The History of the City is amazing and the many buildings are beautiful. However, Be aware of thieves, scam artists and pick pockets.

I was walking around the city with my wife one day looking at a map when a man called us over to his car. He was pulled over to the side of the curb with a map in his hand. He asked us if we knew where a certain building was. We told him we didnt know and that we were tourists. He asked where we were from? He was really friendly at first and we were trying to be friendly back. However, when my wife was close enough he grabbed her bag and put his foot down on the accelerator and sped off. He nearly pulled he arm of her. She didnt have much money on her but the shock of the incident really upset us. We were just trying to be friendly and helpful and this man was just a con artist and a thief.

Also, around certain monuments I noticed some girls asking tourist to sign a petition To say no to drugs. Obviously, most people would gladly sign this. However, after leaving your name and address they ask for a donation. Now, why would they need a donation? It is just a scam. I actually watched these people and some tourists give donations. They also have men standing guard in case you question the girls. It is all very organised and the police do nothing about it.

If you look around the city, you notice that all the locals wear their backpacks on their fronts. This is obviously a sign that people must steal things from their bags when they are unaware of it. So be careful and try to keep your money and travel documents on your person not in your bags.

Also at the tourist attractions at night, there are lots of flower sellers who do not take no for an answer. If you are with a girl they will give them a flower and say it is free then they will go up to the male and demand money of them. Do not fall for this. Always say no. Or even better ignore these people. I know they are just trying to make a living but if you really wanted to buy flowers you would go to a flourist or flower shop.

So beware of scammers and con artists and dont be afraid to say no.

The city is beautiful. Especially the colloseum and the vatican. However, I aint seen traffic anywhere like in Rome. Be careful when crossing the street. Mopeds are everywhere.

I certainly wont go back to Rome, i prefer France or Spain.

Sorry if you love Rome but I was very disappointed.

We have also used Stefano Costantino from Rome Cabs - excellent service. Picked us up on time - we made reservations by email. Good English. Loved Rome..stayed at Hotel Britannia - located near Termini - very happy with the rooms,location,cleanliness. Very good breakfast and service. The first day , elevators did not work ..but they fixed it on Monday, and staff always carried our baggage. Also did Amalfi coast - used ladolcevitatours - Fabrizio, excellent service - good english speaking driver - was worth every penny. We could make several stops, [------------------------------]. We took a taxi - 2 adults , one child. Never felt the 400 KM drive. Stayed in Venice at the Hotel Panda - just off St.Marks , was good rooms,location. Just that we had to wait to get our rooms. We went March 2007 - was rainy and a little cold in both Rome and Venice. Google Earth - gave us a good perspective of the place. We bought maps at Borders,US - excellent street maps. Had a very good trip. Got most info from Rick steve's 2007 and Trip Advisor. Thanks.

We ( hubby, teenage daughter & me) have just returned from a week long vacation in Italy and enjoyed every minute of it. Before leaving I looked up this website almost daily for information & travelling tips and it has really been helpful. We stayed at a hotel near Via Nazionale & walked to all the sites. Thanks to our hotel for giving us a very good map. Took the metro only twice (to the Vatican).

I was quite nervous reading about gypsies& pickpockets but never encountered any problem. Our favorite place to hang out at night was the Spanish Steps & the Trevi Fountain. On our third day we took the Eurostar to Venice (abt 4 hours) stayed one night and on the return trip dropped off at Florence for a day's sightseeing & shopping till evening. We reached Termini station at about 11.30pm and again walked back to our hotel that night. At no time did we feel unsafe or afraid walking at night in Rome or Venice. Thanks

Hi
We have just returned from 4 great days in Rome.
May we suggest the Bus or train from Ciampino Airport 6euros
to the city termini where you can get a Bus or Metro ticket valid for 75minutes for 1euro.
You are in easy walking distance of all the monuments but would need a bus or metro to the Vatican.
Do use the audio tour headsets at the various museums and monuments approx 4-50euros
entrance to St Peters Basillica is free and the ruins surrounding the Colloseum and Pantheon. It is also free to walk round inside the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Have lunch in Piazza Navone just for the atmosphere.
Use the free street maps found at most hotels.