Due to us having good weather, we thought we would go to the beach. Now because we did not have access to a car/ I don't know if I could have coped with the crazy Italian driving or driving on the other side of the road, our only option was to get public transport. This reduces the amount of beaches we could get to from where we were easily, with many recommendations for Sperlongs. If you, like us only have public transport to get around you can either go to Santa Marinella or Ostia di Lido. We decided to go to Ostia di Lido for a few reasons:
1. It was recommended to us by staff at our hostel
2. If we were to have gone to Santa Marinella, we would have used our interrailing pass but that would have meant taking our passports with us
3. There were a lot of recommendations on line for Ostia di Lido
We managed to get there without an issue and because we are slightly out of season and because it was Friday, the beach was pretty empty. Unfortunately because we were informed that not only was Roma Termini station is notorious for pick pocketers and also because we didn't want to leave our valuables unattended when we went in to the sea, I have no pictures to show but believe me it was amazing! The only issue with going slightly out of season is that the eateries on the beach were mostly closed but we had brought some food along with us so this did not affect us.
If you have a spare day, I would definitely recommend coming here!
San Giovanni Markets
We decided to check out these markets because they are recommended by all. They are very easy to find with the markets being round the corner from the San Giovanni metro station. The markets are open everyday apart from Sunday between 8 and 2 but I would recommend getting there before theend as many venders will pack up before then.
Be ready to have to ignore sellers as they can be quite grabby and loud but you really can get some great bargains here! Don't forget to bargain at all times, most sellers are just happy to get it off heir hands. I managed to bag a little watch for only €3, perfect for when I am away! This is perfect for presents for people although it is a little harder to get presents for guys...buying for my dad was a nightmare!
The picture below shows some of the trinkets I manage to snag!
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps is a must whilst in Rome, although many tourists stumble across the steps. They really are something, perfect for a sit with a gelato in the sun! They were not as big as I thought, so don't be worried about the climb. Unfortunately, the church at the top of the stairs were under renovation and had an advertising billboard in front if them which ruined it slightly but oh well. It is important to note that all churches in Rome have a strict clothing policy that all garments must be below the knee with shoulders and midriffs covered for you to be able to enter the church.
Fontana de Trevi
The famous fountain is about a 10 minute walk for the Spanish Steps. Unfortunately, it was under major refurbishment and there wasn't even water in it. I was very disappointed because it had been one of the monuments I had been looking forward to going to!
Pantheon
This is again round the corner from the fountain so is well worth doing on the same day especially if you have limited time in Rome. The building itself is spectacular but inside is even better in my opinion. It is free to enter aswell. Annoyingly, many tourists take photos with flash despite not being allowed to! Also as a monument, there is not a strict dress code to enter so if it is a hotter day you have no need to worry!
Piazza Navona
This square is a great ending destination if you have done the Spanish Steps, Fountain and Pantheon this is a great place to end the day. With restaurants all around and many street performers it's a great way to spend your late afternoon. We managed to see a magician who to be fair to him did entertain the crowd but he took a long time to set his tricks up so to speak.
Coliseum and Arch of Constantine
We went to go and see this on a Sunday, quite late on. Unfortunately we arrived hungry and to be honest, to get food for a decent price you have to walk quite a way so by the time we returned it was later still and they were stopping tourists going inside. Despite this we managed to get a good look from the outside and sat beside the arc and took in the last of the sun. Again, the coliseum was under renovation, so I would have preferred to have entered when it was back in its original glory so to speak.
Vatican
If you want to go to the museums you MUST go early because queues are very very long. Also on the way you will have people trying to sell you things...ignore them, even though there is a small chance they are genuine many tourists get ripped off. We went to the basilica which is free to get in to but he queue is very long. Security here is stricter than the airport if I am honest so it is not surprising that there is a bit of queue, although it is quick and efficient. The dress code is strict here aswell, both men and women must be covered below the knee with midriffs and shoulders covered. Women can get away with a scarf/shawl across shoulders as long as they are covered. I would advise to not bring backpacks because you have to check them in, you cannot bring prams in either so take this in to consideration if you are bringing a young child.
Inside the basilica is nothing short of amazing. The pictures do not do it justice! It is simply just wow.
A tip for you, if you are going to send postcards back home, use the Vatican post. It is the same price as stamps outside be Vatican but instead you have a Vatican stamp and rumours have it they arrive quicker than the normal Italian post. How true this is, I am unsure I guess I will find out when they arrive!
I enjoyed my time in Rome just remember that if there is any way that something can be charged for regardless of what it is, you can bet it will be. Furthermore, Rome is pretty much closed on a Sunday specifically restaurants although closer to the attractions there is more open!
Imogen xoxo
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