Knowing Rome

The Currency Question

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:29:00 +0000

A reader recently emailed me asking for an opinion on whether it was necessary to purchase euro notes before heading to Italy, and whether I thought it was necessary and prudent.

Personally, I do not purchase currency before my trip as I do not find that it is cost effective or necessary. Generally, a purchase of foreign currency must be done with your credit card. This is considered a cash advance which has a higher interest rate than a normal purchase. You may be able to purchase notes directly from your bank, but this generally will require a lot of lead time, and there are bound to be fees. Some places allow you to do an electronic check, such as EzForex.com (I've never used this site, but after clicking around and doing some research, it looks to be reputable and good pricing, too -- you'll be hard pressed to find a good price on euro notes outside the EU). The money will come directly out of your checking account, and you won't have to worry about paying extra for the cash advance on your credit card.

Also note that while some places may claim that they do not charge a service fee, you will be paying more through the exchange process. For example, the current market value between the US Dollar and the Euro is $1.42 (roughly). If you do some price comparisons, you'll find that many places do not charge a fee, but simply mark-up (or mark-down, depends on how you look at it) the exchange rate.

You might find it more convenient simply to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive in Italy. I have never had a problem using my ATM card in Italy, but if you bank with a small local bank or a credit union, make sure to call them and ask if your card will work out of the country. Also, many international ATM's only accept four digit pin numbers. If your pin is longer than that, ask whether you need to change your pin. In many instances, if your pin number is more than four digits, you only need to enter the first four digits. Make sure to check with your bank first.

Whether or not you purchase currency before you arrive is a personal choice. If you plan to arrive in Italy very early in the morning or late in the evening, it might be prudent to have some euro notes on hand in case of ATM closures since most banks and some currency exchanges offices may not be open. You could also purchase currency at the airport -- most airports have currency exchange booths, and you could purchase 50 or 100 euro there. I wouldn't purchase too much currency since you will get better rates of exchange with your ATM card at an ATM machine (bancomat).

Take note of ATM fees from your bank. ING Direct, in my opinion, offers to best bang for your buck. They don't charge fees, and you pay only the exchange fees and the 2% surcharge from Mastercard (or Visa) - which is typically cheaper than most fees charged by banks. Most banks charge more to make international withdrawals -- check with your bank before heading on your trip to find out how much each withdrawal might cost you!

Perhaps this is your first time in Italy, and you'll feel more comfortable having some ready cash on hand? I suppose if you are more relaxed and don't want to worry about being stranded without any money, then purchasing some currency will be one less thing to worry about on your vacation!

author's note: Please keep in mind that ideas expressed here are my own opinions. Be sure to check with your bank/credit union/currency provider for specific details on your own transactions.

How Much Money To Budget While In Rome?

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:14:00 +0000

While I was on my trip to Rome, I received several emails from readers wanting to know how much money to bring with them to Rome and how much they might need.

It really depends on your circumstances - a single person or group of friends is going to need less than a family of four might need. I'll outline some useful tips - anyone with experience traveling to Rome is welcome to leave a comment about how much money one might need.

What things cost in Rome
I think it's important to know how much things cost in Rome before you head out. Of course, my numbers are based on my own observations - comments as always are welcome.

A bottle of water in Rome can range from 0.15 euro to 3 euro - it all depends on where you buy it and how well you plan. A coffee in Rome is about 0.80 euro. Remember that a cup of coffee in Rome isn't really a cup, but a "shot" of coffee.

A longer coffee is going to cost more (by longer, I mean taller) - a cappuccino can range between 1.50 euro and up, depending on whether you take it at the bar or sit down. Sit down service in Italy costs more than if you take your drinks (coffee or otherwise) standing up.

Lunch can be inexpensive and on-the-go - a slice of pizza, an aroncini (rice ball with various veggies and/or meats that is lightly fried - sometimes baked), or a panini (sandwich) - and might run you 1-2 euro. Again, if you sit down for something more elaborate, the price is going to go up to anywhere between 10-20 euro per person. Usually walking around outdoors in the heat and being super active makes me less hungry, and I try to find a market or supermarket and purchase some fresh fruit, water, yogurt and some crackers. Fresh fruit is not only good for you, but you can also help the local economy as well as help in rehydrating!

Dinners will probably be your largest expense: 20-30 euro per person, depending on where you dine and how much you eat (If you rent a short term apartment, you could even cook a few meals for yourself!). Don't feel compelled to have a full course dinner every night - save money by sticking to pasta dishes or pizza (if it's on the menu). A basic Margherita (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil) will run you about 4-5 euro. More elaborate pizzas can range from 5-10 euro. It's not unusual to order a few antipasti, share them and finishing off with dessert and coffee. Again, what you eat depends on your mood, how active you were during the day, etc.

In Italy, there is a "coperto" -- this is for the bread and other amenities on the table and can vary by restaurant. Some charge a flat cover while others charge per person. This cost is unavoidable, but will add 2-3 euro per person onto the bill. Some restaurants include a gratuity automatically, especially those near hotels and tourist spots -- the menu will usually list these caveats and most menus are posted outside restaurants for you to study before entering.

Transportation in Rome is relatively inexpensive. For 1 euro, you can ride the tram, bus, metro and some regional train lines for 75 minutes. When I went to Rome, I walked 95% of the time to my destinations so it wasn't cost effective for me to use the 4 euro day ticket. There is also a weekly ticket option, too. Depending on how much you want to walk versus making use of public transport should dictate which ticket you purchase. 4 euro a day for two weeks can add up fast -- if you are only using public transport once or twice a day, 4 euro probably isn't the most cost effective option.

Taxis in Rome are expensive, and I would suggest that you use them sparingly: late at night when the buses run few and far between, when you need to get to the airport, when you arrive after a long flight and public transport isn't a viable option for reaching your destination, or when public transport isn't going to get you to your destination. For those who do not speak Italian, it might be helpful to write down (clearly) where you need to go before getting into a cab. For example, you might carry a piece of hotel stationery to hand to your driver or a notecard that you fill out before heading to Italy - you might have trouble pronouncing the name of the hotel or even the name of the street correctly. You don't want to spend money needlessly in a taxi as the driver criss-crosses Rome trying to find your hotel.

