When we’re traveling, it’s natural to seek out the best experiences possible so that we have lots of great memories. As a result, we can recommend, and sometimes enthusiastically revisit, remote countries we got to know in the distant or not-so-distant past.

Whenever disagreements arise during a visit to Rome, it’s most often about choosing the best activities to undertake.

But we can tell you that there are really just two activities you must take part in when you visit Rome: selecting a great plate of food and visiting the sights.

The best dishes to eat when visiting Rome

Rome´s cuisine is generally categorized by the dishes’ lack of quality, since the products which are usually used to prepare them are made of different flours. However, not all of it fits into this category of opinion.

There are a variety of impressive dishes that require delicacy in their preparation. Proof of this is the Fettuccine Romane. This wonderful dish consists of various meats, topped with noodles and a sauce made of vegetables and red wine. It’s the perfect combination and one of the most fabulous dishes to try when visiting Rome.

For those who like vegetarian options, one of the best dishes that I would recommend tasting is Penne all´arrabbiata. This dish consists of various vegetables and a wonderful pasta (penne) that will certainly provide the energy needed to spend the day visiting all the best sites.

Tips and places to consider when visiting Rome

The Roman Coliseum is definitely one of the most marvelous places to see in Rome. In this large coliseum many gladiators once fought to their death. This was considered a circus and was used for the general entertainment of the Roman citizens.

Another site that is complementary to a visit to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum or Imperial Forums. Contrary to what you may think, a forum is not an activity but rather a place where the citizens of ancient Rome sat to discuss major economic and social problems of the polis.

Although some of it has been destroyed over time, you can still see several columns and flat spots, where it is possible to conceive that large gatherings of the ancient civilization met to determine the fate of the policies governing their city.

Escritores De Articulos

I have one last tip that will be useful for you when renting your apartment, since it can help you save time and money, both of which you’ll need to visit multiple sites of Rome. Visitors or tourists who rent apartments in Rome city center  have the advantage of being close to the sites and experiencing the Roman infrastructure. Staying in the center also offers a lot of other conveniences.

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London has Shoreditch, Paris Le Marais and Rome, as you would expect has  its version of the West Village of New York called Pigneto, a place where time takes on another dimension and its inhabitants enjoy the dolce vita in full twenty-first century.

Located near the Termini station and the university district of San Lorenzo, El Pigneto was an old residential district, whose illustrious past can be seen in the old villas and Art Nouveau architecture which can be admired in its oldest part. After World War II and the arrival of the railroad, it was transformed in the hands of the workers who came to work in the railway and simpler buildings began to mix with the great mansions. The Art Nouveau dominated the trends of the moment and was the prevailing style in this new phase.

Today, it has become one of the most culturally and intellectually active neighbors in Rome, where historic neighborhood inhabitants mix with students and artists, and there are numerous exhibitions, concerts and cultural activities not to be missed.

First came the immigrants in search of affordable homes, then students, for its proximity to the University of La Sapienza, and finally, architects, filmmakers and intellectuals who saw here a chance to live in a quaint and lively area. The secret of its charm in its spirit and distinctly popular neighborhood has not been lost with the arrival of new residents in search of remote territories far from the more chaotic, and still free of tourists Rome.

Its cornerstone is located in Via del Pigneto, a pedestrian street with a great nightlife, home of the daily market where neighbors develop much of their social  joyful life . It also hosts a popular antique market held on the last Sunday of each month, an opportunity to bargain for the merchandise of the locals. Around, new businesses have emerged: exquisitely decorated shops, bookstores, art galleries and coffee shops.

Much of the success of the district is due to the distinctive contributions of iconic filmmakers like Pier Paolo Pasolini and Roberto Rossellini: as the casting of the first film by Pasolini, Accatone was held inside the Bar Necci, a establishment that opened in 1924 and is one of the emblems of the neighborhood, where more bohemian neighbors be seen. Meanwhile, Rossellini chose its streets as the setting for his film Rome Open City in 1945.

