Rome, Italy Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel

Activities

Borghese Museum and Gallery
Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5
Tel. +39 0039 06 841.3979
www.galleriaborghese.it
Whether you go to visit Apollo & Daphne or Pauline Bonaparte, you will not be disappointed by any of the sculptors in one of the worlds "must" museums. Once is not enough!

Pallazzo Valenti
119 A Via IV Novembre (near Piazza Venezia)
www.provincia.roma.it
In 2005 ruins of two villas dating from the 4th Century AD were unearthed.  Because of their location and the wealth of mosaics and marble decorations it is suspected that they belonged to high ranking members of Roman Society.  What is really unique about this new exhibit is the multimedia tour that accompanies it.  It is the first of its kind where computer generated sound and light brings physical form. As an example a virtual wall dissolves to show what the residents might have seen from their door.  Pretty cool!

Golden House of Nero
Via della Dommus Aurea
Tel. +39 (0) 06.3974.9907
The legend tells that in A.D. 64, Nero fiddled while Rome burned; though historians have yet to prove this, the notorious emperor did seize some 200 acres of the charred city to erect one of history’s most opulent palaces, where a 150-foot statue of himself stands nude at the entrance. Successors destroyed much of the golden palace, but its remains have been restored and are available for viewing. The area where the Colosseum now stands was once a lake reflecting the Golden House.

The National Pasta Museum
Piazza dei Scanderberg 117
Tel. +39 (0) 06.699.1119
www.museodellapasta.it/
Located near the Trevi Fountain, this is where you’ll learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the history and perfect preparation of the Italian staple.

St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Square
Tel. +39 (0) 06.6988 5435
www.stpetersbasilica.org
The saga of St. Peter’s dates from A.D. 319, when Emperor Constantine built a basilica over the tomb of St. Peter, said to be near where the Circus of Nero stood in ancient times. After a near-collapse in the 15th century, a long, labored reconstruction began. Five of Italy’s greatest Renaissance artists died while toiling away on the new St. Peter’s: Bramante, Raphael, Peruzzi, Sangallo the Younger and Michelangelo. Inside the great church is Michelangelo’s Pietà.

Palazzo della Esposizioni
Via Nationale, 194
Tel. +39 (0) 639.96.7500
http://english.palazzoesposizioni.it/canale.asp?id=287
Palazzo delle Esposizioni is the largest exhibition area in the centre of Rome: more than 10,000 square metres of space on three floors, Level 0, 1 and 2, host cultural events and offer services to visitors.
The Palazzo will also have a 139-seats Cinema, an Auditorium (multimedia hall for 90 people) and a Forum (multifunctional hall), as well as a 290 sq.m. café, a 400 sq.m. restaurant for 240 people and a 470 sq.m. bookshop. Check the schedule as there are always interesting and fun exhibits through out the year.

Villa d’ Este Tivoli
 Tel. +39 (0) 77.433.2920
www.villadestetivoli.info
These gardens, built on a hill, are noted for their intricate and amazing fountains and tells the story of the Estes family ancestry, as imagined by Cardinal Ippolito d'Este. This Mannerist garden borders on the Baroque, featuring a fountain that plays music, aided by a water organ, as well as the Path of One Hundred Fountains. The highly ornamented villa is open, but parts are often closed for restoration. Villa d’ Este is in Tivoli, which is about 20 miles from Rome.

Dining

L'altro Mastai
Via Giraud, 53 (by the Via dei Banchi Nuovi crossroad)
Tel. +39. 0668.301296
http://www.laltromastai.it/
L'Altro Mastai is a fabulously trendy, Michelin-starred restaurant a few steps from the Piazza Navona-- a prime location to attract flocks of beautiful people and foodies with its enormous Italian and French-focused wine list. The décor is warm and smart in cream-coloured marble, detailed with mosaics and modern art. The food is superb, but the service is sublime. Contact at restaurant@laltromasti.it.

Bar Sant'Eustachio
Piazza Sant'Eustachio 82
Tel. +39 (06) 6880.2048
www.santeustachioilcaffe.it
One of Rome's most famous coffee bars takes cash only.  Expensive but worth every euro as the celebrity testimonials on the walls will attest to.


