Rome, Italy
Rome is the capital city of Italy, being one of the most visited cities in Europe. They nevertheless, has many influence when comes to arts and historical buildings, its architectural and cultural learning.
Rome is packed with tourists and visitors every year while one may easily get lost but do however, stick close to one another (be careful of pickpockets too). I would suggest that 3 – 4 days is sufficient, depending on how you would spend your time here, including the visit of the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope.
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN ROME
Colosseum & the Arch of Constantine
The Colosseum is a large amphitheater, begun in AD82 by the Roman emperor, Vespasian while his son acts as his predecessor added the fourth story on it. Well, the Colosseum is used for theatrical performances, festivals, circuses, or games that entertains the Roman official.
It is an eye-opening experience and worth while to pay a visit into the Colosseum. An adult ticket may costs about EUR12 (subject to changes) which will normally include tickets into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well. If you wish, you may include an add-on of an audio guide for EUR5.50; or a video-audio guide for EUR6 for a limited duration of use.
You may visit Colosseum Ticket Office – Website for more information on its ticketing, add-ons, and opening hours.
Nearest Metro station: Colosseo
Arch of Titus
Really close to the Colosseum is the Arch of Titus, constructed in AD82 by the Emperor Domitian to commemorate Titus’s victories, after Titus’s death.
Titus was a Roman Emperor from AD79 to AD81 and is the older brother of Emperor Domitian. They are the children and predecessor of Vespasian.
Nearest Metro station: Colosseo
Roman Forum
Julius Caesar’s Grave
Now known as a Roman Forum, still stands the standing and fallen ruins and arches, as well as the ancient remains which stood back two millennia, now situated in a busy modern city of Rome. These ruins and ancient buildings were important ancient government buildings.
You will still find its iconic structures such as the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Temple of Caesar, as well as the Temple of Romulus. I even had the chance to see the grave of Julius Caesar which was once a Roman politician and general, which played a critical role during the Roman Empire.
The tickets into the Roman Forum are normally included with the Colosseum tickets as well.
Nearest Metro station: Colosseo
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is a park filled with magnificent ruins of ancient Rome, which is also evidencing the Rome’s settlement in the past. Do that on a sunny day!
The tickets into the Palatine Hill are normally included with the Colosseum tickets as well.
Nearest Metro station: Colosseo
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Rome, that has the saying of throwing a coin will assure your return to Rome. I bet that you can find a fortune of coins in it, where many people would do so.
It is a masterpiece where you will see them often in movies, particularly love stories.
Nearest Metro station: Barberini
Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved monument in Roman times where it was damaged by fire, and rebuilt in AD80. This building was way too long and intact for over 2,000 years.
Pantheon is now a church, which was once a Roman temple. You may enter the Pantheon through the giant doors of its tremendous history and well-worth the study!
Piazza di Spagna and its Spanish Steps
Why was it called as Spanish Steps when it was built in Italy, designed by an Italian architect? Nothing, they were just steps leading to the Spain Embassy. After all, they were steps located just next to the Piazza di Spagna, being one of the most famous squares in Rome.
These Spanish Steps had a massive refurbishments that are sponsored by Bulgari, an Italian luxury brand. On the other hand, the square has the first McDonald’s restaurant in Italy which was protested by the locals in the past, saying that no American chain should have a place in Rome’s historic centre.
Why don’t you grab a burger and eat by the Spanish Steps? No, you are not allowed and it is prohibited to do that as well.
Nearest Metro station: Spagna
OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING
Altare della Patria
It was dark during my visit to the Altare della Patria, a large monument that was built to honor the first king of a unified Italy. Best to visit here during the day time!
Nearest Metro station: Colosseo
RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
By Foot
The best way of getting through the corners and inner Rome is by foot. You must understand that Rome is well-packed with tourists and filled with countless historic buildings. Therefore, going by foot is an ideal option but you ought to have a lot of walking to do.
By Metro
Metro is available as well, that is used to be called as Metropolitana by the locals. The Metro option however, does not cover the inner city but still a good option to travel from one point further away to another.
You may visit Rome Metro – Website (unofficial) for more information.
By Bus
Just like the Metro, it is still a good option to travel from one point further away to another. For instance, buses can be a good option than walking if you are heading to the Vatican City, also known to be the smallest country in the world.
TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS
Hostel Prices
- Shared dorm rooms: Starts at EUR30 per pax/night, but EUR60 is average.
I am not too sure about hosteling in Rome and based on estimated prices, you could save money this way.
Hotel Prices
- Hotel rooms: Starts about EUR45 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about EUR70 – EUR80 at average per night for 2 persons.
Food & Drinks
- Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about EUR8 and
- Good restaurant: Could start as high as EUR20 for an average meal.
Transportation
- From Florence (train): You may travel to Rome by train, arriving at Roma Tiburtina railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR25 – EUR30, for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 1 hour 30 minutes of ride (depending on the date/time of your visit); and
- From Venice (train): You may travel to Rome by train, arriving at Roma Tiburtina railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR50 – EUR55 for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 3 hours 45 minutes ride (depending on the date/time of your visit).
You may visit ItalianRail – Website for more information. Alternatively, you may also look at Italo railway company at Italo railway – Website.
Copyright © | Aspen See
Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.
