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“A Rome vacation should be the trip of a lifetime”
Rome has always been one of the world's great cities to visit, and since the Millennium clean up, every historical monument looks its imposing best.
To check Rome4u tours and price Click Here
We have summarised some simple travel tips, and recommendations to help you enjoy your staying in Rome:
• Autumn is the best time to visit Rome (September to early November). In this period the weather is warm and sunny and temperatures are very mild (15-20 degrees). It rains at times, but usually you can go around with a light jacket. The colours of the nature are lovely and the sun sets at around 07.00 pm.
• July and August are usually hot and humid and could lead to bad tempered children (and parents). Avoid going into town between 11.30am and 4.00pm. Early morning, evening and night tours are recommended. You could spend the hotter hours of the day on the beach, by a lake or in a SPA (e.g. Ostia; Fregene, Sperlonga, Sabaudia, Circeo, Nettuno, Tivoli Terme; Lago di Bracciano, Lago di Bolsena). In any case, the “Estate Romana’s celebrations” will make up for hot and humid weather.
Check out: http://www.romeguide.it/estate_romana/indexeng.php
http://www.romaturismo.it/
Rome Weather Forecast
• To check Rome’s past years weather forecast history visit: http://www.ilmeteo.it/portale/archivio-meteo/Roma
Rome for Families with Children
• Rome is so unique and surprising that it is well worth the experience for adults and children to visit it together.
• Even with younger children you can do most of your sightseeing on foot. Treat the city as their playground whether it's throwing a coin in the Trevi or pretending to be Roman soldiers in the Colosseum. A great family holiday or break choice.
• If your kids like to draw, bring pads of paper to sketch the fountains.
• Children can be special travel companions with whom to share the experiences and the emotions of your discovery of the city. Perhaps through their eyes, observations and questions, you too will see the sites and monuments in a different manner - one that you would have never expected!
This site will assist you and offer some suggestions on the interesting and fun things that Rome has to offer its younger guests: http://piccolituristi.turismoroma.it/index.php/pagine/indice/en
Rome: Why you shouldn’t even try to see it all
The truth is that even with an excellent guide and lots of time you will probably not see all the art and historic monuments ofRome
Living on Italian Time
• Banks are open weekdays 8:30am to 1:30pm and sometimes for an hour in the afternoon.
• Most churches are open from early morning until noon. They close for three to four hours, before reopening again, and close at 6pm. A few major churches, such as St. Peter's in Rome, are open all day.
• Many museums are closed one day a week, often on Monday.
• Pharmacies are generally open weekdays from 8:30am to 1pm and from 4-8pm, and Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm.
• Most shops are open Monday-Saturday from 9am to 1pm and from 3:30 or 4pm to 7:30pm. Clothing shops are generally closed on Monday mornings. Barbers and hairdressers tend to be closed on Sunday and Monday. Some tourist-friendly stores in big cities such as Rome are open all day. Due to Italy being a Catholic country, many stores are closed on Sunday.
• Gas stations on major highways are usually open 24 hours. But most gas stations tend to be open Monday-Saturday, 7am to 7pm.
• August is the worst month to travel, because most of the nation is on vacation and everything comes to an almost standstill.
• Not all places allow picture taking. Flash photography is especially frowned upon as being disruptive
• Italy has only started becoming handicap-accessible. Wheelchair access to restaurant bathrooms is almost nonexistent, ramps are rare, elevators in old buildings are uncommon, and buses in general are not wheelchair-compatible.
Rome National Public Holidays
• 1st January - New Year's Day
• 6th January - Epiphany
• Early April - Easter Monday
• 25th April - Liberation Day
• 1st May - Labour Day / "May Day"
• 2nd June - Festival of the Republic
• 29th June - Local Feast Day
• 15th August - Ferragosto / "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary"
• 1st November - All Saints Day
• 8th December - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• 24th December - Christmas Eve
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day / "St. Stephen's Day"
• Feast days for saints are also common in local cities as well. So if it seems like everything is extra quiet one day, it may be because everybody's taking the day off to celebrate!
Rome Annual Events
Rome is, together with Milan, the city where most cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts and shows take place in Italy.
