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Rome is a city that's delightful to explore on foot. Most important tourist sites and entertainment venues are concentrated in a small geographical area, and there's no better way to get to know the city than on foot. However, sometimes you still need to use public transportation. We, for example, chose to stay at a hotel somewhat removed from the center, near a metro station - an ideal solution that was significantly cheaper than hotels in the center and also a very quiet and pleasant area. Sometimes you also want to leave the city and see some different scenery. Or maybe you've gotten a bit tired and want to give your feet a rest. Rome's public transportation may seem complicated at first, but with a bit of advance preparation, it's actually simple and efficient. Here's the complete guide that will save you time and headaches. Transportation Within Rome Available Transportation Options Metro  - Currently, two lines are operating (A, B) that cover most of the city's central attractions. City buses & Trams  - An extensive network that reaches every corner of the city. How to Pay? The good news: Contactless credit card payment! On the metro: Simply tap your card on the reader at the station entrance, and the gate will open. On buses: Card readers are located near the bus doors. Single journey price: approximately €1.5 If you don't have a credit card, you can also purchase paper tickets at metro stations - note that even if you're buying tickets, each passenger needs their own ticket! You can transfer between buses and metro lines within 100 minutes from when you first validated your ticket. Important:  The ticket only works within Rome - not valid for journeys outside the city! Trains to Other Cities Ticket Booking System For train journeys outside Rome, to distant or nearby destinations: 📱 Recommended app: Trainline Android download iPhone download Advance preparation: Download in advance and register for an account You can buy tickets up to minutes before departure Tickets are saved on your phone and are available even without internet Important to know: There are fast trains (Frecciarossa) and slow ones (Regionale) The fast ones cost more but save significant time Seat reservations are mandatory on fast trains Trips to Tivoli and Nearby Destinations Cortal Buses To Tivoli, Villa Adriana, and other areas outside Rome: 📱 The app: Cortal Android download iPhone download ⚠️ Must download in advance!  This is not the same company as Rome's transportation Create an account and add a credit card Buy tickets before traveling How Does It Work? Buy a ticket in advance  through the app Activate the ticket on the bus  in two ways: Barcode scanning  - When activating the ticket, it opens a barcode scanner - scan the barcode displayed at the bus entrance. Manual entry  - If scanning doesn't work, get a code from the driver and enter it manually. Essential tip:  Don't rely on the internet on the bus! Download tickets in advance when you have good WiFi. Trip Planning There are several public transportation apps for Rome - I managed perfectly with Google Maps. Additional Tips for Rome Transportation Preparation Before Travel Download all apps in advance Make sure you have an internet  data package or a local SIM card Save tickets on your phone  - always available even without internet There are combined tickets for sites and public transportation - pay attention  if you purchased such a ticket and use it for public transportation. City Buses Also operate at night (selected routes) Sometimes slow in traffic jams Ideal for reaching places the metro doesn't reach Safety and Caution Guard your personal belongings - keep pockets and bags closed Let people get off before you board Remember to give space to elderly people and those with disabilities Summary Rome's public transportation is an excellent tool that will help you on your trip, provided you prepare in advance. Download the apps, understand the different systems, and most importantly, don't be afraid to use public transportation! It's part of the Italian experience. With a little preparation, you'll discover that you can reach anywhere easily and cheaply.

Visiting the Colosseum, especially during tourist season, requires booking tickets in advance. There are several types of tickets, some of which allow access to the arena floor itself or the underground level, but we remembered too late and there were no available tickets when we booked. In retrospect, it wasn't terrible - we didn't feel like we missed out on much. The Colosseum is the undisputed symbol of ancient Rome. The structure, which stands 48 meters tall (equivalent to a 15-story building), was built between 70-80 CE by the emperors of the Flavian dynasty - Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. 50,000 people entered the Colosseum to watch gladiatorial combat, wild animal hunts, and executions. After nearly 400 years of intensive activity, the Colosseum entered a period of decline, primarily due to the high costs of maintaining the Colosseum and the resources required to operate gladiatorial fights and wild animal shows. During the Middle Ages, the abandoned Colosseum became building material for other structures in the area, including St. Peter's Basilica. Only in the 18th century did Pope Benedict XIV declare the building a "sacred place" and stop further damage. From the late 1990s until today, restoration and reconstruction projects have been carried out at the site, allowing approximately 6 million visitors per year to learn about this architectural marvel, with its organized entrances, wide staircases, and clear social hierarchy (the emperor and elite in the front rows, and as social status decreased, seating moved to the higher tiers). The Colosseum is undoubtedly a must-see site. It's an impressive structure that you can't help but be amazed by. Even if you don't enter the special areas, regular admission is enough to understand the greatness of this place and the power of Roman civilization.

