I am walking around the city, so I am trying to find less famous attractions that will be open in August and are fairly central. Also, if you could recommend any good, cheapish restaurants, that would be great! Thanks!
2006-08-20 07:19:54 · 16 answers · asked by Gypsophila 3 in Travel ➔ Italy ➔ Rome
Sorry, Rome, not "the Rome"!
2006-08-20 07:20:41 · update #1
Best thing to do? Ask the locals and find out where THEY like to go. You'll get a much more authentic experience, too.
2006-08-20 07:26:02 · answer #1 · answered by Claude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, ignore the negative people here because Rome is a really beautiful city, lots to do, the people are lovely, I've been twice and I hope to return. I'm 26 and not particularly into old or ruined buildings but I loved it, I hope you will too. There's the Colliseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican (do climb to the top!) the Sistine Chapel, the oodles of gorgeous cafes and pavement restaurants in pretty squares, but you knew about all that already.
Do explore small, less touristy restaurants and if you can you must find Alexander's - an amazing club below ground level, i.e. the door from the pavement leads down below the shops, it's a bit impossible to spot during the day. Only locals seem to know about it. It's not a club in the conventional sense, it's very chic and only opens at about 10 - after an evening meal locals of varying ages can be seen waiting to get in, and once in you are seated with something to nibble on and perhaps some champagne, before the live jazz gets underway at midnight. It is super, super cool and I don't even like jazz very much. I only wish I didn't have such jet lag when I went and could have kept my eyes open for longer!
It's worth wandering around and choosing a resteraunt on the spur of the moment, try some dishes you wouldn't usually try and be adventurous - there's nothing really gross about Italian cuisine! I did go to the only English style pub in the centre of Rome but it was horrible and vastly expensive so don't go there. I also went to a restaurant on the roof of a posh hotel called L'Etoiles - I think it's the most expensive and exclusive eatery in Rome but I didn't think much of the food, I wouldn't say it was worth doing especially, except perhaps for the beautiful floodlit view of the Vatican.
Do also enjoy the shopping - I was mega tempted but very restricted by how much I could carry. In the end I made do with a pair of very special soft brown leather gloves which always make me feel like a proper lady and I hope will be passed on to future generations as a souvenir of my trip!
You can also visit Pompeii on a day trip from Rome, that's very worthwhile and I was blown away by it though I didn't think I would be beforehand. Rome is also supposed to have a beautiful park to the North, containing a cemetery where several famous poets or other people are buried but I never got around to going. I do remember having breakfast at one of the bakerys - I really wish I lived around the corner from one of those here - a chocolate criossant and a tiny but incredibly strong and powerful shot of dark, dark and intense hot chocolate - pow! Of course I couldn't speak any Italian and relied on pointing and blundering through with my phrasebook but it really wasn't scary and the Italians seem very friendly (particularly towards pretty girls!). Make the most of it and soak up the laid back but proud Italian atmosphere.
My best tip is Alexanders. Have a wonderful time!!!
2006-08-21 13:08:08 · answer #2 · answered by Katie D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was just in Rome last month. Aside from the attractions, a great way to spend a day or two is by visiting the Piazza's (squares). There are a bunch in Rome, which are pretty central, and around those areas (side streets), there are hidden shops and restaurants. I would not recommend eating at the Piazza's because not only are they really expensive (tourist prices), but the quality of food is not as good in my opinion. At night, the Piazza's are a great place to hang out, as many of the restaurants turn into outdoor bars, and you'll find locals just hanging out drinking.
2006-08-23 20:35:53 · answer #3 · answered by charliebrown 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a large outdoor market about a 15 minute walk from the Vatican. You would head northwest (like toward Monte Mario direction) from the Vatican. I think the street is called Via Andrea Doria. Ask around. There is a Metro stop nearby but I don't remember if it is the Ottaviano-St Pietro or the next one to the west. You will need to know some basic Italian. The really cool part is you are off of the beaten path. This is where the locals go. Everything is there to buy. The produce is cheap and outstanding. Meat, bakery, fresh fish, homemade wine if you ask and find the right food stand. The man has it underneath the stand. Anyway have fun and enjoy. Everyone was very nice to us. They will try to understand you if you try to speak some Italian. It is really fun - the challenge of communicating!!!! Remember to tell them molto gentile (you are very kind), grazie (thank you), and of course ciao (can mean hello or goodbye)
2006-08-20 22:28:23 · answer #4 · answered by Karen B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trastevere. It's not too far from the Vatican, but it's off the beaten path. It's not very touristy but it's full of wonderful and interesting sites. Be sure to chekc out the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which dates to the 3rd century. The entire back wall is covered in gold mosaics which are some of the best in the city. Sta Cecilia is another great ancient church in Trastevere. Villa Farnesina is a Renaissance palace in the area that contains some frescoes by Raphael as well as many other great paintings. Trastevere is also near the foot of the Janiculum Hill which offers panoramic views of the whole city. But the best part of Trastevere is how quiet, how untouristy, how medieval it still is. Good restaurants, good pizza, and good gelato. I've heard it has a decent nightlife too.
2006-08-22 21:50:38 · answer #5 · answered by Sass B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You Could Ask Around And See If They Kno Any Good Water Parks If They Have Any =] Or Any Good Bars Just Ask Around And See What You Preferre ! Oooh Yer They Give Out These Leaflets Wen Your On Holiday With Things To Do So Go Grab One Of Them xxx
2006-08-20 14:28:31 · answer #6 · answered by mcrox_lauraxex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not so much a case of saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" as nowadays, "When in Rome, go where the Italians go".
Try and find the places the locals consider cool, where they like to hang out and talk. There are cafes, cinemas, theatres, clubs, art galleries and any number of places where Italians go for their own entertainment. Watch where they go, and follow your nose.
2006-08-22 02:28:39 · answer #7 · answered by fiat_knox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've received some really great responses already, but I would definitely suggest just walking around. Arm yourself with a really good map, and maybe a bus/metro pass in case you wander too far, but just walk around and take it all in. I definitely recommend walking Via del Corso from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia, as well as the neighboring streets.
The view of St. Peter's through the keyhole on the Aventine hill is well worth it, too. And definitely explore Trastevere.
Buon viaggio!
2006-08-22 01:07:17 · answer #8 · answered by nancina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A blonde friend of mine has just returned from Rome. She says she is not going again because there are a lot of ruined buildings. Cheap places to eat, Rome is the dearest place on earth.
2006-08-20 14:29:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
there is nothing but OLD BUILDINGS so I hope you like them.
Trajans column is a must there are also some steps that people like to sit on, don't know why.
And you can always go to see the Antichrist - the bishop of rome- enthroned in all his golden splendour.
Seriously though why don't you google for this stuff?
2006-08-20 14:34:21 · answer #10 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