Agata e Romeo
45 Via Carlo Alberto Termini
Tel. +39.06.446.6115
www.agataeromeo.it
ristorante@agataeromeo.it
If you want to taste genuine Roman cuisine, we recommend Agata e Romeo. The namesake owners and their daughter Maria Antonietta came from the south of Italy 25 years ago and have made this establishment one of the capital's most renowned addresses. Although not cheap, it offers classic Roman and southern Italian dishes. The restaurant offers a wide choice of both international and domestic wines from its cellar; fish lovers, carnivores, as well as vegetarians are all catered to by a menu that frequently changes. Closed Sundays and mid-August to mid-September.

Ristorante "Mirabelle"
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14
Tel. +39.06.42168838
http://www.mirabelle.it/en/index 
info@mirabelle.it
This Michelin'd restaurant is located on the hotel's seventh floor, where huge glass terrace doors open out onto a breathtaking panaroma of the city. The crowd of Roman regulars confirms that chef Giuseppe Sestito's seasonal cuisine is among the best in town.

Il Pagliaccio
Via dei Banchi Vecchi 129A
Tel. +39 (06) 6880.9595
www.ristoranteilpagliaccio.it
The restaurant received its first Michelin star in 2007.  Prices are high but gourmands all seem to agree that it is still value considering the quality of the food.  Try the lamb.

Hostaria l'Archeologia
Via Appia Antica 139
Tel. +39 (0) 06.788.0494
http://www.larcheologia.it
info@larcheologia.it
Located near the catacombs of Saint Sebastian and Saint Callistus, this genuine Roman trattoria specializes in game and fish. Its interior garden has hosted many international celebrities. Try the swordfish carpaccio or the cod with potatoes au gratin, and after dinner, ask to see the cellars which were once catacombs. Reservations recommended.
 
La Pergola
Rome Cavalieri Hilton Hotel
Via Alberto Cadlolo 101
Tel. +39 (0) 06.3509.2152
www.cavalieri-hilton.it/new/uk/dining/pergola_if.htm
The chef at what may be the best restaurant in Rome isn't Italian but German. Heinz Beck has mastered both the cuisine of Italy and the mentality. Among his seasonal specialties are tomato terrine with deep-fried anchovies, marinated mackerel with tomato, guinea fowl with black olives and simple but sublime pastas. All this is accompanied by a breathtaking city view. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open only for dinner. Reservations recommended.
 
Enoteca Ferrara
Vicolo del Moro 1 (Trastevere)
Tel. +39.06.58333920
www.enotecaferrara.it
info@enotecaferrara.it
This is the best place in Trastevere to taste good Italian cuisine. Chef and co-owner Maria Paolillo is picky about the ingredients she uses, many of them are also available at Ferrara's specialty-food shop. Casual ambience and a great wine list chosen by her sister and the restaurant's co-owner, Lina Paolillo.

Bir & Fud
Via Benedetta, 23 (Trastevere)
Te. +39 (06) 556.1677
www.birefud.it
It's all about Roman pizza here at this summertime favorite.  Try the homemade beer!

Due Ladroni
Piazza Nicosia 24
Tel. +39.06.6896299 - 6861013
http://www.dueladroni.com/
info@dueladroni.com
Casual and busy place very popular with local people. They serve great pasta, mozzarella and other specialities from southern Italy. Outdoor tables available. Closed on Sunday.

Ai Tre Scalini
Via dei S.S. Quattro, 30
Tel. +39.(06).7096309
Closed on Monday
www.colosseo.org/aitrescalini/
aitrescalini@colosseo.org
Located at the foot of the Colosseum, Ai Tre Scalini is run by a young Italian chef with enthusiasm and experience. The versatile, high quality of the menu represents flavours and aromas of the Mediterranean and is equally divided between fish, meat and vegetable dishes. Select from a variety of vintage wines, and indulge in the ricotta and chocolate pie.

Caffe Bernini
Piazza Novana 44
Tel. +39 (06) 6819.2998
www.caffebernini.com
Everyone loves the Piazza Novona and sitting ourside in the summer months. The best part about Caffee Bernini is that the prices for ths area are not through the stratosphere.