Your hotel is going to be your largest expense between 100-300 euro per night, depending on where you stay. I always advise people who go to Rome to find a bed and breakfast, short term apartment, or a decent hostel. You get more for your money, generally - and you'll most likely be spending most of your time out and about. Your lodgings will just be a place to sleep. I would also advise that you prepay for your hotel before you arrive but only if the hotel will allow for a refund. Nothing worse than dropping $2000 for a hotel room only to have your plans get canceled. Also avoid booking deals that offer steep discounts and no refunds -- only choose these offers if you are very certain of your plans. Definitely shop around, read reviews of hotels and hostels, and be certain before you pay.

So how much money do I bring?
Leaving out your hotel or lodging expenses, I think a good rule of thumb is 50-70 euro per day for someone traveling alone. If you plan to be in Rome a week, think of having 350-500 euro per week per person. You can lower your costs by eating cheaply at lunch, making use of the free breakfast at your hotel or bed and breakfast. Budget more if you intend to buy a lot of clothes and other goods while you're in Rome -- just a word to the wise that shopping in Rome can be expensive. July is a good month to shop in Rome as many sales take place starting the first weekend in Italy.

I think that it's important to know what you want to do while you're there. I'm not a shopper - I don't usually buy much in the way of clothes or other high ticket items. I purchase mainly books, some household goods, sometimes olive oil and wine. If you expect to do a lot of shopping, you'll need to bring more money. If you want to spend a lot of time outdoors and seeing the sites, you can probably get by with less money. Just keep in mind that museum entry fees can add up - try to take advantage of tourist cards (Roma Pass, for example) where you can visit multiple museums and sites for a set price. Many age related discounts in Rome (may) apply only to members of the EU so don't rely on that to save money, but it never hurts to ask (especially for students and those over 65 years of age.

Having a rough plan of what you want to do and see is important. You don't need to map out every minute of your vacation, but sketching out some ideas of places you want to visit, things you want to buy, and other activities will help you plan your trip, make your money last longer, and avoid any surprises when you get your first credit card statement after your trip. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to have a great vacation!

Bottled Water and You!

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:00:00 +0000

It's no secret that in Rome during the summer, it's hot! You can't be out and about and not keep your fluids up otherwise not only do you risk being ill and not enjoying your vacation, but you could also be putting yourself in danger.

Recently in the news, you might have heard about how a town in Australia has put the stop on the sale of bottled water calling it wasteful and damaging to the environment. While I don't foresee that happening in Rome anytime soon, there are things that you can do to cut down on waste - that is, throwing away your water bottles -- here are some tips:

If you've ever been to Rome, you'll notice that there are a lot of fountains - the grand kind that you see in the piazzas and also the small ones (fontanella), which are drinking fountains. The water is safe to drink unless you see a sign that says "Non Potabile" or "Acqua Non Potabile" - if you don't see the sign, then the water is ok to drink. These small drinking fountains are all over the city and also outside the city. Instead of buying bottled water, consider refilling an aluminium or plastic bottle brought from home to rehydrate. The water, according to my tastes, has a slightly metallic taste, and I don't like it, but it varies from fountain to fountain. As I said, the water might not taste as good as bottled water, but it's clean, safer for the environment and just as good for you.
You can also drink water from many of the large fountains in the city, but use your judgment. For example, I wouldn't drink the water from the Trevi Fountain, but many of the other fountains in the city are good water sources. Remember, that's what the fountains were intended for - they only became great works of art much later!
If you do buy bottled water, save the plastic bottle and refill it later or throughout the day at a fountain or fontanella. Not only will you be recycling your own plastic, but you can save money on buying more bottled water.
Try to avoid buying bottled water from tourist traps and near busy tourist areas - you'll pay 10 times what you would pay in a supermarket. There are tons of supermarkets in Rome. Don't be daunted if you find that all the water bottles come in packs of six, 12 or more. You can break open the pack and take just one or two bottles. There's a great supermarket on Via Ostiense near Andreotti - it's small, but you can buy a small bottle of water for 0.15 euro and reuse the bottle - that's the cheapest bottled water I found in the city.

Consider also buying a few larger bottles and leaving them in your hotel or lodgings for the evenings. The nighttime is a good time to rehydrate for the following morning.
And lastly, if you can't or don't like to reuse your plastic bottles, at the very least, recycle it. There are recycling bins all throughout the city, and they are pretty clearly marked. Hopefully, this will insure that your water bottle doesn't go right to the landfill.

Read what others are saying about drinking water from Rome's fountains:

http://www.romebuddy.com/loves/toconsume.html#fountains
http://www.aboutroma.com/Fountains-of-Rome.html
http://blog.traveling.com/jennyscott/albums/rome-italy/6098026
This is a good photo that shows you how to drink from a fontanella :)

Ferragosto

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0000

[I reprint this post each year at the start of the summer as a reminder to travelers who are heading to Italy for the summer]

Ferragosto is the Italian holiday that takes place in August -- you can pretty much hedge your bets that most things are going to be closed as Italians head to the mountains, lakes and beaches for some much needed rest and relaxation.

The holiday is a curious one for many reasons, one of which is during the entire month of August, most of Italy closes down except for the tourist areas, hotels and restaurants. Most businesses close so that their employees can enjoy the month of August for some much needed R&R!

Second, the holiday began in ancient Roman times when in 18 BC, the emperor Augustus declared that the month of August would be dedicated to the Feriae Augusti - a slew of festivals that honored the goddess Diana, who served as the protector of labor. The month of August also honored the gods Vortumnus and the Opeconsiva, two gods who were worshiped to ensure that there would be an abundant crop, an excellent harvest, and fruitful seasons and safe weather to ensure that the crops would be bountiful.

Diana was also the goddess of maternity, and the 13th of August was the most important day. The ancient Roman holiday was a celebration of maternity and fertility -- whether it was in the fields with their abundant crops, or in the bedroom with lots of (male) children to carry on the family line! The 13th of August featured religious services which honored the goddess Diana -- with both men and women hoping for fertile fields and fertile wives.

