Rome

[Kent Shrimper]

Myself and Mrs KS are off to Rome at the end of May for a long weekend, there is the obvious touristy things we will do but i wondered if the Shrimperzonepedia could recommend any decent restaurants or tips and tricks to beat the crowds or sites that you wouldn't automatically think of.

Your experiences are greatly received.

Cheers
Andy

 

[EastStandBlue]

Mid afternoon would probably be the best time to take in some of the busier attractions, as Italians typically take a snooze at this time.

When eating out, it's worth noting that most restaurants don't open till 8pm(ish) so either have a late lunch or take a snack with you.

 

[Lester Bangs]

I've never been to Italy but have a wonderful time. We're due a get together and I'll start putting out feelers to get the troops mobilised.

 

[Hotman]

It's all about Via dei Condotti!!

I hired a taxi driver last time i was there, about 500 quid for the day but worth every penny, took me to all the sights and a local restaurant that we wouldn't have found otherwise.

Did this in Florence as well, but Rome was far more worthwhile having a taxi, helps you to do it in a day...! if you want his number let me know.

 

[Kent Shrimper]

I've never been to Italy but have a wonderful time. We're due a get together and I'll start putting out feelers to get the troops mobilised.

great plan its been a while!!!

Thanks for all help thus far

 

[chadded]

Before any of the SZFC lot say 'Haha, ask Biffa, tee hee hee,'' I did have a **** time there due to the company, but the sights aren't bad. Any chance of seeing a Roma game?

 

[Stats]

Rome is a fantastic city to visit, me and the Mrs went there 4 and a bit years ago and its easily the best city we have been to.

If your flying into Rome Campino then make sure you sit on the right hand side of the plane. You will then fly over the centre of the city and you'll see many of the sites from the air.

Shed loads to see the Colloseum and Foro Romano are breathtaking, Sistine Chapel is worth the lengthy wait to see, Pantheon is a pretty awesome, Trevi fountain to name a few.

Its not very flat so wear comfy shoes, you can walk from most tourist attractions to others. If your feeling lazy then the bus system in Rome is superb, every bus stop has a very visable detailed map of exactly where you are. The train system only has two lines so you can go wrong there either.

I was fortunate enough to catch a Lazio game at the Olympic Stadium, again thats worth a look at, you can get a river boat up there.

Eating wise there are some nice restaurants in the Piazza Novona and nearby streets.

Hope that helps :)

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

Make sure you do as the Romans do, Andy...

;)

Rome's not a city I know terribly well - I've only been the once - but the Coliseum and the Pantheon are unmissable, as are the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

I'd echo the comment that it's quite a hilly and higgedly-piggedly kind of place with lots of cobbles, so take comfy walking shoes and make sure the missus leaves her heels at home!

Matt

 

[Kent Shrimper]

Cheers everyone, its really helpful i had no idea about the hills and ****, i will have to leave my stilettos as home as well ;-)

Anyone recommend any bars, restaurants, nightlife?

 

[Davros]

watch out for the people dressed as Centurions when walking around the colloseum... one threatened to cut my 'fish' off because i wouldnt have a picture with him.

You have just got to climb to the top of St Peters Ballisica, the view is stunning... lot of stairs tho.. gets blooming tight and wonky in places!

The Spanish steps and fountain at the bottom are also pretty cool, watch out for the ladies with the bracelet thingsys tho!

be aware, a lot of places dont accept credit cards food wise, hence we ended up at the Hard Rock Café.. altho to be fair, was a cracking meal!

Make sure you have some ice cream while you're out there from one of the many small vendors.. tis a delight!

 

[The General]

I might go to Rome ... when i get old!

 

[Kent Shrimper]

I might go to Rome ... when i get old!

as long as its not in may i couldn't give a **** ;)

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

I might go to Rome ... when i get old!

Because, obviously, standing in a darkened room with music so loud you can't speak, and drinking until you vomit while located on a lump of rock in the Med where the locals hate you is, obviously, a far more rewarding and life-enriching experience.

 

[Davros]

Because, obviously, standing in a darkened room with music so loud you can't speak, and drinking until you vomit while located on a lump of rock in the Med where the locals hate you is, obviously, a far more rewarding and life-enriching experience.

no, because the General preferes swimming pools..

 

[The General]

Because, obviously, standing in a darkened room with music so loud you can't speak, and drinking until you vomit while located on a lump of rock in the Med where the locals hate you is, obviously, a far more rewarding and life-enriching experience.

You know better not to bite Matt !! Lets not make it too easy for me eh ...

... and im sure you know the above scenario doesn't happen from my good self!

 

[Sean 2]

Do your sight-seeing early, beat the heat and the crowds.
Watch out for pickpockets.
Don't photograph the centurions, they'll charge you!
Train is the cheapest way to get around.
It can be a hell of a lot of walking, wear
comfy trainers.
Midday sun, go and get a lovely iti coffee and sit down.
Try and plan the visit before you go.
Go search on forums for the best and cheapest way of seeing everything. Some tickets are a rip-off or you may get in cheaper.
Have a rest at the weekends away from the crowds.
I think the first Sunday of every month the Pope pops up at his window for a speech, this is good fun looking up from the square.

This place is awesome! So much to see. Get the bus not a taxi from the airport to the train station. Taxis are very expensive here, buses are a nightmare in the summer.

 

[MK Shrimper]

Send a postcard home from the Vatican City, smallest country in the world.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Shrimp and two veg pretty much covered it all.
Look online for tickets before u go, you can get tickets that get you into several attractions for one single price.
You will have to walk most places as the metro system tends to run arouind the city and not through it like London.
You must try the ice cream at least once but not the stuff that looks radioactive in colour!
Beer is about 5 euros a pint, food is pretty reasonable, dont go near the tourist traps though as most of the food is just microwaved or warmed up.

ANd a key point be very careful when crossing the road! Italian drivers are nutters and there are few pedestrian crossings. Its basically run very quickly before u get hit!

 

[Davros]

yes, the traffic bit is true.

Even if the green man is up, drivers coming round the corner from the right can still go as long there is no-one on the crossing. However, there definition of someone being on a crossing and yours will differ greatly!

 

[Kent Shrimper]

Great stuff everyone thank you