Rome

This is the island in the middle of the Tiber River (Il Fiume Tevere) that separates Central Rome and Trastevere. It boasts both a major hospital, called Fatebenefratelli, and a small synagogue that was secretly used in the Second World…

Piazzale del Colosseo / Via dei Fori Imperiali· Cheap

Known properly as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this most famous of Roman landmarks takes its name from the giant statue of the emperor Nero that once stood near this location.

Right next to the Roman Forum

Contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum.

Completed in 1762 to a design by Nicola Salvi, this spectacular Baroque fountain features a mythological sculptural composition of Neptune, god of the sea, flanked by two Tritons: one Triton labours to control a violent sea-horse, the…

Metro Spagna, bus nr 116,117,119

The Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) is the most famous square in Rome. For a very long time it was the meeting point of all foreigners coming to Rome. In the 17th century it was the residence of the Spanish Ambassador to the Holy See.

at the Caracalla end of Circo Massimo is the Porta di Capena; take the small road to the left that runs parallel to the tram line

The Celian Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome. You immediately see the church of San Gregorio Magno. On this site monks were trained before setting off as missionaries to England at the end of the 6th Century.

to the north of Rome close to the Via Flaminia. Not exactly easy to reach from major tourist areas. Bus 910 and 217 from Termini Station; Linea ‘M’ special bus route between Termini Station and Auditorium, from 17:00 every 15 min on concert nights. Tram: No. 2 from Piazzale Flaminio. Trains: Metro A line to Flaminio then No.2 tram.

The Auditorium at Parco della Musica is a large complex on the north side of Rome, built on a site that was part of the 1960 Olympic area. It is composed of three separate halls whose shapes are inspired by musical instruments.

Imposing exhibition centre half-way down Via Nazionale.· Moderate

Rotating exhibitions, usually three at one time. Exhibition descriptions normally provided in both Italian and English. Avoid Sunday morning, when the Romans go, as queues to get in can be long.

on the corner of the Piazza del Quirinale· Cheap

Former stables of the Quirinal Palace, now an exhibition centre that usually hosts some excellent art shows.

Via Galvani and Via Alessandro Volta

Great place to see the wide range of fresh produce available in Italy. Fish and flower stalls as well. Stock up here for picnics to sustain you while sightseeing.

Baths of Caracalla (see Rome/Aventino-Testaccio)

If you are in Rome during summertime don’t miss the chance to experience a lyric opera in the truly unique setting of the Caracalla Baths. The 2009 program included Tosca, Carmen and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performances start at 21:00.

Beautiful place to hang around and watch people going by, as well as the many buskers usually found in the square. Join the students sitting on the steps of the fountain or, if you can afford it, have a drink or meal at one of the…

This is a traditional popular festival, once organised by the Italian Communist Party to promote its official newspaper l'Unità ("Unity"), and nowadays kept by the Democratic Party.

The cobbled streets are narrow and winding and random but losing your way will lead you to places you might not otherwise find. Note that the cobblestone streets (locally called sampietrini) are being paved elsewhere in Rome as the…

Via della Lungaretta

A small bar with a great range of drinks, friendly staff and a manic display of cocktail making later on in the evening. There are several TV screens showing major sporting events.

Hotel Cavalieri Hilton, Via A. Cadlolo 101

Awarded three stars in the Guide Rouge. The chef, Heinz Beck, is German in origin and has set a style which combines Italian fresh produce with exceptional creativity and presentation.

Metro A Republica (Via Nazionale/Piazza della Repubblica)

The chefs here make a relatively small but amazingly good pizza. The calzone, one of their specialities, is excellent too. The staff speak English, and this is one of the few places where there are both plenty of tourists and very good…

near Via Cavour and Termini station, close to the corner of Via Amedeo and Via Daniele Manin, next to Hotel California· Pricey

A street side restaurant with excellent food, attentive service and warm atmosphere. Eat outside or inside, depending on the weather. Try the fish fillet baked in potato which should please anyone who likes fish - it is excellent.

Via di San Francesco a Ripa 21· Cheap

Great little pizzeria run by 2 friendly Neapolitan brothers. You can get a big slice and a huge ice cold beer The place gets full of locals. That should tell you everything.

southwest corner of Campo

Western bar. Nice for a quiet afternoon drink but are usually quite noisy at night, with specials most nights to encourage business. Girls are encouraged to have fun by lying on the bar and allowing guys to drink shots off their chests.

Piazza Barberini 2· Expensive

A guest house on the third floor in a residential building on Piazza Barberini, so the name holds true. No elevator available, and it's a long walk up the stairs with your luggage.

Via Marghera 8· Pricey

Two minute walk from the Termini. Entrance is buzzer-controlled around-the-clock. The decor is clean and fresh, with rooms spacious and outfitted with comfortably firm beds and large pillows.

Via Arola, 53

The Papillo accommodation is a four-star hotel of Rome with 77 double and twin bedrooms, 4 luxury suite and 1 king suite. All with private bath, shower, bat tub, internet connection, pay per view, satellite TV and flat screen.

Largo Antonio Sarti, 4· Expensive

A big hotel in a quiet area of Rome. The staff is friendly and makes the stay very enjoyable. The rooms are clean and spacious and there’s a daily replenishment of the minibar at no cost.

Via Siderno, 37· Expensive

Convenient for the Appian Way park and if you want to go to the races at Capannelle horse track. Short walk from Parco degli Aquedotti and Villa dei Quintili. Easily reached if you are coming from the south by car.

metro: Laurentina· Expensive

Very quiet and stylish in midst of a park. You can reach it from the subway by a 5-min walk. The hotel has a small bar, excellent breakfast and a restaurant.