In Christianity, August is believed to be the month in which the Virgin rose to heaven. Pope Piux XII in 1950 cemented this into the church's canon, although the idea that August was the month of the Virgin began to take shape in the 1700's. The Virgin was the one that Christians turned to and prayed to for a good harvest and an abundant crop, taking over the "role" of the ancient gods who originally served that purpose.

Now the modern holiday is a time of rest and relaxation where the entire country slows down and Italians enjoy their summer holidays. August is also the hottest month of the year, and Italians generally flee their cities. The religious aspects of the holiday definitely take a "back seat" to many Italians who see this as a time of rest, relaxation and beating the heat.

You'll tend to see more tourists than Italians in the major cities since many of them are at the beach. If going to the beach, lakes, mountains or other popular (and cooler) destinations are on your itinerary, expect a lot of traffic and crowds. If super hot weather, crowds and tourists and finding a lot of things closed bothers you, best to avoid Italy in August and wait until September or October for your vacation or earlier in the late spring. Ferragosto is something to keep in mind as you plan your trip to Italy.

*photo courtesy of Bryan Schneider - http://2italy.blogspot.com,
http://www.picenohomeservices.com

Gone Fishin'!

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0000

I haven't really gone fishing!

I'm going to away from until the first week of July - heading to Italy for some R&R!

I will respond to any emails and queries when I return.

You can follow the progress of my trip on my travel blog, My Roman Holiday:

http://www.myromanholiday.com

Hostelling in Rome

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:38:00 +0000

If you want to live La Dolce Vita for less, steer clear of Rome’s overpriced hotels – blow your budget on accommodation, and you’ll have a lot less to spend on sightseeing and scoffing gelato!

More and more travelers are cutting back and choosing hostels rather than traditional hotels, tempted by the low prices and improved facilities of what was only a stop-off for backpackers and cash-strapped students.

The rise of the ‘flashpacker’ (tech-savvy travelers, or backpackers with more money to burn) demanding better facilities and private rooms means that budget accommodation in Rome is often cheaper and better equipped than some of the chicer hotels.

But no matter how ‘flash’ your hostel may be, your first foray into budget accommodation can still be daunting - whether it’s booking a room or coping with shared dorms. To help all of you first-time hostelers out there, here are my top tips for hosteling in Rome.

Booking a Bed

One of the advantages of hostels are that you can often turn up unannounced and find a bed, perfect if you have to stay an extra night in a city, or if your travel plans are disrupted. But I wouldn’t recommend just ‘turning up’ for an extended holiday in Rome – the city is hugely popular on the backpacker trail and beds fill up very quickly, especially in peak season (Easter, Spring, Summer).

If you fancy a spontaneous city break, expect to compromise on what kind of hostel you stay in and the facilities available – you could find yourself strung out on the outskirts of the city in a cramped dorm!

Plan your trip well in advance, and book online for cheaper prices– I’d recommend using booking websites like HostelBookers where you can see plenty of pictures of the hostel, user reviews and ratings, and maps so you know where you are going to be staying. Avoid any sites with a booking and joining fee as well!

Usually, you pay a deposit or a fraction of the price online first, and then the rest when you turn up at the hostel. Most hostels in major cities like Rome will have card machines, but I would bring some Euros just in case.
Choosing a Hostel

This is the trickiest part of all, as there are a whole range of hostels in Rome. There are several youth hostels in Rome which cater to students and backpackers- the cheapest option. These usually have shared dorms and bathrooms, and often have a ‘lock out’ so you can’t hang around in your room during the day.

‘Party Hostels’ are along the same lines, but often have a jam-packed social calendar, a bar on site with cheap drinks, and no curfew, so it’s perfectly acceptable to stumble in at 2am.

Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually smaller, family-run versions of hotels, often in beautiful converted old homes, and with great extras like home-cooked breakfasts.

Boutique hostels are stylish and slick hostels, usually with a selection of private or shared rooms, a great range of facilities (such as self-catered kitchens, lounges and internet cafés) and cool interiors.
Things to Look Out For

The best way to identify a good hostel is to read up on other travelers reviews, and to look at the hostel facilities. The best hostels usually have a combination of the following – a choice of private and shared rooms, a kitchen and social space such as a lounge, hot showers, an international, 24-hour reception or help desk, a free luggage room and lockers for personal belongings, linen and towels, and internet facilities.

Other extras to look out for include free breakfasts, social events and excursions, free city tours or maps, bars and restaurants, and even the occasional luxury extra such as jacuzzis and pools!
Where in Rome

Although Rome is easy to explore on foot, check where your hostel is before you book. Many of Rome’s hostels are in a cluster of streets close to the train station and the University, which is ideal if you are arriving late at night. The Termini area may have a reputation for being a little dodgy at night, but in my experience most of the hostels are on the quieter and safer side of the station and are ideally located for walking to the main sites in central Rome.
Hostel Etiquette

There are a couple of hostel faux-pas that should be avoided, especially if you are sharing a dorm with strangers. The key thing to be considerate, so don’t return to your room loud and drunk late at night, or have ‘amorous’ evenings with a loved one in your dorm bed (trust me, it has happened before!).

If the hostel has shared facilities like internet or a kitchen, just use your common sense - don’t hog the computers for hours or leave the kitchen in a mess.

Otherwise, relax, be friendly and you’ll be fine with your new-found roommates – hostels are a great place to meet like-minded people, and the staff are usually friendly fellow travelers or locals. Don’t be afraid to ask them for tips or advice! It’s rare that you’ll have any problems, but if you do have some uncooperative roommates, just speak to the hostel staff and they will help you out.
My Top Hostels

There are a couple of hostels in Rome that really stand out. The two Alessandro Hostels – the Alessandro Palace and Bar and the Alessandro Downtown, have some of the friendliest and most helpful hostel staff I have ever met.

In converted apartment buildings, the rooms are very spacious and both host lots of social events and free food – when I was staying there we never ate out, because we got breakfast (lots of fresh bread and fruit) and a home-cooked Italian dinner for free!

The Yellow Youth Hotel is chicer than your average party hostel, and the homely Blues B&B is ideal for couples or families.

