ROMA!

What to do while in Rome? (Well,EAT and DRINK, of course, but there are other things to do as well)

We're staying at the Rose Garden which is near the Via Veneto and Villa Borghese, which I've heard from a very reliable source (Cheryl Altshuler) is just spectacular. The American Embassy is across the street, and the Piazza Navona/Campo di Fiore area is a 20-30 minute walk away. Spanish Steps are 10-15 minutes. There is a busy cab stand a block from the hotel, which we might want to use (or a bus) to get to the Coloseum, as it's a 30-40 minute walk (20-30 minute walk to the Pantheon).

There's also a small but handy grocery store right on the side street next to the hotel called "Despar." Might use for drinks or snacks since we have a refridgerator in the room.

Rose Garden Palace, Via Boncompagni

Borghese Gardens

We'll be starving after arriving, taking a taxi to the hotel and checking in. So...I've researched a few recommended pizza spots to get us started on the fun! In Rome, the locals like their pizza thin and square.


1. Dar Poeta
46 Vicolo del Bologna (darpoeta.com)

Dar Poeta pizza

2. Forno Camp De'Fiori
22 Campo de'Fiori, 14 vicolo del Gallo (fornocampodelfiori.com)
It's takeout only, but there is a statue in the middle of the piazza where you can sit. The pizza is served in a paper bag.

FCD Pizza

3. 'Gusto
9 piazza Augusto Imperatore (gusto.it)There are several locations of 'Gusto, but there's one very very close to our hotel. I'm thinking we'll probably hit that one on DAY ONE!

'Gusto pizza

Now of course after all that pizza, we'll be in the mood for something cool and refreshing. So...why not begin our quest for the best gelato in Italy?

1. Fiordiluna
96 via della Lungaretta (fiordiluna.com)

It's customary to order two flavors, and allow them to blend together.

2. Bar Alberto Pica
12 via della Seggiola
Near the Pantheon and Circus Maximus

3. Gelateria Fatamorgana
9/11 via de Lago di Lesina (felateriafatamorgana.it)

4. Giolitti
40 Uffici del Vicario

5. Il Gelato de San Crispino
42 via della Panetteria
located near the Trevi Fountain



Now after all that food and gelato, it's back to sightseeing. Our first adventure will be to go to the Colosseum and get in the gladiator mood.

We've already purchased a Rome Colosseum Pass which gives us access to the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill for 2 days (7/15/11 and 7/16/11).

We'll be exhausted at some point this first day, so with a 2 day pass, we can take our time and do whatever we didn't get to do today, tomorrow.

There are supposedly lots of great restaurants near our hotel. Two non-touristy ones that were recommended are: Brancaleone, Via Levanna, 11
and Picollo Abruzzo, Via Sicilia, 237
. And Gina's,Via di San Sebastianello, 7, near the Spanish Steps.

Others that I'd like to definitely try are:

La Pentolaccia
Via Flavia 38

Porto de Repetta
Via di Ripetta, 250

Pierluigi
Campo di Fiori area
Piazza de' Ricci, 144

and of course 'Gusto

Finally, at some point we're going to want to sit and relax and have a view (and perhaps a cocktail?).

Rooftop terraces where you can enjoy a drink and a view of the Rome skyline:
Grand Hotel de la Minerve : Piazza della Minerva 69
Come for the astonishing close-up of the Pantheon at dome-level, and for the breathtaking panoramic view of Roman rooftops.

Hotel Atlante Star : Via Vitellesci, 34
Though the view from the roof garden of the hotel's Les Etoiles restaurant is a 360° stunner, at night, the view is of a glorious city , with the famous cupola in the midst of it all.

Hotel Raphael : Largo Febo 2
Enjoy sight-spotting from the terrace of this beautiful, hotel. The view dips down into the historic cloister of Santa Maria della Pace, and spreads as far as the eye can see across ginger-bread rooftops.

Ciampini : Viale Trinita' dei Monti
Perched above Piazza di Spagna, the restaurant Ciampini affords a second-to-none view of the sweeping Spanish Steps: ideal for those seeking time out from the bustle of Piazza di Spagna.

Hotel Gladiatori : Via labicana 125
You can view the Colosseum in all its majesty, and far more civilized surroundings.

Terrazza dell'Hotel Eden (Hotel Eden) : Via Ludovisi 49

The view is world-class (including the dome of St Peters!), as you would expect from one of Rome's classiest hotels, and the cocktails don't disappoint either. This hotel is close to our hotel - the northern end of via veneto.

Another great bar/restaurant that I have to go to is Harry's Bar and Bistro. It's very close to the hotel and supposedly has fabulous cocktails.

We leave the States for Rome in 6 weeks!!!

Other restaurants that have come highly recommended (thank you Katie Parla of Parlafood.com) are:

Lunch - L'Asino d'Oro (nearby the Colosseum area in Monti) or
Luzzi near the Colosseum
Trattoria Da Danilo (in the Esquiline district)
Roma Sparita (great cacio e pepe - spagetti with black pepper) near Trastevere
Osteria La Gensola (amazing fish) also near Trastevere area

Dinner - Roscioli