For other places with the same name, see Rome (disambiguation).

Rome, the "Eternal City", is the capital of Italy and of the Lazio (Latium) region: it is the famed city of the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita, the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain...

17% of all monuments in the World are located in Rome and its Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The population of the metropolitan area is 3.3 million.

The Colosseum in Rome

The Vittoriano Monument, Piazza Venezia

Understand

Situated on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the "Eternal City" was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today it remains the seat of the Italian government and home to numerous ministerial offices.

City Areas

• Aventino - Aventine Hill contains the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla
• Campo de' Fiori
• Colosseo - the heart of ancient Rome, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum and Markets of Trajan, the Capitoline and its museums
• Esquilino - South of Termini, with an indoor market and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
• San Giovanni - At the center of this area south of Esquilino is the Cathedral of Rome Saint John in Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano in Italian).
• Navona
• Pantheon
• Quirinale
• Repubblica - also known as Esedra.
• San Lorenzo
• Spagna - the Spanish Steps, the Mausoleum of Augustus, Ara Pacis
• Testaccio
• Trastevere - across the Tiber River...the old gate.
• Trevi - the Trevi Fountain
• Via Veneto - The Via Veneto is famous for the Dolce Vita, the magnificent Piazza Barberini is also in this area.
• Villa Borghese
• Vaticano - the area around Vatican City
• Vatican City - the independent Papal State within the city of Rome, location of St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant'Angelo
• Lido di Ostia

Neighborhoods

• EUR
• Nomentano
• Parioli
• Prati
• Salario
• San Paolo
• Trastevere

Get in

By plane

Rome has two main international airports:

• Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome Fiumicino, code FCO) - well organized and connected to the center of the city by public transportation
• Ciampino International Airport - (Rome Ciampino, code CIA) located to the south of the capital, confusingly on via Leonardo Da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)

There are several options to go from Leonard da Vinci airport to downtown Rome:

• Leonardo Express trains leaves every 30 min to the central train station Roma Termini (40 min trip). Trains from Termini depart from the track on the right. Ticket costs €11, available at the counter as well as the Termini news stand. Tickets sold at the departure platform are more expensive. Be aware that the Express trains stop 1 km from the railway station. You can continue by taking any underground train of the orange line (line A) from the nearest "Vittorio" square. It is also possible to use N°70 bus. However, walking in Vittorio square and its neighborhood at night is not advisable.

• The Metropolitan train leaves from the track on the left but does not stop at Termini. Get off at Tiburtina Station or better at Ostiense Station to connect to the Rome Metro. Tickets: €5, plus €1 for a metro ticket.

• Terravision [1] runs a bus service to Termini station. Tickets: €9 single or €15 return, 70 minutes, 5 stops, 7 services a day.

• Taxis Taxis in Rome are white. From October 1st 2006 there are fix fares from downtown to airports. City center to Fiumicino and vice-versa cost 40 euros. City center to Ciampino and vice-versa cost 30 Euros. For others destinations fares are not fixed. You don't have to negotiate the price. Regular taxis have a taximeter. Fee for luggage is around 1 euro each. Watch out for unlicensed taxi drivers o limousine drivers (dark cars) that approach you at Termini station or any of the airports.

• Rental cars are available.

• Shuttle services must be booked 1 day in advance. Three Companies are listed below:

• Airport shuttle [2] offers door-to-door service from airport Fiumicino / Ciampino to Rome hotels or private residence. Minibus 8 seats Tel.: +39-06-42013469, 4740451, or 42014507.
• ACS [3] offers limousine service.
• Terravision [4] offers a shuttle service from/to Fiumicino airport to/from Termini Station (Via Marsala)

• Bus (Co.tra.l, S.p.A, blue regular-size buses) The bus stop is located outdoors at ground level ~100 meters left from arrivals (teminals B&C). You can buy tickets at all tobacco shops - they have blue signs (Tabacheria), e.g. at Terminal B or at the drugstore Terminal A. Lines are:
  • Aeroporto-Termini-Tiburtina (€3.60)
  • Aeroporto-Roma Cornelia (metro A) (€2.80) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Roma Magliana (metro B) (€1.60) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Ostia Lido (€1.00) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Fregene (€1.00) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Fiumicino (città) (€0.77) (schedule)

Don't forget to mark your ticket after getting on the bus; if the machine doesn't work (which is fairly common), you have to write your name, birth date and current date & time on the ticket.

I recommend you take the bus to EUR Magliana (stops directly at the metro station, which belongs to line B) and then take the metro. It's the cheapest way to get to the centre (€1.60 bus+€1 metro). The sign on this bus reads "Fiumicino-Porto-Magliana".

The schedule for Aeroporto-Termini-Tiburtina (this line is open from 14 September 2006) is:

from Fiumicino: 1:15, 2:15, 3:30, 5:00, 10:55, 12:00, 15:30

from Tiburtina: 0:30, 1:15, 2:30, 3:45, 9:30, 10:00

Ciampino International Airport (CIA)

Easyjet, Ryanair and Wizzair flights, among others (see Discount airlines in Europe) fly to Ciampino Airport (CIA). This small airport is closer to the city center than Fiumicino but has no direct train connection. Note that at Ciampino cash machines are available only in the departures area.

• By bus

• COTRAL/Schiaffini [5] operates buses from outside the terminal building to "Anagnina metro station" (ticket: €1). A metro ticket to central Rome costs another €1. There are also buses at the same price to Ciampino local train station; from there there is a train to Rome Termini station (ticket: €2). The buses operate roughly every hour or 30 minutes during the Italian work day (8-12 and 16-20), and you should count on at least 45 minutes travel time for either route. Italian trains are notoriously late, and the metro can get very crowded. Timetable booklets are available in some information booths.

• Schiaffini also run direct buses to Termini station for €5 one-way (approx. 40 min), but with far fewer departures than Terravision (see below). These buses are not mentioned on the airport website yet, but you can find them on Schiaffini's own site.

• Terravision [6] runs a direct bus service to Termini. The price is €8 one-way or €13.50 return (approx. 40 min, with about 20 services a day). It is advised that passengers on the return trip from Termini to board the bus 2.5 hours before their flight's departure time. Terravision also offers buses from Fiumicino airport to Termini, and a transfer bus between the two airports.

• By taxi

The price for a taxi ride to Termini could reach as high as €80 though a fair price should be around €35-40. Always negotiate the total price including luggage supplements (tutto inclusivo) before boarding the taxi!

• By shuttle

The shared shuttle can be hired for around €15 per person. However, since the shuttle is shared, it may take longer to reach your destination if other customers are dropped off before you are.

• Rental cars are available in the airport terminal from all the usual companies.

By train

Rome's main railway station is Termini Station. Like any other train station, it's not very safe at night. It's also locked up between 00:30 and 04:30, when the only people hanging around outside are taxi drivers and the homeless. Most long-distance trains passing through Rome between these times will stop at Tiburtina station instead.

Other main stations include Ostiense, Trastevere, Tuscolana, Tiburtina.

By car

Roman traffic is chaotic, so it is better to use public means, if possible, while in Rome. A valid alternative is to rent a scooter which costs about 40€ per day.

By boat

Cruise ships dock in nearby Civitavecchia. Most cruise lines offer some form of transportation to Rome. Now it is possible to dock in new Porto di Roma, Ostia, located a few kilometers from Rome and linked by train and metro.

Get around

By taxi

Warning! Some private citizens dress up their cars to look like cabs. These people strategically locate themselves at airports and railway stations waiting for travelers. Beware of operators who don't display a licensed meter and ID. Use only authorized taxis (white vehicles with a taximeter) that are available in the arrivals areas of the terminals. Also, some airport employees may direct you to a 'Taxi' driver if you ask where you find them when you are inside the airport terminal. The 'Taxi' could end up being a Mercedes limo, costing you double the fare of a real taxi, and a tricky situation to get out of as your luggage is locked away in the limo's trunk.

Taxis are the most expensive way to get around Rome. When you get in the cab there will be a fixed starting charge. Supplements may be requested for luggage, including shopping bags, night-time runs and public holidays.

Cab stands are placed all over the city too, so flagging one down is not a problem. Be warned that when you phone for a taxi, the cab's meter starts running when it is summoned, not when it arrives to pick you up, so by the time a cab arrives at your location there may already be a substantial amount on the meter.

The main taxi companies may be called at 063570 and 065551. Rome also has several taxi cooperatives: La Capitale Tel 064994; Roma Sud Tel 066645; Cosmos 0688177.

By foot

Once you're in the center you're best off on foot. What could be more romantic than strolling through Rome on foot holding hands? Hard to beat!

