Rome, Italy
What to do in Rome
Walk and feel the energy of the place, sights are everywhere waiting to be
discovered. Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattorie,
and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood.
Partying in Rome is a pretty easy thing to do. Given a heart for exploration,
Testaccio is the place to wander. Head down there around 11pm and listen for
music. The outsides of the clubs will give you NO idea what the insides are like. There are usually loads of people simply walking through the street or looking for parking. Be brave, walk in, meet some wonderful Romans, but never buy them drinks unless you are looking for sex (in this case, better to be sure you are inviting the right person). This area is best in the summer when the dancing moves outside. In the winter, most clubs close.
Events
White Night – Various Events and plus shops and restaurants, museums stay
open while the Roman Notte Bianca stages music, dance and theater events;
Estate Romana Festival (Roman Summer Festival) – From late June through early
September offers various musical events of jazz, rock, and classical music,
and film, sport, theater and children’s fun.
Tours
Dark Rome Tours, ? 0039 3385006424 (info@darkrome.com). offers group and private tours. They are famous for organizing the official Angels and Demons
Tour and some other fun tours.
Learn
Rome is replete with foreign language and cultural institutions. Of course,
learning Italian is a worthwhile activity while in Rome.
Be a good guest if you do not speak Italian. Being extra polite will keep you
out of trouble.
The regional government and two historical societies are offering free Latin
classes to tourists. Contact mailto:ilregnodicamelot@libero.it.
The Historical Group of Rome runs a gladiator school. 18 Via Appia Antica.
ph 00396 51607951. email mailto:scuola@gsr-roma.com. http://www.gsr-roma.com/english/gladiatori/
Work
If you want to work during the tourist season, ask around at the hostels, hotels
and restaurants with that touristy feel. It is quite easy to get a job, and
it is a lot of fun even if it does not usually pay well. There are differing
views on how easy it is to get a job out here. There is high unemployment and
most jobs seem to go on a family – friends – other romans -other Italians -
white EU – other foreigners pecking order. Italian helps. And be wary about
making any financial commitments before you’ve actually been paid – late and
non-payment is common here, and you may find as a non-Roman you are more likely to be seen as an easy target for this. You will also need a permesso di soggiorno, whether or not you are an EU resident. Legally, you are required to have a working visa, although it is very easy to work and live without one.
Buy
Be aware that clothing bigger than a UK size 16/US 12 isn’t always easy to
find. Quality of clothing varies, from the high-quality (and expensive) Prada,
to the poor quality goods found in some local shops. Via del Corso has affordable
clothing, some brands (like Miss Sixty and Furla) are excellent. Some are not
as good- be sure to feel garments and try them on. There are great quality shoes
and leather bags at prices that compare well to the UK and US, quality for quality.
Children’s clothing can be expensive – basic vests (tank tops) can cost 21 euro
in non-designer shops. Upim is a good shop for cheap clothing of workable quality.
Lots of fake plastic ‘Louis Vuitton’ bags on sale from immigrants. Make sure
you haggle; unsuspecting tourists pay up to 60euro for them.
If you need stamps get them at the post or tobacco shops.
Nice shops
Frengo’s music One of the few CD shops in the center of Rome still run by
a music lover instead of a shop assistant in a franchising chain. You can find
a nice selection of CDs, DVDs, Console games and Dolby Surround home stereos.
Via della lungaretta, 65 – 00153 Roma (Trastevere) – Tel. 06 58 33 24 02′
Archeo Art Not far from the bottom of the Campidoglio steps. This shop sells
beautiful reproductions of ancient sculptures; not the tacky kitsch sold by
many of the street vendors, but museum quality miniatures that look incredibly
close to the real things. Not cheap, but definitely unique and classy souvenirs.
Also stocks reproductions of ancient Roman arms and armour, including full centurion
outfits! On Via del Teatro di Marcello.