For the 4 trips I’ve made to Rome, I’ve stayed at the Hotel Isa at least part of the time. While it’s not right in the center, it’s less than a 5 minute walk from Castle de Sant’Angelo and probably less than 10 from St. Peters. Most of the “high points” of Rome are within walking distance (in my opinion). The hotel is labeled a 3 star, but it’s very very nice inside. All marble bathrooms which are pretty big, and a nice big bed. Continental breakfast is included each morning. I like that hotel a lot, it has just enough comfort for me, while still being affordable. There was another one we stayed at that was located about a block away from the Victor Emmanuel monument, but I can’t find it right now, and can’t remember the name. I’ll ask the wife later.
A few suggestions from me.
Things you really really must see:
St. Peter’s Basilica. - Nothing like it anyplace I’ve ever been. Since you said that you only had 2 days, I’m not going to suggest that you do the Vatican Museum. As great as it is, that will eat up at least half to 3/4 of an entire day. There are just too many other sites that you really should see. *side note about seeing St. Peter’s tomb, they open the vault under the church and lead a group through every now and then. It was kind of interesting to see the place where he’s actually at rest. (I’m not going to debate the authenticity of them, just saying they’re there). Also, if the line isn’t real long, a trip to the top of the basilica to walk around the top of the dome is pretty cool too. If you get there either pretty early, or in the late afternoon, lines are shortest.
Trevi Fountain - Beautiful fountain literally tucked into a small square. Beware the roving flower sellers, and potential pickpockets, but it’s a very very impressive fountain.
Coliseum - A must see, and heck, if you can bargain the price down, I’d even get a picture taken with one of the gladiators outside. Campy it’s true, but fun and a good memory.
Roman Forum - A good place to walk through, and try and imagine what it looked like. I’d personally skip Palatine Hill, as without a guide, it’s hard to get a sense of it. If you enter the Forum from near the Coliseum, and exit on the other side, you’ll come out on top of Capital Hill. So you can take a look at some of the sites there.
Pantheon - I rate this actually right after St. Peter’s, and the Coliseum for a must see thing. Truly a great building. You might try heading to it in the late afternoon around 4:30 or so, then you can eat at one of the restaurants around the square (our favorite is La Rotunda), and then take a leisurely walk over to Piazza Nouevana, where a lot of local artists, and street performers hang out. The guy that does the hand puppets is worth a look.
Other than that, I’d that you walk everywhere if you can. In two days, you don’t have time to really see even a tenth of what you could in Rome, but if you try and walk between the sites, you’ll pass by a lot of other things. So you’ll have a chance to see more of the city. Rome really does wind the new in with the ancient. Have a great trip, and take lots and lots of pictures.
Oooooo…almost forgot. If you have time, and they’re still doing tours, take a walk through the Domus Aurea (Nero’s Palace). It’s been re-opened recently, and it’s just pretty cool to walk through a building that’s been buried for almost two thousand years. Do get the little recordings that they sell, because the guides don’t really tell you that much. They didn’t allow photo’s when I was there, but a digital camera with the flash turned off got a few nice shots.
