Navona, Pantheon and nearby churches, Via del Corso, Trevi Fountain, Via Condotti, Spanish Steps, possibly Piazza del Popolo.

Day 2: Vatican, St. Peter's, Castel Sant'Angelo, possibly Ara Pacis and Piazza del Popolo (if not on Day 1); Trastevere in the late afternoon/evening, time and energy permitting.

Day 3: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Trajan's Forum, Piazza Venezia.

Day 4: Borghese Gallery, Villa Borghese Gardens, Via Veneto, Capuchin Crypt, possibly Catacombs of Priscilla (H would like to see this but I don't know if it's too far out of the way); Trastevere in the late afternoon/evening (if not on Day 2).

Any critiques or suggestions welcome! TIA.

[chicago]

I'm not the best one to give you advice on Rome - our three nights were a whirlwind and all I remember is what we ate! That said, make sure you check out Dar Poeta in Trastevere - the Dar Poeta pizza was amazing!

Also, we use ATMs in the airport quite often and without any problems.

[KKD]

Also, I'm trying to book reservations through the www.ticketeria.it website recommeded by RS but I can't find an English version. What am I doing wrong?

And thanks, chicago. I won't be able to indulge in wine or cheese so you better believe I'll make up for it in pizza and gelato!

[sporky]

We did our initial currency exchange at an ATM at the airport, no problems. I loved the National Museum, but you definitely have a packed schedule, so I wouldn't worry about it. You'll see plenty of other wonderful stuff.

[librarygirl]

I was only in Rome once years ago now but I will add that whenever I travel abroad I always take money out from local ATMs (just be sure to notify your bank in advance so no red flags go up and your accounts aren't frozen).

[mrsnole]

Feb 18, 2013 15:19:48 GMT -5 KKD said:

Also, I'm trying to book reservations through the www.ticketeria.it website recommeded by RS but I can't find an English version. What am I doing wrong?

On the right hand side (in blue) under the heading "Menu" it says "Selezione lingua" click english from the drop down menu.  HTH!

[mcfelix]

I think your agenda looks great. What I love about Rome is just wandering around - there is so much to see. The first time I was there (semester abroad) my roommates and I just decided to walk around, ended up walking through the Forum but did not even realize it was the Roman Forum until a few days later. Idiots!

Just enjoy the atmosphere. I love Rome and truly believe you have the most fun when you don't rigidly stick to a plan but let the day flow. Also I highly recommend DK Eyewitness travel books. They are great to have with you while you are out and about because their books have great maps and show highlights of places along with photos.

[Waffles]

Your agenda sounds good. Make sure you keep some time to just wander around and stop at a terrace to soak it all up. We ended up skipping villa borghese to have time to just sit around having long lunches in the sun but we do plan on going back to fill the gaps.

I second the roma pass recommendation: saves you money & lots of queuing! Oh and if you didn't plan to already, I'd recommend getting a guided tour in the vatican.

[Deleted]

If you happen to be there on a Saturday I would suggest visiting Palazzo Venezia, which is exceptionally opening to the public on Saturdays this year.

The Catacombs are definitely very far out of your way, I suggest hopping on a cab if you want swing it, in order to avoid taking public transportation all the way out there on Via Salaria. Otherwise the tram number 19 will take you rather close to them and a few bus lines from the historical center (Piazza Barberini or Via del Tritone, Termini etc.) stop even closer. For sure buses 92 and 83 get there, perhaps also 63 if I'm not mistaken.

When you go to Trastevere climb up on the Gianicolo and enjoy the breathtaking views. I think the terrace atop the Vittoriano, the colossal white marble monument in Piazza Venezia, is still open and is most definitely worth it for its wonderful 360° views, especially those of the Colosseum in the distance.

Enjoy your trip!

[KKD]

mrsnole, yes, that helped, thank you! I don't know how I missed it.

Thanks to everyone else too. We don't usually do tours but we've signed up for a Vatican tour with Dark Rome and a Colosseum/Forum tour with Walks of Italy. Hopefully they'll be worth it!

[badatcaptcha]

I agree with the Roma Pass suggestion! If I remember correctly, it allowed you to skip some lines so it was worth every penny since we also had a packed schedule!

Apparently it is quite common for transit strikes in Italy, which we didn't realize when we went in July. Luckily, it happened on our last day and we did the stuff that we really wanted to do (and that was far) first. I'd recommend doing the stuff you must do first, as well as the stuff that is further away, as you may have to rearrange your plans if there is any kind of strike or problems. Good luck!

[Deleted]

I prefer to get money from the atm when I travel. I think my bank does have a daily maximum withdrawal of a few hundred dollars though. That is something you should keep in mind if you need a significant amount for the apartment.

[dutchgirl678]

We usually use ATMs as well but most ATMs have a limit on how much you can take out per day. When you have to pay for an apartment in cash that can be a problem. You can use a bank at the airport or in Rome to go inside and get cash using your ATM card I believe. We were lucky enough that my parents live in Europe and went to Rome with us so they paid for our apartment in Rome. We loved Rome! We were staying at the Campo de Fiori. That whole area including the Pantheon area is such a nice area to walk around. Your schedule is packed but you can do it. We got the Roma Pass at the Roman Forum and then used it at the Colosseum afterwards. There was hardly a line at the Roman Forum whereas the Colosseum was ridiculously packed. We didn't do the tour through the underground of the colosseum as we were with little kids but I heard that is really something not to miss.

[neonpink]

I rented an apartment in November in Rome. Rent a Vespa/scooter if you can. Driving looks crazy but they are really good drivers. It makes getting around so easy. Most ATMS take our cards. They don't use the Chip cards yet so you should have no problem using Visa, MasterCard or Amex.

Your trip sounds like a great time. Head over to the Trestavre area the stores and restaurants are good. You have to book a head but there is an underground necropolis tour of St. Peters. It's a level below where the popes are buried. It was really cool It only takes an hour to do.http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/ScaviTour.htm

The Campo di Fiori market was near the apartment I rented. I went every few days to buy fresh produce.

Have a great time!

[Deleted]

Feb 22, 2013 15:20:54 GMT -5 neonpink said:

I rented an apartment in November in Rome. Rent a Vespa/scooter if you can. Driving looks crazy but they are really good drivers. It makes getting around so easy. Most ATMS take our cards. They don't use the Chip cards yet so you should have no problem using Visa, MasterCard or Amex.

Your trip sounds like a great time. Head over to the Trestavre area the stores and restaurants are good. You have to book a head but there is an underground necropolis tour of St. Peters. It's a level below where the popes are buried. It was really cool It only takes an hour to do.http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/ScaviTour.htm

The Campo di Fiori market was near the apartment I rented. I went every few days to buy fresh produce.

Have a great time!

The Scavi tour is very interesting!! If you can get a reservation, I highly recommend.