Comments on: Rome Survival Tips for the First-Time Visitor

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:20:43 +0000

This should help, Debra:
http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/rome-cruise-terminal-where-it-is-how-to-get-there.html

By: debra

debra — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:28:07 +0000

Fantastic article. A lot of help for me as I will be travelling on my own in October. My one concern is there never seem to be any mention about the cruises out of Rome. I am taking one but for the life of me cannot figure out how to get to the port from my hotel which is in area around the Vatican and on my return to port how to get to the airport (FCO). Could you help?

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:45:18 +0000

I’m sorry to hear this, James – I wonder if finding another place to live in Italy (outside of Rome) would be better for you (if you don’t head back to the UK, I mean)? And I think the things you’re talking about wouldn’t trouble people who are just visiting Rome on holiday – as you alluded to, there’s an enormous difference between visiting a place and living there, especially when it comes to Italy.

By: James

James — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:09:59 +0000

I have lived and worked in Rome for nearly 3 years now and I have to say, I definitely do not love Rome. Nor do I think I ever will. It’s a place to visit, sure, but living here is like being kicked in the crotch on a daily basis.

The transportation is overcrowded and slow, constantly breaking down or stopping for seemingly incomprehensible reasons and people are downright rude. On an individual basis, the italians I meet are kind and friendly, but whenever I encounter them in groups, I want to throttle them all. I’ve never encountered people who have such a terrible attitude to public spaces, and who will push in front of you without the least concern.

I don’t really care about the absurd bureaucracy, beacause generally you can manage without it. It’s the completely base-level idiocy of the place that gets to me, in particular the fact that lots of shops close on a SATURDAY as well as Sunday!! I work a normal 5 day week, 9 to 5, so if I want to get something done, it has to be at the weekend. If the shops I need are closed then what?? Something that should be relatively simple then has to be sandwiched somehow into my working week (comprising 30 teaching hours and 15 hours travelling on public transport). How is this possible in a European capital?? In spite of all this, Rome also somehow contrives to be the most expensive city in Europe….WTF?

As soon as I can find a new job back in the UK, I’m out of here, as I just seem to be wasting my time and energy here..

you have been warned!

By: eric

eric — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:10:18 +0000

All you need is a good bus map.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:48:50 +0000

Hi, Claire & Ilham:

Whenever I went back & forth from the hostel at Termini, I did take a bus – because walking to the major monuments & attractions was just too far. I prefer getting there easily by bus and then wandering around. So yes, I always ended up on a bus back to Termini and then walking the few blocks to the hostel. Termini’s a massive bus terminal as well as a train station, so no matter where you are in the city you’ll be able to find a bus that gets you back to Termini. Just remember that the buses stop running at some point in the night – I don’t recall the exact hour, but I think it’s in the 1-2am range – and if you’re out after that you’ll need to catch a taxi or walk.

Ciao,
Jessica

By: Ilham

Ilham — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:36:42 +0000

Yes please, like the poster Claire above, I too would like to know if the area around the Termini is safe to walk through at nighttime, when coming back from the station and returning back to your hostel? I will be a first-time visitor to Rome shortly & find your blog exceptionally detailed & helpful!

By: Claire

Claire — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:48:48 +0000

Jessica,

I have read warnings about the area around the Termini Station, and I had a question about one of your hostel recommendations in that area, M & J. When you stayed there, have you ever had any trouble walking back there at night? Or, do you usually take the bus or a cab back to that area at night? I am a first time visitor to Rome and just wanted to get your opinion. I’ve used your blog to plan our entire two week trip to Italy. I can’t begin to tell you how helpful it has been. Thanks!!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:11:58 +0000

I’m glad you liked the article, Khadine, and I hope you find it helpful once you’re actually in Rome!

By: Khadine

Khadine — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

I think that you post is great! It gives me (a first time traveler, to Rome) a great working knowledge of what to expect, what to look out for, and how to prepare for my trip without intimidating me. Thank you very much for the information and I hope that you keep posting your thoughts!