TA Rome Guide

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ROME

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Rome this fall and winter

FALL & WINTER GUIDE 2009/2010

tripadvisor.com 2

According to mythology, in 753 B.C.E., twins Romulus and Remus fought for the area that is now Rome. After killing his brother, Romulus became the first of the seven kings of Rome. For more than a thousand years, Rome was considered the most influential city in the world. Today, this cultural, social and political powerhouse—the capital city of Italy—is home to more than 2.5 million people. Romans on the whole are extremely gracious and friendly, with particular passions for food and music.

While rain is a possibility at any time, travelers enjoy spring warmth and autumn’s pleasant temperatures. The summer heat can be stifling; many Romans flee the city in August. Winters are generally mild, but wet.

Inside

TripAdvisor, the most trusted source for where to eat, sleep and play in thousands of destinations around

the world, has collected the best insider tips from its 35 million monthly visitors to produce a unique

series of travel guides. In addition to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for every type of traveler,

you’ll get great advice about what to pack, how to get around and where to find the best views. Be sure

to check out the guides at www.tripadvisor.com.

1.Modestattire—”Women may wear a skirt to the Vatican as long as the knees are totally covered. Remember that your shoulders must also be covered—a large scarf or shawl will do if you’re wearing a sleeveless top. Men must wear long trousers, not shorts. This rule applies to most churches in Rome.”—TripAdvisor Member, Warwick, U.K.

2. Umbrellaandweather-proofshoes —to stay dry, “bring a light umbrella and wear shoes that will keep your feet dry and you’ll be ready for anything.”—TripAdvisor Member, Philadelphia

3. SamplePacks — “I take samplesachetsofshampoo,conditioner,moisturizerwithsunscreen instead of large bottles and buy more when I get there. I get sampletoothpaste from my dentist, it lasts for a while.”—TripAdvisor Member, Perth, Australia

PACKING TIPS

INTRODUCTION

ROMEYou’ll find reviews for more than 450,000 hotels, 90,000 attractions and 560,000 restaurants on TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans.

tripadvisor.com 3 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716

VIEWSTop

Where

to PLAY

ROME’S BEST VIEWS“At night, walk up CapitolineHill aka Campidoglioand take in the floodlit view of the Forum with the Colosseum in the background.” —TripAdvisor Member, Sussex, England

“The views from CastelSant’Angelo are spectacular. Enjoy a leisurely cappuccino in the cafe with a framed view of St. Peter’s. (Yes, splurge and spend that little extra for a sit-down coffee!) You’ll enjoy the quiet, the view, the fresh air and nice service.”—TripAdvisor Member, Ascoli Piceno, Italy

CastelSant’Angelo,LungotevereCastello,0639967600

“The DomeofSt.Peter’s will take your breath away. The sheer size of it is staggering. But do NOT attempt the climb up the dome if you are in any way claustrophobic or unfit; there are A LOT of steps. If you think you can handle that, the view IS the best in Rome, without a doubt.”—TripAdvisor Member, Ireland

St.Peter’sBasilica,St.Peter’sSquare,VaticanCity,066982

FAMILIESChildren love the CryptaBalbi museum, which combines modern technology with relics and from which you “walk away with a huge appreciation of what Western Civilization lost with the fall of the empire.” —TripAdvisor Member, Atlanta, Ga.

CryptaBalbi,ViadelleBottegheOscure,31,0639967700

“Have your kids been truthful? Are they brave enough to put their hand in the MouthofTruth,” the image of a pagan god, said to be a marble lie detector, cutting off the hands of those who deceive!—TripAdvisor Member, Bronx, N.Y.

MouthofTruth(BoccadellaVerità),SantaMariainCosmedin,PiazzadellaBoccadellaVerita,18

The Explora, in an old bus depot, fascinates everyone who visits and is “a hands-on children’s museum.”

—TripAdvisor Member, Rome

ExplorailMuseodeiBambinidiRoma,ViaFlaminia,82,063613776

ROMANCE“What an experience to see the TreviFountain at midnight. Absolutely stunning. At midnight, there were few tourists around, making it more magical with the expressive lighting. Worth losing sleep to see!”—TripAdvisor Member, Scotland

TreviFountain,PiazzidiTrevi

End a busy day of sightseeing on the rooftop lounge at The EdenHotel, “an especially beautiful and romantic place to have a cocktail and enjoy the beautiful Roman sunset.” —TripAdvisor Member, Norwalk, Conn.

