Rome, Italy the sights and sounds

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Wormius

We found a nice AirBnB near the Spanish Steps. We found the location pretty ideal for walking to most of the tourist sites and everything. Probably not the greatest if you’re looking for good food. It was pretty mediocre tourist trap offerings.

We stayed near the Spanish Steps as well which was perfect location for distance and access to all the sights throughout the week. A lot of the area is very high end shopping and agree, not the best area for food.

Half the time you're already somewhere else though when you're ready for a meal anyway or occasionally just take the metro a couple stops.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Uber in Rome is linked to the taxi network. The uber app gets you a taxi and it worked pretty well. Good for getting to the airport or if you are moving hotels or something with bags. IMO for getting around the city, walking is preferable. Traffic is gruesome and after all, it’s better for you. Get ready for 20000 steps a day. Maybe in November you won’t need a shower before dinner though.

Uber was terrible and expensive. Use the public transport it is really cheap and efficient. We stayed in San Giovanni Sq. Would just hop on a bus that takes you to the core area in 5-10 mins. Same thing at end of the night even at 2 am.

We felt very safe but didn't go outside of downtown.

[Table 5]

Appreciate all the great insight so far everyone, plenty to dig through here as I start planning.

[Terradude]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Not sure if this is the official "Rome" thread, but heading there with the family (kids are 10 and 12) in November. Can anyone recommend general neighborhoods/locations to stay in? Ideally we like to stay in more quiet/local neighborhoods that give some authentic flavour, but that are still walkable to the action (as opposed to in the middle of the action), but I'm to any suggestions.

Specific hotel/airbnbs are of course also appreciated.

I was just in Rome in May for a few days. We stayed a couple of blocks away from Piazza Navona. Although I didn't pick the location, IMO it was very well positioned to reach most of the sights and sounds of Rome and still being quite quiet.

The streets in and around our neighbourhood were well packed at night (although not too noisy) and there were many restaurants to choose from - only a couple of those that catered mainly to tourists. Our apartment was located at Via Santa Maria dell'Anima 49. a large apartment on the 3rd floor.

Good luck....enjoy Italy

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Not sure if this is the official "Rome" thread, but heading there with the family (kids are 10 and 12) in November. Can anyone recommend general neighborhoods/locations to stay in? Ideally we like to stay in more quiet/local neighborhoods that give some authentic flavour, but that are still walkable to the action (as opposed to in the middle of the action), but I'm to any suggestions.

Specific hotel/airbnbs are of course also appreciated.

Trastavere is a great area. Not too far from the tourist sights, but quieter and great restaurants/cafes around. Doesn't feel touristy in that area. I went with a 6 year old.

I also put this guide together for other friends visiting Rome with kids. Might be useful for you or others:

ROME

The key things you need to know about Rome is that they’re known for four different types of pasta and you should try all of them if you can:

(1) Cacio e Pepe - 2/3 pecorino, 1/3 parmigiano, pepper, pasta water
(2) Spaghetti Alla Carbonara (so different from whatever they call carbonara here in North America) - pecorino mixed with egg, guanciale
(3) Amatriciana - pecorino, guanciale, red sauce, chili pepper
(4) Alla Gricia - pecorino, guanciale, black pepper

Another big thing to get in Rome is Roman-style pizza(s). It’s very different from Neapolitan and hard to find in North America There are two types of pizza that Rome has:

(1) Pizza Al Taglio - Square pizza served mostly in bakeries by the slice, often with interesting toppings
(2) Pinsa - An oval type of pizza. When done well, it’s got a really great airy crust but it’s also crispy.

This is a good article on some Roman pizzerias if you’re looking to try: https://www.eater.com/maps/best-pizz...taly-pizzerias

Meals

* Poldo e Gianna Osteria - Great spot for food and wine. All’Amatriciana is excellent here
* Dar Sor Olimpia al Drago - Typical Roman cuisine and definitely our favourite place we went to when we wanted a quiet dinner out. It was in Trastavere which is away from the touristy sights, but very cool shops and restaurants you don’t mind wandering around getting lost. Best Carbonara I had on the trip for sure
* Da Enzo al 29 - The Amatriciana is so good here (also burrata and olive oil appetizer)
* Roscioli Salumeria - This is an epic place in Rome. Gotta get the Cantabrian anchovies and butter starter. Mortadella with grated parmigiano is awesome, too. Spaghettone with anchovies and butter on the primi menu is awesome as well. Carbonara is incredible and cacio e pepe is, too. Don’t need to get any dishes past primi and for dessert just go down the street to Gelateria del Teatro or Carapina

Gelato

* Come Il Latte (10 mins from Borghese park, really good)
* Neve di Latte (5 minute walk from Borghese, had good gelato and granita
* Gelateria del Teatro (Trastavere)

Highly Rated Places We Didn’t Get to Try:

