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How To Beat The Heat In Rome

While the temperatures soar, sightseeing in Rome can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you keep cool on even the hottest of Roman afternoons.

Beaches and pools are certainly not on the list of top attractions in Rome. However, as a major European summer destination, it is understandable that eventually one can be driven to extreme measures to find a way to cool off somehow as noontime temperatures surpass 40 degrees on a regular basis.

How one accomplishes this is the issue at hand, whether at one of the nearby beaches, lakes, pools, or even with one’s head under the flow of cool fresh water pumping through one of Rome’s many fountains.

There is no need to travel far from Rome to reach a decent beach. The closest is located near Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in the town of Ostia. Trains leave Rome from the Piramide metro station about every ten minutes, reaching the Ostia railway station in about 30 minutes. The ride is quick, and if you happen to go after schools have let out for the summer it can be quite amusing. Summer vacation means teen couples are let loose on the city and its coastline. Do not be surprised if they spend most of the ride giving shocking displays of public affection, most often involving some serious and possibly painful liplock action. However, if you bring an iPod and/ or a good book and are on the train early enough to score a seat, consider life good. From the station, you really only have to cross the road to get to the beaches.

Many of the Ostia beaches are occupied by “stabilimenti” or private beach clubs. Access to the clubs, along with a beach chair and an umbrella usually costs between 10 and 15 euro per person. If you continue walking towards the end of the beach, part of the shoreline is set aside as “spiaggia libera” or public beach, where there is no cost to enter, sunbathe, or swim. Most of the beach clubs are modern and well attended to, with bathrooms, showers, cabanas, bars, cafes, and even little beach boutiques where they have a variety of swimsuits, tanning products, beach accessories, and more. Rest assured though, whatever you don't find at the shops will inevitably make its way to your beach blanket as about 300 competing mobile vendors approach you while you attempt to sun your buns. It is customary, and expected of you to bargain with them.

If a tight schedule of Rome Tours and sightseeing allows neither the time nor the energy to haul yourself out to the beach, you needn't worry. Rome now boasts several swimming pools which offer a quick respite from the blazing heat. The nicest of these pools belong a few of the 4 and 5 star hotels in Rome. One that stands out from the rest is that of the Radisson SAS hotel. This large pool sits atop the hotel by the rooftop restaurant and lounge with a view over Termini Station (not overly picturesque, but honestly the pool more than compensates for the view of the train tracks). The pool is large, and beside it there is a mini version for children, with a wide wooden floor and sunbathing space dividing the two. The pools are not heated, which means that the temperature is usually refreshingly cool, and it is best to just jump in, no inching in bit by bit!

Non-hotel guests may use the pool for a fee of 20 Euros per person.

This year, a lovely new public pool was inaugurated by the city of Rome just behind the Colosseum. As part of a summer entertainment series known as "All'Ombra del Colosseo" (Under the shadow of the Colosseum), a series of concerts, jazz festivals, art exhibits, and of course the pool were devised and offered to the public. The main entrance to this pool is on Via di San Gregorio, just across the street from the Palatine Hill entrance. Cooling off at this city oasis will cost you 7 Euro per person per half day, 10 Euro per person per full day (10 and 13 on the weekends).

When In Rome tours is a small company dedicated to providing innovative and thought-provoking Vatican Tours and Rome Tours for all audiences. Native-level English speaking guides of Rome and Italy help the tourist to discern between documented history and legend, bringing the Eternal City to life like no other tour provider.

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Glamour Goes Green in Rome

There are not many places in the world where glamour chic and nature geek can meet eye to eye. Italy, however, is overflowing with glamorous nature hot spots. Rome is best known for its Historical Centre littered with random ruins amongst its glorious sites. When you are on your first visit to Rome, the eternal city, it is an absolute ‘must’ to see Rome’s top attractions. If, on the other hand, you have already seen the Rome sites then veer away toward a lesser-known but equally fabulous nature travel location for a day trip from Rome. Rome is surrounded by a plethora of gorgeous green villages which feature medieval castles, lakeside cafés and fashionable boutiques mixed in with provincial folklore.

