Looking Around
- Piazzas
Rome’s fantastic sets of Piazzas are ideal to hang out, blend in and experience the everyday Rome life. Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of Spanish Steps is perhaps the most popular spot. Its beauty is further enhanced by Bernini's boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain.
The stunning, Piazza Navona was built on the ruins of Domitian's stadium. It's lined with baroque palaces and holds three fountains, including Bernini's Fountain of the Rivers.
Among other spots, Piazza Barbeni, Piazza Venezia and The Campo de’ Fiori are worth a visit.
- Trevi Fountain
Trevi is the most popular fountain in Rome, attracting hordes of tourists and their coins, due to the myth that throwing a coin in the fountain will guarantee your return to the Eternal City.
- Forum
The commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome, the Forum took over 900 years to build.
You can enter the Forum from the piazza leading from the Colosseum. Once inside you are quickly transformed into era of ancient Rome. Look out for Arch of Septimus Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the House of the Vestals, the Temple of Antoninus & Faustina and the Arch of Titus.
- Marcus Agrippa's Pantheon
Originally built in 27BC, and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD, the temple houses the tombs of Raphael and Victor Emmanuel I. It also houses the Baths of Caracalla, one of the best-preserved imperial baths in the city.
- Churches
Rome is full of churches, right from early Christian basilicas, Romanesque churches, and churches of the Baroque period. These churches lend its character to the city and are pure architectural delights.
EATING OUT & NIGHTLIFE
Rome offers an impressive eating out lineup, from typical roman cuisine to an eclectic international mix.
San Lorenzo and Testaccio are popular eating districts with the locals. Pizzeries, lining Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona harbour serve good food at excellent rates.
If you are feeling adventurous you can also try the many street side cafés around Trevi Fountain.
Most eateries open from 12.30 pm to 4pm for lunch and dinner is served from 8pm onwards.
Though Rome doesn’t have a throbbing nightlife, it offers enough options for someone wanting a fun-filled night out. Its Cocktail bars, beer houses, pubs, wine bars and Creperie joints will guarantee a rocking time. Popular among these are Simposio di Costantini, Cupido, Radio Londra and Nautilus.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Use "Signore" (Mr.) and "Signora" (Mrs.), plus the family name, when introduced to strangers.
- Do not use first names until you are invited to do so
- To call a clerk or waiter use the phrase "senta", which means, "please come here.”
- Avoid wearing shorts in public, as it is unacceptable.
- While conversing with Italians don’t bring up topics like policies of Vatican, the Mafia, Politics, World War 2 and about their families.
- Go with gift-wrapped chocolates, pastries or flowers, when invited to someone’s home.
- Never give an even number of flowers. Don't give chrysanthemums since they are used for funerals. |
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