Tourist Stuff
Vatican City – Lets get the big one out of the way first. This place may be one of the smallest countries on the planet, but it holds a treasure trove of culture, art, and architecture. The term “jaw dropping’ was most likely coined here. The place is literally decorated floor to ceiling with the worlds greatest art work done by its most famous artists and that’s just St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Museum is another wonder all to itself and will surely take you the better part of a day to really scratch the surface of all there is to see. Getting there early will still net you around a two hour wait time so your best bet is to call ahead and reserve a spot that way you can skip the line.
Colosseum and The Roman Forum – There isn’t a better place to understand just how much more advanced the Roman’s were than these to ancient masterpieces. While the Colosseum is a wonderful example of Roman architecture, its really the forum and Palentine Hill, that offer up that “wow” moment. From the top of the hill you can look down upon the Forum and Colosseum and start to get a real sense of what it must have been like. While most of Europe was still living in small huts and mud brick houses, Rome was building monolithic structures out of concrete and marble. You’ll have to arrive early for the Colosseum but the Forum is so huge you’ll never wait in line, and in fact it may be preferred to see it teaming full of people just like it was thousands of years ago.
Galleria Borghese – Another wonderful example of Renassance Art, this Villa is situated in Villa Borghese park and once belong to the most infamous family in Roman history, the Borgas. More like a miniature Versailles, each room is extravagantly decorated with some of the most perfectly preserved art work of the time. Unlike the Vatican, this will give visitors a much more intimate experience with each piece and allow you to come up close to some of the most amazing art work on the planet. You’ll have to go in person to reserve a two hour slot to see it as only a small amount of people are allowed in at a time. Although your time allow is short it will be to your benefit as the surrounding park and gardens are quite possible the greatest in the known world. No where else can you prop yourself up against a tree for a good book and rest in the shadow of a thousand year old ruin.
The Pantheon – Nothing shows off the unbelievable engineering prowess of Rome than the Pantheon. This massive structure was built before the time of Christ and still stands with out support of any kind. Furthermore, by all modern architectural practices this building shouldn’t be standing. Essentially, we have no idea how this place works, while its been re-purposed over the centuries, its still an amazing thing to stand and experience a place that has remained unchanged for so long. While it is free, beware of pickpocket as this is widely known around Rome as a thieves paradise. While tourists necks crane to the sky, pickpockets take their wallets.
St. John the Lantern – While there is no shortage of churches and cathedrals in Rome, this one holds a special place as the world’s second largest. The first? St. Peters. What is truly astounding about this place is he marble statues. Measuring nearly twenty feet high and depicting each one of the 12 apostles, they are some of the best sculptures in all of Rome. Best of all the place is nearly deserted most days and you can come and go as you please.
Piazza del Popolo – This place is by far one of the most touristy in the entire city and will certainly have you wishing that less people inhabited the Earth. However, it is simple a wonderful place to stand and take in all the city has to offer. It is an amazing clash of modern and classical culture, with a major road running right by the Piazza and a thousand year old obelisk standing at the center. If vistors take the windy road up to Villa Borghese park they will be treated with one of the most spectacular views of Rome.
Bars and Restaurants
Pasticcio – Rome isn’t all about artwork and museums, its also home to some of the worlds best cuisine and you’ll certainly want to partake. The only problem is that most places know they serve the best of the best and will have no problem in charging you an arm and a leg for it. While Pasticcio could easily charge three or four times what they do, they keep things simple and allow everyone to partake in perfectly crafted homemade Italian. This place isn’t well known to tourists, but the walls are littered with the pictures of movie stars, politicians, and heads of state who have stopped by for a great meal. The place is always full but they keep a good circulation and waiting for a table is never that long.
Remo – While New Yorkers will debate who has the best slice of Pizza, Rome doesn’t have to. After all, they invented it and you’d be remiss to skip out on authentic Italian pizza if you have the chance to get some. While its closer to thin crust New York pizza, its much lighter on the cheese and the star of the show is the sauce. If you’re going come all this way and try a slice of pizza you might as well go ahead and get the best. Remo, isn’t the nicest place is Rome but you wouldn’t know it as people from all walks of life congregate outside waiting to get a taste of the best pizza in Rome.
Sant’ Eustachio – Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82 – While many westerners will yearn for a good cup o’ joe, it’s going to be very hard to find. However, Italians know there espresso and this place has continually won the best espresso in the world several times over. Quietly hidden right off the beaten path near the Pantheon, this place is all business when you walk in. You’ll be forced to take your espresso right at the counter as is customary in Italy but it certainly offers a wonder chance to mingle with your fellow caffeine lovers. Even if you don’t speak same language its easy to see that everyone enjoys.
Bar Pompi – Re di Roma Metro Stop – via albologna – Whats a trip to Rome without some Tiramisu and Gellato? Some of the best in Rome can be found here at Bar Pompi. Trying to spot this place isn’t all to hard as the large line and crowd of people out front all day pigging out on this wonderful decadency is a dead give away. The best way to enjoy this treat is to take your to go serving (the only kind they offer) and find a nice spot in one of the many adjourning piazza’s and get in some good ol’ fashion people watching.
Il Baretto – Via Garibaldi 27 In Rome bars are a dime a dozen in the city and many are packed to the brim with tourists. However, there are still some places where you can go out and enjoy Roman night life with the locals. Il Baretto is just that place and many of the clientele are from the nearby University, meaning you’re bound to find quite a few people who speak something other than just Italian so you’ll be able to enjoy a conversion along with a great glass of wine.
Secret Spots
Rome is a city full of hidden treasures and finding these on your own may prove to be just a bit too difficult. Not to fear though I’ll get you pointed in the right direction and you never know you might just find a few yourself.
Armando Rioda – Via Belsiana 90 – Romans have a great sense for fashion and if you really want to leave here with a truly unique treasure look no further than here. While this place is hardly a secret to those in the know most tourist walk right by. What’s so amazing about this place is that the owner/operator is one of the few world class leather craftsmen left and can make you anything that you describe with ease. While it isn’t cheap, you’ll actually spend less here then you would if you bought a designer piece from a major outlet. If you need something world class for half the price, well then, this is your place.
The Key Hole – Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta – While this place is becoming less and less of a secret its still pretty unknown as is the surrounding area. Once you get to the address look for the large wooden doors and peer through the key hole. While I’ll not give away the surprise its one of the most unique and fascinating views in all of Rome. If you can’t find the right place to look just wait for a minute as groups of people trek up here all day long and if you pay attention they’ll give the secret away.
Via Appia Antica – This place isn’t so much of secret but its so far out side the city many tourists don’t bother to make the trip, and those people are truly going to miss out. First the surrounding park is simply beautiful, while it resides just outside of the city center, it feels like you are a thousand miles away and the walk to the Via is quietly beautiful. The reason Via Appia Antica is so astounding is its the world’s first highway and the walk down it is a great way to see what ancient Rome was like as either side of the road is littered with stone ruins. Simply put you need to see this place.