Crossing a street in Rome can be challenging. There are crosswalks, but these are rarely located at signaled intersections. Traffic can be intimidating, but if you are at a crosswalk the secret to getting across is to just start walking. Cars will not slow down, but they will alter their trajectory to avoid hitting you. Do not try to run across, or anticipate gaps in traffic. Keep a steady pace, look straight ahead, and you'll get to the other side safely.

By bus

Roman buses are not known for running on strict and reliable schedules. But they are a great way to get around to all parts of the city, as long as you're not in a hurry.

The buses basically operate on the honor system, but ATAC [7] does police the bus system for people riding without tickets. ATAC officers may board at every door of the bus just before the bus leaves and check every passenger on the bus. Stamp the ticket before boarding the MetRo, or on board the bus or tram, or face a €100 fine. Though inspectors are rare, if you don't have sufficient money on you to pay the fine, they will actually escort you to an ATM to pay the fee. If you don't have an ATM card to withdraw money, the officers have been known to take you to jail for at most 24 hours.

• Transport ticket (biglietti per autobus) - one metro ride and as many bus/tram rides as you can do in an hour and a quarter (1 Euro). Tickets can only be purchased at Tabaccheria (big 'T' sign outside), newspaper kiosks or vending machines in some metro stations. You'll have more chances to buy them in "Bars" inside the Metro stations.

• So called "24 hour" tickets are only valid on the day you buy them, not for 24 hours after buying. Be aware that many tabaccherie close on Sunday, so buy your tickets in advance. You can also get tickets for longer periods. For example, a three-day ticket costs €11. They're dead handy, as you can use them on the bus, tram and metro.

• One of the most popular and useful lines is the 40, which arches from the Termini station through the historic center and then up to the Castel Sant'Angelo, near the Vatican.

• Night buses Night buses should be useful due to the closing of the Metro stations at 23:30 and the stop of regular lines of buses and Trams at midnight. During the summer (until 23rd September) and on Fridays and Saturdays, the frequency of the rides is halved, which can vary among 10, 15, 30 and 35 minutes depending on the line, and of course, the particular pace of the city. In any case they are much more punctual than during the day, as traffic is much less jammed. This makes the drivers drive at high speeds, allowing passengers to experience a strange mixture of adrenaline and (the city's) classical views.

By tram

The Tram routes mostly skirt the historic center, but there are stops convenient for the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Trastevere area. The number 8 does run into the center, not far from the Pantheon. If you want to catch a soccer game at one of the stadiums in the north of the city, catch the tram (225) just north of the Piazza del Popolo.

By Metro

There are two lines, crossing at Termini station. Line A (red line) runs northwest past the Vatican, and south. Line B (Blue Line) runs southwest past the Colosseum and northeast. At moment (2006) Line A stops running at 9:00 pm. The Metro is the most punctual form of public transportation in Rome, but it can get extremely crowded during rush hour. Watch out for your belongings. Pickpockets are very adept at unzipping pockets of pants and purses on crowded trains.

See

Roman Empire structures

The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are all in very close proximity to each other.

• The Colosseum - Entry €11 (€9 if you're under 25). Expect a long queue and an even longer wait. You can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don't want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Roman Forum, you can buy a day-long pass for €10,better still, a 7-day pass for €20 or a standard Colosseum + Palatine ticket at €11. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Baths of Caracalla, and the catacombs. If you don't want to cram it all into one day, get the pass. Plus, it is nice to buy a slice of pizza and eat in the gardens of Palatine Hill. There are lots of people offering tours in English just outside the entrance to the Colosseum. Inside you can take a tour (English, Spanish, or German) every 30 minutes or so for an additional fee of €3.5 per person. The tours are given by knowledgeable archeologists, but they don't take you to any areas you couldn't visit on your own.

• The Pantheon - A marvel of ancient architecture, this ancient temple to all the gods is celebrated for its large dome, copied during Greek and Roman revival periods by such designers as Thomas Jefferson, who modeled his Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on it. Built during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (AD 125-128), the Pantheon carries a dedication to Marcus Agrippa, who built the original structure on this spot in 27 BC. As it is still a functioning church, silence is requested during your visit. From inside the Pantheon, you'll see a hole in the dome; during the reign of Pope Urban VIII, the Pope ordered the bronze ceiling of the Pantheon's portico melted down. The bronze was used to make bombards to for the fortification of the Castel Sant' Angelo. Free admission.

Roman Forum

• Roman Forum - If stones could talk: these hallowed ruins were the most powerful seat of government in the world. The Forum is much less crowded than the Colosseum and, from a historical perspective, much more interesting. Free admission, except for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. To stand in the political, legal and religious centre of the whole Roman Empire brings shivers down one's spine. It is the best way of imagining the splendour and glory of ancient Rome.

• Palatine Hill - right next to the Roman Forum, contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum.

• Fori Imperiali - Entry €7 (cheaper for EU nationals, free for EU history students). The inside of the fort is very similar to a museum, with a lot of rooms containing items in glass cases. It is a bit of a maze and takes time to orient yourself, but it is worth climbing to very top for a view of the city and the Vatican.

Museums

• The Capitoline Museums Also contain a good collection of classical art, as well as ancient sculpture. The Capitoline piazza, between the two museum buildings - designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful. Explore these museums, then head out the back of the square to the Forum, where you'll find the remains of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, among many other buildings on the way to the Colosseum.

• Palazzo Massimo A magnificent collection of ancient Roman sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous paintings from the Imperial-era villa discovered under the Villa Farnesina, as well as the bedroom from the Empress Livia's villa at Prima Porta. Located across the piazza from Termini, opposite the Baths of Diocetian.

• Galleria Borghese A small museum that concentrates on the quality rather than the size of its collection. There are some very notable works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini here.

• Villa Giulia Museum The most extensive collection of Etruscan art and artifacts anywhere, well worth the 4 euro admission charge. They do, however, make you lock up your camera. A difficult museum to find, but a lovely display in a beautiful villa setting.

• Vatican Museums http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html

Churches

If you aren't familiar with Roman Catholic churches, take a look inside of any one of these. You'll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from fine classical art to tacky electric candles. Please note that some churches in Rome deny admission to people who are dressed inappropriately. You will find "fashion police" at Rome's most visited churches - near the front doors of St Peter's, St Paul Outside the Walls, and often Sta Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano. Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially not allowed. However, long shorts and skirts reaching just above the knee should be no problem. The stricter churches usually have vendors just outside selling inexpensive scarves. Few other churches in Rome enforce dress codes. You can wander into lesser known churches like Sant'Ivo and Sta Maria in Trastevere wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty much anything without problems. It is, however, good to keep one's dress tasteful, as these are still churches and houses of prayer for many people.

• St. Pietro - St Peter's - where the Pope resides. Long queues for entry, said to be the finest church on the planet.
• San Carlo alla Quattro Fontane - a very small and beautiful church, the first design commission of Francesco Borromini.
• Sant' Ivo della Sapienza - This little church is hard to find but well worth the extra effort. It is located only a block from Piazza Navona, but not usually visible from the street, as one must enter the courtyard of an old palazzo to reach the church. Sant'Ivo is a small church shaped like the Star of David, with an amazing star-shaped dome and whimsical steeple.
• Santa Maria del Popolo - with a couple of paintings by Caravaggio.
• San Luigi dei Francesi - This church is roughly halfway between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. It is most notable for a side chapel which contains three Caravaggio paintings, including "The Calling of St. Matthew."
• San Giovanni in Laterano - this is the cathedral church of Rome and first of the major basilicas. It's also the Pope's (as Bishop of Rome) Church. Be sure to check out the fourth century baptistry (still in use) and the medieval cloister.
• Santa Maria Maggiore - This ancient basilica crowns the top of the Esquiline Hill. Tons of gold decorate the interior.
• San Paolo fuori le Mura - also known as St Paul's Outside the Walls. This is on the outskirts of Rome in an otherwise drab modern neighborhood. The church is a faithful reconstruction of the ancient basilica which burned down in the early 1800s. Don't miss the medieval cloister, which survived the fire.
• S. Passera Even though it doesn't worth a trip, this church can be a interesting deviation if you live or pass thruogh its neibourhood. This church is belived to be the grave of the Saints Ciro and Giovanni, killed during the time of Diocletianus emperor. The church is now know as Saint Passera because of the several changes its name undergone. The oringal name was Abba Cyrus and through Appaciro and then Appacero finally it got Pacera, that's very close to today's Passera. It looks like the building is on top a III century' building still visible in the lower floor and in the underground. The main part of the building dates back to the IX century as the frescos at the higher floor. Some of th frescos are too spoiled to be enjoyed, but some of them are recently been restored and depict the Saints Paolo, Pietro, Giovanni Battista and Giovanni Evangelista in the vault and Our Lady together with Jesus, Saints Giacomo and Antonio and the Archangel Michele in the apse. Downstair there is a small quadragolar room and the underground, where the rest of the two Saints should be. Frescos in these floor date back to XIV century but are almost completely ruined, but in the underground there are still visible III century'traces of roman age frescos; in front of the stair you can enjoy a small bird, the Justice and an athlet while in the vault some eight apex stars. Bus 128,780,781,775 (first stop in Via della Magliana)
• San Clemente - a great little cathedral to visit, with an excavated older church below and a pagan temple below that. The only place in Rome to hear the underground river that flows beneath the city. Very close to the Colosseum.
• Santa Maria in Trastevere - one of the oldest churches in the city. The nave is lined with a mismatched collection of columns taken from ancient Roman buildings. The apse is covered in gold mosaics from the 13th century, arguably the finest mosaics in the city.
• Santa Maria degli Angeli - this church was built inside the former baths of Diocletian. Very light and airy inside. Note the unusual art on the outside doors.
• San Pietro in Vincoli - The chains that held St. Peter are displayed in a case before the altar. Also contains a statue of Moses created by Michelangelo. It's close to the Colosseum, but a little hard to find
• Santissima Trinità dei Monti - up above the Spanish Steps
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli - Ballroom-like church which crowns part of the Capitoline Hill. Don't be fooled by the plain stone exterior
• Santa Maria alla Minerva - This church is literally right behind the Pantheon. It is Rome's only gothic church, and well worth seeing, although it's plain square facade makes it look inconspicuous.
• Il Gesu - not far from Piazza Venezia. The interior is Baroque art on steroids. Simply astounding.
• Sant'Ignazio - Not far from the Pantheon. A stunning example of Baroque art. The ceiling frescos are especially fine, including a trompe l'oiel dome.
• Capuchin Monastery - On Via Veneto, right by Piazza Barberini. The crypt of the church contains a macabre display - a series of chapels decorated with the bones of thousands of dead monks. The bones are glued to the walls and ceilings in bizarre and striking decorations.

