Anyone been?

Anyone know if you can do a ground tour on non match days and if so is it worth it? Tripadvisor reviews are mixed so wondered if anyone on here had done it.

Edit also any other tips for Rome appreciated. Want to see the main stuff (and if there is a good way of avoiding queues etc great). Also anything off the beaten track or worthwhile that may not spring to mind. Aware of the main sights and what have you but any tips would be great.

Thanks

To cut down on queues:

1. Get to the Colosseum first thing in the morning.
2. Go a little bit off season - eg. October. The Italians think it's cold then, but for us it isn't.

1. Thats the plan, early starts!
2. Im ******. Id have gone then or later (and timed it with a Lazio game) but I didnt plan it

Go on organised tours with DarkRome (vatican & Colosseum), costs more but queue jump is in the price plus you get a guide explaining stuff instead of you guessing, everything else you can do yourself with minimum fuss.

Get a tour bus ticket. Jump on, jump off whenever and wherever. See it all from the bus, then choose what ya wanna do first and stay on the bus til ya get there. Early mornings are good. Buy the guided tour for whatever you are visiting. Colosseum and forum were a joint tour when I went. These people who deliver the tours are proper clued up. Pointless going to Rome and coming home as clueless about it as you (not you personally) were before ya went.

Do the Vatican museum tour, even if you aren't religious. Visit the tombs of dead popes. Strangely moving.

Visit piazza navona, where all the trendies go. Don't eat there unless you are proper minted. Same food, same wine, 50% dearer than anywhere else. On the subject of eating and drinking, find the area known as "Trastevere". Great quality, totally authentic but without the tourist prices.

Visit the colosseo at nite. Breathtaking.

Not done stadio olympico tour, sorry.

Rome is ace for tourists as the main hotspots are close together. Other than the Forum, Circus Maximus and Colosseum (all close by), The Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain (walking distance), Pantheon and Vatican, I'd recommend the Piazzo Navona - It's built on the site of an ancient Roman stadium and is full of smart buildings and watering holes...beer is a bit steep mind.

I went to the Roma v Real Madrid Champions League game when I went in 2008. If you're going to a game get there early...there's loads of places to get a beer, but keep an eye for the Italians pushing little fridges around. They sell big bottles of Birra Morreti at our prices There are two turnstiles to pass through before getting on, so be sure to have a beer before you go through the first as it gets expensive in the ground itself. Another tip if you're on a night match...organise your transport back to your digs as it's a nightmare. Hard work wandering around Rome, p/issed up, trying to hail a taxi

It's a beautiful city in my opinion. Been a couple of times but never got to a lazio game as yet! I know that a few years ago (last time I visited), the stadium didn't have any tours. This may have changed though now, but I'd check first. I would go to have a look round the outside and surrounding area though, it's a nice district and can get you out of the main city centre for a bit of peace n quiet. There's no metro nearby, but trams pass relatively close. It's very very warm in August and I'd take plenty of water to walk around with (as the vendors dotted about the city charge a fortune for it), but if you take a refillable bottle, there are public fountains where you can refill. I found eating out to be as cheap or as expensive as any other major city. In terms of seeing the sights, as others suggest, get there early. Enjoy it,and if you buy and ice cream, eat it double quick or you will be wearing it, it melts that quick lol!

Good tips so far thanks. Especially the buses. Dont often do them but had planned to in Rome. Done in New York and it was great. But tend to do most things on foot. But think an early bus will be a good way of getting about and seeing stuff and jumping off.

Unfortunately no games while I am there so guessing Olimpico may be pointless as I cant see anything about official tours anywhere?

If you are landing at Fiumicino(Leonardo Da Vinci) airport and going in on the train get a Roma Pass at the information desk. 3 days of travel and museum entries that cost less than in & out on the train.

Google it. The link was too long to share.

piston broke wrote:If you are landing at Fiumicino(Leonardo Da Vinci) airport and going in on the train get a Roma Pass at the information desk. 3 days of travel and museum entries that cost less than in & out on the train.

