Rome is one of the best destinations in Europe on account of its incredible architecture, historic atmosphere and romantic culture. This Italian city has been the setting for many a movie and the destination for several honeymoons; it is also just a great place to visit for those who want to relax and unwind with their loved ones. There is no bad time to visit Rome as the city always has something to offer and for this reason Rome has always been on my top ten places to visit in Europe.
I visited Rome in autumn last year and was so thrilled with the great weather and exciting events that I plan to revisit Rome this autumn. Although Rome draws hundreds of tourists in autumn, the crowds are not as large as they are during summer and spring. Rome in September and October is bright and sunny, giving tourists the opportunity to walk along its paved streets and feel the city’s pulse.
Rome is also a great place to visit in autumn if you love theatre, dance, music and other cultural activities. The highlight of Rome in autumn is the Roma Europa Festival, which will be held from September 21st to December 2nd this year. This annual event illustrates the best of Roman culture and you can enjoy several theatrical and musical performances. If you visit Rome during this time, as I plan to do, you can enjoy the performances of “The Irrepressibles,” a British team of rock musicians and “Delusion,” a multimedia performance of puppetry, visuals and violin by Laurie Anderson. This is just the tip of the iceberg of cultural splendour that Rome presents in autumn.
If you love theatre, you should not miss the International Festival of Urban Theatre, an annual theatrical event, which includes a lot of amusing activities for kids too. Another great thing about Rome between September 3rd and October 29th is that the Vatican Museum are thrown open at night. You are sure to enjoy a sightseeing trip at the Vatican Museum even if you are not a religious person.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
My weekend in Rome, Italy
Despite my busy schedule, I decided to get away to Rome for a weekend and get the most out of it. Now Rome is a huge city and one cannot do full justice to it in one weekend, but I believed that, with the right planning, I would experience most of what Rome has to offer.
I arrived in Rome on Friday, having taken care to book the room well in advance since hotels in Rome tend to be crowded. I also needed to get a good
night’s sleep in preparation for the tough itinerary ahead.
Next day, I started my weekend on a religious note at the Vatican, which is actually a tiny city in its own rights. Since I reached the Vatican early, I was able to miss the long queues and view the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Cathedral and Castle Sant-Angelo in peace.
By then it was time for lunch and I am glad I was sensible enough to have a light lunch or else I might have wasted the rest of my day sleeping. Post lunch, I got a taste of Roman history at the Coliseum, a huge amphitheatre, the Roman Forum, the ancient center of the city, and the Palatine Hill. I was told that the best place to spend the evenings and enjoy night life is the Trastevere and that’s where I went next before calling it a day.
I started the second day of my weekend throwing coins into the legendary Trevi Fountain and wishing for a longer vacation in Rome, after which I visited the Spanish Steps, admired the shops of Via Condotti and the stupendous Piazza de Popolo. I spent the afternoon wandering around Villa Borghese, enjoyed the sight of Rome at sunset from the Pincio and had a sumptuous Roman dinner before leaving.
I arrived in Rome on Friday, having taken care to book the room well in advance since hotels in Rome tend to be crowded. I also needed to get a good
night’s sleep in preparation for the tough itinerary ahead.Next day, I started my weekend on a religious note at the Vatican, which is actually a tiny city in its own rights. Since I reached the Vatican early, I was able to miss the long queues and view the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Cathedral and Castle Sant-Angelo in peace.
By then it was time for lunch and I am glad I was sensible enough to have a light lunch or else I might have wasted the rest of my day sleeping. Post lunch, I got a taste of Roman history at the Coliseum, a huge amphitheatre, the Roman Forum, the ancient center of the city, and the Palatine Hill. I was told that the best place to spend the evenings and enjoy night life is the Trastevere and that’s where I went next before calling it a day.
I started the second day of my weekend throwing coins into the legendary Trevi Fountain and wishing for a longer vacation in Rome, after which I visited the Spanish Steps, admired the shops of Via Condotti and the stupendous Piazza de Popolo. I spent the afternoon wandering around Villa Borghese, enjoyed the sight of Rome at sunset from the Pincio and had a sumptuous Roman dinner before leaving.
Monday, 21 June 2010
Summer in the City in Rome
Rome rings to the sound of music during summer, when most of its main musical events take place. Although some concerts are staged indoors, many are held outside, making the most of those long, languid Roman nights.
The baths at the front of Hadrian’s Villa make a dramatic setting for The International Festival of Hadrian’s Wall (until July 18th) which features international acts as diverse as the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan (June 22 and 23) and Elvis Costello, who will close the
festival.
