June 2, National Holiday
by tinyvulture
We were on our way to see the Colosseo, but found that it was closed and the via dei Fori Imperiali was entirely blocked off. We found out that there was going to be a huge military parade in honor of the Festa Nazionale della Repubblica, something like our 4th of July. Soon thousands of people lined the street, everyone was clapping and waving, very excited. Helicopters and planes were flying over head. Some of them blew out green, red and white stripes, the colors of the Italian flag, which drew cheers from the crowd. We watched all the soldiers and tanks go by for at least an hour. Do not plan on sightseeing in that area on June 2, and also since everyone is off work, the whole city will be very crowded with pedestrians.
Piramide Di Caio Cestio
by gasca
A pyramid in Rome? Yes!
Gaius Cestius Build this marble and brick tomb for himself around 1st century BC.
I think you cannot visit it.
Not worth for going there just to see the pyramid, but you can take bus 116 from catacombs to take Line B Piramide metro station and see it.
Take the metro!!
by wen_viaggio
The best way around Rome? "Prendi il metro!" "Take the metro!" - The locals would say. Very true indeed, if you want to avoid crossing the roads where fast cars never seem to stop or save time on your trip.
The best food I had in Rome
by deebum25 about Il Fico
This place was the greatest restaurant EVER. I can't say precisely what made it so special, the staff was warm and welcoming even though they did not speak English, the food was absolutely terrific and the prices were extremely reasonable. And the SMELL was just heavenly when we first walked in so we knew that it was going to be something special. Zucchini flowers and my first (but not last!) experience with cozze con pepe (although I have never been able to make it taste this good), a kitchen sink salad with everything from tuna fish to hard boiled eggs, fried fish platter and langoustines for my husband that I actually watched him eat with his hands, unheard of! A wonderful wonderful meal! Cozze con pepe. Terribly simple, incredibly good.
3 days in Rome
by custardpomme
Rome is a gorgeous city, where you could easily spend a week or more. But in 3 days, you can get a good taste of the city and see many of it's gems.
For your first day, don't plan a thing. Don't take a map. Just put on some comfortable shoes and explore. Get lost. Turn corners. Go down little lanes. Grab a gelato. Rest your tired legs at a cafe in any of the piazzas. There's a good chance you'll stumble upon a famous landmark - and if you don't, all the better, because you'll enjoy being among the locals and their fabulous way of life. Luckily, many of Rome's sights are within walking distance, so you can easily pop into the Pantheon, throw a coin into the Trevi fountain, hop down the Spanish Steps and mingle with the chi-chi on Via Condotti.
Your next day, get over to the Roman Forum, next to the Colosseum. While the Colosseum is impressive, there are dozens of school groups at any hour which can deter from the experience. The Forum, however, is less talked-about, and is absolutely fascinating. If you can, join a tour (there are some free ones run by students which are excellent, just donate a coin at the end). The history behind each temple, each altar, each ampitheatre, is awe-inspiring. A definite must-do.
Make sure you fit in the Vatican and St Peters. Enough will have been written about them and for good reason. The Vatican is simply amazing and St Peters is definitely worth the harrowing climb to the top. At dusk, sit outside St Peters and watch the sky change colour behind this beautiful church.
Head to Trastevere one evening for dinner or for a stroll. It's an ambiant, fun area with lots of cafes and restaurants.
Rome has lots of must-sees, but you will really fall in love with the city if you spend a day without any plans, just strolling and getting lost.
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Bronze Angel on the castle terrace.
Me enjoying a beer
San Giovani in Laterano
Photo of couple in found camera
