Rome City Guide

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Check out The Scene's recommendations for the Italian capital and send us your ideas and suggestions below.

SEE: As the birthplace of one of Europe's great civilizations, Rome is crammed with architectural and artistic treasures that have made it a tourism Mecca for centuries. Jostle with the crowds pouring into the Vatican City, for a glimpse of St. Peter's Bascilica, possibly the world's largest church, and the Michelangelo-decorated Sistine Chapel. Close by, the Castel Sant'Angelo houses Italy's national museum and leads on to the Piazza Navona, whose Sant'Agnese in Agone church and Fontana dei Fiumi stand testament to a 17th century Baroque battle between architectural rivals Francesco Borromini and Gianlorenzo Bernini. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, then head to the Pantheon, ancient burial place of some of Rome's artistic greats, and then the tourist magnet of the Spanish Steps. No Roman holiday would be complete without a visit to the mighty Coliseum, scene of gladiatorial slaughter, and the Forum, the economic and religious heart of the ancient city. If there's still time, head out of town to the subterranean Christian burial grounds of the Catacombs or take a walk along the original slab stones of the Appian Way.

BE SEEN: For a city that bills itself as eternal, Rome's nightlife can seem a bit on the quiet side, but appearances can deceptive. With long, balmy summer evenings stretching in front of them, many Romans like to linger over their linguini until midnight before hitting streets abuzz with cappuccino-fueled chatter and the heady scent of romance. Cafes and bars abound in the Campo dei Fiori and Trastevere areas, while Piazza Navona's artists are an added draw for the people-watchers crammed in streetside restaurants. As dusk settles, join the crowds heading to Piazza del Fico for a sundowner in Bar del Fico, a Rome institution that wears its back street coffee bar origins as proudly as its numerous clientele sport their designer labels. Offering a glamorous glimpse of La Dolce Vita -- with prices to match -- is Jackie O on Via Boncompagni, but you'll need to do as the Romans do and dress smart to get in. Jonathan's Angels in Via dell Fossa is worth a visit for the bizarrely-decorated toilets alone, let alone the amicable avant-garde atmosphere and great cocktails. The post-industrial decor at Alien in Via Vellertri might be a bit passe, but the distinctly Italian blend of house, techno, cabaret and comedy still packs in the movie and modeling set.

EAT: The Roman Empire may have declined centuries ago, but a culinary commonwealth has risen in its place, dispatching trattorias to far-flung corners of the Earth. Rome hasn't exactly kept the best for itself, with overcharging rife around tourist traps, but simple food and generous portions mean it's hard to go far wrong. Most Italians agree that nothing beats home cooking, so its not surprise that Bella Napoli, a family-run pizza restaurant on Via Alessandria, is usually packed with locals. If your language skills are up to it, and you're not put off by the shabby surroundings, try Ar Grottino der Trascolatore, on Largo delle sette Chiese, for unceremonious but superb cooking. For a taste of Italy's regional cuisine, try Da Paolo in Trastevere for Abruzzi specialities or Siciliainbocca near San Pietro for grilled seafood. For that other Italian staple, ice cream, try Il Gelatone, near the Forum, or the chocolate chunk tartuffo at Piazza Navona's Tre Scalini.