ROME

After the legend Rome was founded April 21st 753 B.C. by the twins Romolus and Remus – not a bad accomplishment for children that were raised by a wolf. In the following centuries the small city state grew to a powerful empire. Next to the Capitol, the Forum Romanum, the Via Appia and the Castel Sant'Angelo there are various other remains of Rome’s glorious days. The Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps, the Fontana di Trevi or the Piazza Navona are only some of the many touristy highlights, which despite of not being as ancient as the Capitol, still shine with their very own charm and flair.

For instance, The Fontana di Trevi already was a sight for ages and gained even more popularity since Anita Ekberg's bath in Frederico Fellinis’ masterpiece "La Dolce Vita". Nowadays Anita Ekberg would probably be struck down by thousands of coin-flipping tourist – after all it is said, that throwing in a coin sees to it that one will come back.

Airport
The airport Leonardo Da Vinci is situated 30 km outside of Rome. The municipal railway shuttels every 30 min to Stazione Termini (Central Station) and back, ticket fee is € 9,50. You can also book an aiport-shuttle that brings you directly to your hotel (www.airportshuttle.it). Taking the taxi can cost up to € 40,– - Rome's streets are blocked notoriously. Central taxi call: 3570 or 4994.

Public transportation
Not only the traffic is chaotic, also the public transportation systems lacks of reliability. There are more than 200 bus lines, 2 underground and 6 tram lines in Rome. The waiting periods may be long depending what time of day, between midnight and 5.30 am a few nightlines are on the road. A "biglietto" counts for any public service and costs € 1,– (one way), € 4,– (day ticket), € 11,- (3-day ticket) or € 16,– (week ticket); tickets can be purchased at Stazione Termini, kiosks or ticket machines at underground or train stations. You are better off leaving your car parked in Rome if you want to avoid car body damage. Most of the sights can be reached best by foot anyway.
www.atac.roma.it

Forum Romanum
The Forum Romanum used to be the economical, political and religious center of ancient Rome. All there is left today are ruins of temples, basilicas, columns and triumphal arches. Nightly guided tours are offered from June to September ("Roma sotto le stelle").
Via di S. Gregorio 30, Bus 85, 87, 117, 175, 9 am until one hour before sunset.

Fontana di Trevi
Rome's most known baroque fountain is located on a small Piazza between narrow alleys and surrounded by high Palazzi. The fountain shows Neptun god of the seas and Tritons (the "seahorses). The legend tells that who throws a coin in the fountain shall return. If you throw two you will fall in love with an italian.
Piazza di Trevi, Bus 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 492

Spanish Steps
Those steps beneath the Trinità dei Monti basilica are one of the most popular venues in town. There are a lot of stores and restaurant nearby however not the cheapest ones. On tepid summer evenings the historical steps are full of teenagers - it's everything else but quiet.
Piazza di Spagna, Metro A: Spagna, Bus 116

View over Rome
Neither any high-rise buildings nor any tv-towers are blocking your beautiful view from Gianicolo, the 80m hill located at the Trastevere quarter. You look at the cupolas, basilicas and palasts of Rome.
Bus 75, 870

Cycling on ancient pavement
In former times emperors, salesmen, civil servants and the military of the Roman empire traveled on Via Appia Antica, today cars speed on this historical road. On Sundays and holidays Via Appia is closed for cars from 9 am - 7 pm, the road turns into paradise for pedestrians and cyclists. Therefore: pack up a basket of delicious snacks for a picknick under pine trees and grab a rental bike!
Bus 218, Via Appia Antica 42, opposite of Quo-Vadis-church, Tel.: 065 12 63 14, 9.30 am - 5 pm

Beach parties in Ostia
On tepid summer nights the party also takes place a bit outside of town, for example on the beaches of Ostia. Particularly popular are Corallo Beach (Lungomare Vespucci 112, Tel.: 56 47 07 01) and Faber Beach (Lungomare Toscanelli 199, Tel.: 561 38 49).

