Rome. It was a great trip, of course, but nothing really bloggable… I saw lots of great historical things and really enjoyed myself, but this story is no different from what lots of other people would say. Instead, I’ll try to focus on a few things that people taking short vacations in Rome might not discover.

World wanderers click for: 10 good things to know if you plan to spend a few days in Rome1. Termini Station might seem centrally located on the map of Rome, but a lot of the sights to see are a significant walk, as are Trastevere and Testaccio… If you can stay on Via Vittore Emanuelle, that is a pretty good compromise, though you’ll always end up walking a lot if you go to see more than one or two things in a day. Termini, however, is a great place to catch the (sometimes useful) metro and most of the (always useful) buses.

3. Nightlife. If you want to go to an English-speaking bar, go to Campo di Fiori (specifically the Drunken Ship, where you can play Beirut, which some people call Beer Pong). If you want to go to a club, go to Testaccio (not shown on the tourist map), but prices vary.
4. There are lots of Gelato places near the Fontana di Trevi. I had a better one called San Crispino on Via della Panneteria, but I got a smaller size for the price.

5. Delicious food for cheap at Sora Margherita. I will only give the name here, so that it’s not too easy to find… I’m hoping only food enthusiasts will make the effort to find it. I had an appetizer (a good sized one), an entree, a dessert, a small carafe of red wine, and a coffee for 23 euros. Expect to speak Italian, very specific hours of operation.

6. A quick and different sort of church to visit is the Santa Maria della Concezzione dei Capuccini. Go to see the crypt under it (there’s a sign that says “Coematerium”). It’s a small crypt decorated with the bones of hundreds of monks, a morbid fascination but an interesting 15-30min to spend near the Piazza Barberini.

7. You’ll be beating the crowds by going there during the off season, but you’ll also be going during the time when all the repairs and restorations are being done, so beware that your view of the Piazza di Spagna might be ruined by a giant billboard of Demi Moore in sunglasses mounted on the repairs scaffolding.

8. I’ve never been more wary of little kids than in Rome. If you’re not watching they’ll jack you for your wallet while you’re not even looking, or even if you are… they don’t care. I saw a lady smack around three of them trying to get into her purse. It depends on what neighborhood you’re visiting, but they love tourists so keep an eye out. Same goes for the buses and metro.

9. Sandwiches can be had in lots of places (especially walking back into central rome from the Vatican) for less than 2 euros. Nothing amazing, but useful if you want to eat cheap. A caffe and a cornetto (croissant) can also be had in the morning for less than 2 euros.

10. The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums close early, get your ass up and hop on the bus around 9-9:30 if you want to have lots of time.

OMFG SPECIAL BONUS TIP: An Italian guy told me that while Paris was great for expensive restaurants, Italy is better for smaller, mid-priced trattorias.

Arrivederci,

-Vic