Girarrosto Fiorentino
Via Sicilia, 46
Tel. +39.06.42880660
http://www.girarrostofiorentino.it/
Open daily
Palates of gourmets with traditional yet elegant menu. Steps away from the legendary Via Veneto, especially proud of its eccellent select of meat dishes, prepared with high-quality meat from the Val di Chiana in Tuscany. Fresh fish is always featured on the menu, as well as delicate pasta dishes. The chefs have also mastered the typical Roman recipes.

Osteria dell'Antiquario
Piazzetta S. Simeone 26
Tel. +39.06.6879694
http://www.osteriadellantiquario.it/
closed on Sunday and Monday for lunch.
In summer the outdoor tables of this quiet restaurant look out onto a charming Baroque square, near Via dei Coronari. This unique, fascinating setting prepares the charm for a skilled Roman cuisine with some fancy flair. Meat dishes and game can be found on the menu, as well as a vast assortment of cheeses, though fish is the restaurant's main speciality.

Pierluigi
Piazza de' Ricci, 144
Tel. +39 (06) 686.1302
www.pierluigi.it
Romans and tourists can both be seen at this mostly seafood restaurant, especially in the summer months when the preferred seating is outdoors.

Felice a Testaccio
Via Mastro Giorgio 29
Tel. +39 (06) 574.6800
www.feliceatestaccio.com
This trattoria is considered by many to be the best in Rome.  Located in the nontouristy neighborhood of Testaccio, the restaurant has been run by the three generations of the same family since 1936.  The most famous dish is the tonnrelli cacio e pepe.  It is a pasta dish that is usually made with Spaghetti but here the spaghetti is tonrelli,  a long square shaped pasta. 

Shopping

Saddlers Union
Via Margutta, 11
Tel.+39 (0) 06.321.20237
www.saddlersunion.com
If your in the market for fine leather belts,wallets, bags and briefcases look no further.  This exquisite shop maybe expensive but everything is hand made on the premises.

Fincato
Via Della Colonna Antonina 34
Tel. +39 (0) 06.678.5508
Italian craftsmen carve some of the world’s best and most expensive pipes, and this bi-level, 1,560-square-foot shop offers tobacco, Cuban cigars and smoking accessories of equally high quality. You’ll find Savinelli and Italian carvers Castello, Mastro de Paja, Rinaldo, Caminetto and Ser Jacopo as well as Dunhill from England and Bang from Denmark.

SBU
Via Santo Pantaleo 68-69
Tel. +39 (0) 06.6880.2547
Jeans from this under-the-radar Italian line aren’t cheap, but they have a great fit and a worn-in look. With items nearly impossible to find in the States, SBU also features exquisitely cut shirts, a remarkable range of footwear and ultra-select apparel from some of the world's hottest designers.
 
Castel Romano Outlet
Via Ponte de Piscina Cupa 4
Tel. +39 (0) 06.505.0050 www.activitaly.it/inglese/shopping/Castel_Romano_outlet_ing
The Faux Medieval entrance and Roman-Borgo interior will please the eye and the designer outlets will please the wallet. Castel Romano Outlet is just outside of Rome, so ask your concierge for directions.

Resorces

Special Museum Admission Cards www.romeguide.it/museum_cards/special_admission_cards.htm 
With two different seven-day museum passes to choose from, this is the perfect way to fit in Rome's cultural sightseeing.

Access Italy
Exclusive tours of Italy, including Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Amalfi, the Vatican and more.  
www.AccessItaly.net

Your Enchanted Italy
Your Enchanted Italy will help you customize your personal trip to Italy with all of the benefits of a tour but with your own family or friends.
www.yourenchanteditaly.com

Nightlife

Il Gilda
Via Mario de' Fiori 97
Tel. +39 (0) 06.678.4838
www.gildabar.it
For years, Gilda has remained unrivaled as the most prestigious disco club in Rome. Located one block from the Spanish Steps and the city’s most famous shopping, the club is targeting the next generation of disco converts, opening its doors for special teen-oriented private parties during the week and hosting afternoon events for an even younger set, aged 13 to 16. Weekend nights, however, are still reserved for adults.

