Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with Rome

Eating well in Europe -- England, France, and Italy edition

Concolora — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:33:33 -0800

It's happening!! Mr. Concolora and I are flying out to London tomorrow to start our three week tenth wedding anniversary European extravanganza and I'm about to pop with excitement. We're going to be in London, Paris, Dijon, Verona, Vicenza, Venice, and Rome and we'd love some recommendations on where to eat. Snowflakes inside! We have two 'event' dinners planned, one in London and one in Paris. For those we're looking to spend somewhere in the thirty Euro per person range.

For everything else, we'd like to stay reasonably inexpensive while staying away from American style fast food. We love street food, we are incredibly adventurous eaters (offal is totally cool with us), and we actively want to eat local food. We have a small amount of French and Italian in our travelling party, and we're confident that we can pull off ordering , etc in restaurants where little or no English is spoken.

Help us eat well in Europe, AskMeFi!

Can you help me plan my trip to Germany, France and Italy?

BitterYouth — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:29:22 -0800

I will be in Berlin, Prague, Venice, Florence, Rome, Marseilles and Paris this summer. I've never been to any of these places before. I will be spending about 2 days per city apart from Prague which is only 1 day. I realize it is a hectic trip and hard to see so much in such a short time, but that's the way the budget and time worked out. I will be traveling with two other students.

Advice I could use: where to stay (good hostels that you've stayed at?), tips/tricks to make things cheaper or easier to see (for example in Rome, I'm told that getting the bus tour package allows me to skip lines at the main tourist spots). We’re students and on a small budget and limited time in each city, so any ideas for making things efficient/cheaper would be awesome. Also things to see that I definitely don’t wanna miss in any of these places?

I have been using lonelyisland, ricksteves and seat61 but I was looking for more personalized advice.

THANK YOU!

Transportation - I'm traveling by train between most cities (already booked). So EuroRail pass is a nonissue at this point.

I have read some previous relevant threads, particularly this one about staying in Rome.

PS - I've never asked a Q before so I might be doing this all wrong....have mercy.

Rome fiumicino airport - 4 people - Zero cellphones - where do we meet?

jander03 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:18:17 -0800

Four of us are coming in on different flights and terminals throughout a single morning - what landmark in the Fiumicino airport can we all meet by?

Charming streets, dark alleys? Anti-mugging ID plan for Rome

bullitt 5 — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:38:09 -0800

I am planning a trip to Italy this summer. I will have several days within Rome, and am looking forward to exploring the nooks and crannies of the city. I've read that I should only carry enough money for each day, in case of being mugged -- works for me. Regarding ID, would it be a good idea to leave my passport in our rented apartment, and carry my driver's license and/or a photocopy of my passport within the city? These seem like less dire things to lose while travelling.

Etruscan resources

the man of twists and turns — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:49:57 -0800

I'm learning that many of the customs and traditions that I think of as Roman actually originated from the Etruscans instead. Can anyone recommend some good books, videos, or websites about ancient Etruscan culture and history?

Italian gift ideas for fashion design grad

mediated self — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:22:00 -0800

Seeking ideas for a graduation gift that we could buy in Italy for a fashion design major. SO's sister will be graduating college with a degree in fashion design. SO and I will be visiting Florence and Rome the month before the graduation and are thinking of graduation gift ideas in advance. Max spending limit is $100 US.

Let's go Italy!

outfielder — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 16:22:23 -0800

Traveling to Italy, have questions. My spouse and I will be in Italy for the first time for 2 weeks in May, flying in and out of Rome. Our current plan is to go immediately to Florence and Siena for the first week, the Amalfi coast (probably based in Sorrento) for most of the second week, and the last 2 nights in Rome. We're looking for advice about travel methods (rental car vs train), lodging (we prefer boutique style hotels, but would like WiFi and in-room safes), and any must-sees. We are planners as far as hotels go, but don't need every minute planned once we're in a place. We are physically fit 40-somethings from Portland, and we eat fish, but no other meat. Any advice is much appreciated.

Once again I require awesome history books plz

elizardbits — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:14:32 -0800

I need to stop reading wikipedia at work, so please give me books instead In order to assist me in reaching this goal, I will need awesome nonfiction recommendations on the following subjects:

- the French and Indian Wars, including the Beaver Wars
- the Jewish-Roman Wars
- the military of Ancient Rome, specifically anything to do with engineering, logistics, and/or tactics
- something about the Cathars that isn't incredibly dry and tedious

Books only, no podcasts please! Minor hearing impairment + tendency towards distractability = podcast annoyances. (ooh, unless they have transcripts with which I can follow along. But I prefer books.)

