kenny

I spent five days in Rome this November. Here's a handful of tips:

• Visit outside of peak season. Rome will always be busy, but don't make things harder on yourself than you need to. I loved visiting during November. The weather was cool but very manageable with layers; most days were in the 50s. The most iconic sights (Colosseum, Vatican Museums) were still crowded, but the experience was much more enjoyable without the heat. I never felt overwhelmed by tourists like I did during a prior trip to Venice/Florence/Milan during August.

• Get tickets to the Colosseum's "attic.". The remains of the Colosseum's upper levels (the attic) offer excellent views and an escape from the crowds below. The historical graffiti in the passageways was an added bonus.

• Go to the Testaccio Market. If you want to sample a variety of foods and/or get produce, meat, and cheese, check out the market in Testaccio. We tried picchiapo, porchetta, and arrosticini, but there were so many good options.

• Listen to an audioguide for complex sites like the Roman Forum. Even for history buffs like myself, the sheer amount of history in Rome can be overwhelming, especially in layered sites like the Forum. If you don't take a guided tour, be sure to find an audioguide online (we found Rick Steves' to be helpful). Tangential but also recommended: don't miss the Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua in the Forum; to me, it's atmosphere felt holier than St. Peter's.

• For a quick meal, get pizza al taglio. Pizza al taglio is the perfect tourist food: inexpensive, filling, and equally convenient to eat on the go or while sitting in a piazza. You pay based on the weight of your slice, making it easy to have a light snack or a full meal.

• If you want to splurge on a dinner date, go to 53 Untitled. The five-course meal I had at 53 Untitled was the best of my trip, maybe of my life. Located in the city center, this small spot was both upscale and unpretentious. Reserve in advance.

• Travel with someone you love. Among so many other perks, it makes long flights infinitely more comfortable.