In the June 2010 issue of "Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel" magazine, Danielle Pergament reports that many of the recipes used in Rome's eateries are older than the historic buildings. Therefore, to get a true taste of the culture, one must eat. Enjoy the full experience reminiscent of classic movies by visiting Da Lucia. Established in 1938 and going strong for four generations, it is located in a 500-year-old imposing building on a quintessential cobblestoned street. For a tasty meal, try Da Lucia's Spaghetti alla gricia, which Pergament selected as their best dish.
Da Lucia
Vicolo del Mattonato, 2c
00153 Roma, Italy
011-39/06-580-3601
da-lucia.com
Shop for last-minute Christmas items in the Via del Governo Vecchio neighborhood, an authentic Italian market area found just blocks of the tourist center Piazza Navona. Instead of typical souvenirs and caricatures, you'll find high-quality clothing, anything from business to bathing suits, among other items. Although Via Condotti competes for shoppers--as it is world famous and full of well-established Italian designers--you can buy more at Via del Governo Vecchio without sacrificing quality. If you get hungry while shopping, cafes are plentiful in this area. Visit nearby Via del Monserrato and Via Giulia if Roman antiquities are on your gift list. With the distance merely blocks away, you will have plenty of time to take in some of the art galleries while in the neighborhood.
Go to St. Peter's Square on Sundays at noon to witness the Pope as he addresses the masses from his window. If you're unable to make it on Sunday, visit the Vatican on Wednesday morning when the Pope speaks to a general audience at the square or inside the Pope Paul VI auditorium. Tickets are required for the Wednesday address. However, according to Time.com, if you arrive at the Vatican's Bronze Door entrance around 9 a.m., ask the guard for tickets; he will provide them. For a traditional Catholic service, attend mass at the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter at the Vatican. Daily mass begins at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. On Sundays and holidays, mass begins at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. If you aren't interested in seeing the Pope, Wednesday morning is the perfect time to visit the museums, as the masses will be in St. Peter's Square.
