How big is Rome?Are the tourist attractions in Rome very far apart?

Question

trying to book a hotel, but not sure whereabouts...we only have a weekend there, so we dont want to spend ages getting to the tourist attractions.
Our main interests are vatican city, the colosseum, trevi fountain, spanish steps and sistine chapel...and more if poss.
thanks

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Hi, Ive just got back from Rome and had a fantastic time! I'm not sure exactly how big it is, but central Rome isn't huge, and you will be able to walk to the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel on one day and do the Colosseum,Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps another day, or if you are prepared to walk for a couple of hours you can do all in the same day, but be warned the queue at the Sistine chapel was an hour long when I was there in March, so if you are going around now, their peak season starts and you may have to queue longer. We stayed at the Residenza Cellini, it is a little expensive, but completely worth it, its a gorgeous hotel, very exclusive, as it only has 6 suites, and the staff are excellent. From there, the Colosseum is about a 15 minute walk. You will want a lot of time there, as you can go in for about ten or twelve euros and get fantastic sights of what it is like inside, take loads of photos, etc. I absolutely loved it, but beware of the guys dressed in Roman costumes outside, they will offer for you to have a photo taken with them, and then run after you demanding money!! Trevi fountain is about a ten minute walk from the hotel, about 25 minutes from Colosseum. They will give you a map in the hotel, and if you want, talk you round the attractions and show them on the map. The Trevi fountain is amazing, my favourite place in Rome. We had a week there, so we had a lot more time to see everything, but if you started at the Colosseum, which I would recommend, (or you will be retracing your steps several times), then going to the Trevi Fountain, it's about another ten minute walk to the Spanish Steps. You do have to look at the map and the road names frequently, though, as the streets are very narrow and it can get a little confusing! From the Spanish steps it will take about half an hour to get to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City. You have to cross the river, and you will see some fantastic sights.
If you go to the Colosseum, it is worth going to the Palatino, as well. It is very old buildings from the Roman times, like a village and columns still standing. If you go to either the Palatino or Colosseum, you can tell them you want your ticket to include the other, for a small amount extra. They are pretty much next to each other, and you will get some fantastic views from the top of the hill, and you can imagine what old time Rome must have looked like.
All my life I had wanted to go to Rome, and I was not disappointed, I absolutely loved it. I reccommend the AA guide to Rome, it gives you a lot of information on the attractions and the history of them.

I hope you have a fantastic time, me and my partner did.

One more thing, be careful around the Trevi Fountain, as there will be a lot of men walking around with bags full of cheap tat that they will try and sell you. Just say no, very firmly. They are a complete pain in the backside! Also, if you stand facing the Trevi Fountain, to the right of you is a little road with loads of souvenir shops, if you want postcards or small trinkets to take back.

Good Luck!!

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Asker's Comment:

great answer..thanks

Answer 2

its not that bad,you shuold manage the sites in a weekend,they have a decent metro system thats cheap,the tourist bars and resteraunts are near the railway station and dearer,there was a good one not that far from the colloseium but cant remember exactly where,hre are organised pub crawls for english speakers every night,homers was a good one it,they have a web site and remember to cover your shoulders when you go to the vatican city[lot to see there]

Answer 3

I've been to Rome several times. The city is very large. Driving is a true test of courage and skill. My suggestion is use the public transportation. It works great and you'll have a great time. The Vatican and Sistine chapel are walking distance from each other. Trevi fountain is a good distance drive. The Spanish steps and the Colosseum are within walking distance of each other. There is so much to see, hope you have some time.

Answer 4

We stayed in Pensione Ottaviano in Rome. It's walking distant to St Peter's Square (Vatican City). We went to all the attractions that you mentioned, and even more within one day! I am currently updating my Europe trip including Rome in my blog. Feel free to visit -> http://travelerfolio.com

Take care!

Answer 5

Rome is a big city about 500 sq mi and 3.000.000 peoples lives in Rome.
But the tourist attraction who are you interests is very near.
You can visit the Colosseum, Trevi fountain, Spanish steps and other Romas antiquities in this city zone in one day, and one day (a couple of hours) Vatican City.
I'm not sure (i don't remember) but Sistine chapel is inside Vatican museum, and you need a reservation (you must book). To visit Vatican museum you need half day.
To a complete city tour you need 4 or 5 day.
I hope my meaning is clear.
If you have some question my mail is free.
I hope you have a good holyday.

Source(s):

I'm Italian and i visit Rome when i was a 14 old. (22 years ago).

Answer 6

We stayed at the BelleSuites near the Termini Station. It was great and we walked everywhere. The Vatican was a long walk, you can take the subway and save time. The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel will take at least half of your day. The city is big, but the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish steps are an easy walk. Don't forget the Forum, right across from the Colosseum. Plus, the Crypt of the Cappuchin Monks, it was close to our hotel.