The apartment is located just a few steps from 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, walk down Borgo Pio and make a left toward Via dei Corridori Borgo Sant’Angelo. Continue along this road until you reach Via dei Rusticucci. Turn left toward Via della Conciliazione and follow to Vatican City.

To reach Piazza Navona, famous for its fountains and artists, walk down via Cola di Rienzo until Via Ferrari and take the 70 bus get off in Corso Rinascimeto and walk half a block. From Piazza Navona, 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 40 bus from Piazza Pia (toward Termini). Exit after five stops at Via Torre Argentina. From here take the 119 bus (toward Corso/Popolo) for 9 stops and exit at the Spanish Steps. Or, you may prefer to wait until the end of the line for Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese.

To visit the Colosseum, take the 40 bus from Piazza Pia (toward Termini). Exit after four stops at Piazza Venezia. From here, walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali to see the ancient Roman ruins and arguably, the world’s most famous arena, the Colosseum.

To reach the charming, bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere take the 40 bus from Piazza Pia (toward Termini). Exit after five stops at Via 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
The Place hosts happy hour daily from 7pm complete with a preview of the evenings musicians. Mostly Italian jazz artists entertain patrons. Dinner is available Thursday through Saturday, with drinks all week long. Via Alberico II, 27/29. tel 06 683-07137