Stay Up Late Reading

What to do if you can't sleep in Rome? Hit Via Veneto Libreria (owned by the local independent chain of bookstores, Arion), which is open until midnight on weekends. The massive store has a coffee shop and a great selection of foreign language books, including English. Yes, you can probably think of 100 things to do at night in Rome, but you never know when you'll need Henry James, do you? Via Veneto 42.

Walking Tours of Rome Courtesy of National Geographic

As part of Traveler Magazine's Places of a Lifetime series, National Geographic has designed three detailed and fascinating walks in Rome. The walks are illustrated by maps and accompanied by pertinent information about what you will see and why it is important. The three walks are the Via Appia Antica, the Via Veneto district, and the historic sites in the heart of Rome. The website also includes what to wear in Rome, restaurant, hotel and shopping recommendations, and even books and music to get you started on your trip before you get there.

Low Airfare to Rome in December

Delta Airlines has a nonstop airfare for $720 from JFK to Rome December 11-17. Tablet Hotels is also offering the famous and luxurious Regina Hotel Baglioni on the Via Veneto for 270 Euros a night. With all these savings you can have an amazing honeymoon in Rome...or just a lovely winter trip.

A Restaurant with a View-Mirabelle at the Hotel Splendide Royal

If you are looking to spend a LOT of money (yes-250 Euros per person) you could do no wrong at Mirabelle at the Hotel Splendide Royal on the Via Veneto. The views from this restaurant are spectacular-the Villa Medici, the Pincio, the Vatican. The food is excellent as well. If 250 Euros per person seems a bit steep (and with the US dollar still weak, it certainly does seem steep) settle for a drink at the American Bar Mirabelle. There are a few tables on the terrace for patrons. The drinks won't be cheap-but definitely more affordable than dinner!
Readers: Which restaurant has the best view in Rome?

Santa Maria della Concezione-The Height of the Macabre

On the Via Veneto is an old Capuchin church built above an underground ossuary (bone depository). The bones of four thousand friars who died in the 17th through 19th centuries have been gathered here and arranged in a mad, macabre decorating scheme. Look closely-those are not mosaics but actually human bones. There is also a Caravaggio of St. Francis in the convent, but let's face it, the bones are the draw. The crypt at Santa Maria della Concezione (Via Veneto 27) is open from 9-12 and 3-6 every day except Thursdays.