Lauren Smith writes for HostelBloggers, the Insider’s Guide to Budget Travel. When she’s not finding the latest scoop on bargain holidays, she tries to tour Europe on the cheap!

Having Fun In Rome Doesn't Have To Be Expensive!

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:50:00 +0000

I recently wrote a post where I answered a student's question about going to Rome and how to do it when you're a student (that is, on a budget), and you don't have a lot of money to have a great time.

You can enjoy yourself and find affordable lodging and have great meals without going bankrupt or maxing out your credit cards!

I recently came across this blog, Hostel Bloggers, which looks to be an awesome resource for students and hostel lovers!

Sometimes I come up with ideas for posts, and then I come across a blog that has already taken a similar idea (like the post on driving that was published on Italylogue) that I've had and has done a wonderful job. So instead of re-inventing the proverbial wheel, I think it works just as well to highlight the efforts of others.

You should check out the post yourself, entitled "10 Things to DO in Rome for $10". They highlight ten things that you can do in Rome for under $10 each, and a few of their suggestions I have never done before (but plan to when I return to Rome next month!). It's an informative and useful post!

Please visit the blog (they also blog about other cities and destinations!) and check out their post which has some excellent (and inexpensive) options on inexpensive things you can do to make the most of your trip to Rome (while at the same time saving money and having a great experience).

Check out this video they put together:

photo: Saint Peter's Basilica (photo in the public domain)

How To Find Things To Do In Rome?

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Fri, 22 May 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Guidebooks are great tools for general things to do - like museums and archaeological sites - but it is hard for a decent guidebook to know what is going on when you'll be in Rome! Guidebooks offer general ideas of things that you can do to occupy your time so I want to write about how you can find things that are happening in Rome when you intend to be there!

Museum exhibitions, gallery openings, concerts and other things are typically planned after your guidebook has been published. If they include any kind of events, they tend to be regular planned festivals or events that are held yearly at the same time so unless you plan your trip around these events, you might be at a loss - what do you do after you've seen many of the sites suggested in your guidebook? I love museums and archaeological sites, but I think that when you go to Rome it's always fun to do things that get you out and about with the locals!

Below is a list of resources and web sites you can consult while you're in Rome for things to do that might not know about from your standard guidebook:

My favorite way of scoping out the Eternal City when I'm not there is with some cool blogs. There are some great blogs and web sites maintained not only by expats but also actual Italians. It's not hard to find blogs in English, and there are a few listed in the sidebar of this blog. I mention them because most of the content is contemporary and up-to-date, and most of these bloggers are always blogging about something hot and exciting that is going on. It's definitely a great way to find things to do for your trip!

Some suggested blogs on Rome:
- Knowing Rome
- RomePhotoBlog
- The Roman Forum
- Hide Side of Rome
- Una gita fuori porta (in Italian)
- roma...amor (in Italian)
Roma C'è is a really great resource, and it is one that many of my Roman friends say is one of the best resources. They have a great web site, but the print publication tends to be more accurate and might be easier to get your hands on, especially if you haven't brought a computer with you (who wants to spend their vacation in an internet cafe, but their web site is well laid out so the choice is yours!) They also have a section of the publication in English so if you're worried about getting through the Italian section, have no fear. Roma C'è is a great resource for finding out what's going on. It's published every Wednesday and available at newsstands for 1 euro. You can probably find one at your hotel or lodgings, too.

Roma C'è is also a great resource on things to do at night, so if you're into the nightlife or want to see what it is all about in Rome, then this is a great place to start.
Newspapers, specially La Repubblica (La Repubblica also publishes local editions, so if you find yourself outside of Rome, this can be a great resource in Milan and other cities in Italy) and Il Messaggero - both of which cater to readers in Rome and Lazio. Both newspapers (and their web sites) have section on things that are going on, and they tend to do pieces and stories on things that are happening or will soon be happening, and you're bound to find something. These papers are easy to procure, and, if you're staying in a hotel, you can probably get one sent up to your room.

La Repubblica publishes something similar to Roma C'è called TrovaRoma -- this might also offer some ideas, but Roma C'è is considered by most Romans to be the better publication.
Your Concierge is a great resource for knowing what's on in Rome, but this will be more available to those who are staying at hotels. If you're renting an apartment, ask your landlord if he/she knows of anything that is going on or has suggestions on some things to do. Most Italians are pretty eager to make suggestions as they really want your trip to be a memorable one!
The TV can sometimes be a useful resource, especially news programs that might highlight events going on in the city of particular advertisements. I don't advocate sitting in front of your TV waiting for an idea, but it might be something to do before you head to bed, that is assuming you have a TV in your room or wherever you are staying.
Some web sites maintained by the local Italian government can be useful, such L'Estate Romana (as of the publication of this post, it hasn't been updated for 2009 yet), or 060608 (a collection of events usually with links to purchasing tickets as well as directions and other information). I also enjoy Cultura Romana. The Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) is also a great resource for pre-trip preparations.

"La mente di Leonardo" at the Palazzo Venezia

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:00:00 +0000

At the Palazzo Venezia until August 30, 2009 is the exhibit, La mente di Leonardo or The Mind of Leonardo.

The exhibit looks at the works of Leonardo as a way of providing visitors to the exhibition with a glimpse into how this icon of the Italian Renaissance and our world's cultural heritage thought and conceived his ideas. The show hopes to recreate the "creative personality" of Leonardo as a way of learning more about his methodology - a man who was not only an artist but a scientist, writer, philosopher and engineer.

The exhibition is located at the Palazzo Venezia (Museo nazionale di Palazzo Venezia), Via del Plebiscito 118 (see map below). The exhibit is open from 10am until 7pm (closed Mondays). Remember that ticket windows/box offices close an hour before the museum/exhibit closes.

Tickets cost 9 euro.

There's no metro stop near the museum, but it's a short walk a few block south of the Trevi Fountain. The Piazza Venezia, where the museum is located, is not hard to find or reach and is most definitely on your map.

View Palazzo Venezia in a larger map

My Local Guide -- Rome

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:00:00 +0000

I recently stumbled upon this guidebook after reading about its debut on another blog about Rome, RomePhotoBlog. The concept of a guidebook written solely by inhabitants of Rome (Italian and non-Italians) fascinated me, and my curiosity got the better of me, and I just had to buy a copy of this book.