Public squares

• [Largo di Torre Argentina] - an excavation of four roman temples and Pompeys theater. The largo is also home to a large amount of cats which are tended by the local animal rights organization.
• Piazza di Trevi - where you can find the famous Fontana di Trevi. It's not a very big piazza and gets very crowded very quickly.
• Piazza di Spagna - under the "Spanish Steps"
• Piazza Navona - Used to be an ancient stadium built by the emperor Domitian and still retains the shape. The fountains are by Bernini and are very notable. Piazza Pasquino is just round the corner.
• Campo de' Fiori - not far from Piazza Navona. Used as a marketplace. In nearby via dei Giubbonari the salumeria Roscioli is worth checking out.
• Piazza Pasquino - piazza about 20m from Piazza Navona. There is a statue here named "Pasquino", apparently named after a tailor working nearby who had a reputation for complaining. The statue is now used as a place to hang messages, complaints and other opinions which has to be shared with the world. The piazza is also home to Cul de Sac, one of the best enoteca in Rome.
• Piazza del Popolo - with the twin churches
• Piazza della Minerva- a small piazza just behind the Pantheon. The centerpiece is a statue of an elephant by Bernini with an ancient obelisk on its back
• Piazza delle Coppelle
• Piazza di Sant'Ignazio- small and attractive piazza tucked away in a neighborhood near Pantheon
• Piazza Montecitorio - where you can find the building of the House or Representatives
• Piazza Colonna - where there is the building of the Italian Government, Palazzo Chigi. Also there is a marvelous carved column (hence the name) dating back to Imperial Rome
• Piazza Barberini - with Bernini's famous Triton Fountain. Via Veneto starts here too.
• Piazza della Rotonda - where you can see the Pantheon
• Piazza Venezia- more of an enormous traffic circle than a piazza, but a good central location. The centerpiece is the enormous Vittorio Emmanuale Monument (aka the Wedding Cake) with the Capitoline hill next door. Piazza Venezia is also very close to the Forum
• Piazza del Campidoglio - On top of the Capitol hill. It was designed by Michelangelo. The Capitoline Museum is housed in the palaces flanking the piazza. You can walk behind the palaces and to a wonderful viewpoint which overlooks the entire Forum

Historical Buildings

• Palazzo Venezia In the very heart of the city center, the building was for centuries ago the seat of the Venice embassy. Today it houses a museum and galleries art.

• Palazzo della Cancelleria

• Palazzo Farnese

• Palazzo della Sapienza - 8, Corso Rinascimento tel 06 686 4987. Bus 70 81, 87, 492. Close to Navona square, this building housed the University of Rome since the middle of the 15th century until 1935. The splendid interior courtyard was created by Giacomo della Porta. The inside church of St Ivo is one of the masterpieces of Architect Borromini.

• Palazzo Altemps - 8, Sant' Apollinare street tel.06 6897091. Bus 70, 81, 87, 492. Simple and elegant lines make up this building, whose construction began in 1480 for Count Girolamo Riario, nephew of Papa Sisto IV and was taken up by architect Martino Longhi for the new owner, Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps.

• Palazzo Taverna - Via di Monte Giordano. The building is located in one of the most set-apart corners of the city center among the Navona square and Castel Sant Angelo. It served as residence for the Orsini Family. Nowatdays it is a private property and one can only glance at the courtyard and the inside amazing fountain erected in 1618 by architect Antonio Casoni. However, the brief moment is worth it.

• Palazzo Crivelli - Via dei Banchi vecchi, 22 This building also know as the Doll House was built in the 16th century. It is unique for the quantity and quality of the decorations - lions heads, satyrs and disfigured heads that adorn the facade attributed to the sculptor Giulio Mazzoni.

• Palazzo Spada Piazza Capo di Ferro - This building was erected in the 16th century by Giulio Merisi Caravaggio for Cardinal Capodiferro. One century later it was acquired by another powerful Cardinal, Bernardino Spada and was restored by Borromini.

• Palazzo Barberini

• Villa Farnesina This Renaissance house is in Trastevere, very close to the river and not far from the Vatican. You can tour several beautiful rooms covered in frescoes, including some by Raphael.

Others

• Castel Sant'Angelo - Originally built between 135 and 139 AD by the emperor Hadrian for use as his mausoleum, it rivalled Augustus' mausoleum just across the Tiber (Tevere) River. The mausoleum was later used as a fortress and a prison until 1870, but now houses a museum.
• Trastevere
• Il Gianicolo
• Piramid, at the Piramid metro station.

The Pyramid

Do

Walk and feel the energy of the place, sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered. Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattorie, and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood.

Partying in Rome is a pretty easy thing to do. Given a heart for exploration, Testaccio is the place to wander. Head down there around 11pm and listen for music. The outsides of the clubs will give you NO idea what the insides are like. There are usually loads of people simply walking through the street or looking for parking. Be brave, walk in, meet some wonderful Romans, but never buy them drinks unless you are looking for sex (in this case, better to be sure you are inviting the right person). This area is best in the summer when the dancing moves outside. In the winter, most clubs close.

Events

• White Night - Various Events and plus shops and restaurants, museums stay open while the Roman Notte Bianca stages music, dance and theater events;
• Estate Romana Festival (Roman Summer Festival) - From late June through early September offers various musical events of jazz, rock, and classical music, and film, sport, theater and children’s fun.

Learn

Rome is replete with foreign language and cultural institutions. Of course, learning Italian is a worthwhile activity while in Rome.

Be a good guest if you do not speak Italian. Being extra polite will keep you out of trouble.

• The regional government and two historical societies are offering free Latin classes to tourists. Contact mailto:ilregnodicamelot@libero.it.
• The Historical Group of Rome runs a gladiator school. 18 Appia Antica Street. ph 00396 51607951. email mailto:scuola@gsr-roma.com. http://www.gsr-roma.com/english/gladiatori/

Work

If you want to work during the tourist season, ask around at the hostels, hotels and restaurants with that touristy feel. It is quite easy to get a job, and it is a lot of fun even if it does not usually pay well. There are differing views on how easy it is to get a job out here. There is high unemployment and most jobs seem to go on a family - friends - other romans -other Italians - white EU - other foreigners pecking order. Italian helps. And be wary about making any financial commitments before you've actually been paid - late and non-payment is common here, and you may find as a non-Roman you are more likely to be seen as an easy target for this. You will also need a permesso di soggiorno, whether or not you are an EU resident. Legally, you are required to have a working visa, although it is very easy to work and live without one.

