Rome, does it take some getting used to?

[Merrychristmasyoufilthyanimals]

We arrived at 12pm and its just utter mania! We are here until the 2nd JanDoes it just take some getting used to? The roads are manic, i constantly feel like i'm at risk of pick pockets. I think i just need to take a chill pill.

Are you staying in the bit around the main station, by any chance?

I found it very uncomfortable there. Felt on edge.

But the rest is spectacular.

It’s mental this time of year. We were there this time last year for our honeymoon and it was crazy.

Just an FYI in case you don’t know, virtually all the restaurants will be closed NYE! We struggled to find anywhere open.

Zipped pockets.
Walk everywhere.

Enjoy the Forum - it's spectacular!

I went In January and it was really quiet. No wire for anything. I feel safer in Rome than I do in London as the pavements are not so crowded.

Yeah I agree, if you’re by the station you’re possibly in the worst ‘feeling’ bit.

Seek out Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, ground yourself, then go and explore! It’s an amazing amazing place.

I loved Rome when we were there but it is quite full on. Go for a mooch around Trastevere and find a nice little cosy restaurant to hole up in with some wine.

Consider going out and walking around after 10pm, rather than during the day. If it's something you just want to 'look at' like the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain you can do that equally well at night - and they look spectacular when lit up. It's only stuff you have to 'go into' like the Parthenon that you have to do during the day.

Pickpocketing you can be fairly chill about it so long as you're sensible. Keep money and gadgets out of sight in a bag, keep the bag on you, zipped up. Nobody will grab it off your person.

Yes, driving is ridiculous. I'd suggest picking an area you want to see a few things in, drive as close as you can, and then spend the rest of the time hoofing it til you're ready to leave again. Or take buses if you enjoy the 20% chance they might explode. Have fun!

Do you live in a big city or have experience of city life? If not I can see how it might be overwhelming.

I was born and live in London so Rome felt like home, like I had been there before. I loved it but totally get how anyone not used to city life might feel bamboozled.

I had to get used to it but I loved it . Trastevere is a great tip.

Yes i am just a small town girl and the hotel (which in all fairness, is beautiful) is yes around a 5min walk from the station. Its my Birthday new years day so thanks for the restaurant tip re; NYE. I think I'm just cranky from being up since 4am. Tomorrow I'll be fresh and ready to go xx

We went to Florence first and Rome seemed bonkers by comparison. A walk around to get our bearings, including coming over the brow of a hill and finding the Colosseum ahead of us was breathtaking. We soon got used to it!

If you’re going to coliseum etc. Then it closes early on NYE and I don’t think it’s open on the 1st.

We are heading to the colloseum tomorrow around 8:30 so nice n early. Ye, i think they set up for fire works too nye? And just found out the hotel do a big buffett of canapes and wine on NYE so we are doing that. Just been out for dinner too, seems a little easier at night....xx