Destinations > Europe > Italy > Rome
Spanish Steps
topHotels
Hotel de Russie
Via del Babuino 9, Rome
Tel: +39 (06) 328 881 Fax: +39 (06) 3288 8888
Reservations: reservations@hotelderussie.it
Concierge: concierge@hotelderussie.it
Our favorite hotel when traveling with the kids. It has a pool (need I say more), a spa, and is just a 5-minute walk to some of our favorite restaurants and shops. Last time we stayed at the de Russie, the cast of Ocean's 11,12 and13 were also staying there. We splashed around the pool with George Clooney!
St. Regis Grand Hotel Rome
Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando 3, Rome
Tel: 877-787-3447 in the U.S. and Canada or +39 (06) 47091
Fax: +39 (06) 474 7307
Reservations: stregisgrandrome@stregis.com
The Westin Excelsior Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto 125, Rome
Tel: +39 (06) 47081 Fax: +39 (06) 482 6205
Reservations: excelsiorRome@westin.com
topSights
Spanish Steps
This elegant Baroque staircase leading from the church of Trinita dei Monti down to the Piazza di Spagna is a favorite place to sit and people-watch.
Piazza di Spagna
Rome's most famous piazza was named for the nearby Spanish Embassy. In the 18th century, the area attracted aristocrats on their Grand Tour and writers such as Balzac and Keats.
Piazza del Popolo
With an Egyptian obelisk at its center and twin churches along one side, this vast piazza offers a pleasing symmetry. Evening concerts are regularly held here during the summer.
Santa Maria del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo 12
Information: +39 (06) 361 0836
Mon-Sat 7am-12pm, 4-7pm
Sun 7:30am-1:30pm, 4:30-7:30pm
Closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25
This early Renaissance church holds numerous treasures, including frescoes by Pinturicchio, two Caravaggio masterpieces, and a chapel designed by Raphael.
topParks and Gardens
Pincio
Daily 10am-Sunset
Situated between Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese Park, the Pincio gardens offer a spectacular view of the Piazza del Popolo as well as bike rentals, pony rides, a carousel, and other fun activities for kids. Spectacular view at sunset. Although it's a great walk up to the park, you may want to taxi up and walk back with the kids.
Bici Pincio (Bike Rental)
Viale di Villa Medici
Viale della Pineta
+39 (06) 6784374
Standard bikes, kids' bikes, tandem bikes, 3-6 person pedal carts
Villa Medici Gardens
Viale Trinita dei Monti 1, Rome
+39 (06) 67611
Villa is open for exhibitions and concerts
Gardens open on Sat-Sun 10:30am & 11:40am
Closed Jul-end Aug
Inquiries: segretario.generale@villamedici.it
Stunning Renaissance villa and garden superbly positioned on Pincio Hill above Piazza di Spagna. The Villa is now home to the French Academy offering a select number of painters and musicians a chance to study in Rome. Both Debussy and Berlioz came to Rome as students of the Academy.
topMarkets
Open Air Flower Market
Via della Croce and Via del Corso
topRestaurants
Gusto
Piazza Augusto Imperatore 9, Rome
+39 (06) 322 6273
Daily 12:45-3pm, 7:45pm-12am
Wine bar is open 10am-2am
Very hip, restaurant, pizzeria, wine bar and bookstore.
A five-minute walk from Hotel de Russie.
Nino
Tuscan cuisineVia Borgognona 11, Rome
+39 (06) 679 5676
Closed Sun
Mon-Sat lunch and dinner
Reservations recommended
A five-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.
Dal Bolognese
Piazza del Popolo 1-2, Rome
+39 (06) 3611426
Tue-Sun 12:45-2:20pm, 8:15-11pm
Closed Mon
Closed 20 days in Aug
Reservations required
A five-minute walk from Hotel de Russie and a favorite of international celebrities,
this elegant restaurant offers outdoor seating.
Penna d'Oca
fishVicolo della Penna 53, Rome
+39 (06) 3202898
Dinner only
Closed Sun
Closed Aug
Near Piazza del Popolo
Edy
pastaVicolo del Babuino 4, Rome
+39 (06) 3600 1738
Mon-Sat lunch and dinner
Try the specialty spaghetti al cartoccio, a silver-foiled parcel of pasta and seafood dish.
Around the corner from Hotel de Russie.
Babington's Tea Rooms
traditional English farePiazza di Spagna, 23 Rome
+39 (06) 678 6027
Wed-Mon 9am-8:15pm
Closed Tues
Closed Dec 25
topShopping
The Trident, a triangular shopping district formed by Via Frattina, Via del Babuino, and Via del Corso is a shopper's paradise. You'll find top designers, specialty shops, antiques, jewelry, galleries, and much more. Here are some of our favorites.
Ren
women's shoesVia Borgognona 9-10, Rome
+39 (06) 678 3879
Moschino
Via Borgognona 32/A, Rome
+39 (06) 678 1144
Fendi
Via Borgognona 36A-40, Rome
+39 (06) 334 501, +39 (06) 696 661
Mon 3:30-7:30pm, Tue-Sat 9:30am-7:30pm, Sun 10:30am-7:30pm
Closed Sat afternoons from Jul to Sept
Sermoneta
women's glovesVia Borgognona 61, Rome
+39 (06) 679 1960
Mon-Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 10am-7pm
info@sermonetagloves.com
Bulgari
Via dei Condotti 10, Rome
+39 (06) 69 62 61
Dolce & Gabbana
Via dei Condotti 51/52, Rome
+39 (06) 6992 4999
Hermes
Via dei Condotti 67, Rome
+39 (06) 679 1882
Salvatore Ferragamo
Via dei Condotti 73/74, Rome
+39 (06) 679 1565
Von Dutch
baby Via della Croce 78B, Rome
+39 (06) 679 5192
La Tessitura D'Arte
fabricsVia del Babuino 180-181, Rome
+39 (06) 3265 2514
Marble Design
antique, modern marble furniture and designVia del Babuino 25, Rome
+39 (06) 361 0963
bonuccelli@marbledesign.it
Other Specialty Shopping
Simoncini
Via delle Terme di Dicleziano 31 Rome
+39 06 4743537
Our boys collect miniature lead soldiers wherever we go. We've collected soldiers in England, France, China and Italy. This shop had both soldiers and cars and was a 15 min drive from our Hotel (the de Russie) near Piazza della Republica.