For a self-guided walk, it is hard to go past the evening ramble through Rome detailed in Rick Steve's Rome guide book.

The sights, where to get a good coffee, gelato or dinner and Rome by night.

Take your partner, and enjoy the romance.

Posted By Steve Madsen on October 12, 2007, 7:08 PM

One of the best wine bars in all of Rome is located just off the Campo dei Fiori, CAMPONESCHI WINEBAR, in Piazza Farnese. Fabulous piazza to sit outside and people watch, (same piazza where the historic French Embassy
is located). Over 600 wines to choose from, full menu, with great appetizers and desserts. Here's a link to the site, and a lovely photo of the piazza, but be advised it doesn't open until 8pm:

http://www.collilanuvini.it/winebar/index.html

Posted By arrabbiato on October 13, 2007, 11:53 PM

I highly suggest the often overlooked Crypto Balbi, a small privately owned museum near the Fontana di Trevi. In it you can view layers upon layers of civilization that was (and is being) unearthed in that one spot!

I also highly recommend staying in the Trastavere region, as it affords a real glimpse into local Roman life. The restaurants are romantic , and best of all, Trastevere is centrally located - so you can walk to all the major sites. The only time I would recommend using a tour is at the Vatican. There is simply too much to see in the few hours per day that the museum is open to the public. Also, there are a lot of small but significant details that may otherwise get overlooked if you are not with a knowledgeable guide. We used "Angels Guides", which requires one day advance notice.
Feel free to check out my Google album for more tips. Ciao!

Posted By Jennifer Katz on October 14, 2007, 10:29 AM

Try Angel Tours! Terrific native English speaking guides - generally young people who live in Rome and are passionate about it. I booked one tour in advance and ended up doing 3 tours that week. All were very small groups. Check out http://www.angeltoursrome.com/en/index.html for info! I am not a guided tour person and these were just fantastic.

Posted By traveler on October 15, 2007, 11:44 AM

We used a tour we downloaded and put on our IPOD and found it to be phenomenal. We took the Ancient Rome and Old Rome tours. You can go at your own pace, history and area info while you are walking from one place to another, and the food and drink suggestions along the way were always great. Many companies offer them and they are quite affordable. My husband and I shared the earplugs so we could discuss and comment along the way- great way to be romantic in such a romantic city too!

Posted By Lori Waldman on October 15, 2007, 11:46 AM

I would be interested to know where Lori got the tour to download on the IPOD. I, too, am going to Rome in November on our honeymoon and would love to try this option.

Posted By Linda on October 15, 2007, 12:21 PM

You must, of course, see the Trevi Fountain. My tip is to be sure and see it during the day...and at night! It is beautiful and romantic.

Posted By Pennie on October 15, 2007, 1:33 PM

My thanks to everyone who has posted suggestions!

Ciao!

Posted By Sean O'Neill on October 15, 2007, 1:45 PM

You're quite welcome! It was one of my most memorable moments while in
Rome:)
And if you or your significant other are into shopping...may I suggest taking the train to Florence? The prices are much better there. Oh! And please, please be aware of pick pockets (my wallet was stolen...awful feeling!). And do not pack anything of worth in check on luggage (yep, that was stolen too...at the airport!) Either mail your things home...or at the very least, insure your luggage. I truly hope you have a great trip. Ciao!

Posted By Pennie on October 15, 2007, 1:46 PM

First, Hi, Steve,
Thanks for the tip. Will give it a whirl.
By the way, I liked your Ducati museum post on your blog Exit Row Seat. Too bad I won't be up that way.

And, Hi, Jennifer,

Thanks for the tip about the Crypto Balbi. I hadn't heard of it before!

