Journey Woman - GirlTalk Italy

The Roman lifestyle is one that revolves around seeing and being seen. If you feel like everyone is looking at you in Rome -- they are! But it's not (in 99% of the times) with malice or bad intent. Romans (like other Italians) carefully study those that share their city. You're free to do the same. While you vacation in Rome take time to watch the world go by. Sit in a cafe and enjoy your morning cappuccino or a pre-dinner glass of wine. We recommend the following -- some off the beaten track while others couldn't be more fully on it.

	Vineria Reggio If you really really want to be in the thick of things, the Campo dei Fiori is the place for you. Try the Vineria, which serves over 600 bottles of wine, and you'll be able to see young and old, Italian and otherwise, mixing and mingling en masse in Rome's most hopping square. Campo dei Fiori 15
	Antico Caffe della Pace A more refined environment is found at the Antico Caffe della Pace. Situated two blocks from Piazza Navona and in front of a gorgeous church (Santa Maria della Pace) built by the Baroque artist Pietro da Cortona, the Antico Caffe attracts an upscale crowd. Higher prices reflect the elite clientele. Via della Pace 3-7
	Caffe Farnese On a street that runs from Campo dei Fiori to Piazza Farnese, this bar offers a great view of passers-by as well as of the Palazzo Farnese, topped by a cornice designed by the divine Michelangelo. Open from early morning until late night, prices are moderate. Via dei Baullari 106
	Sant'Eustachio An old-fashioned but famous coffee bar between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Sant'Eustachio claims to make the best coffee in town and many agree. Stop by and try the 'joe' yourself. You can take your coffee at the counter or occupy one of the few tables in the street. Be warned that they sugar the coffee unless you ask them not to do so. You can also buy coffee -- ground or beans -- to take home. Piazza Sant'Eustachio, 82
	Bar Marzio This is a neighborhood bar in one of the most splendid piazzas in the city, Santa Maria in Trastevere. The church on the square has a beautifully golden-mosaic facade that's a stunning backdrop for Rome's urban drama. Sit down here for a coffee, glass of wine, or campari and watch the locals and tourists dodge babies learning to walk, kids playing soccer, and people of all nationalities demonstrating their chic-ness. There's a bit of everything here and you'll be vastly entertained for hours. Closed Mondays. Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere 15
	Cul de Sac This tiny winebar/restaurant has outdoor tables when the weather is pleasant and is located just meters from Piazza Navona. They have over 1400 wines in stock and serve light meals as well. You'll find the place crowded but pleasant -- it's usually filled with a mixture of tourists and locals. Open everyday from 12 to 4pm and from 7pm to 12:30am. Piazza Pasquino 73 Phone: 06 688 010 94
	Friends Cafe Located in Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere, just at the foot of the Ponte Sisto bridge, Friends Cafe offers coffee and pasteries in the morning. At lunchtime, the fare becomes a bit more hearty -- there are sandwiches to eat while standing at the bar, and a sleek dining room in which excellent salads and pastas are served. This is a great place to take a break from the pace of sightseeing -- lunch is served efficiently and prices are economical. Closed Sundays. Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere Phone: 39 06 57 30 53 38
	Shaki Wine Bar Ultra-cool as befits its location just below the Spanish Steps. Perhaps the smallest yet chicest wine bar in Rome, Shaki offers light fare: great salads and sandwiches at a reasonable price. You can stop by and just have a glass of wine too. Via Mario de Fiori 29/a Phone: 06 679 1694

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