* Marvel at Bernini’s aquatic masterpieces in Piazza Navona (1), then visit the Pantheon (2), built in the first century as a temple to "all the gods". Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola (3) has an amazing illusionary ceiling, but it’s the Trevi Fountain (4) that can guarantee your return with a single coin toss.
* Via Condotti (5) is Rome’s most exclusive shopping street and the Spanish Steps (6) its most popular meeting place. At the top of the steps walk through the old Roman Wall to the Villa Borghese gardens (7).
* Follow Via Sistina to Via Veneto and the spooky crypt in Santa Maria della Conceziona (8), where 4000 monks await. Walk down to the Quirinale (9) for more great views before returning home.

Perhaps it's because Fiumicino is west of the city and the train loops around the south and unloads in the east, but my highly reliable inner-compass was definitely thrown off for the better part of my stay; the problem further compounded by the maze-like streets. I spent the first full-day thoroughly covering the entire city by foot just to get my bearings and back-tracked from there. Not only did this help with orientation, but by getting all the touristy "must see's" out of the way in the first few days, the last half of the trip was leisurely spent wandering around with no specific plan wanted OR needed. It was by far the most enjoyable in discovering Rome beyond the Tourist Trap and finally experiencing the Eternal City like a local.

When walking around, distances won't look that far on a map or between metro stops. You'll quickly find how deceiving those maps/directions can be with the hills, stairs and round-about ways of getting places. I also credit this to my more relaxed second half of the trip - my feet/legs were too tired for much more!

Eyewitness Rome Guide has a specific chapter with 6 walking tours focusing on different aspects of the city; also great for the added information alone within the various areas.

DRINKING WATER

Rome prides itself on having the freshest drinking water of all European cities brought from low-lying mountains by elaborate aquaduct systems. You'll find it safe to drink whether from the tap or one of the many fountains scattered about. (Unfortunatly, the number of public restrooms are FAR less considerable). Within a week back in NYC, I developed a pesky, itchy rash...though I prefer to think it was readjustment to our heavily treated water than the sparkling freshness served up in Rome.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

With my trip in the late part of March, I was caught by suprise when Europe switches to Daylight Savings Time the last Sunday in March...unlike the States which changes the first Sunday in April. I later found this tidbit of info buried in the overwhelming amount of guidebook copy. Here's another, more obvious reminder.

SIDEWALK CAFES

Of course, Rome is loaded with them but budget travelers should keep in mind that you're paying for the view; items ordered inside at a table or at the counter anywhere from 25%-50% cheaper. If you do splurge and sit at an outside table, at least keep your wits about you amid the environment and excitement. Outside the Pantheon and in other very crowded plazas, it's "prime pickin's" for anyone to take full advantage of someone not paying full attention. (Read my Spoils Rome entry.) Believe me - these things are happening and hopefully you'll see it rather than have to experience it. Madison Avenue doesn't just make-up those TV commercials where panicked travelers have just had everything stolen!