Google it. The link was too long to share.

I am indeed. Thanks for that will check it out!

The Vatican is a must but get tickets in advance [http://www.museivaticani.va/content/mus ... ietti.html] and try as early as you can in the morning before the cruise ships get in. Our aim was to get to the Sistine before the crowds and it was wonderful to be in there with no more than a dozen in.

Once you are in the centre of Rome you are best off walking round, in my view. Most of main sights v close together, and plenty to see in between.

Plenty of high quality, low price pizza to be had from takeaway outlets dotted around, sold by weight.

Worth having a walk around the grounds of Villa Borghese, just above the city centre and Spanish steps. You can hire a bike for a reasonable price.

Worth going to the top of the Victor Emmanuel monument (situated at top of Via Corso) for a good view per the forum, colosseum and city generally. There is a bar at the top as well.

Trajans markets are a less visited, well intact set of ruins just across from the forum.

Outside the city the Villa D'Este in Tivoli has gardens and fountains that are well worth seeing, although that's not everyone's thing. And the sandy beach at Ostia can be reached by train in about an hour.

Suppose it depends how long you are there. If you only want to go and see the stadium then yes, as you can only walk round the outside. However, if you are there for a few days and fancy a change of pace then I'd have a look around. I always try n wander off the beaten track, (and I feel that from reading many of your past posts, you do too). I think it adds to the experience. Plenty of places to eat/drink in the area.

Yes dont mind wandering and discovering other stuff. But we have limited time and its extremely hot at the minute so probably not worth going Olimpico.

We are there for three full days and three nights.

You will have plenty to do and see in the main city in that time. Probably worthwhile leaving the stadium until you can get over to a game.

Piazza navona mentioned earlier is a good place to stop for food/drink or to just rest your legs. I did a hop on hop off bus. I think you lose a lot that way but we were short of time. If you have time, walk. Most interesting places are not far apart.

Walkings the preference so walking it is!

The secret keyhole is worth the climb. Take the road, on the right, opposite Circo Maximo. a climb at first. When it levels off on your right are a park with excellent city views, a basilica(can't comment we didn't do that one), another park and in the final square through the big double green doors, on the right, look through the keyhole. There's normally a queue so you shouldn't miss it.

google; secret view rome and there are maps.

Watched Lazio there last year. Great atmosphere and a good stadium even if you are a bit far from the pitch!

Book the underground tour at the Colosseum, tends to fill up well in advance so book as early as possible.

Shame no games on when there. Call me a cynic but she has booked it to time with no games on out there and come back just in time to miss our match!

something completely different, if you're into architecture/houses/building, is to visit the Coppede district (in Quartiere Trieste); built around 100 years ago, it consists of palaces, houses, buildings, etc. in a very unique style, classic Roman style but modernised after the first world war with an influence of Art Nuoveau(have a look at some photos before to see if it could interest you). It's been used lots as a backdrop to a few Dario Argento films (master Italian horror/gothic director) and is pretty cool for an hour or so. The best place to start would be Via Tagliamento.

when are you actually going? I guess it's the international week because if Lazio arent at home then Roma should be.

diamondpocket wrote:something completely different, if you're into architecture/houses/building, is to visit the Coppede district (in Quartiere Trieste); built around 100 years ago, it consists of palaces, houses, buildings, etc. in a very unique style, classic Roman style but modernised after the first world war with an influence of Art Nuoveau(have a look at some photos before to see if it could interest you). It's been used lots as a backdrop to a few Dario Argento films (master Italian horror/gothic director) and is pretty cool for an hour or so. The best place to start would be Via Tagliamento.

Thanks for that. Just had a stroll around on google earth and looks good. We'll do it next time we are there.

diamondpocket wrote:when are you actually going? I guess it's the international week because if Lazio arent at home then Roma should be.

Got here this morning. No games on whilst here.

