Travel tips: Five days in Rome, where to stay and what to see?

WITH MY PARTNER I HAVE FIVE DAYS IN ROME IN OCTOBER. IS THERE A HOP ON/HOP OFF TOURIST BUS? WE WANT TO VISIT THE VATICAN, WHAT ELSE IS A MUST-SEE? IS STAYING NEAR TERMINI STATION A GOOD OPTION FOR ELDERLY TRAVELLERS, GIVEN THE STORIES ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH ASYLUM SEEKERS? B. STEWART, BEAUMARIS

There is a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Rome [hop-on-hop-off-bus.com], and it's a great way to get your bearings. The ticket allows you to use the bus over a 48-hour period and there are a few different tickets but the best and most expensive includes entry to the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, and you can skip the queues at both which alone is worth its weight in gold, even in October.

I don't believe you'd have any reason to fear staying close to Termini Station. I was in and out of the station a few times last October and I saw nothing that would cause any real concern, and there's a high profile security presence.

I stayed in an Airbnb since the cost of accommodation in Rome is so high and for a stay of five full days this is an option worth considering. If this appeals, look for an apartment with plenty of good recent reviews and no cancellations by the owner.

As for sights, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Campo de Fiori, the Caravaggio in the church of Sant'Agostino and a marron glaces gelato from Ciampini are just a few of the things that bring me back to Rome time after time.

SEND US YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

Include your name and your suburb or town and send it to tripologist@fairfaxmedia.com.au All published questions will win a Lonely Planet guidebook.