Rome is cool, don't stay too long because you might get abducted by the vatican gaurds who dislike you because you clothes are not appropriate, but they are wearing something you would see at disneyland. Go here to party in pubs and peep the ruins. Watch out for the drunk dude at the pantheon with his box wine.
It was so relaxing and laid back I could have stayed forever! The town is small and not known to many tourists. I think we were the only Americans in the place!
You can drive from the Rome airport if you don't mind sharing the road with some of the most insane drivers in the world, but the best way to get there is to take the train to Formia and hop on a bus that will take you right to the main street in Sperlonga.
You will not need a car or want one once you get there. It is much cheaper and enjoyable just to take the train. You walk to wherever you want to go. The beaches are great and not too crowded. Beautiful!
I visited Terminillo in the 3 or 4 times in a summer several years ago and it was wonderful. Cool and lovely. One word of caution is don't go in August unless you really, really like crowds. The camping fields, the hotels and the bars are totally jammed. Have fun!
Rome is a fantastic city to live in, but from a tourist perspective -- especially if you aren't comfortable with a city that is as chaotic as Rome -- it might not be so great. I myself hated Rome the first time I visited, but came back and looked at things from a new perspective and saw all the great things it has to offer, and now live here. There are also numerous opportunities to meet people from all over the world all over the city if you are social and talk to people. The Spanish steps are a great place for tourists to hang out, listen to some locals play the guitar and sing, and meet new people. Rome is not a dangerous city if you don't make yourself a target. That means not wandering around with a map in your hand or wearing obviously touristy clothing (fanny packs for instance). Also, attempt to have an air of confidence about where you are even if you're totally lost. You can still ask for directions, but don't make it obvious that you're lost. As far as Romans not being…
Sermoneta is more beautiful than any town in Tuscany, yet has only a few tourists. It cannot stay that way for long.
This city is amazing. Theres so much to see, I could have happily stayed there for months. Make sure you're wearing trousers and shoes however when you visit St Peters, guards in FBI disguise snatch you from the crowd and send you away in the typical Italian way. I find the Italians extremely rude and unwelcoming; however they didnt spoil my time in Rome. I guess I would be like them if my city was invaded all year round by the hoards of amazed tourists.
Strangley enough I also found Rome to be the worst place I've ever been to for pizza, or indeed anyfood. The prices were sky high, the service was rude and even mean and the food was awful. I obviously had a bad time of it when looking for food but I would suggest Rome is not the place for good food.
Roma is historic. Act like a local, keep your valuables hidden, and don't walk round with a map. There are pickpockets and thieves. Watch out.
And if you hate your pension or hostel, change it. There are hundreds of others. Don't be intimidated by the pushy owners. I found Rome to be the pushiest city I have ever visited in terms of locals. Perhaps someone needs to remind the Italians that without tourists their economy wouldn't be that good.
Don't talk to strangers if you are a female. I met two Italian men in Rome who helped me to find the way at first and kept on taking advantage of me afterwards!
Look at Rome -- dirty, expensive, and crowded. It is the eternal city and there is so much to see and explore. And that is what every owner of a hostel, hotel, restaurant and every other business serving tourists knows. Convenient it is that most hostels and hotels are situated close to the Termini train station. It must be the cheapest area in Rome, because it is one of the most smelly, dirty, and -- for tourists, carrying their cameras and wallets -- unsafe areas. Plus, coming out of Termini, walking your first meters in the city, you will see homeless sleeping, be asked for money and cigarettes. The prices in Rome -- well, it is Rome after all, so every tourist is paying for it, but do yourself a big favor when you stay at a some hotel or hostel. Ask around what rate other guests pay, because you will be judged by your wallet and look by receptionists at many places at a difference of up to 60 €uro for a single room. Some tourists just pay everything.
Read the reviews and comments on here before you pick a hostel. Rome has more than its fair share of duds when it comes to hostels.
I went to Sperlongo 2 years ago in the summer time. I spent a month in August, it was very hot! Beautiful Beach. Lots to do for both young and old. I stayed in Old Sperlonga and had a great time! Met lots of nice people!
I lived in Rome for four months with work paying for my plush appartment. Rome is such a lovely place and I liked the people -- what you see is what you get with them. Food and service is great, weather is great. Enjoy your trip there and eat out as much as you can.
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