Important religious holidays tend to shut down the entire city. Different districts of Rome hold smaller-scale celebrations of their own patron saints in their own way, from calorific blowouts to costume parades, to extravagant fireworks displays. Many international musical events are organized in the new Rome Auditorium, a kind of City of Music that is located near the Olympic Village in the Flaminio area of the city. The Auditorium, that was designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, comprises three large halls that hold a total of 5000 people, set amidst a park where a wonderful amphitheater has been built, together with some recording rooms.
Keep in mind the fact that if you want to plan a trip to Rome in a period when one of these events is taking place, you should book a hotel in Rome well in advance.
• International Horse Show at Piazza di Siena (27 -30 May)
• May Antiques Fair: If antiques are your thing, then you could do no better than to head for Rome historic centre during the second half of May. Via dei Coronari is the great Mecca for antique hunters from Italy and beyond.
• La Soffitta Sotto i Portici: is Rome's bargain market, held twice a month in Piazza Augusto Imperatore.
• Fantafestival (25 May - 6 Jun 2010 annual) One of the most important genre film events in the world, Rome's Fantafestival promotes science fiction, horror and thrillers.
• Girandola di Castel S. Angelo: the annual firework display in Rome is an almost apocalyptic vision of the city. http://www.zetema.it/mostre_ed_eventi/eventi/girandola_di_castel_sant_angelo
• Noantri (20-26 July) During Noiantri the inhabitants of Trastevere descend the streets of their district to socialise with their neighbours, dressing street tables with food and wine to share, singing and dancing traditional songs. http://www.romeartlover.it/Noantri.html
For more information on Rome Events visit:
Rome Time Out at http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome
Rome Event Guide at http://rome.eventguide.com/
Rome Guide Italy at http://www.travelplan.it/rome_guide_itineraries_shopping.htm
Rome’s Tourist Office official site at http://en.turismoroma.it/vivi_roma/contact_center_060608
Vatica’s official site at http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
Rome Drinking Water
• Rome drinking water is good quality and safe. Calcium, hardness, fluoride and sulphate levels, as well as low pollution factors and absence of solvents or metals, make it excellent. Visitors to Rome can drink the fresh water at any time from the 2,500 little street fountains called "nasoni" (big noses).
• Mineral bottled water is available in all flavors: gassata (bubbly); naturale (non-bubbly); and semi-gassata (somewhere in the between like Ferrarelle, Egeria, Claudia).
Dining in Rome
• Breakfast is usually served from 7-10:30am, lunch from 12:30-2:30pm, and dinner from 7:30-10pm. Peak lunch and dinner hours are 1 and 9pm.
• Cappuccino and 'cornetto' is the standard Breackfast in Italy - forget sausages etc.
• Rome has a restaurant to suit every purse and palate, and the restaurants in the neighbourhoods of Trastevere, Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Monti and San Lorenzo are renowned for reasonably priced delicious home cooking.
• Children are welcome in all restaurants and will be served mezze porzioni (half portion) on request. Kids menus are almost unheard of (luckily since I am really against starting kids with burger and fries:).
• Italians usually take their food as it is listed, seldom making special requests, such as "hold the mayo."
• Don't wait for the check, you must ask for it.
• Tipping is usually done with cash, even if 'servizio' is included, a small tip is always appreciated.
• Nice sit-down restaurants usually expect one to order two courses.
• Italian drinks are almost always shaken, not blended. Mixed drinks are also very popular.
• Business lunches are more common than working dinners.
• If you want a quick bite, stop at a pizzeria, or enoteca/osteria/wine bar, or in a bistrot. http://www.teatroquirino.it/index.phpSECTION=PAGE&PAGEID=16 (Quirino bistrot in Via delleVergini 7, off the Trevi fountain).
http://www.enotecapalatium.it/english (The Palatium Regional Wine Bar in Via Frattina 94, nearby the Spanish steps, via condotti and Via del Corso).
http://www.provincia.roma.it/videonews/provincia-romana-lenoteca-di-palazzo-valentini
(Enoteca Provincia Romana, off Piazza Venezia by the Trajan column).
• For more info on dining in Rome visit: http://dining-guide.net/europe/rome.htm
Shopping in Rome
• Remember that American and European DVDs and VCRs have different formats, so what works at home will not work in Italy, and vice versa
• When shopping for clothes, take note that many stores will not allow one to try on underwear, swimming suits, or even shirts and blouses
• Returning or exchanging an item, even if it is flawed is uncommon in Italian stores.
