Good map of Rome for the spatially-challenged?
 

I have a terrible sense of direction, and I have learned the hard way that when I go to a new city, I need a detailed map that shows everything.

For example, I can't survive in Paris without a Michelin Atlas, or in London without an A-Z. So, I'm trying to figure out the best map to take with me to Rome.

I know there is a Michelin Atlas No. 2038 for Rome, but unfortunately it's out of print. I've found a few copies for sale online, but prices start at well over $50. That seems pretty expensive for a second-hand, pocket-sized, paperback atlas.

People seem to like the Streetwise maps, but I wonder if they are really detailed enough. Also, I'm thinking of vising places like Testaccio and St. Agnes Outside the Walls & St. Constanza, so I'd like something that covers more than just the traditional historic centre.

I can't make do with guidebook maps, or even maps by guidebook companies- I have this big fold-out map that came with a Frommers pocket guide and to me it looks completely useless.

Can anyone suggest a good, highly detailed map of Rome?

Should I just bite the bullet and get the Michelin Atlas?

You can email the tourist board of Italy in the USA if you are from the USA. I did that and they sent me great maps and a lot of info.

Be sure to tell them you would like a good map of Rome - one that is easy to follow the streets etc.

http://www.italiantourism.com/enit3.html

I thought I had bought a really detailed map of Rome, (I am also spatially challenged) I can't remember exactly which one it was but I know I tried very hard to get a "good" one. However, I still found there are so many tiny streets in Rome that are of course not marked on a map that I still became hopelessly lost. This is fine if you are happy to wander and discover but if you are looking for something specific (like the Bally shoe shop - which to make matters worse had moved!!!) then you get very frustrated particularly in a crazy place like Rome.

Gool luck in your quest, but whichever one you find, still be prepared to get totally and utterly lost!!!

Schnauzer

We love maps by Berndtson & Berndtson!
They are laminated, very detailed, with Metro map as well.
In case you cannot find it, we found that maps by BORCH are quite good as well.

HI AL,

I always bring a compass as well as a map.

((I))

Hi apres_Londee, I like the Berndston maps also. Very detailed, public transportation is well marked, laminated so no worry about their tearing. I don't have one for Rome however but considering the others I have including for Venice and San Francisco I would imagine their map for Rome would be a good choice.

We used Streetwise in Rome and never got lost once. It's extremely detailed and while there may be a few tiny streets that are not perfectly represented, it is so close to covering everything you'll never be lost for more than a minute before you find yourself on a street that is on the map.

I agree with plafield. On six trips to Rome, I've always used Streetwise Rome with great success. And Ira's suggestion of a compass is good.

Just like your Paris Atlas, and London A-Z, you can get a Stradale di Roma. Exactly the same thing. Far, far more detailed that something like a Streetwise map. The Stradale di Roma is not expensive and you can get one at some place like Feltrinelli.

http://www.lafeltrinelli.it/fcom/it/home.html

When we bought ours, these weren't well displayed, like an A - Z which you can find anywhere. A clerk got it out of a drawer for us. I guess they think a tourist wouldn't need such a detailed map, but we like a map with every nook and cranny.

Thank you everyone for your help. I really do need to get a compass, it's been suggested to me before.

I think the De Agostini city atlas that tuscanlifeedit suggested is exactly what I need (it sounds silly, but I really do need everything there on the map or else I risk getting confused- and frustrated!)

Would anyone know if the Atlante stradale di città- Roma is available at the airports in London or Rome? I'll be flying from Standsted into Ciampino, and I'd love it if I could have the atlas in my hands before getting into Rome.

It looks like this:

http://tinyurl.com/5aqu8k

Apres Londee: I've only seen them in Rome, but that doesn't mean they aren't anywhere else.

Thanks, tuscan. I'm going to ask my sister to keep an eye out for them, but if I have to buy one once I get to Rome that's fine too.