My husband and I will spend about three and a half days in Rome next spring, and I've been looking at what all we should do while there. At first I thought we could fit in all the Roman ruins (the forum, the colosseum, palatine hill, etc), Vatican City, the national museums and the Borghese Galleries, along with a trip to Ostia Antica. But the more I look at it, the more it seems like that will be too much when you consider all the walking we'll have to do. My inclination right now is to say no to the Borghese Gallery. This will be at the end of a 10-day trip, and we'll have already gone to both the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence, not to mention looking at the art in other churches in Tuscany plus all the art in the Vatican. And to be truthful, while I like art, I'm by no means an art fanatic. I much prefer history. Ideally, this is a decision I would like to make once I'm there and can see how I'm feeling, but with the Borghese's reservation requirement, that's out the window. So, is there any compelling reason we should still try to go to the Borghese? Are any of the other Rome options actually not that great and something we could skip instead? I'm trying to reach a point where we would visit one set of sites at the beginning of each day, devoting the morning and maybe first hour or two of the afternoon to them as needed, and then spend the rest of the day resting and exploring some neighborhoods.
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
You can see alot more in 3 1/2 days than you might imagine if you plan in advance so you know what you want to see and leave out the rest. I would not leave out the Borghese Gallery. I thought it was one of the best in Europe. It really isn't all that big and the ticket does limit you to how much time you can spend there. The Borghese gallery is also in the 'central park' of Rome and is not far from some nice areas. You do need reservations. If I had 3 1/2 days in Rome I would do the following (the order of the days doesn't matter as long as places are open): Day 1- Colleseum, Forum area, Church of San Giovanni. Have dinner near the Patheon and Trevi Fountain. Day 2- Vatican - St. Peter's, Scavi tour if you can get tickets, Vatican Museum. Do some research so you know what you want to see in the vatican museum in advance. It is a big place and alot of it probably won't interest you. We went in the late afternoon and just walked in with no crowds. We just wanted to see the Raphael room and the sistine chapel so it didn't turn into an all day tour. For dinner pick a piazza that you want to visit. Day 3- Borghese Gallery and park. Via Venuto area, spanish steps. If you like shopping that is a good area but don't overlook the smaller shops along the way where you can get some good bargains. Go see a museum that you want to see for the second have of the day. 1/2 day pick one of museums on your list.
Posted by
dallas, TX, USA
227 posts
The Borghese was one of the highlights of all our trips abroad as far as museums is concerned! We are going back to Italy next year and it will, again, be at the top of our list to revisit!
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
We loved Ostia although if it's raining it wouldn't be as much fun. I personally wasn't as into the Borghese as everyone else on this board although I can understand why they enjoy it. Ostia is just so unique.
Posted by
Denver
807 posts
I love the Borghese Gallery for the sculptures, but that doesn't mean that everyone has to like it equally well! When we first took our daughter to Italy (Rome was at the end of our trip too), we weren't sure how many museums she would want to visit. Turned out, she REALLY likes museums. So, mid-trip, I booked the tickets online for the Borghese. You could do the same; decide mid-trip how you feel about another museum. Of course, you risk it being booked up, but at least you'll have more flexibility. And if you like history more, especially ancient Roman history, you may choose to spend your time visiting more of those sites, and save the Borghese for your NEXT trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Do you have the Rick Steves books for either Italy or Rome? They're esp. helpful for first-time travelers to Italy and will help you pick out what matches your interests. It will be the smartest money you spend on your vacation.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
57 posts
I do have the books; they've been very helpful. Thanks for the feedback. I'll give the Borghese some more thought. It does seem like a really cool museum, and we might be able to fit it in. I just also know how I feel after walking for several hours.
Posted by
St. Louis
12 posts
We were in Rome last fall and I loved the Borghese. We were able to make our reservations just the day before our visit, so you may not need to make your decision now. As someone else said, it is not a huge museum, but the statuary was a high point of my trip. We (two couples) hired a private guide for the Vatican and found that really saved us a lot of time and trouble.
Posted by
Sammamish, WA
403 posts
Others may disagree about the pace, but Energizer bunny travelers can totally cover your list if they have a good plan and take advantage of public transport and/or taxis to cover ground quickly. Walking takes a long time in massive Rome and wears you out, although it has the distinct advantage of being free. If you get to St. Peter's when it opens (7 am), there will be no line and you will be able to visit the entire Vatican complex in one morning. Ostia Antica is also a half day trip if you get out early and are efficient about your time. You should have time in the afternoon to see something else. Skippables if you are short on time, IMHO, are the National Gallery and the Palatine Hill. I would place the Borghese ahead of these. It is a small jewel that won't take you long to visit.
Posted by
Seattle
198 posts
Hi Teresa,
I would like to add that it is nice to check out the groceries and small shops as well. We had an interesting experience going to a grocery store. We needed to take an elevator down beneath the street level to buy some groceries. Fascinating! Eat outside in some of the restaurants with sidewalk eating areas. Great for people watching! In a lot of nooks and crannies you will find some great memories. Happy travels! Ruth
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
I love grocery stores too. Fun to see all the different foods they have and we don't. Fun to buy different snacks there and sometimes even gifts. I also am thrilled with the unexpected, those wonderful surprises. We have seen weddings,a rock concert in Verona's Colosseum at night, an antique car race and a wonderful man, that we could barely speak to, who showed us some amazing places in Orvieto that we would have never found. The magic of travel is not all in Museums and Cathedrals.