Rome Hotel & Travel Destination Guide

Cheaper Hotel Rates - Your ultimate source for Cheap, Discount Rome Hotel Rates & Detailed Travel Information

Country Code: IT
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Population:
3.8 million

Currency:
1 Euro = 100 cents

Opening hours:
Shops in Rome are usually open 9.00-13.00 and 15.00-20.00, with some variation depending on the time of year. Large department stores are usually open all day.

Tourist information:
Address: Via Parigi 11
Tel. +39 06 488 991

Rome

Rome, known as the Eternal City has attracted visitors for over 2000 years. It is one of the most magnificent and romantic cities in the world. Rome has an attractive mix of grandiose sights and bustling city life. Life is sweet - the cake is there for the eating. Italian designer shopping, smooth ice cream, frothy cappuccino and exquisite wines to name but a few things.

Rome City

Where do you start to summarise the history of the Eternal City?
A good date might be 21 April 753 B.C. The day when Romulus is said to have founded the city after murdering his twin brother Remus. During the following centuries Rome grew into a powerful empire whose peak was during the rule of Marcus Aurelius in 161-180 A.D. Just like the ancient city, Rome today is built on seven hills: Capitolino, Palatino, Quirinale, Viminale, Esquilino, Celio and Aventino. The central area is called Campo Marzio, named after the Roman god of war, and was the ancient army’s training grounds. This is where many of the famous sights are located. Other well-known areas are Trastevere, on the other side of the River Tibern, and Monti. Little Pigneto is considered the most Roman neighbourhood.

But it’s during the Renaissance, in the 16th century, that Paris’s grandeur took off. Versailles became Louis XIV’s headquarters, whose lavishness opened the doors to the French luxury goods industry. And in the 19th Century, Napoleon appointed Baron Haussmann to develop modern Paris, with its long boulevards and beautiful buildings, great avenues and parks that still make the city unique today.

Things to See and Do in Rome

No other city, not even Athens, Istanbul, London, or New York has as many world-class sites as Rome. Walking down Via del Fori Imperiali towards the Coliseum will impress even the most spoiled and shopping-crazed teenager. The city has so much to offer. In addition to the Roman heritage there are also medieval neighbourhoods, well designed squares, colourful markets and of course the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. Here are a
few other places that must be seen:

Fontana Di Trevi
Anita Ekberg made the fountain famous in the film “La Dolce Vita”. Funnily enough, it actually looks bigger in real life.
Address: Piazza di Trevi.

Pantheon
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once inside, this 2000-year-old temple with its cupola, impresses.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda

Forum Romanum
It is like a fairytale with its mosaic of temple ruins, worn marble streets and basilicas. Forum Romanum was the commercial, political, and religious centre of ancient Rome. The Coliseum, the mother of all modern giant arenas, is nearby.

Galleria Borghese
Rome falls short of Venice and Florence when it comes to art, but this gallery is an exception. It shows masterpieces by artists such as Bernini, Titian and Caravaggio.
Address: Villa Borghese park

Piazza Navona
According to some, this is the most beautiful square in the whole world. Not only because of its statues and fountains such as Lorenzo Berninis’ Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, but because its dimensions. This large rectangular square still manages to feel intimate.

Domus Aurea - Nero’s Golden House
In the year 64 Emperor Nero built a palace almost one mile long - from the Palatine hill all the way to the Oppio hill. Some parts were covered in gold, precious stones and splendid decorations. After Nero’s death, it was all filled in with earth in order to obliterate the tyrant’s memory. It was accidentally re-discovered in 15th century and today you can walk through 30 of Nero’s 150 rooms underground.
Address: Via della Domus Aurea (almost directly opposite the Colosseum)
Underground: Colosseo
Phone: +39 06 399677 00

Santa Costanza
Rome has more churches than almost any other city in the world. One of the most beautiful, Santa Constanza, can be found in Via Nomentana in the north of Rome. Ceiling frescoes from the 4th century. The waiting time for weddings here is several years.
Address: Via di Santa Costanza
Underground: 60, 90

Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens at the foot of the Janiculum hill have more than 7000 different kinds of plants and flowers, especially roses.
Address: Largo Cristina di Svezia 24
Underground: to Lungotevere Farnesina
Phone: +39 06 4991 7106