Judging from the photos on your portfolio page. You really get to see a lot of the world, don't you? Petra, etc. I hope you've considered entering our writing and photography contests at www.budgettravel.com/10

Will let you know how it goes with Crypto Balbi Thanks for taking the time to help me plan my trip. Of course, these tips will be compiled and presented to many other readers planning trips to Rome, too. Kind regards, Sean, Blog editor

Posted By Sean O'Neill on October 15, 2007, 2:01 PM

I lived in Italy for 3 years and my brotherinlaw is still in Rome with his family. Take a drive (about 35 minutes) south of Rome to FRASCATI,the vineyards are great there, and the city is marvelous. Many small wine bars and "trattorias" to sit and enjoy. Have fun-- I have never spent a DAY in Italy that was not most enjoyable.

Posted By Rosemarie DiRienzo on October 15, 2007, 2:02 PM

Definitely get a tour for the vatican. If not, you'll end up standing in line for the rest of eternity!
Another thing of interest - you may want to take pictures of all the nose pickers - I've never seen so many as in Rome!

Posted By Mary on October 15, 2007, 2:04 PM

Hi, Rosemarie,
Thanks for the tip on Rome and Italy and FRASCATI.
Will seriously consider it after doing a bit more research on travel options there. (I'd rather not drive in Italy, if avoidable.
Again: Thanks for taking the time to help me plan my trip. Of course, these tips will be compiled and presented to many other readers planning trips to Rome, too. Kind regards, Sean, Blog editor

Posted By Sean O'Neill on October 15, 2007, 2:05 PM

For many years I have used and recommended a great tour guide--Annalivia Villa. She is very well educated in Art and History and speaks excellent English. She can be reached at: cosimoalb @ tiscalinet dot it (for Italy)

Posted By Kathi Real on October 15, 2007, 2:17 PM

Hi There!

Funny you should suggest that, because I was going to make two submissions.

Just have to reserve a block of time...

Best, Jen

PS... be prepared to put on 5 lbs. immediately! The arrabiatta at Mani y Pasta in Trastavere is well worth it.

Posted By Jennifer Katz on October 15, 2007, 2:20 PM

--Just to add a few more suggestions. You absolutely do not need a car to get around. When going to any wine bar or restaurant,,if you sit down on the tables the charge is sometimes double than if you just stand up at the bar and have a snack or drink etc.To use any restroom facilities you must buy something first at the business.Never have a purse hanging off your shoulder,,use pockets in front or get one of the hiding money pockets under your shirt. They work wonders.Have a ball!!- Christy

Posted By Christy on October 15, 2007, 2:23 PM

We found a great restaurant in Rome in September called Obika. It is a mozzarella bar in the Piazza Firenze (a few blocks north of the Pantheon) with good food, wine and many options for light or heavy meals. Also on Via del Frezza near the Spanish Steps is the Osteria del Frezza. This Osteria has a fantastic wine list and a huge buffet for happy hour- we had happy hour buffet (4 euro for each plate) and it was more than enough for a light dinner.

Posted By Tanya Farshy on October 15, 2007, 3:29 PM

We used them in Rome about 9 years ago and their guides made rome come alive for my daughters. I have send many people to them in the years since and all have come back singing praises!

Posted By sherry Wolf on October 15, 2007, 4:32 PM

Hi! My husband and I went to Rome in October, 2005. I researched Rome on the internet before going to make sure we knew of all the "to see" attractions. Our hotel was very nice. I don't remember the name of it and I would have to go back through my travel folder to locate it, but they turn off the air conditioners at a certain time of the year over there. I think it was around the first of October when they do this because they were turned off by the time we took our trip. The weather was quite warm over there that year and we did not have a window, only french doors onto a balcony, across from an office building. So, please check the weather before going because we packed for cool weather and it was warm. We walked everywhere though. It was beautiful to just wander around on our own. I remember we stayed just off Nazionale (main street). We encountered an outdoor market one morning on a street. We walked to the Coliseum and took a guided walk through tour which was worth it. We became familiar with our surroundings during the daytime so that we could walk at night. We took a bus tour to the vatican. At the vatican we met a student that was in Rome studying. They take people through on tours complete with the headphones for spending money. In other words, we were not charged a fee up front, we just tipped him after the tour was over. There were several in our group and he was a great guide. Make sure to look at the walls down next to river on your way to the Vatican City. They have drawings/hyrogliphics (sp?) that are really neat. Also, the Pope gives Mass on Wednesday mornings I believe, if you would like to plan your Vatican trip around that. We took a street car/bus back into Rome. Make sure you stamp your ticket once you get on these. Also, be wary of pick pockets as they pack you on these like sardines. One day we took the train to Florence. It was very beautiful there and we took a paid tour of the city and regarding Michaelangelo. Be wary of the beggars/gypsies around the train station in Florence. Also be wary of the people around the Trevi Fountain. It was a beautiful place, especially at night, but men will stick a rose in your wife's/girlfriend's hand and then they tell your husband/boyfriend they have to buy it. I refused to keep my rose and the guy got very angry. My tip to you would be to research the attractions, get you a map of the city once you're in Rome, take a city tour to familiarize yourself with an overview of the city and do your own thing. We found alot of great eating places, met some English speaking people which can be hard to come by sometimes over there, and saw everything on our own time at our own pace!

