We are off to Italy for 2 1/2 weeks starting mid-September, spending one week in Rome.

Of course we'll visit the traditional sites, but we also want to sample some less traditional places of interest in or around Rome. Some fun places off the beaten tourist path, or that might offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the average Roman.

We will not have a car in Rome, but are willing to take up to an 1hr train ride.

Anyone have some ideas?

If you will be in Rome on a Sunday, take the 30-40 minute train ride from Termini to Frascati. Have lunch at Ristorante Cacciani, outside on their lovely covered terrace. It has a specatacular view of the Alban Hills with Rome in the distance. The food is delicious and you will be surrounded by extended Roman families enjoying the day together. Also pick up a copy of the little book "City Secrets Rome" which has a lot of unusual things to see and do.

Do a text search for 100 Best Things To Do In Rome.

We went to a wonderful farmer's market a few blocks away from the Vatican museum entrance (I'm sorry I can't give better directions.) It was a treat just to walk through the colorful displays and watch the buyers/sellers in action.

See http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34395774 - - although it has only two posts, it will lead you to one favorite place in my Rome nostalgia file, and links to three othre good sources (including the oft-cited "Dean's list&quot.

Best wishes,

Rex

Just got back from 10 days in Rome. A day trip to Orvieto from Rome is an easy 1-hour train ride.

If you're there for a week, invest in a Metro/Bus ticket for 16 euros. Stamp it once before riding then just carry it with you whenever you ride. No need to stamp again. Metro is very easy. Buses are a little harder to figure out but easy if you know the route.

We went up in the hot air balloon at Villa Borghese and everyone enjoyed it! Fun to see Rome from up high.

Great photo ops from the Vittoria Emmanuelle monument (the dentures, typewriter, etc) with Roman ruins and Colesseum in the background.

My group was more into shopping than anything so we didn't see too much of day-to-day Roman life. But we had a great time! Ciao . . .

Thanks to all for your recommendations. We appreciate that you took time out of your day to help enhance our trip.

Be sure that your very first glimpse of the Forum is from the Capitol buildings. When you walk behind them you will find ancient Rome layed out before you in the most glorious view.

One way to see how the people of Rome really live is to hop on a bus and ride to the end of the line. (#23 is a good one) Once you get outside of the center of the City things are decidedly more "real". Also, explore the tiny alleys and crooks and crannies of the Trastevere. Join in the evening "passagiata" at Piazza Navona. And you will find some tiny hostarias and cafes along the vicolos intersecting Via del Governo Vecchia that are filled with local families. My favorite was Trattoria da Mario on Via della Chiesa Nuevo. The antipasto misto and carbonara were fantastico!