Sensational shopping, classy culture and fantastico food. It’s no wonder
Hollywood A-listers like Jessica and Justin are heading to Rome. And it’s
set to become even more popular after becoming the backdrop to this year’s
blockbuster, Angels & Demons. Tom Hanks takes the lead in next month’s
follow up to The Da Vinci Code, but Rome is the real star. So whether you
want to make like an angel or get all devilish, we’ve got it cracked.
Your culture fix
For angels: Visit the famous Trevi fountain after dark and you’ll share it
with the masses. Instead, visit at dawn. Yes, we know it’s early – but
you’ll have it blissfully to yourself, and it’s the perfect place to go with
that special someone.
For demons: Stifle a giggle as you bypass the hapless fools waiting in the
line for the Colosseum by getting your tickets at the nearby, queue-free
ruins of the Roman Forum. And on the last Sunday of the month, the Vatican
Museums waive their 14 euros (£12.50) entrance fee so you can gaze at
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel for nothing – naughty behaviour without the
bad karma.
Your food fix
For angels: It’s hard to be heavenly when it comes to eating in Rome. The
pizzas may be thin, but they’re still high in calories – but as Italy’s main
passion is food, see it as good manners to indulge. Be an angel where your
wallet is concerned at Da Baffetto (Via del Governo Vecchio 114), an
authentic pizzeria in the Centro Storico district. The mouthwatering
Baffetto (topped with mozzarella, artichoke, spicy sausage and a fried egg)
is a recession-friendly 8 euros (£7).
For demons: Give your purse an evil thrashing at Open Colonna (Scalinata di
via Milano 9A), one of the city’s slickest restaurants, and the latest
project from chef Antonello Colonna, Italy’s answer to Gordon Ramsay. Will
Smith and Angels & Demons director Ron Howard dined under its glass
ceiling on melanzane alla Parmigiana – an aubergine and Parmesan dish.
Your retail fix
For angels: Milan may be the fashion capital of the world, but Rome also packs
a Prada punch. But why go for labels when you can seek out more unique
threads in the stylish boutiques along Via del Boschetto in the Monti
district? This bohemian street also boasts galleries and quirky homeware
stores, such as Archivia.
For demons: If you’re feeling exceptionally sinful, splash your cash in the
designer stores around Piazza di Spagna in Tridente, where you’ll find Gucci
and friends. The nearby Spanish Steps, Europe’s most famous staircase dating
back to 1723, is an ideal spot to show off your new purchases (and repent
your spending sins)!
Your people fix
For angels: Sip espresso by day and Merlot by night at the art nouveau Bar
Della Pace (Via Della Pace 3/7). Locals and their pet pooches spend hours at
the alfresco tables set around its ivy-covered exterior.
For demons: Bar and restaurant Salotto 42 on Piazza di Pietra attracts a sexy
young crowd. Spicy basil cocktails, Swedish-style tapas (it’s owned by a
Swedish model) and dishy Italian stallions keep it a hot, hot, hot place to
hang out.
Your spa fix
Both angels and demons deserve pampering – and the idea of wallowing in a spa
isn’t new to Rome. The Baths Of Diocletian (Viale Enrico de Nicola 78),
built in the third century and now a museum, once welcomed thousands to soak
in its thermal waters. Now the exquisite spa in the nearby five-star Hotel
Exedra (Exedra.boscolohotels.com) fuses old and new. Soak in the baths
inspired by ancient Rome before enjoying a treatment – perhaps a flat
abdomen massage, 80 euros (£70) – and finish with a dip in the rooftop pool.
Well, when in Rome…
Getting there: A three-night city break in a four-star hotel with breakfast
and return flights from London Gatwick costs from around £483 at
Lastminute.com.
Tell us about your favourite holiday hot spots in the UK and Ireland at hiddengems@fabulousmag.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY, GETTY, PHOTOLIBRARY.COM, PLANET PHOTOS
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