Been to some impressive places before but this is incredible. Its like a theme park!

Any highly recommended food tips for tonight appreciated. Stimbled accross ce stamo a pensa which was decent for dinner (not lunch im northern)

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Anyone been?

Anyone know if you can do a ground tour on non match days and if so is it worth it? Tripadvisor reviews are mixed so wondered if anyone on here had done it.

Edit also any other tips for Rome appreciated. Want to see the main stuff (and if there is a good way of avoiding queues etc great). Also anything off the beaten track or worthwhile that may not spring to mind. Aware of the main sights and what have you but any tips would be great.

Thanks

Amazing City. We went in 2007 always said we'd go back because there's so much to see and do that we felt we had missed something.

My tip would be to take the open top bus tour first day which gives you a good grasp of the geography of the place. When the Coliseum comes into view it takes your breath away. Trevi Fountain at night is something else. Go off the beaten track when you are looking for restaurants at night there's some gems up the alleyways which don't cost a fortune. Just the whole feel of the place on a warm evening walking through the city with all the fountains lit up its amazing although I'm sure I heard a couple of weeks ago they had switched some of the fountains off due to drout conditions.

Enjoy its a magnificent place to visit and if you only go once you'll never forget it!

dsr wrote:To cut down on queues:

1. Get to the Colosseum first thing in the morning.
2. Go a little bit off season - eg. October. The Italians think it's cold then, but for us it isn't.

Yeah we went in November and we were walking round in jeans and tee shirts it was lovely and warm and the Italians all had big coats on!

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Got here this morning. No games on whilst here.

Been to some impressive places before but this is incredible. Its like a theme park!

Any highly recommended food tips for tonight appreciated. Stimbled accross ce stamo a pensa which was decent for dinner (not lunch im northern)

Don't know any specific places but as already mentioned Trastevere area is a good place to eat.
Local Lazio dishes to look out for:
Lots of Lamb dishes (Abbacchio alla romana)
Artichokes are a big favourite (Carciofi alla romana or alla Guidea)
Spaghetti Carbonara (eggs & bacon Italian style!!) or similar Spaghetti Amatriciana (there was the huge earthqauke there last year) which is bacon again but with tom sauce
Spaghetti Cacio e pepe; this is a classic, grated Goats cheese (pecorino) and loads of black pepper
Rigatoni con la Pajata; wow, a must if you can find it, rigatoni is the pasta with a sauce of veal intestines and pecorino cheese
Following on Tripe is popular with lots of mint (Trippa
Little fried Rice balls are nice called Suppli
Oxtail is popular (Coda alla vaccinari)
Finally, Saltimbocca alla Romana, this pieces of Veal with ham and sage.

I guess you can't make it for the Sunday evening game then, a shame, Olimpico is a great place to watch footy. There are a few other teams around in Serie B/C/D but they don't start for a couple of weeks unfortunately.

We've been three times and our biggest disappointment was the food.
If you've had a good meal you were lucky.
And we are working class and not fussy at all.

It's a good idea to book tickets for the Vatican etc on-line beforehand. The queues for everything are long.

We went February half term last year and it was T shirt weather.

Recommend small restaurants down the side streets. If one is full of tourists, give it a miss.

If you fail to enjoy Rome, you've failed. Fantastic city.

Enjoy.

diamondpocket wrote: Spaghetti Carbonara (eggs & bacon Italian style!!) or similar Spaghetti Amatriciana (there was the huge earthqauke there last year) which is bacon again but with tom sauce
.

These are the two specific dishes my italian mate (milan) said we had to try in rome. Forget everything try these he said.

Thanks all great tips. What a place so far.

