Rome Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Hotels and Places to Visit

"Arriving in Rome for the first time is like being dropped into a sprawling open-air labyrinth where every path beckons. Where to start? What to prioritize? How to assure the best experiences in a metropolis that serves up nearly three millenniums of history and thousands of places to eat and drink? Relax. This guide offers what you need to know for your first trip to Rome and for your future visits, as well."

"To begin your journey, remember to wear comfortable shoes (the cobblestones are punishing), drink water (the heat can be, too) and concentrate each day on a couple of key neighborhoods and experiences. Here are fascinating places and enjoyable local rituals in one of the planet's most legendary cities. The headquarters of the Catholic Church is its own tiny city-state, and it holds more glories of Western civilization per square meter than any other country on earth."

"The Renaissance artists Michelangelo and Raphael served as architects for the splendid St. Peter's Basilica and painted the frescoes adorning the papal apartment (Raphael) and Sistine Chapel (Michelangelo). Tip: Be prepared to walk. The path through the Vatican Museums to the Sistine Chapel can take 45 minutes or more. Rome's most famous park features museums, a film center, a theater and more. For relaxation, rent a rowboat at the lake surrounding Tempio di Esculapio, an 18th-century ersatz Greek temple."

Arriving in Rome feels like entering a sprawling open-air labyrinth where myriad paths and nearly three millenniums of history await. Wear comfortable shoes because cobblestones are punishing, drink water because summer heat can be intense, and focus each day on a couple of key neighborhoods and experiences. The Vatican is a tiny city-state housing St. Peter's Basilica and masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael; the Vatican Museums can require 45 minutes or more to reach the Sistine Chapel. Villa Borghese offers parks, museums, and boating, while the Galleria Borghese requires advance tickets. The Colosseum and Palatine Hill showcase ancient arenas and imperial ruins with expansive city views.

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