Unless you have endless time in Rome, you will have to make a list of activities and sights that you want to see.  And prioritize them.  Nothing happens quickly in Rome.

There is just so much to see and do.  Take my word for this.  Just wandering the streets takes hours as every shop and every cafe offers treats that are just too good to pass up.

Here are some of the things that I think you really have to do:

– Gallery Borghese: My absolute favorite part of our visit to Rome.  Go fawn over works such as  Apollo and Daphne,  and David (as in David and Goliath). Be sure you book your tickets in advance – space is very limited.  Each visit gives you two hours to tour around inside the gallery – and it really does take that long to properly take it all in.

– The Colosseum (DUH) you can’t go to Rome without seeing it.  But try to do a night tour instead of the day one.  Not only is it a lot less expensive and not nearly as crowded, but the dark just adds another layer to the tour.

– Shopping (another DUH).  Try the Via del Corso – it is a handy Metro ride from almost anywhere in the city.  On the main road you will find all of the extremely pricey shops such as Armani and Dolce and Gabanna.  If paying $900 Euros for a t-shirt isn’t your thing, go a block or two off the main road – this is where you find the great little shops and cafes.

Most of Rome is laid out like this – the expensive, designer shops are on the main roads, and the bargains and mom & pop shops are all along the streets behind.  Be patient.  There are tons of great little shops – and finding them is half the fun.

 

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