Leather, leather everywhere, nor any drop to drink

168 — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:35:24 -0800

Where should I go shopping for boots, belts, and funky clothing generally in Italy (Florence or Rome)? I'm ashamed to admit that I'm having trouble finding awesome boots (wide calf, ideally slouchy and chunky heel and knee-high) and belts while vacationing in Italy this week. I've come across lots of junk, but not so much really great stuff so far. Where should I look for those things, and for funky clothing (for a short, curvy woman) generally?

I'll be in Florence until Friday, and then I'm heading to Rome for the next week. Please tell me where to go shopping in between all the museum visits and gelato nommings and general wanderings!

As a preemptive thank-you, I'll point out that the yogurt nutella gelato at Gelateria la Carraiamore in Florence is AMAZING.

Seeking mental health resources for young Italian man

vincele — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 08:35:45 -0800

What are low-cost or online resources for a young Italian man with anxiety disorder and/or depression in Rome? I'm asking for a friend. What are low-cost or online resources for a young Italian man with anxiety disorder and/or depression in Rome?

I checked the ThereisHelp page but I didn't see anything on Italy. Any resources in Italian or advice about clinics or therapists is appreciated.

Traveling to Italy

jen14221 — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:57:09 -0800

Traveling to Italy for eight days starting the evening of 12/25/2012. We'll be in Rome, Venice and Milan. Please tell me "must-sees" or "must-dos" while I am there with my husband and 8 year-old son.

Italy: From Rome to Florence... and Beyond!

slide — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:14:28 -0800

Italy travelfilter: The girlfriend and I are headed to Italy for a late in the year vacation and need help! We've done a lot of the major cities before and are looking for something more rural, but that makes planning a challenge, given our complete lack of experience with the Italian countryside. Help greatly appreciated! I'll be in Rome already for work and she'll be joining me on October 30. We then fly out of Rome on November 8. I plan to rent a car at the airport when she arrives and we'll head out.

First leg: We're thinking it would be fun to spend 4-5 nights at one location somewhere in Tuscany/Umbria and take day trips to towns around the region. We love good food and wine... however, because we love wine, it would also be great if wherever we stayed we could walk to restaurants/bars as well so that we can both drink! Any particular towns leap to mind as good candidates? Particular places in those towns to stay? Apts/villas? Other towns to visit? Vineyards/food festivals/any festivals?

Second leg: We're then thinking of going into Florence and spending a few nights there. Any recommendations welcome, but I feel I'm better at planning an urban stay, plus there are other metafilter Florence threads.

Third leg: We'd then have 3 nights or so left and are open to ideas. We're thinking Cinque Terre or ... anything!

I'd appreciate any and all advice from experts; metafiler has been invaluable to my prior trip planning. The schedule above is by no means set in stone - if you would advise an entirely different trip structure, I'd love to hear it! Thanks in advance.

Cool towns around Rome to visit?

grak88 — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:55:26 -0800

Cool towns around Rome to visit? Heading to Rome on Aug 2. Thinking about visiting some towns around Rome as both of us have been to Rome before. Any recommendations on cool towns that are close to Rome? We need to return to Rome to fly out so we can't stray too far. Friends say Naples ain't worth a trip out for.

Likes: Wine. Pasta. Cheap but nice accommodations. Riding bikes in quaint towns. Train ride away from Rome or easy transport at least.

Dislikes: Nothing. It's Italy!

Where's Caravaggio?

grobstein — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:06:28 -0800

Caravaggio-filter: help me find all the Caravaggios in Rome. Is there a list? I'm going to spend a week or so in Rome, and while I'd there I'd like to track down and see all the Caravaggio paintings there.

The trouble is, while some of the paintings are in museums and big churches, many are scattered about the city, one in this church, one in that church. It's what makes the project difficult, as well as charming. I want to wander from church to church, looking in and maybe dumping some coins to operate the lights on the paintings, and moving on.

But I don't know where all the paintings are and I can't find any comprehensive list.

Ideally I would like

1) a comprehensive list of Caravaggios in Rome,

but I would settle for

2) mentions of particular Caravaggio's in Rome and where they are kept, or
3) other tips.

Thank you!

