Rome, Italy

The Eternal City

This will probably be the shortest post that I write. There has been so much
written about Rome that there is little new that I can add. I can reinforce some do's and don'ts and recommend some places to stay and eat. The first and probably most important note about Rome is that it is always busy. I went in June of 23 and the crowds were just crazy.  Much of that much was pent-up demand from past travel restrictions. Everyone was there from all over the world, particularly the US. I have literally traveled the world for decades and I have never seen crowds like those in Rome. It really does take away from the uniqueness and beauty that is Rome.

 The wonderful thing about Rome is that it is beautiful year-round with lots of evergreen trees that give the feel of Spring any time of year. I would recommend early Spring or late Fall. I also strongly recommend giving yourself three full days and nights to explore this magical city.  Any visit to Rome would be incomplete without visiting the Colosseum. It can bring the first-time visitor to tears, ask my daughter-in-law. The areas approaching the Colosseum from the Altare della Patria and Trajan's Forum have become very pedestrian friendly and undergone extensive redevelopment. It is a pleasant walk and plenty of photo opportunities, even for the novice. If you are in the need for a short coffee or wine break, we found Bar Roma. A little pricy but the food and beverages were made even better with a perfect view of the Colosseum. Within walking distance is the Forum which is another must see. It is a rectangular plaza surrounded by ruins of ancient government buildings, temples and monuments at the center of the city. I cannot stress enough to purchase tickets to all of the venues well in advance if you want to get inside.  Again, crowds. Finding a hotel that is centrally located is a big plus. 

Although public transit and taxis are readily available, it is much easier to walk to most of the attractions. Recently, we stayed at the Hotel Condotti Rome.  It claims to be a 4-star hotel...." a small and cozy boutique hotel, located on a peaceful, characteristic street of Rome's historic center." It is not a 4-star hotel, cramped with no views and the rooms are plain at best. That said, it does afford possibly the best location in the old town. The staff are friendly and helpful, particularly with parking. It's best to get a limo from the airport. Parking is a real issue.  It is within a stone's throw from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. 

It is also in the middle of a restaurant district and choices for meals are amazing.  RZ Numbs is a great little pizzeria with a full-service menu. Careful, the drinks are expensive. I cannot say enough about the Hotel's restaurant. Restaurant 34 is nothing short of extraordinary, especially the service. Renzo, our server for the evening, was very animated and brought the meal and experience to life. Since we were staying at the hotel, they went out of their way to seat us without reservations. Even when space was very limited due to a storm closing outdoor seating. The Pantheon, a former Roman temple and now a present-day church, is known for its perfect proportions, which is amazing, seeing as it was built in A.D. 120. While you're there, you can also pay your respects to Raphael, as well as Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, who are all buried there. The Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, St Peters Basilica, the Castel Sant' Angelo and so many more attractions await the adventurous. Explore Rome, you will be glad you did.