What's New in Rome

BY KATHY MCCABE

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SLEEP
Babuino 181: Just steps from Piazza del Popolo, the newest member of a small local boutique chain boasts 14 spacious rooms and suites decorated with modern wood furniture and striking works of art. Don’t let the small size fool you; this property offers all the services of a larger hotel, including a rooftop terrace restaurant and bar. Rates from $466. Babuino, 181; 011-39-06-6992-1907; romeluxurysuites.com

The One: Opening in May, near Piazza del Popolo, this 29-suite luxury gem offers extra-personal service. Every floor comes with a your-wish-is-my-command butler. After running him through his paces, enjoy the hotel’s two gourmet restaurants and lounge. Rates from $571. Via del Vantaggio, 14; primehotels.it

EAT
Il Mondo di Laura: Need a tasty gift for the folks back home? Get creative with the cookies Romans can’t stop talking about — but be warned, you might eat them before making it home. Stop in at Il Mondo di Laura near Porta Portese for kosher treats with names like “Miss Cioccolatissima” and “Pepita.” Via Ettore Rolli, 34; 011-39-06-588-0966; mondodilaura.com

Luce 44: In Trastevere, Rome’s first zero-impact restaurant showcases the organic produce of the Lazio region. Your choices include a fennel soufflé topped with béchamel sauce and shaved truffle, artichoke lasagna, scottona beef stew, and carrot cake accented with Chantilly cream and poppy seeds. The all-white decor and vintage furniture complement Luce’s simple and earthy mission. Via della Luce, 44; 011-39-06-560-0846; luce44.it

DRINK
Open Baladin Roma: Forget wine; come to Rome and drink beer instead. This pub in a narrow alleyway between the Jewish ghetto and Campo dei Fiori specializes in thirst-quenching Italian brews. It features more than 40 artisanal beers on tap and another 100 by the bottle. For a taste of home, order the fried chicken or a burger. Via degli Specchi, 6; 011-39-06-683-8989; openbaladin.com

SEE
Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo: The Eternal City’s abuzz over its new contemporary National Museum of 21st Century Arts, called MAXXI for short, on the site of former military barracks in the Flaminio quarter. MAXXI’s inaugural exhibitions this spring include the first anthology of the work of Gino De Dominicis (1947-1998) and a multimedia installation titled “Geografie italiane.” Via Guido Reni, 4; maxxi.beniculturali.it

Scuderie del Quirinale: If classic art interests you more, “Caravaggio” at the former papal stables commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of notable Baroque painter Caravaggio. Some of his greatest works, including Bacco and Musici, have been brought in from Florence’s Uffizi Museum and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Through June 13. Via XXIV Maggio, 16; 011-39-06- 3996-7500; scuderiequirinale.it

DO
Context Travel: In a city with plenty of umbrella-led tours, Context stands out with a more intellectual alternative — walking seminars limited to six people, led by scholars and historians. Among its new offerings: “Italian Wines: A Comparison,” in which you explore the wine bars of the newly trendy Monti neighborhood; and “Savoring Rome: A Culinary Stroll,” which takes you on a tasting tour through the city’s historic center, with stops at a traditional coffee shop, a gelateria, a street food stand, and eateries in the Jewish ghetto. 800-691-6036; contexttravel.com

PLAY (Family Fun)
Select Italy: Carbo-load with a pizza-making class from travel outfitter Select Italy. Unlike doughy Neapolitan pies, pizza alla Romana has a thin, crispy crust. Kids get a chance to knead, stretch, and even toss the dough in the air before topping it with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and other ingredients. The three-hour class yields four different pizzas and a family feed to remember. 800-877-1755; selectitaly.com  

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