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Rome, Italy:

Upon Arrival: 

Most likely, your plane will land at Fiumucino (FCO) Airport, officially named Leonardo da Vinci.  Once you arrive and attain your baggage, you have three main options of travel into Rome itself:

1. A shuttle to the car-rental area (we do not recommend a car for Rome)

2. A taxi with an average cost of 45 Euro, the most direct way to your hotel.

3. The train which we recommend for those with budgets in mind.  If you choose the train, you have two more options:

• The Leonardo Express (highly recommended) with shuttle service directly into Rome’s Termini   Station.   At about 10 Euro per person, per trip, this option can be relatively cheap and fast.  The trip is only about 35 minutes

• Regular commuter train (least costly option, but slowest as well).

If you happen to arrive at Ciampino Airport, we recommend taking a taxi for the 45 minute trip for about 35 Euro.

The Neighborhoods:

Il Centro is all of the center of Rome and is where most of the attractions lie as well as most of the hotels we will recommend on this site.  This is a large area, however, so we have broken down the major areas of Il Centro starting with our favorites:

1. Piazza Navona/Pantheon: Talk about great location.  This area is not only the in the center of Rome, it is the center of the center!  This is area is the namesake of one of the greatest squares in Rome as well as the ancient monument that lies within it.  This is area possesses incredible architecture as well as fountains.  We highly recommend staying in this area.

2. Trevi/Piazza di Spagna: We may be repeating ourselves, but centrally located and the namesake of two more amazing sights: The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.  We also highly recommend staying in this area, especially if you enjoy shopping!

3. Colloseo: What can we say, we love Rome and ALL its neighborhoods.  Colloseo offers the best of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum.  Still centrally located, if you don’t stay here, you will spend much of your time here anyway!  Not the most fashionable area, but perfect for history buffs!

4. Via Veneto: This area is perfect for those looking for quiet evenings in a pretty area.  While there isn’t much to speak of in this neighborhood beyond nice hotels, become inspired by this laid back part of Rome and enjoy the tranquility.

5. Borghese: If you enjoy luxury, look no further!  Overlooking Rome’s grand park (Villa Borghese) are many of the five-star resorts in Rome.  Why?  Because not only is the park beautiful, but within it lies about the only tranquility one can find in Rome during the day.  If you don’t stay here, make sure to visit the park!

6. Trastavere: For younger visitors, try this neighborhood.  Along the western bank of the Tiber south of the Vatican lies this quaint, artsy neighborhood that has become a very nice place to stay in the last few decades.  Here you can find an area with great food and nightlife.

7. Prati/San Pietro: Surrounding St. Peter’s Square and directly to the North is an area with good shopping and decent nightlife.  You can find great deals from the hotels in this area even though it’s a very pleasant place to stay!

8. Piazza del Popolo: With an amazing square and THE place to stroll at dusk, this area does not have a lot of hotel options.  However, it does have many fun bars, restaurants and places to shop.Testaccio/Teatro

9. Marcello: Similarly, these two neighborhoods don’t offer too many hotel options.  Lying on the east side of the Tiber, these areas do boast beautiful homes, alleys, archeological sights  and amazing nightlife. 

10. Repubblica: With an amazing square, a fun market and some other great shopping, this area is a great option for those looking the best deals in Rome.  Also, Termini Station (Rome’s main train hub) lies within this neighborhood.

Below is a list of our favorite must see sights in Rome.They are in order, but understand that everyone will have their own Rome and their own order.Just have fun finding yours!

1. The Colosseum, in the Colosseo district, was the home of the gladiators in ancient times.  Prepare to spend about an hour marveling at this ancient wonder where both land and sea battles once took place for the amusement of the Roman Emperors and their subjects.  Go to www.pierreci.it to attain your tickets online before you leave.  This ticket will also gain you entry to the Palatine Hill (we’ll discuss this later!).

2. St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, in the San Pietro district, is the Christian capitol of the world.  You can imagine how much money and how many artifacts have come through this building and this Catholic church proves just that.  Not only is this the largest church in the world, it is the most ornate and most spectacular.  Don’t forget to climb the dome!  Come early (7 a.m. early) and have the run of the place.  You won’t regret it as you watch the lines mount up as you leave.

3. Hand-in-hand with The Basilica are The Vatican Museums.  Remember those artifacts we discussed earlier?  They are all here and they are breathtaking.  Be sure to visit www.vatican.va to book your guided tour before you leave.  Also, don’t forget to bring a small mirror in which to stare up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

4. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both incomprehensible, lie next to the Colosseum yet are separate ruins of the Roman era.  The Forum is free of charge and The Palatine Hill ticket comes with your Colosseum ticket.  Take guided tours of each because both can be very confusing.  The English tour for the Forum leaves at 10:30 am every morning and tours of the Palatine Hill leave regularly.

5. The Galleria Borghese, within the Villa Borghese, was originally built to house art and still does.  This “gallery” hosts amazing murals, but highlights some of the most beautiful sculptures in the world.  Go to www.pierreci.it

   to attain tickets to this sanctuary as they only let a finite amount of people in the building and lines can be horrible.

6. The Pantheon is now a tourist attraction, but was a church and before that was a temple to the gods.  In another city, this would be THE number one attraction.  However, this is Rome, and it is still in the top 10!  The “oculus” is why and how the dome has lasted thousands of years, just hope it doesn’t rain.

7. The fountains, including the Trevi are everywhere.  In fact, you can drink from many of them.  Don’t be scared to get a cool drink from these on a hot day.  You will know if you can drink if you see the Romans do so!  Oh, and don’t forget to revisit the fountains at night for a different look at these wonders.

8. Coupled with the many of the fountains are the squares including Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo.   These are usually good places to grab lunch or coffee and people watch.  Many of them also have obelisks.  These are beautiful stone statues that were stolen from Egypt after Rome conquered it.

9. One of the aforementioned squares is Piazza di Spagna which lies at the base of the Spanish Steps.  Do we even need to describe the most famous staircase in the world?  This is another great place to people watch and rest your feet.

10. Villa Borghese, the large park in the Center of Rome, is a secluded spot for those looking for some peace and quiet in a very vibrant town.  Rent a bike or just stroll while stopping to take in the gardens and monuments that litter the park.

There’s so much more to Rome.  In fact, there’s so much that it will take multiple visits to see everything.  Make sure to throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return!