Besides good restaurants as Chiccen, Grandoni´s or Primo and lively bars as Vini e Oli, Cargo or Hobo, the Pigneto also satisfies your cultural needs with the archaeological remains of Torrione Prenestino, Columbarium and Porta Maggiore, the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, which dates back to s. IV, and the Historical Museum of Toys.

Elena Alvarez

To discover the charms of Pigneto and spend an unforgettable holiday in the Italian capital, book accommodation in Rome apartments .

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The well-known saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” can be applied to a lot of things in Rome, and you should definitely eat and drink your fill of the delicious Italian cuisine and wine. Why not also take advantage of one of the best ways to see the city – from the backseat of a classic Vespa. As part of a group, you can explore the city and experience a truly Roman way to travel at the same time.

Enjoy the scenery as a professional driver and tour guide takes you on a tour of the Eternal City. You won’t have to worry about driving or traffic rules, but don’t forget to hang on tight! The tours also include planned stops to take photographs and enjoy a cup of coffee or some gelato.

Nerone Tours Italy offers three different tours, which we’ll tell you about here. Daytime tours are offered at 9 am and either 2 pm or 3 pm daily. Nighttime tours begin at 8 pm.Prices start at €160 per person.

The Grand Tour

This tour will take you to see all the highlights of the city, including some that might be harder to get to on foot. It would be a great way to get an introduction to the city shortly after arriving.

Included in the 4-hour long tour are all of the popular sites of Rome. You´ve seen it done in the movies, when the protagonists speed past the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps or the the Trevi Fountain with a carefree attitude, their hair blowing wildly in the wind. Now you can experience the same thing first hand. Your guide will take you to see all the important spots and views and you need only take in the sights and enjoy the scenery while traveling in style. If you´re interested in this tour, the meeting spot is the Piazza della Repubblica.

The Night Tour

Rome is so beautiful at night, when the buildings are bathed in light and the people are moving about in the streets. This 3-hour tour, which covers a slightly smaller selection of the sights listed above, will give you a real feeling for this vibrant city’s nightlife and show you places that are lovely to behold at night. The meeting spot for this tour is the Piazza della Repubblica, and it begins at 8 pm.

The Secret Rome Tour

This tour is designed to show you something you won’t find in a guidebook. Your tour guide and driver will take you down the ancient alleyways of Rome, where you’ll observe the normal daily activities of the area, which is rich with artisanal shops, and see how the locals live. This 4-hour tour includes many important sites but you´ll take the smaller, less frequently traveled roads to get there. For this tour, you´ll meet at Largo Santa Susanna.

In case you’re interested, Nerone Tours Italy also offers tours in a Fiat 500. You can learn more about these tours and find out about their current specials and discounts on their website: http://www.neronetoursitaly.com/rome/rome-by-vespa

TLD

Start planning your holidays, find great places to stay in Rome . It would then be easy to walk over to the Piazza della Repubblica to start your Vespa tour.

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None of us likes being tricked or, in other words, being charged 6€ for a simple coffee. Many times, especially when we travel to a place we´ve never been to before and that we know nothing about, we are tricked like the tourists that we are. And so, to prevent this from happening, here are a few tips on what not to do in Rome. Check it out:

Avoid the restaurants that have photographs of the dishes. We all know that behind these photographs of abundant and shiny food have nothing to do with what they really serve. Look at McDonalds! Also, it´s not a bad idea to go a bit further away from the main touristy areas to eat. Just by walking a few streets down, the restaurants will be cheaper and the food of better quality. Another important piece of information to remember is that if the restaurant has a menu in English (or in various languages) that´s a bad sign: these restaurants are meant for you, Mr Tourist who is ready to pay 50€ for a pizza, so make sure you don´t fall for that.

Avoid wearing heels. Don´t you know that Rome is the city where you´ll walk for the longest in your life? Also, it´s full of cobbled streets, so enough said. 