Museo Di Roma
The Museo di Roma houses approximately 40,000 sculptures, paintings and mosaics describing Rome’s history from the Middle Ages until 1870. The museum is located in Palazzo Braschi, built in the 18th century. During the fascist regime Mussolini moved here and made it his political headquarters. After the Second World War 300 families were evacuated to this location and many of the frescoes were damaged by the fires people lit in order to keep warm.
Address: Via di S. Pantaleo 10
Underground: 40, 46, 62 to Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Phone: +39 06-67108316
Internet: www.museodiroma.comune.roma.it

Dining in Rome

Rome caters to all tastes. There are American steakhouses, Lebanese meze restaurants, Vietnamese eateries, and a number of haute cuisine establishments celebrated in the Guide Michelin. But “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” and choose the less extravagant restaurants and trattorias for a memorable dining experience.

The Italian word for dinner, cena, comes from the Latin convivum. A word which means “live together” and that is precisely what you do. Eating is a social get-together which lasts at least three courses - often even at lunchtime.

The Romans do not eat dinner until 9 in the evening.

The traditional Roman pasta is called Carbonara and is made from pork, and whipped egg yolk with lots of parmesan and black pepper, or all’Amatriciana with bacon, tomato and onion.

Vegetables are ordered as a side-dish, contorno, accompanying the main dish, e.g. tossed spinach or chicory with garlic and pepperoncino (Spanish peppers).

Da Franco
Da Franco is an airy and sparsely decorated seafood restaurant located in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood, home to many of the city’s students. The menu offers good value for money. A six course weekend lunch with deep-fried vegetables, steamed mussels and a half bottle of wine is only €16.
Address: Via del Falisci 2
Phone: +39-06-49 57 675

Da Marcello
A proper un buco, or hole-in-the wall type of place, close to Da Franco, always packed with people, and with a surprisingly extensive menu. Closed on Sundays.
Address: Via dei Campani 12
Phone: +39-06-446 33 11

Gino
A simple trattoria popular amongst politicians and journalists. It proofs that when it comes to food, the Romans are no snobs. The speciality of the house is coniglio al vino bianco (rabbit in white vine) and an exquisite tiramisu.
Address: Vicolo Rossini 4, near the Spanish Steps.
Phone: +39-06-687 3434

Betto E Mary
Bustling, loud and with large portions is the best way of describing Betto e Mary. The restaurant makes its own egg pasta, gramiccia, and serves it with a range of sauces. Try the saltimbocca alla romana, veal, Parma ham and sage.
Address: Via dei Savorgnan 99
Phone: +39-06-243 053 39

Cesare
A popular local restaurant in Prati, close to the Vatican. The menu is full of classic Italian dishes and, as always in Rome, gnocchi is served on Thursdays. Cesare also has a selection of deli cold cuts like prosciutto di cervo, made with deer.
Address: Via Crescenzio 13
Phone: +39-06-686 1227

Il Desiderio Preso Per La Coda
This restaurant is tucked away behind Piazza Navona and its tourist traps. The menu is Tuscan and has several rustic dishes including pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup), fig risotto, and polpettone (meatloaf).
Address: Vicolo della Palomba 23
Phone: +39-06-6830 7522

Antico Arco
Touristy Trastevere is home to elegant Antico Arco and its inventive and exciting menu. A good example is the flan di taleggio con salsa di funghi, made with talleggio cheese and mushroom sauce, the lamb with foie gras sauce and pears in port wine.
Address: Piazzale Aurelio 7
Phone: +39-06-581 5274

La Rosetta
Rome’s best fish and seafood restaurant.
Address: Via della Rosetta 8-9
Phone: +39-06-686 10 02

La Fraschetta
A traditional trattoria in the heart of Trastevere with Roman specialities and pizza.
Address: San Francesco a Ripa134, Tram 8
Phone: +39 06 5816012
Internet: www.lafraschetta.com

Bolognese
An expensive alternative, but as the name suggests, the best of Emilia-Romagna cuisine. Unbeatable beef steaks. At the neighbouring table you will always find a politician, film star or TV celebrity. (There are always paparazzi hanging around outside as a result). Please book in advance.
Address: Piazza del Popolo
Underground: Flaminio
Phone: +39 06 3611473

La Taverna Degli Amici
Located in the heart of Rome’s Jewish quarter, a summer tradition with open-air café enveloped in ivy, but just as comfortable inside the cosy restaurant during winter. Extensive menu. You are likely to come back for the fabulous cinnamon mousse.
Address: Piazza Margana 36
Underground: Bus to Piazza Venezia or to Largo Argentina
Phone: +39 06 69920637

