my 0.02 cents worth
Lots of great info here. Peckerwood and Phidias are the go to guys who have forgotten
more than I know about Roma, but my wife and I have been there many times
(never had more time than a week . . . other sights to see) but we love love Roma.
There is so much to see and do I think it helps to have some sort of plan, things to
see and do, at least for a few days and then again if is great fun just to wander
around and be surprised. Shoulder seasons are best, fewer people and better
weather.
Where to start? A good ‘guide’ book is helpful as is hiring a good licensed guide
(we had one, a friend of mine who lives and works in Roma) who can get you
to the head of the line and get you in places you could not otherwise go. And
they are very well informed, having to have passed a test to do what they do.
We have always stayed at the Hotel Manfredi on Via Margutta, a very artsy
fartsy beautiful cobblestone street. Fellini lived there as well as other well
known artists. Very conveniently located, walking, subway, bus, etc . . .
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=hotel+manfredi
I am spending tomorrow with a friend who returned from Roma six months
ago (after having lived there for many years, and not to disappoint you,
he says the city has really changed (as all cities do) for the worse. . . but
the graffiti, the litter, the city just not being clean (like Paris) was far worse
than he remembered. Very sad. But still worth visiting by all means . . . the
art, culture, food, people, history, fashion, bla, bla, bla . . . all still world class.
Anyway . . . have a great time and I hope you get to get to do and see
everything you want. We will be going back again. It is that good. (Many
fotos of mine from Roma are on Getty Images.) It is a magical place. Enjoy.