Italy, Rome: Ideas and Inspiration How to Spend a Weekend in the City of Contrasts
Rome is called the eternal city. Some call it the city of contrasts. Rome is fascinating, timeless, magical, and romantic. However, it is also chaotic, fast-growing and uncontrollable. How it is possible that one city can arouse so many contrasting emotions?
Rome is the capital of (what is present) Italy and also of the Roman empire. Also, it is the world capital of the Catholic church. These pillars make Rome one of the most important cultural, artistic, historical, and religious centers in the world. This stands also as the reason why Rome’s historical center is in UNESCO’s world heritage list. At every corner you catch some of Rome’s magic. In any restaurant and street you remember why you decided for spending a weekend in Rome.
What is the best way to get to Rome?
The fastest and most comfortable way to get to the city on the Tiber which is about 27 kilometers form the Mediterranean Sea is by plane. A flight from Prague to Rome takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The advantage for flying by plane is that you don’t have to spend endless hours in a packed bus or car somewhere on freeway. Then you don’t have to find a safe place to park your car in Rome. You just pack the most important thing to your hand luggage at home and in couple of hours you are drinking a glass of red wine at some sunny terrace.
Why and with whom should I visit Rome?
Ancient ruins and early Christian churches stands side by side in Rome. Mostly they are near Renaissance palaces or Baroque fountains. For start, visit one of countless significant sights in Rome. It’s a win. Should you make a step aside later, you might as well find some non-traditional shops or some typical Roman tratorrias. Like Italians, you can try a typical orange-red spiced aperitif or an espresso done the right way. Time flies in horrendous speed in Rome. Therefore, keep your eyes open so you don’t miss anything. Couples, singles, families with children, or groups of tourists all would enjoy a weekend stay in Rome . Simply put – Rome entertains and educates everybody.
What is the best time to visit Rome?
Many tourists postpone their vacation in Rome for summer. However, paved streets are usually red-hot. You would feel like in an oven. The only way out is a nice scoop of true Italian gelato and repeated cold shower. Plan your vacation in Rome for either spring or autumn (April, May, October). Temperatures are temperate, restaurants are not overcrowded, there are plenty interesting events to see, and accommodation prices are usually lower.
What is the best way to experience Rome?
Rome is a city where you can rely on good weather but also you should count with bad public transportation. Therefore, the best way to experience the city is by walk. You find places unknown to even the best of book guides. Don’t be in rush, subdue to smells of a local bakery, see leather good made by true Italian artisans. Rest for a while on a remote square and where an Italian grandma hung freshly washed clothing… Rome hasn’t significantly changed in the course of time yet it doesn’t nearly means that it wouldn’t surprise you!
What to not miss in Rome?
As is said above, the most famous Roman sights are always close one to another. So you can easily see them all in one weekend. The best thing is you can tour in them for free. Hit the steets early in the morning. See, for example, St Peter’s basilica as the first (it opens at 7.00 a.m.), the baroque square of Piazza Navona, Forum Romanum, Coliseum (city’s perhaps greatest landmark which once was a game arena), Traian column, Angel castle, famed di Trevi fountain etc. Roman antiquity, Gothic, and Baroque are all close to one another. Also, don’t forget to taste the best thing about Italian cuisine – pizza. Visit famous places you know from movies (e.g. Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita…). Or visit a modern art exhibition (for instance at Palazzo delle Esposizioni), or sink deep into night life (try it around Via di Monte Testaccio street)… There is so much to see that you will return here gladly.
Trust us – you won’t forget your time in Rome!
GPS: (Coliseum) 41°53'24.9"N 12°29'31.4"E
Text and photo: Adéla Vavřačová, Radynacestu.cz
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