The Spanish Steps  (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti), a Baroque-style staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Church of Trinità dei Monti, are one of Rome's most recognizable symbols. The 135 steps are built on three levels, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The name "Spanish Steps" comes from Piazza di Spagna, the square named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican that has been located nearby since the 17th century. French diplomat Étienne Gueffier  financed the construction of the steps through a sum he left in his will, in order to connect the lower square with the French church at the summit. Almost 60 years later, the Pope agreed to advance the project, and in an architectural competition, Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis  won. De Sanctis  created a flowing design resembling a waterfall, with curves, steps, and wide landings that create a theatrical and elegant feeling. The design includes seating and resting areas that encouraged social gatherings, and the structure successfully created visual alignment between the irregular buildings in the surrounding area. Fontana della Barcaccia  - At the bottom of the steps is a charming fountain in the shape of a leaking boat, designed in 1629 by Pietro Bernini , father of the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini . Church of Trinità dei Monti  - At the top of the staircase stands a 16th-century French church with two impressive bell towers. In front of it stands the Egyptian Obelisk  - which is not actually Egyptian but Roman, from the 3rd century. The obelisk was moved here in the 18th century. Via dei Condotti  - The luxury shopping street located at the bottom of the steps, with stores of Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Bulgari. This is Rome's most exclusive shopping area. The Spanish Steps have gained worldwide fame thanks to classic films. The most famous scene is from the 1953 movie "Roman Holiday"  with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, where they sit on the steps eating gelato. This scene made the steps a symbol of Roman romance. Keep in mind that the steps are always crowded with visitors, at least during the hours when most of the public is awake.

The Trevi Fountain is probably the most famous fountain in the world and one of Rome's undisputed symbols. Masses of tourists flock to the fountain and stand in line to get close to it, take photos beside it, and throw a coin. The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. At the center of the fountain, you can see the Roman sea god Oceanus standing on a shell-shaped chariot pulled by horses. It's the largest fountain in Rome, measuring about 49 meters wide and 26 meters high, and is located at the junction of three streets - hence its name "tre vie" (three streets in Italian). The fountain marks the endpoint of Rome's ancient aqueduct, which has been supplying water to the city for 2,000 years. An ancient Roman legend, originating from ancient pagan rituals of offering gifts to water gods, promises that if you stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin into it with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will surely return to Rome. Later traditions added variations: One coin  guarantees your return to Rome Two coins  - you'll find love in Rome Three coins  - you'll get married in Rome The tradition became even more famous after the 1954 film "Three Coins in the Fountain" : Today, the place is packed with tourists to capacity. The city has set up barriers so that only 400 visitors can reach the fountain itself at any given moment, and the lines are very long. Interesting fact:  The Trevi Fountain "earns" an average of 3,000 euros per day from coin tosses - an amount that reaches about 1.5 million euros per year! All this money is donated to a Catholic charity in Rome. Instead of joining the queue, you have an excellent option:  At the Benetton store across from the fountain, on the first floor, you can get a stunning view of the fountain and photograph it from an exceptional angle. It's less suitable for selfies (unless you don't mind showing a window frame), but the photos of the fountain itself turn out impressive without the crowds. You can't visit Rome without visiting the Trevi Fountain, just come with realistic expectations: it won't be a romantic and quiet experience like in the movies.

After our impressive visit to the Colosseum, we continued to the nearby archaeological sites - the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These two sites, which together form a single archaeological area, are the source of power of the Roman Empire. The Roman Forum  is the beating heart of ancient Rome - the central square that served as the stage for all the important events of the empire: political speeches, criminal trials, military processions, and gladiatorial battles. It was the commercial, legal, and religious center of Rome, and the place where emperors planned their conquest of the world. In the Roman Forum, you can see impressive remains of historic buildings: the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of the deified Julius Caesar, the Mamertine Prison, the Curia (Senate house), the Temple of Saturn, and the Temple of Vesta. Every stone here tells a story of power, politics, and intrigue. Palatine Hill , the highest of Rome's seven hills, is the mythological place where the city was founded. According to Roman legend, this is where the twins Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf who raised them, and where the adult Romulus chose to establish the city of Rome. During the imperial period, the hill became the aristocratic neighborhood where emperors built their magnificent palaces. On Palatine Hill, you'll find the remains of magnificent imperial palaces. Here, Augustus built his first palace, and Domitian expanded the complex into an enormous compound including swimming pools, saunas, fountains, a gymnasium, and even a sports stadium. The view from the hill is stunning - you can see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and all of Rome stretching out at your feet. The Arch of Titus  - At the site, you'll also find the Arch of Titus, built in 81 CE to commemorate the victory over the Jews and the conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The arch's reliefs display scenes from the triumphal procession, including the carrying of temple vessels that Titus brought from Jerusalem, among them the seven-branched menorah. This is one of the earliest visual records of the temple vessels. The arch itself became a symbol of the Jewish diaspora, and today it also serves as an important memorial site for Jewish history. You can be impressed by the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill even without entering the site. The view from outside is impressive and definitely worth seeing. But regarding entry, it depends on what interests you: If you're a history and archaeology enthusiast , it's definitely a must! This place is a huge open museum with impressive remains of temples, imperial palaces, and ancient public buildings. If the weather is pleasant , don't hesitate, because it's a very beautiful walk. The view from Palatine Hill is amazing, and walking among the ruins is fascinating. If you're visiting on a hot day like we were , it's questionable. We still enjoyed it, and in retrospect, we would still enter, but it's better to prepare well. Looking back, I would have paid more attention to studying a map and deciding in advance where to enter and where to exit for the continuation of our tour in Rome. We walked back and forth more than we needed to. Important Tips The Colosseum ticket usually includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and is valid for 24-48 hours (depending on the ticket type). There's also an option to purchase a separate ticket from the Colosseum. Wear comfortable shoes - there's a lot of walking on uneven surfaces Bring a hat and sunscreen - shade is limited at the site Plan at least 3-4 hours for visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Consider entering with an organized group - you skip the lines, and the visit will be more focused. It's difficult to tour there alone without prior knowledge.

