:) CITIES : ROME, ITALY


Pointers from Rome Global Explorer Keri M.:

Restaurants:

L'Enoteca Antica, 76 Via della Croce (very close to the Spanish Steps). As authentic as it gets with a great selection of wines and aperitivos.

Obika Mozzarella Bar. Great place to hang out - especially on Sunday nights. www.obika.it/en

Osteria dell' Ingengo. Great trattoria off the beaten path on the quiet Piazza di Pietra.
"When in Rome"...
Top 10 highlights of the Eternal City

1. Il Colosseo (The Colosseum) - Simply a must. Purchase an audio guide for a narrated tour of this glorious and gory ancient amphitheater. The Fori Imperiali (Imperial Forum) lies adjacent to the Colesseum and is an archeological treasure.

2. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City - get religious at Catholic HQ. Over-the-top architecture and artwork will leave you speechless - which was probably the intention. A (long) walk up the dome offers wonderful views of Rome. Crypts below house popes of yesteryear. A place is already reserved for Pope John Paul II (creepy). Around the corner from the Basilica (ten minute walk) are the Vatican Museums. Beware of brutally long lines to catch a glimpse of the Sistine Chapel. But of course this spectacle is worth it. Again, the audio tour or a pre-booked tour is highly recommended.

3. Complete "The Tourist Trifecta" - the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps (all within walking distance.)
  • Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Pantheon - the dome can house a perfect sphere! Renaissance artist, Raphael and first king of united Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II and other famous greats are buried here. Yes! it rains inside due to an open top, but 26 holes in floor act as drain.
  • Make sure you get close enough to the Trevi Fountain when throwing your three coins so you don't hit the throngs of tourists and watch out for fake tour guides!
  • The Spanish Steps. Ahhhhh. This is what Rome is all about - sitting around. The fountain at the base of the stairs in the piazza below was constructed below sea level so that water may flow straight from the Acqua Vergine (Virgin Aqueduct). Water still potable but drink at your own risk!
4. Order "Un caffé" at Bar della Pace (Via della Pace 3/7) - Sure it cost twice as much as the local caffé down the street but where else can you sit and people watch for hours in beautiful ivy covered building a stone's throw away from Piazza Navona. Lovely.

5. Saturday yoga class at "4 FitNext" (Via dei Coronari 46) - Hands down the best "Italish" yoga class in Rome.

6. Pincio at Villa Borghese - This stunning overlook is part of the expansive Villa Borghese park and offers wonderful views of Piazza del Popolo below. Rent a rickshaw bike (seats two or four) and explore the park. Have drinks at the newly renovated Casino Valadier or Rosati in Piazza del Popolo below.

7. Aperitivo at "La Terrazza" at Hotel Eden (Via Ludovisi 49) A wonderful fancy-schmancy rooftop bar offering perfectly mixed cocktails and exquisite views of Rome.

8. Pizza at La Baffetto (Via del Governo Vecchio 114) Yummy, thin crust pizza but don't expect gracious service and gelato at Gelato di San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42)- try the zabaglione, a house specialty and delicious.

9. Night out in Trastevere - Stroll the streets of this charming old neighborhood across the river, people watch in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, dine in a local trattoria and get a sense of the real local flavor.

10. Galleria Borghese - one of Rome's most impressive museums. Built in 1613 to house Cardinal Scipione Borghese's famous art collection, the museum contains famous works by Caravaggio, Titian and Raphael, among others. Of particular note are a handful of masterpieces by the sculptor Bernini which are simply stunning. The gallery is extremely popular and only allows a two hour viewing window so it is advisable to book ahead.

DISCLAIMER...this list is merely the beginning. Rome is one of the world's big guns and it knows it. Yet it is the image of confidence without arrogance, proudly offering its visitors layers and layers of history, culture, and cutting edge appeal. The only problem is what to uncover next. As the famous saying goes, "One lifetime is not enough in Rome."

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