It is not as big as some Roman rooftop bars, nor as flash. But it's on top of a lovely ivy-clad hotel on the corner of Largo Febo, steps away from the downtown heart of ancient Rome (Piazza Navona and Via del governo Vecchio) yet a world and a half away from all the tourist tat. Order a bottle of prosecco from the charming, friendly staff and, feeling thoroughly glamorous, watch the sun go down on St Peter's basilica and the rooftops of Rome. But that's not all - and this is what makes the Raphael the very best for rooftop tippling - when you're ready for dinner you can head back down to the filmset/fairytale little square below where Ristorante Santa Maria serves up excellent food and oodles of ambience. And you can round your evening off at any of the great bars nearby; Bar della Pace of Bar del Fico are just two within an easy totter.

www.raphaelhotel.com
Largo Febo, 2 Piazza Navona 00186 Roma
+39 06 682831
Google map: bit.ly/13IGwim

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Great selection of food and wine at reasonable prices on the top floor of the monument. Outside and inside seating with the very best panoramic views of Rome for free. Relaxing seating and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Location is between Ancient Rome sights and Renaissance museums. There is also a new sky lift (small charge) to the very top, which is worth a look.

Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma, Italy
+39 06 678 0664
Google map: bit.ly/PyWPaU

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Shun the condom-and-glass-laden shores of Ostia if you want to visit the beach for a day on your summer hols to Rome.
The beach and sea at Sperlonga are cleaner, prettier and quieter, and only take an hour(ish) to get to by train from Termini, Rome's main train station. The beach is also shallow for quite a long way out to sea so it's a nice paddling spot for children or people with short legs.
Take the Naples slow train, which is at 49 minutes past the hour every hour from 8am and costs 6.20 Euros. Get off at Fondi Sperlonga and then get the beach bus (1 Euro) to the seafront itself.
It's worth leaving the beach for a couple of hours and wandering up to the hilltop town for a drink or a spot of lunch and a gawk at the view.

www.trenitalia.com
www.comune.sperlonga.lt.it/
Google map: bit.ly/mXlvKF

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A beautiful bar, with huge, full length windows overlooking Rome. As the sun sets over the city, lights begin to pick out the landmarks and the Vatican shines in the distance. A truly wonderful place to watch the sun go down. Also, they have a great drink called 'Energy' to revive the spirits after walking up the hill to get there!

Hotel Eden,
Via Ludovisi 49 · Rome 00187 · Italy
Phone: (39)(06) 478 121

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Expensive but stylish, modern hotel in a quiet but well connected, residential location close to the ancient heart of the city. The view over the Colosseum from the breakfast room is breathtaking and all of the major sites of Ancient Rome are within a five minute walk.

Via Capo d'Africa, nearest station is the Colosseum

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The Villa itself is interesting, but oh, the gardens, the fountains and the views are superb! www.villadestetivoli.info/storiae.htm
Tivoli itself is a nice hill town. too.

Tivoli is a short train journey from Rome. You can catch a bus into the centre, or walk; the Villa is signposted.

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This is the only hostel by the sea in Rome. I stayed here and loved it. It's a newly renovated building, very spacious and comfortable. Staff is the best...really fun and helpful. It's about a 30 minute train into central Rome very easy, and more relaxing than staying in Rome. Mediterranean is just across the street...and rooms have views of the sea.

www.litusroma.com
via cozza, 7
00121 Roma, Lido di Ostia
train from Piramide to Ostia Centro

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Not to mention the amazing art galleries Villa Borghese is an oasis of quiet in the bustling city of Roma - a must see for all visitors. If you want to visit the galleries you need to pre-book online before your visit ... tickets sell out fast but they are reasonably priced.

It can be reached by climbing the Spanish Steps but for the less energetic a taxi is relatively inexpensive.
www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm

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One of the best views in Rome is from the Pincio, above Santa Maria del Popolo, which has two magnificent Caravaggios, including the Crucifixion of St Peter and Conversion of St Paul.

South west of the Villa Borghese, above Piazza del Popolo.

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The most surprising is what you see if you look through a keyhole in the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta on the Aventine hill. You can’t miss the door. There’s always someone peering through it. And I won’t ruin the surprise. Open 10-11am Sat.

Priorito di Malta, 3 Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta; Tel: 06 6758 1234

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