“Avrai tu l’universo. Resta Italia a me”
“You may have the universe. But let Italy remain mine.”
From Attilia. Music by Giuseppe Verdi. Libretto by Temistocle

Italy and I go back to the grand age of 8 when I first discovered Usborne’s flap book on ancient Rome and spent hours pouring over Gladiator fights, Roman baths and togas. I went on to study Italian at University and headed off to Urbino on Erasmus speaking only a few words of Italian in a pronounced Irish accent. I came back a year later with a serious espresso habit, buzzing from all the fantastic experiences I had in this beautiful country.  A year later I moved to Rome to teach Italian students about the culture and customs of Ireland where we spent many happy hours together watching Riverdance and GAA match videos, with each class coming to the conclusion that in their eyes at least, it was no rival to Italian soccer! To get to the heart of any country, it’s good to see it through the proud and passionate eyes of its locals, and also through passersby from foreign shores who form a unique bond with the place they are visiting. Over the coming weeks I will be speaking with some great people who love Italy and are happy to chat on the best places to eat, go out, meet the locals, and how to make the ultimate aperitif or spaghetti. This week my friend Andrea has some great tips on where to go out in Rome, Milan and beyond to soak up that really special Italian ambience.

The Night Owl

Andrea Coluccio, IT Consultant, Rome

Tell me Andrea, where in Italy can I get the best aperitivo?

“The trendiest places for having an aperitif in Rome are three hotels where PR agencies organise parties. Among them, Boscolo in Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most exclusive. People can drink at the poolside on the hotel roof surrounded by the Rome skyline. Another one is the contemporary-style Blu Hotel, with a Pool on the 7th floor. The new entry is La Griffe at Via Nazionale.

For a more “bohemian” kind of aperitif go to areas in Rome called “San Lorenzo” and “Pigneto” where you can drink directly on the traditional little streets.

If you’re in Milan, you can have your aperitif in Corso Como or Navigli (the heart of the Movida) or in the most fashionable area nearby Via Montenapoleone (also called “Quadrilatero della moda” or fashion quarter) where you can have a fancy drink in some fashion-stylist-owned café next to some fashion model.

In the summer, an aperitif at the “Piazzetta” the most exclusive place of the exclusive Costa Smeralda (Sardinia) is a must.”

Where are the best clubs in Italy?

Rome: Art Café and Opengate (the most fashionable and exclusive), Room26 (big modern club with excellent sound system)
Milan: Old Fashion café and La Banque (the most exclusive), Alcatraz and Rolling Stones (the biggest)
Taormina, Sicily: Marabù (where you can dance between the olive trees)
Milano Marittima: Pineta (big and trendy club very popular in summer)

February is Carnevale time – where is the best place to celebrate?
Venice (the most traditional and elegant)
Viareggio (Tuscany)
Acireale (Sicily)

Many thanks Andrea for sharing these amazing ideas for our next city break to the bell’Italia!!

In the next blog post we’ll be looking at what makes Italians so fashionable and giving you some ideas on creating a new look from home.