Posted By Teresa Farr on October 15, 2007, 4:51 PM

When I was in Rome with my elderly Mother, we took the bus tour, it stops near all the important sites and you can get on and of as you please and walk as much as you like. I think this is a great way to familiarize yourself with all new cities when visiting for the first time.

Posted By Lyn on October 15, 2007, 5:41 PM

You MUST go to Vatican City. Give yourself at least a full day for this. Remember, silence is golden in the Sistine chapel where Michelangelo painted the ceiling. Also, you might be there longer waiting for the incredible angels to fly. Ohhh how I wish I was still there!

Posted By Micchael Killeen on October 15, 2007, 8:41 PM

Though off the beaten tourist path, for those interested in Biblical history, the ancient Mammertine Prison is a must. Both the Apostles Peter and Paul were held there, and you can actually touch the stone to which the Apostle Peter was chained. One of the most moving experiences Rome has to offer.

Another favorite of ours is the Piazza Navona at night. The Bernini fountain is magnificent, and the atmosphere like no other place on earth.

Posted By Nita Harville on October 15, 2007, 10:20 PM

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
WHILE WE WERE IN ROME, ONE OF THE THINGS WE ENJOYED MOST WAS THE FOUNTAIN TOUR @ NIGHT IT TOOK A FEW HOURS AND WE DID IT ON OUR OWN, WOULD HAVE GOTTEN MORE INFO FROM A GUIDED TOUR, HOWEVER WE DID IT @ OUR OWN PACE STOPPED IN TO CAFE'S AND SHOPS ALONG THE WAY, IT WAS A BLAST. ALSO AFTER SEEING THE FOUNTAINS @ NIGHT & THE PEOPLE GATHERED AROUND THEM YOU SOME HOW FELT PART OF THE WHOLE TOWN, IT'S HARD TO EXPLAIN. YOU UNDERSTAND AFTER DOING IT. ANOTHER THING IS YOU APPRECIATE THE FOUNTAINS DURING THE DAY AFTER SEEING THEM ALL LITE UP @ NIGHT. ANOTHER THING WE FOUND WAS STAYING IN A CONVENT, YES A CONVENT WITH NUNS AND ALL WAS A GREAT SAVINGS {LAST SUMMER WAS $120 EURO PER NIGHT} SLEPT 3 WITH BRAKFAST INCLUDED & YOU COULD BRING A LITTLE BREAD OR DANISH FOR A SNACK BEFORE LUNCH. IT WILL TAKE SOME PATIENCE & PERSISTANCE TO BOOK THE ROOM, BUT IT PAYS OFF IN THE LONG RUN. THANKS FOR LETTING ME RAMBLE, SINCERELY, ONEIL G

Posted By ONEIL J GRANGER on October 16, 2007, 9:25 AM

We had a great day and literally walked holes in our socks just wandering in ancient Rome. I started to complain " they really could have fixed the sidewalk" until I figured out we were walking on the Apian Way!

Posted By Nancy Mead on October 16, 2007, 11:28 PM

The SCAVI Tour is the best kept secret in Rome.

you actually get to go under St. Peter's Cathedral.