Another festival with a stunning setting is Cosmophonies (until July 28th) at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica. Acts here will run the full spectrum, from the disco icons The Village People (July 20th) to the punk rock poet Patti Smith and a narrated piece on Chopin accompanied by his sublime piano music (July 28th).
All throughout July, Rock in Roma presents big names in the world of contemporary music at the Ippodromo delle Capannelle, kicking off with The Cranberries on July 5th and finishing with Jamaican singer Shaggy on July 30th
Architect Renzo Piano’s stunning Parco della Musica will host Luglio Suona Bene (July Sounds Good) from June 26th to end-July. This year’s programme is fantastic, with concerts from Tricky, one of the pioneers of trip-hop, the perennial Buena Vista Social Club (whom are always guaranteed a warm welcome in Italy) and Norah Jones, to name a few.
Classical music fans are not left out either. Musical Festival of the Nations will take place in two superb, open-air settings: the Teatro de Marcello archaeological park and the garden of the Villa Torlonia. The festival, which runs until early October, focuses on recital and chamber music. Rome’s Opera House will launch its summer season on July 5th, and features three productions: Romeo and Juliette, Aida and Rigoletto.
The baths at the front of Hadrian’s Villa make a dramatic setting for The International Festival of Hadrian’s Wall (until July 18th) which features international acts as diverse as the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan (June 22 and 23) and Elvis Costello, who will close the
festival.Another festival with a stunning setting is Cosmophonies (until July 28th) at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica. Acts here will run the full spectrum, from the disco icons The Village People (July 20th) to the punk rock poet Patti Smith and a narrated piece on Chopin accompanied by his sublime piano music (July 28th).
All throughout July, Rock in Roma presents big names in the world of contemporary music at the Ippodromo delle Capannelle, kicking off with The Cranberries on July 5th and finishing with Jamaican singer Shaggy on July 30th
Architect Renzo Piano’s stunning Parco della Musica will host Luglio Suona Bene (July Sounds Good) from June 26th to end-July. This year’s programme is fantastic, with concerts from Tricky, one of the pioneers of trip-hop, the perennial Buena Vista Social Club (whom are always guaranteed a warm welcome in Italy) and Norah Jones, to name a few.
Classical music fans are not left out either. Musical Festival of the Nations will take place in two superb, open-air settings: the Teatro de Marcello archaeological park and the garden of the Villa Torlonia. The festival, which runs until early October, focuses on recital and chamber music. Rome’s Opera House will launch its summer season on July 5th, and features three productions: Romeo and Juliette, Aida and Rigoletto.
Monday, 26 April 2010
Trastevere: West of the Tiber in Rome
When most visitors come to Rome, they prefer to stay in the city centre, close to major sites such as the Piazza Narvona and the Pantheon. Whilst this logical, a lot of people overlook a neighbourhood that is close to central Rome and can offer a 
much more local experience; Trastevere.
Its name comes from the Latin Trans Tiberim, meaning ‘beyond the Tiber’ and in many other ways this lovely, picturesque neighbourhood feels separate from the rest of the eternal city. Sure, by day its narrow, cobble-stoned streets receive a fair amount of tourists, but by evening most have headed back to their accommodation in the centre, leaving Trastevere’s dozens of charming bars and restaurants to the locals and particularly its large student population (there are many universities in the immediate area).
Trastevere has had an interesting history; in very early times it was populated with sailors and mariners who worked on the Tiber, but the area didn’t really become part of the city until the emperor Augustus included it in his zoning of Rome into 14 regions. Later on many important figures decided to build their villa there, including Julius Caesar. The beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria was first built in 337AD and is believed to be the oldest place of worship in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
much more local experience; Trastevere.Its name comes from the Latin Trans Tiberim, meaning ‘beyond the Tiber’ and in many other ways this lovely, picturesque neighbourhood feels separate from the rest of the eternal city. Sure, by day its narrow, cobble-stoned streets receive a fair amount of tourists, but by evening most have headed back to their accommodation in the centre, leaving Trastevere’s dozens of charming bars and restaurants to the locals and particularly its large student population (there are many universities in the immediate area).
Trastevere has had an interesting history; in very early times it was populated with sailors and mariners who worked on the Tiber, but the area didn’t really become part of the city until the emperor Augustus included it in his zoning of Rome into 14 regions. Later on many important figures decided to build their villa there, including Julius Caesar. The beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria was first built in 337AD and is believed to be the oldest place of worship in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
The Great Race: the Mille Miglia
Italy and luxury cars and inextricably linked. The Mille Miglia (thousand miles) celebrates this tradition by selecting the most beautiful vintage cars in the world to participate in an endurance rally around the country. The 2010 edition (May 5-9) departs from Brescia and journeys through Bologna, Urbino, San Marino and Rome (with a stopover at Castel Sant'Angelo) and then back to Brescia via Viterbo, Siena and Florence.