* Colline Emiliane - If you start craving food from Emilia-Romagna (the best food region in Italy, in my opinion), this is a very highly regarded spot. We tried to get in but it was lined up to the gills. Reservation recommended
* Cuoco & Camicia - Nice little place with traditional and seafood options
* L’Arcangelo - Does the All’Amatriciana with gnocchi
* Armando al Pantheon - Carbonara and Alla Gricia (reservation needed)
* Cesare al Casaletto
* La Carbonara - Carbonara and Oxtail
* Osteria da Fortunata - cheesecake for dessert
* Maritozzo Rosso Kitchen Lab - Carbonara

Pizza spots we didn't get to

* Seu Pizza Illuminati - #6 pizza place in the world. Had a reservation but wasn’t able to make it
* Emma - also good suppli
* Peppo al Cosimato (Trastavere)
* 180g Pizzeria Romana
* Allegrio
* Sbanco
* Ssant’Isidoro
* Forno Campo de’ Fiori
* Pizzeria I Quintili Furio Camillo

Pizza Al Taglio

* Pizza Chef Roma (casual, by the slice)
* Casa Manco - Testaccio Market Box 22
* Bonci Pizzarium (near Vatican City and by the slice go after 4 PM)

Gelato spots we didn't get to

* La Romana
* Marave Gelateria
* Otaleg - Gelato (Trastevere)
* FataMorgana
* Torce
* Fiordiluna di Eugenio Morrone
* Stefano Ferrara Gelato Lab (chocolate)
* La Gourmandise
* Gelato San Lorenzo
* Fassi
* Gunther
* Brivido
* Fior di luna
* Gelateria dei Gracchi
* Al Settimo Gelo
* Fiocco di Neve

Desserts

* Two sizes - Tiramisu
* Pasticceria Regoli - desserts
* Love Specialty Croissants (near Vatican City)
* Maritozzi (Roman breakfast pastry)

Activities

* La Casina di Raffaello - Kids activity center open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 3:30pm
* Explora - Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma
* Colosseum - I thought this was really cool to see, comparing to a modern sports stadium. It’s quite a marvel
* Vatican/St. Peter’s Basilica - If there’s not a massive lineup, it was pretty cool to see, particularly the Sistine Chapel
* The next three you can just walk by in your travels if you're not big into seeing the sights. They can get crowded but probably not in November so you’re lucky there:

* Trevi Fountain / Spanish Steps
* Roman Forum
* Rome Pantheon

Playgrounds

* Borghese Gardens#– a great place for the whole family to explore and run around, or rent a bike. As you enter the park, get acquainted with all of the fun it has to offer by hopping on the electric mini train at the Porta Pinciana entrance, you can get off at stops throughout the park to enjoy the play structures at the “Raphael’s House” (Casina di Raffaello) play area, the children’s cinema and café, a mini amusement park with bumper cars and games, or rent a row boat on the tiny lake.
* Castel Sant’Angelo – just behind Castel Sant’ Angelo you will find a play park in a most awe-inspiring setting amid the fortifications and the towering ancient cypress trees, with a jungle gym, seesaw, and several play structures, all typically in the shade.
* Parco Villa Celimontana#– on the opposite side of the Colosseum of the ticket booth, if you head around the monument to the left, and up the hill, you will find the Parco Villa Celimontana with a peek of the rooftops looking back over the forum from the top of the jungle gym. You can also occasionally find a man offering pony rides in a cart for a tour of the park’s gardens.

[Table 5]

Jeebus jones, now that's a thorough recommendation. Thanks!

[Table 5]

One other ask...

I'm looking for a good 1-3 day side trip outside of Rome...ie a little countryside or small town energy, as a change of pace to Rome after 4-5 days. Any recommendations on that front? Ideally something accessible by train/bus...I've driven in Italy, but not sure I want to deal with that hassle this time.

Currently the leading contender is training it down to Pompeii/Herculaneum. I've been there before, and it's not exactly the relaxing countryside I'm asking for, but my daughter loves the whole Pompeii/Vesuvius story. I imagine Amalfi in the fall is a lot quieter too (if not closed).

[Fuzz]

Siena is nice, but three hours by train. I know it's not small, but Florence is only 1.5 hours on the high speed rail, and one of my favourite cities in Europe if you haven't been. It felt a lot calmer to me than Rome.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Siena is nice, but three hours by train. I know it's not small, but Florence is only 1.5 hours on the high speed rail, and one of my favourite cities in Europe if you haven't been. It felt a lot calmer to me than Rome.

Florence has been on my list for sure, but part of me feels like that needs its own trip. But maybe 1-2 days there is enough?

I've heard good things about Siena too.

[Fuzz]

We did three days in Florence, which was good. But also left em wanting to return, so maybe you can make it an appetizer this round.


Just wanted to point out the HSR makes it fairly accessible.

[Monahammer]

If you want to stay overnight in Tuscany (you should) I would suggest Cortona.

Lots of options.

Don't let people scare you away from going to Naples.

I think a full week is too much for just Rome, personally. There's plenty to see and do but IMO by day 4-5 you're going to be experiencing a "this again?" feeling.

[Monahammer]

2 days is enough for Florence. You may wish to stay there longer as a consequence, but just seeing sights, 2 days is enough.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

If you want to stay overnight in Tuscany (you should) I would suggest Cortona.

Lots of options.

