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In Rome Famous Places Are Just Around The CornerIn Rome famous places are the order of the day. When in Rome promise yourself that you're going to see as much of the city as possible. To do this you'll have to give yourself at least 4 days to see the main attractions. Rome is best discovered on foot with the occasional ride on the metro. Find a hotel near a metro. I like to stay near the train station where there are an abundance of hotels from 2 star to 5 star. Settle in at your hotel and get ready for this historic city.
Get an early start before the crowds gather at most of the main attractions. In the summer the number of tourists can be overwhelming. Start your day by visiting the Colosseum. Make this the starting point for your walking tour.
Give yourself a good hour in the Colosseum before you head across the street to the Roman Forum. Take a stroll down the Via Sacra, which was the main road in the Forum. Depending on how much you like history you could spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an entire day in the Forum. I like to spend about 2 hours exploring the old ruins. Find one of the maps that show you what the buildings use to look like in ancient Rome. In Rome famous places like the Forum seem very surreal. It's hard to believe how advanced this civilization actually was.
By now it's getting close to lunch so after the Forum I head to the Piazza Navona, The piazza Navona use to be the staging area for chariot races. Today it's a wonderful square lined with restaurants and cafes. Street performers and artists crowd the center of the square and there's always plenty of entertainment. After a nice lunch and a glass of wine I head to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is Romes oldest, in tact, building. Take a look inside and grab a delicious Gelato (ice cream) before you head to the Trevi Fountain.
The Trevi Fountain is a short walk from the Pantheon. Be prepared for alot of people. This fountain is one of the most photographed places on earth. Throw a coin in the water and make a wish. Legend says that if you throw a coin in you'll return to Rome. After about 30 minutes at the fountain I head to the Spanish Steps. Here I people watch and take a well deserved rest. There's a metro stop just around the corner and the shopping in this area of Rome is outstanding. Now all that's left for day one is a wonderful dinner at a small family owned trattoria.
Dedicate day two to the Vatican. This will have to be a very early morning, with no exceptions. The line for the Vatican Museum starts to form around 7 am and by 9 am it can stretch for 3km. The line moves fast but it's much better to be at the front than the back. You should give yourself 3 or 4 hours in the museum, at the least. The highlite, of course, is the Sistine Chapel. After the museum you are automatically led towards St. Peter's Basilca. The Basilica should take at least an hour of your time if not more. A climb to the top of the dome is well worth it. You get a magnificant view of Rome from the top.
Around Rome famous places abound. On your third day think about taking a trip outside of the city or use the metro to find some of the more obscure sights. There are tourist information offices all over the city so don't be shy to ask about some of the hidden jewels in Rome. I provide a list below called Rome Famous Places which will give you some other ideas. I hope you enjoy your trip to Rome and your European vacation. Remember, when in Rome promise yourself that you'll get up early to get the most out of the city.In Rome famous places can easily be found on any map. Check out my map below and zoom in to find the location of Romes attractions
Rome Famous Places |