• Shopping with your children: have fun shopping for figures of Roman legionaires and gladiators, miniature Colosseums, wooden Pinocchio figures, brightly colored alabaster eggs, colorful jewelry and purses.
Rome Fashion
• The classic window-shopping area is all around Piazza di Spagna: via Condotti; via Borgonona, via Frattina; via Bocca di Leone; via della Croce; via della Mercede; via del Corso and the Galleria Alberto Sordi.
• The independent designers window-shopping area is all around Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori & Piazza del Pantheon: via del Governo Vecchio; via di Campo Marzio; via della Stelletta; via dell’Orso; via dei Giubbonari; & via di Torre Argentina.
• Another Rome’s bustling shopping area is the ‘Monti’ district, or ‘Rione’, between Termini station and the Roman Forum area. Here you can find indipendent designer & vintage shops: via Nazionale; via dei Serpenti; via Genova; via dei Capocci; via dell’Angoletto; via del Boschetto; via Panisperna; via Leonina, piazza degli Zingari; & via Cavour.
• Finally, within walking distance of the Basilica of Saint Peter you can shop in Via Cola di Rienzo.
What to Wear in Rome
• Italy may be very tourist-friendly and known for fashion, but it is generally considered rude to walk around town in bikinis, beach attire, short shorts, and skimpy outfits.
• Comfortable Shoes is a Must.
• Covered shoulders and knees are usually preferable when entering churches; Hats, shorts or beachwear are not allowed inside churches. T Shirts are allowe
• Spring and Summer Time can bring some showers so a small compact umbrella could really come in handy.
Rome Antiques
• Some of the best areas to look for antiques are Via dei Coronari, Via del Babuino and Via Giulia.
• La Soffitta Sotto i Portici: is Rome's bargain vintage market, held twice a month in Piazza Augusto Imperatore.
Rome Design and Household
• TAD (Via del Babuino, 155) is a concept store where you can shop while having a drink or a bite to eat. They sell not only household accessories but also eccentric designer clothes, shoes, perfumes, flowers, CDs, etc.
• In the Ghetto area there is a good choice of nice things for the house at Limentani (via del Portico d'Ottavia, 47).
*Another good address is Spazio Sette, a two level shop, in via dei Barbieri, 7.
Books in English
• Anglo American Bookstore Via della Vite, 102 offers a good selection of books in English.
• Feltrinelli International - Via V. E. Orlando, 84 sells nice books in English and in other languages, including magazines and guidebooks.
Rome Health and Saftey
• It is best to travel with your own medication. While Aspirin is common, Tylenol and Advil are not. Anyway not to worry: ask for example for an Ibuprofen (Advil active ingredient) pain reliever.
• If you get traveler's diarrhea, don't necessarily blame it on unsanitary conditions. Olive oil and wine are heavily used in Italian cuisine, and as natural laxatives, can cause problems for those with sensitive stomachs.
• If there is an emergency, dial 113.
• If in distress, yell AIUTO (pronounced ay-you-toe), which is Italian for HELP!
• Serious crime is rare, Rome has less crime going on than other major European capitals, however pickpockets and purse-snatchers are common in large cities.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Leave details of your trip with people at home, so that you could be easily contacted in case of emergencies.
Safety for Women in Rome
Italian Laws and Customs
• Familiarize yourself with laws and customs of countries you are visiting. Remember, when in another country you are subject to their laws.
• Make sure you have a signed and valid passport! Be sure to fill out the emergency information section of the document.
Things to do in Rome
• Centro Storico: The historic centre of Rome is full of activity; take in Bernini’s fountains in the Piazza Navona and head down to the markets in the bustling Campo de'Fiori.
• Imperial Rome: View the Roman Forum from the heights of the Capitoline Hill and when you get in the Coliseum look down to the passages where the animals and gladiators waited their turn to die.
• Vatican City: Take a trip up the dome of St Peter’s basilica where you can look down on the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens.
• Tridente and Travestere: After a quick look up the Spanish Steps, it’s a short walk to the city’s most stylish shops, but balance this with a visit across the Tiber to the ancient quarter of Rome – more Garibaldi than Gucci.