Trevignano is a just one of the numerous little towns where you can spend your day. At first glance this lakeside village with stunning views of Lake Bracciano may look like Lilleput, due to the strange-looking short doorways. Rest assured, however, that the population of Trevignano is normal sized. As you drive into this marvellous town, you will instantly be greeted by colourful variations of flowers which adorn balconies, terraces and walkways. The medieval architecture has been refurbished with chic, modern touches such as pink marble window panes and colourful stonework doorways. You can spend the day swimming in the lake with the swans, eat lunch at the picturesque restaurants and go shopping in a variety of local shops and boutiques or visit the local art galleries. The tea room serves high tea at any time of the day and is a delightful experience especially when the weather is crisp. It is the perfect ambiance to sit down and gather your thoughts in peace.

After the sun has gone to rest, you can continue to enjoy this village by taking a lovely stroll on the stony path that runs alongside the enormous lake. There are many cafés and a superb ice-cream shop on the northern end. The southern end, which you would enter from if coming from Rome, begins with the best lakeside restaurants which serve fresh fish caught in the lake, a variety of boutiques and the aforementioned tea room. There is also a pizza-by-the-slice restaurant with an excellent array of options, just north of the main piazza.

The majority of the people in Trevignano are well-dressed Romans who seek out a bit of tranquillity, but the low housing prices have also attracted quite a few Eastern Europeans in search of the quality of life that Italy is famous for.

Trevignano is the perfect get-away nature travel spot for a day trip near Rome. It is enjoyable for all age groups and highly recommended.

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Restaurants in Rome

A word about restaurants in Rome. As Rome is a major tourist hub as well as home to a massive international community, it is difficult to find restaurants where there are no tourists or foreigners. That said, below you will find a few restaurants in Rome that we at When In Rome Tours think are great and believe that you will, too.

Restaurants near the Colosseum - casual

1) Le Naumachie (named after the legendary sea battles once held in the Colosseum)
Via Celimontana, 7
tel: 067002764
They have a mozzarella di Bufala appetizer that is fantastic. And a "cestino le Naumachie that is to die for)

2) Hostaria Isidoro
Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, 59 a
tel: 067008266

Here they do something called "assaggini" which are sample sized family style portions of dozens of typical Roman pastas and risottos, and they keep bringing more until you can't eat any more!

Restaurants Near Piazza Navona

This area is notorious among Romans for restaurants that overcharge, and serve pre-made, pre-frozen food of dubious quality. Avoid eating directly on the piazza, and if you are in the area and want to eat nearby, a decent option is as follows:

La Focaccia

Via della Pace, 11

06 68803312

Restaurants near Testaccio – moderate

Da Checchino dal 1887
Via di Monte Testaccio, 30
Phone: 065746318
Highly acclaimed by both Italian and international critics, I call this one a must. Amazing traditional Roman fare, wondeful wine cellar, and stellar service (for Italy).

Restaurants near Monteverde - family/casual

Momo’

Piazza Forlanini 10

Tel: 065373087

A gorgeous villa-turned restaurant with fantastic views from the upper floors. Website can be seen at http://www.mo-mo.it/pizza.html (pardon the terrible english translation)

Great pizzas and grill, not a huge selection of pastas.

Restaurants near Termini Station:

Meid in Naples

Corner of Via Varese and Via del Castro Pretorio

This is a fairly new restaurant, modern looking and decorate much nicer than any of the other restaurants and trattorias near the station. True to the Neapolitan style, pizzas have a thick crust and toppings are abundant. Prices range from 6 to 10 Euros for a pizza. This place seems to be a lovely and much needed addition to the boring array of restaurants near Termini Station!

Buon Appetito!

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Christmas in Rome

The Christmas season is one of the best times to visit Rome. There are so many pluses and only one minus: it’s cold. Lights transform the city into a hub of illuminated holiday cheer. There are fewer tourists around (Christmas is usually slow for tourism, while many travelers come after the holiday and spend New Year’s in Rome). And last but not least, the rich traditions of Italian Christmas can be witnessed all across the city.

In Rome, the most popular Christmas market is the bazaar that is staged each year in Piazza Navona. This massive square is transformed into Christmas central, with games and toys for children, appearances by Santa and the famed “Befana” a.k.a. the good witch who flies in on her broomstick on the day of the epiphany to fill the kiddies stockings with goodies. Also to be found are holiday crafts, tree trimmings, games, chocolate and candy, artists, you name it.

Meanwhile, the Vatican becomes a magical place at Christmas. In 1982, Pope John Paul began a tradition of mounting a Christmas tree of about 30 meters or more in the center of St. Peter’s Square. Each year a tree is given as a gift by one of the regions of Italy or one of the E.U. nations. Beside the tree, a nativity scene is created each year, drawing pilgrims from all over to admire it.

