Guide to Italy

Popular Markets & Shopping Malls

Rome is not only the cultural center of Europe but also a center of international trade. Italians have always been great artists and designers, thanks to this the products made in Italy are of high quality and beauty.

Shops and markets in Rome are designed for customers with different incomes. If you are interested in the latest models of shoes, clothing, fur and accessories then you can buy from Armani, Gucci, Valentine, Dolce & Gabbana and others. These boutiques never offer discounts. In the city center, there are several markets like the main Mercato delle Puici which sells clothes by famous designers on good discounts.

Tourists with limited financial resources can also buy great clothes, shoes, underwear, perfume, cosmetics, accessories and jewelry in the stores on the main shopping street, Via del Corso and street Via Nazionale, which stretches from Termini station to Piazza Venezia.

Shopping Centers:

Coin is one of the largest FMCG company in Italy. In Rome, there are just 4 shopping mall of Coin, they are very popular and located on the Piazza Le Appio and are not that far from the Vatican Via Cola di Reinzo. In this departmental store you can find huge amount of various products like cosmetics, perfumes, and clothes.

EUROMA2 is very large shopping center and located in the south of Rome's EUR district via Cristoforo Colombo. It was Opened in summer 2008. Here you will find everything like household goods, gifts, electronic items and many more. In addition, it is very famous center and looks good in structure. There are also many cafe's and restaurants where you can eat the delicious and hygienic food.

One of the other Outlet is Castel Romano, which was opened in 2003 and is located 25 kilometers from the center of Rome. It covers an area of ​​25,000 square meters. Here, you will see 113 boutiques of international and Italian brands such as Patrizia Pepe, Calvin Klein, Zegna and Etro. Castel Romano caters to both genders and of all ages its truly a great choice here and also there is no quality difference in products of famous brands from the one that is sold in other boutiques in the city center.

One the famous and interesting baby store called Al Sogno is located in Piazza Navona. Exact address: Piazza Navona 53. Here you can buy handmade toys: dolls, fairy tale characters and animals.

Rome has a big market place and so many shopping points. So strolling entire market on foot will not be adequate, its better to go by some vehicle. It will be more ample to use private vehicle, as then you can easily carry your stuff, which can be a hassle in public transportation. If planning your visit now then you can go for advance rental bookings using Internet. You can also Click here to get discounted pricing for car hire to make your shopping enjoyable, hassle free and cost effective.

There are many more shopping centers, markets, boutiques in Rome other than the mentioned above. So if you are a true shopaholic then first plan your tour to this fanciful city and enjoy a journey with real experience of life with a lot of shopping.

The Famous Trattoria & Eating Points

When we talk about Italy, one of the first thing that comes in mind is tasty and healthy food. The best place to enjoy food in Itlay is Rome. On the basis of the opinions of local residents you can find the affordable restaurant and cafe's in this beautiful city. If you are scared of a heavy bill then it is better to pre-study the menu, which is located at the entrance to the eating point.

Here some of the main Restaurant:-

Casetta di Trastevere:

It is located in Trastevere Piazza Dè Renzi, 31a. The restaurant is decorated in a typical Italian square. It serves traditional Roman cuisine like pasta, pizza, homemade wine and desserts. This place is very popular among the Romans since the prices are not much higher.

Ponte & Parione:

It is a small cozy restaurant which is located near Piazza Navona. In Menu, you will get traditional Roman cuisine. Here you will enjoy one of the most popular dish named pasta with huge seafood wrapped in foil. Average score of this restaurant is 20-30 euros.

Da Ugo e Maria:

This Family restaurant is located near the Pantheon on Via dei Prefetti, 19. It is quite spartan outside, but if you take the risk and go down inside, you will not be disappointed. You will be welcomed by the owners of Da Ugo e Maria Restaurant who offers a hand-written menu with traditional Roman dishes. Pasta and Ravioli are very popular dishes among tourists and the locals.

Trilussa:

It is located in the Trastevere district on Via Del Politeama, 23/25. This place is very much like the Italians not only for the excellent food, but also for the spiritual atmosphere. Here the staff is good and the service is fast. The prices are low.

Trattoria Monti:

It is a 10-minute walk from Termini Station and 4 minutes from Vittorio Emanuele Metro Station. Trattoria Monti is a small but very nice place, where visitors are offered a simple traditional Roman cuisine. The staff is very polite and helpful. Here you can enjoy excellently cooked food on reasonable price. About sitting arrangement, then there is small distance between the tables but the taste of the food will make you quickly forget about this inconvenience.

I hope that this information will be helpful for you during your stay in Rome, even more pleasant and you will see with your own eyes masterpieces of world culture.

In-Expensive & Glamorous Inn in Rome

Rome is one of the place on earth where everyone wants to visit. It is a city that is specifically designed for pleasure. The capital of Italy and is one of the oldest and richest city in the world. Rome is located on a hilly plain of volcanic origin, on both banks of the river Tiber. In this city, there are number of top class hotels, resorts and motels where you can accommodate and enjoy with your kids.