See also:
http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome
http://goeurope.about.com/cs/rome/a/rome_free.htm
Rome Nightlife
During the days, you will probably stroll across the historical center, where the most famous monuments and museums are located, or the area surrounding St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. During the nights you will likely want to visit the other areas of Rome. The major areas for night entertainment are Trastevere, San Lorenzo, Ponte Milvio, Testaccio, Ostiense, Prati and Celio. In all these areas you can expect to find typical Roman pizzerias and trattorias, good restaurants, bars and pubs.
-Trastevere has been, is and will be one of the hearts of the nightlife in Rome. The narrow, quant roads are full of people walking, street artists performing, the most typical roman restaurants you will ever find, alternative bars, theatres and clubs. Many foreigners come here, because it's one of the most famous areas in Rome and because you can find many foreign tourists.
-San Lorenzo is a destination preferred by students, with cheap, lively and peculiar bars, pubs and pizzerias. Ethnic shops dot the area and a few punks still walk the streets. Most of the pubs here have a theme, be it a recreation of the traditional English pub, a horror or fantasy theme, furniture inspired by movies or other crazy ideas.
-Ponte Milvio is the most ancient still standing bridge across the Tiber bridge. The square on the left bank of the bridge attracts many upper class youngsters that flock the two kiosks and few bars of the area. There are a few good bars and restaurants in here, but most of the people just stay in the square to check out the other and be checked out. Strolling in Ponte Milvio is like being at an open air fashion show.
-Testaccio is your best bet for clubs and discos. Some of the most popular clubs in Rome are here. Here you can also find the most famous gay clubs in Rome.
-Ostiense is the rising star of Romans nights. An ex industrial area, now its brimming with life. Check out the Alpheus club, with lots of live music gigs or one of the many bars, each one with its peculiar traits. The offer ranges from classy cocktail places to alternative scene spots. Good typical Italian restaurants and foreign food for all the tastes, with a more easy going atmosphere than in Prati.
-Prati is a regular maze of elegant streets. If you are looking for foreign food, here you can find some of the top Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Mexican restaurants, among the others. Prati is an elegant area, here you can also find some classy bars, pubs, jazz clubs and one of the best cinemas in Rome, the Adriano.
-Celio is another neighborhood that is quickly gaining the favor of Rome's nightlife. It's on the fringe of the historical center, in the shadow of the Coliseum. Ethnic food, small theatres, good restaurants and cocktail bars dot the area. This area is also quickly becoming one of the hot spots of the gay scene.
-Finally, the historical center has a little bit of each area and then some, because everywhere around you there are the vestige of ancient Rome. Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori are just two of the many spots in the area.
Rome Rome Rome , everybody is engaged in having a good time and you can enjoy the Eternal City
To check Rome4u tours and price Click Here
We have summarised some simple travel tips, and recommendations to help you enjoy your staying in Rome:
When to visit Rome?
 |
| Piazza Navona Christmas fair |
•Winter can get chilly (December through February) though temperature rarely goes under zero degrees. If you go in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you get to see the Christmas fair on Piazza Navona and nativity scenes set up in public spaces such as the Spanish Steps, Piazza San Pietro and in churches across the city. Christmas and Easter are special but St Peter's will be packed with pilgrims.
• Spring months are pleasant but expect some rain and wind.  |
| Sabaudia and the Circeo hill |
Check out: http://www.romeguide.it/estate_romana/indexeng.php
http://www.romaturismo.it/
Rome Weather Forecast
• To check Rome’s past years weather forecast history visit: http://www.ilmeteo.it/portale/archivio-meteo/Roma
• Rome is so unique and surprising that it is well worth the experience for adults and children to visit it together.
• If your kids like to draw, bring pads of paper to sketch the fountains.
• Children can be special travel companions with whom to share the experiences and the emotions of your discovery of the city. Perhaps through their eyes, observations and questions, you too will see the sites and monuments in a different manner - one that you would have never expected!
This site will assist you and offer some suggestions on the interesting and fun things that Rome has to offer its younger guests: http://piccolituristi.turismoroma.it/index.php/pagine/indice/en
Rome: Why you shouldn’t even try to see it all
The truth is that even with an excellent guide and lots of time you will probably not see all the art and historic monuments of
• Banks are open weekdays 8:30am to 1:30pm and sometimes for an hour in the afternoon.
