I'm going to Rome, for a whole 24 hours, thank to Ryanair being very cheap.

Has anyone been, can recommend what to see - I think intention is to see a few big touristy things as we're not there very long - but I like to get a bit off the beaten track if possible.

My challenge apparently is to find a dodgy indie pop club!

I went this time last year for my 30th birthday. The problem is there's so much to see!

The vatican - St Peter's is amazing
The Colleseum - big queues tho
Piazza Navona - for all the people watching
Spanish Steps - " " " " " " "

I'll think of a few more for you.

I went for a day when i spent a month in Italy a few years ago (I sayed in a villa near Montepulciano).

I managed to get to Rome for a day there and from what i can remember (apart from someone trying to run a confidence scam on me) is that the colliseum was utterly amazing, and not too busy, though we were probably lucky. As s tip, alsoexplore the ruins nearby too, well worth your time, the sheer feeling of centuries of history make you feel humbled.

Vatican City was very touristy, as you would expect, but very beautiful, if you can avoid the massive ques of people, it is definily worth a visit inside the Vatican, it's very calming.

On a side note, if you want to eat anywhere good in Rome, be careful, as with most tourist havens people will try and convince you to eat at their restaurant and most of these places are total crap, find a quite place with italians eating, i know this is an obvious thing but maybe forgotten in all the sweeping majesty of the place.

Hope you have a great time

Wilf

Rome, no. The Adraiatic Riviera, Venice and San Marino - yes. It was OK.

Prefer Spain, though.

Originally posted by Jayne
I'm going to Rome, for a whole 24 hours, thank to Ryanair being very cheap.

Has anyone been, can recommend what to see - I think intention is to see a few big touristy things as we're not there very long - but I like to get a bit off the beaten track if possible.

My challenge apparently is to find a dodgy indie pop club!

Visit the vatican city, I am not a catholic but it is well worth a visit, you won't regret it.

I was there in November. Make use of the underground, it's cheap, Rome is very spread out. Trevi fountain is a 'must see'. Colusseum - go inside!
Vatican is OK, other side of the Tiber river. Look out for the Pope Fridge magnets for sale!

Thanks for the ideas. I'm all excited now, although worryingly still haven't received a confirmation email from Ryanair about the flights.

I think I'm going to have to work out a very clever itinerary in order to see as much as possible!

hey jayne im interested in the same thing but cant find any cheap rome flights.. where are you flying from?

It'll be Stansted. I flew out with easyjet and flew back with Ryanair (who gave me a £20 surcharge for heavy baggage - not that heavy either!). Worked out cheaper that way. You do end up at an airport about 20 miles from Rome though. Expect a £30 taxi fare into the city.

Yes, we're flying from Stansted, flights were 50 quid return for the two of us - there was an offer on last week where flights were 52p each way plus tax.

there's a bus into the centre of rome which is 9 quid return, and I've managed to find a 4 star hotel on expedia which is only 37 quid a night for a double room.

I just hope it all works okay, I have a habit of fretting about these things until I get there - would still like to have my confirmation email!

yep the bus into rome from the airport is a must and it drops you centrally. Quite handy as well is that you get on the bus to return to the airport on the other side of the road to where you get off. If you're hanging around waiting for the bus to go back to the airport just over the pedestrian crossing is a lovely cafe that does a mean cappucino and has an amazing assortment of fancy cakes.

If you go to the vatican watch out for the 'gypsies' with babies who accost you for cash.

I would echo the poster who says use the subway it's cheap and easy to navigate. Actually probably the best way to see The Colliseum is to take the underground and when you come out of the station there it is slap bang in front of you.

A guide book is a must - I can thoroughly recommend the Mini Rough Guide, it fits in your pocket and is full of essential info.

For a slightly different place to visit there is the Cappuchian (sp?) Crypt under a church where previous monks are buried in the most macarbe way, skeletons in cowls, light fittings made out of kneecaps etc - very strange!

You'll have a fantastic time!

a word of caution, if you go to see the sistine chapel , this is 20 minutes walk from st pauls basillica and the queues are horrendous to get in.give yourself at least 3 hours to wander round it ,it is really awe-inspiring.