by Christine Zibas

Created on: October 12, 2009

Roma, non basta una vita (Rome, a lifetime is not enough)


A trip to Rome is an exciting venture. There is so much history, art, and beauty, not to mention great food and shopping that the traveler can feel overwhelmed on arrival. Jam packed with so many amazing sights to see, there is a common phenomenon among visitors, tourist frenzy. Running from sight to sight with camera in hand, Rome becomes a blur instead of a glowing memory, as travelers seek to cross yet another church or fountain off their list.

Experiencing the Two Sides of Rome
However, there is another way to experience Rome, and that is to strike a good balance between taking in the major sights and sounds of the city and gently strolling its ancient streets, taking in its neighborhoods and caf life. A good way for travelers to get the best of both worlds is to plan for major sight-seeing in the mornings and leave afternoons for strolling

For example, both the sights of Ancient Rome and the Vatican are must-sees on most travelers' agendas. Each requires at least a half day to take in their splendor (if not more). So planning to visit either in the morning will leave a tourist's afternoon free for exploring the Trastevere or Via Condotti. Other sights worth seeing include the Church of San Clemente and the Galleria Borghese (along with its gardens). Most visitors make a beeline for the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, but might miss the Ghetto or the Appia Antica. Using a mix of the familiar and foreign is what seeing Rome is really all about.


Tickets and Transportation
One of the best ways to save time and money on a trip to Rome is to purchase a 3-day Roma pass. The pass is good for unlimited rides on the metro, buses, and trams of Rome. In addition, pass holders get free admission to 2 of more than 40 potential archaeological sites or museums (such as the Colosseum, the Musei Capitolini, the Ara Pacis, and the Galleria Borghese). These passes are available at the Termini (railway) station or at tourist kiosks around the city.

Travelers can also make good use of the metro (subway) system, particularly Metro Line A, which Romans have nicknamed linea turistica (the tourist line) because of its stops. Those stops include the popular Spanish Steps (Spagna), Trevi Fountain (Barberini), the Vatican's museums (Cipra-Musei), and St. Peter's Square (Ottaviano).

Day and week passes can be purchased at any tobacco shop (tabacchi) and most news stands. Detailed information can be gotten at tourist kiosks, where

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