Hello,
My husband and I are travelling to Italy in mid September. We're thinking about spending some time in Rome before joining my family in Tuscany for a 2 week vacation. We think 3-4 days in Rome plus a few day trips will be a well rounded 7 days. Any suggestions on which area to stay/avoid or any Airbnb recommendations? It's been ages since I've been to Rome (15+ years) and my husband has never been. We are mid-30's, in good shape (stairs etc are no issue) and generally like to be out and about mid-morning until late at night. Any recommendations as far as "must see/do" besides the standard Coliseum/Trevi Fountain/Spanish Steps is also appreciated. TIA!
Posted by
Atlanta
5279 posts
For a change of pace in Rome, go out to Ostia Antica. Easy to get there using public transportation, totally different than Rome, and very few people. Should take one half to three quarters of a day. Google it and see if it strikes your fancy.
Posted by
Sydney, NSW, Australia
61 posts
We really enjoyed Ostia Antica. We were there in January and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We caught the train from there to the beach at Ostia Lido, and although it was really windy, we enjoyed seeing the colourful houses and eating delicious gelato.
My family raved about the Vatican Scavi Tour. I didnt go on the tour as I have claustrophobia and it didn’t appeal to me, but they said it was fantastic going through the catacombs beneath St Peter’s Basilica and seeing the tomb of Saint Peter. You need to book tickets well in advance through the Vatican Excavations Office. I think they only allow about 250 visitors per day.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12049 posts
Check out this itinerary and pick what you like.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/rome
Even in Summer, Ostia Antica is pretty much a 'crush free' zone
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
Another good day trip is Hadrian's Villa & Villa d'Este/Tivoli, but you'd need to be out early.
I'd caution you on over-planning. Your first day is likely to be a non-day by the time you get through the airport and to your hotel. Even on your second day, you may still be in a haze and not up to speed. Also there are many many things to see and do in Rome itself. Small group tours can be fun and interesting, but they need to be booked well in advance. If you want to visit the Borghese Galleries, you need to book well in advance.
Must-sees depend on your interests.
Posted by
North Carolina
318 posts
If you're at all interested in Roman history/architecture, the Domus Aurea tour is fascinating.
re: the Scavi tour, you don't actually see St. Peter's tomb so much as they explain their reasons for identifying the spot where they think it is. I found the older family tombs with wall paintings the most interesting part of that tour.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
I took the Domus Aurea tour last year. You must book in advance, only offered on weekends. It was interesting and the guide was good, but it wouldn't make my top 10 list, although the virtual experience at the end was pretty cool.
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
We enjoyed walking on the Appian Way (via Appia Antica). Also, check out the Trastevere neighborhood for a taste of medieval Rome. The Borghese Gallery is fantastic (advance reservations required).