A Weekend in Rome

A Weekend in Rome

Find something to do in Rome is not a problem, it is even quite the opposite, it would be almost too much to do! At every corner there are small architectural jewels: a hidden fountain, an ancient piazza, a baroque church ... And the good news for backpackers and budget travelers is that most of the historical wonders that are found in the Italian capital are free to explore. 

With so many options at your fingertips, the question however is how to make the most of Rome in no time. Let's say you have such a weekend in this city sip culture: what to do and what to see in two days? 

If you go to Rome, do not miss our article on Best Bars in Rome. 

1st Day

Start your tour with Angels: simply one of the best ways to fall in love with Rome and enjoy its splendor to its fair value is heading to the Castel Sant'Angelo (Castel Sant'Angelo - € 7 entry ) that offers a panoramic 360 degree view of the city. From here you can admire all known the city that stand amid the rooftops and streets monuments. On the other side of the Tiber, you will see the Vatican and the Pantheon, but also the Palatine Hill (or Palatine Hill), one of the seven hills of Rome; a beautiful sight! Castle Sant'Angelo itself (also called "The Mausoleum of Hadrian," the name of the Emperor who made ​​this palace his mausoleum in 135) is a beautiful building to be discovered, and became even more famous since the novelist Dan Brown was quoted in his famous novel Angels & Demons. 

An express espresso: Italians are extremely proud of their coffee, nothing more sacred (after mama, the pastas and lasagnas course). So it's time, after visiting the Castel Sant Angelo, drink your espresso on the go as do the Italians: standing at the bar, two sips! Espresso often costs € 1 if you eat at the bar, even in the most prestigious area of Rome.

Via Giulia best to soak up the atmosphere of Rome is to walk through the city on foot, surrounded by a strange mix of tourists, clergymen and well dressed in the Italian style buildings (moving mostly scooter!). You will have absolutely stroll along Via Giulia near the Vatican, to feel the refined atmosphere and clean in Rome chic. This street, built in the 16th century by Pope, is lined with churches, antique shops and beautiful houses. 

Dinner in the Termini area: eat well and cheaply in Rome's Termini area is a challenge. Okay, Termini is archi tourist and suddenly not especially glamorous, but if you take the side streets surrounding the square you will find countless small family restaurants with giant plates of pasta and pizzas gargantuan 6 € (often served with bread and free water): here, no overpriced tourist menus in sight! 

Partying in Testaccio out partying in a night box that is not overrun with tourists and ultra kitsch music is almost impossible mission to Rome. Most trendy parties actually take place outside of the city. Best if you want to stay in the center of Rome is to go in the trendy Testaccio where the atmosphere starts to get really festive at midnight. You can find nightclubs and bars for every taste, and you have a chance to get out surrounded by buildings, the Italian fashion! 

Stay at The Yellow: there are many good hostels and cheap hotels in Rome, but there are many institutions that are a little far from the center if you only stay in Rome two days. The Yellow is however a very good alternative in the center of Rome. This hostel is located just 5 minutes walk from Termini station, so no need to watch the clock and worry about knowing when is the last train if you want to dance all night!

2nd Day

Avoid the touristy ruins: to avoid paying a fortune to enter the Palatine Hill ruins and also enjoy untouched and less touristy, go to Via Appia (or Appian), one of the oldest roads ancient Rome was built from 312 BC and which segments have been preserved. You can discover many ruins, Christian catacombs or the Circus Maxentius (better preserved than the famous Circus Maximus). Since the Piramide metro station, take bus 118 to get to the Via Appia. Admission is 2 € per person and buildings. 

The Aperitivi: Enjoy a drink on a beautiful Roman piazza can be expensive ... What you need to find is a place that offers to give you a aperitivi (somewhat equivalent to the French aperitif but more consistent, we offer small snacks) free if you order a drink. Try Obika (near the Pantheon in Piazza di Firenze), which offers free tastings every day between 19h and 21h (crostini, prosciutto and dessert) if you buy a drink (glass of prosecco is 8 €) 

The Pantheon of all the beautiful and impressive buildings to discover in Rome, the Pantheon is probably one of the most beautiful. After your complimentary glass of prosecco and your aperitivi at cheap price, you can discover the ancient church for free. Built with no glass skylight at the top of its dome, the Pantheon lets in light, rain and the occasional pigeons. Looking at the sky through the skylight something ... exciting! 

Piramide: another place not so touristy and well worth a visit to Rome Piramide (metro station of the same name), which is often excluded from the route buses of Japanese tourists (and therefore less crowded). Discover the strange Pyramid of Cestius (Via Caio della Marmorata) built around the 1st century AD, the exact origins of its construction remain a mystery ... The Cimitero Acattolico is also there (also known as Protestant Cemetery), on Via Caio Cestio and houses the tombs of many "celebrities" or men of letters as the English poets Keats and Shelley.

Rent a bicycle: If you like pedaling and are brave enough to brave the sometimes crazy traffic of the city, discover Rome by bike is sometimes a very nice alternative (but maybe not in the summer, too hot ...). Go to the Villa Borghese to rent bikes and enjoy a cappuccino at the beautiful Art Cafe delle before you start! 

Finally, be aware that some organizations such as "The Secrets of Rome" are responsible for organizing unusual tours of Rome and the Vatican ... which can be a good way to maximize your time if you have only two days. You can then explore Rome and its secrets with art historians and archaeologists professional or official guides of Rome and its province. Gladiator fights to the intrigues of the Court of the Popes through the life of the greatest Italian artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio, you know all about the best of the Italian artistic and historical culture! Special recreational visits for children or private can even be arranged for you, in short, a living this weekend in Rome without stress!