TheEdenHotel,ViaLudovisi,49,06478121

“The SpanishSteps are the perfect meeting place. The best gelato is nearby, great shopping on the Corso, several wonderful restaurants within a block or two.”—TripAdvisor Member, Birmingham, Ala.

SpanishSteps,PiazzadiSpagna

TOP10Attractions 1. Vatican Museum, Viale del Vaticano, 06 6982

2. Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, 06 6830 0230

3. Basilica di San Clemente, Via Labicana 95, 06 7740 021

4. Basilica St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura), 06 6988 0800

5. Roman Forum (Foro Romano), Piazza Santa Maria Nova 53, 06 3996 7700

6. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), Piazzi di Trevi

7. Colosseum (Colosseo), Piazza del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali, 06 3996 7700

8. National Museum of Rome (Museo Nazionale Romano), Various locations, 06 3996 7700

9. The Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese), Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 06 32810

10. Santa Maria della Concezione, Via Veneto 27

“...aframedviewofSt.Peter’s”

“…theperfectmeetingplace.”


Try not to get lost in TrimaniWineBar, one of the largest wine shop/restaurants in Rome.

“It’s a transcendent wine bar with extras.”—TripAdvisor Member, Pacifica, Calif.

TrimaniWineBar,ViaCernaia37B,064469630

Whether on foot, on bicycle or on horseback, “the visit to the AppianWay is absolutely recommended: the catacombs, Cecilia Metela’s monument, Majencio’s Circus, the road itself.”—TripAdvisor Member, Merida, Spain

AppianWay,ParkServices,067801214

Fore! “The golf was great at SheratonGolfParcode’Medici. I walked on and it was quiet—despite being next to the ‘ring’ highway, no real noise. There are two well maintained courses: a regular 18-hole course and a 9-hole executive.”—TripAdvisor Member, Lompoc, Calif.

SheratonGolfParcode’Medici,VialeSalvatoreRebecchini,39,0665288

ADVENTURE

“Yes, what you see from the outside of the Colosseum is the most picturesque and awe-inspiring (and free). However, as long as you’re there, you might as well go in! The view across the interior of the mighty Colosseum was terrific.”—TripAdvisor Member, Wiesbaden, Germany

Colosseum,PiazzadelColosseo,ViadeiForiImperialI0639967700

“You cannot ‘do’ the Forum in an hour. In five days we went twice, plus pausing in the evenings and taking in the fabulous sights by moonlight and floodlight. Not to be missed.”—TripAdvisor Member, St. Andrews, Scotland

RomanForum,PiazzaSantaMariaNova,53,0639967700

“Go to the Pantheon at night and by day. By night, it’s lit up, and we thought it was much more impressive then. You can’t see all the colors as well at night, though, and the opening in the dome is rather impressive by day.”—TripAdvisor Member, Limburg, Netherlands

Pantheon,PiazzadellaRotonda,0668300230

EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL

Located inside a crumbling collection of Roman ruins, the TorreArgentinaCatSanctuary “is an amazing, peaceful respite in the heart of a hectic, big city! You can imagine our delight when we learned we could actually HANG OUT WITH THE CATS! Four paws up for Torre Argentina!”—TripAdvisor Member, Tampa, Fla.

TorreArgentinaCatSanctuary,ViaMarcoPaio15,0645425240

When you find the doors open at the ChurchofSanLuigideiFrancesi, “by all means, take advantage and rush in to behold the Caravaggio masterpieces! Bella.”—TripAdvisor Member, Ascoli Piceno, Italy

ChurchofSanLuigideiFrancesi,ViaSantaGiovannad’Arco5,06688271

“VillaBorghese and its surrounding garden were absolutely stunning. You felt so peaceful inside the grounds and inside the gallery you could take your time looking at the works of art. And there was plenty! Take at least half a day to explore Villa Borghese. It is most certainly worth it!”—TripAdvisor Member, Netherlands

TheBorgheseGallery(GalleriaBorghese),PiazzaledelMuseoBorghese,0632810

RELAXATION

On the last Sunday of the month, it’s free to explore the city’s museums, including the Vatican Museum, where “if it’s crowded, head straight to the Sistine Chapel and marvel at Michelangelo’s frescos.”

—TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y.

VaticanMuseum,VialedelVaticano,066982

“The JewishGhetto is a marvelous area to visit—small, but full of history. One of my most memorable experiences was walking along the Tiber after a rainstorm and seeing a rainbow directly over the Great Synagogue.”—TripAdvisor Member, Brooklyn, N.Y.

JewishGhetto

The most famous flea market in Rome takes place at PiazzadiPortaPortese,which sells “everything from used items to automotive to all types of clothing and food.”

—TripAdvisor Member, Fort Lee, N.J.

PiazzadiPortaPortese,Sundays,5a.m.–2p.m.

BUDGET

Where

to PLAY

TripAdvisor members have posted more than 2,000,000 photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. It’s almost like being there!

“Nottobemissed.”

“BeholdtheCaravaggiomasterpieces!”


DaDino is “a great hole-in-the-wall place” with “great minestrone soup, pizza, bruschetta, spaghetti carbonara and saltimbocca!” —TripAdvisor Member, Rome

DaDino,ViadeiMille,10,06491425

“HostariaDarButteroPizzeria was recommended by an Italian man on our train ride from Venice. Good family atmosphere. Good food. ‘Papa’ was our waiter and ‘Mama’ was cooking in the kitchen.” —TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill.

HostariaDarButteroPizzeria,ViadellaLungaretta,156,065800517

Close to the Pantheon, LaSagrestia “was one of the best places we dined in while in Rome. Try the fish antipasto, you will not be disappointed. It is huge and can be eaten as a main dish. WONDERFUL, inexpensive and a great family atmosphere.”

—TripAdvisor Member, Austin, Texas

LaSagrestia,ViadelSeminario,89,066797581

FAMILIES

What’sthe TOUR

How to Get Around

WHERE toeat

HoteldeRussie has “one of the finest restaurants in town, with dinner al fresco. It is romantic and classy.” —TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y.

LeJardindeRussie,HoteldeRussie,ViadelBabuino,9,0632888870

There are endless romantic dining options in the Eternal City. For a stunning backdrop, get a table at LaPergola. “It was one of the most beautiful dining experiences I’ve ever had. It is set up on a hill and overlooks the city, so the view is spectacular. It was a whole dining experience, like a show. The food was delicious.” —TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y.

LaPergola,CavalieriHilton,ViaCadlolo,101,0635092152

At Valentini’s, informal and off the beaten track, the chef “bills himself as the ‘maestro of spaghetti,’ and you will not be disappointed—a wonderful, family-run place.” —TripAdvisor Member, Tampa, Fla.

Valentini’s,HotelValadier,ViadellaFontanella,15,063611998

ROMANCE

Nighttimedrive—“As the lights of the street reflect against the many ancient sites, you will be awestruck by what you are seeing.” —TripAdvisor Member

Xmarksthespot—Rome’s Metro is a simple “x,” two lines connecting in the middle. Taxis can be difficult to get at times, so try the Metro instead.

Oldestformoftransport—With so much history, walking tours that are available throughout the city may be the best way to see Rome.

Want more information on Rome? TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail updates filled with new deals, reviews and articles for Rome or any other destination you choose.

“We ate at L’InsalataRicca all three nights. The meals were fantastic and a good price for the large meals we were given.”

—TripAdvisor Member, Shropshire, U.K.

L’InsalataRicca,PiazzaPasquino,72,0668307881

Simplicity and quality rule at TrattoriaDerPallaro. “No fancy tables, no menu, no prices, no windows as such, just a name over the door with a few tables outside. It felt like we had joined a family dinner: great food and a lovely atmosphere.” —TripAdvisor Member, Kent, U.K.

