Yes Hotel Rome Travel Blog: The Rome travel guide

Some come to Rome for the tourist sites and name-brand shopping, however strolling amung the italians and bargaining with street vendors is a different view into Roman life. Between the antique arches of Port San Giovanni and the modern three-story department store Coin lays a street, Via Sannio, daily lined with street vendors until 2:00 in the afternoon, besides Sunday.

For a list of street markets throughout Rome, click here.

Here along Via Sannio the daily market of San Giovanni is a prime location to find a myriad of treasures and inexpensive goodies and is conveniently placed near Nice Hotel where luxury and budget are also ‘nice’-ly blended. The assortment of booths offered through the market lend to everyone’s desires of bargains. There are typical items such as cheap knock-off brand name sunglasses and purses along the street. Several booths are crowded with shoes of every style, from cheap, comfy to stylish, name-brand. A couple booths are tucked into the rows leading into the market where artists offer their hand-made objects; for example, one artist who makes on-site his uniquely designed leather items: purses, belts, jewelry and accessories. A majority of the booths where the outgoing vendors call out offering assistance to all passerbys have jeans, sweatshirts, and t-shirts hanging from the tented roof and covering nearly all open space. Nevertheless, if you are not looking for casual clothing, continue along the earth path to the very back where long tables are piled high with second-hand items for as little as 1 euro. And for those of you with higher quality taste, leather jackets are sold for excellent prices. As for those of you with cultural taste, there are several booths containing imported items of jewelry, clothing, and accessories. In addition, basic items may be found such as sewing supplies, socks, undergarments, books, and some household goods. Remember to bring cash and your bargaining spirit.

Arriving at this market is extremely easy, from Yes Hotel Romel walk to Termini 2 blocks, take underground Metro A and exit San Giovanni, to see the specific location on the Rome map click here. Although, if you prefer to ride the bus in order to watch the outside activities, bus 714 and 16 from Termini station will take you directly to the port of San Giovanni. For further tourist and accomodation information, please visit our hotels in Rome portal

Rome has many interesting things to see above ground but there is also a lot to see buries beneath the cities streets taking the name of catacombs. Long twisting mazes of tunnels and underground vaults filled with coffins and the remains of Christians long dead.

During the persecutions of the Christians in ancient Rome, they had no choice but to gather in secret to bury their dead and also to worship. This was absolutely essential because Christianity only became legal when Emperor Constantine declared it to be lawful.

Many of the crypts and tombs in the catacombs have inscriptions written in Greek and Latin. There are also symbols which represent Christ and the holy trinity. These are commonly represented by the fish symbol and the good shepherd.

There are five places to go to see catacombs in Rome, mostly scattered along the ancient Appian Way.

Catacombe di Domitilla , Via delle Sette Chiese 282 , Bus 218 and 613 , Hours 8:30 – 12:00 12:30 – 17:00 Closed on Tuesday and in January

Catacombe di Priscilla , Via Salaria 430 , Bus 56 and 310 , Hours 8:30 – 12:00 14:30 – 17:00
Closed on Monday and in January

Catacombe di San Callisto , Via Appia Antica 110 , Bus 218 and 660 , Hours 8:30 – 12:00 14:30 – 17:00
Closed on Wednesday and in February

Catacombe di San Sebastiano , Via Appia Antica 136 , Bus 218 and 660 , Hours 8:30 – 12:00 14:30 – 17:00
Closed on Thursday and in Novembre

Catacombe di Sant’Agnese , Via Nomentana 349 , Bus 36 , 60 , 136 and 137 , Hours 9:00 – 12:00 16:00 – 18:00
Closed on Monday afternoons and from 9:00 – 12:00 on Sundays and holidays

If you wish to visit the Rome’s catacombs with a guide we suggest you take a guided Rome’s Catacombs tour, and as for your stay in Rome a good central hotel like Yes Hotel Rome is recommended, which location is besides the Termini train station, in walking distance to major sights in Rome and close to public transportation.

This private walking tour of the Vatican Museums in Rome starts at 08.30 m and lasts about 3 hours / 3 hours and a half. You will be meeting your guide outside the entrance of the Vatican Museums.

This very enjoyable walk around the Vatican only includes few participants so you will have plenty of time to ask as many questions as you want to your guide. You will be shown around various parts of the Vatican Museums such as the Cortile della Pigna, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Tapestries, Gallery of the Maps, the Hall of the Immaculate Conception, the Rooms of Raffaello, and eventually the Sixtine Chapel.