Alcatraz Island is a well-known San Francisco attraction, famous for its historical significance and unique setting. Ferry Ride to the Island The journey starts with a ferry ride, offering great views of San Francisco Bay and the city. It's a short but enjoyable trip that sets the stage for the visit. You need to purchase a ticket for a specific timeslot to get to the island - but you can come back whenever you want, depending on the ferry's timetable. The ferry boarding is in Pier 33. Exploring the Prison Once on the island, the main draw is the former federal prison. The audio tour is highly recommended. It guides you through the cell blocks and shares stories about the inmates, including famous ones like Al Capone. The experience is intriguing and gives a real sense of the prison's history. More Than Just Cells Beyond the prison walls, Alcatraz has more to explore. There are gardens, remnants of military history, and spots perfect for photographing the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. The gulls are a constant sight, contributing to the island's unique character. Overall Impression A trip to Alcatraz is a worthwhile experience for visitors to San Francisco. It combines historical context, impressive views, and a slightly eerie yet fascinating exploration of an infamous prison. Remember to book your tickets in advance, as they often sell out quickly.

Cascade Falls, a charming spot just about 15 minutes away from Muir Woods, offers a lovely, tranquil nature escape, ideal for those looking to extend their outdoor adventure in the San Francisco area. Easy Access Trail The trail to Cascade Falls is easy and short, welcoming to hikers of various fitness levels. The path is surrounded by natural beauty, leading you gently to the main attraction. The sounds of the water provide a soothing backdrop as you approach. The Waterfall's Appeal While Cascade Falls might not be the most grandiose of waterfalls, its gentle flow has a special appeal. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for relaxing, snapping some photos, or just sitting to enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading water. Combining with a Muir Woods Trip Visiting the falls after Muir Woods makes for a great combination. The short drive between the two locations means you can enjoy towering redwoods and then unwind by the calming waters of the falls, all in one trip. Final Thoughts For anyone visiting Muir Woods, adding Cascade Falls to your itinerary is a great idea. It’s an easy, pleasant way to enjoy more of the area’s natural beauty without much extra effort. The falls offer a serene environment that complements the majestic redwoods nearby, making for a well-rounded outdoor experience near San Francisco.

Heading to Cataract Falls is a solid choice if you've just been to Muir Woods. It's up north from San Francisco and offers a nice, easy-going hike. The drive to the falls is pretty scenic, which is an excellent start. You kick off the hike near Alpine Lake, and it's a calm, pretty spot. It sets the tone for a relaxed day. The trail to Cataract Falls isn't too challenging. It's suitable for anyone who's okay with a bit of uphill walking. The falls are small but friendly. They're an excellent place to chill and enjoy being outside. We didn't go up to the top of the falls. The lower part of the trail was good enough for us. We hung out and enjoyed the view and the sound of the water. It was a terrific way to spend some time. Cataract Falls is a decent pick if you're already out at Muir Woods and want to add something else to your day. It's not super busy and a good spot to unwind. The lake at the start and the drive there are part of what makes it worth it. It's not the most fantastic hike ever, but it's a good, chill way to spend a few hours.

