Customer Reviews

The Rough Guide to Rome, Second Edition

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rome is a confusing maze of twisting streets and alleyways. This book has great maps in the back that are invaluable for finding your way around, as well as a good list of places to see, hotels, restaurants and shops. The ones I selected based on the guide were all as promised. And because it's so small it's easy to carry. Perfect for a short trip to Rome.

I bought this book while I was living in Rome, and in my six months there saw nearly all the sights listed and more. I especially loved the book's size--I could hide it in my pocket and not look so much like a tourist, and I didn't have to walk around with a big huge map unfolded in front of me. If only the maps in the book could be a little more detailed (like, including the names of the piazzas and churches mentioned in the text!). The bars and restaurants recommended are places I actually went and would recommend to other travelers.
I did find some errors in the text, but unless you're searching for specific works of art, etc. like I do, this shouldn't be a problem. Definitely my favorite of my 5+ Rome travel guides.. I like it even more than the one in Italian!

If you want the real lowdown, and the fine detail on travel to Rome, this is the best guide book I've found. There are literally hundreds of recommendations for places to shop, see, eat and stay. I checked out the restaurants mentioned around The Spanish Steps, and completely agree with their picks. As someone who makes part of their living by writing about Rome, through my web site, I can tell you that this is a well researched, up to date book that will not disappoint.

This book delivers the right contents. There is no question about that. It has the quality of the other Rough Guides. It is practical, it is funny, it has a different view on things and it makes you want to go and see them.

The only thing I thought was lacking is some kind of overview or highlights section. Traditional full-blown Rough Guides usually have a 'Where to Go' section in the introduction. I could have appreciated a similar section in the beginning of this book as well, preferably taking into account that there are people who will stay for a week and others who will only stay for a few days. I don't suggest that people are being taken by the hand with complete itineraries as other guides do but some more suggestions would be useful.

Personally I believe that the maps could be better. I used them to see in which area I had to look (which for each site is nicely indicated in the book) but then switched to the map I got in the tourist office. I assume that this is one of the drawbacks of the otherwise excellent and handy format.

The Rough Guide to Rome is the easiest to read guide I've ever owned. The writing far exceeds the usual highlights featured in other books.

I really don't care for Lonely Planet's Italy guide so I bought this one. Many of the descriptions are brief.