Two of us are spending a week in Italy soon -- Rome, Florence, Venice. Help us find some cool places to stay!

chasing — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:28:57 -0800

Two of us are spending a week in Italy soon -- Rome, Florence, Venice. Help us find some cool places to stay! I know there are traditional hotels all over the place, but are there any options we might not be considering that are both relatively inexpensive *and* interesting? (Quirky also okay.)

Proximity to cools stuff is a definite plus, and we don't need to be bargain-basement. But, y'know. Rather not *waste* money. Hostels have crossed our minds, but we're not all all interested in sharing a room or bunk or whatever with folks we don't know.

Anyway: I'm trying to see if there's anything we're overlooking as we do our planning.

Oh: And it's for two of us -- a couple.

Thanks!

Walking tours in Italy?

cosmic.osmo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:36:18 -0800

I will be backpacking in Rome, Florence, and Pisa this summer. What are the best walking tour operators in those cities? I've had a lot of success with Sandeman's New Europe tips-only walking tours in the past (thanks AskMefi!), but it appears that they are not active in Italy. I'm looking for something similar: mainly popular (to make meeting people easier), high-level (but good), and skewing towards a younger demographic.

Finding WW2 veterans who were stationed in Rome?

progosk — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:34:47 -0800

Historyfilter: how would I go about identifying and actually contacting G.I.s stationed in Rome post-WW2? I'm hoping there may be an uncomplicated way to reach the octuagenarians who spent some significant amount of time in the city right after the war. I've sent a contact email outlining my hopes to the American G.I. Forum, but perhaps that's entirely the wrong place to try?

The reason behind my quest? There's a pressing (for me) anecdote that can only gain historical significance if I'm lucky enough to find someone who actually lived (or at least directly heard about) it.

(Alternatively/in addition: suggestions of accounts of Rome right after the war as told by American servicemen are also welcome.)

Where to stay in Rome with kids

crocomancer — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:34:04 -0800

Thinking of going to Rome later in the year (me + Mrs Croc + 2 kids, 7 and 10) for a few days. Any advice welcome on locations to stay and things to see that will appeal to kids. We did a similar trip to Paris a few years ago and combining kid things and grown-up things made it a great week. We stayed in a rented apartment which made it much easier to relax in the evening, but we'd consider a hotel. So more specifically: any recommendations for a rental, or family-friendly hotel?

Looking for good neighborhoods to stay in in Siena and Rome

Thin Lizzy — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:36:13 -0800

Help me find good areas to stay in in Rome and Siena. Mr. Lizzy and I are going to Rome and Siena this spring. I'm looking for good areas to stay in in both cities. I really like finding neighborhoods that make exploring easy but are slighty off the beaten path and quiet. I've really enjoyed staying in Mala Strana in Prague and Ile Saint-Louis in Paris. It sounds like the San Francesco area in Siena might be right, but I'm not sure about Rome. We're looking for a nice place and don't mind spending some money but nothing crazy luxurious. In American Las Vegas terms (sorry, I go there a lot for work) not the Wynn, not the Circus Circus, more like Vdara/Aria.

There will be many more questions.

Admiral Haddock — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:31:46 -0800

Ciao Roma! I have two questions about traveling TO and THROUGH Rome this summer. The lovely lady and I are taking a honeymoon to Rome and Sardinia this summer, and we have two questions.

How much time should we leave between an international arrival and a domestic connection at Fiumicino? Our flight from the US arrives at about 7:00 a.m. on a Tuesday (July 3). We want to fly from Fiumicino to Algerho’s Firtilia airport that day. There’s a flight that leaves about 9:10 a.m.—but we’d have to get our bags, go through immigration and pass through security in that two-hour window. This seems like cutting it close to me, and leaves no time for flight delays. Any thoughts? There is another flight at 1 or so (and some later), and that feels more comfortable. Am I a being a ninny?

Where to stay in Rome? After a few days in Sardinia, we’ll fly back to Rome. Where should we stay? We’ve been considering the Lord Byron, which is just north of the Villa Borghese. It looks lovely, and we like the idea of being away from tourist central, but we’d still like to have restaurants/bars/cafes nearby for a nice stroll. An analogy, if you know Amsterdam: we were there last year and stayed at the NH Caransa in Rembrandtplein, and it was ghastly; we would have much preferred staying in Den Jordaan or De Pijp. We’re wide open here on price, style, location. The Lord Byron would be the fanciest hotel I’ve ever stayed at in my life; we’re just doing a little pensione in Sardinia. Fun and hip would be a plus, but I’m not averse to luxuriating, either. Happy to have recommendations for either specific hotels or neighborhoods.