Here's info on the tour and how to request tickets. BE PATIENT!

This is an experience of a lifetime.
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome/scavi_tour.htm

Posted By Jennifer on October 17, 2007, 3:09 PM

Thanks for all the tips, guys, including the Vatican Scavi Tour (I just faxed in my request), and the Obika mozzarella bar (now on my list, and the other tips. The warning about the pickpockets and the advice about getting around Italy, and the rest, is all being closely read and printed out. Many thanks, and our readers will get to see these tips again in another form soon.
Regards,
Sean

Posted By Sean O'Neill on October 17, 2007, 3:18 PM

We found a great little company that offers both- walking tours of all the great sites in Roman history with stops focusing on some of the city's great wine bars. The tour started in the evening and probably lasted three hours. Each stop had a pre-set flight of wines. I thought we'd be drinking gallon jug wines, but we drank amazing Barolos and Brunellos served with italian cheeses, meats and bread. It was a great surprise that I would heartily recommend. Only concern- our guide said they might be hanging up their tour guide hats. Google Rome-ing Tours.

Posted By K & K Kiley on October 17, 2007, 7:44 PM

I'm planing a trip to South England with my daughter (9yrs old) any great can't miss destinations ideas would help so much. Thank's

Posted By Gaby S. on October 18, 2007, 6:39 PM

For the person wanting info on wine bars and walking tours in Rome, I can't help, BUT I can relate to restaurants and bus tours: In 15 days in Italy, my very best restaurant was "la Griglietta" at Via Germanico 170 in Rome. Absolutely superb! Great Food! Great Service. Prices very reasonable. For bus tours, the "110 Open Bus", a city bus (Red)which follows a circular route, covers the major areas and sights, and you can get off at any one of 11 stops, scout that area, and get back on a subsequent bus. A day pass costs 16 Euros. A good deal compared to some of the professional tours.

Posted By Charles E. (Pete) Peterson on October 21, 2007, 6:05 PM

Hi, there, Gaby,
I hope you have a great trip!
You'll find some fun London advice-if not Southern England advice here:
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2007/10/london_trip_tips.html
Here's our most recent Southern England daytrip advice:
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2007/05/04/AR2007050401533.html
Happy travels,
Sean
Blog editor
P.S. If you come across a great souvenir ... or have another travel story or photo, consider participating in one of our contests by Dec. 30, 2007. See details at BudgetTravel.com/10

Posted By Blog Editor on October 22, 2007, 12:48 PM

You can check out 18 different Rome walking tours on Viator.com. There are traveler reviews of many of the tours, and you can book in advance.
Visit Rome Walking Tours on Viator.com for more information.

Posted By Kelly Gillease on October 22, 2007, 2:05 PM

Spent 4 days in Rome in May, 2007; St.Paul's Outside the Walls should be on your visit list; Viator tours-not really worth the money or time-took 2, very poor. Borghesee Palace a must; Vatican City can be drag on time for what you get to see due to crowds.

Posted By Paul Rusconi on October 22, 2007, 3:01 PM

I spent 12 days in Rome in March of this year. I decided to use several books to self guide myself during my stay.
The top three self guided walking tours are:
"Not Built in a Day" George Sullivan
"Rome from the Ground Up"
James McGregor
"Rome in Detail" published by Rizzoli
The Scavi tour is a must, the tour of the French Embassy at the Palazzo Farnese, reservations required communication in French, is very interesting. Sant'Ivo Sapienza, Borromini's magical church, near the Piazza Navona, is only open on Sunday and was the highlight of the trip.Be sure to walk the Via Giulia for Renaiisance Roman Architecture. In Trastevere, Bramante's Tempietto,the Villa Farnesina, and the view from the Janiculum Hill were speactacular.
We also found that when the Pope was saying Mass on Wednesday morning the lines to the Vatican Museum were at the shortest. The most remarkable church for different art styles from early Renaissance to Baroque was in Santa Maria del Popolo!
Relax, go slow and remember it will take you seven lifetimes to discover Rome. Always stop for Gelato. Buon viaggio! Ciao

Posted By daniele rouhier on October 22, 2007, 7:02 PM

I just returned from Tour of Italy. People with tour groups get to enter Vatican Museum before it opens to general public. So a tour is a must for the Vatican. Be aware of pick pockets in St Peter's Square, Pantheon, any where with free admission. They generally don't "work" in foul weather or after sunset. My sister and I stayed on Via Cavour, 2 blocks from Coliseum and we felt comforatable wandering to Coliseum and Forum in the evening. Arrivederci!

