3 days in Rome, what’s a must see and do?
Discussion
All of the suggestions so far are good, i’d also recommend the Appian way if you don’t mind a bit of walking, cycling or using an E bike (There are lots of historic buildings and it’s fairly tranquil).
Aroma restaurant has an amazing view of the Colosseum and the food is great (although it’s pricey).
Aroma restaurant has an amazing view of the Colosseum and the food is great (although it’s pricey).
Edited by Froomee on Monday 31st October 07:48
Waitforme said:
Get a guide, they’ll take you to all the best bits, give you a bit of background, be able to skip you to the front of the queues and make it a better experience.
I did the first time I went, glad I did.
+1 for guided tours to beat the queues. Said it before - now is a good time to travel (anywhere) due to the lack of mainland Chinese tourists. I did the first time I went, glad I did.
Get fast passes. We went just before Easter one year and avoided a queue to get into the Vatican that was easily half a mile long. Same for St Peter’s Basillica. Reckon we saved at least fours queueing for each place. Our fast passes included unlimited bus travel too, which meant so much more to see and so less time queueing. And there’s a lot to see too - it’s worth getting a guide book before you go.
Somebody said:
Waitforme said:
Get a guide, they’ll take you to all the best bits, give you a bit of background, be able to skip you to the front of the queues and make it a better experience.
I did the first time I went, glad I did.
+1 for guided tours to beat the queues. Said it before - now is a good time to travel (anywhere) due to the lack of mainland Chinese tourists. I did the first time I went, glad I did.
fourstardan said:
I quite fancy Rome, the negatives someone posted wouldn't surprise me for a city like this, it's the same at the Eiffel Tower.
Were the hotels expensive?
You can do it cheap in a hotel on the outskirts and get the train in each day. Nice motel with pool. I've also stayed in the Mercure with roof pool overlooking the colloseum. That was around £100 a night.Were the hotels expensive?
Re. The recommendation of going to Pompeii, absolutely, but, also don't miss Herculaneum. Way better preserved and fascinating.
We visited Rome in October :
Book tickets in advance for the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museum. Means you can chose your time slot and avoid the big queues.
If you can get a joint ticket for both the Colosseum and Roman Forum together
St Peter's basilica is worth the queue, at this time of year its quick to get in. Even if it looks long it moves quickly.
Worth a visit to Castel Sant Angelo
Go and see the Pantheon its free to get in
We did a Guru Tour which is free to join, and you pay at the end. Was a good balance to learn some of the history, but no be in a huge group and dragged around for hours and hours.
Trevi Fountain is good to see, but its heaving so perhaps go early morning or evening
Never had a bad meal, i mean you cant really ruin Pizza and Pasta. Avoid the restaurants around the Vatican as they are silly expensive.
Make sure you visit the Trastevere area, and Campo de’ Fiori for drinks. Very busy in the evenings, but a great place to sit and people watch. The Trastevere was particular busy on the weekend with lots of queues for restaurants.
Make sure you wear comfy shoes as you can walk everywhere.
Book tickets in advance for the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museum. Means you can chose your time slot and avoid the big queues.
If you can get a joint ticket for both the Colosseum and Roman Forum together
St Peter's basilica is worth the queue, at this time of year its quick to get in. Even if it looks long it moves quickly.
Worth a visit to Castel Sant Angelo
Go and see the Pantheon its free to get in
We did a Guru Tour which is free to join, and you pay at the end. Was a good balance to learn some of the history, but no be in a huge group and dragged around for hours and hours.
Trevi Fountain is good to see, but its heaving so perhaps go early morning or evening
Never had a bad meal, i mean you cant really ruin Pizza and Pasta. Avoid the restaurants around the Vatican as they are silly expensive.
Make sure you visit the Trastevere area, and Campo de’ Fiori for drinks. Very busy in the evenings, but a great place to sit and people watch. The Trastevere was particular busy on the weekend with lots of queues for restaurants.
Make sure you wear comfy shoes as you can walk everywhere.
More of what others have said.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum is a must in my opinion.
