Hi, need suggestions for not very strenous activities to do for a couple of evening hours in Rome. We would have spent the entire morning and the afternoon in the Vatican museums and St. Peters Basilica so would be very tired. But dont want to waste the evening. We hope to be at dinner by 8pm.
We are staying in Gianicolo.
May some nice view points, light stroll?
Also if we can get some suggestions for moderately priced good restaurants?
Thank you.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
795 posts
I would pick a neighborhood and just wander about....you could walk along the river, do one of Rick Steves' "walks" through the historic center (its a good time, even if busy, to do something that doesn't rely on "opening hours")....we did a night tour (that had projections and headphones with narration and a soundtrack) of the Roman Forum back in the day, but even walking by the monuments in the dark is nice too :)
I apparently don't know much about Rome neighborhoods, but I think you might be close to Trastevere? Trattoria da Lucia which we found in an old Rick Steves' book in our airbnb was wonderful, good to make a reservation as we luckily snagged the last available table one night to see many folks turned away not even 5 min after we sat down....pasta alla gricia is one of my FAVS now
I also enjoyed Trattoria Der Pallaro near the Jewish Ghetto (also in the book) just over the bridge from Trastevere for the "you eat what we serve you for multiple courses" meal.
Rick's recommendation of "one of the few restaurants on a square that is actually good" Ristorante la Carbonara on Campo dei Fiori was enjoyable as well....
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden
1038 posts
Hi there, Looks like you got a few ideas here, https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rome-suggestions-for-evenings, but happy to add some more. Since you're staying up on Giancolo hill, had you just thought about strolling down into Trastevere for dinner? Use search bar above for many good restaurant suggestions.
There are some excellent views of the Roman Forum - Unless you want to pay to ride lift to the top of the Wedding Cake (Altar of the Fatherland) for the view I would head for the view of the Roman Forum from the back of the Capitoline Museum piazza, VERY worthwhile! (heading up steps to museums, turn slightly downhill to your right between the 2 the museums to the viewpoint.) Since you said you will be tired, not going to suggest more walking, but if you DO have the energy, very nearby is Teatro Marcello, which you can then walk through to the gorgeous Porto Di Otavia, at the beginning of the Jewish Ghetto. But that's more walking. Stopping for dinner (except on Saturday after sundown) in the Jewish Ghetto would be fun, then ask the restaurant to call you a taxi.
Another option is to take a taxi up to the “Giardino degli Aranci“ on the Aventine hill with fabulous views overlooking Rome & St Peters. I think this is the best view of the 5 or so hills we’ve visited in Rome. We took a slow walk back down via an old cobblestone pathway (just stay left after leaving the garden, you won’t miss it) and came out close to the oldest temple in Rome - Temple of Hercules Victor.
I have some restaurant recommendations from Dec 2023 in my TR. At 8PM you will be competing with Italians going out for dinner, so perhaps book ahead? https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/rome-was-jammed-over-ny-but-still-fun
Posted by
171 posts
See some of the attractions (Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Victor Emmanuel II Monument, etc) lit up at night.
Posted by
19 posts
Gianicolo Hill has great views of the city. If you're up for it, I would suggest walking (or taking a taxi) up to the top of the hill (~20 minute walk). I don't remember the walk being particularly strenuous although they are up hill, but the views are incredible whether you walk or drive! I would aim for sunset or around that time if you're able.