Rome

Once again I would like to extend a warm welcome to GoingEuro.com. I have included travel guides (in the Travel Store) that I like to use, along with restaurants, accommodations and shops that I am partial to; in addition to, web sites that I found useful or just interesting. On this page I have assembled a diverse assortment of information from getting into central Rome from the airport to where to go to pick up nifty souvenir of your trip. You might say this is my odds and ends page. Everyone has a drawer in their home where they throw just about everything. This is my digital version of such a drawer.

Like Florence, Rome is filled with art (paintings, sculptures....) to admire and spectacular Roman ruins to explore. The city is fun to visit anytime of the year. Even during winter when there is a slight nip in the air it’s fun to walk around exploring all the nooks and crannies. On one such evening late November, I discovered some of the most beautiful mosaics in Rome in the Basilica of Saint Praxedes (Prassede). It was magical seeing the church on a dark and rainy afternoon. The dark and gloomy weather only intensified the atmosphere. Of course a nice to stroll through the Villa Borghese on a fine Spring day cannot be sneezed at either. However, the point I am trying to make is no matter what time of the year or the weather conditions there is always something wonderful to see or experience in Rome.

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High season in Rome tends to be – Early Spring (May – June), Early Fall (September – October), Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Probably the most cost effective way to get from the Airport into central Rome is to use The Leonardo Express (don’t you just love the name). The trip from the Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) to the main train station takes approximately 35 minutes. Trains run about every half hour. The two subway lines merge at the main train station, as do a number of bus lines. Unfortunately, the arrival track of the Leonardo Express stops quite a ways out from the terminal building, so the walk to the taxis stand and buses in the Piazza dei Cinquecento can be a trek. As I am walking from the train, I always silently thank the clever person who invented luggage with wheels.

On my last trip I opted for a shuttle bus to the airport when it was time to leave . For two people it’s quite economical. Even for one person who doesn’t mind spending a little extra money to get to the airport. And it is cheaper than a taxi and more convenient than the train. For example, my flight home was leaving at 1:50 pm, the shuttle bus picked me up right in front of where I was staying at 10:15 am. He made one more stop to pick up a couple more passengers and we arrived at the airport shortly after 11:00 am. One such company that offers a shuttle bus service to and from the airport is Rome Airport Shuttle. The company can arrange for a car or shuttle bus to pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your hotel.

Many of the major attractions are located in the historic central part of the city, within walking distances of one another. A good pair of walking shoes is essential because the cobblestones are hard on the feet. For longer distances there is a subway (Metropolitana), which operates from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Buses that run in the daytime and a few that run after midnight. For the schedule for late night buses look for “bus notturno”. There is also a network of trams. Tram line 8 leaves Largo Argentina and will take you into Trastevere and stops at Piazza Sonnino. Tickets are called BIT - Biglietto Integrato a Tempo (Integrated Time Ticket) and can be used on the subway, buses or trams. They are valid up to 75 minutes once the ticket has been validated. You can transfer between an unlimited number of buses, but only metro trip during those 75 minutes. You must time stamp your ticket in the machine when entering the subway or boarding a bus or tram. On buses, you usually enter either using the front or rear door of the bus and exit via the center doors. The time stamp machine is easy to spot - it’s yellow. If the machine is broke or doesn’t seem to be working write the time in ink on the ticket. If you don’t validate your ticket and you get caught you will pay a steep fine on the spot. Considering how inexpensive riding on the subway, buses or trams it’s not worth taking a chance. One other thing to note if you are traveling by bus, check to make sure the bus is not an express (unless you want to take an express bus) because these buses have limited stops. It might not stop where you want to go. For those who will be using public transportation frequently a seven day pass is available. The public transportation system is operated by ATAC (Azienda Tranvie e Autobusdel Commune di Roma). The web site has an English version. Under Getting Around Rome on The Official Tourist Website for Rome you will also find information on the different types of tickets available (single rides, daily/weekly/monthly passes and a 3 day tourist ticket - BTI) along with other useful information on hotels, restaurants, museums, current exhibitions and so fourth. When I arrive in Rome and plan to use single tickets, I like to stop by a tabacchi or newsstand to purchase between 5 - 10 of tickets (BIT) just to have on me.

Since the introduction of a tourist information phone line 060608 (there are operators who speak English) getting help with questions about museums, archeological sights, restaurants, events (theater, concerts, dance).....has never been easier. There is also information on their website at www.060608.it (in English).