You will be then lead to the Saint Peter’s Basilica and you will admire the great works by Michelangelo but also Bernini and some other famous artists and will enjoy the extensive explanation with the full story of the church, from when it was first founded to the more recent renovations. By the end of the tour you will walk towards Saint Peter’s Square which was conceived by Bernini.

The walking tour of the Vatican runs daily except Sundays and Wednesdays.The rate includes the entrance fee and the english speaking guide. Do not delay and book now !And since you certainly want to discover more of Rome stop over in our central Yes Hotel Rome for your say

Rome is a very interesting city, but not just for the reasons that you may know. Yes, there are many of the most beautiful works of classical art ever crafted, and centuries of history accumulated in almost every corner of the city. But we’re not talking about a huge museum. Rome is also a city full of life and doesn’t ignore innovations .

The city is famous for its art, but if you wander trough its streets you’ll discover a roman artist who doesn’t appear in the art books. His name is Sten and he’s no sculptor or painter, at least not in the traditional way.

Sten (apparently short for “stenciler�) uses sheets of perforated cardboard and spray to paint images in the walls of the city. His method is quick and almost guerrillesque. Nobody knows Sten’s face nor his real name, but if you take a walk in the San Lorenzo or Trastevere neighbourhoods you’ll end up recognizing his signature, neatly placed beside his designs.

According to some rare interviews Sten started “painting� three years ago. Showing in his early work a penchant for the pop-culture imagery, his designs have evolved into a more realistic way of representation, sometimes even emulating the style of gothic masters like Giotto.

Maybe the most important difference between Sten’s drawings and traditional art is the chance factor. If you want to see a painting you have to go to a museum, but if you want to see a Sten graffiti you have to hunt for it- or let it find you.

So, while you visit Rome open your eyes. Who knows, maybe ten years later you’ll find yourself telling proudly to your friends how once you saw personally a Michelangelo, a Leonardo – and a Sten. Everything in the same city…

And for your “artistic� experience of Rome, the place to stay is of course one of the most popular hostels in Rome Hostel Des Artistes or (depending on your budget) Hotel des Artistes, both very central, located in the Termini station neighbourhood.

If you have been to Rome a few times or if you have been staying on vacation for a few days you probably can muster a few words, at least to order your coffee or cappuccino in the bar in the morning just like the locals.

However romans will still spot you from a distance and notice at a glance that you are a “turista” (tourist) or “straniero” (foreigner). So if you want to get unnoticed and get mixed in the roman crowds while cruising trendy Dolce Vita Via Veneto the trick is to learn the local habits.

First tip is to learn about the traffic, which seems unruly and oh so different from home : motorini zooming out of nowhere and cars shooting in front of you showing no sign of stopping to let the pedestrian cross. Just spot a roman crossing the road, you will notice right away by the nonchalence in the step and stick right behind and you will get safely to the other side. Else if no one is in sight just walk in an authorative way holding hand in a threatening way if necessary and all will be fine and you will reach your central Rome Hotel, Yes Hotel or Des Artistes hotel Rome, safely.

Talking with the hands : when in your favorite Roman restaurant you may want to get understood without having to speak english you will notice that with a lot of cutting and swooping movements you will surely end up getting your favorite roman dish. In restaurants service is not hasty so be prepared for some waiting between the courses and upon asking the “conto” (bill) : Advice is that you must have plenty of time for a leisurely meal, not a plane to catch. However if you really have to leave and the bill still has not been delivered just stand and gather your things and illico the bill will arrive !

Romans love looking around for something or someone excentric and out of the ordinary so do not get spooked if you find yourself in the centre of the attention : The natural curiosity makes them inquisitive and knowing you are foreign they will stare at you in an open manner.

Romans are well known for their grooming and they always manage to look good around the clock and high heels and make up are good for any occasion and so are suits and shiny trendy shoes. Natural look never really appealed to the roman ladies and accessories are a must. Too much is never too much so go for it and walk on the Via Condotti catwalk !

For the 14th february, Why not take a short trip to Rome for a romantic midweek break for the occasion of the Valentines’ day and take advantage of our great Yes Hotel Rome and Hotel des Artistes Getaway package that will offer you a romantic week end to remember.

And indeed in Rome there are many romantic ideal places where you can declare your love : The Trevi Fountain, one of the fancy bars of the Via Veneto or the Spanish steps.

