I’ve seen a lot of Europe over the past ten years,
gallivanting around in order to see the “must-see” sites of the Continent.
Few of these cities have tempted me to go back for a second
time. 3 trips to Paris and I seem to dislike it more on every visit. Most I
feel I see enough of in the first visit to not need to go back. But there is
one exception to this rule.
Rome. The Eternal City. I think, the most romantic city in
the world. Where the pace of life is hectic and slow all at the same time, and
you walk over thousands of years of history in every street, piazza and
alleyway.
Here is my guide to this phenomenal city...
Get up early.
Rome attracts a bazillion tourists every year, and they all
want to see the Sistine Chapel, throw their coins in the Trevi Fountain and
walk around the Colleseum. They come in bus loads, and walk around in groups of
matching baseball caps, following flags on sticks like a flock of sheep. To
maintain your sanity, and feel you have Rome to yourself. Get up early – I’m
talking, be out the door of your hotel no later than 8am.
Here’s two pictures of the Trevi Fountain to demonstrate...
 |
| 7.45 am |
 |
| Mid Afternoon ish |
Wear a hat
It can be very hot in Rome, with very little shade to protect
you. Don’t turn into a lobster. Wear a hat. It also acts as a convenient fan. I'd recommend a wide brim, so you look fabulous and don't look like you are with that group of American's in matching baseball caps.
Book Ahead
You can pre-book your tickets to the Vatican online up to 6
weeks before, which means you can skip the winding queues (when we arrived
there was a 2 hour wait) and go straight in! Hurrah!
Look Around and Get Lost
Rome is a stunning city, and some of it's beauty isn't in the famous monuments. There are fountains, shrines, gorgeous buildings, antique vespa's, accordian players all around. We spent hours getting ourselves lost and discovering amazing looking restaurants, markets and churches.
Drink Spritz
It's delicious, refreshing and cheap (well cheap-ish). And my new favourite drink. Everywhere sells it... and they are delicious.
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