• Most churches are open from early morning until noon. They close for three to four hours, before reopening again, and close at 6pm. A few major churches, such as St. Peter's in Rome, are open all day.
• Many museums are closed one day a week, often on Monday.
• Pharmacies are generally open weekdays from 8:30am to 1pm and from 4-8pm, and Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm.
• Most shops are open Monday-Saturday from 9am to 1pm and from 3:30 or 4pm to 7:30pm. Clothing shops are generally closed on Monday mornings. Barbers and hairdressers tend to be closed on Sunday and Monday. Some tourist-friendly stores in big cities such as Rome are open all day. Due to Italy being a Catholic country, many stores are closed on Sunday.
• Gas stations on major highways are usually open 24 hours. But most gas stations tend to be open Monday-Saturday, 7am to 7pm.
• August is the worst month to travel, because most of the nation is on vacation and everything comes to an almost standstill.
• Not all places allow picture taking. Flash photography is especially frowned upon as being disruptive
• Italy has only started becoming handicap-accessible. Wheelchair access to restaurant bathrooms is almost nonexistent, ramps are rare, elevators in old buildings are uncommon, and buses in general are not wheelchair-compatible.
Rome National Public Holidays
• 1st January - New Year's Day
• 6th January - Epiphany
• Early April - Easter Monday
• 25th April - Liberation Day
• 1st May - Labour Day / "May Day"
• 2nd June - Festival of the Republic
• 29th June - Local Feast Day
• 15th August - Ferragosto / "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary"
• 1st November - All Saints Day
• 8th December - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• 24th December - Christmas Eve
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day / "St. Stephen's Day"
• Feast days for saints are also common in local cities as well. So if it seems like everything is extra quiet one day, it may be because everybody's taking the day off to celebrate!
Rome is, together with Milan, the city where most cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts and shows take place in Italy.
Important religious holidays tend to shut down the entire city. Different districts of Rome hold smaller-scale celebrations of their own patron saints in their own way, from calorific blowouts to costume parades, to extravagant fireworks displays. Many international musical events are organized in the new Rome Auditorium, a kind of City of Music that is located near the Olympic Village in the Flaminio area of the city. The Auditorium, that was designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, comprises three large halls that hold a total of 5000 people, set amidst a park where a wonderful amphitheater has been built, together with some recording rooms.
Keep in mind the fact that if you want to plan a trip to Rome in a period when one of these events is taking place, you should book a hotel in Rome well in advance.
• International Horse Show at Piazza di Siena (27 -30 May)
• May Antiques Fair: If antiques are your thing, then you could do no better than to head for Rome historic centre during the second half of May. Via dei Coronari is the great Mecca for antique hunters from Italy and beyond.
• La Soffitta Sotto i Portici: is Rome's bargain market, held twice a month in Piazza Augusto Imperatore.
• Fantafestival (25 May - 6 Jun 2010 annual) One of the most important genre film events in the world, Rome's Fantafestival promotes science fiction, horror and thrillers.
 |
| La Girandola- Franz Theodor Aerni 1874-80 |
• Noantri (20-26 July) During Noiantri the inhabitants of Trastevere descend the streets of their district to socialise with their neighbours, dressing street tables with food and wine to share, singing and dancing traditional songs. http://www.romeartlover.it/Noantri.html
For more information on Rome Events visit:
Rome Time Out at http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome
Rome Event Guide at http://rome.eventguide.com/
Rome Guide Italy at http://www.travelplan.it/rome_guide_itineraries_shopping.htm
Rome’s Tourist Office official site at http://en.turismoroma.it/vivi_roma/contact_center_060608
Vatica’s official site at http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
Rome Drinking Water
• Mineral bottled water is available in all flavors: gassata (bubbly); naturale (non-bubbly); and semi-gassata (somewhere in the between like Ferrarelle, Egeria, Claudia).
Dining in Rome
• Breakfast is usually served from 7-10:30am, lunch from 12:30-2:30pm, and dinner from 7:30-10pm. Peak lunch and dinner hours are 1 and 9pm.
