Rent a bicycle or take a pony ride
by GeoDenia
Rome's activities (apart from the mandatory sight-seeing) usually involve nothing more strenuous than eating, drinking and listening to good music. Conceivably you could work up a sweat running up and down the Spanish Steps; it's just that everyone will get excited thinking you're chasing a pickpocket. If you really want some exercise, you can rent bicycles near the Porta Pinciana in the Villa Borghese. Villa Doria Pamphili, 2km south of the Vatican, is the largest park in Rome and a lovely spot for a stroll or a picnic. If you're with kids or just a child at heart, there are pony rides and Sunday Punch & Judy shows on Gianicolo Hill, a short walk south-east of the Holy City. If you're sore from foot-slogging from one monument to the next, reward yourself by escaping to the relaxing thermal springs mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy. A short walk south-east of the Holy City.
Dove e' la Banca Citibank?
by Krystynn
Generally, banks in Rome are open from Mondays to Fridays; from as early as 8:30am to 1:30pm and again from 3pm to 4pm.
There are many banks where you can withdraw cash from via their onsite or offsite ATM machines. Again, remember - it is cheaper to withdraw cash using your ATM card vs using your travelers' checks or withdrawing cash against your credit card (that is known as a "Cash Advance" and you are charged exhorbitant fees for this service).
Why is it cheaper to withdraw cash using an ATM card?
Simple. The interbank exchange rates used by the respective banks are lower (read: attractive). You'll be charged a little fee for using this service and yes, even if you hold a Barclays ATM card or any other lesser known bank ATM cards, you can still withdraw from any ATM machines here in Rome - provided it contains the following logos:
- Cirrus
- Maestro
- STAR
- The Exchange
If you work in a bank (any bank - in your country), you can withdraw cash without having to pay a fee.
If you're in a hurry and need to visit a big, reputable international bank, then I'll recommend my ex-company: Citibank/ Citigroup. They are located at: Via Abruzzi 2, Rome. I hope they have not changed their address!
Again, please bear in mind the "riposo" (siesta) timings.
To reiterate again, most stores are open all year round - from Mondays to Saturdays; from 9am to 1pm..... and again from 3:30pm or 4pm to 7:30pm or 8pm.
Most shops are closed on Sundays.
Street vendors
by fairy_dust
There are many street vendors in Rome, especially near tourist areas. They expect you to haggle the price. So ask for the price, and make an offer that's much lower than the original. Then, the vendor will give you another price, and you keep haggling until you both agree on a price. It's very easy to do. Many vendors sell religious items, but also souvenirs, jewelry, and clothes. If you haggle the price, much cheaper than what you would pay in a store.
The usual is the bus. Each bus...
by fga
The usual is the bus. Each bus stop indicates the number of the buses stopping there and the routes they serve. Tickets for buses must be brought in advance from newstands or tobacco shops; you enter by the rear doors and punch the ticket in the machine. Some buses have conductors at the back who sells tickets.
Rome have underground (subway) railway lines, by far the fastest means of transport in this city. Tickets are sold at newstands and tobacconists, or can be purchased from machines at the stations.
The taxis are very expensives.
Granita
by rattay about Caffe Tazza d'Oro
Caffe' Tazza d'Oro (which translates to "Cup of Gold") is often cited as the best coffee in Rome and it is definitely worth trying out for yourself. As is true at all italian caffes, pay first and then take your reciept to the counter to get your food/beverage. The thing to get is the coffee granita. Granita is an iced drink that comes in different flavors, but most often coffee, lemon or orange. At Tazza d'Oro, you will get a mixture of crushed ice and espresso topped off with some of the thickest cream I have ever come in contact with. The best way to eat it is to mix the cream into the ice/espresso part. But be warned: the cup may look small, but this is one of the most intense coffee drinks I've ever had and rarely was I able to finish it!
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the church
Madonna dei Pelligrini by Caravaggio
A church for a little saint
Pollux, Piazza del Campidoglio, May 2007
