Best ways for 18 year olds to see Rome?

[summingsup]

Asking on behalf of my son who is in the middle of his A Levels, but thinking of planning a trip to Rome with his girlfriend in the Summer. They may only have 5 days to spare. Is it feasible/cheap to travel by train or better to fly? Any tips on good areas to base themselves?

Flying is cheap and once there, just walk everywhere. It's not that big, providing they have accommodation near the centre

They should check the "free" tours where you just pay the Guide what you think is right. Normally about 10 euro per person

If they've only got five days it would be a waste to take the train! Definitely fly.
Trastevere is a beautiful district- well, most of rome is beautiful imo! I'd recommend making sure they stay somewhere where you can walk everywhere, as wandering around is just so nice. I've stayed near Termini station before but wouldn't recommend- some slightly dodgy bits and a long walk back.

Get them a Lonely Planet guidebook

Does Lonely Planet still exist? I'd tell him to look there. Asking mum (and by extension Mumsnet) seems like it will give him a load of advice from middle aged women whose idea of a good time in Rome might be very different from that of 17/18 year olds!

Cross posted with justkeep!

We will of course do that too. But as I said, he is in the middle of his A Levels, so the time for books is later. For now I'm just after a high level steer and a few ideas - exactly the sort of advice a well travelled mum can give if they've been to Rome (which I haven't).

Seconding a PP who said Trastevere. Loads of bars and restaurants open at night, ranging from good if pricy to great and cheap street food stalls. Some nice shops and lots of culture on the doorstep too if that's their thing. Really lovely, friendly vibe. Easily commutable to whichever bits of the city they want to get to. Wouldn't recommend Termini area (much grittier, lots of pickpockets etc) or anywhere near Vatican City (rip off, and terrible food).

I agree with previous posters. He should fly and stay in Trastevere- avoid areas near Termini if possible.

Thanks. This is very helpful, and exactly the sort of high level info I need.

There seem to be 3 airports - RMG, FCO, CIA - are they as good as each other for getting to the Trastevere district, or other central locations?

I've flown into FCO and CIA before and they were easy enough to get from. Taxis on my most recent trips, but I think I have also got a bus from FCO to Termini before. I have a feeling the other one may be miles away.

(They would be travelling from a London airport)