Listed below are the some of them:-

Hotel Terminal 3:

Inexpensive 3-star Hotel Terminal. It is located Via Principe Amedeo, 103, 00185 Rome, Italy, just 500 meters from Termini Station. This Hotel has 35 rooms, each of Which has air conditioner and a safe bathroom with hairdryer, satellite TV and mini bar. Every morning hotel staff serves a complimentary continental breakfast, which you can enjoy in the cool dining room. Also nearby you will find plenty of bars and cafe's where you can sip your morning coffee as well as Roman cuisine in the evening. This charming small hotel has everything, needed for a comfortable stay for Both tourists and business travelers.

Hotel Valley 3:

It is located near the Metro Stop cavour, which is only 250 m from the Colosseum, Imperial Roman Forum and the ancient heart of Rome. The Hotel Ville contains 41 rooms, which are equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, satellite TV, private en-suite bathroom, mini-bar, telephone, desk and balcony. All bedrooms contain a unique decoration including paintings and tapestries that reflect the ancient region of the city. The bed sheets elegantly matching wall units and combination results in a situation of intimacy, charm and elegance.

Hotel Saint John:

Star Hotel Saint John is located at a walking distance from the Basilica of San Giovanni. It was established in 2007. The hotel has 81 rooms with an elegant and stylish design. In all rooms there is a facility of air condition and television. Free Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel. For guests convenience, the reception is open around the clock. In the bar a waiter will serve you hearty breakfast "buffet" and international cocktails. You can also take an advantage of the tour desk to explore the city.

There are many hotels to stay in Rome. So, take a tour to this charming city and stay in any of the above hotel which suits you according to your budget and taste.

Famous Eating joints in Milan

The majority of Italians are able to recognize two types of restaurants: One is the real Italian restaurant, which promotes very high quality products and traditional recipes belongs to the region where it is located, and the second type are fake Italian restaurants, which sell products of low quality at low prices and do not belongs to the traditional regional dishes. 

Italy is known for its restaurants and Milan is not behind. Milan has also some fine restaurants where you can enjoy some of the mouth watering dishes of different varieties. The four famous restaurants where you can enjoy fine dining are:

The Place of Aimo and Nadia:

The restaurant was established in 1962 . The  menu with local flavour is EUR 90  and the basic menu starts from EUR 28. The wine list has 29 pages. The Moroni Family has been operating The Place of Aimo e Nadia for more than 50 years. Stefania Moroni, the visionary daughter of Aimo and Nadia is working to bring the family business to greater heights. The Place of Aimo e Nadia is different as compared to the other traditional restaurants in Milan. It's a modern restaurant with some fresh and innovative dishes to offer.

Mom Cafe:

It's a good option for those who are looking to enjoy dinner or a drink as it is a good combination of bar and restaurant. The internal parts of the restaurants are pleasant making it a nice place to enjoy and have a good time. It remains open till 2 am from Monday to Saturday while Sunday is closed.

La Rondine:

La Rondine is a 3 star hotel in Cavallino, equipped with all the amenities for a peaceful holiday surrounded by a warm atmosphere. If you are looking for typical Milanese food then this place is perfect. It provides an immaculate service as it always offers new dishes which will enhance your appetite. The rooms are fully equipped, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, TV, direct dial up telephone and free wi-fi to keep you connected to the internet with your own laptop or smartphone.

Tano pass me the oil:

Tano pass me the oil is the most elegant yet very modest restaurant in Milan. The name is derived from extra virgin olive oil as it has 40 different varieties to choose from and a large collection of modern flavor and quality dishes. All over Italy the new extra virgin olive oils are available from October to January. Restaurant chooses its new extra virgin olive oils every year . 

Facts About Italy

Italy is a parliamentary republic of southern Europe. The capital of Italy is Rome. It borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Vatican City and San Marino are completely surrounded by Italian territory. In addition to the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia are several groups of islands.

Italy is a founding member of the European Union and is one of its 28 Member States. 18 of them form a monetary union, the euro zone. The country is a member of the United Nations, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) , the G8 (Group of Eight) and the G20 . Italy is one of the larger economies and was named highly developed countries by Human Development Index.

Here are some interesting facts about Italy :

1. Italy is famous for its sports cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini) and it's Vespa - scooter.

2. The Roman army was the best in ancient times.

3. Archimedes, a world-famous mathematician was born in Sicily.

4. Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' played in Verona.

5. Niccolo Machiavelli, a famous political scientist and author of  'The Prince' is Italian.

6. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was the famous painter of the Renaissance sculptors, architect, engineer and scientist.

7. Michelangelo (1475-1564), who painted the Sistine Chapel, was also sculptor and architect.

8. Spartacus, the slave, fought as a gladiator in the Roman Colosseum. He was able to escape as a miracle, then led a rebellion, but was  eventually killed in the battle of 71 BC.

9. The city of Pompeii was buried completely when the volcano Vesuvius 79 A.d. erupted in the year.

10. St. Peter who was one of the twelve apostles and  was the first of 265 Popes.

11. The Holy Shroud, a 14 foot-long linen revered by some as the burial cloth of Jesus, displayed at the Cathedral of Turin, Italy.

12. During the 14th century, the bubonic plague occured, known as the "black death",  because of this plague third of the Italian population was killed.

13. Galileo Galilei, the famous mathematician and astrologer, was born in 1564 in Pisa.

14. Italy is the birthplace of Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737), a designer of musical instruments, and most famous for his violins.