Buy

Be aware that clothing bigger than a UK size 12/US 16 isn't always easy to find. Quality of clothing varies, from the high-quality (and expensive) Prada, to the poor quality goods found in some local shops. Via del Corso has affordable clothing, some brands (like Miss Sixty and Furla) are excellent. Some are not as good- be sure to feel garments and try them on. There are great quality shoes and leather bags at prices that compare well to the UK and US, quality for quality. Children's clothing can be expensive - basic vests (tank tops) can cost 21 euro in non-designer shops. Upim is a good shop for cheap clothing of workable quality. Lots of fake plastic 'Louis Vuitton' bags on sale from immigrants. Make sure you haggle; unsuspecting tourists pay up to 60euro for them.

If you need stamps get them at the post or tobacco shops.

Nice shops

• Frengo's music One of the few CD shops in the center of Rome still run by a music lover instead of a shop assistant in a frenchising chain. You can find a nice selection of CDs, DVDs, Console games and Dolby Surround home stereos. Via della lungaretta, 65 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 58 33 24 02'

• Archeo Art Not far from the bottom of the Campadoglio steps. This shop sells beautiful reproductions of ancient sculptures; not the tacky kitsch sold by many of the street vendors, but museum quality miniatures that look incredibly close to the real things. Not cheap, but definately unique and classy souvenirs. Also stocks reproductions of ancient Roman arms and armour, including full centurian outfits! On Via del Teatro di Marcello.

Eat

The Trastevere neighbourhood and the old Jewish quarter have some of the best trattorie and ristoranti in Rome.

In Rome you can ask for:

• Carciofi alla romana (artichokes, Roman style)
• Carciofi alla giudia (artichokes, Jewish style)
• Puntarelle
• Bucatini alla Amatriciana
• Spaghetti (or Rigatoni) alla "Carbonara", a sauce made with egg and pancetta (bacon)
• Abbacchio alla "scottadito"
• Rigatoni con la "Pajata" (not always available)
• Scaloppine alla romana
• Coda alla "vaccinara"

• Pizza. Lots of the better places only serve pizza in the evening as it takes most of the day to get the wood oven up to the right temperature. Try some of the fried things like baccala (battered salt cod) for a starter, followed by a pizza for a really roman meal. For one of the most famous places for pizza try 'Da Baffetto' (Via del Governo Vecchio). Roman pizzas tend to be very thin crusted.

Avoid the tourist areas where you'll often pay double the going rate just to get a badly reheated frozen pizza. Instead, head for a pizzeria like 'Pizzeria Maratoneta' in via dei Volsci / via del Sardi, San Lorenzo area, where you'll find a fine atmosphere of families and groups of students, and you'll get a good meal with a bottle of local plonk at a very reasonable price. You'll get an English menu, too.

• Pizza al taglio. Pizza by the slice. A good cheap way to get something to fill you up and makes a good lunch. Point to the one you want, indicate if you want more or less than your server is indicating with the knife. Its sold by weight (the listed price is usually per 100 gm) and a good quick lunch or snack.

• Panini. If you don't speak Italian the question you won't understand and will always be asked once you've pointed out the sandwich you want is 'do you want it toasted'. If not, you can simply state 'caldo, per favore' (make it hot, please). Please note: singular is panino, and plural is panini. Never say "2 paninis" or "1 panini". It makes you sound like an idiot.

• Ice cream. Look for a gelateria with a big plastic sign with a big 'G' on it outside. This means it has a kind of guild association and will be good quality. Remember it costs extra to sit inside. You pay for your ice cream first...take your receipt and go fight your way through the throng to choose your flavors. You will be asked Panna? when it's almost made - this is the offer of whipped cream on top. If you've already paid, this is free.

• Trippa - is tripe. Offal is a roman tradition, e.g. osso buco, bone marrow.

• Vegetarians - should have an easy time. Buffets usually have a good range of delicious vegetarian stuff too - eg gratinated roast peppers/aubergines, etc. Vegans should do OK, too. Pizzas don't always have cheese - a Marinara for example, is just tomato, garlic and oregano. Remember, though, that Parmesan cheese is not permitted to vegetarians.

There are a few vegetarian restaurants in Rome. 'Arancia Blu' on Via Dei Latini (Via Tiburtina) is posh, overpriced and not that good, but the wine list looks impressive.

• Coffee. Starbucks has a lot to answer for. A "latte" in Italian is just a glass of milk. If you're expecting coffee in that glass, you should ask for a "caffe' latte." A "latte macchiato" (meaning "stained") is steamed milk stained with a smaller shot of espresso. "Espresso" or "normale" is just that, but more commonly just refered to as "caffe'". "Espresso doppio" means a double shot of espresso, while "espresso macchiato" is espresso 'marked' with a dab of steamed milk. "Americano" — the one to order if you like filter coffee — is espresso diluted with hot water and not drunk much by Italians. "Cappuccino" is well known outside of Italy, but be warned: it is considered very un-classy, and somewhat childish, to order one after 11am (and certainly after a meal). "Decaffeinato" is self explanatory, but often referred to by the common brand-name "Caffe' Hag." It is usually instant coffee, and not nearly as good as the real thing.

Restaurants, Pizzerie and Trattorie

• La Pergola. Hotel Cavalieri Hilton, Via A. Cadlolo 101, 00136 Rome. This restaurant is awarded three stars in the Guide Rouge. The chef, Heinz Beck, is german of origin, and has set a style which combines italian fresh produce with exceptional creativity and presentation. The restaurant overlooks Rome, so be sure to get a table by the window. The wine cellar is exceptional. Expect to have to book months in advance, but the trip is well worth it.

• Taverna Cestia, Via Piramide Cestia, 65 (at METRO Piramide), Tel: +39 065743754. Excellent traditional roman restaurant. Menu only in italian and the waiters do not speak much English. They have a good selection of seafood and the seafood spaghetti is great.

• Osteria dell'Aquila, Via Natale del Grande, 52/53, (take the H bus to Trastevere), Tel/Fax: 06.5810924, Great mediterranean style restauraunt. Menu is in Italian and English, and the waiters speak both languages. Open for lunch and dinner, (closed only on Tuesday). The meals here were excellent, and at very good prices. Make sure to try the seafood appetizers. All of the first and second plates that I tried were quite tasty.

• Sapore&Arte Really good and fresh food, this place run by young people make a large use of biological and fair trade food. The have very good dressed potatoes and salads, but also brushcetta and sweet cakes. Mid-range at lunch and cheap at dinner, don't miss it if you visit the very near Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura Via efeso 24/26 - 00146 Roma - Tel. 06 59 60 03 40 - Metro B San Paolo Basilica

• Tapa Loca Spanish food near Piazza Navona 'Via di Tor Millina, 5 - 00186 Roma - 06 68 32 266'

• Taverna Pio Bove Good steak house in the suburbs, but not so far from Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura. Maybe you'll never reach this place if your stay is one week or shorter, but in the case you'll stay will be longer, this place could be a nice choice the day you want to go out for a steak with friends. Open at 19:00 everyday. 'Via Alessandro Cruto 9 - Tel. 06 553 011 35 - Bus 128, 775'

• Trattoria de "Gli Amici" Very interesting place in the heart of Trastevere discrict, this place is fully run by very kind handicapped people and has a nice cousine. Closed on sunday. Open every day from 19.30 to 23.30. 'Piazza Sant'Egidio, 8 - 00153 Roma - Tel. 06 580 60 33'

• Le Bistrot Creative, french and vegetarian cousine in the same place toghether with a very kind staff and a homely enviroment. Better to reserve. 'Garbatella - Via delle sette chiese, 160 - 06 512 89 91'

• Al peperoncino Very close to the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura and the Metro B San Paolo Basilica station, this piezzeria has a good roman style pizza (the thin one) and also a good choise of fried vegetables and appetizers. Price is low to mid-range, food quality and service are medium. Via Ostiense, 369 - Tel. 06 54 10 192 - 00146 Roma (San Paolo)

• Planet Kebab Good turkish food, from Kebab to Falafel. This place is very clean and the guys working there are very friendly. They claim to be open every day of the year, so remember this place when you are hungry and you can't find any open shop. Via Natale del grande, 17 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 581 98 63

• Casetta di Campagna Into the natural park Valle dei Casali they have very good meat. They also offer a fixed price menu for pizza (only for more than 4 peopole) which is good for a large gathering dinner. You need a car to reach the place. Closed on monday. Sunday, Saturday and holidays also open at noon. Via Affogalasino, 40 - 00148 Roma (Casetta Mattei-Trullo) - Tel. 06 6574 32 30 - [8]

• Est! Est!! Est !!! Established in 1900 this pizzeria is something you cannot miss in Rome. Situated in the area of Piazza della Republica is very easy to reach by the Metro B line. They make a relatively small but amaizingly good pizza, on top of a learnedly cooked base you'll find extremely high quality food. Every pizza here is outstanting and calzone, one of their specialities, too. Staff speak english (is one of the few places plenty of tourits but with very good food). Reservation is advisable. Closed on monday. Via Genova, 32 - 00184 Roma (Via Nazionale/Piazza della Repubblica) - Tel. 06 48 81 107 [9] - Metro B Republica In the same neabourhood there's another EST,EST,EST pizzeria, watch out at the difference!