P.I.T. (Punti d’Informazione Turistica) are green kiosks operated by city of Rome. There are a number them dotted around the city and at Rome’s two international airports. Generally they are open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. except the ones at the airports, which close a little earlier.

- Ciampino, Aeroporto G.B.Pastine
- Fiumicino, Aeroporto Leonardo Da Vinci - Arrivi Internazionali Terminal 3 (Arrival International Terminal 3)
- Castel S. Angelo – Tiber embankment
- Piazza delle Cinque Lune – northeast corner of the Piazza Navona, Corso del Rinascimento runs right into Piazza delle Cinque Lune
- Via Marco Minghetti (corner of Via del Corso) – west of the Trevi Fountain, a little south of Galleria Alberto Sordi
- Via Nazionale - Palazzo delle Esposizioni
- Via dell'Olmata – southwest side of Piazza S. Maria Maggiore
- Via Giovanni Giolitti, 34 - Stazione Termini
- Piazza Sidney Sonnino (Trastevere) – a little ways down from the Ponte Garibaldi on the main street, Viale di Trastevere, nearest major cross-street is the Via della Lungaretta

For a color map of Rome showing the locations click here.

The Thursday edition of La Re Repubblica has a supplement called Trova Roma that lists cultural events. Another publication and one specifically aimed at the English speaking community is Wanted in Rome (published every two weeks). Click on the link to view the online version. The Roma c’e (published every Wednesday) has an English section on what’s happening. Another online source for what’s happening such as art exhibits, concerts and theater is www.romeguide.it.

Context Rome sells a transit packet (delivered to your hotel) that includes 10 tickets along with a detailed booklet that tells you about Rome’s public transportation system (subway, buses and trams) and how to use the system. The company also offers guided walking tours and rents cell phones you can use while staying in Rome.

Good news many areas of Rome are now covered by a wireless network. You will need to register and have working cell phone number. Once you register the server will call your phone to confirm the registration. You will be given something like an hour a day at no cost. For more information including a map of the hotspots click here. You will also still find internet cafes scattered about.

If you are like me and like to read before going to bed, but do not like to pack a lot books (aside from guidebooks) when going on holiday. You might be in need of one of those wonderfully entertaining thrillers or a jolly good mystery in English. Two bookstores in Rome that stock a selection of books in English are the Anglo American Book Co. on the Via della Vite near the Spanish steps and the Almost Corner Bookstore, Via del Moro 45 (near the Ponte Sisto) in Trastevere.

Settimana della Culture (Culture Heritage Week) - Held in spring, many state owned museums and archeological sights open their doors for free. Concerts and other events are staged around the city. The event is sponsored by Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.

Casa Dell’Architettura (an architectural cultural center), Piazza Manfredo Fanti, 47 (near the Stazione Termini) – Conferences and exhibitions are held in what was once Rome's aquarium, built in the 1880’s. A fascinating building that has been cleverly renovated for use as an exhibition space, which is fortunate because it would have been a shame had it been torn down.

Shop Rome - your personal shopper in Rome - for more information click on the link.

ItalianWeddings.com - helps couples plan and get married in Rome and other destinations in Italy.

Avveniture Bellissime - offers walking tours not only in Rome, but in Florence and Venice as well. One of the tours offered in Rome explores the many known and less known fountains around the city.

Sergio di Cori, 53 Piazza di Spagna Tele: 39 06 678 44 39. Great selection of gloves at reasonable prices. The web site has an English version.

For antiques head to the via Babuino and via Margutta in Tridente between the Piazza del Popolo and The Spanish Steps. The quaint and narrow Via Margutta is lovely for either a morning or late afternoon stroll combined with a little window shopping. Be sure to stop in at the wonderful marble shop of Enrico Fiorentini, for a keepsake (he sells small items and big items so you should find something that will fit into your budget) of your trip to Rome. His shop is called La Bottega del Marmoraro, 53B Via Margutta, open 9:00 am-1:00 pm and from 3:30 pm-7:00 pm. Closed in August. Two other streets famous for their antique shops are the via dei Coronari and the via Guilia near the Piazza Navona. The former will be quite a treat for those who love Art Nouveau or as it’s called in Italy, Stile Liberty and named after the famous department store in London.

Deruta, famous for its ceramics is about 75 miles from Rome. Perfect for a day trip. For more information on the ceramics go to www.deruteitaly.com.