Galleria Doria Pamphilj is one of Rome's most breathtaking hidden treasures--an aristocratic…read moresanctuary of art, history, and elegance tucked just steps away from the bustling Via del Corso. Visiting this gallery feels like stepping into a private world where centuries of beauty have been lovingly preserved. The moment you enter, the atmosphere shifts. The palace itself is a masterpiece--ornate ceilings, shimmering gold accents, and hallways lined with mirrors and marble. Each room carries the quiet grandeur of a family that collected art not for prestige, but out of genuine passion. That intimacy sets it apart from Rome's larger, more crowded museums. The collection is extraordinary. You'll find remarkable works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, Bernini, Raphael, and Titian, each displayed in lavish, beautifully lit rooms that feel more like a lived-in palace than a museum. Caravaggio's "Rest on the Flight into Egypt" and the haunting "Magdalene" are highlights, while Velázquez's portrait of Pope Innocent X is nothing short of astonishing--an encounter that lingers long after you leave. What makes the experience truly special is the ability to wander the gallery at your own pace, taking in masterpieces without the rush or crowds. The audio guide, narrated by a member of the Pamphilj family, adds a personal touch and deepens your appreciation for the collection and its history. Whether you're an art lover or simply someone seeking a quiet, immersive cultural experience, Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a must-visit. It's a rare blend of elegance, intimacy, and artistic brilliance--a place where Rome's noble past comes alive in the most captivating way.

Gorgeous gallery that is completely under the radar. For…read moresomething so beautiful, I thought it would be packed with people, but it wasn't. It was refreshing to be able to enjoy the details of each room without being swarmed by tourists. While at the gallery, stop by their restaurant located at the front of the entrance. Do note that you should make reservations at the restaurant or you likely won't get in. This gallery is definitely worth a visit.

I was trying to drop in visit the Borghese gallery, having been postponing this day for the end of…read moremy nearly two months in Rome doing everything else here. Of course tickets were all sold out for the next two weeks. So I found this gallery a short walking distance away, and I'm so glad I did. I found it amazing. It captured my attention and my visual sensibilities for nearly two hours. It's not just modern art, it's magnificent paintings from late 19th century as well...and of course a sampling from Warhol, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Also venture across the street to the Borghese gardens. A small artificial lake with paddle boat rentals 4 Euros/ 20 minutes. #3 tram stops right in front, on the way back i had ticket inspectors check my ticket, first time in two months so make sure you have one stamped when you get on.

We were staying in Rome and just walking around the neighborhood looking for something to do when…read morewe stumbled onto Red. It was the books that drew us in, but decided to stay and grab a bite to eat. I had a chicken sandwich and my fiance has a caesar salad. Both dishes were delicious! They were very flavorful and the most American meal we had while in Rome. My sandwich also came with fries which were perfect. They had an extensive wine list and many patrons were just having a glass of wine and sharing small appetizers. The ambiance was quaint, and would recommend this spot.

This place is such a great find. If you were looking for a place to have breakfast or brunch, you…read moremight accidentally pass it, as from the outside it resembles a book store. Ahhh, but this is part of its charm. The place has a quiet and cozy atmosphere. There are books and reading material aplenty. They have fresh (real) orange juice (albeit it was a bit pricey at 4 euros for a small glass). They have a wide array of prepared breakfast items ranging from yogurt with granola, to sandwiches, to postres. Be on the look out for it's big red sign and stop in for a peaceful way to start your day!

We stayed in a hotel next to his studio, and I was delighted to visit his gallery. It is as…read morecharming as the artist! We bought a small painting which I will always treasure as a reminder of such a lovely time in Rome.

My review is almost identical to the other one already listed! We were in Italy a few years ago and…read moredecided to wander around the less "touristy" parts of Rome. It started to rain so we literally ducked into the nearest doorway, which happened to be Vincenzo's gallery. We ended up spending almost 2 hours chatting with the artist himself (his lovely assistant/co-worker helped translate!) He painted as we chatted and wandered around his small, but charming gallery. We purchased 2 small paintings in the signature gold glided handmade frames, and to this day, I smile every single time I look at them. I HIGHLY recommend visiting this lovely Gallery!!!

We spent a leisurely hour exploring Trastevere and walked into Ottimomassimo, an adorable…read morechildren's bookstore on Via Luciano Manara. We were traveling without our kids, but I can't resist an inviting bookstore, and we went inside to take a peek. It was absolutely lovely in there, just a happy place, full of colorful books and related merchandise. The aesthetic was kid-bait storybook with a cute dog mascot, but it was also sophisticated, artful and curated. The one book for adults I saw in there was an Italian translation of "What We See When We Read" by Peter Mendelsund, available by the register like candy in a check-out aisle. Our kids don't understand Italian, and neither do we, so I was spared from buying a bunch of books to squeeze into our luggage. I couldn't resist a couple of Ottimomassimo T-shirts, though. They were really well designed and available in several colors. If I were an Italian mom with Italian kids living in Rome, we'd be in this bookshop all the time. The families of Trastevere are lucky to have Ottimomassimo. You don't find places like this in every neighborhood.

A wonderful place--we really enjoyed browsing the books here with our kids. We ended up with some…read moregreat new books, and staff was friendly and helpful. This is in the Spanish Steps neighborhood.

Discover Rome is a gift shop, souvenirs and toys at the Fiumicino airport in Rome, Aeroporto…read moreLeonardo da Vinci. Just another option for your casual browsing on your way home. I say, bring it on, the more selection we have as a passerby through the airport, the better. If you came to Rome as a tourist, like many others before or after you, it's unlikely you've had that much time on your hands for shopping during your visit. The city is so picked up with history, I'd be amazed if one goes shopping instead of the sightseeing, right? So now's your chance to bring home a few gifts for friends and family. Go for it!

THE place in Rome to buy French books of all kinds translated into Italian…read more Lots of literature. Lots of serious nonfiction both scholarly and popular. Poetry, drama, philosophy, art - its all there. Plenty of children's books if you want your Roman child to read French kid lit. * * * I do read French but don't read Italian. I was there for one and only one reason - the newsstand. I read lots of international news sources. French journalism is superb on Africa, superb on the Middle East and not surprisingly superb on France and Europe. I did very well at Liberia Stendhal but not in the way I was expecting. I was counting on getting actualites - which means magazines that cover current events. Because Liberia Stendhal's merchandise turns over slowly - They do NOT stock daily or weekly publications. Cry. Cry. Cry. (Random newsstands throughout the city DO carry French actualites. I couldn't find Humanite which is a leftist magazine, or any of the catholic or secular conservative magazines. I did get some good centrist material, such as Point and Paris Match.) Fortunately, French journalism - being supergood - carries a lot more than actualites. Many of the serious magazines publish Hors-Series - which are special one-off thematic issues dedicated to specific topics. Many journals will publish two to six of these a year. French hors-series are deep information on a stick. I subscribe at home to Courrier International which is a French magazine that publishes French translations of newspaper and magazine articles from all over the world. The amount of information in a regular issue is mind-boggling and massively useful. They do tons of hors-series, but I get those already. Liberia Stendhal was well stocked with those. But I was able to make off with two gems - a National Geographique hors-series on Spanish history and society from the Napoleonic era to the present day and a Monde Diplomatique hors-series containg over 100 analytical maps of Africa along with cartographic analyses in text. I am a 71 year old historical sociologist with an emphasis on comparative international - And I am STILL learning vast amounts of new stuff from both magazines. That was one very very nice investment for not very much money. * * * P.S. If you CAN read French, I can't say enough good things about Courrier International. You will learn more about everything going on in the world than from any other source imaginable.