Written by inhabitants of the city rather than visitors, this guidebook on Rome (they also have guidebooks for other Italian cities - Venice, Florence, Milan, Turin, etc.) is available both in English and in Italian and features a wealth of recommendations and ideas for your trip to the Eternal City.

The book is divided into sections such as Shopping, Eating and Drinking, Art and Culture, and more, with each section having a couple of "ambassadors" who provide recommendations on things that they might do in the city - such as giving you the skinny on the best and most authentic of restaurants, off the beaten track museums and sites to visit, as well as the best places to shop. I find that the first person consiglio (advice) provides a very personal touch to the book that is absent in many other publications.

Like your standard guidebook, there is an index which contains practical information such as phone numbers, places to sleep, information on important museums. Another of my favorite chapters is called "24 ore a Roma" with two inhabitants giving itineraries are some things that you must do if you have a day in Rome - they highlight some pretty unique places that a standard guidebook might have you avoid. The section is framed in a series of questions, as if the person writing would be your guide for the day, with questions such as "What would we do for lunch?" or "What should I see first?".

The end of the book has some decent maps of the city, and places that are discussed in the book are referenced on the maps so there's no guessing as to where things are. The book also does a good job by telling you the best way to reach a certain place, like when it is near a certain metro stop or which bus to take. You might say that most guidebooks do this, but most guidebooks don't always provide the best map references, and who better to give you directions around the city than someone who lives full-time in Rome.

Driving in Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:37:00 +0000

An informative post on driving in Italy was published on Italy Logue. If you've ever wanted to drive in Italy but weren't sure of all the particulars, this post is most helpful, accurate and up-to-date. So if you're wondering if you need an international driver's permit or curious about what kind of maps you might need, or better yet, where do you park the bleepin' car once you reach your destination, then you have to go to read this post!

While I'm a big advocate of public transport and being "green" when traveling, sometimes that's not always practical, possible or logical -- especially if you have small children and lots of things to lug around, travelers with mobility issues, or staying in villas or agriturismi that are off the beaten track.

The post can be found here:

http://www.italylogue.com/featured-articles/driving-in-italy.html

*photo: in the public domain, view of the Piazza Araceolio with traffic and pedestrians
(did I mention, with traffic?)

Colosseum restoration announced

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:52:00 +0000

On April 22, 2009 it was announced by the mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, that the Colosseum would be restored in preparation for Rome's 2763rd "birthday". All of this coincided with new legislation that "federalized" the Italy's fiscal budget to make it easier for local governments to fund projects and to collect taxes more efficiently.

According to Adnkronos (22 April 2009, "Italy: Colosseum to be restored in 2010"), the Colosseum is the top tourist attraction in Lazio with the Castel Sant'Angelo, Villa d'Este (in Tivoli) and the Borghese Gallery.

The Colosseum was commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and was inaugurated by his son, Titus, in 80 AD. This impressive monument has certainly stood the test of time but has suffered greatly with a lot of damage caused by the nature and environment but also by industrial pollution as well as through general pillaging -- much of the marble (and bronze) used on the Colosseum has found its way into other monuments through Rome.

Wikipedia also has an excellent article on the history of the Colosseum.

*photo credit: Colosseum seen in the distance along one of Rome's streets (photo owned by Xerxes2004; use of image under CC License, 3.0)

FAQ: Going to Rome on a budget?

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:37:00 +0000

A reader asked me recently (and I apologize for taking so long to respond):

I'm a college student, I don't have a lot of money, but I want to go to Rome for a few weeks this summer with some friends. I can't afford to eat out at all those restaurants all the time, and I heard that Rome is expensive. I also want to have an authentic experience - can I do that on a student's budget?

If you're going to Rome with friends, then you've already found a great way to save money. You could share a hotel room or go the inexpensive route by finding a nice hostel of which there are plenty. It's a policy not to suggest individual places -- since I've never stayed at them, I don't want to lead readers astray. My suggestion is that you check out Lonely Planet guidebooks or Rick Steve's guidebook to Rome and see what's on offer for lodgings. Then take their suggestions and google them to see what others are saying about them. Don't let one or two bad reviews sway you, but if you find that a great number of people are saying the same things, then look elsewhere. Poor lodgings can ruin a vacation.

As for eating out - the best way to save money, and this applies to anyone, is to avoid the tourist traps. If you see people eating dinner at 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening, it's a restaurant that caters to tourists. While the food may/may not be the greatest, you'll get a more authentic experience (and cheaper, too) by finding a more Italian place to eat. The only downside is that 1) the menu might not be available in English but that usually shouldn't prove too difficult 2) the waitstaff might speak limited English. So learn some Italian phrases related to the restaurants and learn how to say please/thank you. Check out Learnitalianpod.com -- they have a podcast or two on eating out and ordering food.

You can probably find an inexpensive hotel that will offer a free breakfast - that takes care of one meal. You can load up on fruit, coffee, a cornetto or two, and some juice, and that should last you the morning until lunch. And your lunch does not have to be fancy or exotic - a slice or two of pizza, some fruit purchased from the local supermarket, a panini, or even a gelato. Just be careful - it's usually not permitted to eat at many sites and museums, and it's also forbidden to eat/drink on the Spanish Steps. At dinner time, find a trattoria or osteria with a decent menu and enjoy yourself - you can probably have a nice meal of pasta for under $20.00 depending on where you eat out, and if you're dining with friends you can split that bottle or carafe of wine!

As a student, do take advantage of student discounts at museums and other attractions. Take advantage of things like Archaeologia Card and the Roma Pass - both are excellent values! Save money on public transport when you can by walking the city - walking is not only great exercises but it also good for the environment and will cut down on your carbon footprint (not to mention save you money, too). Avoid taxis when you can - they are expensive and will certainly drill into your budget! Anyway, Rome is best seen on foot - invest in a good pair of walking shoes!

Your two largest expenses are going to be your lodgings and your flight to/from Italy but with some careful planning and research, you can find some great deals on both. Remember, that the summer is a busy time in Rome so don't leave your lodgings to chance - not only will you pay more but you might find it difficult to secure a place to stay.