Don't let people scare you away from going to Naples.

I think a full week is too much for just Rome, personally. There's plenty to see and do but IMO by day 4-5 you're going to be experiencing a "this again?" feeling.

I've been to Naples before, although that was like 15 years ago, pre-kids. Still the best damn pizza I've ever had...all for like 3 euros. Those were the days!

Agreed about a week being too much in Rome...especially with kids, I think it's nice to have a change of pace at some point.

Will look at Cortona....haven't heard of that one.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Table 5

One other ask...

I'm looking for a good 1-3 day side trip outside of Rome...ie a little countryside or small town energy, as a change of pace to Rome after 4-5 days. Any recommendations on that front? Ideally something accessible by train/bus...I've driven in Italy, but not sure I want to deal with that hassle this time.

Currently the leading contender is training it down to Pompeii/Herculaneum. I've been there before, and it's not exactly the relaxing countryside I'm asking for, but my daughter loves the whole Pompeii/Vesuvius story. I imagine Amalfi in the fall is a lot quieter too (if not closed).

when we stayed in Rome we then also spent a week in Gaeta- but that was during beach season, just a very local experience as a beach get away, probably not what you are looking for


you already kinda know the pros and cons of Herculaneum/Pompeii


if not as far as Amalfi what about Sorrento?( I think its a shorter journey by train), but you could home base somewhere around sorrento and do a one day Pompeii


Florence is incredible, but do wonder about more time there


would you consider an island- Ischia for example?

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Table 5

One other ask...

I'm looking for a good 1-3 day side trip outside of Rome...ie a little countryside or small town energy, as a change of pace to Rome after 4-5 days. Any recommendations on that front? Ideally something accessible by train/bus...I've driven in Italy, but not sure I want to deal with that hassle this time.

Currently the leading contender is training it down to Pompeii/Herculaneum. I've been there before, and it's not exactly the relaxing countryside I'm asking for, but my daughter loves the whole Pompeii/Vesuvius story. I imagine Amalfi in the fall is a lot quieter too (if not closed).

Last time I was there, I did the reverse. I took a train from Salerno to Rome and it was 80 minutes. Not sure what to expect in November down there weather-wise, but it was easy to get to (I've been there in May, June and July). And from Salerno, you can take boats up and down the Amalfi or over to Capri so you don't need to worry about driving.

If it was me, I'd say go to Bologna/Modena. The food is so good. Modena has a good small-town energy and the best food in all of Italy, in my opinion. It's about 2.5 hours by train from Rome to Bologna then another 20 minutes to Modena. And if you do go that way, I have more for you in terms of recommendations haha.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

Last time I was there, I did the reverse. I took a train from Salerno to Rome and it was 80 minutes. Not sure what to expect in November down there weather-wise, but it was easy to get to (I've been there in May, June and July). And from Salerno, you can take boats up and down the Amalfi or over to Capri so you don't need to worry about driving.

If it was me, I'd say go to Bologna/Modena. The food is so good. Modena has a good small-town energy and the best food in all of Italy, in my opinion. It's about 2.5 hours by train from Rome to Bologna then another 20 minutes to Modena. And if you do go that way, I have more for you in terms of recommendations haha.

where were you this spring when I needed this- haha


yes for sure Bologna is great

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I've been to Naples before, although that was like 15 years ago, pre-kids. Still the best damn pizza I've ever had...all for like 3 euros. Those were the days!

Agreed about a week being too much in Rome...especially with kids, I think it's nice to have a change of pace at some point.

Will look at Cortona....haven't heard of that one.

The best food is on the streets of old naples!! Arancini in paper cones for 1 euro... a man.

I went to school in Cortona. It is a picturesque Tuscan town along the main line between Rome and Florence (camucia station, 2 or 3 south of Arezzo.) It was an etruscan capital, and so the walls around it (still standing) pre date the foundation of Rome by ~1 or 200 years.
The film "under the Tuscan Sun" was filmed there.
Also, Conan O'Brien visited it once, it was funny.

[Monahammer]

When are you going? Perugia also has a chocolate festival in late octoberish that is fun.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

If it was me, I'd say go to Bologna/Modena. The food is so good. Modena has a good small-town energy and the best food in all of Italy, in my opinion. It's about 2.5 hours by train from Rome to Bologna then another 20 minutes to Modena. And if you do go that way, I have more for you in terms of recommendations haha.

I did Modena/Maranello/Bologna many years ago, and it was indeed great. Actually the 30 minutes of driving a rented Ferrari 458 through the outskirts of Maranello may be in my top 3 lifetime hilights.

Originally Posted by Monahammer

When are you going? Perugia also has a chocolate festival in late octoberish that is fun.

First couple of weeks in November, so sadly no choco-festival for me.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I did Modena/Maranello/Bologna many years ago, and it was indeed great. Actually the 30 minutes of driving a rented Ferrari 458 through the outskirts of Maranello may be in my top 3 lifetime hilights.

That sounds amazing.

Last year, we went to Puglia and it was also pretty good. Bunch of towns, including Bari and Lecce. I think in November it'll be way too sleepy there, though.