Third trip to Rome, with an unexpected free day

I'd pick something I'd wanted to do on a previous day and hadn't had a chance to do then.

For me, that would mean taking a guided foodie tour, or booking time to see the floor (and beneath that) of the arena at the Colosseum. We've done some great stuff in Rome, but it's always high on my list to return - if only for the pleasure of being in Rome itself.

I love museums so I'd probably find a couple I hadn't been to before or go back to those that I especially like. On my last visit, I went to the Ara Pacis Augustae and nearby Castel Sant' Angelo (with great views, even on a gray day), and the Palazzo Barberini.

If the weather's good, maybe walk the Appian Way or explore Ostia Antica. Have you been to Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Esti in Tivoli? That's a good day trip on a sunny day, easier with a guided tour but you may have to sign up in advance.

It all depends on what you've done previously. I could write a whole list but it would be pretty redundant and a waste of my time if you've already done most/all of them.

Being art lovers , we will

often seek out places that will have , perhaps a single , but major work . The stories and history behind some works are so compelling , that a bit of effort to see them is quite worthwhile . Here are three such works that could comprise a day in Rome - Walking distance from Termini is Santa Maria Della Vittoria . The piece of focus is Bernini's " Saint Theresa in Ecstacy " . Then to the collection at The Palazzo Barberini . Beautiful works highlighted by Raphael's captivating portrait of " La Fornarina " . I was glued to this painting for forty minutes , her eyes glow with a strange , penetrating light . And finally , in Trastevere , at the church of San Francesco a Ripa , Bernini' s great work done in his dotage , " The Blessed Ludovica Albertoni ". The stories behind these masterpieces are as compelling as the works , and bear understanding in advance in order to fully appreciate them

On YouTube there is a brilliant documentary by the historian Simon Schama - " Bernini : The Power of Art " I am unable to link this from my tablet as I am in France , and copyright blocks it here , but looking this out is well worth your time if you are interested .

personally I would just stroll around stopping off for coffee in a few places , lunch outside if the weather allows and a few glasses of wine later in the afternoon,relax and breath in the city and do nothing.

Like what Gus says, I would revisit my favorite 'chill' places from previous trips to relax, people-watch and keep repeating the mantra, 'I am in Rome.'

It will never get old.

Have you been to the Montemartini museum, the Etruscan museum, the non-Catholic cemetery, all the viewpoints, Testaccio, Garbatella? I am assuming you've been to Ostia Antica, the Capitoline museum, Baths of Caracalla.

Have you visited the St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) church? There you will find Michelangelo's "Moses". It's a short walk from the Colosseum but we did have quite a few steps.

I'm with unclegus. Embrace dolce far niente.

To quote Thoreau: “When I go out of the house for a walk, uncertain as yet whither I will bend my steps, and submit myself to my instinct to decide for me..."

What a luxury to have an entire day to have a day completely unplanned and allow your whimsy to guide you. I'm sure the prior days will provide many ideas.

Have you been to the crypt and museum of the Capuchin Friars near Piazza Barberini? Easy to get to, doesn't take much time.
What about Eating Europe food tour? Will give you lots of ideas for your next trip to Rome.
Have you seen the aqueducts just outside the city? You can get there by the metro, I enjoyed seeing that. There is a park so walking is nice in good weather.
Have you walked on the ancient Appian Way?
These are some of the not in the "top 10 things to do in Rome" things that I did on my trip that I enjoyed.

Have a leisurely breakfast. Walk along the Roman Forum. Sit on the Piazza Rotunda and have lunch. Meander through Piazza Navona with a gelato. Head to the Vatican and share your favorite Rome experiences. Short riposo. Drinks and dinner in Trastevere. Go back to the Forum, the Pantheon, Navona and the Vatican. Long day but, for me, a glorious way to spend a last day in Rome. I've done this every year now for the past 15. Thanks for getting me to remember and to plan for my next 'last day in Rome.'

Thank you everyone, genuinely, great ideas all around. I do love the thought of just breathing in Rome at a slow pace. Thanks especially Steven. I did listen to the Bernini documentary and will watch it in full before departure. Fascinating details! It brought back memories of my first impression of real sculpture via a PBS show many years ago. I will choose a few pieces and places to research better, and then seek them out. Thanks again, you've all helped me to focus.

Rena! You'll owe the Moscow travel group a TR on this trip!

I am pretty sure you watch Sarah Murdoch's blog. I was looking unsuccessfully for a blog post she had for a day tour she did with another tour guide called, I think, the Catholic Traveler. Altho I am not Catholic he took her to different churches sort of off the tourist track that sounded very interesting. I can't find that entry on her blog so not sure if it's my search skills (very possible) or what, lol. ANYWAY (I did have a point), perhaps visiting some of the churches that are not on the tourist path might be interesting.

Or just eating gelato! Have a wonderful time!

editing to add: I did find this youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWsDxTAGVPI&feature=youtu.be

You could take a day trip to Florence. It’s only 1.5 train ride. Florence’s city center is compact and the train is a short walk from city center.

Hi PAM! Yes, I'm sure I'll have plenty to report after this 'girlfriends' trip :)
Amy, yes agreed I love Florence and we will have a few days there before Rome.

Google to see if there are any special events that day. One year, I did the google search and discovered that the Vatican was having a once in 100 years, exhibition of some of it's documents (Henry VIII, Galileo, etc). Also look for concerts in churches. There are lovely events that are meant for locals. Other than that.....la dolce far niente works for me too!!

Thank you everyone for the help! I ended up with a very leisure day, even though I clocked 12 miles on the ol' pedometer! I took the time in the morning to pack my bags so I wouldn't have to fret about getting back in time to not feel rushed. Very relaxed morning enjoying watching Rome wake up in Piazza Navona and campo dei Fiori; 4 scoops at the Frigidarium; beautiful stroll down at the river level, sunny and completely by myself right in the middle of Rome; photographed the synagogue and Teatro Marcello; Jewish neighborhood for pizza ebraica to bring home; lunch in a busy piazza, great conversation with a Swedish man traveling solo; ran into my sister and we decided to hoof it over to St. Peter's and so glad we did (very little wait); sunset walk from the Vatican to Piazza della Maddalena for aperitivo and an early dinner. It was hard to leave :)