Trevi Fountain although when I was there it was obstructed with scaffolding.
We ate outside next to the river at night and there was a great vibe. They had wooden pallets with cushions to sit on and take in the atmosphere.
As mentioned, the Trastevere area is a must in the evening for food and drink.
This is one for the "depends on" column, but we did Vatican City and the chapel. It's definitely worth a visit if it is quiet although the chapel is not as grand or magnificent as you think it would be. We went in peak summertime, and it was absolutely heaving, hot and we were rushed through everywhere like cattle. I'd appreciate it more on quieter days.
I didn't feel unsafe or targeted by unsavory types. It's nowhere near as bad as Barcelona.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum is a must in my opinion.
Trevi Fountain although when I was there it was obstructed with scaffolding.
We ate outside next to the river at night and there was a great vibe. They had wooden pallets with cushions to sit on and take in the atmosphere.
As mentioned, the Trastevere area is a must in the evening for food and drink.
This is one for the "depends on" column, but we did Vatican City and the chapel. It's definitely worth a visit if it is quiet although the chapel is not as grand or magnificent as you think it would be. We went in peak summertime, and it was absolutely heaving, hot and we were rushed through everywhere like cattle. I'd appreciate it more on quieter days.
I didn't feel unsafe or targeted by unsavory types. It's nowhere near as bad as Barcelona.
I am originally from Rome and as many friends have asked similar questions I have tried to put together a little guide:
Arrival:
If arriving in Fiumicino (FCO) there are a few options. There are two trains:
- The Leonardo Express directly to Termini central station. This is around 20Euros and once in Termini you can connect to either the A (orange) or B (blue) underground.
- Local train is much cheaper but not much slower. You can get off at Ostiense station and use the walkway to connect to Piramide underground station on the B (blue line).
Alternatively, there are direct coaches to Termini which normally are the cheapest option. Taxis have fixed tariff from the airport and it is around 60 Euros
If arriving in Ciampino (CIA), you can take a coach directly to the centre while a taxi is around 35Euros. Make sure you use a registered taxi. These are always white cars and display a licence on the back. Some taxis are cash only.
Moving around town:
I am not sure where you accommodation is but if staying in the centre, many sights are a short walk away. As mentioned, there are two underground lines that cross at Termini. A single underground journey is 1.5E while a daily unlimited ticket is around 5E. The underground is generally safe but pay attention to pick pocketers (small gypsy girls) around the main tourists’ stations. The underground stops at 1.30AM on Fridays and Saturdays. I have zoomed on the centre section of the network below.
Sights:
I am sure you are already aware of the main sights. I suggest taking a free walking tour (https://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/walking-tours/city-tour/) and perhaps buy the Lonely Planet guide (Latest edition https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Planet-Rome-Travel... or older version https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Planet-Rome-Travel... I always suggest booking ahead for the Colosseo (this is the official website https://www.coopculture.it/en/products/ticket-colo... . The ticket also gives access to the roman forum which is really nice and next door. It gets really hot so do bring water and a cap.
Another one worth booking is the Vatican Museum as it allows to skip the massive queue. (Official ticket website here https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home/calendar/vis... The museum is vast and closed on Sundays so do consider that beforehand. as the highlight is the Sistine chapel which is truly incredible and worth the trip to Rome on its own. As this is effectively a church the security staff will insist you wear appropriate clothing during your visit. The same ticket also gives you access to the San Peters church. A little tip: you can skip the queue to go into Saint Peters by leaving the Sistine chapel by the small door on the right. This is reserved for groups but you can easily just follow one as the go through. The list does not follow any order so do look the places up on google.
On top of that I can suggest some of my favourite sites which are less visited by tourists.
- Chiesa del Gesú: This is the mother church of the Jesuits. It is a fantastic example of late renaissance architecture and decoration with a truly stunning vaulted ceiling.
- Terrazza del pincio: The go-to place when taking out your first girlfriend on an afternoon date when you are 13. Just above piazza del popolo, this is a large terrace looking onto Rome. It is right next to Villa Borghese, a large park which is worth a stroll.