TrattoriaDerPallaro,LargodelPallaro,15,0668801488

DaMichele is just “a short hop from the Trevi Fountain. But the pizza, made according to a special slow-rise recipe, is better than ever.”—TripAdvisor Member, Astoria, New York

DaMichele,Viadell’Umiltà,31,3492525347

BUDGET

“...oneofthemostbeautifuldiningexperiences”


WHERE toeat

There are scores of tiny trattorias and hidden cafes throughout the city; upscale RistoranteLaPennad’Oca is “a small intimate place—quiet location—amazing food. A special place for a special meal.”—TripAdvisor Member, Italy

RistoranteLaPennad’Oca,ViadellaPenna,53,063202898

Nino is “a favorite of the locals—casual with fabulous service and a lively atmosphere. Food is true Roman flavors.”—TripAdvisor Member, Italy

Nino,ViaBorgognona,11,066786752

LaTabernaDeiGracchi has “great food and atmosphere that made us feel like playing ‘The Godfather.’ There were no other tourists there but us. Something to be appreciated in Rome, with its millions of tourists.”—TripAdvisor Member, Athens, Greece

LaTabernaDeiGracchi,ViaDeiGracchi266/268,063213126

HIDDEN GEMS

Serving up fine vegetarian fare since 1979, IlMargutta “is actually one of the best-rated vegan restaurants in Italy.”—TripAdvisor Member, Rome

IlMargutta,ViaMargutta,118,0632650577

AranciaBlu, a vegetarian club, serves up good quality and good prices with dishes such as “ravioli stuffed with potatoes and mint with fresh tomatoes and cheese, and lasagna with red onions, mushrooms and zucchini.” —TripAdvisor Member, San Diego, Calif.

AranciaBlu,ViaPrenestina,396,064454105

Ditirambo, with its vegetarian options, is a “nice little trattoria serving Roman fare with a creative twist and very fresh ingredients. It was nice to be able to thank the ‘nonna’ who made the fresh pasta, too—she was busy in the front room making more.”—TripAdvisor Member, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Ditirambo,PiazzadellaCancelleria,74,066871626

HEALTH-CONSCIOUS

SPECIAL EVENTSCelebrate the arts at RomaeuropaFestival, an exhaustive exhibition of cultural productions from theater and visual arts to dancing, drumming and even sword fighting. (September 23 – December 2)RomaeuropaFestival,Variousvenues,0645553000,http://www.romaeuropa.net

Enjoy films from established masters of the craft alongside newcomers to the industry at RomaFilmFest. Other events include fashion shows, concerts, panel discussions and workshops. (October 15 – 23)RomaFilmFest,AuditoriumParcodellaMusica,VialePietrodeCoubertin,http://www.romacinemafest.com

More than 25 Disney characters will appear in DisneyLive, a thrilling show recreating moments from some of Disney’s most beloved movies, from Cinderella to Snow White. (December 2 – 6)DisneyLive!,PalaLottomatica,0645496305,http://www.applauso.it

Watch the procession to the FeastoftheImmaculateConception, when the devout place wreaths at the base of the Virgin Mary’s statue in Piazza Spagna. (December 8)FeastoftheImmaculateConception,SpanishSteps,PiazzadiSpagna

Gather with thousands of Roman Catholics in St. Peter’s Square for a special ChristmasEveMass presided over by the Pope. (December 24)ChristmasEveMass,StPeter’sBasilica,39066982,http://www.vatican.va

Watch the sky explode into light and sound with fireworks over Piazza del Popolo on NewYear’sEve. (December 31)NewYear’sEve,PiazzadelPopolo

Enjoy concerts and food in the pre-race Marathon Village and then lace up your running shoes and speed past some of Rome’s most famous monuments at the RomeMarathon. (March 21) MaratonadiRoma,ViadeiForiImperiali–Colosseo,http://www.maratonadiroma.it


A refurbished 19th-century building, Capod’AfricaHotel is “a wonderful experience—a huge comfy bed and a lovely, cozy bathroom. The location is great.” The Colosseum is “basically at the end of the road.” —TripAdvisor Member, Blackpool, U.K.

Capod’AfricaHotel,ViaCapod’Africa,54,06772801

SplendideRoyal has a “great location, just off Via Veneto, on a quiet street. Outstanding staff: friendly, helpful, polite. Unbelievable views, both from the breakfast terrace and from the restaurant and bar. I would return without hesitation.”—TripAdvisor Member, Berlin, Germany

SplendideRoyal,ViaDiPortaPinciana,14,06421689

The Artemide is “all glittering marble and glass. No matter the hour, the concierge on duty was always extremely gracious. Don’t miss the roof top bar. A prosecco enjoyed high above frantic Rome is a fitting end to each day.”—TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey

HotelArtemide,ViaNazionale22,06489911

LUXURY

“B&BLucianoPascucci is a great find! Luciano and Ana treat you like family! Great location—close to bars, discotheques, shopping. But the local nightlife (which starts to kick at midnight) is not intrusive, so you are assured peaceful sleep.”—TripAdvisor Member, France

B&BLucianoPascucci,ViadiPanico,9,066869054

“We were happy campers” at HappyVillage&Camping. “The cabin had a full bathroom and a fridge and slept four comfortably in two air-conditioned rooms. The restaurant had great, cheap pizza, and the morning coffee was perfect.”—TripAdvisor Member, Alberta

HappyVillage&Camping,S.S.CassiaBis(G.R.A.exitn.5),ViaPratodellaCorte

For “affordable comfort located within walking distance to most of the sights, a great bed, funky apartment and free internet access,” check out TheBeehive.—TripAdvisor Member, Munich, Germany

TheBeehive,ViaMarghera8,0644704553

BUDGET

“We stayed at the BestWestern with our two kids. There was plenty of room—surprisingly large rooms for a European hotel. Excellent location with numerous restaurants close by, so it was easy to eat with the kids and get back to the hotel.”—TripAdvisor Member, England

BestWesternHotelCanada,ViaVicenza58,064457770

At the RediRoma, the “kids slept on quality rollaway beds. My wife and I stayed in a large bed in a separate space with sliding doors. This Jacuzzi tub was great (both adults and kids raved). Near inexpensive restaurants and a nice toy store.”—TripAdvisor Member, New York

HotelRediRoma,ViaVercelli21,0670302501

“We could not have selected a better hotel than AlbergodelSenato. Good shopping and eating are close at hand. Many of the favorite sights in Rome are in easy walking distance”—TripAdvisor Member, Cape Town, South Africa

AlbergoDelSenato,PiazzadellaRotonda,73,066784343

FAMILIES

STAYWhere

to

ROMANCEHotelSAnselmo “was gorgeous. The velvety curtains and Victorian décor provided a charming atmosphere. We also had a Jacuzzi—perfect for relaxing after long days walking around Rome. Chocolates were left on our pillows every evening, and it became a treat that we really looked forward to.”—TripAdvisor Member, Malta

HotelSAnselmo,PiazzaSAnselmo,2,06570057

“Cozy, charming and tasteful,” HotelSantaMaria is “lovely and clean. It is located in the middle of a beautiful and vibrant quarter of Rome, very close to the historic sites. Within this hot spot, the hotel is like an oasis, offering a very relaxing, quiet and private atmosphere.”—TripAdvisor Member, Hamburg, Germany

HotelSantaMaria,VicolodelPiede,2,065894626

“We just returned from our honeymoon at the HotelAtorius. It is just ‘boutique-y’ enough to satisfy the pickiest traveler. The major ruins are within walking distance, and even the Vatican is reachable on foot. Bring a nice bottle of wine back to your room, sit on your patio and enjoy the Roman atmosphere.”—TripAdvisor Member, Tampa, Fla.

HotelArtorius,ViadelBoschetto13,064821196

Have questions about Rome? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours.

“Allglitteringmarbleandglass”

“Withinthishotspot,thehotelislikeanoasis.”


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STAY“I came, I saw, but didn’t conquer! Actually we were conquered by the hospitality, the friendliness, the charm of Anne’sPlace. The rooms were large and clean. The breakfast was great. We loved the location: on Rome’s doorstep, but out of the noise.”—TripAdvisor Member, Berlin, Germany

Anne’sPlace,ViaLoreto220,Palestrina,069573554

“Kindness, cleanliness, spaciousness. My wife, our two teenagers and I felt at home and spent five lovely days at CaesarHouseResidenze Romane in a very nice suite.”—TripAdvisor Member, Le Pecq, Paris, France

CaesarHouseResidenzeRomane,ViaCavour,310,066792674

ResidenzaCellini is “like coming home. The apartment was a real haven for my husband and me: spacious, thoughtfully put-together and well looked after by the conscientious family, who really do care about the comfort of their guests.”—TripAdvisor Member, Bucharest, Romania

ResidenzaCellini,ViaModena,5,3rdfloor,0647825204

HIDDEN GEMS

Edited/compiled by Dennis Maloney, Sheila Koenig, and Michelle Schwartz

Where

to

“...onRome’sdoorstep,butoutofthenoise.”

Documents

TA Rome Guide