Thoughts on Rome

Rome is a bustling city - after all, it is the capital of Italy.
To me, it does not have the timeless small-town charm of, say, Siena or Orvieto, or the unique cityscape of Venice. It can be a bit gritty in places, though nowhere near as gritty as Naples or Palermo.
But the layers of history there are unforgettable, and outshine any other Italian city in that regard - even Florence, which is very Renaissance-focused.

Rome is fantastic, and as the Tourist’s Rome is a relatively small area, it’s not overwhelming or unwelcoming. My husband and I were there last fall for the first time in 9 years, and it was so wonderful (plus we still have so much to see and re-see) that we’re going back this year, plus I have friends meeting me who’ve never been to Italy before, and are looking forward to a week in Rome!

Much of the city is very walkable, and the taxis are super reasonable and accommodating if you want to ride instead of walk. Rome’s. certainly not my least favorite Italian city! Enjoy.

I love Rome. It is busy and a tad gritty but not extremely so. I think one of the problems some people run into is that it’s not really a place to see quickly. Running from one top notch sight to the next, dodging traffic, waiting in lines worrying about your schedule, it could be stressful if you try to pack too much in. Give it time, or if you can’t, do less. Also for anyone who’s concerned about bustle/grit - stay in the tourist center like Navona/Pantheon area. More pedestrian streets so less traffic and a bit easier, also convenient to get many places. Avoid the termini area or the Vatican area (both perfectly fine areas, advice only applies to those concerned about this issue because these are busier areas and in Termini’s case a bit more gritty).

What I love about Rome is the vibrancy and the layers. Walk through a supremely crowded traffic interchange and there’s a Roman column under a 12th century wall in the middle. Go into a modern fine dining restaurant and the wine cellar has been in use for 2000 years and once was a minor temple on top of what was probably an older sight. Pop into a completely random church and the altarpiece by Michelangelo or someone else equally famous would be the main draw in most other cities. Rome is not a museum of the past with everything preserved. It’s integrated with the modern, the older, the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, the ancient, and the really really ancient all mixed together. Stop and look and you will find it.

I definitely liked Florence and Venice better than Rome. Not the sights but the vibe and feel of the cities. But be prepared for chaos in Rome, and it's filthy. But worth it for all it has to offer. That being said, I spent a week and can't wait to go back again. It is wayyy better than Naples imo. I will probably never go to Naples again ha.

I'm obviously biased since I moved here, but I think everyone should see Rome. The sweep of history here is unmatched by any other European city. And even though it's a large city, there's a human scale to everything, because there are no towering office buildings. Having a few landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vittorio Emmanuele monument, St. Peter's and the synagogue visible, and of course the Tiber river, make it pretty easy to navigate too. And there are so many things to see and do, that there is a saying about Rome, "una vita non basta", one life is not enough! Yes, there is garbage and graffiti, but the people are warm, the food is great, and it's really the essential Italian experience.
Have fun,
Cynthia

I like Florence better because it's smaller and more walkable, but I've been to Rome 4 times because there's so much to see. To me, Rome very much feels like a large tourist city.

I have been to Rome 4 or 5 times and see something new every time. To me, the only downsides are it is a very large city with all that means-traffic, etc. The hardest part for me is how hot it gets in the summer-just sweltering. I went once at Xmas and loved every day of my trip. I was also there end of September and the weather was hot, but decent. June was just awful. I could hardly breath due to the heat and humidity. So, if hot, humid weather bothers you take that in to account in your planning.

I love Rome! I happen to love cities and what they offer. When walking through the city you see so many surprises, the history is visible.

Italy is my favorite foreign country and Rome is my favorite city in Italy.
Rome has the incomparable St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel which to me is the most amazing work of art in the World.
Also, it has the ancient Roman history.

Florence and Venice are great as well, but don't have what Rome has.

I went to Rome solo in May of 2019. The night before traveling there I was having second thoughts & was nervous. I'm not a city person. Though it was a place I wanted to go for as long as I can recall.

Before Rome I was in Venice, Varenna, Sienna & Florence.
Much to my surprise I found it was simply amazing. I walked everywhere. It seemed all over was a mix of history blended with today. It is unlike anything I've seen to that extent. It's like a museum brought to life. Amazing.
I also had some excellent meals in my short time there and found the people to be very friendly. Cantaloupe Gelato ....wow.

