A divine view and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

First a disclaimer: I didn't do this myself because I'm a coward and an acrophobic, but I did lend my camera to my braver friend who took some incredible shots from the top of St. Peter's dome. Be warned that the climb is not for the faint of heart. There's an elevator but it only goes up so far. Once you reach the dome, you have to climb up very old, rickety stairs that curve along the interior and narrow as you reach the top - one of my friends said that she was glad she did it, but she will never do it again! This is naturally one of the best vantage points in the whole city because it is the tallest building in Rome. Although I haven't looked it up, I suspect there's a law to that effect.

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Directions: Vatican City

After almost 50 years, the Romans are still puzzled by the typical tourist's fascination with the Trevi Fountain. Before that cheesey old movie "3 Coins in the Fountain", it was one of perhaps a thousand insignificant fountains that are found all over the city. You'll certainly find bigger & more impressive ones in your travels, but you have to visit it just to say that you did and of course you have to stand with your back to the fountain & throw the 3 coins over your shoulder. It supposedly guarantees that you'll return to Rome, which you're going to do anyway because one visit is never enough.

FYI: the coins are collected & donated to charities & hospitals. It actually adds up to quite a lot of money over the course of a year, so you can overcome whatever shame you feel for hitting the biggest tourist trap in Italy with the knowledge that you did some good. Besides, it's very close to the shopping focus around the Spanish Steps & Via Veneto and there are plenty of decent gelato places right there for a little pick-me-up.

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Address: Fontana di Trevi

For us Catholics, this is essential but no matter what your religious convictions are, it's impressive to say that you were in Rome and saw the pope. When the weather is good, it's held outdoors in St. Peter's Square or, in inclement weather, the Paolo Sesto (Paul VI) hall. Naturally you want to go when it's good because the square is a magnificent setting, as you can tell from my photo. You have to get a ticket the day before or even earlier (the office is at the bronze doors on the side of the square near the papal apartments - just ask the Swiss Guard), and get there early on that day as you have to pass through checkpoints and a metal detector. Of course, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances are of getting a good seat, but you'll still have plenty of competition. The current pontiff keeps the event to less than an hour and at the end, he blesses everyone present and any religious articles they have. If it's your first time or if you're not familiar with it, be prepared for a celebration - from all the music and cheering, you'd think you were seeing a rock star! And if you're a photographer, pack your telephoto lens - no matter what time of year it is, it's always packed.

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Address: San Pietro
Directions: Vatican