For those who love cooking here is an all italian second course that will melt her … : Porcini de plaisir . The ingredients for 2 : 2 large porcini mushrooms, 1 teaspoon grated truffle, 1/4 cup whole almonds, 1/3 Morellino wine (or an earthy red variety) , extra vergin olive oil , salt and black truffle scented olive oil.

How ? Wash the mushrooms and slice them into thick pieces. Stir fry them in a pan where you have previously poured some olive oil, and add little by little the red wine, allowing it to evaporate partly. Add the grated truffle and a pinch of salt. Stir and raise the heat and cook for another 5 minutes. Cover and set aside. Crush the almonds and roast them until golden brown. Top the mushrooms with almonds and a drizzle of truffle oil.

The truffles were considered by greeks and romans to heighten the senses. The wine, especially the red varieties induce a warm sensation and the almonds have long been known to represent fertility and their fragrance is thought to provoke desire in the females…

Take a look at our other Valentines’ in Rome suggestions and book your trip now !

A great place to go during your visit to Rome is to the many churches that are located almost everywhere in the city. You don’t have to pay to get in and you will see some of the most beautiful art work ever created.

Churches are usually open during different times of the day and are normally closed during lunch hour till three. The most astounding paintings, frescoes and paintings are on display. Created by some of the most famous artists of the baroque and renaissance periods. These include Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini and Raffaello.

Although everyone wants to go see the Vatican museums and the Sixtine Chapel the queues are usually long and you have to got there quite early too. Unfortunately most of the churches that have many fantastic works of art are overlooked for the bigger more well known churches and basilicas.

Another great thing to go look at in the churches are the nativity scenes around Christmas. These are extremely well made and the attention to detail is often exquisite and very pleasant to the eye. A lot of the churches also ask that you switch off your cell phone and that you keep the noise to a minimum and to take pictures with out using the flash. The most famous is probably in St Peter’s square, but you will also enjoy the Piazza Navona’s and Spanish Steps’, from which our B&B Rome De Cappuccini is close to.

Also bear in mind when you do go to see these fantastic works of art, is that every church you walk into is a fully functional place of prayer and worship. Please don’t forget to take off any hats you may be wearing.

Rome isn’t just about Saint Peters Basilica, The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens and Museums . There are so many other places to go and see the art on display and its free. You wont be disappointed.

Are you planning your honeymoon? If you’re thinking of spending your honeymoon in Europe, then you’ve probably thought of Rome, the “Eternal City” and therefore the perfect place to celebrate your eternal love…

Rome is without doubt one of the most romantic cities of the world, it has it all: the right atmosphere with the small, pictoresque streets in its oldest beighbourhoods, the grad piazzas and squares for your “show off” photoes, an endless selection of culture and entertainment to offer so you won’t risk getting bored off each other right in the start (!), and of course any number of romantic little trattorias for your moon light dinners and perfect parks and hills for walking hand-in-hand…

You should definitely climb up to Saint Peter’s Dome, see the city down in your feet and look dreamily towards the future with the love of your life… If it’s spring time, you should also have a pic nic in the Villa Doria Pamfili park crowded with enamoured couples eating strawberries with champagne… In the evening, the place to go is the Trastevere area where you should wander to the small side streets and found a deserted little restaurant where the elderly owners will look at you with a smile, remembering their own honeymoon…and afterwards, climb up on the nearby Gianicolo hill for an evening stroll – I’m sure you won’t bebothered by all the other kissing couples: you’ll be too enchanted with the fabulous, softly lighted view of the city, and each other of course!

Also the historical center is wonderfully romantic in the night time: after the restaurants close, the streets will calm down and you can see the main attractions, such as Pantheon, the Sapnish steps and the Trevi fountain, so crowded in the day time, all on your own, just the two of you… At some point you may want to go get a bottlew of champagne sold under the counter to drink at the Trevi fountain. And instead of taking a taxi, just enjoy the silent city at its most charming, walking through the center to your hotel.

Choose your hotel carefully: romantic and comfortable, but it doesn’t need to be five stars: that’ll leave you more to spend on the candle light dinners. The perfect place would be the stylish new boutique hotel Yes Hotel, also perfectly located near the Termini station. Another characteristic Rome hotel is the Hotel Des Artistes, also located in the center. The best thing is, these hotels won’t ruin your budget even though offering great value for money, and the friendly staff will be more than happy to help you plan your precious days in Rome.