Traveling to Rome by Train
To follow up on the article I read, Tips for a trip to Rome, I really wanted to share some of my own experiences from when I stayed in Rome at the same time last year. I managed to snag a last-minute deal for a week-long trip.
Just like Globetrotter did for their first visit, I traveled by train. The experience was the same: it’s hard to get any sleep because the cabins are shared, and you don’t really get to choose who you’re traveling with. But, obviously, the prices are extremely competitive. For your info, beyond the standard SNCF website, you might want to take a look at the Artesia site (which is a subsidiary of SNCF and Trenitalia).
You can find deals, especially for night trains with 6-person sleeper berths from Paris to Rome for 35 euros!! However, the best Artesia offers aren't always reflected on the SNCF site, so I suggest going straight to the source. On the downside, travel times can be very long, for me, it took over fifteen hours… This also means you shouldn't be going for just three days; it’s better to plan for at least a good week on-site. Regardless, besides the big savings, you have the added benefit of not worrying about transfers since you leave from a city-center station and arrive right in the city center at Rome Termini!
To find a place to sleep, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here is a section comparing thousands of accommodations in Rome.
Getting Around Rome
Arriving by train has another advantage: right as you exit the train, you’ll see the tourist office next to platform 24. It’s a great chance to pick up a city map and a subway plan. But you can also prepare for your trip in advance using the official Roman tourist office website.
All the info, including those maps, is online too. You’ll find everything you need to plan your stay, including participating in one-off cultural events listed on the site. It’s also one of the rare sites that suggests visiting places a bit less known than the big "classics," all through guided tours organized by the city of Rome. You also have the option to download an app for your phone.
And, most importantly, you’ll have the chance to buy the Roma Pass!
For 25 euros, this card, which you can order in advance, gives you free access to the first two museums you visit, free public transport on almost all lines, discounts on other visits, etc.
And all of this is included in a "tourist kit" that comes with maps of Rome, transport info, and plenty of other useful tips. Check it out directly on their site.
BEWARE though: the card is valid for three days after its first use! But, honestly, that’s plenty if you’re spending a week there like I did: between train rides, 3 days of visiting museums and collections, and the rest that can be seen from the outside, it’s just right. After all, you’ll also need to enjoy the Dolce Vita and not be running around all the time!
And that’s actually where I’d like to add to Globetrotter’s post: while I certainly want to recommend some museums, I also want to talk about what makes life there so sweet, especially the culinary habits and local specialties. And for those looking to go out, I’ll leave you with a few addresses...
Must-See Sights
Historical Monuments
Obviously, I won't insult you by telling you to see the Colosseum, because if you follow the tourist crowds, you’ll end up there regardless... But it’s really worth a look. Even from the outside, I think you’ll be struck by the sheer scale of the building. Plus, its state of preservation is surprising, even if I suspect it’s been the subject of much attention since the municipality saw its value, particularly in terms of tourism. After doing the Colosseum, go see the Forum, which you can spot from the top of Capitoline Hill; the entry fee is included in the Colosseum ticket. You can see the Temple of Vesta there, where the sacred fire was kept by the Vestal Virgins, who were under no circumstances to let it die out. Heading toward the Capitoline, you’ll inevitably pass through Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano. The monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, proclaimed King of Italy in the 19th century, is quite surprising and controversial. In any case, if you climb the stairs on its side, you’ll get a view of the seven hills of Rome.
You also can't miss the imposing Trevi Fountain, where you’ll inevitably toss in a coin...
Art and Museums
Art and museum lovers won't be disappointed, even if there aren't massive museums like those in other European capitals.
When you get the chance, go see the famous Villa Medici, which, on behalf of the French state, still hosts artists in training today. The view of Rome from the gardens is breathtaking, and for art lovers, the anecdotes and figures who have passed through there are fascinating.
Near the Porta San Paolo, there’s a curious building: a pyramid is erected right there! It’s actually a folly that a wealthy Roman official treated himself to between the 18th and 12th centuries BC. This folly is called the Pyramid of Cestius and is depicted in 18th-century paintings, for example.
If you want to take a break after dealing with the tourist crowds, treat yourself to a haven of peace in Villa Borghese park. Everything there is designed to invite calm. It was once a vacation spot for Romans who came to relax. Today, you can stroll around and admire the statues and fountains. Those who want to can rent a bike and wind through the refreshing paths of this superb park.
