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Time Zone
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in September).
Currency
Euro (€) = 100 cents.
Language
Italian.Sightseeing
Stumbling upon ancient frescoes, Renaissance fountains and beautiful piazzas in the centro storico (historic centre) are part of the pleasures of wandering around Rome’s streets. Key attractions include the Foro Romano (Roman Forum), Piazza Navona, Basilica San Pietro (St Peter’s Basilica), the Colosseo (Colosseum), the Panteone (Pantheon), the Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums), which include the Capella Sistina (Sistine Chapel), and, of course, the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain). The Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti (Spanish Steps) are another must-see for many visitors, who also go to see the nearby Keats-Shelley Memorial House where John Keats spent the last few months of his life. Galleria Borghese, an art gallery located amidst the greenery of Villa Borghese park is also worth a visit, as is the former working-class district of Trastevere, whose crumbling terracotta-hued palazzi and winding alleyways are now home to cafés and restaurants.
Shopping
Clothes, leather goods, including shoes and bags, truffles, olive oil, vinegars, wine and antiques. Via Condotti, near the Spanish Steps, is the most expensive shopping street in Rome and home to designer stores such as Prada and Gucci; the shops on Via del Corso offer more affordable clothes and accessories. Via Margutta and Via de’ Coronari are the best places to hunt for antiques and there is a famous flea market at Porta Portese on Sunday mornings.
Eating Out
Abbacchio (suckling lamb in white wine flavoured with rosemary), cannelloni (pasta stuffed with meat, calves’ brains, spinach, egg and cheese), broccoli romani (broccoli in white wine), salsa romana (sweet-sour brown sauce with raisins, chestnut and lentil purée served with game) and gnocchi alla romana (semolina dumplings). Of Rome’s cheeses the best include: mozzarella, pecorino and gorgonzola. Wines from the surrounding region include Frascati, Albano, Grottaferrata, Velletri, Montefiascone, and Marino (whites) and Marino, Cesanese and Piglio (reds). Few visitors to Rome can avoid the tempting array of gelaterie offering some of the most delicious ice cream in the world – the renowned Art Nouveau Giolitti and the equally extravagant Gelateria della Palma, both near the Pantheon, are two of the best in the city.
Location
Europe and Italy
Region
Italy