There is a midnight mass given by the pope each year on Christmas Eve. If you are lucky (or crafty) enough to get tickets for this mass, it is truly a special event. It is a time when St. Peter’s is a truly a place of worship, where no crowds of tourists will swarm around you during their Vatican City tour, and for one evening it is possible to take in St. Peter’s not as a tourist attraction, but as the most important place of worship in Christianity.

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A Day In The Life: Rome Tour Guides

Here are just some of the reasons why Rome is one of the most amazing cities in the world:

9:00 AM
Roll out of bed and wander over to the Villa Doria Pamphili park for a crisp morning walk through the beautiful villa, grounds, and rose gardens. Have a cappuccino and cornetto at the bar, and mentally prepare to take in some seriously amazing sights.

10:30
Start off with a journey to Rome of the Caesars for a walk through the recently re-opened Trajan's markets and climb up to the Torre delle Milizie for a lovely view of mid-morning activity in the eternal city.

12:00
There is still time for some exploring before we break for a leisurely lunch. Villa Farnesina in Trastevere holds some unique and often overlooked ceiling frescoes by Raphael depicting the classical and secular myths of Love and psyche, and the triumph of Galatea.

13:30 (We live in Italy, learning military time is a must!)
All this bustling about is bound to work up an appetite, therefore the next big dilemma is where to eat.

Sure to satisfy is 'Da Enzo' for real Roman food with gruff Italian service – and at only €5.80 for an amazing penne arrabiata...hard to pass up. Many specials are not listed on the menu, and you really need to get a mix of antipasti to experience it properly. The lamb is amazing as well.

It’s a toss up between Da Enzo and the beloved Bramante's chiostro for both food and the museum atmosphere. Today is Sunday, which means the Chiostro is serving brunch and therefore we have a winner.

15:00
Let’s dedicate a few hours to the life of Caravaggio, a conflicted yet genius master of the early 17th century. The three Caravaggio hotspots mentioned in any decent Rome Tour Guide are (in order of importance): The Borghese Gallery Museum, The Galleria Doria Pamphili, and the Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi (depictions of the life of St. Mathew).

18:00
Depending on the time of year, this is a perfect time to catch a quiet break and watch the Roman day begin to winding down. The view from Piazza Garibaldi on the Gianicolo hill is the perfect spot for this. There is a little kiosk where you can enjoy the view with a beer in hand picking out the shallow Pantheon dome amongst the numerous domes, all set against the beautiful mountains when the rain or cold air has blown all the smog away!

20:00
At last, a cocktail at the roof garden of the Hotel Minerva to catch up with some friends and relax after a busy day delving deep into the hidden treasures of Rome!

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Rome Tour Guide's Top 10 list in Rome

We at When in Rome recently polled some of our most savvy Rome tour guides about their favorite off the beaten path places in Rome. Here’s what we came up with.

Romy: For one, I don't think many tourists really know much about the gianicolo hill. this is a MUCH better view of Rome than from the dome of St. Peter's at the vatican and there are no huge lines and it's free!! Great place for a coffee along with a scenic view or even for an evening of romance... i've done wine and cheese picnics there before...=)

From the vatican (behind gianicolo bus station), take the 115 bus which takes you directly there.

Abby: I like the pasticceria near Ottaviano, Dolce Maniera, It smells deeeeelicious any time of the day you walk past but the best thing is that it's open all night long too. Next door to the army store and the “sexy shop”. The street name is Via Barletta... if you are walking towards the metro from Via Ottaviano, keep going across Via Giulio Cesare and it's that street, on the left hand side. Walk a little way down and follow your nose!

Oh, and also La Casa Di Supplì, (located in Piazza Re di Roma next to the Sma supermarket). mmmmm the BEST suppli I've tasted in Rome. Better than Il Delfino, which is also fabulous but the Re Di Roma place tops it.

Sofia: Ristorante Le Naumachie – Via Celimontana, 7

Run by brothers Alfredo and Roberto Micheli, this restaurant takes its name from the Naumachie, the naval battles which took place when the Romans flooded the nearby colosseum. The menu is short and simple, and just about everything on it is fantastic. Amazing mozzarella di bufala appetizer, the pizzas have a fantastic crust, and the meats are top quality. The dessert called “cestino le Naumachie” is probably going to be the highlight of your visit, so leave room!

