Viator Rome

Rome is a city of museums, ancient monuments, churches, and piazzas. But it’s not all a concrete and stone jungle out there – Rome also has some gorgeous green spaces worth exploring, especially if you need a break from the city. One lovely garden to visit is the Rome Rose Garden.

Chances are good that you know some things about Rome. It’s a famous city, and it’s been written about by countless people over the years. But it’s also a good bet there are some things about the city that would surprise you.

Shoppers headed to Rome may find something interesting in just about any boutique in the city – the ability to say, “I bought this in Rome!” is always appealing – but serious fashionistas should make a beeline for Via Veneto. Of course, you’ll need to be prepared for the designer prices to go along with the designer goods, but if you’re unwilling to part with that kind of money you can always enjoy the window shopping, which is completely free.

Nestled in Rome, the Vatican is the smallest country in the world. Since 1929 it has been an independent city-state of just over 110 acres with a population of 800. It has its own stamps and coins, even its own passports although very few are issued. The head of state is the Pope.

Roman Holiday did not only make Audrey Hepburn a star, it also shot a small back street in Rome to prominence. Via Margutta was the location of the flat (number 51) occupied by Gregory Peck’s character, Joe Bradley, where many of the couple’s scenes were filmed.

Gracefully designed and good for a rest and people watching, I admit I was not overwhelmed by the Spanish Steps the first time I saw them. There seemed to be a lot of traffic, a lot of chaos, and too much grime and rubbish.

As a tourist, you only have a limited amount of time to explore wherever you are. Who wants to spend that time waiting in line? For travelers looking to see a given city’s top attractions, skip the line tickets are one of the most helpful inventions ever, especially in a place like the Vatican.

What’s that? You don’t really like art? Then why are you in Rome? Good thing there are plenty of monuments. From the ruins of the Empire to the church relics, Rome is pretty much a huge museum. Even people who aren’t interested in art will marvel at the sweeping perfection found in Renaissance mainstays such as the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Borghese Gallery.

What’s that? You don’t really like art? Then why are you in Rome? Good thing there are plenty of monuments. From the ruins of the Empire to the church relics, Rome is pretty much a huge museum. Even people who aren’t interested in art will marvel at the sweeping perfection found in Renaissance mainstays such as the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Borghese Gallery. You can find good deals on Skip the Line tours of Rome, but these are without a guide, and I really think you’ll get more out of your trip if someone is telling what makes all that artwork important, in addition to what makes it beautiful.