Find the Best Things to Do in Trieste/Nomentana/Montesacro/Salario/Nuovo Salario

About Trieste/Nomentana/Montesacro/Salario/Nuovo Salario

Photo courtesy of colros

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Centro Storico of Rome is a section of the Eternal City with plenty of reasons worth visiting. From big green parks like Villa Ada and Villa Torlonia where you can go for a picnic or engage in Italians' favorite pastime, the passeggiata the mystical and circular Mausoleum of Santa Costanza. Parks and picnics aren't enough to drag you out of your comfort zone? What about one of the biggest shopping malls in Rome? Nothing is as tempting at 220 stores and restaurants including IKEA and did someone say H&M? Architecture buffs will enjoy marveling at this tiny angle of Rome called the Coppedè district famous for its fancy arches and grandiose palazzi. 10Best has all of the details on this delightful section of Rome.

See & Do

Though, this area might be a bit off-the-beaten-path for some and a schelp from the cuore di Roma for others, if you get the chance to venture out to this neighborhood you'll find it offers several spectacular gems to keep you busy for an afternoon or a day even. One of the biggest reasons you should visit the Trieste-Salaria area is because of the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza. The church dates back to the 4th century and is virtually intact. It was built under the rule of Costantine I as a mausoleum for his daughter Constantina who died in 354 AD. What makes the church so unique is its circular shape and its early Christian architecture. On any given weekend in the Spring and Summer, the church is booked with weddings as its one of the most sought-after locations for Italian brides to exchange their vows. 

Speaking of architecture, another interesting nook for building and design buffs is the Coppedè quartiere. Though the section (built in 1912) of this neighborhood is tiny (about 31,000 square meters), tourists and locals love to come here to marvel at the uniquely designed buildings fusioned with Ancient Greek, Baroque and Medieval influences. The area consists of some 40 odd palazzi (palaces), villas, fountains and other structures.

Of churches and buildings aren't your thing, this area is filled with green spaces where you can lounge the afternoon away, go for a picnic or even engage in Italians' favorite pastime, the passeggiata. Rome's Villa Ada park located on Via Salaria is one of the most popular parks after Villa Borghese. There is also another smaller but nice park located on Via Nomentana called Villa Torlonia where one can sometimes catch an art exhibit or even a free concert from time to time. 

Eat

One of the great things about this neighborhood is the wide selection of good eateries. From tiny little trattorie to pastry shops and gelaterie, Romans definitely know how to mangia in the Trieste-Salario neighborhood. 

One of the best restaurants located just a stone's throw from the famous Villa Ada park is the Ristorante Toscano La Mora. Not only do they whip up a good hearty piece of steak but they can also make a mean pizza. Don't miss out on the fettuccine ai funghi porcini if you're in the mood for pasta. If you're looking for something a little more casual and down home, head on over to Pizzeria San Marino for some good fire wood oven pizza. This pizzeria draws a big crowd almost any night of the week as it has a loyal fan base. Some top picks for pizza are the pizza diavola (made with spicy salame) and the quattro formaggi (four cheeses).

Those with a sweet tooth should wind down the evening with a tasty gelato treat from the gelato guru, Fatamorgana. This gelato shop boasts some of the best and most exotic flavors around Rome Kentucky tobacco-flavored chocolate, blueberry cheesecake and rice with rosebuds. Please your palate with some of that! Buonoooo.

Party

Just because this is a residential neighborhood doesn't mean one can't find something to do at night here. On the contrary, because this well-to-do area is also populated by university students there are several bars and clubs catering to those looking or ways to wind down the night. One of the best places around town to go for an aperitivo is Numbs located in Piazza Istria. Though this place is open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the bar gets really jumping around happy hour time (between 7-9pm) when the staff puts out a generous finger food buffet out. The place also gets pretty crowded on the weekends after dinner time.

Looking for something a little bit more fast paced and lively? Just around the corner is a cute little club that put on some great jazz, blues and swing musical performances. The Cotton Club is a good option for those who want to grab a drink with friends after dinner and listen to some good live music. What's nice is that they serve dinner as well.

In the mood to dance? Just across the street from the Coppedè district is the famous Piper Club. It's been around for more than 30 years and is hugely popular with Rome's young per bene crowd. Some nights attract teeny boppers so make sure you call ahead if you don't want to mix and mingle with Justin Bieber lovers.

Shop

If you thought Romans only shopped at small mom-and-pop shops, think again. Those days are long gone. Just like America, Romans have also caught the mega mall fever over the last few years. If you were looking for an excuse to schlep all the way to this neighborhood, make Galleria Porta di Roma one of your excuses.

It's one of the biggest malls in Rome, boasting over 220 stores, restaurants and a mult-sala movie theater. Did we mention there's an IKEA and an H&M here as well? The mall also has popular stores like Zara, FNAC and the uber popular Italian department store, COIN. Inside the mega mall, you can also find shoe and accessory stores, electronics, sporting goods and book stores.

After you're done shopping, you can take a break by eating in their food court which includes fast food like McDonald's or middle eastern kebab or you may prefer a sit down lunch or dinner at the famous Neopolitan pizzeria, Fratelli La Bufala.