Aoife: Il Chiostro del Bramante: Home to art exhibits, conferences, libraries and a fantastic cafe, this space is a haven in the middle of a chaotic Rome. The space was designed by Bramante and is attached to the church of Santa Maria della Pace along Via Della Pace (not far from piazza Navona) The café is an indoor/outdoor space in the courtyard that serves lovely salads and light fare as well as coffee and aperitifs. There is free wireless access (which is hard to come by in Rome)! You won’t find this in many of the Rome guide books, so enjoy it while it is still a hidden jewel!

Kimberly: The Ecstasy of St. Teresa sculpture by Bernini located inside the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria church at Largo Santa Susanna. This piece is one of the sculptural masterpieces of the high Roman baroque period, and is only a short walk from Rome’s central train station, Termini. Few tourists actually get over to see her, but those who do will have a lasting impression of the grandeur of Maestro Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s work in Rome.

Anna Maria: The lake at CastelGandolfo. Just a 30 minute train ride from Termini Station, and it is where the Pope’s summer residence is located. The volcanic lake is always a serene and relaxing place to spend a cool day away from the chaos of Rome. There are places to rent bicycles, boats, etc, and several excellent restaurants serving up local Porchetta from nearby Ariccia and wine from the Castelli Romani. My favorite is Da Agnese, which is along the lake (just after the tunnel, turn left. Da Agnese is about ½ Kilometer up on the right side).

We hope you'll enjoy these hidden jewels provided by some of our Rome Tour Guides as much as we did!

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Wonders Within the Vatican Museum

History speaks to you from every masterpiece. This experience is on the top of the must-see list for your first Rome visit. The price you have to pay for your Vatican museum ticket, however, goes beyond the amount in Euro – it is also in time and effort. For most Vatican museum visitors, the Sistine Chapel is the desired destination. If you are doing a short Roman visit, you can keep your Vatican Museum Tour minimal, by breezing through the entire museum (approximately a 30-minute walk) and settling down to admire the piece du resistance, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Although, it is a pity to bypass such extraordinary artwork, there are so many other things in Rome to see. Like the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, nor can you see it all in that period of time. Choose your priorities wisely.

Regardless of whether you decide to express your visit or to explore every mysterious nook and impressive cranny, you will have to endure the long line if don't book a tour, and the dress check at the Vatican museum entrance. The dress code is objective. One guard may let in someone wearing a knee-length skirt and another might not. In order to be on the safe side, cover your legs and arms. Men who show their ankles are normally turned away, even after the long wait. If you find yourself on an unscheduled visit and are improperly dressed, stop over at any nearby newsstand and purchase paper pants or a scarf for about five euro each. You may risk being photographed for Vogue’s “Fashion Don’t” page, but at least you will be granted entry

Enjoy a free entry to the Vatican Museum on the last Sunday of every month. Be prepared for an excruciatingly long line, as everyone will have had the same brilliant idea - which after a few hours of waiting will no longer seem that brilliant. Another option to consider is to get on line two hours before closing time when many visitors have gone to lunch. You may risk not getting in, so only try it if you happen to be in the area and if it is not your only opportunity to visit the Vatican Museum. If splurging on luxury is an option, you can also buy tickets for an after-hours Vatican visit.

Once you are inside, there are gardens where you can take a relaxing pause in the sun. If you dare, open a window and poke your head out for a rare view of the Pope’s private grounds. If you are lucky and find yourself at the right place at the right time, a door may open, momentarily revealing private quarters that are never open to the public.

While most visitors intend on visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica and would also like to see the Pope, make sure you plan your itinerary well. The Pope may be seen on Wednesdays at 11am at Saint Peter’s Basilica and briefly on Sundays at noon from the window overlooking Saint Peter’s Piazza, but only if he happens to be in town. The Museum hours vary throughout the year and there are many little-known holidays that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Remember, the last entry into the museum is always much earlier than the closing time, so plan accordingly in order to enjoy all that the extraordinary Vatican Museum has to offer.

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Shopping In Rome

Although Milan is Italy's fashion capital, there is lots of great shopping to be done in Rome. Whether you have a clear idea of what you want to buy or you just want to browse, there are tons of options.