Don´t forget to validate your train, tram or bus ticket, since the ticket inspectors of Roman public transport are famous for being ill-tempered and can start some trouble with you. Don´t doubt that they will fine you for not having validated the ticket and that they will send the fine to your country´s embassy. Yes, you read it right. Even if you have it in your hand and you explain nicely that you´re a tourist and didn´t know, they´ll do it, they don´t care.

Don´t try and do too much in a single day. There are thousands of things to see so take it easy because if not you might not be able to move from your bed the next day from exhaustion or due to the blisters on your feet.

Don´t tip. Well, you don´t have to tip. The tip is included in the price, although I´m sure the waiter will be happy if you do. It´s up to you.

Depending on which country you´re from, you won´t see a problem in ordering a cappuccino or a coffee to accompany your meal. Well, you have to know that in southern European countries, nobody would do this, so if you order one expect the waiter to laugh at you. Seriously, ask for wine instead.

Lastly, don´t let yourself be tricked by a guy coming up to you dressed as a Roman who wants you to take a picture with him. If you do, you will be making a mistake because this guy is trying to make some money out of it so if you do take the picture, be ready to fork out.

Maria Climent

I hope these tips have been helpful. Enjoy the trip and don´t forget that you can find accommodation here, find where to stay in Rome.

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It is logical to think that the Castelli Romani are ancient medieval castles, nothing could be further from the truth: they are actually a series of small villages located a few kilometers from Rome in the Alban Mountains. They are summer retreats for the rich and noble since the Roman times, a great way to escape the bustle of the eternal city and spend a day in the nature; a great attraction for tourists. Art, archeology, architecture, food and theater are just some of the hidden charms of the Castelli.

There are many trains and buses frequently departing from Rome to the Castelli. However, the best option is to go by car and stop in the any of the thirteen villages that compose the Castelli; here we recommend you a route around the most important ones that can be done in a day, but all of them have something interesting to discover. It all depends on the time you have.

Our first stop is at Castel Gandolfo. Just 18 kilometers from Rome, this small place has barely 8,000 inhabitants and is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy and it is part of the Natural Park of the Castelli Romani. Famous for hosting the Pope´s summer residence, from Castel Gandolfo palace you’ll be able to see a wonderful view of Lake Albano. Stop at the gardens of the papal villa and the Vatican Observatory.

For lovers of archeology, the town preserves important remains in the Emissario of Lake Albano and the towns of Domitian, Santa Caterina and Titus Flavius Domitian, while those interested in art should stop at churches Santo Tomasso de Villanova and Santa Maria Assunta, both dating from the seventeen century. Along the lake, you’ll find the most luxurious villas, real jewels of architecture, as Torlonia and Chigi. If the weather is good, go ahead and swim in the lake and visit one of their cafes.

Let’s head now to Grottaferrata, famous for its excellent wines and its medieval abbey. Built in 1024 on the ruins of an ancient villa, the Abbey of Santa Maria has beautiful mosaics and frescoes by Domenichino. A painting of the Virgin with the founders of the church (San Bartolomeo and San Nilo), by Carracci, dominates the altar. Curiously, Masses celebrated here follow the Byzantine rite. Its library holds more than 50,000 documents conserving valuable ancient manuscripts.

To finish our tour, go to the magical Frascati, birthplace and namesake of the famous white wine. It has a dozen well-preserved villas, despite the damage suffered during World War II. Villa Aldobrandini is the most popular one, to which you have to pay a visit and observe its paintings, as well as, the Teatro delle Acqua. Another place to consider in Frascati is the Civil Archaeological Museum, with archaeological remains of ancient Tusculum.

The whole area of the Castelli has an excellent cuisine, especially its tasty porchetas (pork seasoned with herbs roasted on wood). Make a stop at one of the traditional restaurants, the fraschette, and discover the benefits of the Lazio’s food.