• Il conte tacchia Roman cousine at dinner. Vicolo del Bologna 87 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 58 13 189

• Supperclub Don't come to supperclub if you're in search of a traditional restaurant, have lazy taste buds or are scared of new experiences. However, if you're looking for an unusual dinner experience in an unexpected place and are not afraid to discover the creative corners of your personality, then knock on supperclub's door. Have fun, eat, listen, dance and enjoy your evening. Nothing is obligatory. Everything's possible. Be yourself and anything can happen to you, at supperclub. Via de'Nari, 14 (Pantheon) - 00186 Roma - Tel. 06 6880 7207

• Cul de Sac Piazza Pasquino 73. One of the best enoteca in Rome, serving a wide range of small dishes. The pate selection is a must-try.

Tea Room and Icecream

• Gelateria Salus

Very good icecream (only at the table) in a particuraly nice enviroment, prices are mid-range but icecream and service does worth the price. Lungomare Paolo Toscanelli, 117 - 00121 Roma (Ostia) - Tel. 06 976 13 117

• Il gelato Nice place to have some wired flavour of icecream. You'll choose among maybe 50 different and sometime unusual flavour (such as Gorgonzola or Mortadella). Great variety of chocholates and fruits. Closes around at 23:00. Via dell'Aeronautica, 105 - Bus 764 - Metro B Laurentina

• Bibelot Arthè Cosy tea room in Via Appia nuova. The also offer free table games and they serve excellent milk and friut shakes and tea and coffee blends as well. Prices are mid-range to expensive but the place is very nice and well furnished. It's possibile you'll find a queue, perfect for couples. 'Piazza dell'Alberone 13/bis - 347 33 18 178'

Drink

Regional wines are cheaper and very good. House wines are almost always drinkable and inexpensive (unlike, say in the UK). Most trattorie wouldn't be caught dead serving poor wine. This doesn't apply to those places that look really tourist-trappy! (And why would you want to eat there?)

Water is free at most designated water fountains. Some of these date to ancient times, and the water is still very good. It's fresh spring water and safe to drink. If you carry an empty bottle, fill it up for the rest of the day. Look for the drinking fountain with constant running water, plug the bottom hole, and cool water will shoot up from a smaller hole on top of the tap.

Sleep

If you're arriving in Rome during high season, be sure to book your accommodation at least a couple of days in advance. The area east of Stazione Termini (the side where you find track 1) is full of cheap accommodation for backpackers. If you are staying for a week or more, haggle for a better price or book vacation rentals ahead of arrival, that will save you up to 70% on hotels on a scale of space and location.

Budget

Ostia is the Capital's beach and the well-known "Tourist Port of Rome" with moorings for boats from 8 to 60 metres in length. Every angle of this geographic area reminds the visitor of the Roman coast brilliant past. There are no words to describe it, so come in person….

• Agli scavi di Ostia Antica, Via della Stazione di Ostia Antica 7. [10]. A small villa steeped in the green of the roman countryside. It is located only 100 metres from the archeological excavations of Ostia Antica and about 50 metres from the bus and the train stops.

• Litus Roma Hostel, Lungomare Toscanelli 186. [11]. The first hostel by the sea in Rome. Located near the new port of Rome and close to the excavations of Ostia Antica. It's easily reachable from the center of Rome by public transportations. Over 140 beds in comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms, TV color and a view of the sea.

• Alice in Wonderland b&b, Via Appia Nuova 138, Tel ++393487994231, ++393483393199 [12]. A contemporary boutique bed and breakfast that offers stylish accomodation in an 18th century building just a few steps away from the San Giovanni Cathedral and a short walk from the Colosseum. A/C, Free Wi-Fi access, mini-bar, Cell phone use, travel booking office.

• Apartment Filippus Spanish Square, Via Casini, [13] This is a 110 square meters apartment, with a wonderful terrace. It includes two big double bedrooms ( one has a closet ), a bathroom with bath/shower, a very big living room with double sofa bed and a ceiling fan, and fully equipped kitchen.

• Alessandro Hostels, Alessandro Palace - Via Vicenza 42, +39.06.446.1958 fax +39.06.493.80.534, Alessandro Downtown - Via C. Cattaneo 23, +39.06.443.40.147, Alessandro Indipendenza - Via Curtatone 13, +39.06.44.61.958, [14]. Has grown from a pensione into a small chain of three of the most popular backpacker hostels in Rome. All locations are 5 minutes on foot from Termini, include free breakfast, no curfew, cheap internet, video security, free pizza parties at the Palace pub, and free linens. Other amenities vary between the locations (ie the Palace has ensuite bathrooms and an in-house pub with cheap beers, while the Downtown location has communal bathrooms and a medium sized self-service kitchen.) Prices from €21 per person per night in low season, from €23 per person per night in high season.

• Bed and Breakfast Chaplin Hostel, Via del Castro Pretorio 28, Apt. 12a, 00185 Roma (+39) 348 8037941. [15]. The Chaplin is one of the few hostels in Rome offering only private rooms. Its location, 2 minutes from the main railway station Termini, makes it easy to visit Rome itself, but also to make day trips out of town (Pompei, Tivoli, even Florence). Breakfast is ample. The owner speaks English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Dutch and Danish. No curfew, no lock-out. Daily cleaning.

• Colors Hostel [16]. On the west side of the city, a few blocks north of the Vatican (take the metro from Termini train station)

• Freedom Traveller Hostel, Via Gaeta 25, (+39) 06 47823862. [17]. A four-minute walk from the central train station, this hostel has adequate dorms from €23 per night, including free breakfast, internet and dinner. Some dorms also have nice balconies, kitchens and communal areas. No curfew, but lockout is from 11.00 - 15.00.

• Gullivers House, Via Palermo 36, (+39)-064817680. [18]. Small co-ed youth hostel. 10 minutes from Termini. Owned by a nice couple who speak fluent English. They'll help you plan your stay in Rome better then any travel agent would. Free breakfast is what you would expect, so not much. Show English-language movies in the evening. Clean. Cute dogs.

• Hostel Colosseo. Located close Termini Stationand Colosseo, Esrooms is a Hostel, Bed&Breakfast for low-budget. Rooms Start from 40 eur,internet adsl connection.

• Hotel Golden, Via Marche, 84, 00187 tel +39 06.4821659, fax +39 06.4821660. [19]. A hotel with a family atmosphere between Via Veneto and Villa Borghese, just a few steps away from Piazza di Spagna.

• Hotel Felice, Via Tiburtina 30, 00185, Tel: +39 06.4453347 Fax: +39 06.4460290, [20]. Just a short walk from Termini Station, near to all the most interesting and charming places in Rome.

• Hotel Mari 2 , Via Calatafimi, 40. 00185 Rome - Ph. +39 06.97603505 Fax +39 06.4828313 [21]. The Hotel Mari 2: near Termini Station and the shuttle terminal with connections to the Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Twin from €35 doubles from €50.

• Hotel Milazzo, Via Milazzo 3, 00185, Tel: +39 06.4452283 Fax: +39 06.4455102, [22]. Hotel Milazzo is located in the heart of Rome with all the fantastic sights and sounds of our city are within easy reach of our hotel, not to mention the wealth of Top fashion designers, Clubs, Pubs and Restaurants all located within walking distance from our hotel.

• Hotel Piave, Via Piave 14, 00187, Ph: +39 06.4743447/+39 06.42013741 Fax: +39 06.4873360. [23]. In the historical center of the city, just steps from the wonderful Villa Borghese, a comfortable, family environment.

• Hotel Primus Roma, Via Giovanni da Empoli 11-13, 00154, Ph./Fax +39.06.57250515, Ph./Fax +39.06.57250515. [24]. Hotel Primus Roma: in the Testaccio district, which is famous for its embassies and nightspots, near the Roma Ostiense train station and the subway.

• M&J Place Hostel Roma, Via Solferino , 9, (+39) 064462802 (info @ mejplacehostel.com) [25] is within spitting distance of the train station. Friendly staff and reasonable dorms, this popular hostel has a paltry free breakfast but no lockout or curfew.

• Pop Inn Hostel Very clean & comfortable environment, & all our bathrooms are kept spotlessly clean so that you don’t have to be worried if you want to book a room with shared bathroom. All of the rooms are freshly cleaned everyday & the beds made. We have fans in the summer & in the winter heaters keep the rooms warm and cozy.