No come back saturday so no games. Hopefully back in time for wba. But looks like the one time er indoors takes charge she coincidentally times it to miss ANY football

Download Tiqets app, get electronic passes for everything everywhere at good prices the majority of which include fastrack beat the queue deals. We just got back from Rome last Thursday, did all the sights through Tiqets apart from Colosseum. Best to do a guided tour for Colosseum not just to beat queue but for the knowledge. Plenty of Kosher guides outside the Colosseo metro station, 35 Euro which includes the Palentine and Forum. Have fun, we was in middle of heatwave Lucifer, was 40 to 44 degrees all week!!

Been to Rome many times, my favourite restaurant is Pomodoro Rosso - up near the Embassies & Harry's Bar.
Top notch food, cheap as you want, which is a surprise considering.

Edit - just checked, it's actually Il Pomodorino. Piazza Barberini, top of Via Veneto & turn right.

Went to Trastervere. Nice part of town. Even though our tube was to the other side (piarmide) which was a bit out the way. Nice when we got there. Couldnt get in any restaurants at all. Finally got in one. Was OK. Not great not awful. Pretty much my experience of italian food last time in italy.

The whole place though is seriously impressive. Tastervere is a cool spot though. Thanks for heads up. Vatican in 6 hours.

I was lucky enough to live in Rome for a couple of years and I still visit regularly. If it helps, here's where I always go (and where I send visitors who ask for tips):

Historic Centre:

- Hostaria Farnese (via Baullari, 109) between Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Farnese. Classic Old School pastas, but also fair pizzas, get there early for an outside table.

- Da Francesco (Via del Corallo / Piazza del Fico, 29), very good pizza and pasta

Trastevere:

- La Fraschetta (via S. Francisco a Ripa, 134, just off Viale Trastevere to the North side). Looks closed-down, but ace pizza inside: get there just before they open, or queue.

- Arco di San Calisto (40 Via dell’ Arco di San Calisto, just off Piazza di San Calisto – adjoining Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere). No queues - and very good setting, pasta and pizza and grilled meat.

Testaccio:

- Pizzaria di Remo (Piazza di Santa Maria Liberatrice, 44, Testaccio) - perfect pizzeria full of locals. Write your choices on the menu sheet brought to you, then sit back and watch. Get there early or late, or put up with a big queue (while the locals queue-jump)

- Cecchino dal 1887 (Via di Monte Testaccio, 30). Quite pricey but classic, ageless Roman food - some of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had.

Ostiense:

- Pizzeria Ostiense (Via Ostiense, 56), same people as Pizzaria di Remo, but not as busy and more tables.


The four classic Roman pastas:

- Carbonara - (shouldn't be like the creamy stuff you know from the UK).
- Amatriciana
- Cacio e Pepe
- Alla Gricia

And for Pizza - Capriciosa, with burnt edges.

Obviously, all this took years of research...

For footy: Roma have a better atmosphere than Lazio, and tickets easily available from their shop in Piazza Colonna (off Viale Corso) - though I saw Gazza playing in his pomp for Lazio (but was also over there again when he played for us)

I hope this all helps

Off to Rome on Sunday for a few days and wondered if anybody could recommend a sports bar to watch the Burnley match in on Monday? Staying in Trastevere but doesn't have to be there. Also a restaurant recommendation close by would help a lot

longside1882 wrote:Off to Rome on Sunday for a few days and wondered if anybody could recommend a sports bar to watch the Burnley match in on Monday? Staying in Trastevere but doesn't have to be there. Also a restaurant recommendation close by would help a lot

I was in Trastevere in July. Not a restaurant but there's an incredible sandwich place called "Donkey Punch" in Trastevere. Also, if you're looking to watch some local football, Trastevere have their own team in Serie D.

nyclaret wrote:I was in Trastevere in July. Not a restaurant but there's an incredible sandwich place called "Donkey Punch" in Trastevere. Also, if you're looking to watch some local football, Trastevere have their own team in Serie D.

And they weear claret!

Trastevere is a great spot for food. Highly recommended.

There are lots of sports bars. An Irish one not far from the colleseum with tons of sports memorabillia and scarves in (cant remember the name but someone will know it) which showed newcastle when I went in.