Elena Alvarez

Do not worry about your accommodation in the Italian capital, book one of our apartments in Rome and enjoy the best locations and amenities to have a truly fantastic holiday.

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Rome does not live only of monuments and history, but also has a lively nightlife that will not disappoint travelers. While it is true that many of the Romans were more interested in local fashion and commercial music, in the eternal city you can also find more underground clubs ranging from burlesque style to harder  rock . These are our recommendations for your alternative nights in the capital.

An old cellar houses is the multifunctional and very, very retro Micca Club. Set between the basilicas of San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Croce, one of the most active clubs where you can have an aperitif or a cocktail and attend sessions of DJs, burlesque shows, theme parties and concerts. It is decorated stunningly  with a spiral staircase, columns and vaults. Music ranges from funk, soul, jazz, beat, rock´n´roll and rythm´n´blues. On Sundays, they also organizes a vintage flea market in the afternoon. See their extensive programming on the web where you can book a table for the lounge area.

In Montesacro, north of the city, the Brancaleone has been a symbol of the alternative culture of Rome for more than 20 years, when it opened as a social center. Today it is a multicultural space that hosts exhibitions, literary readings, concerts, djs sessions, film and theater. The music varies depending on the nights, as often happens in the Roman clubs: Thursdays reggae and hip-hop, techno, house and the best electro and drum´n´bass are on Friday or Saturday concert.

The Qube (via Portonaccio 212) is located near the Tiburtina train station and is both an institution in Rome, a gay disco, so you can attend performances of drag queens on Friday. The resident DJs work at Rock Radio in Rome and the music played is mostly rock and some new wave, metal and black music.

Top international DJs do make their stop in Goa one of the busiest nightclubs in Rome, which is well-known for resident dj Claudio Coccoluto. Temple of house and techno, it is open to the avant-garde music. Given its popularity, you should call before going to get on the Allow list.

In Via di Monte Testaccio, the Big Bang, formerly called Zoo Bar, offers nights of reggae and techno and electro sessions that last until dawn, but also organizes theme parties where you can listen to alternative rock and new wave. They occasionally celebrate vintage markets and you can view their schedule on their website (http://www.bigbangroma.org/).

Elena Alvarez

All you need to enjoy the night in Rome with our proposals is to choose one of our apartments in Rome and pack! You will be in a central location near to everything that is interesting without worrying about schedules.

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The National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome presents from June 12 to September 9 one of the most interesting cultural events taking place this summer in the Italian capital: an exhibition dedicated to the brilliant Andy Warhol that invites you to know one of the most interesting facets of his work: the relationship of art with the news.

Titled Andy Warhol: Headlines you will see an interesting collection of over 80 works composed of art, paintings, prints, photographs, films and television pieces that reveal the artist´s obsession throughout his career with the sensational side of the media. The exhibition is the first that focuses on this particular relationship of Warhol  with the headlines and is a collaboration among several museums. The National Gallery Art in New York was the first to present it, then passed through the Museum für Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt and is now the turn of Rome, before returning back to U.S., to end their journey at the Andy Warhol Museum of Pittsburgh.

Andy Warhol is one of the most important artists of the XX century, known for his great contribution to the world of Pop Art and popular culture tht served as a source of his work. Controversial, uncomfortable, revolutionary … there are many adjectives that have defined him, but it is undeniable that Warhol changed the way of seeing art in the 60´s, a period in which he created some of his most popular works: the illustrations of American icons such as Campbell Soup, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Elisabeth Taylor.

The exhibition begins with his early work hand  painted in the 50´s, based on the covers of newspapers, including A Boy for Meg. The works carried out during the 60 are of vital importance in the exhibition to show how Warhol was immersed in the dramatic side of journalism, using themes like Hollywood scandals or tragedies of ordinary people, and demonstrating the value of the news as a commodity. Warhol also flirted with the technological means to create some of his works, filming videos, movies and television, which have their place in the gallery. You will see an unprecedented discard an episode of Andy Warhol´s TV program with the artist Keith Haring and a video of 1974 with Brigid Berlin, star of The Factory, the legendary art studio created by Warhol in the 60. The last period of Warhol´s life, the early 80´s, is represented with black and white photographs of newspaper vending boxes, silkscreened paintings and some of his collaborations with young artists of the moment, such as Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Address: Viale delle Belle Arti 131, 00196, metro line A – Flaminio

Hours: The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 19:30, but the temporary exhibitions are available from 9:30 to 19h and access is allowed until 45 minutes before closing.