• Rome has a restaurant to suit every purse and palate, and the restaurants in the neighbourhoods of Trastevere, Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Monti and San Lorenzo are renowned for reasonably priced delicious home cooking.
• Children are welcome in all restaurants and will be served mezze porzioni (half portion) on request. Kids menus are almost unheard of (luckily since I am really against starting kids with burger and fries:).
• Italians usually take their food as it is listed, seldom making special requests, such as "hold the mayo."
• Don't wait for the check, you must ask for it.
• Tipping is usually done with cash, even if 'servizio' is included, a small tip is always appreciated.
• Nice sit-down restaurants usually expect one to order two courses.
• Italian drinks are almost always shaken, not blended. Mixed drinks are also very popular.
• Business lunches are more common than working dinners.
• If you want a quick bite, stop at a pizzeria, or enoteca/osteria/wine bar, or in a bistrot. http://www.teatroquirino.it/index.phpSECTION=PAGE&PAGEID=16 (Quirino bistrot in Via delleVergini 7, off the Trevi fountain).
http://www.enotecapalatium.it/english (The Palatium Regional Wine Bar in Via Frattina 94, nearby the Spanish steps, via condotti and Via del Corso).
http://www.provincia.roma.it/videonews/provincia-romana-lenoteca-di-palazzo-valentini
(Enoteca Provincia Romana, off Piazza Venezia by the Trajan column).
• For more info on dining in Rome visit: http://dining-guide.net/europe/rome.htm
Shopping in Rome
• When shopping for clothes, take note that many stores will not allow one to try on underwear, swimming suits, or even shirts and blouses
• Returning or exchanging an item, even if it is flawed is uncommon in Italian stores.
• Shopping with your children: have fun shopping for figures of Roman legionaires and gladiators, miniature Colosseums, wooden Pinocchio figures, brightly colored alabaster eggs, colorful jewelry and purses.
Rome Fashion
• The classic window-shopping area is all around Piazza di Spagna: via Condotti; via Borgonona, via Frattina; via Bocca di Leone; via della Croce; via della Mercede; via del Corso and the Galleria Alberto Sordi.
• Another Rome’s bustling shopping area is the ‘Monti’ district, or ‘Rione’, between Termini station and the Roman Forum area. Here you can find indipendent designer & vintage shops: via Nazionale; via dei Serpenti; via Genova; via dei Capocci; via dell’Angoletto; via del Boschetto; via Panisperna; via Leonina, piazza degli Zingari; & via Cavour.
• Finally, within walking distance of the Basilica of Saint Peter you can shop in Via Cola di Rienzo.
What to Wear in Rome
• Italy may be very tourist-friendly and known for fashion, but it is generally considered rude to walk around town in bikinis, beach attire, short shorts, and skimpy outfits.
• Comfortable Shoes is a Must.
• Covered shoulders and knees are usually preferable when entering churches; Hats, shorts or beachwear are not allowed inside churches. T Shirts are allowe
• Spring and Summer Time can bring some showers so a small compact umbrella could really come in handy.
• Some of the best areas to look for antiques are Via dei Coronari, Via del Babuino and Via Giulia.
• La Soffitta Sotto i Portici: is Rome's bargain vintage market, held twice a month in Piazza Augusto Imperatore.
Rome Design and Household
• TAD (Via del Babuino, 155) is a concept store where you can shop while having a drink or a bite to eat. They sell not only household accessories but also eccentric designer clothes, shoes, perfumes, flowers, CDs, etc.
• In the Ghetto area there is a good choice of nice things for the house at Limentani (via del Portico d'Ottavia, 47).
*Another good address is Spazio Sette, a two level shop, in via dei Barbieri, 7.
Books in English
• Anglo American Bookstore Via della Vite, 102 offers a good selection of books in English.
• Feltrinelli International - Via V. E. Orlando, 84 sells nice books in English and in other languages, including magazines and guidebooks.
Rome Health and Saftey
• It is best to travel with your own medication. While Aspirin is common, Tylenol and Advil are not. Anyway not to worry: ask for example for an Ibuprofen (Advil active ingredient) pain reliever.
• If you get traveler's diarrhea, don't necessarily blame it on unsanitary conditions. Olive oil and wine are heavily used in Italian cuisine, and as natural laxatives, can cause problems for those with sensitive stomachs.