Some airlines offer student discounts - do your homework to find the best fare. You could save yourself money that could be spent on some great souvenirs for your trip!

Rome In A Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Rome might not have been built in a day, but it doesn't mean that you can't get a taste for the Eternal City in one!

A reader recently emailed me and asked if it was worth even venturing out of the hotel, since they would only be in Rome for a little over a day after a stay in Tuscany.

And I responded, "Yes, it is most definitely worth it!" Many travelers to Italy have to head back to Rome or Milan in order to catch flights back to their home country. Instead of taking the plane to Rome or Milan and spending your time in Rome (or in Milan) at the airport, why not head to Rome a day earlier (or Milan, it's a nice city, too!) in order to experience a little something of this great and wonderful city?

So what should you do if you are only in Rome for a day? Here's a list of things that you should (and shouldn't do) in your short stopover:

DO get out of your hotel room and explore! Rome is such a wonderful and beautiful city. While you won't be able to enjoy everything that Rome has to offer, after spending all that time and money just getting to Italy, you can have a relaxing time in Rome even if just for a day. Try not to spend your last day in your hotel room watching limited television or boring hotel room service.
DON'T spend your only day in Rome waiting in super long lines and queues. That means that you'll probably have to pass up going to Vatican unless you planned ahead and got tickets for a tour. The Vatican is such a huge place that it will totally cut into your time in Rome, and you could conceivably spend your whole day there (and you might be ok with that!). I know, everyone wants to see the Sistine Chapel but I think that there are better things you can do to make the most of your day in Rome - the Vatican isn't going anywhere.
DO go to the Trevi Fountain (La fontana di Trevi). It's always crowded, but if you arrive in Rome early enough, you can sometimes avoid the crowds. It's such a Roman and Italian icon that it's a must for every traveler to the city. My favorite time to visit the fountain is late at night. While it's a bit crowded, it's simply beautiful (and romantic) when it is lit up at night. Don't forget to toss a coin into the fountain (over your shoulder with your back to it) to ensure that you return to Rome (this is important, especially if you want to come back again to visit the Vatican Museum).
DON'T try to spend the day trying to get out of the city. A lot of visitors think that they can do Pompeii or maybe head to Viterbo or Tivoli. I wouldn't recommend it. You'll spend most of the day in a car or on a train, and you won't have really enjoyed Rome at all. Traffic and car travel in Rome and Italy can be aggravating, especially if you're not used to it! Save those day trips for your return trip (which you can ensure by tossing that coin into the Trevi Fountain!).
DO head to the Villa Borghese and have a stroll through the park. The Villa Borghese is a good place to begin your trip in Rome because there are so many important sites in and around it: Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Galleria Borghese, National Museum at the Villa Giulia (which houses an amazing collection of Etruscan Art), National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Ara Pacis. The gardens and park are also a great place to chill out for a bit, and there's always something to do there!
DON'T try to walk the whole city if your visit is a short one. Make efficient use of your time and use public transportation. Public transport in Rome is, when compared to many American cities, simply superb. The metro (la metropolitana or subway, underground) and the bus system is top notch. It will help you get around more efficiently.
DO try to head to the Roman Forum (take the Metro stop to Colosseo) and have a stroll among the ancient Roman ruins. The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) was, in ancient times, the heart of the city - it's where a bulk of the commerce and day-to-day government business took place. It was also the religious center of Rome with many notable and important temples. While many of the buildings are centuries away from their glory days, you can still see some spectacular ruins. This is a great area for taking some spectacular photos.
DON'T get pick-pocketed and watch your belongings carefully. Rome is notorious for its pickpockets and petty thievery. You shouldn't have any problems if you take the normal, common sense precautions that you would do if you were at home. Avoid looking too much like a tourist, leave valuables at home, keep your wallet in your front pocket, and guard your digital cameras and other valuables carefully. This is especially true on public transportation (like buses and subways) where close quarters can make you an easy target. Realizing that you've had your wallet absconded or purse snatched can put a damper on your trip and probably use up any time you might have spent exploring the city filling out police reports for your insurance company back home.
DO head to Trastevere. Trastevere is very Roman, and there are a lot of great things to see and do: Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Folklore Museum, Santa Maria Della Scala and much more (any decent guidebook to Rome will have a decent number of pages dedicated to Trastevere). I suggest hitting this area in Rome just before evening so that you can stick around there and have a nice dinner there. There are tons of restaurants and trattorie in Trastevere, and it shouldn't be hard to find a magnificent restaurant to make your last night in Rome a memorable one.
...and finally, DON'T miss your flight home! Getting to the airport from Rome is not difficult. The Leonardo Express starts early in the morning and takes you directly to the airport, and most hotels will arrange a ride or taxi service to the airport. Might help to book your arrangements when you check-in to ensure that you arrive at the airport on time. For international flights, I suggest arriving two hours (preferably more) before. Check with your airline to see how much time will be required to clear customs and security.

I guarantee that after spending one day in Rome you'll find yourself wanting to return to experience everything else this magnificent city has on offer!

National Geographic Traveler: Rome (3rd Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Guidebooks are like your wallet, credit cards, or passport - they are essential things that you just should not leave home without!

One of my favorite guidebooks is National Geographic Traveler Rome, a very well laid out guidebook that explores the city not only chronologically but also geographically and presents some beautiful photos of the city as well as generous maps and diagrams of various places in and around Rome. It's not in its third edition and contains substantial re-writes and updates from the second edition.

If this is a first time visit to Rome, then this is the guide for you - it takes you through Rome piece by piece, page by page, and gives the reader a good layout of the city as well as suggestions for tours and walks. One of the best ways to see Rome is definitely on foot, and I wouldn't recommend that you see Rome any other way.

The first chapter, entitled Charting Your Rome, has useful information about the book and how you should fashion your trip to Rome with information about the highlights of things to see and do, especially if your stay is a short one. Beyond that, the book carves up Rome in easy to swallow pieces and concludes with a chapter on things to do outside the walls (fuori le mura), excursions outside Rome (this is the weakest and most disappointing section of the book, but I won't hold it against them) and a Travelwise section full of useful information and phone numbers, lists of national holidays, a small glossary of Italian words and more. If you've never been to Italy or Rome before, make sure that you make a pass or two through this final chapter of the book to familiarize yourself with necessary practical information for your trip.