Gusto
New York-inspired decor, built in fascist architectural style right opposite Emperor Augustus’ mausoleum -ancient meets modern! Traditional Italian cuisine mixed with international influences. Delicious pizzas.
Address: Piazza Augusto Imperatore 9
Underground: Tube to Piazza di Spagna, bus 528, 81
Phone: +39 06 322 6273
Internet: www.gusto.it

Rome Cafes

Most Romans are very particular about their coffee and ice cream. They know which places are the best, and they don’t mind going across town to visit them. Here are a few good places in central Rome:

Caffè Sant´ Eustachio
Bags of coffee beans rest on the floor and images of plantations adorn the walls. It has looked the same for as long as anyone can remember. In addition to the different types of coffees that can be sampled, they also serve gran caffè, a cappuccino without milk, where the coffee is foamed instead.
Address: Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82

Tazza D´Oro
Another popular café known for its exceptionally strong coffee. A much admired granita al caffè, flavoured ice with coffee and whipped cream is also available.
Address: Via degli Orfani 84-86

Gelato Di San Crispino
When Romans talk about the best ice cream parlours, San Crispino almost always comes out on top. It’s primarily their zabaione, made with a 20-year-old Marsala, which attracts attention. Other flavours are lampone (raspberry), and pistachio.
Address: Via della Panetteria 42

Fiocco Di Neve
Almost as popular is Fiocco di Nevi, “the snow flake”, close to famous Giolittis. Many locals claim that the city’s best zabaione can be found here. Also try the chocolate ice cream, laced with orange - the Roman way.
Address: Via del Pantheon 51

Rome Bars and Nightlife

The Romans love to meet over an aperitivo around 7.30 p.m., after which they either go on to a restaurant or home for dinner. The drinks need not necessarily be alcoholic. Many bars serve light snacks which are included in the price.

After 23.00 most of those looking to party head over to the Testaccio area. Named after the mountain of discarded amphoras, the area is home to many locali, ranging from small piano bars to equally small discos. Among the best known are the rock bars Akab and Radio Londra, Latino chic Caruso, and Rome’s first gay disco - Alibi.

Bar Della Pace
Everyone agrees that this is the premier place for cocktails and celebrity-spotting. Despite the crowds and the tourists, movie stars and media celebrities still flock here.
Address: Via della Pace 4-7
Phone: +39-06-686 12 16

Bar Del Fico
Close to Bar della Pace, but with more locals and a higher tempo - especially in the summer time.
Address: Piazza del Fico 26

Rosati
If you want a quieter start to the evening, with waiters in white jackets, this is your place. Not much has changed here since Calvino, Pasolini and other leftist intellectuals sat here in the 1960’s.
Address: Piazza del Popolo 5

Friends
Has won several awards for its aperitivi. After 6 p.m. they serve a buffet with small appetizers. Young bar with modern design in Trastevere.
Address: Piazza Trilussa

Bloom
is Rome’s trendiest watering hole- a sushi restaurant which turns into a cocktail bar after midnight.
Address: Via del Teatro Pace 30

Goa
One of Rome’s largest discotheques with a laser show and hundreds of people on the dance floor. Leonardo di Caprio danced here when “Gangs of New York” was filmed at Cinecittà. Located right next door is Le Distillerie which has a different feel, softer with a bar and restaurant.
Address: Via Libetta 13

La Maison
La Maison is situated in the historic centre and often has famous international guests in its VIP section.
Address: Vicolo dei Granai 3, near Piazza Navona

Supperclub
Supperclub is near the Pantheon with a champagne bar.
Address: Via de’Nari 15

Gilda
The traditional nightclub Gilda, not far from the Spanish Steps, still retains its style and mainly attracts more mature guests.
Address: Via Mario de’Fiori 97

Shopping in Rome

High-fashion shopping in Rome is concentrated to two streets running parallel to each other from the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is home to Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Armani, and Max-Mara. Over on Via Borgognona, one can find the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gianfranco Ferré, Laura Biagiotti, and Gai Mattiolo. Closer to Piazza Navona is Via dei Giubbonari, and its street fashion stores McQueen and Liquid. Nearby is also Via del Governo Vecchio, with its elegant vintage fashion boutiques.

