stay atleast a couple of...
by giocatto
stay atleast a couple of weeks. I know that it isn't always possible to stay away from home for such a long time, but it isn't possible to visit Rome in a day: on the other hand 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.
Every inch of Rome is worth to be seen. Some things are more important and others are less important, but believe me when you get to Rome you will be amazed on everything you get your eyes on. Here are some photos I took in November 1999, will add others in future.
This is probably stating the obvious
by rattay
I recommend a backpack instead of luggage with wheels (assuming you don't have back problems) because many places that are not high end have stairs but no elevator. The apartment I stayed in was on the 4th floor and there was no elevator. Also, for women, I recommend a purse that zips on the top or has a buckle closure and that is carried under the upper arm. It certainly made me feel like less of a pickpocket target. Comfortable walking shoes (in the summer - cool, comfortable walking shoes). Tank tops are ok as long as you bring some sort of cover up for going in churches - bare shoulders and knees are not allowed in most (this is true at St. Peter's). And no one wants to wear those napkin things they give you if you don't have a cover up. When I got there, I bought one of those large, cheesy tourist scarves that has pictures of famous fountians on it and just carried it with me. when I got to a church I just tied it around my shoulders. it was small and lightweight and now I have a memento from my trip that I actually used (even if it is kitsch). Deodorant! (ha ha) I brought a Nikon N65 with a nice lens and I am very glad I did. Those types of cameras are nice because they have the option of automatic or manual focus and shutter speed/aperature. This is nice for churches that are often too dark for smaller, point and shoot cameras. You just have to be careful that it doesn't get stolen. Eat lots of food, granita and gelato. Buy roasted chestnuts and corn from street vendors. Drink the water from the spouts on the street. Be polite. Be quiet in the churches. Don't be shocked if people stare at you (as far as I could tell, staring is much more acceptable there than it is here). Spend time wandering around and window shopping. Bring home useful souveniers. Make Roman friends.
Favorite bookshop in Rome
by icunme about La Feltrinelli
This just happens to be my personal favorite here in Rome as it was in Milano - primarily due to the personal assistance rendered by the staff here - perhaps it also has to do with finding the little hardcover, elasticized, pocket notebook indispensable to many writers - the "Hemingway notepad" as it is sometimes called. Load up when you find them as they are not so easy to get - perfect size for waist pouch. Photo 3. You will find foreign books in 60 languages (including English), books for kids, computers, didactic, dictionaries, eastern philosophies. The staff here will find the book you want - if not in their particular shop, they will search other Feltrinelli shops to see where it might be available for you. They treat you as if you were a permanent privileged client - not a transient tourist. They had no way to know that I do, in fact, reside in Rome and am not a tourist.
Check back for photos........... Books in your choice of 60 languages.
Near Pantheon
by Lindaemead about Ristorante Il Delfino
After many disappointing meals in Rome, I discovered this mini-cafeteria near the Pantheon. There was a wide variety of choices and the cooks actually used spices and herbs in the preparation of the food. The prices were not as expensive as many of the other restaurants and the food was flavorful and well cooked. I had a tomato that was stuffed with risotto, ground lamb or veal, and finely shredded vegetables. My husband had eggplant parmesian. Both were good.
A real Roman Trattoria
by Sarita76 about La nuova Cantinetta
This place is what we call a trattoria, meaning a more "rustique" restaurant, where you can find typical regional dishes.
The owner is a very "special" person... Don't think he's rude, because he's just a typical roman guy :) Don't hesitate too much when ordering your food and eat everything, otherwise... he'll be a bit disappointed!!! Obviously, don't think you can eat sophisticated food at La nuova Cantinetta... But you'll find wonderful pasta such as bucatini all'amatriciana , penne all'arrabbiata , spaghetti alla carbonara , gnocchi and lots of other yummy roman food.
CLOSED ON SUNDAYS