Remember, guidebooks are simply that -- guides. They are there to advise and help, but don't let them make decisions for you and don't be afraid to disregard their suggestions and advice if you don't like what they have to tell you. Follow your own judgment, heart and mind as you travel through Rome. Once you reach Rome, you may find that your desire to see and/or do certain things will change. Just be flexible and patient...but most of all -- relax and enjoy your trip to the Eternal City!

My Roman Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0000

FYI to all my readers:

In June and early July, I will be in Rome and Italy working on getting content for my sites and blogs. In honor of my trip as well as to provide a glimpse of what's going on in Italy, I will be maintaining a site, My Roman Holiday, that will chronicle my trip. I'll post photos and videos of places and things in and around Rome as well as Italy. So if you plan to head to Rome in the coming months, hopefully my travel "diary" will give you an idea of things to do. And if you've never been to the Eternal City, perhaps my blog might just inspire you to go!

I'll have a modest number of posts on travel preparation, suggested guidebooks and more before I leave for Rome in June. Check back frequently for more updates.

Santa Maria Del Popolo

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Santa Maria Del Popolo is arguably one of the most important churches in Rome and features some amazing works of art: paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Pinturicchio, a mosaic by Raphael and sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Andrea Bregno. The visitor can see not only the handiwork of the Renaissance but the "modernized" touches of the Baroque.

The church is located in the Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome's most vibrant piazzas. There's a lot to see in the Piazza del Popolo so don't forget to pay a visit to this church. The church's current facade was updated by Bernini in the Baroque to give the church a more "modern" look.

The church contains several chapels. The Chigi Chapel, named after the banker Agostini Chigi, is decorated with a mosaic designed by Raphael: Creation of the World. This is unique since, by the time of the Renaissance, mosaics were somewhat archaic, if not old-fashioned. The inspiration for the dome is, of course, Michelangelo's similar work in the Sistine Chapel. Why a mosaic was chosen instead of the more modern (and probably less costly frescoe technique) is anyone's best guess. Mosaics were common artistic decoration for early Christian churches. Perhaps the church's patrons felt that having a mosaic helped linked the church to heritage of the past churches. Or perhaps the cost of the mosaic was a status symbol for the church? Whatever the reason, Raphael's mosaic (realized by the Venetian, Luigi di Pace) is worth seeing.

The Cerasi Chapel contains the paintings (both oil on canvas) of Caravaggio (there are other Caravaggio paintings in Rome -- I created a tour that you can view here):

The Crucifixion of Saint Peter (1601)
The Conversion of Saint Paul on the Road to Damascus (1601)

This site, hosted by the Australian National University, contains a very nice plan of the church showing the various chapels and structures inside. Thanks to Bernini, this church became an important church for the rich of Rome, who used the church for their burials. Agostini Chigi and Cardinal Millini (who also has a chapel in the church) both have their tombs in the church.

There's an excellent 360 degree/three dimensional views of the interior of the church and two chapels from this site.

photo: Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome

Happy 2762nd Birthday, Rome!

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:35:00 +0000

Don't you hope that you look as good as Rome does when you're 2762 years old? :)

I sure hope that I do!

All kidding aside, tomorrow (April 21st) is Rome's birthday, when it was founded by Romulus and Remus thanks to the kindly she-wolf that nursed the two young boys into adulthood (only to have one kill the other...but I digress!)

The celebrations kicked off on Sunday, April 19th, and tomorrow is the last day of Rome's birthday festivities. If you're in the city and are looking for something to do, check out 060608.it, a web site that lists all the happenings and goings-on in Rome. They even have a page dedicated to the birthday events of the city. There are dozens of events -- concerts, shows, films and more -- scattered all over the city.

Buon compleanno! (Happy Birthday!)

Archaeologia Card

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0000

On any trip to Rome it's always a marvel to pay a visit to the many archaeological jewels that this great city contains. Now there's a tourist card that you can purchase to make those visits not only enjoyable but more affordable, too.

Introducing the Archaeologia Card.

So how does it work?

So if you have a week in Rome, you could visit 4-5 of the sites (or even all of them), saving some money in the process. The card is valid for seven days and allows 1 entrance for those over 18 years of age (so if you're travelling to Rome with your kids, only the adults will need to purchase the card) and permits 1 visit to the following locations:

Colosseum
Palatine and the Palatine Museum
Museo Nazionale Romano
which includes Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, Crypta Balbi, Terme di Diocleziano
Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla)
Cecilia Metella (along the Appian Way)
Villa dei Quintili (along the New Appian Way)

When you purchase the card, select your start date. The beauty of the card is that if for some reason you can't pick up the card on the date that you select, the card activates on the day that you pick it up. All cards must be picked up at the Colosseum ticket office. Remember that the ticket office closes an hour before the attraction. The card also entitles you to a discount on audioguides or guided tours.

At the time of this post, the card costs 23.50 euro.

For more information on opening times and details on purchasing the card, visit the Archaeolgia Card web site.

*photo: Circo Massimo with the Terme di Caracalla in the background (June 2004)

Bar Necci

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Visualizzazione ingrandita della mappa

On your next trip to Rome, pay a visit to Bar Necci, located at Via Fanfulla da Lodi, 68 (00176) in the Pigneto Quarter of Rome. This iconic bar located in the Pigneto suffered a devastating fire a few weeks ago, but it is now open and back in business. This bar is known for being used as used by Pier Paolo Pasolini in his film, Accattone and more recently in Francesca Archibugi's Una questione di cuore.

The bar has been a landmark in the area since 1924, and the owners of the bar worked night and day for 14 days in order to re-open in record time. The bar will look exactly as before, save for the wallpaper which they were unable to find.

The bar is open from 8am to 2am. Stop by for a coffee or a drink. They serve sandwiches and snacks, too. (Remember, a bar (un bar)in Italy is more akin to a cafè.)

Police are still investigating the fire.

Read about the bar's reopening here (in Italian).