Posted By Sarah, Michigan on October 23, 2007, 10:09 AM

Hi: I was in Rome 2 years ago in November and had a great time! Weather was really nice as well. If you are near the colleseum or The Victor Emmanuel monument, walk down to Via Cavour. up on the left hand side about 100 yards is Cavour 313. Great place for wine and some food. Also try Gusto near the Piazza Augusto Imperatore. Great place as well, but Gusto is more of a hip scene, where Cavour 313 is more a local place. Have fun! Ciao, Ed

Posted By Ed Brown on October 23, 2007, 4:22 PM

Thanks to everyone for these fantastic tips!

I only have four days and I may not be able to do all of these things, but I'll do my best. And we'll be highlighting many of these tips in an upcoming issue of the magazine, so that a wide audience of readers can benefit. Molto grazie!

Posted By Sean O'Neill on October 23, 2007, 4:25 PM

Although it was quite a few years ago, I went on a cruise of the eastern Mediterranean, out of Piraeus, Greece. It was a 16 day sea and land trip that included stops in Athens, Corinth, Cairo, Alexandria, Beirut, Haifa, Damascus, Nazareth, Masada (Dead Sea), Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Acre, Cyprus, Santorini (Patmus), Rhodes, Ephesus. Obviously, it was a church sponsored cruise, but they did not beat you over the head with religion, there were others not affiliated with the church groups, and you got to visit many non-religious, historical sites. We were the first American tourists allowed into Egypt after the signing of the treaty between Egypt and Israel. I can elaborate on where we went and what we saw for an article for the 10th anniversary issue if you are interested. The cruise ship (Orpheus)was from the Epirotiki Cruise Lines. Not sure if they still exist, as I think they were bought out by another cruise operator. The accomodations and food on board were outstanding.

Posted By Jack Adams on October 25, 2007, 1:16 AM

2004 - in Rome for Rugby match Scotland v Italy. We spent the next couple days walking around Colosseum, Forum, Vatican, etc.
Imagaine our surprise to find Nag's Head Scottish Pub, in Via 4 Novembre, about 4 blocks north of the Forum, a couple from the War Memorial.
Complete with UK brews, many customers in kilts, heavy cigarette smoke.

Posted By Chuck Riley on October 29, 2007, 5:09 PM

I lived and studied in Rome for 5 months during college and have been back since. I think one thing to remember is that even though Rome is a huge city it is easy to navigate and walk the city center while viewing some of the major sights.
One of my favorite walks to do in the evenings starts at Piazza Navona... you have to try the famous tartufo dessert at Bar Tre Scalini.
A few blocks away you will find the Pantheon, very near this piazza is the gelateria Giolitti touted to be the best gelato in Italy and I must say I agree!
A few more blocks will land you at the Fontana di Trevi, a must see at night and truly a special place.
Stroll a few more blocks and you will be at the base of the Spanish Steps a popular hang out for young locals and tourists to enjoy a warm evening. There is usually some impromptu live music to enjoy.
If you climb the "Steps" to the top then turn left you will end up at the border of Villa Borghese park. Follow the edge of the park until you end up at a viewing area overlooking Piazza del Popolo. It's just beautiful! You can see St. Peter's from here and all the major avenues and obelisks of the city.
I think this is a wonderful way to spend an evening in Rome while taking in the culture, food and people of the city. With map in hand it is very easy to find your way...and sometimes half the fun is in asking a local for directions! Enjoy and Aloha!
Kristin in Honolulu, Hawaii

Posted By Kristin Noelani K on October 29, 2007, 5:21 PM