When it comes to food, Rome has several attractions. Volpetti on Via Marmorata 47 in Testaccio is as close to heaven as you can get. This bustling, high paced place offers many deli options. Latini pasta from Osimo, salsiccia and spicy sandwich meats. Its speciality, however, is its cheeses, including the formaggio di fossa, matured underground. Two other delis to revel in are ancient Franchi and Castroni on Via Cola di Rienzo. Castroni offers a slightly more international selection. Campo de´Fiori is the site of a daily food market that embodies the terms picturesque and colourful. Come early when the shadows are long and the morning is at its freshest. Another nice market, with more of a food hall atmosphere, is Mercato di Testaccio.

Upmarket antiques can be found on Via dei Coronari, jewellers on Via dell’Orso and Via dei Pianellari. Via San Francesco di Sales 85 is the address for Cereria Di Giorgio, which sells all kinds of candles. The Vatican is their largest customer. In the long shopping street Via del Corso, which runs from Piazza Venezia down to Piazza del Popolo, there are shops to suit most pockets. Chains such as Stefanel, Etam, The Group and Benetton are sandwiched between specialist boutiques. Also many shoe shops, sports shops and music stores such as Il Messaggero Musicale. Cola di Rienzo in the Prati district of the city is also lined with various reasonably priced shops. Rome does not have the department store culture of many other large cities. The Romans prefer small, intimate and familiar boutiques. In the centre there are two department store chains:

Coin
Women and men’s clothes, shoes, bags, costume jewellery, perfumes, high quality kitchen and bathroom gadgets.
Address: Piazzale Appio 7
Underground: San Giovanni, Cola di Rienzo 173, Tube Ottaviano,
bus 70
Internet: www.coin.it

Rinascente
Slightly more exclusive, mainly clothes, shoes, perfume.
Address: Piazza Colonna Piazza Fiume
Underground: Barberini, bus 62
Phone: +39 06-6797691 +39 06-8841231
Internet: www.rinascente.it

Galleria Alberto Sordi
Beautiful 19th century arcade with enormous cut-glass chandeliers and a vaulted glass roof. Recently named after the very popular actor Alberto Sordi who died a couple of years ago. Various shops, mainly fashion clothes, for example, Zara, but also the book shop Feltrinelli which has a wide range of guides, books in various languages, CDs, etc. Also coffee bars.
Address: Piazza Colonna 31-35
Underground: Barberini, bus 62

Rome Hotels

Rome has an abundance of hotels but with six million visitors every year, they are soon fully booked. Make reservations in good time!

Hotel De Russie
Luxurious and stylish hotel that opened in 2000. Has a nice courtyard and a terraced garden that stretches up towards Pincio.
Address: Via del Babuino 9, near the Spanish Steps

Click here to check Hotel De Russie Cheapest Hotel Rates

Hotel Locarno
Intact 1920’s style, a number of films have been shot here. In a small street between the River Tiber and Piazza del Popolo.
Address: Via della Penna 22

Click here to check Hotel Locarno Cheapest Hotel Rates

Due Torri
A quaint hotel tucked away inside a small alley, close to the Tiber. The top-floor rooms have private terraces.
Address: Vicolo del Leonetto 23

Click here to check Due Torri Hotel Cheapest Hotel Rates

Luxury Rome Hotels

Hotel Hassler
The ultimate in luxury, situated above the Spanish Steps near the Trinità dei Monti church. Many Hollywood celebrities.
Address: Piazza Trinita’ dei Monti 6
Underground: Piazza di Spagna

Click here to check Hotel Hassler Cheapest Hotel Rates

Good Value Rome Hotels

Hotel San Francesco
Central and clean in Trastevere, right next to the church of St Francis of Assisi, and a monastery. Breakfast room in a renovated cloister overlooking a small garden. Pleasant roof terrace where you can also eat breakfast or have a drink in the evening
Address: Via Jacopade’ Settesoli 7, Tram 3 or 8

Click here to check Hotel San Francesco Cheapest Hotel Rates

Cheap Rome Hotels

Abitazione Pigneto Hotel Rome
Double room with private bathroom confortable, silent and bright. - Meals available - Informations - Tickets reservation where necessary.You could spend some day in Rome, in the magic atmosphere, among the roman monuments, medieval basilicas and baroque squares, going from catacombe to Raffaello, from mosaics to Caravaggio, from Vatican to Bernini, from Michelangielo to Trevi Fountain.
Address: Via Perugia 16

Click here to check Abitazione Pigneto Hotel Rome Cheapest Hotel Rates