Elena Alvarez

If you are thinking of traveling to the Eternal City this summer, book one of our apartments in Rome and visit this exciting exhibition.

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Rome is getting ready to celebrate the first Italian edition of one of the most important art festivals in the world, the Fringe. An event filled with activities and entertainment from the 23^rd of June to the 15^th of July. Three weeks of theater, dance and performances that will delight travelers who love performing arts.

The Fringe Festival was born in Edinburgh in 1947. Eight theater companies were trying to act in the newly established Edinburgh International Festival without being part of the official program. The organization allowed them to perform their shows and year after year it became a common practice for different artists to present their performances spontaneously, without having been invited to the event. The growing success of this initiative led to the creation of the Fringe Festival Society in 1959. This company, formed by artists, served to support companies wishing to participate in the festival, develop a formal program and formalize the existence of this group. The major premise of its creation was to preserve the independence of spirit, without public funding, and to accommodate all types of plays, which could never be made more rigorous in festivals, as well as established artists and newcomers. Since then, the festival model has circulated around the world: New York, Australia, London, Rome … and this year added to the list.

The chosen venue for the event is Villa Mercede, a place full of nature and culture, located in the historic district of San Lorenzo, one of the most culturally restless in Rome. The exhibition will feature a library where there will be presentations and discussions, three scenarios, a market with over 30 stands and eco-cultural solidarity and a lounge bar. Over 4000 square meters designed for a cultural alternative suitable for all audiences, in which you will be able to see theater, comedies, dramas introspective, dances, monologues, etc.., Represented by more than 50 companies and artists from around the world.

The main attraction of the Fringe is the opportunity to see new artists and Performances that are out from the commercial circuit and its spirit of promoting the culture outside the institutional framework. If you like discovering new talent and the independent side of art, this is certainly an event that you should not miss. Entrance to the exhibition is free and there are only tickets for the performances for 5 Euros each. Visit the official website for more details http://fringeitalia.it/ programming.

San Lorenzo was a former working class district of the Italian capital has been revitalized with the arrival of students because of its proximity to La Sapienza University, the largest in Europe with over 150,000 students. It has a great nightlife, which becomes relaxed, and bohemian atmosphere during the day, a place where traditional small businesses with the most modern are altogether. An interesting place to visit in the neighborhood is the Monumental Cemetery of the summer, which, besides having an unusual name, is the primary resting place of such figures as Vittorio Gassmann, Garibaldi and Sergio Leone.

Elena Alvarez

To get the best out of the festival, choose one of our apartments in Rome at San Lorenzo district and you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the most genuine and authentic side of the Eternal City.

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Many artists and writers throughout history have succumbed to the charms of the eternal city and have spent time, whether short or long, in Rome. The famous German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe, author of Faust, one of the great works of literature, was one of them.

Goethe dreamed of traveling to Rome and was able to fulfill his childhood dream in 1786, at the age of 37. In an apartment in the vía del Corso, close to Piazza del Popolo, he lived together with German artists until 1788. The writer was passionate about the classical world and Rome served as the perfect inspiration. Those two years marked a period of renewal in his life and work.

The city of Rome converted this apartment into a small museum dedicated to Goethe and his homeland, Germany. It opened in 1997 and is the only museum dedicated to Germany abroad. In it you will find an interesting library and a valuable permanent collection.