Piperno
This eatery at the Jewish quarter of Rome serves Jewish-Roman plates. Try the fried stockfish, home made pasta and "carciofo alla giudìa" (artichokes).
Via Monte de' Cenci 9, Tel.: 68 80 66 29, Tue-Sun 12.45 pm - 2.30 pm and 8 pm - 10.30 pm www.ristorantepiperno.it

Carbonara
In the summer guests are seated directly at the lively Campo dei Fiori. Have a taste of "saltimbocca alla romana", fried zucchini blossom and, if you are brave, artichokes with brain ("cervella").
Piazza Campo de Fiori 23, Tel.: 686 47 83, Tue closed www.la-carbonara.it

Gino
This simple trattoria is visited by a lot of politicians and journalists. A delicacy here is "coniglio al vino bianco" (hare in white wine) and also tiramisu.
Vicolo Rossini 4, close to the Spanish Steps, Tel.: 687 34 34

Santa Prassede
This family managed hotel owns 25 comfortable rooms and is located close to Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.
Via di Santa Prassede 25, Tel.: 482 88 04, DR € 85,–, www.hotelsantaprassede.it

Accademia
The hotel is situated close to Fontana di Trevi in a romantic renovated Palazzo. Ask for a room with noise protection windows, your sleep will be grateful. Invigorated by the broad breakfast buffet you are ready to discover the sights.
Piazza Accademia di San Luca 74, Tel.: 69 92 26 03, DR € 150,–, www.accademiahotel.com

Richmond
This small 3-star-hotel located between Colosseum and Trajans forum is decorated in a very pretty way, the terrace has a good view over the Forum Romanum.
Largo C. Ricci 36, Tel.: 69 94 12 56, DR ab € 190,–, www.hotelrichmondroma.com

Supperclub
2000 years ago the old Romans met at Agrippa thermae, today the young Romans party into the night. From 1 am disco beats resound through the ruins. If you are hungry delicious Italian cuisine is ready and if you are thursty the champagne bar is waiting for you.
Via de Nari 14/1, Tel.: 68 80 72 07, Bus 70, 81, 87, 116, 492, www.supperclub.com

Gilda
Nightclub with tradition. Rome's high society parties here, age average is a little higher.
Via Mario de’Fiori 97, Metro A: Spagna, Tel.: 678 48 38, www.gildabar.it

Big Mama
A must for blues, jazz and funk fans. Small snacks and excellent beer are served to live music.
Vicolo San Francesco a Ripa 18, Tel.: 581 25 21, Tue-Sat 9 pm – 1.30 pm

La Rinascente
You can purchase fashion, shoes and perfumes at the oldest department store. The art nouveau building was opened in 1887, it was Rome's first department store and was built after Parisian example.
Via del Corso 189, Roma Piazza Colonna, Tel.: 679 76 91, Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm, Sun 10.30 am - 8 pm www.rinascente.it

Troncarelli Antica Cappelleria dal 1875
Family Troncarelli manufactures extravagant headgear since 1875.
Via della Cuccagna 15, Tel.: 687 93 20, www.troncarelli.it

Porta Portese
This flea market simply offers everything: hats, shoes, binoculars, watches, inventive clothing, antiques and lots more. Watch out for pickpockets!
Between Viale Trastevere and Porta Portese, Bus 780, Tram 8, Sun 7 am - 2 pm

Il Tucano
Start up your own home: you can buy lamps, tables and bookshelves made out of glas, chrome, wood and iron.
Piazza dei Crociferi 10

Salsamenteria da Gino
Here you will find goat and sheep cheese, olives from Latium, Tuscan top level wines, best vinegar and olive oil to buy.
Via della Maddalena 48, Bus 119

Poggi
Since 1825 artist (also Morandi and Guttuso) are choosing their canvas, paper and paint from this assortment. The perfect spot to acquire a beautiful painting.
Via del Gesù 74–75

Profumeria Materozzoli
This old perfume store, which exists since 1870, sells selected and rare essences and fragrances.
Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina 5, Tel.: 68 89 26 86

Fiorentini
Old Enrico engraves inventive Roman sayings into marble boards. In German or English if it's not too complicated and you have some time on your hand. Price wise it's between € 8,- and 50,-.
Via Margutta 53b, Metro A: Spagna