Italy

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.

Naturists beware: You should wear something to get in - the L'Isola doesn't expose itself. It won't serve any skin nor anything else meat related. The eatery is entirely vegetarian, including vegan and macrobiotic options. The furnishing, with a lot of wood and warm colours, goes along with the organic food, such as Polpettine Vegetali (vegetarian dumplings), vegetarian pasta and healthy salads. The restaurant is a typical example of relaxed Italian vegetarianism: Fish is a staple on the menu, and while most vegetarians object to calling fish eaters by their name, it demonstrates that Italians are, as a general rule, oblivious to dogmas.

Who lives in a glass house shouldn't throw food. That's good advice in the Glass Hostaria, since that might be an expensive proposition: The beef filet alone costs 26,- Euro. So don't be childish and keep your cool, enjoying the great view: The stylish eatery with its high ceiling, the industrial look and brick columns is worth the visit.The scaled-up prices might be caused by the upscale clientele. The young and cool come to the Glass Hostaria, not so much to eat but to see and be seen. Nevertheless, the menu deserves a closer look: Michelin awarded it one star in 2010.

Once the Globe theatre was the centre of the action, today the Teatro Dell'Orologio is rocking the boat: This small theatre has left the mainstream and is as off-Broadway as you can be. Far beyond classical tragedy, the theatre is experimenting to such an extent that critics are left speechless. You might recognize the plays, but you will never have seen them like this: Ionesco, Genet, Becket and Maeterlinck are all rediscovered in strange ways. Shakespeare would be delighted and Brecht overjoyed: The Teatro dell'Orologia lacks the technical sophistication of the great stages, but its dedication to the art that makes this theatre so special. Valentino Orfeo is the artistic director, but other directors also play their parts. To be there or not to be? Poor Yorick would have had no doubt!

Who's better, the Swedes or the Italians? Last year most would have said that it depends on your tastes. The Italians have traditionally specialized in baroque knickknacks, lots of brocade and kitsch ribbons, while the Swedes swore by practical, striped and minimalist furniture. Now everything is different, because today everyone agrees: Back to the roots, charming and cosy furniture made of precious wood should help you live the easy life! Europe is finally united. Each year more than a thousand visitors storm the Moa Casa.  Some are there to evaluate the trends and others to buy the newest in interior design. 200 exhibitors work their customers on 20,000 square meters. If you need a break from all the furniture, you don't need to walk very far: Next to the MOA Casa the MOA Gustibus offers tastes of traditional Italian specialties, and naturally for purchase, too.

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).

Attention: There is nothing to drink at the bar - in the L'Olfattorio Bar you are served neither whiskey nor beer, but scents. This is how it works: Go into the bar and order Eau de Toilette. Then pick the scent that you like most.The perfumes on offer are from small manufacturers, and you can test them for free. When you like a scent, you receive the address in Rome where you can buy that perfume. The innovative business concept works, because it allows small producers to introduce themselves and to compete against the big ones.Aside from perfumes you can also purchase scented candles and all sorts of other olfactory delights. Just don't stay for too long, you might get dizzy from all those scents.

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.

What made Ferragamo famous? Maybe the heels: Used in the right fashion they could serve as murder weapons. Or the double plateau: Not quite as deadly as the other high heels, but in combination with cobblestone pavement they are still dangerous. Or was it the price: For a whiff of nothing Ferragamo asks 300 Euro, the bags start at 900 Euro, providing enough room for Handy, Make Up and credit line. Whatever Ferragamo got right, today shoe fetishists from all over the world storm into the flagship store in Rome to buy once in their lifetime what the stars are wearing on the red carpet:  Eva Longoria was seen there, Kate Beckinsale wore sun glasses from Ferragamo, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman and Angelina Jolie joined their ranks and also wore Ferragamo, Ferragamo, Ferragamo. Thus prices don't come as a surprise. By the way, male feet are also served: The shop for men is only one door over and sells classics in leather.

Karl is the name of one of the suites. The pictures and sketches on the wall come from their godfather, Karl Lagerfeld. In another room, the atelier suite, sketches and drafts by Chanel and Dior adorn the walls. We are in the haute couture of the Roman boutique hotel: fashion is the topic in the Villa Laetitia. The reason for it is quite obvious: the mansion is one of the private residences of the Fendi clan. It is rented to fashion-conscious and stylish visitors of Rome. The apartment complex run by the Italian fashion dynasty can be found in Rome, on the bank of the Tiber on the Piazza del Popolo, within a patrician house. The well-built stone men at the entrance remind of ancient times, and vintage objects and design pieces fit just perfectly. So does the filigree circular staircase. Each suite is designed individually, but chequered patterns and geometrical forms obviously range among the owners` favourite motifs. There is no hotel restaurant but If you like to you can order a candlelight dinner. Or you cook on your own in the kitchen. Afterwards you can enjoy a divine tranquility in the enchanted garden.

Style: Minimus. Fun: Maximus! The Ripa Hotel has set its own standards, transcending Roman opulence. The result is beautifully low key: White walls with fluffy carpets and retro-style furniture that adds nice colour accents. Clear lines, indirect lighting and a lot of room for artistic expression, this was the idea of the Ripa Hotel. Another plus: The personal trainer in the fitness centre and the hotel owned restaurant are two house numbers down. It doesn`t happen too often in boutique hotels that there is something to eat. The view from suites` terraces is incredible. This alone is worth the trip. The location is impressive: Circus Maximus, Vatican and Colloseum are the complete opposite of the futuristic looking hotel, yet in perfect harmony. Classical meets avant-garde in this distinguished boutique hotel: Simple, functional, and simply beautiful!

The Fortyseven ist almost 50, the furnishings are not: Real classics from the 50s contrast with a facade from the 30s, and all close to the truly ancient Temple of Vesta. To complete the colourful mix of the decades and centuries there is 20th century art by Amadeo Modigliani, Umberto Mastroianni and Emilio Greco as well as modern rooms with wood panelled floors and Art Deco flair. The padded walls of the suite do bring up uneasy associations with certain white rooms, yet comfortable they are. At least you won`t get hurt and can enjoy the room service around the clock. The Fortyseven offers even more: Fitness centre and wellness as well as a rooftop restaurant for everyone who wants to fill up with tasty calories looking out onto the Circus Maximus.