• If there is an emergency, dial 113.
• If in distress, yell AIUTO (pronounced ay-you-toe), which is Italian for HELP!
• Serious crime is rare, Rome has less crime going on than other major European capitals, however pickpockets and purse-snatchers are common in large cities.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Leave details of your trip with people at home, so that you could be easily contacted in case of emergencies.
Safety for Women in Rome
Italian Laws and Customs
• Familiarize yourself with laws and customs of countries you are visiting. Remember, when in another country you are subject to their laws.
• Make sure you have a signed and valid passport! Be sure to fill out the emergency information section of the document.
Things to do in Rome
• Centro Storico: The historic centre of Rome is full of activity; take in Bernini’s fountains in the Piazza Navona and head down to the markets in the bustling Campo de'Fiori.
• Imperial Rome: View the Roman Forum from the heights of the Capitoline Hill and when you get in the Coliseum look down to the passages where the animals and gladiators waited their turn to die.
• Vatican City: Take a trip up the dome of St Peter’s basilica where you can look down on the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens.
• Tridente and Travestere: After a quick look up the Spanish Steps, it’s a short walk to the city’s most stylish shops, but balance this with a visit across the Tiber to the ancient quarter of Rome – more Garibaldi than Gucci.
See also:
http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome
http://goeurope.about.com/cs/rome/a/rome_free.htm
Rome Nightlife
During the days, you will probably stroll across the historical center, where the most famous monuments and museums are located, or the area surrounding St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. During the nights you will likely want to visit the other areas of Rome. The major areas for night entertainment are Trastevere, San Lorenzo, Ponte Milvio, Testaccio, Ostiense, Prati and Celio. In all these areas you can expect to find typical Roman pizzerias and trattorias, good restaurants, bars and pubs.
-Trastevere has been, is and will be one of the hearts of the nightlife in Rome. The narrow, quant roads are full of people walking, street artists performing, the most typical roman restaurants you will ever find, alternative bars, theatres and clubs. Many foreigners come here, because it's one of the most famous areas in Rome and because you can find many foreign tourists.
-San Lorenzo is a destination preferred by students, with cheap, lively and peculiar bars, pubs and pizzerias. Ethnic shops dot the area and a few punks still walk the streets. Most of the pubs here have a theme, be it a recreation of the traditional English pub, a horror or fantasy theme, furniture inspired by movies or other crazy ideas.
-Ponte Milvio is the most ancient still standing bridge across the Tiber bridge. The square on the left bank of the bridge attracts many upper class youngsters that flock the two kiosks and few bars of the area. There are a few good bars and restaurants in here, but most of the people just stay in the square to check out the other and be checked out. Strolling in Ponte Milvio is like being at an open air fashion show.
-Testaccio is your best bet for clubs and discos. Some of the most popular clubs in Rome are here. Here you can also find the most famous gay clubs in Rome.
-Ostiense is the rising star of Romans nights. An ex industrial area, now its brimming with life. Check out the Alpheus club, with lots of live music gigs or one of the many bars, each one with its peculiar traits. The offer ranges from classy cocktail places to alternative scene spots. Good typical Italian restaurants and foreign food for all the tastes, with a more easy going atmosphere than in Prati.
-Prati is a regular maze of elegant streets. If you are looking for foreign food, here you can find some of the top Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Mexican restaurants, among the others. Prati is an elegant area, here you can also find some classy bars, pubs, jazz clubs and one of the best cinemas in Rome, the Adriano.
-Celio is another neighborhood that is quickly gaining the favor of Rome's nightlife. It's on the fringe of the historical center, in the shadow of the Coliseum. Ethnic food, small theatres, good restaurants and cocktail bars dot the area. This area is also quickly becoming one of the hot spots of the gay scene.
-Finally, the historical center has a little bit of each area and then some, because everywhere around you there are the vestige of ancient Rome. Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori are just two of the many spots in the area.
bravissimo!
ReplyDeleteThis blog looked to me very interesting and informative for anyone so it could be useful and educational. Thanks Valerie, I feel like wanting to visit Rome! Good luck for your new adventure.
ReplyDeleteStephanie from London
This was a really useful insite into the highlights of rome. We have been before but I will be jotting down your tips. Thank you.
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