The permanent collection is a record of Goethe’s personal and professional life during his stay in Rome. It includes diaries and personal letters, drawings, excerpts from his work on color theory and works created during this time period or that were inspired by Rome, such as the Roman Elegies, Italian Journey, Egmont and, of course, Faust. One of the jewels hidden in this part of the museum is the portrait of writer Andy Warhol, from 1982, that is based on one made by the German painter Tischbein in the same apartment where he once lived with together with Goethe.

The library houses a valuable collection of German works which they are continually expanding. There are first editions of books by Goethe and titles devoted to his life and work as well as works devoted to the tradition of the Grand Tour and the relationship betweenGermany andItaly. The entire catalogue can be viewed by appointment or on the museum’s website.

The museum boasts a rich cultural life and often organizes readings, lectures, film screenings and other activities in addition to the temporary exhibitions. These can be viewed on their website: http://www.casadigoethe.it/

Address: víadel Corso 18, 00186 Roma (Metro line A, Piazza del Popolo)

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm 

Price: 4€ general admission, 35€ for a guided tour. On Sundays at11 am they offer a free guided tour (only in Italian).

Vía del Corso is one of the most important streets inRome and is an excellent starting point to visit many attractions in the city center. After visiting the museum and starting from Piazza del Popolo, you could visit the Santa Maria del Popolo Church, the Piazza de Spagna, the Borghese Palace, the Pantheon, the Palacio Doria or the mythical Trevi Fountain. 

Elena Alvarez

For your trip to the Italian capital, choose one of our central apartments in Rome and don´t forget to bring your copy of Italian Journey by Goethe. You can trace his steps to the same places that he describes in his book and have an unforgettable time in Rome.

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Those of us who love pets, know that a holiday can turn into  a problem when deciding where to go, because you have to think about thousands of issues before deciding whether to take them or not. For you not to get stressed and better start preparing your suitcase and your pet’s, we will give you some useful information for the both of you  to have fun in Rome.

Before you buy the tickets you should know that pets require health permits to go abroad. Perhaps it would be a good idea to take it to your vet to see if it needs to have any vaccinations and get a certificate to present it to the relevant authorities. To all pets from the European Union, Italy requires identification by a tattoo or a microchip located somewhere clearly visible. It is also critical that its EU passport is having registered the rabies vaccination (which is required to move it anywhere in the world).

If you have decided to travel by plane, ask your airline what are the specific rules and requirements for pets’ transportation, as each airline has their own regulations for this type of passenger. Most of them accept small pets in cabin, if they don’t exceed 10 kilos weight. If heavier, it should travel comfortably in pressurized cabins and in special cages.

For your arrival to be perfect, with no problems transporting your bags to the city, you should choose a good transport agency that allows you to travel with your pet, we recommend you to check faciletaxi.com, which has all kinds of transport and its staff speak several languages.

To get around the city, we recommend you to do it by foot because it is the only way to get to know every corner of it, besides, your pet will enjoy the extra exercise while stretching its limbs. The Romans love dogs, we must remember that they were as good at hunting as the Greeks and were always accompanied by dogs, therefore, they are part of its history. Even the beach Bau Beach, on the Roman coast, 38 km from the Italian capital, encourages visitors to bring their dogs and offers food for them as well as small umbrellas for them not to get sunburn.

Many restaurants and cafes are suitable to receive pets; one of those is Cul de Sac at Piazza Pasquino 73. It is a moderately priced entertained restaurant, you can spend an average € 28 per person there and it specializes in international cuisine.

If you like meat, you can go to The Library Bistro, in Vicolo della Cancelleria 13. It offers an intimate dinner environment with romantic lights and very good wines. Although it is not that cheap, it´s a very nice place to start an evening.

Take your pet shopping at Cani e Gatti in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II there you will find the latest fashion for them as well as cute toys.

For more information: http://turismo.org/como-viajar-con-mascotas-a-italia/

Nancy Guzman

Rent apartments in Rome and get the privacy you need when traveling with your pet. Enjoy your holiday with your best friend.

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