I'm (hopefully) going back in October. Like others have been waiting for covid testing requirement in US to be dropped. Within an hour of hearing it was dropped my flights were booked.

BUT on more than one occasion I did think the setting to be contrived,
particularly the Roman Forum.

???? Please explain.

Another Rome lover here. As someone already mentioned, the historic center really isn't all THAT big but contains an astonishing amount of layers. I think to really appreciate her, you have to give her enough time, especially if you go during the hottest months (not advised). People I know personally who didn't care for her generally only allowed for a couple of days, and spent all of that time hitting the most-visited sites. Being in middle of the mob can get old real fast!

Also as previously mentioned, the center is pretty much devoid of towering, modern glass-and-steel structures so doesn't feel like a "city" as most of us think of one. Busy? Yes. A little grubby? Yes, but so are some US or other European cities (Looking at you, Brussels) we've visited. Something very old or beautiful or interesting (or all 3) around nearly every corner that you can't see at home? Definitely.

Best bargain, besides just walking about and taking in the scenery? The churches. I'm not religious in the least but Rome is simply stuffed with chapels and basilicas large and small, old and older, glittery and not-so, with stories to tell, and many can double as art museums for their priceless sculpture, architecture and/or frescoes. As most are free for the looking, they're a real boon for budget travelers; if the doors are open, head in a take a peek. Leave an offering in the alms box if you enjoyed your visit. Speaking of art? No right or wrong to it but we enjoyed the Borghese and their excellent crowd control MUCH more than being trampled at the Vatican Museums. That was an experience we don't need to have again unless it's during the winter, maybe.

LOL, I'm not much of a Michelangelo fan but Bernini? Different deal. I also don't have any FOMO regarding a skip of the insane scramble for Colosseum underground tickets. A long, long walk on the Appia Antica, however? Our favorite day in Rome so far; lots to see along the way, and no reservations needed. Yay for THAT! It's a piece of Rome lots of visitors don't venture out to, and where you can get another good feel for its age.

The comments above regarding certain attractions are all part of my overall personal impressions and what I like about the city, not to tell you where to go/what to do, OK? :O)

That said, we loved Florence just as much but for different reasons.

My family and I lived in Rome for two years and I've been for short periods of time (10 days to three weeks) many times. Yes, Rome is dirty in (many) places, there's trash around, weeds growing in areas I wish they weren't growing, etc., but Rome is magical. No matter where you go in the general area that most tourists visit, there's plenty to see. Popping into churches as I walk along the streets is one of my favorite things to do. People watching is fun, there's no end to the restaurants to try, and gelato abounds. Ducking down side streets, taking a less-direct route than I might otherwise, and enjoying an endless number of fountains are all things that bring joy when I visit. Also, Rome is a convenient hub for visiting smaller towns and the coast, so if I need a break, that's what I do.

We love the chaos of Rome. It's what makes it so special. The bustle, the hustle, and the food. Planning another trip soon!

LOL periscope. Steal away...and you're welcome. 😉

Rome, I'll never forget my 1st trip (more than 30 years ago), walking down Via Cavour only to turn and see the Colosseum. It took my breath away and gives me goosebumps to think of it today. There it stood, in all it's magnificence and glory, right out of my history books. I have been to Rome more than a dozen times since then (but it is not my favorite city).

What I do love about Rome are the layers, historical significance in today's world, different neighborhoods offer different vibes, it has thrived for so long, food, language, culture, so much to see and do in addition to the main tourist attractions. I have gone solo and never felt unsafe. All reasons I keep going back.

We have been to Rome four times so far, and still enjoy seeing different things each time. We have found we prefer to stay outside the bigger cities, and go in by train when possible. We're staying at a wonderful B&B right now in Zagarolo, Olive Tree Hill (olivetreehill.com) The hosts Ivano and Terhi will drop you at the train station just 1 mile from the house, and it is 30 minutes to Rome Termini station. Ivano also showed us around the cute town of Zagarolo last night and knows a lot of the local history. They are so friendly and welcoming, and it feels like we're staying with our long-lost Italian family. We have a car, so we're seeing some of the towns nearby that are new to us, like Sermoneta and the Ninfa gardens, and Castel Gandolfo.