Things to see around Rome
Finally, for those who can and are interested, take a little trip to Tivoli. You’ll need to find a way to get there since it’s about thirty kilometers from Rome. There are guides that offer bus tours. You can also get there by bus from the Ponte Mammolo station on Metro Line B.
Once in Tivoli, you can walk among the remains of what was the preferred vacation spot for Romans after Emperor Hadrian had his villa built there. The whole site will immerse you, if you know them, in the paintings of the many artists who were inspired by it. And even if, like me, you aren't an expert, you’ll still find plenty to dream about... You see Hadrian’s Villa, but there is also Villa d’Este. You can easily find offers on the Internet that combine both visits by searching, for example, at this link.
What to Eat?
Well, I suspect you already know what I’m going to say... Yes! I’m going to talk about pasta! It would be a crime not to stuff yourself with what the Romans do best, right? They come in such diverse shapes and sizes that I can only recommend you try as many as possible. However, other specialties stand out. For example, you can try the broths, mainly made from white meat, accompanied by stracciatella, a specialty made from beaten eggs, parmesan, and semolina, all dropped into the still-boiling broth. That will satisfy your small (or even big) hunger!
For those who aren't big fans of white meat, treat yourself to oxtail served with tomatoes, celery, and garlic, all bathing in the meat juices. You can also find Roman-style tripe (I’m a coward here, I’ll let you test that for me; the oxtail was enough, even if I have to admit it was pretty good...). I also tried something amazing: suppli, which are rice croquettes fried in oil and stuffed with mozzarella. It’s served with a Bolognese sauce that’s perfect for staining your shirt because there’s so much tomato! But it’s good, god, it’s so good! And then, I have to confess my guilty pleasure: veal cutlets wrapped in a slice of Italian ham and herbs, all cooked in a white wine sauce... A delight!!! For those interested, it’s called saltimbocca.
And with all that, you might ask, what do you drink? Well, for my part, and probably because the menu offers many more than red wines, I opted for whites, which can be dry, sweet, or even mellow depending on the range. You will very likely be offered Castelli Romani, from "local" production. If you prefer to go for red wine, hold on tight: it’s better if your palate is used to rougher wines... The alcohol is very present in the wines; you can’t miss it!
To wash it all down, try the local digestive (or aperitif, for that matter) based on anise: Molinari. Does that ring a bell...?
So, obviously, after that, you’ll ask me: how do you burn off all that potential fat? Well, get out there now!
Where to Go Out at Night?
Nightlife in Rome is very rich. To start, I suggest you try a sure bet: Circolo degli Artisti, which offers electronic music, hip-hop, but also rock, indie rock, in short, there should be something for just about everyone.
Otherwise, you can take a little tour of the gay village, which, besides sex shops and themed boutiques, offers a huge space dedicated to partying. Music everywhere and a vibe at every turn! It’s open to straight people who know how to have fun. To get there, head toward the Testaccio district, which, in addition to this Gay Village, offers several very nice restaurants and bars.
Those who want the real "Rome, ancient city" trip will prefer to eat in the Trastevere district, where they’ll find places that welcome them with candles and traditional music like mandolins and all that...
And then, because it’s you, I’ll give you an address I spotted on the Internet that didn't disappoint: Fluid is a very nice bar where the cocktails are good (without being cheap). There are very often sets with DJs mixing. The vibe is electro-lounge at 6 PM and evolves according to the mood of the DJ and the crowd until 2 AM. If you want to go, head to 46 Via del Governo Vecchio. 2019 Update: Fluid has recently closed. Since the address had gained notoriety, I’m sure the spot will be taken over by new owners. Stay tuned.
A quick tip: if you choose a sauna, be careful (unless that’s what you’re looking for) because many of them are "naughty" salons with erotic massages.
For the rest, you’ll likely come across groups of young people drinking in public. I don't know exactly if it’s forbidden, but the police often come to see them to make them leave, and yet, they never take them in. Generally, they sit down and have fun among themselves. I didn't see any parties degenerate, even if everyone talks loudly.
In any case, this city is incredible: it offers so many things to see and activities to do that everyone will find something they love. Really, I invite you to go: a change of scenery guaranteed!
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