Rome - any handy hints or tips welcomed!

SuperMum2008

Hi, heading to Rome in a few weeks for the first time, anyone got any handy "must see's" or "don't bother's" or any hints or tips. Cant remember where we are staying, but will be pretty central.

Thankyou!

phatbear

Before I give you my hints please note I love Rome it has to be one of my top 3 cities in the world but.....

On the last 2 occasions of visiting their seems to be an increased amount of scum-baggery, it eithers asian hawkers trying to push something in your face at all of the sites, alas i got in a to-do with a chap at the spanish steps for being a bit to full on trying to sell mrs phatbear something which she didnt want, or pickpockets on the subway, another to-do this time I saw someone in the process of getting their pockets picked so I got involved, or africans trying to push dodgy handbags on to you or gypsies harrasing you for money on the tube or when ever you sit down for a rest.

I know all this goes on elsewhere in the world it just seems extra full on in Rome.

So my top tip is keep your wits about you, dont be foolish enough to have anything on your back, handbag/rucksack etc. And most importantly learn italian for "sod off" or take me with you and i'll protect ya!!!

ferriswheeljunkie

DEFINATELY go to the Vatican...it is absolutely incredible.

SuperMum2008

Thanks guys - had been warned about pickpocketers before so am going to invest in an over the shoulder boulder holder of some description. Good to know about hasslers too - what is Italian for sod off anyway?!

tara747

St Peter's Cathedral... took my breath away.

fmlewis

SuperMum2008 wrote: »

what is Italian for sod off anyway?!

"va fancullo should do the trick"!

Saviola

SuperMum2008 wrote: »

Thanks guys - had been warned about pickpocketers before so am going to invest in an over the shoulder boulder holder of some description. Good to know about hasslers too - what is Italian for sod off anyway?!

Vada Via is a nicer version of sod of

tara747

Oh the Sistine Chapel is free on the last Sunday of every month if your trip is then... very MSE!

wizk1

Throw a penny over your shoulder with your left hand, and your back turned to the Trevi fountain, and it grants your guaranteed return to Rome. According to legend

wizk1

Oh. And a warning. If you're visiting the Colosseum. Beware of the men dressed in Roman soldier costumes. They will encourage you to have their photo taken with them (with your own camera), and when the photo's been taken, they will demand payment. Unless you really want the photograph, firmly tell them "No!"

Rosie1978

I went to Rome and while it is lovely - it's blooming expensive!!

Few tips for you though:
- Colleseum is beautiful but the queue was huge when we were there. We heard people asking who wanted to join the guided tour and it was only a few euros more but we were whisked to the front of the queue - result!

- Vatican is also amazing but... its a blooming long walk - it must be two miles I swear so wear comfy shoes. The Sistine Chapel is the last thing you come to and these are no photos allowed and silence is observed - worth it though - amazing!!

- Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon are all within about 15 mins walk of each other and free of course! Invest in a map!

- Do watch your stuff. We didn't see much crime but i know it goes on. A polite no is all you need for hawkers but watch your bags! When we were there we sat in a cafe one night and a woman came by and told the lady next to us that she'd sat there the night before and her handbag was nicked with $1200 in it (although why she was carrying that much I'll never know...) Don't put your bag down in a restarant - stay vigilant.

- Roman centurions - you'll see these fellows all over the place. If you pose for a picture with them - they'll demand money from you. Avoid or employee stealth photography tactics.

- Master the buses and trams - they are very easy to use and soooo much cheaper than using taxis.

- Do your research!!! Visit www.virtualtourist.com because theres loads of info there about scams/danger/ what to see etc etc.

Hope that helps!!