The apartment lies just beyond the walls of Vatican City. Every Catholic’s pilgrimage and the official residence of the Pope, Vatican City also houses one of the world’s most famous art collections, the Sistine Chapel, and of course, St. Peter’s Basilica. A separate city-state since 1929, a visit to Vatican City is not to be missed.

To visit the Vatican, take the 98 bus (toward Paola) from Via Gregorio VII for 7 stops. Exit at Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro.

To reach Piazza Navona, famous for its fountains and artists, take the 571 from Via Gregorio VII (toward Eleniana/Labicano). Exit after 11 stops at Corso Vittorio Emanuele/Navona. From here, Campo de` Fiori, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are also all within walking distance from here (about 15 minutes).

To get to the Spanish Steps (though it may be easier to walk from the Trevi Fountain – Via del Corso to Via dei Condotti), you may also want to consider taking the 247 bus from Via Anastasio II (toward Stazione Metro Cipro). Exit after 5 stops at Cipro. Take the Metro from Cipro and exit after 4 stops at Spagna.

To visit the Colosseum, take the 571 from Via Gregorio VII (toward Eleniana/Labicano). Exit after 19 stops at Labicana/Colosseo.

To reach the charming, bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere take the 571 bus from Gregorio VII (toward Eleniana/Labicano). Exit after 13 stops at Largo Torre Argentina, one of Rome’s main bus stops. From here take the 8 tram 3 stops to Trastevere. Or if weather permits, walk alongside the tram for a great view of Rome’s island, Tiburtina.

Where to Eat & Drink Rome is filled with thousands of great restaurants, but here are a few great places nearby your apartment:

Café Live music, art exhibitions, and themed cocktail nights make Art Studio Café an invigorating place, and not just because of the caffeine buzz. Check out their website for current events, or stop by for a cappuccino. Via dei Gracchi 187, tel. 06 972-777-286. Open from 8am to 1am. www.artcafestudio.com

For Dinner Al Vecchio Galeone is a family-owned restaurant serving seafood, brick-oven pizzas, and traditional Roman cuisine. Be sure to try the homemade gnocchi (potato pasta). Dinner is served from 7:00pm everyday except Mondays. Via della Madonna del Riposo, 36. tel 06 663-5926.

Drinks Off Piazza Risorgimento, Fonclea is restaurant and pub that hosts live music most nights, generally jazz and blues. Mellow out here after a long day of sightseeing with a glass of wine or ice cold beer. Via Crescenzio 82/a , tel 06 689-6302