Rome - My Top 10

I have a friend who is getting married soon and then headed to Italy for his honeymoon with Rome the first stop – he asked me for a Top 10, so here it is:

1. Walk, walk and keep walking – truly the best way to see the city, especially the center with the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Popolo and Piazza Navona to be seen early on.
2. Explore the local neighborhoods – and escape from the Lemmings … that is where the real Rome is to be found – neighborhood markets, delicatessens, family restaurants and inexpensive, very good gelato.
3. The Pantheon – I had no idea what to expect and I loved it – my favorite monument by far. Just wonderful.
4. St. Peters & The Vatican – The Lemmings were out of control and unfortunately, took away from the experience for me (that and I was a little hung over …). See the Vatican Museum first and early – follow the signs for the Sistine Chappel but realize that they are leading you through the entire museum on the way so enjoy it and don't get focused on just getting there (like I did). Better yet, get a tour, I think it really makes a difference. St. Peter's is incredible and a climb up the dome is a must – you actually get to see inside the church from the dome height and it is a surreal experience.
5. The Churches – I'm Christian but not of a particular faith and I loved the churches – the architecture, the sculptures but mostly the sense of true community that can be found in them - just poke your nose into any one you see and you'll get some lovely surprises.
6. Galleria Borghese – wonderful. A beautiful old palazzo filled with art. The tour was very helpful. It is in the middle of the park which is lovely to walk thru – it's also worth walking to the Pincio Hill for the view of Rome.
7. The Forum, Palatine and the Colosseum (all one ticket but can be seen over two days - highly recommended!)
8. Capitoline Museums – depends on how much of a fan you are of 'old rocks' – not my favorite museum but the setting of the museum is beautiful and there is a very old statue of an emperor on a horse that is quite stunning.
9. Galleria Dora Pamphili & the Galleria Arte Moderna – depends on how much art you want to see. The 1st is good for the opportunity to also see the palazzo but the 2nd has a much better selection of works and is set in the Borghese park which is lovely to explore.
10. Il Vittoriano – a more recent monument to the war dead that for some reason just seems out of place in Rome – in part because it is white whereas everything is is of a more natural reddish colour. It gets mixed reviews by the locals but because of it's size and color you seem to see it everywhere. It was worth climbing the steps for the view of the city and the Forum in particular.

As you can see, with a little creative grouping pretty much everything can be captured! It is a wonderful city with a ton to see – my net net, don't over do the sites, instead, be sure to take the time to just wander, explore, sit, eat and drink and appreciate the life around. You can always go back. Have a wonderful time!