Visiting Chinatown in San Francisco is a must-do. It's one of the oldest Chinatowns in America, offering a real, unfiltered glimpse into Chinese-American culture. The Gateway and What's Beyond Start your exploration at Dragon's Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street. It's the perfect entry into this bustling neighborhood. Once you pass through, you'll find yourself on Grant Avenue, the main drag. It's lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to traditional Chinese goods. A Slice of History Chinatown's history is key to understanding its vibe today. The Chinese came to San Francisco during the Gold Rush and later to build the Transcontinental Railroad. Despite facing discrimination and tough laws, they created a close-knit community here. This history of resilience and solidarity makes Chinatown more than just a tourist spot; it's a testament to the endurance and strength of the Chinese-American community. Food - A Highlight Food in Chinatown is a major highlight. The area boasts a variety of dim sum spots, some with a long-standing history in the community. It's worth venturing off the main streets too. The smaller alleys are home to unique eateries and interesting food-related spots, like traditional bakeries and shops where you can watch local delicacies being made. These areas offer a more authentic glimpse into the culinary culture of the neighborhood. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a neat find where you can see fortune cookies made by hand. A Recommended Walking Tour We took a walking tour of the neighborhood, which I highly recommend. It allows you to learn about the area's history, see the lesser-known spots, and get a feel for the place. The guides often share stories and insights you won't find anywhere else. Chinatown's True Essence Remember, Chinatown is more than just a place for tourists. It's a vibrant, living community with deep historical roots. The shops, temples, and murals all tell the story of the Chinese people in San Francisco. So, that's Chinatown in a nutshell. It's a unique mix of history, culture, and great food. Definitely worth a visit for an authentic piece of San Francisco life. Check it out, try some dim sum, and soak in the atmosphere.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden, nestled within Golden Gate Park, is a delightful retreat for anyone who enjoys nature's beauty without leaving the city. This garden is home to an impressive collection of over 8,000 different kinds of plants worldwide. As you walk through, you'll encounter various gardens representing other regions and climates. It's like taking a global botanical tour from the lush tropical rainforest section to the arid deserts. We spent a few hours meandering through the different areas. One of the best things about the San Francisco Botanical Garden is its peaceful atmosphere. It's an excellent place for relaxation, reflection, or even a bit of birdwatching. The garden is well-maintained and accessible, with clear paths making it easy to navigate. Benches are scattered throughout, allowing visitors to pause and take in the surroundings. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot for nature enthusiasts and those who enjoy a quiet, beautiful space. Its vast collection of plants and serene environment make it a worthy addition to any San Francisco itinerary.

Just a short drive from San Francisco, you'll find Muir Woods. This park is famous for its huge redwood trees. It's a peaceful place, very different from the busy city. Easy to Walk Around The main path in Muir Woods is flat and easy for everyone to walk on. This path is always in the shade because of the big trees. Walking the whole main path takes about 1.5 hours. Trails for Hikers If you like hiking, many trails are starting from the main path. These trails have different lengths and difficulties, so you can choose how long you want to walk. Big, Beautiful Trees The redwood trees in Muir Woods are some of the tallest trees in the world. Walking among these giants is a unique experience. The forest feels magical, especially with the light coming through the leaves. Before You Go: Parking and Tickets Remember, you need to plan for Muir Woods. The parking spots are limited, so you must reserve a place or take a shuttle bus. There's also an entrance fee. It's best to book these before your visit, especially in the busy seasons. Why You Should Visit Muir Woods is a great place to visit in San Francisco or the Bay Area. It's easy to get to and offers a peaceful break from the city. The forest is beautiful and welcoming to everyone. In short, Muir Woods is a place where you can feel nature's power. The big trees and quiet paths make it a perfect day trip from the city.

The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park offers tranquility and beauty and carries a deep historical significance, particularly relating to the Hagiwara family, who were instrumental in its creation and early care. Garden History and the Hagiwara Family Initially developed for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the garden's expansion and beautification were primarily due to Makoto Hagiwara and his family. They introduced many authentic Japanese elements, making the garden a true cultural showcase. A Painful Chapter Tragically, during World War II, the Hagiwara family, along with thousands of Japanese Americans, faced internment due to widespread anti-Japanese sentiment. This led to their forced removal from the garden they had tended so lovingly. Significant changes and damages occurred to the garden during their absence, reflecting a dark period in its history. Our Visit We spent around an hour and a half exploring the garden's serene, reflecting on its complex past. It's a moving experience, connecting the landscape's beauty with the Hagiwara family's resilience. Culinary Delights at the Tea House Stopping at the tea house, we enjoyed miso soup, green tea cheesecake, and tea — a delightful way to immerse ourselves in the garden's cultural essence. Reflections Today, the Japanese Tea Garden is a reminder of historical injustice and enduring beauty. Its story, intertwined with the Hagiwara family's legacy, adds a poignant layer to the visit. With its affordable weekday admission, the garden is accessible for those seeking a moment of peace and historical reflection in the heart of San Francisco. Admission fees are cheaper on weekdays.