Top trip planning tips for Rome.

One of the most captivating cities in the world, Rome’s top attractions span nearly 3,000 years of history. The forum, the pantheon, and the coliseum provide an up-close and personal look at the powerful ancient culture that shaped virtually every aspect of western civilization. While St. Peter’s, the Vatican and its incredible museums, and the city’s magnificent churches and piazzas show the splendor of Renaissance Rome.

But Rome is very much a city of the present. So your trip planning should include some insider experiences that let you enjoy la dolce vita away from the crowds.

Here are some of our tips for having the best possible time in Rome:

* Not that long ago, a visit to Rome involved spending your time waiting in line, often for hours. But Rome’s attractions have entered the 21st century, and now it’s possible to make reservations and purchase tickets for many of them in advance. A service called 060608 lets you reserve museums, exhibitions, concerts, and more with a single telephone call. From the U.S., dial 011-39-060608 between 9AM and 10:30PM Roman time. English-speaking operators can help you make reservations for the Coliseum, the Capitoline Museum, or the Borghese Gallery with just a credit card. Or visit their web site at www.060608.it/en

* One of our favorite museums in Rome, the Borghese Gallery was built as the private residence for the powerful Borghese family in 1605. It was closed for more than a decade for restoration, and today it displays some of the best artwork in Rome, including Bernini’s “Rape of Prosperpine” and “Apollo and Daphne,” Titian’s “Sacred and Profane Love,” and paintings by Raphael, Veronese, and Caravaggio. There are also sculptures by Bernini and Canova. And with its rich ornamentation, the villa is a work of art itself. You’ll need to reserve a time-specific ticket in advance.

* Traveling in Rome can be tiring. The incessant buzzing of Vespas — the word means wasp in Italian — the crowds, and the heat can really take it out of you. So why not reenergize yourself the way the ancient Romans did — with a nice hot soak. Rome’s first Turkish bath, or hamman, opened a couple of years ago near Piazza Mattei. At Acqua Madre, you’ll move progressively from cooler to warmer pools, being massaged, steamed, and kneaded along the way. By the time you’re through, you’ll be completely mellow and ready for anything.

* Fans of Art Nouveau, known in Italy as the Liberty style, should allow time to visit the Quartiere Coppede. It’s not far from the Villa Borghese, near the Piazza Buenos Aires. Built between 1919 and 1926 by Florentine architect Gino Coppede, it’s a little architectural wonderland. The entrance, off Via Dora, is through a giant, medieval-looking arch that is covered with reliefs of bees, lions, and mythological creatures. The dozen buildings here feature elaborate ironwork, turrets, mosaic tiles, winding staircase, and elaborate brickwork. Look for the Fountain of the Frogs, the Palazzo of the Spider, and the charming Fairy Cottages.

* Traffic in Rome can be brutal, and the distances between sights can really take a toll on your feet. But there’s another way to see the glory that was Rome — on two wheels. On Sundays, the Via Appia Antica and the Via Fori dei Imperiali are closed to cars and bikes rule the day. There are several bike rental places in town — ask your hotel concierge which is most convenient for you. You can take a guided-tour with a group or just head out on your own. Pedaling past the Coliseum and the olive groves and cypress trees of the old military road is a travel memory you won’t soon forget.

* Antique lovers should head for Via dei Coronari, where more than 40 antique dealers sell everything from furniture to jewelry. The narrow, pedestrian-only street leads all the way to Piazza Navona, and it’s lined with buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The best time to shop is during the Fiera dell’Antiquariato, which takes place in mid-May and mid-October.

* Wine is an important part of Roman life, and cultivating a greater appreciation of Italian wine can really enhance your visit. One of the best places to do that is at the International Wine Academy of Rome. The brainchild of Robert Wirth, who owns the legendary Hassler Hotel, the Academy has classes on wine appreciation, as well as food and wine pairings. You’ll need a membership to attend the events, but that will only set you back 30 Euros. And there’s no more civilized spot in Rome than their terrace overlooking the Spanish Steps. Classes start at 15 Euros and you’ll need to make reservations in advance. Find out more at http://www.wineacademyroma.com.

* Mozzarella is on virtually every menu in Rome. But no place has as many varieties as Obika, which features “flights” of hand-made mozzarella, including Paestum, Pontina, Smoked, Stracciatella di Burrata and Ricotta di Bufala. In addition to the mozzarella bar, Obika also has traditional antipasti items, salads, crostini from the wood oven, pastas, and desserts. The location in Piazza di Firenze proved so popular that there’s now a second Obika at Piazza Campo dei Fiori.

Read our trip planning tips for Paris here. And find more Italy travel info here.

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