HOW TO START? :-)
by Malecka
FORGET THE TRAVELING AGENCY IF YOU ARE WITH ONE.
First of, I would definitely suggest buying a small book on Rome because it really is a completely different experience when, apart from the visual treat, you actually know what you are seeing. There is so much history in every little stone found in this city that... it just makes more sense to be at least a little bit informed.
Second, if time is limited, as it usually is, then a rough plan is needed. Setting the "priorities", the must see places. For some it might be tossing a coin in Fontana di Trevi, for others seeing the Vatican Museum, and then for others eating a pizza. Doesn't matter what your priorities are, just make sure you have some.
There is no way you can do and see everything during an average (a week or so) visit.
Third. Take your time and enjoy EVERY STEP you make there! Take it all in. There is no point in running around, spending ten seconds at each sight just for the sake of taking the picture.
Ok, now, before you start the 'leg-torture' kick it off with an Italian breakfast - at any bar order a nice cup of cappuccino and cornetto (tasty pastry). The cafes on Piazza di S. Eustachio are the right place for this. Or, Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina.
Now you're ready! the coffee. Italy is coffee paradise. No matter which bar you go to, fancy or dodgy, posh-looking or just a bar by the road or one in termini station, the coffee will inevitably be great. If you're not into strong coffee (not many stomachs can take it), then go for the cappuccino.
HandCarry
by Meg_nanako
Lots of custom checks and tons of baggage delay and lost occurences in Europe especially if you go via planes. Our bags were delay in/out of Rome from London. It was such a hassle and their system is really not efficient in helping stranded tourists without their bags. So it's best to pack an extra set of clothes on your handcarry if you have space. By the way, most airlines allow you to an immediate compensation of about 60 Euros or pounds if your bag is delayed, if you have no travel insurance. Check on what can be bought with it though, there're various conditions to meet.
Medicines
by ATLC about Farmacia
A sore throat threatened me during my stay in Rome, so I looked for a pharmacist which is a Farmacia in Italian. You can recognise them by neon green cross outside the shop.
There are a lot of them around town, so the address here is only if you are near the Vatican. I bought some good lozenges to suck on: NEOBOROCILLINA. They were excellent, I didn't have any trouble after taking them for a day. 20 pcs for € 5.
By Airplane, if you don't live...
by Patricialuv
By Airplane, if you don't live in Europe.
But if you live near Europe, going by express train is a good idea
Getting around Rome is VERY easy will so many types of transportation. By bus, train, motorcycle, car, or subway. I personally preferred the subway (and guess what!) the Roman subways are cleaner than the New York subways!
Roman Food for a Large Group
by TRimer about L'Orso 80
L'Orso 80 is famous for it's amazing Roman dishes. If you're in a group, just ask them to send out as many appetizers as you think you want to try. They'll fill your table(s) with some of the most incredible dishes you've ever seen. You must try the antipasta. A rainbow of vegetables came on one platter: The spectrum of flavors ranged from the tangy acidity of vinegary mushrooms and cauliflower with capers to the mellow creaminess of fresh mozzarella balls, to the anise bite of sliced fresh fennel bulbs. There was also crispy fried eggplant and a variety of roasted vegetables: zucchini stuffed with parmesan cheese, red peppers filled with pesto and marinated hot peppers.
Sign in with Facebook
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza di S. Eustachio
Apse, Santa Maria in Trastevere
500 m line at Vatican museum.
