You may come to Rome expecting to find a kind of open-air museum full of historical monuments and picturesque photo opportunities, and you would be absolutely right; what a lot of visitors don’t bargain for however is how all of those famous historical sights are dotted around a sprawling, modern metropolis, absorbed by busy streets full of department stores, hotels and cars. The noise of Vespa’s whizzing by at an illegal speed and the heat of Rome on a summer’s day may have you feeling rather exhausted and after walking several kilometres or navigating the city’s metro system to reach the Trevi Fountain, and you are not likely to have much energy left to really enjoy it once you get there. That is why I highly recommend choosing your accommodation in Rome with the main places of interest in mind if you plan on doing some sightseeing.
The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of famous places and monuments, so staying here is always a safe bet. The best way to see them and really make the most of the city’s places of interest is by contracting a guide to give you a walking tour and explain the sights as you pass them. This tour guide’s nearly always have funny little anecdotes to tell that really add to your experience and understanding of the city.
There are some very important places of interest in Rome though that are a little further removed from the historical nucleus and, if they are what you are really interested in, it may be worth booking a hotel near to that sight and moving from there by public transport to the rest of the city.
Accommodation near to the Colosseum is naturally a little more expensive than certain other areas, but the feeling of waking up in the morning and just strolling to this world famous historical sight is priceless. You have to do a fair bit of walking around the Colosseum itself, so you will be glad to arrive there fresh and ready. If it is the Vatican that interests you, you really should look for accommodation near to the Vatican City as it covers an enormous terrain and is set apart from the rest of the city (although connected to it by road and public transport).
Rome is a wonderful city to visit at ay time of year but come prepared with a good pair of walking shoes, a map and a realistic itinery to make the most of your time in the Italian capital.

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