This history of the rally goes back to the 1920s when Brescia was furious at losing Italian Gran Prix to Monza. It soon became very popular, attracting drivers from all over Europe and forging the reputation of ‘grand touring’ cars such as Alf Romeo and Maserati (it generally ended in a stand off between an Italian-made car and a Mercedes). The race was banned in 1957 when a Spanish driver, his co-driver and many spectators were tragically killed in a crash.
In 1987 the Mille Miglia was revived and downgraded to a road rally as opposed to a race. Vintage cars from all over the world participate, and guidelines are strict. Their year of manufacture, for example, must be between 1927 and 1957 (the period of the original Mille Miglia) and are personally selected by the organisers as sterling examples of classic racing cars, ensuring the Mille Miglia is equalling as enthralling for spectators as it is for participants. No wonder it has been called ‘The Most Beautiful Race in the World.’
Looking for Rome City Breaks? There are some good options and I recently went with Low Cost Holidays and this is a viable option for packages.
This history of the rally goes back to the 1920s when Brescia was furious at losing Italian Gran Prix to Monza. It soon became very popular, attracting drivers from all over Europe and forging the reputation of ‘grand touring’ cars such as Alf Romeo and Maserati (it generally ended in a stand off between an Italian-made car and a Mercedes). The race was banned in 1957 when a Spanish driver, his co-driver and many spectators were tragically killed in a crash.
In 1987 the Mille Miglia was revived and downgraded to a road rally as opposed to a race. Vintage cars from all over the world participate, and guidelines are strict. Their year of manufacture, for example, must be between 1927 and 1957 (the period of the original Mille Miglia) and are personally selected by the organisers as sterling examples of classic racing cars, ensuring the Mille Miglia is equalling as enthralling for spectators as it is for participants. No wonder it has been called ‘The Most Beautiful Race in the World.’
Looking for Rome City Breaks? There are some good options and I recently went with Low Cost Holidays and this is a viable option for packages.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Rome v Lazio - the local Derby
If you live in Rome you already be aware of the prominence of the local Derby between AS Roma and Lazio for what is called calcio in Roma and football around Europe (soccer for Americans).
This year for 2009, 6th November is the day to be in Rome (or not to be if you are not a football fan) and if you can get tickets then this is one of the most competitive games in the Italian Seria A calendar. Other games perhaps of the same level in terms of competitiveness are:
and 2) the main tickets site TicketOne.
This year for 2009, 6th November is the day to be in Rome (or not to be if you are not a football fan) and if you can get tickets then this is one of the most competitive games in the Italian Seria A calendar. Other games perhaps of the same level in terms of competitiveness are:
- Inter Milan v AC Milan (in Milano)
- Palermo v Catania (in Sicily)
and 2) the main tickets site TicketOne.
Monday, 31 August 2009
Best restaurants in Rome, Italy
I have been busy with business and friends visiting me in Rome, Italy lately and for that reason I have been easting out a lot lately. This has resulted in the discovery of some excellent restaurants 
that I had not got around to trying before.
that I had not got around to trying before.
San Lorenzo - The area of San Lorenzo is one of my favourites because of its vibrancy. 'Il Pommidoro' on Piazza dei Sanniti was excellent and served quality food at affordable prices. Quite a classy place, do not be put off by the pink table cloths!
Piazza Novana - 'Tre Scalini' was the restaurant I tried and took friends to and everyone ended the night quite impressed. The food is not necessarily cheap but this is Italian food at its best and this place is great for a special occasion.
Pantheon area - 'Terra Di Siena' on Piazza Pasquino was another restaurant which offered excellent food. Real Italian cooking, good service and nice venue.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Best Rome Guide Books
There are a number of excellent guide books out there for most major cities these days and Rome Italy is no exception. I have been checking out the various choices and my Top 3 Rome travel guides are as below:
1. Rome Lonely Planet travel guide - in my opinion is about as good as it
gets. This guide is compact and thus easily fits in a handbag or small backpack and it is jammed with up-to-date and spot on information. This is my favourite.
2. Rome Top 10 Eyewitness Guide - if you go to any city worldwide then try and get the Eyewitness Top 10 guide. this book literally fits into your trouser pockets (if you wear jeans) and is a quick fire look at the top 10 of everything in a city. This guide pays for itself with the handy tips and information it holds.
3. Time Out Rome - is set out quite a bit differently from the two guides above but is a close alternative if you are not a Lonely Planet or Eyewitness series fan.
