Top Ten Attractions
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The Colosseum
Probably Rome’s most recognisable sight - a huge amphitheatre, completed in AD80 and the scene of gladiator fights and battles with wild animals. http://www.pierreci.it
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The Forum
The heart of ancient Rome for thousands of years. Now has many ruins and a few standing buildings. http://www.tikitaly.com/galleries/forum-rome-it...
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Pantheon
Rome’s best-preserved monument of antiquity, built in 27BC. Inside are several tombs, including that of the painter, Raphael. http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/rome/pantheon
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The Trevi
The most famous and spectacular of Rome’s many fountains. Legend has it that if you throw in a coin, you will return to the city one day.
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The Spanish Steps
There are almost 140 of them and it’s the ‘in’ place to hang out in Rome. People sit and read, take photos, write postcards or just show off. In early May, there’s a beautiful display of flowers.
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St Peter’s Basilica
Worth the inevitable lines and security checks to enter. Underneath Michelangelo’s huge dome is a cathedral that’s truly awesome – eleven chapels, forty-five altars and priceless works of art. http://www.stpetersbasilica.org
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The Vatican
The independent state that forms an enclave within Rome, where the Pope is guarded by handsomely-dressed Swiss Guard. This is the centre of the Roman Catholic faith that draws pilgrims from all over the world. http://www.vatican.va
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The Sistine Chapel
Situated within the Vatican Palace, the Chapel contains the breathtaking ceiling painting by Michaelangelo and other stunning frescoes. http://www.christusrex.org/www1/sistine
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Gianicolo
The climb to the top of this hill rewards you with a marvellous panorama of the entire city. Add a sunset and you have a perfect Roman moment.
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Piazza Navona
A huge square with an imposing fountain embodying the spirit of the Baroque age. A place to linger and enjoy Gelati – the renowned Italian ice cream.
Eating and Drinking
Few things – perhaps only cars, football and families – come between Romans and a good meal. A summer evening’s meal al fresco can be one of Rome’s most memorable experiences. The city’s specialities may not always be appetising – things like tripe, brains, salt cod and offal – but more common Italian staples like pizza and a hundred kinds of pasta can be found in most restaurants. The streets around Piazza Navona contain many restaurants, though few areas are without their quiet neighbourhood trattorias and pizzerias. It’s often in these places – away from tourist areas - that you will enjoy your best, and most reasonably priced meal. Book before you go … and find the most stylish places to eat at http://dev.instylehotels.com/top-table/search-restaurant.php
Shopping
Though not a city to compare with London, Paris or New York, Rome still has much to satisfy the wealthy and discerning shopper. It’s best known for its luxury goods – silks, leather, jewellery, shoes and accessories are of the highest quality. The most exclusive shops cluster in the grid of streets around Via dei Condotti and Piazza di Spagna (by the Spanish Steps). Less expensive streets include Via del Corso, Via Nazionale and Via del Tritone. La Rinascente is Rome’s grandest department store with branches at Piazza Colonna and Piazza Fiume. Rome’s most attractive food and vegetable market is in Piazza Campo dei Fiori. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, however, is the city’s main market, selling food and general goods. Porta Portese is the city’s most famous flea market (Sunday only - and it’s crowded). Via Sannio next to San Giovanni in Laterano has a smaller junk and second-hand clothes market on Saturdays.
Night Life
Nightlife for many Romans means a meal in a pavement café, although there are more active nightspots to be found. Jazz and Latin music clubs are especially popular in Rome. For the Latin beat, try Caffe Caruso on Via Monte Testaccio. Yes!Brazil in Via San Francesco is also a lot of fun. The best overall spot is said to be Big Mama (Vicolo San Francesco a Ripa) with both jazz and blues. www.bigmama.it Sitting at cafes until the small hours is a feature of Rome’s summer nightlife. Caffe della Pace (Via della Pace) is the most popular. Pubs and beer halls are also well frequented. Try the Fiddler’s Elbow on Via dell’Ormata.
