48 hours in Rome

[mytittifersungtheirsong]

As the topic says, 48 hours in Rome (two full days excluding travel) with two friends, all in our 50s, two of us never been before so planning to do Sistine chapel and coliseum - what else could we fit in? Any tips on where to prebook tickets to avoid queues.
Also tips on nice cafes and restaurants, one night we would like to eat in a slightly smarter restaurant.

Going next months so if we need to book ahead then we can do it now. Accommodation all sorted and living centrally.

thanks Mumsnet

Which means you'll need to go again another year OP - such a shame

Have a lovely time

Ha ha yes, I think I was naive as to how popular it would be!! But of course it is Rome, Colosseum sold out but I think maybe its good not to do too much at once and go back another time....

I do think that sitting outside a little bar on a rickety bench with a lovely drink and watching Rome go by is just as important a Thing To Do as all the obvious attractions

IF budget allows, we have twice arranged for a private car transfer from the airport which was fabulous. No faffing waiting for a coach or cab, first time we were collected by the most handsome driver I've ever seen and he smelt divine. Second time it was an older but very charismatic, think young Henry Hill in Goodfellas. I swear he must have been connected! Anyhow both beautiful cars, took a gorgeous scenic route into the city and on my daughters words "I feel like a rock star " getting out right on the doorstep of our apartment.

Even in you only do it one way it's a lovely way to arrive

Agree, we did a prebooked transfer to our accommodation on arrival - it was late afternoon so traffic was quite mad but the driver (no idea what he looked or smelled like ) knew shortcuts and it was a nice way to start the visit.
Coming back, when we knew the ropes, we got a tram to the station & stored our luggage, had lunch and a last afternoon wandering, then the train to the airport. (We’d had fabulous weather all trip but it started pouring with rain on the train, which cheered us up!)

Just don’t scream in the Sistine Chapel!

I know pickpockets are in every city but we lost quite a lot of money on a bus in Rome (going to our next destination, otherwise it had been in the hotel safe).