The Perfect Rome Vacation – Things to do in The Eternal City
So finally, you're now planning on a Rome vacation? Opposite to its popular stereotypes, The Eternal City is much more than a collection of ancient or historical buildings. To people in the know, Rome is home to some of the best vacation attractions in the world! There are places to shop till you drop, best world night clubs and concerts. The possibilities are beyond limits, so just be sure to plan your Rome vacation ahead of time.
Italians are very fond of their landmark and their ancient culture and in order to make it more accessible every year there is a week during which every publicly managed place is free. This nice happening which typically is in mid-May is "La settimana dei beni culturali", i.e. 7 to 10 days all landmark, archeological places and museums belonging to public management (including Colosseo and all the areas of the ancient Foro) are free. This is the best time to visit them.
You want to put a trip to Vatican on your itinerary, with its Basilica St. Peter, this is a must. The City of Vatican is located in the heart of Rome - where the Pope resides. It is said to be the finest church on the planet. Long queues for entry, but queuing time is not very long. Strict dress code, entrance is denied if not followed. The basil and tombs of the popes are free. Access to the cupola is €7 using lift, and €4 using stairs. Even with lift, about 350 steps must be climbed.
Next to the best, to be sure, is The Colloseum. Here you ill expect a long queue and an even longer wait. Fortunately, you can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don't want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Roman Forum, you can buy a day-long pass for €10,or a standard Colosseum + Palatine ticket at €11, better still, a 7-day pass for €22. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum (Colosseo), Palatine Hill (Palatino Hill), the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), and the catacombs as well as the Terme di Diocleziano, Palazza Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Villa dei Quintili, Tomba di Cecilia Metella.
Walk and feel the energy of the place, sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered. Try to explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood, great cafes and trattorie.
Give yourself enough time to take as many places as possible to visit, as this is most exotic and culture rich city. It will make your Rome Vacation much more memorable. Of course, there are also plenty of free attractions waiting to be explored. Take some time exploring this truly unique city on foot (or on a rental car) and you will definitely find your Rome vacation package worthwhile!