We’ve both been to Rome before, but it was a few years ago. We’ll surely see some of the big sites again, but we’ll probably spend more time at smaller attractions. Proximity to the major sites is probably not of prime concern (but we won't have a car, and don't want to be far out anywhere).

Mille grazie!

Babyfriendly eating in Rome?

Harald74 — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:48:02 -0800

We're going to Rome in a month's time, and are looking for great places to eat that won't mind us bringing our baby along. Any other tips for enjoying Rome with a push chair/stroller are also welcome!

What to do in Rome when its really cold?

Lame_username — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:07:32 -0800

I'm doing a last minute long weekend for my wife's birthday in Rome in a couple of days. I've got some good feedback on dining ideas, but I'd love any suggestions for other tourist stuff to do in the dead of winter. We've done most of the big sights, but special exhibits at the galleries or off the beaten trail suggestions very welcome.

Son of Hades? But isn't Jupiter, like, your bosses' boss?

Cool Papa Bell — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:38:22 -0800

What is the day-to-day experience like for a true follower of a polytheistic religion, when that religion has an inherent hierarchy? Been watching the HBO show Rome. Religion plays a not-insignificant role in the characters' lives. There's Jupiter and Mars, but also lesser-known figures like Bona Dea, Concordia and Spes. At one point, a character proclaims himself a Son of Hades, freaking everyone out with its apparent blasphemy.

How does this work in a hierarchy of gods?

In other words, why bother making an appeal to Janus when Jupiter is the "king of the gods?"

Why bother with Janus when you can talk to the Big Guy? Are you going against Jupiter when you reach out to Janus?

Similarly...
* Thor and Odin
* Ganesha and Vishnu
* Why have shrines to Sarutahiko Okami and not double down on your veneration of Amaterasu?

While Rome burns

Artw — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:29:10 -0800

What tunes would the roman emperor Nero have been likely to have played on his fiddle?

YANMTA,BIDHATA,S...

AugieAugustus — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:48:36 -0800

EuroTravelFilter: Help us determine stops, a route, strategies, tips, dangers, etc. for our Summer 2012 Rome-Baltic odyssey, currently in its very early planning stages. What can we hope to achieve in ~2 weeks and $3-4k? Our current planned phases:

1- Fly into Rome. Spend 2+ days.
2- Proceed north... to someplace. Most of the "middle part" of the trip is meant to be in Germany. I envision going through at least a bit of the Black Forest.
3- Reach Baltic, presumably at Lubeck.
4- Fly back to U.S., presumably from Hamburg.

Like I said, very early planning stages.

Things we're thinking about:
- We really want to get a good amount of scenic rail travel in. However, we're not averse to short-hop flights if it helps us balance time/money.
- Driving in Europe?... ehhh, if we have to.
- Switzerland... at least a little time here. Would just Geneva suffice? Also, I want to go on one of those aerial trams that one associates with the Swiss Alps.
- Dijon? I've been to Paris and it's great and all, but it seems like it might be a bit out of our way. Mrs. Augustus has never been to Europe at all, and while she's stoked about Germany, I feel a day or two of France is needed. Would Dijon constitute a suitably French experience?
- What's the can't-miss stuff around the, um, middle part of Germany? (big question, I realize)
- How much scenic awesomeness would we be missing out on if we skipped western Austria? (Again, it may be a bit off our route, but as the route is not yet set in stone.........)
- Luxembourg! Worth a slight detour?

Our interests:
- historical sights (the older, the better, but really any era is of interest)
- museums that contain more than just art. (for reference, the military museum in Paris was perhaps the coolest thing I remember from Paris)
- not-too-intense nature hikes
- amateur photography
- wine

Non-interests:
- hosteling. We are just slightly not outgoing enough for that, I suspect.
- nightclubs

Additional considerations:
- We are AAA for now. Considering a switch to Better World Club or something similar, and likely before the trip.
- Mrs. Augustus doesn't eat meat. I do. We both like cheese.
- We are fit enough for fairly long walks and lugging moderate loads. No major health issues, not overweight, but not exactly Olympian stamina.
- We both speak "barely-enough-for-the-tourist" German and I speak about that much French.

Thanks for whatever input you can provide!