- Ostia Antica: This is a park containing the ruins of the roman Ostia, the old port of Rome. It sits on the via Ostiense towards the sea but you can get there by public transport using the Roma-Lido train that leaves from Piramide Underground. It is a nice sight and it will probably take around ½ day to visit so perhaps I would avoid it.
- Finally, I suggest you just walk around and get lost in the little streets and alleys. There are nice things to see everywhere you go.
Food:
- Breakfast in Italy is normally an espresso or a cappuccino and a croissant consumed directly standing at the bar. Observe the Italians do it and have a go. Prices are generally cheaper than the UK as an espresso is 1E, a cappuccino is 1.5E and a croissant is again 1E. It is normal to leave 10/20 cents as tip to the barista. Just leave them on the bar. You will notice Italians just say caffé to mean espresso. If you want a long coffee just ask for a Caffé americano.
- For lunch, look for a place offering “Pizza al taglio” which is pizza by the slice. This means that you can pick any flavour and the pizza is priced by weight. As a rule of thumb this should cost around 5/6E but then again it depends on weight. Alice Pizza is nice and there are plenty around (https://www.alicepizza.it/). In any pizza place do order a Supplí, there are deep fried rice balls and are to die for.
- For dinner I suggest you try some typical roman cuisine. I suggest Roscioli (https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/) but it will need booking as it is small. They make a really nice Carbonara and it is not too expensive. If you want Cacio e Pepe then the place to go is Felice a Testaccio or also in Testaccio Bucatino (https://www.dabucatino.it/) or Velavevodetto (https://www.ristorantevelavevodetto.it/) . All places will have an extensive roman menu so they are all good. Also in Testaccio is Nuovo Mondo, a typical roman pizzeria. The pizza here is extremely thin and crunchy so worth trying. You cannot book here so you will need to queue outside at the weekend. This is cheap and cheerful and should speak English.
- As you can see, Testaccio is a good are to eat but it is just outside of the centre so if you let me know where you are staying I can suggest other places.
- I suggest you also visit a few gelaterie for some good gelato. In the centre I suggest Giolitti (https://www.giolitti.it/) but there are others so check google reviews.
- Bring a bottle of water to refill in one of the many fountains arod Rome. These are called “Nasoni” = Big noses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasone. On this same topic, water (not even tap) is never free in restaurants. A bottle is around 2-2.5E and I suggest you try natural sparkling water when there. Common brands are Acqua di Nepi (Probably the only thing I really miss from back home) and Ferrarelle.
Enjoy!
Arrival:
If arriving in Fiumicino (FCO) there are a few options. There are two trains:
- The Leonardo Express directly to Termini central station. This is around 20Euros and once in Termini you can connect to either the A (orange) or B (blue) underground.
- Local train is much cheaper but not much slower. You can get off at Ostiense station and use the walkway to connect to Piramide underground station on the B (blue line).
Alternatively, there are direct coaches to Termini which normally are the cheapest option. Taxis have fixed tariff from the airport and it is around 60 Euros
If arriving in Ciampino (CIA), you can take a coach directly to the centre while a taxi is around 35Euros. Make sure you use a registered taxi. These are always white cars and display a licence on the back. Some taxis are cash only.
Moving around town:
I am not sure where you accommodation is but if staying in the centre, many sights are a short walk away. As mentioned, there are two underground lines that cross at Termini. A single underground journey is 1.5E while a daily unlimited ticket is around 5E. The underground is generally safe but pay attention to pick pocketers (small gypsy girls) around the main tourists’ stations. The underground stops at 1.30AM on Fridays and Saturdays. I have zoomed on the centre section of the network below.
Sights:
I am sure you are already aware of the main sights. I suggest taking a free walking tour (https://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/walking-tours/city-tour/) and perhaps buy the Lonely Planet guide (Latest edition https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Planet-Rome-Travel... or older version https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Planet-Rome-Travel... I always suggest booking ahead for the Colosseo (this is the official website https://www.coopculture.it/en/products/ticket-colo... . The ticket also gives access to the roman forum which is really nice and next door. It gets really hot so do bring water and a cap.
