Rome

They are small and luxurious, the new guest houses in the Italian capital. To reside classically is out of date, it's way more cosier to check into a mini hotel where you can feel better than at home. No surprise, given the location and its equipment! The San Carlo suites on Via del Corso in the historic part of Rom are situated on the second floor of a historic palazzo. On the one side you'll find the Piazza del Popolo, on the other one the Via Condotti. It really doesn't get any better as regards location. By the way, the interior is dominated by elegant designer furniture, an electric fire, crystalline room dividers and a bath tub with hydro-massage function. In addition you're provided with information touch screens and a virtual reception. Nothing stands in the way of some intimate togetherness. The continental breakfast includes eggs and bacon. The round-the-clock Open Bar in the lounge area offers snacks and drinks.   In case that all suites are booked, don't worry: a few streets further down, near the Piazza Navona, you'll find the Gigli d'Oro suites - run by the same management. The boutique hotel with unfinished wooden floors and high-tech elevator spreads across three floors of a venerable renaissance palace. An the interior? Luxurious - what else?

The Abitart makes suggestions, yet you have to decide for yourself. The classic and superior rooms feature the usual, small but cuddly boutique style. The suites, however, are amazing, taking you on a roller coaster ride from cubism to pop art, from deconstructionism to the 70s. One room is even dedicated to metaphysics: The sky on the wall brings you closer to it and takes you on a surreal journey. Yet the painters were not the only ones to be honored by architecture, poets and photographers are also present at every step: The poets' room with the canopy bed covered in verse is worth the trip! Tomorrow's stars will enjoy the photographers' suite: Sleeping in the midst of the breathtaking snaps by Newton and Fellini. The location is similarly dynamic: The neighborhood Ostiense is known for its great nightlife, and the MACRO Future, a local branch of the Museum of Modern Art that is located in a former slaughterhouse. Doubles starting at ca. 89,- Euro per night.

In Milan, Inter and the AC are at war in the San Siro, in Rome Lazio fights against Roma in the Stadio Olimpico. The four teams have one thing in common: They are all brilliant, at least from an Austrian point of view. Inter brought home the Champions' League with its proven defensive technique, AC Milan got that sought-after title seven times in total, Roma is playing with Francesco Totti, who won the World Cup in 2006, and Lazio counters with the Argentinean master Mauro Matías Zárate.Real fans should not miss the popular derby in the Stadio Olimpico. In contrast to some of the players, the audience is anything but defensive, and quickly boils over when the blood is stirring. Small advice: If you buy a ticket for one of the popular games, make sure you to sit with the Roma fans, not with Lazio - unless you tend towards the extreme political right.

It took ten years, various culture secretaries and 150 million euro to complete the eccentric building designed by star architect Zaha Hadid. She especially put emphasis on the interaction between glass, fair-faced concrete and metal. Once again it becomes obvious: it's not only art, but also architecture which is maximal here in the Flaminio quarter.   The 27.000 square metres of the area with its 20 metres high entrance hall forms an open, urban space and guides the visitors along curved walls and interwoven levels on unexpected paths through five galleries. In the well-lit museum (thanks to the glass roof) we find the two museums MAXXI art and MAXXI architecture. The house is devoted to preserve and conserve the cultural heritage by means of exhibitions, workshops, performances and (educational) projects. But more: it offers space for experimenting and exploring modern aesthetic contents.   Tickets for 11 euro (reductions possible).

Rome is ancient, but the brands of its stylish shops are always the latest. You will find the In stuff in the Nuyorica, which is Latin American for New York. Inside you will find everything that's hot, from Japan to New York. Of course, it's changing by the second, but currently it's Atsuro Tayama, Maria Chen, Balenciaga, Erotokritos, Nina Hohendorf or Girbaud. In the middle there is a surprising collection of classics: Marc Jacobs is the top dog, and Chloe shoes go well with the trendy garments. Some gossip to go: Cameron Diaz is rumoured to have been here! Around the corner there is a separate shop for bags: The Nuyorica Roots in the Via del Pellegrino 15.

For all who don't know: 451° Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper ignites and books burn. In contrast to Ray Bradbury's congenial novel there are no flames engulfing this charming bookshop. Bookworms are welcome. The Campo de Fiori is a bustling place so it's no wonder that the shop is full of customers. However, you won't find much Science Fiction here, the main topic being the arts and photography. Independent thinking is still allowed: The shop promotes smaller publishers and invites young authors to readings. If the firefighters have to come, then because you have caught fire: The staff are always in good spirits, and the atmosphere so relaxed that you'll definitely want to come back.

The early 20s of the past century; the site is a confectionary in Rome. Alessandro creates cakes, pies and pastry and provides treats for the whole neighbourhood. 90 years later the store still exists. The great grandfather does not, that's why his offspring is now baking in his stead: Annalisa and her two borthers. The antique tables for their venue are taken from family belongings, the former Industria Dolciaria with benches covered with linen has made it into the present. Alongside of the treats you sip coffee or one of Annalisa's 120 tea flavours. These haven been brought from China, in addition to a lot of insider knowledge. Art is also near and dear to the siblings. Artworks by various Italian artists are exhibited on their premises on a regular basis. In their connected bar they serve wine and are pleased with their successful family business.

Feel like something completely different? Then you shouldn't miss the Gusto: With its brick walls, the bright ship planks and the solid wooden tables the restaurant is definitely one of the most modern in Rome.The interior design, the guests, the ambience: Everything seems cool and relaxed like in New York, the old Rome seems miles away. The cuisine is simple but trendy, undoubtedly Mediterranean, but with a modern twist.The downstairs Pizzeria serves specialities from the wood oven, such as Salami Pizza with Ricotta Cheese, mainly to a young crowd. The restaurant upstairs is a bit more classy, but still rather unpretentious for Rome. The wine bar starts at 18.00 with an aperitif for 9 Euro, and every Tuesday and Thursday it's Swing and Jazz night. If you want to try the recipes at home, take a look in the shop next door, where you can buy cookbooks and the right utensils.