1. Rome Lonely Planet travel guide - in my opinion is about as good as it
gets. This guide is compact and thus easily fits in a handbag or small backpack and it is jammed with up-to-date and spot on information. This is my favourite.2. Rome Top 10 Eyewitness Guide - if you go to any city worldwide then try and get the Eyewitness Top 10 guide. this book literally fits into your trouser pockets (if you wear jeans) and is a quick fire look at the top 10 of everything in a city. This guide pays for itself with the handy tips and information it holds.
3. Time Out Rome - is set out quite a bit differently from the two guides above but is a close alternative if you are not a Lonely Planet or Eyewitness series fan.
Monday, 5 January 2009
New Year in Rome
New Year in Rome or "La Festa di San Silvestro" is a fabulous way to experience this city. Rome offers wide-ranging restaurants to a variety of religious and cultural activities to celebrate the New Year. In the past, the Romans celebrated New Year by eating traditional food like fish and pasta. Over the years this has changed and now 
Rome has exploded to be an exciting way to see in the New Year including dancing, eating, drinking and party hard with friends and family. Rome is lit up by fireworks with hundreds of people in the streets celebrating with each other.
The main piazza where people head to is Piazza del Popolo where there's fireworks and live music well into the night. On New Year's day, children are entertained in the square by performers and acrobats.
Recently the celebrations are also being held at the piazza in front of the Quirinale off Via Nazionale where you can see concerts playing Classical music followed by fireworks. If you're lucky, you might see the Italian President and other important members of the Italian government attend to this event. The main event the next day is the New Year Parade procession. Thousands of people wait anxiously to receive the Pope's blessings in Rome. The parade passes through the historic Castel Sant' Angelo then down Via della Conciliazione and ends in St. Peter's Square.
Rome has exploded to be an exciting way to see in the New Year including dancing, eating, drinking and party hard with friends and family. Rome is lit up by fireworks with hundreds of people in the streets celebrating with each other.The main piazza where people head to is Piazza del Popolo where there's fireworks and live music well into the night. On New Year's day, children are entertained in the square by performers and acrobats.
Recently the celebrations are also being held at the piazza in front of the Quirinale off Via Nazionale where you can see concerts playing Classical music followed by fireworks. If you're lucky, you might see the Italian President and other important members of the Italian government attend to this event. The main event the next day is the New Year Parade procession. Thousands of people wait anxiously to receive the Pope's blessings in Rome. The parade passes through the historic Castel Sant' Angelo then down Via della Conciliazione and ends in St. Peter's Square.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Dining in Rome (Part 2)
Ristorante Pierluigi:(Piazza dé Ricci 144 06 68 61 302)
Pierluigi's restaurant is situated in one of the most pleasant squares of Rome amidst beautiful renaissance buildings, including the Ricci palace, famous for its splendid sixteenth century fresco. Fish here is excellent, the crowd is mostly Roman and middle-aged. It's a little bit
more expensive but on a sunny day and for a true Roman lunching/dining experience, there is no better spot than this one!
F.I.S.H:
(via dei Serpenti 16 06 47824962)
F.I.S.H is a modern seafood restaurant with fabulous sushi, and fusion cuisine, excellent wine list in a beautiful atmosphere.
La Taverna di Lucifero: (Via dei Cappellari 28 06 68 80 55 36)
Pierluigi's restaurant is situated in one of the most pleasant squares of Rome amidst beautiful renaissance buildings, including the Ricci palace, famous for its splendid sixteenth century fresco. Fish here is excellent, the crowd is mostly Roman and middle-aged. It's a little bit
more expensive but on a sunny day and for a true Roman lunching/dining experience, there is no better spot than this one!F.I.S.H:
(via dei Serpenti 16 06 47824962)
F.I.S.H is a modern seafood restaurant with fabulous sushi, and fusion cuisine, excellent wine list in a beautiful atmosphere.
La Taverna di Lucifero: (Via dei Cappellari 28 06 68 80 55 36)
Enjoy a fantastic fondue at this lovely small restaurant just off Campo dei Fiori. Their cheese fondue and beef fondue are just to die for and make an excellent experience for a bunch of friends going out together. Try the fried eggs with tartuffo as a primo. The pasta is delicious too. Best to book ahead in the winter and at week-ends.
via Governo Vecchio No. 19.
A real local establishment visible through curtained windows. Courses change daily and each daily, you'll get served fantastic dishes at great prices.
Le Mani in Pasta:
via Governo Vecchio No. 19.
A real local establishment visible through curtained windows. Courses change daily and each daily, you'll get served fantastic dishes at great prices.
Le Mani in Pasta:
(Via dei Genovesi 38 06.5816017)
Fabulous Trattoria, modern Italian cuisine, waiters speak some English, great service - excellent Fresh pasta, grilled fish and meat, wonderful deserts. Reasonable prices. Open for lunch and dinner.