• RomeBed Via Emanuele Filiberto, 109 Tel (+39) 3391580615

• Yellow Hostel, 44 via Palestro, 00185, telephone: +39 06 49 382 682 ( info @ yellowhostel.com ), [26], dorms from €23 per night.

• YWCA Foyer di Roma Youth Hostel is four blocks from Termini on the Via C. Balbo. Rooms are spotless, bathrooms are extremely clean, and towels and linens are changed once a day. Internet for €1 per hour. Fridge on every floor. Continental breakfast included in room rate. €26 per person per night for a bed in a 4-person room. €31 for a double, €47 for a private room. You have to be female to reserve a room; however, men can stay if accompanied by a woman. Via C. Balbo 4, 00184, telephone: +39 06 4880460 (foyer.roma@ywca.ucdg.it).

Mid-range

• Rome Hotels on a Map

• Arena House Rome, via Marco Aurelio, 37, 00184, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 97615384 Fax: 0039 06 97615384, [27], [28]. Guest house located near the Colosseo in Rome.

• Antico Palazzo Rospigliosi, Via Liberiana, 21, 00185, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 0648930495 Fax: 0039 064814837, [29], [30]. Relatively new 4 star city centre hotel located next to the Church of Saint Mary Major and with easy access to Romes other historical attractions.

• Art by the Spanish Steps, Via Margutta 56, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: 003906328711 Fax: 00390636003995, [31], [32]. 4 Star Hotel location close to the Piazza Spagna and Spanish Steps.

• Best Pantheon, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 21, Tel: +39 392.5601.203, [mail to: info@bestbb.it], [33]. New MODERN B&B between the Colosseo and the Pantheon, very near Piazza Navona and the main shopping streets. EUR 100 to 190 for a double room.

• Best Vatican, Via degli Scipioni 135, Tel: +39 392.5601.203, [mail to: info@bestbb.it], [34]. New MODERN B&B at 5 min. walking distance of the Vatican with the St. Peter's and at 60 m from the Ottaviano underground station. EUR 80 to 140 for a double room.

• Castello della Castelluccia, via Carlo Cavina snc, 00123, Rome, Italy, Tel: 00390630207041 Fax: 00390630207110, [35], [36]. Four star Hotel located in the middle of the Lazio countryside.

• Colosseo Suites, Via Cavour, 261 00184 Roma, Italy, Tel: +39 06 4815736 Fax: +39 06 4885837, [37], [38]. City centre accommodation located 50 metres from the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

• Empire Palace Hotel Rome, Via Aureliana 39, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06421281 Fax: 0039 0642128400, [39], [40]. The hotel is one of the largest in the city centre with 113 rooms. It is near to the Borghese Gardens, Via Veneto, Via Margutta and the Spanish Steps.

• Fonte di Papa Rome, Via di Valle Ricca, 70, 00138, Roma, Italy, Tel: +39 06 88588110 Fax: +39 06 88588110, [41], [42]. Country guest house located in inside Marcigliana Nature Reserve in Salaria, less than 30 minutes from the centre of Rome.

• Grand Hotel Beverly Hills Rome, Largo Benedetto Marcello 220, 00198, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039068542141 Fax: 00390685350037, [43], [44]. Four star city centre hotel with 183 tastefully decorated rooms. Located very near Villa Borghese and Via Veneto.

• Grand Hotel Plaza Rome, Via del Corso, 126, 00186, Roma, Italy, Tel: 00390669921111 Fax: 00390669941575, [45], [46]. The 5 Star Grand Hotel Plaza is one of the most prestigious hotels to be found in the historical heart of Rome. It is very close to the Spanish Steps and Via dei Condotti.

• Hotel Anglo Americano, Via Quattro Fontane, 12, 00184, Roma, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 472941 Fax: 0039 06 4746428, [47], [48]. Four star hotel only 50 meters from the Spanish Steps and the Baroque city centre of Rome.

• Hotel Apollo Rome, Via dei Serpenti 109, 00184, Rome, Italy, Tel: +0039 06 4885889 Fax: +0039 06 4881989, [49], [50]. 3 Star hotel situated near to famous attractions including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

• Hotel Ara Pacis, Via Vittoria Colonna, 11 - Ph. +39 06.3204446 - Fax +39 06.3211325 [51]. An elegant palazzo in the center of Rome, just a 10-minute walk from Via Condotti and 15 from the Spanish Steps, the Hotel Ara Pacis welcomes its guests to a refined environment. Single rooms from €104, doubles from €130, triples from €150, quadruples from €180 and suites from €190.

• Hotel Atlante Garden, Via Crescenzio, 78, 00193, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 6872361 Fax: 0039 06 6872315, [52], [53]. Four star hotel located in the city center within two blocks of the Vatican City, five blocks from Navona Square and the Spanish Steps.

• Hotel Atlante Star, Via Vitelleschi, 34, 00193, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 6873233 Fax: 0039 06 6872300, [54], [55]. 4 star hotel located in the city centre just three minutes from the Vatican City and St Angel’s Castle, ten minutes from Navona Square and fifteen minutes from the Spanish Steps.

• Hotel Cambridge Roma, Via Palestro 87, 00185, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 4456821 Fax: 0039 06 49384917, [56], [57]. Cheap city centre hotel near the main railway station with internet room, private bathrooms in Rooms, tv and air Conditioning.

• Hotel Caracciolo, Via Cairoli, 86, 00185 tel +39 06.4462983, fax +39 06.4440102. [58]. The safest, cleanest, and friendliest hotel in near the main train terminal. Excellent deals in August, September and October.

• Hotel Columbus Rome, Via della Conciliazione, 33, 00193, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39.06.6865435 Fax: +39.06.6864874, [59], [60]. 4 star hotel in central Rome near the Basilica of St. Peter's and the Vatican City.

• Hotel Condotti, Via Mario de' Fiori, 37 - Ph. +39.06.6794661 - Fax +39.06.6790457 [61]. Elegant and luminous rooms, between Via Condotti and Piazza di Spagna. Rates: single rooms from €136, double rooms from €175, triple rooms from €209, quadruple rooms from €223.

• Hotel delle Nazioni Rome, Via Poli, 7, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039066792441 Fax: 0039066782400, [62], [63]. 4 star city centre hotel situated near the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Via del Corso.

• Hotel Dorica , Piazza Viminale, 14 - Ph. +39.06.483615 - 4818952, Fax +39.06.4815406 [64]. Classical recently renovated rooms blend with modern comforts for a pleasant stay in the heart of the Eternal City. Single rooms from €65 doubles from €75, triples from €90.

• Hotel Embassy Rome, Via Antonio Salandra, 6 - 00187 - Rome, Tel +39064881402 - Fax +39064827205, [65], Hotel. 3 Star Hotel in Via Veneto area. Double room with continental breakfast from 80 to 170 euro per room per night.

• Hotel Emona Aquaeductus, Via Statilia, 23, 00185, Tel +39 06.7027827 Fax +39 06.7028787. [66]. A charming neighborhood in the center of Rome, offers discrete, attentive service for both business travel and tourism.

• Hotel Euro House Inn, Via della Scafa, 422 | 00054 Isola Sacra, Ph. +39.06.6584114 | Fax +39.06.65024387. [67]. Euro House Inn is the ideal hotel for tourism and business travel between Rome and Fiumicino, at only 2 km from Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport.

• Hotel Europa Rome, Via Varese 26, 00184, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039064462096 Fax: 0039064467406, [68], [69]. Three star value for money hotel located close to Romes main attractions, metro stop and Termini station.

• Hotel Forte Via Margutta 61, 00187, Tel. +39 06.3207625 - Fax. +39-063202707. [70]. Only a few steps from Piazza di Spagna, on Via Margutta, one of the most elegant streets in Rome and the unforgettable setting for the movie Roman Holiday.

• Hotel Forum, Via Tor di Conti 25, 00184, Roma, Italy, Tel: 0039066792446 Fax: 0039066786479, [71], [72]. 4 Star hotel located across from the ruins of the Roman Forum and a short walk away from the Colosseum.

• Hotel Hiberia Rome, Via XXIV Maggio 8, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 6787560 Fax: 0039 06 6794600, [73], [74]. 3 star hotel perfectly located for sightseeing and shopping located between the Quirinale Palace and the Trevi Fountain.

• Hotel Genova Rome, Via Cavour, 33, 00184, Rome, Italy, Tel: 003906476951 Fax: 0039064827580, [75], [76]. Modern 4 star hotel close to the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Roman Forum, Colosseum and a short walk away from Romes main Railway Station.

• Hotel Griffe Rome, Via Nazionale 13, 00184, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06 47829885 Fax: +39 06 47825714, [77], [78]. Four star hotel located in the heart of Rome very close to the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum.

