Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Welcome to the Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Destination Guides

bthere! Destination guides

Previous issues for Rome

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy,
please confirm event/venue details in advance.

Italy : Rome - June 2008

Country Code: Dial for Italy

Rome’s beauty is never more dazzling than in the golden haze of summer. And while temperatures creep up, its shady piazzas, winding back streets and glorious gardens are the epitome of al-fresco cool. Anna Melville-James seeks out the best spots to enjoy the sunshine in the Eternal City

Getting around

Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

Bus: The Terravision bus is cheap (about €15 for a return), but the timetable less frequent – there’s approximately one bus every two hours and the journey takes 45 minutes.
Train: The Leonardo Express runs every 30 minutes into Termini station. The journey takes 35 minutes and costs €11.
Taxi: The journey from the airport to the city centre takes 50 minutes. Expect to pay around €40-60.
Tourist information: The main office is at 11 Via Parigi (, www.romaturismo.com).

VIA VENETO AND PIAZZA BARBERINI

Made famous by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, Via Veneto sweeps dramatically down to Piazza Barberini.

Sleep soundly – Rub shoulders with the A-list at the Hotel Eden, which, in a city full of good hotels, ups the opulent ante with its liveried porters, grand marble lobby and cavernous bedrooms. There’s also a rooftop terrace for outdoor cocktails. Hotel La Residenza is centrally located and elegant in a low-key kind of way.

Culture vultures – The Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica at the Palazzo Baberini (13 Via delle Quattro Fontane) houses one of Rome’s most important art collections, which includes show-stopping work by Italian masters Titian, Tintoretto and Caravaggio.

Shop til you drop – For the sharpest suits, follow in the footsteps of actors, ambassadors and presidents who have been coming to Brioni (79 Via Barberini) since 1945.

CENTRO STORICO

The city’s beating heart, this maze of piazzas is the perfect setting for the dramatic bustle of Roman life.

Sleep soundly – The ivy-clad Hotel Raphael is a former palazzo with a collection of ceramics by Picasso in the lobby. Dinner and sunset on the roof terrace are unbeatably romantic.

Must eat – The tables on Osteria Ar Galletto’s (102 Piazza Farnese, tel. ) terrace are the best seats in the house. Food is classic, rich Roman and reasonably priced.

Must drink – Tucked away down a side street near the Pantheon, the cavernous Supperclub Bar (14 Via de Nari) pulls in a well-heeled clientele who recline on white beds and sip smoky Martinis.

Dance the night away – The Gallery (12 Via della Maddalena) serves up potent cocktails to a funk soundtrack.

VATICAN AND PRATI

The world’s smallest city state and the seat of the Catholic Church is bordered to the north by the quiet suburb of Prati, which is known for its affordable – if basic – pensiones.

Culture vultures – Popes have been enjoying a spot of spiritual contemplation in the Vatican Gardens since the 13th century. Those with less lofty aspirations can still enjoy this shady oasis studded with fountains and sculptures.

Must eat – L’Archangelo (59-61 Via Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli, tel. ) is known for its impeccably executed Roman classics and fabulous seafood. It also has a great wine list, which includes several wines from small-scale Italian wineries. Gelateria Pellaccia (103 Via Cola di Rienzo, tel. ) serves up mouth-watering ice cream sundaes.

Shop til you drop – Pick up chic homeware or picnic food at Coin (173 Via Cola di Rienzo). There’s also an in-house coffee bar for a restorative espresso.

AVENTINE AND TESTACCIO

You’ll find an authentic Roman vibe and the most traditional restaurants here.

Sleep soundly – The Hotel Villa San Pio is a former private villa set in beautiful gardens.

Must eat – Carnivores love Zampagna (179 Via Ostiense, tel. ) for its meat-heavy menu and hearty dishes like tagliatelle alla Gricia (tagliatelle with bacon and Pecorino cheese).

Dance the night away – Head to Caruso-Caffe de Oriente (Via di Monte Testaccio) for hot salsa on balmy nights.

Shop til you drop – Come away with a dent in your wallet, a giant hunk of Parmesan cheese and wafer-thin slices of prosciutto at Volpetti (47 Via Marmorata). Don’t miss the lively, authentic Food Market (Piazza Testaccio).

Compiled by Anna Melville-James