ReRé Wine Bar
Via Flaminia Vecchia, 75
Tel. +39 (0) 06.334.0483
http://www.rere.it/
Step into ReRe and find yourself in a world of red velvet, roses, leopard skin and gold-framed mirrors. Couches, low tables and chairs are arranged to create cozy areas where guests can have a cocktail or a glass of wine and relax. At apertivo time it's always full of stylish people, and late in the evening, the place revs up as the after-dinner crowd takes over. Easily the most fashionable place in the area, the ambience, live music on Thursdays and Sundays and sidewalk seating make this destination immensely popular since it opened two years ago. Live music Thursdays and Sundays.

Shaki Wine Bar
Via Governo Vecchio 123 (Piazza Navona)
Tel. +39.06.683.08796
Sleek, modern and very attractive, this new wine bar, located on a trendy street full of chic shops and restaurants, has tables that spill outside in warm weather. Happy hour buffet. Affliated with Shaki Roma, a stylish housewares shop in Piazza di Spagna

Antica Enoteca
Via della Croce, 76
Tel. +39.06.679.0896
http://www.anticaenoteca.com/
A traditional enoteca, in business for more than 150 years, with a vast selection of wines, several of which are served by the glass. Check the blackboard for the day's offerings. A pre-dinner appertivo buffet is available for a flat rate.

Bloom
Via del Teatro Pace, 30
Tel. 06.688 2029 (Piazza Navona)
The "it" place for the hip and beautiful when it opened a couple of years ago, Bloom still attacts a stylish crowd at the art deco bar. The restaurant, a minimal, ultra-modern renovation in a former 14th-century chapel, includes a sushi bar on the second floor.

Crudo
Via degli Specchi, 6
Tel. +39.06.683.8989
www.crudoroma.it
Hidden away on a tiny side street between Campo dei Fiori and the Tiber, with an atmosphere that puts it closer to Manhattan's Soho district, Crudo is a great place to relax at the end of the day, decorated in taupe and concrete, with comfy fifty's-style couches and easy chairs and subtle lighting. On offer, a wide range of wines by the bottle or the glass, a variety of martinis and exotic cocktails and an unusual dinner menu. Open continuously 12:30 pm - 2 am. Closed Sunday lunch, Monday dinner.

La Maison
Vicolo dei granari
Tel. +39.06.683.3312
http://www.lamaisonroma.it/
The best in Rome Very V.I.P. in the heart of Rome near the Piazza Navona. One of the clubs of choice of Rome’s fashion-victims, La Maison is dressed to impress… but elegantly. Huge chandeliers, dark red walls and curvy sofas give it an opulent, courtly feeling. Surprisingly, the place is not snobbish, the music on offer is not banal and the atmosphere is truly buzzing. The doormen can be picky.

Art Cafe
Via Del Galoppatoio 33
 Tel. +39.06.3600.6578
Notoriously one of the busiest clubs in Rome, Art Café also boasts a popular restaurant on its large terrace and its stunning ‘back garden’, a cocktail bar, stretches onto Piazza Siena. Full marks to this place for its marketing ploys; Art Café contains a bubbling Jacuzzi full of bikinied girls. However, as with many of the clubs here, all-male groups are not often welcomed.

Supper Club
Via de' Nari, 14 (Pantheon)
Tel. 39.0668 8072.07
http://www.supperclub.com
Sister club to the already legendary Amsterdam Supperclub, the Rome version is even more sensational because it’s still such a secret. Supperclub Rome has been acknowledged by the Italian and international media as one of the most enchanting venues in the world. Set in a gorgeous restored 3rd century mansion, it’s tucked down a narrow alley, has no sign on the door or bouncers outside and you’ll miss it if you didn’t know it was here. Inside though it’s unforgettable.

Salotto 42
Piazza di Pietra 42
Phone: +39 6 678 5804
Arguably one of the most hip and chic places around, Salotto 42 is owned by a Swedish model. A coffee shop by day, a cocktail bar by night one will be surrounded by only the savviest clientele. The décor is modern with books on fashion, art, film, and music lining the walls. Get there early and enjoy an array of appetizers while sipping on wine and cocktails of your desire. A great place to go in preparation for a fabulous night out on the town.