• HOTEL KING, VIA SISTINA 131, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039064880878 Fax: 00390642011388, [79], [80]. Three star value for money hotel located in the Spanish Steps area of Rome.

• Hotel Laurence, Via Pietro Baragiola, 18/24, 00133, Roma, Italy, Tel: 0039 0620427871 Fax: 0039 06 20427472, [81], [82]. Three star hotel located in the Tor Vergata university area of Rome, 20 minutes from the city centre via the subway.

• Hotel Mariano, Piazza Manfredo Fanti 19, Tel: +39 06 4466 147, [83], [84]. Three-star hotel located in the historical center of Rome. The Hotel is situated on the Esquilino, one of the seven famous hills. EUR 68 to 170 for a double room.

• Hotel Mascagni, Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, 90, 00185, Rome, Italy, Tel: 00390648904040 Fax: 0039064817637, [85], [86]. Four star city centre hotel located just off Piazza Repubblica.

• Hotel Memphis Rome, Via degli Avignonesi 36, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: 003906485849 Fax: 0039064828629, [87], [88]. 4 star city centre hotel situated close to the Piazza di Spagna and the Trevi fountain.

• Hotel Montecarlo, Via Palestro,17a, 00185, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39064460000 Fax: +39064460006, [89], [90]. Privately owned three star city center hotel located close to the Termini Train Station and within easy reach of most of Romes main attractions.

• Hotel Montreal Rome, via Carlo Alberto, 4, 00185, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06 4460514 Fax: +39 06 4465522, [91], [92]. Three star hotel located in the centre of Rome. The hotel is close to the main attractions including the Church of St Mary Major and the Colosseum.

• Hotel Nizza Rome, Via Massimo D'Azeglio 16, 00184, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06 4881061 Fax: +39 06 4882057, [93], [94]. Good budget 3 star hotel located within easy walking distance of all the major tourist attractions and close to the main rail and bus station in Rome.

• Hotel Nova Domus, Via G. Savonarola 38, 00195, Rome, Italy, Tel: (39)06399511 Fax: (39)0639731470, [95], [96]. Four star hotel situated near to the Vatican and St Peter's Dome.

• Hotel Pavia Roma, Via Gaeta, 83 | 00185, Tel. +39.06.483801/4880379 | Fax +39.06.4819090, [97]. Hotel Pavia is in a historic building on a quiet street in Rome, 5 minutes from the Termini train station and bus and subway stops.

• Hotel Pincio, Via Capo le Case, 50, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06 6790758 Fax: +39 06 6791233, [98], [99]. Three star family run hotel located near to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

• Hotel Palladium Palace Via Gioberti, 36 - 00185 - Tel. +39 06.4466918 Fax +39 06.4466937 [100]. Hotel Palladium Palace Rome, stands out for its elegance, amenities and services. Near Termini Station and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Real time prices on the official web site.

• Hotel Quirinale Rome, Via Nazionale, 7, 00184, Roma, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 4707 Fax: 0039 06 4820099, [101], [102]. Four star city centre hotel located beside the Rome Opera House in one of the best shopping districts in Italy.

• Hotel Raphael Rome, Largo Febo 2, 00186, (Piazza Navona), Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06 682831 Fax: +39 06 6878993, [103], [104]. City centre hotel in the heart of Rome very close to the Piazza Navona.

• Hotel Rex Rome, Via Torino 149, 00184, Roma, Italy, Tel: 0039064824828 Fax: 0039064882743, [105], [106]. Rome city centre hotel close to all the major attractions.

• Hotel Romulus, Via Salaria, 1069, 00138, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039068801669 Fax: 0039068818106, [107], [108]. Four star city centre hotel within easy reach of Romes main attractions.

• Hotel San Giusto, Piazza Bologna 58, 39 (06) 44-24-45-98, across from the busy Bologna traffic circle/subway stop. Cost:Eur:88/$145 Popular complimentary breakfast buffet. Internet connection is available for a fee but the computer is slow if being used at the time by hotel clerk.

• Hotel Sant'Angelo, Via Marianna Dionigi 16, 00193, tel +39 06.3242000 fax +39 06.3204451. [109]. Hotel Sant'Angelo: in the heart of Rome, a 10 minute walk from Castel Sant'Angelo, the Vatican city and fifteen minutes from the Spanish Steps.

• Hotel Sole al Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda 63, 00186, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 678 0441 Fax: 39 06 699 40689, [110], [111]. Four star hotel located in the ancient historical centre of Rome in the same square as the Pantheon. The hotels is ideally placed for visiting Romes attractions.

• Hotel Sonya Via del Viminale, 58 - 00184 Rome, Italia - Tel. +39.06.4819911 / +39.06.4825110 Fax +39.06.4885678 [112]. The Hotel Sonya is a pretty three star hotel in the centre of Rome, situated a few minutes away from Rome Termini Station and in front of the Opera House. Single room from 70€, doubles from 90€

• Hotel Stendhal Rome, Via del Tritone 113, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06 422921 Fax: 00390642292555, [113], [114]. 4 star hotel located very near to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Via dei Condotti shopping area.

• Hotel Tiziano Rome, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 110, 00186, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06.6865019 [115], [116]. 4 star hotel in the city centre allowing easy access to the popular tourist attractions and shopping areas of Rome.

• Hotel Valle Rome, - Via Cavour, 134 Roma 00184 Italy - Tel. +39.06.4815736 Fax +39.06.4885837 , [117], Website [118]. 3 Star Hotel near the Colosseum. Double room with continental breakfast from 70 to 190 euro per room per night.

• Hotel Veneto, Via Piemonte, 63, 00187, Rome, Italy, Tel: 003906487801 Fax: 00390642814583, [119], [120]. City Centre accommodation near to all of Romes most famous sights including the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

• Hotel Villa delle Rose Via Vicenza, 5 - 00185 Rome - Tel. +39 06.4451788 Fax +39 06.4451639. [121]. Close to Rome Opera Theater and to Stazione Termini, Hotel Villa delle Rose is the ideal solution from which to discover the marvels of Rome. Doubles from 104€

• Hotel Zara, Via Quattro Fontane 37 (metro: Repubblica), tel +39 06 4814847, fax +39 06 483620, [122], [123]. At the center of Rome, on Via Nazionale (National Street), there is a place where ancient and modern cultures come together. Hotel Zara, a family owned, completely renovated antique palace, is noted for its convemient location near the Termini station, Colosseum,Metro (subway) A&B lines, Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, Via Veneto, Piazza Venezia, President's Palace (Quirinale), various Opera theatres, Via del Corso, Piazza del Popolo and more beautiful spots in the eternal city.

• Le Terrazze Di Strindberg B&B, Largo Strindberg 43, gr 8, tel:+39 0627801135. A bit outside center. Take Bus 766/769 from Metro Paolo. €50-100.

• Navona Suites Rome, Via del Governo Vecchio, 73, 00186, Roma, Italy, Tel: +39 335-7066779 Fax: +39 06-6864455, [124], [125].Guest house located just 20 metres away from the Piazza Navona. Within walking distance to the Vatican, Castel Saint'Angelo and Pantheon.

• Nicolas Inn, Via Cavour 295, Tel: +39 06.976.18483, [mail to: info@nicolasinn.com], [126]. Elegant B&B located just steps for the Colisseum and Roman Forum. Modern rooms with free wi-fi. Owned by an Italian-American couple. EUR 100 to 180 for a double room.

• Pantheon hotels, [127]. This site has a useful map of the pantheon area and a listing of hotels in this location there are also pictures, descriptions and hotel reviews.

• Park Hotel dei Massimi, Largo Vincenzo Ambrosio, 9, 00136, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 35347200 Fax: 0039 06 35452855, [128], [129]. Superior 4 star hotel near the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.

• Residenza Belli Rome, Via goffredo Mameli, 47, 00153, Rome, Italy, Tel: +39 06 58333611 Fax: +39 06 58333611, [130], [131]. Guest House in the Rome City Center Trastevere district within 20 minutes walk of the Piazza Navona.

• Residenza Monti, Via dei Serpenti, 15, 00184, Rome, Italy, Tel: 0039 06 4815736 Fax: 0039 06 4885837, [132], [133]. Accommodation located in the Rione Monti neighbourhood just 100 metres from the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

• Feel at Home in Rome [134]. Short term Rome apartment rentals, focusing on central areas: Trastevere, Campo de Fiori, Vatican.

• Rome Bed and Breakfast cassia [135]. Cheap Rooms rental in rome close to center only 10 minutes. Double room start from 50 euro at night. Perfect solution to live Rome holiday.

• Sistina B&B, Via Duilio 6, Tel: +39 392.5601.203, [136], New B&B, managed by the staff of BEST B&B, in the Vatican area/center of Rome, 100 m from the Lepanto underground station. Also triple and quadruple rooms. EUR 70 to 140 for a double room.