Earthquake in L'Aquila

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:35:00 +0000

I've received some emails from people asking about ways that they can donate or help the Earthquake victims in L'Aquila.

Please careful when donating online as a number of scams have popped up.

If you live in the USA, I suggest that you donate on the USA's Red Cross page which can be found here: http://www.redcross.org -- scroll down a bit and you'll see a graphic and the words "How To Help Victims Of The Earthquake In Italy."

Italian citizens can donate on the Italian Red Cross page (Croce Rossa): http://www.cri.it

Bizzarro Gallery, Rome: Giocattoli per malinconici

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0000

If you like the bizarre, then you are bound to enjoy this sculpture exhibition at the Bizzarro Gallery in Rome entitled Gioccatoli per malinconici, a group of sculptures that the artist, Gabriels, describes as "..non...affatto sculture, bensì giocattoli. Più precisamente, giocattoli per melanconici.” ("...not quite sculptures, but toys. More precisely, toys for the melancholy.").

Many of the pieces can be opened and even disassembled, with various "body parts" being removed and separated from the main work, a sort of "dissection" or "autopsy" where the viewer can observe the inner-working of these melancholic "toys".

The "toys" stick must meet specific criteria, almost like the conditions that one might find for something made in a factory, although the conditions set forth by the artist are not so much conditions of quality control but on the way in which they must touch those who "play" with these toys -- the experience is specific and engaging.

If you wish to learn more, a statement about the artist and his works can be found in English on the gallery's web site as well as images of some of the sculptures.

The museum is located next to Rome's Museum of Contemporary Art (MACRO). The gallery is a short walk north from the Metro B stop (fermata) of Policlinico.

The gallery can be reached by phone/fax @ (+39) 06 44247451 or by email, info@mondobizzarro.net.

They are open Monday through Saturday, 11:30am to 7:30pm.

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Ecopolis 09

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Ecopolis 09 is a three-day event in Rome that opens today and seeks to explore solutions to creating sustainable cities. The fair will feature exhibitions and a three day conference of interesting and thought provoking events that looks at problems and environmental issues faced by cities such as pollution, dealing with waste, transportation, energy, health and providing water.

The conference seeks to bring together scientists and innovators, administrators and city planners, academics and teachers, as well as architects and engineers along with members of the general public as a way of letting all those involved in city management and urban planning what is out there in terms of technology and practice.

The program is a robust one with talks on governance, creating cities of the future, how climate change will affect city and urban planning/development, and an interesting talk on human nature and urban nature.

You can watch a video on Repubblica TV that talks about the conference and its goals (in Italian). La Fiera di Roma is located on Via Portuense, 1555 (00148) in Rome.

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Massive Cigl Demonstration in Rome, April 4, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:53:00 +0000

FYI for any tourists who will be in Rome the week of April 4, 2009 (it's a Saturday) -- there will be a massive nationwide demonstration by Cgil (Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro, Italian General Confederation of Labour) at the Circo Massimo in Rome. My advice would be to avoid this part of Rome for the day but expect crowds and greater difficulties getting around the city that weekend as thousands of visitors and demonstrators are expected to pour into the city. The union wants the government to make some pretty big reforms - if you're interested in the details, go here. All in all it will most probably be a peaceful demonstration, but as a tourist it's best to avoid large demonstrations. Might be a great time to spend outside of Rome on a day trip.

It might also be prudent to make sure that if you do plan to leave Rome that if you're staying outside the city to make sure that the hotel you are staying at will be staffed (in case the workers there decide to head to Rome for the demonstration).

The union has arranged for special trains, buses and a boat to bring workers into the city so this will probably ensure that there'll be a lot of foot and vehicle traffic all over Rome. If you haven't booked your hotel or your place to stay, I suggest that you make haste as to avoid getting shut out by the demonstrations.

Exhibition: Vespasian and the Flavian Dynasty

noreply@blogger.com (Keith) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:55:00 +0000

The Flavian Dynasty (69-96 AD) brought us the Colosseum, one of Rome's most popular attractions, which was initiated by Vespasian and completed under the reign of Titus to mark their achievements and successes of the Jewish War.

Starting next week in Rome, a new exhibit at the Colosseum will highlight the reign of Vespasian and the Flavian line by examining the mark they left on anciet Rome and the ancient world, a legacy that is often forgotten in relation to the other dynasties of Ancient Rome.

The Flavian emperors began with Vespasian and concluding with his sons, Titus and Domitian. It was a time when the Roman world needed a strong hand to guide it after the tumultuous leadership of Nero and then a civil war, a fight for power among Rome's mpost powerful generals (of which Vespasian was one), a succession of four emperors in one year...Rome was due for a change and certainly in need of stability after years of chaos and upheaval.

The exhibit is spread out over Rome, with sections on the Roman Forum and on the Palatine Hil across two halls: the Curia in the Roman Forum, and the Criptoportico (Cybele’s temple) on the Palatine, a remnant of the reign of Nero. Purchase of admission allows you to visit both. There are also open air monuments that can be seen throughout Rome: Arch of Titus, the Domus Flavia (Flavian Palace), the Temple of the Divine Vespasian and the Temple of Pace. Read more about the exhibit by visiting the exhibition's web site (there are a good number of pages in English).

The exhibition runs until January 10, 2010 and is open every day except Christmas and New Years Day. Entry to the exhibition costs 12 euro (there are reduced and free admissions -- ask at the ticket office for details). If you purchase a Roma Pass, it can be used to visit this exhibit. You can save time and avoid the long lines by purchasing your entrance to the exhibit online through OmniTicket. There is also the Archeologia Card, which gives you admittance to the exhibit and other archeological sites around Rome. Read more about that here. Remember that the ticket office closes an hour before the exhibit! The hours of the exhibition are a bit strange so I'll try to summarize them for you.

Good Friday (Venerdì Santo), April 10: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Republica Day (Festa Della Repubblica), June 2: 1:30 PM to 7:15 PM
The last Sunday in March until August 31: 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM
September 1st to September 30th: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
October 1st to the last Saturday in October: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Last Sunday in October until the close of the exhibition: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Triumph of Titus, 1885 (oil on canvas)