Travel & Leisure by Stephanie M. Roy MARCH - APRIL 2010 ISSUE 70
WHEN IN
ROME…
Exploring the Eternal City in a Fabulous Flash
A
s Italy’s most populated city, Rome’s past dates back more than 2000 years. From ancient ruins and cathedrals to some of the trendiest boutiques and cafes in the world, this massive metropolis effortlessly blends history and modernity. And no, the birthplace of Julius Caesar was not built in a day; so don’t expect to cover it all in that amount of time. Check out our quick guide on how to conquer the capital city while looking great in the process.
What to Wear
Backpacks, flip-flops and sneakers usually make for great travel accessories. Because this is one of the most fashion forward cities on the planet, we recommend leaving them at home for this trip. Dark colors, comfortable walking shoes and a freakishly large pair of sunglasses guarantee that you’ll blend in with the locals. Pack basic articles such as black trousers, button up shirts and a sleek pair of jeans. Once you’ve arrived, wake up early Sunday morning and dress these pieces up or down with accessories from Porta Portese Flea Market in Trastevere.
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Where to Start
Rome’s sprawling urban area is filled with historical landmarks, monuments, plazas and entertainment venues. Unless you plan on spending a considerable amount of time in the city, you simply won’t be able to see it all. With a little assistance, it is possible to visit most of the major venues in a few days. Jump on one the many double-decker tour buses European cities are notorious for. Not only will it give you a preview of major attractions such as the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Vatican City in a couple of hours, the bus drivers are so non-chalant that a 24-hour ticket seemed to last for at least 72 hours. After a joyride around the city once or twice, you’ll have an idea as to which venues you plan to attack, their locations and if it is even worth going back. An easy point to catch one of these guided tours is in Piazza Barberini in front of the metro station. Several tour bus companies including Rome Open Tour depart from this plaza every 25 minutes.
Where to Eat
Although Italian cuisine has colonized almost every country around the globe, dining in Rome remains
… unmatched. After eating our way around the town, we learned a major do and don’t. Don’t eat at restaurants adjacent to, across from or even within walking distance of major visitor attractions. While pasta Carbonara is one of the most popular Roman dishes, the average cost for a stingy plate at a tourist trap hovers around 12 Euro (B525). Do stroll through the city streets and stop in at venues where local families and natives frequent. This will get you a troth of the same pasta for half the price. Pastarito is a descent sized chain restaurant and it is popular among the younger city dwellers. A bonus is that the menu allows you to create your own dishes by selecting, sauce, meat and noodle.
Where to Shop
As with any city, your shopping experience in Rome is contingent upon your budget. For those with a bit more cash to spare, head over to Via Condotti where you’ll pass by every designer house you’ve ever read about in Elle and Vogue. From Prada and D&G to Max Azria and Valentino, the top of the fashion food chain is located along this pedestrian street. If you’ve made it to the end of the road, turn right at the intersection on to Via del Corso where more down to earth and familiar outlets such as Zara and Stefanel are located. There are two remarkable gems waiting at the Via Condotti and Via del Corso intersection. First, the Fendi Museum. Okay, it’s not really a museum, but it is the largest and most stunning boutique for miles around. Second, you get a dual view of the historical Vittoriano at the end of del Corso and the Spanish Steps at the end of Condotti.
Getting Around
a speedy option for exploration. Unlike many other major European cities, information signs and directions are rarely given in English. If you speak any Latin languages, this would be the time to flex your skills. The two major train lines A and B or Red and Blue have stops along most of the major landmarks and venues including Colosseo Station in front of the Colosseum and Spana Station a short walk from the Spanish Steps. Keep in mind that while the trains officially stop between 10:00 pm and midnight, it really just depends on the moods of the conductors. If you are brave and can manage to hail a taxi, be warned that most of them have Mario Andretti complexes and believe that under their hoods are the engines of Ferraris.
The easiest way to navigate the city center is on the not so fabulous Metro. Once you get over the conunThe Ins & Outs drum as to which came first, Rome or the underground Currency Exchange: 1 Euro = B43 transit system, you’ll find that the subway is quite Country Code: Dial: +39
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Getting There
Thai Airways (02 356 1111. www.thaiair.com), Cathay Pacific (02 263 0606. www.cathaypacific.com) and Malaysian Air (02 134 3180. www.malaysianairlines.com) fly to Rome’s Fiumicini International Airport from Bangkok.
Where To Stay
Hotel Aphrodite (90 Via Marsala, 06 491 096, www.accomodationinrome.com) is one of the most convenient locations in the city, as it is across the street from metro station Termini and linked to the two major train lines. This is more of a budget hotel with mosaic tiles and marble floors in each of the guestrooms. Single rooms go for as low as 80 Euro per night. Hotel Alexandra (18 Vittoria Veneto, 06 488 1943, www.hotelalexandraroma.com) is the luxurious creation of designer Paolo Portoghesi. Located in the upscale area of Piazza Barberini, Trevi Fountain is only a 10-minute walk away. The rooms are super posh and recently renovated while single units start around 112 Euros per night. Interncontinental De La Ville Roma (67/69 Via Sistina, 06-673-31, www.ichotelsgroup.com) is located at the top of the famous Spanish Steps, only a fiveminute walk to Spana metro station and the shopping street Via Condotti. Rooms are fully equipped with DVD players, complimentary newspapers and mini bars. Single room rates start from 198 Euros per night.
Around The Town
Rome Open Tours (www.reservaxion.com/romeopentour.asp) a 24-hour ticket is 18 Euros while a 48hour ticket is 23 Euros. Porta Portese Flea Market Open Sundays, early morning-ish to evening-ish. Located at the end of Viale Trastevere. Pastarito (139, Via 4 Novembre, 06 6919 0472, www.pastarito.it) has 10 outlets spread throughout the greater Rome metropolitan area. Open daily, 12.30am2.30pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm.
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AD RIS
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