• Trevi hotels, [137]. A listing of hotels in the are near to the Trevi fountain, Piazza Barberini and the Spanish steps the website has a useful map, hotel descriptions and reviews.

• Villa Eur, Marcellino Champagnat, 2-00144 Roma (metro: Laurentina), tel +39.06.54220627, [138]. Very quiet and stylish in midst of a park. You can reach it from the subway by a 5 min walk. The hotel has a small bar, excellent breakfast and a restaurant. Double room is 150 Euros including breakfast. In the vicinity of the hotel you can find an excellent restaurant La Taverna de Porto if you want to go out eating. There is also a tennis court, a gymnasium and even an Aikido Dojo.

Splurge

• Hosianum Palace Via dei Polacchi, 23 00186, Ph. +39.06.697191 Fax +39.06.69719604. [139]. An elegantly refined setting, Hotel Hosianum Palace is one of the most prestigious historic residences in Rome near Piazza Venezia and Via dei Fori Imperiali. Doubles from €120 depending on the time of year.

• Hotel Aldobrandeschi Via degli Aldobrandeschi, 295 00163, Ph. +39 06.66415964 Fax +39 06.66411683. [140] A high class stay in the Eternal City, with the most sought after places at your fingertips and the assurance of finding a modern facility that is at the same time both elegant and functional. Doubles from €130 depending on the time of year.

• Hotel Artemide Via Nazionale, 22 - 00184, Tel. +39 06.489911 Fax +39 06.48991700. [141] Hotel Artemide is located on the famous Via Nazionale, conveniently connected to the nearby Termini train station and two subway lines. Just walk along Via Nazionale to get to the Foro Traiano and then Fori Imperiali, which represent one of the best testimonies to the greatness and magnificence of the Roman Empire.

• Hotel Forum Via Tor de' Conti, 25-30 - 00184, Ph. +39 06 6792446 Fax +39 06 6786479. [142]. An elegant expression of ancient imperial splendors, the Forum is a luxury first class exclusive hotel in the ancient heart of Rome. He comforts are those in line with a prestigious 4 star hotel in Rome like the Forum, ideal for both business guests, in the city for work, and leisure guests, who are staying in Rome to see its historical and artistic sights.

• Hotel Gambrinus Via Piave 35, 00187, Ph. +39.06.4871250 Fax. +39.06.4742488. [143]. A refined and comfortable hotel in the historic center of Rome, with careful attention to detail.

• Hotel Pantheon Via dei Pastini 131, 00186, tel. +39 06.6787746 fax. +39 06.6787755. [144]. In a quiet, characteristic pedestrian street in the heart of the old city center, just 20 meters from the Pantheon and near to Piazza Montecitorio.

• Villa Spalletti Trivelli Via Piacenza 4, 00184, Ph. +39.06.4818418 Fax. +39.06.47824428. [145]. In the heart of Rome, Villa Spalletti Trivelli is unique among the historic residences: a splendid Italian garden, elegant and refined environments furnished with genuine antiques, exclusive wellness centre, sumptuous rooms with every comfort. Prices depending on the season and on the kind of accommodation that you choose.

Cope

• Police At pl Lorenzo is where to report theft.
• Left Luggage Termini. You can leave luggage at Termini but they have a lot of security and only one X-ray machine so there can be a +100 people queue.
• Splasnet laundry, internet, left luggage, Via Varesi 33, 100 m west of Termini. €2 per luggage left (and 15 min of internet included).

Embassies and consulates

• the Australian Embassy [146], Via Antonio Bosio 5 00161 Rome, tel 06 85 2721 (0830 to 1650, Monday to Friday), fax 06 85 272 300
• the Austrian Embassy [147], Via Pergolesi 3 00198 Roma, tel 068440141 (0900 to 1200, Monday to Friday), fax 068543286
• the British Embassy [148], Via XX Settembre 80 I-00187 ROMA RM, tel 06 4220 0001 (9am-5pm), 06 4220 2603 (out of office hours), fax 06 4220 2347
• the Canadian Embassy [149], Via Zara 30, 00198 Rome (Visa and Consular Sections), tel 06 44598.1, fax 06 44598.2905 (for Visa/Immigration Services)
• the Finnish Embassy [150], Ambasciata di Finlandia, Via Lisbona 3, 00198 Roma, tel +39 06 852 231 fax +39 06 854 0362, sanomat.roo@formin.fi
• the New Zealand Embassy [151], Via Zara 28 Rome 00198, tel 06 441 7171, fax 06 440 2984, Email: nzemb.rom at flashnet.it
• the Embassy of Serbia and Montenegro [152], Ambasciata Della Serbia E Di Montenegro, Via dei Monti Parioli 20, 00197 Roma, tel 06 320-07-96, 06 320-08-90, 06 320-09-59, 06 320-08-05 (all night), fax 06 320-08-68, telex 616-303, email info@ambroma.com
• the South African Embassy [153], Via Tanaro, 14 Rome, tel 06 85.25.41 Monday to Friday. 8am-4.30pm.
• the Spanish Embassy Palazzo Borghese, Largo Fontanella di Borghese, 19 Rome, tel 06 684 04 011
• the US Embassy [154], via Vittorio Veneto 119/A 00187 Roma, tel 06.4674.1 (switchboard) (8:30 AM to 5:30 PM), fax 06.4882.672 or 06.4674.2356
• List of Embassies in Rome [155]

Public conveniences

Clean, well-stocked, public facilities are sometimes hard to find. Those on the way into the Forum from the main road into Rome going to the Colosseum are worth knowing about. Carry tissue paper and soap with you - chances are that there won't be any. At Termini, under platform 24, near the left luggage office, 70c, well provisioned.

Stay safe

Rome is generally a safe place, even for women travelling alone. As in any big city, it is better if you don't look like a tourist: don't exhibit your camera or camcorder to all and sundry, and keep your money in a safe place. Termini (the main railway station), Esquilino and bus line 64 (Termini to San Pietro) are not so safe, so take extra care in these areas. Read up on the legends concerning tourist scams. Most of them occur regularly in Rome and you will want to see them coming. Watch out especially for bands of kids who will crowd you and reach for your pockets under the cover of newspapers or cardboard sheets.

Rome is also home to two rival Serie A football clubs, A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, and there is a history of conflict, and even rioting, between the two. If you dare to wear anything that supports either of them, especially during the Rome Derby (when the two clubs play each other), make sure you don't wander into supporters of the other club, or you may be subject to heckling or even confrontation. Play it safe and refrain from openly supporting either club unless you are very familiar with the rivalry.

A great deal of pickpocketing and bag- or purse-snatching takes place in crowded locations, but there is very little violent crime. Members of Italian public would likely be sympathetic if you are a crime victim. Police are also generally friendly if not always helpful. Carabinieri (black uniform) are military police, and Polizia (blue and grey uniform) are civilians, but they both do essentially the same thing and are equally good, or bad. Guardia di Finanza (the grey uniformed ones) do customs work. If you are robbed, try to find a police station and report it. This is essential to establishing a secure travel insurance claim.

Be careful of con-men who may approach you at tourist sights such as the Colosseum or Circus Maximus. Eg. a car may pull up next to you, and the driver ask you for directions to the Vatican. He will strike up a conversation with you while he sits in his car, and tell you he is a sales representative for a large french fashion house. He will then tell you he likes you and he would like to give you a gift of a coat worth several thousand euros. As you reach inside his car to take the bag the coat is in, he will ask you for €200 for gas, as his car is nearly empty. When you refuse, he could turn angry and now demand money from you, any money, of any currency. Don't fall for such confidence-tricks - if something sounds too good to be true, it is.

Emergencies

In an emergency, call 113 (police) or 118 (medical first aid). Carry the address of your embassy or consulate.

Get out

• Especially if you have a rail pass, making Pompeii a day trip, while it is a very full day, is very doable. You can amuse people on the train by your complete lack of luggage.

• Head to Frascati, one of the historic hill towns to the South East of Rome known as the Castelli Romani. This town has been a popular destination for centuries away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and this is still true today. Famous worldwide for its white wine, Frascati is a relaxed hill town with a slower pace of life. Just 21km from Rome, Frascati is accessible by bus [156] or train. Trains run from Roma Termini approximately every hour, take about 30 minutes, and cost around € 2 [157].

• Head to Ostia Antica, the ancient harbor and military colonie of Rome. It is accessible by train every 30 minutes from Stazione Ostiense (near the Piramid). It is an monumental area a bit like the Roman Forum. But in Ostia Antica you can get an impression how a roman city looked like.

• Go to the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, with its famous and glorious fountains.

• Go to Ischia and Capri the fameds Islands in the Gulf of Naples