I traveled back to Rome in February this year after having first visited the city two years previous. On my first visit, I didn’t get much opportunity you sightsee having traveled for a wedding plus the high temperatures and humidity I found difficult to cope with.
If you are thinking of visiting, September and October are apparently the best months but I found February good with mild temperatures and not too much rain. I would recommend the lonely planet travel guide to give you a good over view of history, sights, accommodation, where to eat and drink etc, however, hopefully this would help in some of these areas.
General Travel and Money
Flights were available from Belfast and Dublin, at the minute however, I understand this is not being offered from Belfast airports. You can fly into either Fiumicino (Leonardo Da Vinci) or Ciampino. Although busses and other transport is available, we used the taxi service – a glass of wine to calm the nerves before venturing into a taxi in Rome may be a good idea if you are of a nervous disposition! You would be advised to only go for the Yellow or White case with SPQR on the front as these are licensed. Once in the city centre there is a good bus system also and the numerous tourist kiosks will advise you on routes etc.
Currency is euro and there are plenty of ATM’s available to access money.
Sightseeing
Taking the city bus tour may be a good idea to allow you to get an overall view of the city and then you can decide the tourist attractions you would like to see, however, spending a day walking around the city will ensure you encounter a lot of these such as the Spanish Steps, Trevie Fountain, Pantheon and the Colosseum. You should follow a map to take you to the different squares where you will see many attractions. Piazza Novona was by far my favorite where you will see the Fountain of Four Rivers and be able to sit for while in many of the bars and restaurants and watch the local artists.
I would strongly recommend a tour of the Vatican. These tours can be organized through your hotel and be sure to book and English speaking guide. I usually don’t enjoy visiting many museums or galleries but if you go to Rome the Borghese Gallery is definitely worth a visit.
There is a market held within campo De Fiori, in the centre of which you will see the statue of Giordano Bruno and there are lots of nice bars and restaurants to spend an afternoon.
Food and Drink
There are so many restaurants that it is hard to go wrong. Try to experiment and don’t try to order something thinking it will be the same as at home as you will be very disappointed. La Carbonara on Campo De Fiori is great and good value. If stopping for a drink, remember that although it is lovely to sit overlooking some of the main tourist sights such as the Pantheon, drink and food at these attractions are much more expensive. Enjoy!
|
