A Guide to Rome's Beautiful Sights and Heavenly Tastes
There are numerous famous quotes about Rome, but the Italian actor Alberto Sordi said it best when he stated, "Rome is not like any other city. It's a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one's toes."
Few cities in the world rival Rome's historical landmarks. At every turn there is another temple, sculpture, or monument that is hundreds, if not thousands, of years older than the United States of America. If possible, visit Rome at a time other than high season; it is one of the world's most popular cities and often filled with tourists.
Rome is easy to reach, as its airport Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino (FCO) is one of the busiest in Europe. It even features a hotel directly on its grounds - the Hilton Rome Airport. Numerous airlines offer flights from the U.S.
Depending on your arrival or departure time, visit the town of Fiumicino, where the airport lies. Fiumicino, which sits on the Mediterranean Sea, includes many water-front restaurants that offer freshly caught seafood. It is roughly a 45-minute cab ride from Fiumincino to the center of Rome.
Italy has a fantastic train system; taking the train from FCO to Rome is an easy option to get into the city. The Roma Termini railway station is Italy's largest train station. Almost half-a-million passengers use this station daily to travel throughout Italy and Europe.
Rome is a chic and cosmopolitan city that rivals New York. It's filled with numerous housing options to fit any budget. A great hotel for Rome is the W Rome in the Rome City Centre neighborhood.
The W Rome celebrates the Italian attitude and captures the energy of the Eternal City. The rooftop terrace includes a pool as well as the restaurant, Seu Pizza con Vista. The hotel features a historic palazzo on the outside, with a bold interpretation of luxury on the inside.
The W Rome is centrally located near the famed Piazza de Spagna, or "Spanish steps." It is also close to Rome's equivalent of Central Park: Villa Borghese, a gorgeous park that also houses the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Rome was not built in a day, and in all honesty cannot be seen in less than a week. The city has a copious amount of landmarks to see, the most famous being The Colosseum.
The Colosseum encompasses a large area that includes other historical points of interest. These include but are not limited to the Arch of Constantine, the Temple of Venus and Rome, and Palatine Hill. One can easily spend an entire day visiting just this vicinity.
The Vatican City, the smallest country on Earth, is a must-visit if going to Rome. It features arguably the world's greatest museum, the Vatican Museums. These public museums display the immense collection amassed by the Catholic Church, with the highlight being Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
With over 20,000 items on display, it could take hours to see just the most famous artwork inside the Vatican Museums. This doesn't include also visiting St. Peter's Basilica and Castel Sant'Angelo within the Vatican City.
Rome's other historical landmarks include, but are not limited to the Trevi Fountain, Victor Emmanuel II Monument, and Al Pompiere (the Jewish Quarter). Each of these spectacular historical sites are worth exploring.
Amongst all the sightseeing, don't forget: when in Rome, do as the Romans do. This means eating, drinking, and enjoying "la vita." Rome features spectacular restaurants that serve pasta and amazing Italian wines. Lunch is often a large meal that's followed by a break in the day known as "la pausa." This is similar to the "siesta" in Spain where some businesses close for a mid-day break.
Great food can often be found in your own hotel. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Giano Restaurant inside the W Rome fuses Sicilian cuisine with Roman culture. Each Sunday Head Chef Ciccio Sultano presents Bella Brunch. Not your typical American brunch, this lavish Sunday meal features multiple courses that include pasta, seafood, meat, and dessert. For only 50€, Bella Brunch is a wonderful way to try many different tastes of Italian cuisine.
One of the most famous seafood spots in Rome is Pierluigi Restaurant. This is a superb destination for a splurge meal - reservations are needed, especially for dinner. Celebrating 85 years, restaurant-goers immediately see the fresh seafood offerings upon entry. Located just yards from The Tiber River, Pierluigi is also known for having one of the best wine lists in town.
Speaking of seafood, Ristorante Dogma is worth a trip via the Rome Metro to the Piazza Zama neighborhood. This seafood grill features the artistic creations of chef Gabriele di Lecce. The 5-course tasting menu for 48€ is one of Rome's best dining deals. Ask sommelier Alessandra Serramondi to pair a wine with each course; you will not be disappointed.
Romans love drinking and eating outside while watching the world go by. Casa Dante in the Esquilino neighborhood is the perfect locale for people-watching. Casa Dante features a friendly staff who will guide you through the menu. You can't go wrong by ordering their featured cocktail and entrée of the day.
Do not visit Italy without eating pizza, as Rome has lots of casual spots for a convenient slice. Alice Pizza Al Taglio has numerous locations around Rome; it offers options with various toppings. Pinsere is another locale worth seeking out for phenomenal pizza.
More fantastic street food, as well as fresh fruit, pasta, meats, and more, can be found at Rome's San Teodoro Market. Only open on Saturday and Sunday, Romans pour into the market to taste and buy delicious food directly from the artisan producers and farmers. Head to the back of the market to find food stalls serving fresh options.