Many will usually start looking in shops near the major landmarks like the Spanish Steps or St. Peters, as suggested in many a Rome tourist guide. Certainly these areas are teaming with shops. If you are into big brand names like Prada, Hermes and Dior and if you are not on a tight budget, Via Condotti, the street leading up to Piazza di Spagna is a good place to start. These shops are always staffed with extremely helpful and multilingual individuals. But if your budget is a little more modest, you may have better luck along Via del Corso, where you'll find Italian classics like Benetton. There is also a small shopping mall called Galleria Alberto Sordi on Via del Corso, in front of Piazza Colonna, which is home to Zara and a multi-level Feltrinelli book shop. Near the Vatican, you can find Via Cola di Rienzo which is lined with a variety of shops, including the department store called Coin. There are also various street merchants that sell clothes and shoes at low prices at stands along this long street.

A useful tip is to avoid buying fake handbags and sunglasses from street vendors. These items are especially easy to find around the Termini Station toward the Piazza Vittorio area (also known as Rome's Chinatown). It is a crime to buy or sell imitation items, and undercover cops have fined some shoppers up to 3,000 euro for making such purchases. So don't risk turning your vacation into a trip to the police station!

Rome also has a few famous markets that sell both new and used items. Porta Portese is one of Rome's most famous markets and can be found in any major Rome tourist guide. The outdoor flea market is near Trastevere and is open every Sunday. There is no admission fee, and there are lots of great deals on all sorts of items. Not to mention it's a great place to buy cheap souvenirs. Another great market is near the church of San Giovanni along Via Sannio. The market is open weekday mornings and you can find new garments at great low prices.

Unfortunately, for American travelers, the euro is much stronger than the dollar, so finding a good buy is also relative at the moment.

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I Spy With My Little Eye

Another one of Rome's famous must-see sites is the Pantheon. It is located near Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona and Largo Argentina, so it's easy to get to and visit before or after a nice stroll in the city center or downtown.

Apart from its historical importance and cultural significance, the Pantheon is an original and remarkable structure. It is especially famous for its dome and the big hole called the oculus at the top of the home. This hole is never covered, so when it rains, water comes pouring through. It also provides the only source of light as there are no windows in the Pantheon. The Pantheon also houses the tombs of the Renaissance artist Raphael and the former King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.

The Pantheon is also sometimes the venue for various cultural events in Rome. You may have the fortune of visiting it during a reading of Dante's Divine Comedy.

There are plenty of benches around the interior perimeter of the Pantheon, so feel free to have a seat and enjoy the stunning wonder of this ancient building. While its history is extensive, a few basic facts help any visitor appreciate it even more. It was originally built in under Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC as a temple for all the gods, and then it was later rebuilt into its current structure that we see today under the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 118 AD and it has remained more or less unchanged since then.

It is also worthwhile having a little break and soak in the beauty of the exterior of the Pantheon in the piazza. There are various cafes where you can have a prosecco or coffee and maybe catch a great street performance of a local artist. Ice cream lovers should take a little stroll over to the very famous ice cream shops nearby -- Giolitti, for those who like more classic flavors and Gelateria della Palma for those who like more experimental and extravagant flavors.

Opening hours at the Pantheon vary according to time of year. A good rome travel guide will list the opening hours according to season.

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Hidden Treasures in Rome

Before you come to Rome, it's important to remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and so it is impossible to see and do everything in a year, let alone a week or two of vacation. The major sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peters, the Vatican and the Pantheon are certainly not to be missed. And guided tours make them more meaningful and enjoyable.

But other treasures waiting to be discovered are infinite. Three fascinating spots that are not easily found in a rome travel guide yet will make a lasting impression are the church of Sant' Ignazio di Loyola, the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the church of San Luigi dei Francesi.

Sant' Ignazio di Loyola is located in the city center off of Via del Corso and not far from Piazza Venezia. Enter the church and observe its impressive dome located near the front altar. Take a few steps forward. Believe it or not but the dome is an optical illusion painted on a flat wooden surface. Visitors often enjoy shifting positions in the church to understand at what point the dome begins to appear flat. Feel free to do so yourself.

San Luigi di Francesi is located in the city center near Piazza Navona. It is the French national church that was built in the 1500's and it is the home of three famous Caravaggio paintings: "The Calling of St. Matthew", "The Martyrdom of St. Matthew" and "St. Matthew and the Angel". The paintings all exhibit a wonderful use of light by the artist and are remarkable works.

Santa Maria degli Angeli is located in Piazza Reppublica, which may be reached with Metro A. Michelangelo planned out this church along the ruins of the ancient roman baths of Diocletian. It is fascinating to see how he was able to use the ruins to create a functional building that has lasted to this day.

One perk of visiting these sites is that they require no admission fee. But remember, they are houses of worship, so always be respectful, turn your cell phone off before entering and keep your voice down.

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