Suggestions for Italy (Rome) and where to stay?

My brother and I are going to be traveling to Rome (flying in on the 24th at 8am) and then we will fly out to Paris on the 1st of September (6:45 am via Ciampino). This will be my brother's first trip overseas and both of our's first time in Europe.

Should we plan to spend all of our time in Rome (is there enough to do), or where would you suggest as a side trip to to go for few days (maybe not quite so touristy)? We both like history and dont have a huge budget for this trip so economical options are the best. I thought it would be cool to stay somewhere near the beach in Italy, or at least visit. (?)

What hostel would you recommend in Rome? We purchased Hosteling International Cards and they recommend Roma - Foro Italico - AF Pessina YH. 6 people to a room is a bit much (I prefer 4) and it sounds like a huge place but the price seems decent.

Thanks for any information!

Imo, a week in Rome is perfect. I would definitely stay there. It being your first times in Europe/Italy, there's not a chance that you would be able to 'do it all'. Best do one thing thoroughly. Besides the fact that there is plenty to see, Rome is also a wonderful city just to walk around in, have dinner, a night out, etc. You'll like it.

But then, others would say that 4 days is more or less enough for a first impression of Rome. Which means that you could spend 3 days elsewhere. Since you're flying from Ciampino, daytrips to sights surrounding Rome imo would be easiest.

Enjoy!
Niels

As a place to stay I can recommend Plus Camping Roma, www.plusvillages.com .

They have housetents, if you stay in them you get the same privacy as in a hotel room for the price of a hostel bed. The big supermarket right across the street is a big plus too, you can buy all your food there cheap.

It is not that central, but the transport into the city is not too bad if you intend to be back by 23 pm to party the night away at the bar.

I've been researching my own European trip and hostelworld.com is a great website. It has customer reviews for each hostel so you know what to expect, as well as details on the exact location

Since we are already at the point of recommending booking sites:

Check out the "Accomodation" link in the left-hand column of this site.

Thanks for your responses. What would you recommend for day trips from Rome? Was also thinking about maybe doing 3,4 nights in rome and then head up to Cinque Terre for a few days or is that too far?

Not enough time to see everything....but you might want to consider a day-trip to Florence.

Dude you are lucky I read your topic ahaha

I'm staying with

http://www.romecitycenter.it/

You should see if they have your dates available!

Cinque Terre is loaded with Americans year-round; not my idea of a holiday. But yeah, I suppose you could spend 3 days of your time in Italy going there and back again. It's tight, though: 2 days travel, one day there.

If you want to go somewhere else for a day or so I would recommend Pompeii or Herculaneum, the two towns that got distroyed by the volcano Mount Vesuvius.. If you like history you will definitely love those places! I reckon it was absolutely amazing!