Conveniently located near Piazza Barberini and the corresponding metro entrance, the apartment is only a short stroll from the top of the legendary meeting place, the Spanish Steps. Simply walk down Via Vittorio Veneto toward Via dei Cappuccini, and later Via Sistina – this road leads directly to the Steps. The Spanish Steps which lead from Piazza di Spagna to the church, Trinita` dei Monti, is unfailingly filled with Romans and tourists alike. A perfect spot to sit and enjoy a delicious gelato or perhaps, some freshly roasted chestnuts. Piazza di Spagna leads toward Rome’s upscale shopping streets – Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso. This area is This area is a verified shopping paradise with hundreds of big label shops like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vutton, Versace, Valentino, and more. To visit at the Imperial Forum and the Colosseum, walk down Via Veneto to Piazza Barberini near the Metro entrance and take the #175 bus (toward Partigiani) for 8 stops. Exit at Celio Vibenna. Walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali from the world-famous arena, the Colosseum, to arrive at the ancient Imperial Forum. To get to Vatican City, take the #62 bus from Via San Basilio – just off Via Veneto (toward Borgo S. Angelo). Exit after 13 stops at Corridori. To arrive at Piazza Navona, take the #62 bus from Via San Basilio (toward Borgo S. Angelo). Exit after 8 stops at Corso Vittorio Emanuele/S. A. della Valle. Continue by foot to reach the piazza famous for its artists and musicians. From Piazza Navona you can easily reach Campo de` Fiori, which is only across the street (Via Vittorio Emanuele II). The Pantheon is also only a short walk past the Italian Senate building. To reach the bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere take the #63 bus from Via Boncampagni (toward Piazza Monte Savello). Exit after 8 stops at Largo Torre Argentina, a main bus stop in Rome. From here, take the #8 tram (toward Casaletto) for three stops. Or if weather permits, walk alongside the tram for a great view of Rome’s island, Tiburina. Where to Eat & Drink – Rome is filled with thousands of great restaurants, but here are a few great places nearby your apartment: Café = Stop by the historic Caffé Greco for an elegant atmosphere with deep historic roots… Goethe and Byron along with many others once were patrons of this café on near Piazza di Spagna. Via Condotti, 86 For Lunch or Dinner = Matricianella is a relaxed, informal trattoria not far from Piazza di Spagna is a convenient stop before or after a shopping spree on the boutique strip of Via Condotti. The menu champions local traditions in dishes such as rigatoni all'amatriciana (with pancetta and tomato), saltimbocca alla romana (thin veal slices with prosciutto and sage), and carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes). Closed Sundays and all of August. Via del Leone, 2/4. tel. 06 683-2100 Drinks = At the end of the day, or even for lunch, head for ‘Gusto, just off Via del Corso. It’s a foodie’s haven taking a entire square-block with a restaurant, osteria, wine bar, and cookware and cookbook shop. The wine bar offers live Jazz on Thursday evenings. Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 9. Tel. 06 322-6273. www.gusto.it