Another one worth booking is the Vatican Museum as it allows to skip the massive queue. (Official ticket website here https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home/calendar/vis... The museum is vast and closed on Sundays so do consider that beforehand. as the highlight is the Sistine chapel which is truly incredible and worth the trip to Rome on its own. As this is effectively a church the security staff will insist you wear appropriate clothing during your visit. The same ticket also gives you access to the San Peters church. A little tip: you can skip the queue to go into Saint Peters by leaving the Sistine chapel by the small door on the right. This is reserved for groups but you can easily just follow one as the go through. The list does not follow any order so do look the places up on google.
On top of that I can suggest some of my favourite sites which are less visited by tourists.
- Chiesa del Gesú: This is the mother church of the Jesuits. It is a fantastic example of late renaissance architecture and decoration with a truly stunning vaulted ceiling.
- Terrazza del pincio: The go-to place when taking out your first girlfriend on an afternoon date when you are 13. Just above piazza del popolo, this is a large terrace looking onto Rome. It is right next to Villa Borghese, a large park which is worth a stroll.
- Ostia Antica: This is a park containing the ruins of the roman Ostia, the old port of Rome. It sits on the via Ostiense towards the sea but you can get there by public transport using the Roma-Lido train that leaves from Piramide Underground. It is a nice sight and it will probably take around ½ day to visit so perhaps I would avoid it.
- Finally, I suggest you just walk around and get lost in the little streets and alleys. There are nice things to see everywhere you go.
Food:
- Breakfast in Italy is normally an espresso or a cappuccino and a croissant consumed directly standing at the bar. Observe the Italians do it and have a go. Prices are generally cheaper than the UK as an espresso is 1E, a cappuccino is 1.5E and a croissant is again 1E. It is normal to leave 10/20 cents as tip to the barista. Just leave them on the bar. You will notice Italians just say caffé to mean espresso. If you want a long coffee just ask for a Caffé americano.
- For lunch, look for a place offering “Pizza al taglio” which is pizza by the slice. This means that you can pick any flavour and the pizza is priced by weight. As a rule of thumb this should cost around 5/6E but then again it depends on weight. Alice Pizza is nice and there are plenty around (https://www.alicepizza.it/). In any pizza place do order a Supplí, there are deep fried rice balls and are to die for.
- For dinner I suggest you try some typical roman cuisine. I suggest Roscioli (https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/) but it will need booking as it is small. They make a really nice Carbonara and it is not too expensive. If you want Cacio e Pepe then the place to go is Felice a Testaccio or also in Testaccio Bucatino (https://www.dabucatino.it/) or Velavevodetto (https://www.ristorantevelavevodetto.it/) . All places will have an extensive roman menu so they are all good. Also in Testaccio is Nuovo Mondo, a typical roman pizzeria. The pizza here is extremely thin and crunchy so worth trying. You cannot book here so you will need to queue outside at the weekend. This is cheap and cheerful and should speak English.
- As you can see, Testaccio is a good are to eat but it is just outside of the centre so if you let me know where you are staying I can suggest other places.
- I suggest you also visit a few gelaterie for some good gelato. In the centre I suggest Giolitti (https://www.giolitti.it/) but there are others so check google reviews.
- Bring a bottle of water to refill in one of the many fountains arod Rome. These are called “Nasoni” = Big noses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasone. On this same topic, water (not even tap) is never free in restaurants. A bottle is around 2-2.5E and I suggest you try natural sparkling water when there. Common brands are Acqua di Nepi (Probably the only thing I really miss from back home) and Ferrarelle.
Enjoy!
Edited by MatteAva on Monday 31st October 14:21
fourstardan said:
It doesn't sound as expensive to eat as Paris, is that a fair assumption?
Yes. I have always found Italy good value for eating, as long as you stay away from the main tourist piazzas (squares). They don't like to fleece you like the French can. Skiing is a great example. In livigno eating up the mountain is generally 1 euro more than eating at the base. Try that in the three valleys......Venice is another good example. Drink anywhere in the main throng of things and you'll pay 8 euros for a medium beer. Walk a few quiet side streets away and it'll half.
