Need help planning weekend in Rome Nov 3-4

May I suggest instead of just walking around the travestere neighborhood, take a food and wine tour. It was a highlight of our trip.

https://www.eatingeurope.com/rome-food-tours/twilight-trastevere/

Presumably your biz meeting end Friday?

Why not move to a more convenient hotel for your non-biz days?

Love the house wine.

If you plan to tour the Borghese I hope you have reserved tickets. They are very difficult to obtain last-minute.

You can theoretically get Galeria Borghese timed tickets online at this website. But they have not yet opened up dates after October 23. Something to do with a special exhibit. Check out some recent threads on this board (look for "Borghese" in the title) for more explanation and expressions of frustration. I think they'll open up dates for your weekend soon -- I'm waiting for October 31 myself.

I understand that the Pantheon is best experienced early in the morning when it's least crowded. I'm looking forward to my first trip to Rome the week you'll be there. And I'm avoiding that first-Sunday free opening for museums to avoid the crowds.

Thanks for the tip on the food tour! I booked the one you suggested so Saturday 5:45-9:45pm is spoken for! Still appreciate suggestions for the rest of the plan!

That food tour looks amazing! -bookmarks site-

If you can move down to the center on Friday, I would. If not, taxis might be a worthwhile splurge twice a day, once to go to your starting point for the day and once to go back to the hotel. I estimate a taxi would be 15 to 20 Euros each way. Bus service is not horrible from there so that is an economy option but take a cab back after dark.

Friday evening go to the center for a nice dinner. LMK if you need suggestions and provide a budget, please. Perhaps the Trevi tonight with that cab back to the hotel.

Saturday AM do the Basilica and Dome climb then Rick's Heart of Rome Walk. You might want to go back to the hotel for a bit before the 17:45 food tour as that is a long one.

Sunday, hit the Pantheon at 8:30 opening, then move on to the Colosseum. Add the Borghese after lunch, perhaps the 17:00 entrance time. One last dinner in Rome? Maybe pizza at Dar Poeta?

I would love recommendations for a nice dinner In the center Friday night. My work commitments will probably end around 5:30pm. I would love something very atmospheric and beautiful with good food, but, as I said, we love pasta and house wine so Fancy and formal are not a plus.

Thanks for the itinerary suggestions! I think we have to stay with the biz hotel (since it isn't costing me) but I am happy to spend the $ I'm saving on cabs to/from the hotel to the sights.

I have a another follow-up question:

Would it be better to see the Pantheon and Colosseum on Sat to avoid the "free Sunday" crowds and see St. Peter's on Sunday?

Thanks!

If you've not been before, perhaps a trip to Ostia Antica. Easy and inexpensive to get there using public transit. Get an early start and you can be back by early to mid afternoon.

The reason I mention St. Peter’s on Saturday and the Pantheon on Sunday is because St. Peter’s on a Sunday can be crazy due to mass celebrations. And just FYI, I have seen St. Peter’s close without any notice. You just show up some days and there is a special event and you cannot get in. So remain flexible! If you get there Saturday (early!) and there is a problem, head over to the Pantheon ASAP and try again on Sunday.

Got it! That's a good plan. It will give us 2 chances to see St. Peter's if it is closed on Saturday morning.
Anybody have Friday night restaurant suggestions?

Really appreciate the help!

If you get there Saturday (early!) and there is a pebble, head over to the Pantheon

Auto fill sure did something whacky

Thanks Joe32F. That should be “problem” and I fixed it.

Dinner ideas

• Taverna Dei Fori Imperiali
• Ad Hoc
• Vladimiro Ristorante dal 1953
• La Buca di Ripetta
• Colline Emiliane

These are rather wide spread but still central. Make a reservation a couple of days in advance.

Thanks so much! I'm going with Colline Emiliane--with a wander by Trevi Fountain afterwards!