Rome

[Insidious Von]

Instead of posting further to the French terror thread, I'm starting a new one.

When tourists visit Rome they usually miss what is, IMHO, it's greatest attraction: Michelangelo's Moses. The crazy part is, its located at the Church of St Peter in Chains - one block north of The Colosseum.

 

[Insidious Von]

I like to spend my morning at the Spanish steps, sipping cafe and watching the girls go by. Btw if you order coffee in Rome and ask for espresso they'll know you're a tourist. Always order a cafe.

 

[Insidious Von]

I'm insuring that I'll be in attendance the the opening of Roma Stadium. Due to the city's archeological laws it won't be ready until 2019.

 

[GPIDEAL]

Signor IV,

I'm going to Italy in September to visit my mom's old town (which is not that far from Rome). I'm returning after a very long hiatus (I was born here though). This thread will be helpful in ascertaining key spots for a young relative of mine who needs to be educated on his roots. (My dad always joked about being a descendant of Julius Caesar).

 

[GPIDEAL]

I like to spend my morning at the Spanish steps, sipping cafe and watching the girls go by. Btw if you order coffee in Rome and ask for espresso they'll know you're a tourist. Always order a cafe.

Unless you ask in Italian, right?

My friend who lived in Rome but is back here now said that I won't be able to park downtown to visit the ancient ruins. Almost like having to park at Casa Loma just to see the Rogers Centre.

What's the best advice (we are not staying in Rome but will drive or take a train from my parent's home town in the province of Frosinone)?

 

[GPIDEAL]

Instead of posting further to the French terror thread, I'm starting a new one.

When tourists visit Rome they usually miss what is, IMHO, it's greatest attraction: Michelangelo's Moses. The crazy part is, its located at the Church of St Peter in Chains - one block north of The Colosseum.

When I was in Rome last (in the 70s omg), I'm sure I saw Michelangelo's Moses and other art as well as all of the key spots, including walking up the top of St. Peter's Basilica. I need a refresher and this is a great thread. Grazie Mille!

 

[Zaibetter]

Unless you ask in Italian, right?

My friend who lived in Rome but is back here now said that I won't be able to park downtown to visit the ancient ruins. Almost like having to park at Casa Loma just to see the Rogers Centre.

What's the best advice (we are not staying in Rome but will drive or take a train from my parent's home town in the province of Frosinone)?

If your going downtown Rome the best is to go on scooters, you'll go thru the traffic easily and you can park almost anywhere.

 

[MissCroft]

Been to Italy once (Venice, Milan, Bologna) but never been to Florence or Rome. Looks amazing.

 

[Insidious Von]

While in Rome I'll usually book a room as close to Il Piazza del Popolo as possible. The Villa Borghese is next door. The Via Corso and the Babuino are both pedestrian only - if you take a wife of gf she'll break the bank. The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon and The Spanish Steps are within walking distance of those streets. I usually make a day of it.

 

[Insidious Von]

If your going downtown Rome the best is to go on scooters, you'll go thru the traffic easily and you can park almost anywhere.

I don't recommend renting a vespa on your first visit to Rome, the traffic can be pazzo. I good pair of Dunham walking shoes and the tram will do fine.

 

[Insidious Von]

My last day in Rome will be spent with The Accademia di Santa Ceclia. The world's oldest musical entity, established in 1539. It used to specialize in Renaissance and Baroque music but has undergone radical change under Antonio Pappano.

 

[GPIDEAL]

If your going downtown Rome the best is to go on scooters, you'll go thru the traffic easily and you can park almost anywhere.

I will be with another adult and a 10 year old. Can't do the scooters.

 

[danmand]

Don't forget to take in an operatic performance.

https://www.classictic.com/en/special/rome_opera_tickets/2667/

When I am there I watch a performance every night.

 

[Insidious Von]

I saw a performance of Verdi's Don Carlos at the Terma di Caracalla (Roman Baths) and it was unforgettable. The Baths are massive, you can easily get lost within.

 

[Insidious Von]

Warning!

On your first visit ALWAYS keep a bottle of water with you. Rome gets hotter than Toronto but it doesn't feel that way. There is no humidity, you can get sun stroke if you are not prepared. Don't drink any alcohol before you're acclimatized. Above post, Neil had water vapour machines on the go as he performed.

 

[Tiger]

Warning!

On your first visit ALWAYS keep a bottle of water with you. Rome gets hotter than Toronto but it doesn't feel that way. There is no humidity, you can get sun stroke if you are not prepared. Don't drink any alcohol before you're acclimatized. Above post, Neil had water vapour machines on the go as he performed.

Actually you'd be surprised at how many public water fountains and taps you'll seeing walking around Rome. Often quite ornate, sometimes just a bronze Lion's head, but you can drink the water and it's clean. Or at least splash yourself and cool down. Pretty amazing.

 

[Insidious Von]

Uttimo, I'm going to take Charlotte with me. Did I forget something?

 

[Insidious Von]

Of course I'm always snacking on pizza when in Rome. They figured out they couldn't compete with Napoli for traditional pizza so they started making pan pizza in the mid 90's. It caught on in a big way.

I always have the arugula with fresh anchovies. Too bad we only get the brined ones here.

 

[sashimi]

The iconic Pantheon is one of the must see. And it's free.

A stone throw away is one of the city's best mid-range restaurants - Armando. And nearby are two of Rome's best espressos - served at Sant Eustachio and Tazzo D'Oro. All 3 are within a min walk of each other.

There is no Starbucks in Rome. Not yet.

 

[Insidious Von]

McDonald's didn't fare to well in Rome, Starbucks probably wont have it easy either. Although Wimpy's is popular.

When in Rome do as the Romans.