I have a feeling it's because eating out with friends is an essential part of Italian life, and whilst they expect great quality, they don't ponce it up like the French. Perhaps I had a distorted view of it as I lived in the Italian countryside, but I did go to nice places often.
Griffith4ever said:
Yes. I have always found Italy good value for eating, as long as you stay away from the main tourist piazzas (squares). They don't like to fleece you like the French can. Skiing is a great example. In livigno eating up the mountain is generally 1 euro more than eating at the base. Try that in the three valleys......
Venice is another good example. Drink anywhere in the main throng of things and you'll pay 8 euros for a medium beer. Walk a few quiet side streets away and it'll half.
I have a feeling it's because eating out with friends is an essential part of Italian life, and whilst they expect great quality, they don't ponce it up like the French. Perhaps I had a distorted view of it as I lived in the Italian countryside, but I did go to nice places often.
Good to know matey.Venice is another good example. Drink anywhere in the main throng of things and you'll pay 8 euros for a medium beer. Walk a few quiet side streets away and it'll half.
I have a feeling it's because eating out with friends is an essential part of Italian life, and whilst they expect great quality, they don't ponce it up like the French. Perhaps I had a distorted view of it as I lived in the Italian countryside, but I did go to nice places often.
I have always fancied a trip to Florence myself, is that recommended?
fourstardan said:
Good to know matey.
I have always fancied a trip to Florence myself, is that recommended?
Yes, most definitely. A couple of years ago me and SWMBO had a wonderful week away with a couple of nights in Florence then taking the train to Venice for a couple nights there. The northern Italian cities really are worth the effort.I have always fancied a trip to Florence myself, is that recommended?
We went in august, it’s arguably my favourite city. I’d echo about getting a fast track tour for the colosseum et, and just mooching around. Crime in my opinion is nothing like as bad as Barca.
We went to Ostia Antica on the train and I’d really recommend that - it’s the former Roman port, and is stunning.
Food wise I’d recommend “Da Enzo Al 29” www.daenzoal29.com in Trastevere - you can’t book and the queue to get in starts at 6.30pm for food commencing at 7pm, but it was simple yet so good!
Enjoy!
We went to Ostia Antica on the train and I’d really recommend that - it’s the former Roman port, and is stunning.
Food wise I’d recommend “Da Enzo Al 29” www.daenzoal29.com in Trastevere - you can’t book and the queue to get in starts at 6.30pm for food commencing at 7pm, but it was simple yet so good!
Enjoy!
fourstardan said:
Griffith4ever said:
Yes. I have always found Italy good value for eating, as long as you stay away from the main tourist piazzas (squares). They don't like to fleece you like the French can. Skiing is a great example. In livigno eating up the mountain is generally 1 euro more than eating at the base. Try that in the three valleys......
Venice is another good example. Drink anywhere in the main throng of things and you'll pay 8 euros for a medium beer. Walk a few quiet side streets away and it'll half.
I have a feeling it's because eating out with friends is an essential part of Italian life, and whilst they expect great quality, they don't ponce it up like the French. Perhaps I had a distorted view of it as I lived in the Italian countryside, but I did go to nice places often.
Good to know matey.Venice is another good example. Drink anywhere in the main throng of things and you'll pay 8 euros for a medium beer. Walk a few quiet side streets away and it'll half.
I have a feeling it's because eating out with friends is an essential part of Italian life, and whilst they expect great quality, they don't ponce it up like the French. Perhaps I had a distorted view of it as I lived in the Italian countryside, but I did go to nice places often.
I have always fancied a trip to Florence myself, is that recommended?
Go up duomo.
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 3rd November 09:14
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 3rd November 09:14
Antony Moxey said:
Yes, most definitely. A couple of years ago me and SWMBO had a wonderful week away with a couple of nights in Florence then taking the train to Venice for a couple nights there. The northern Italian cities really are worth the effort.
Good idea actually there, Ryan air are doing bournemouth to Venice till march.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff