The mention of rome usually evokes thoughts of romance, history, culture and fine food and wine. International business does not spring to mind as it does in connection with New York, London or Tokyo. This despite the fact that Rome is the capital of Europe’s fourth-largest economy, has a thriving international banking sector and is home to a strong investor — the Vatican.

Italy is a major player in manufactured exports such as clothing, shoes, furniture, automobiles, yachts, firearms and food. But the high euro against the dollar and competition from Asia have put a strain on Italian exporters. Low productivity and rising costs for food and oil have slowed economic growth almost to a standstill, and the gross domestic product per head has dropped below the European Union average. Still, the business climate in Rome remains optimistic, perhaps because of the change in leadership.

In April voters elected the evercolorful Silvio Berlusconi — Italy’s richest man and one of the 50 wealthiest people in the world — to his third term as prime minister. The last time he was in office (2006), the right-wing tycoon cut high corporate and income taxes only slightly and failed to address the rigid labor laws that continue to hamstring employers. Berlusconi promised to do better this time and to put the nation’s ailing airline, Alitalia, back on its feet.

When in Rome on business, do as the Romans do. Dress smartly (clothing by an Italian designer can’t hurt), greet new contacts by professional title and surname, and have business cards printed in both English and Italian. Consider hiring an interpreter, as business is often conducted in the native tongue. Decisions — about you and your business — may take shape during what seems to be small talk over lunch. It’s a good idea to know which football (soccer) teams are winning — likely the Berlusconiowned AC Milan.

Romans, passionate about their city, will bombard you with suggestions for things you must do. This adds to the dizzying effect of the city itself — the din of cars and motorcycles amid a backdrop that changes from neon signs to glass buildings to ancient structures with a turn of your head.

You must have a plan — and good walking shoes — to tackle the City of Seven Hills, where a timeline of the development of Western Civilization plays out in art, architecture and the traditions of Rome’s 2.7 million residents. The mild climate ensures tourists visit year-round, even in the heat of August when many shop owners take a holiday. In this, one of the most-visited cities in the world, tourism is as important to the economy as Armani, Prada and Ferrari.

LODGING

HOTEL EDEN

Hemmingway, Fellini and Ingrid Bergman liked the private atmosphere of this 5-star property, which now appeals to magnates such as Rupert Murdoch and Steve Forbes. Located on a quiet street in the business district, the 121-room hotel is a short walk from the lively social scene at the Spanish Steps. Front-facing rooms with balconies enjoy good views, as does the rooftop La Terrazza, one of the city’s best restaurants. The Eden’s concierge can handle special requests such as private visits to the Sistine Chapel or prime seats at soccer or rugby matches.$$$$
HOTEL EDEN
Via Ludovisi 49,
tel 39 06 478121,
http://www.starwoodhotels.com

HOTEL HASSLER

The 5-star Hotel Hassler has a to-die-for location at the top of the Spanish Steps, next to the Trinita dei Monti Church. The 95 spacious guestrooms and suites are pricey, ranging from nearly $700 to more than $5,000 a night. But lavish furnishings and personalized service have made it a magnet for several recent U.S. presidents — and Bill Gates. Entertaining business acquaintances in your suite or the hotel’s Imago restaurant will likely make a favorable impression.$$$$
HOTEL HASSLER
6 Piazza Trinita dei Monti,
tel 39 06 699340,
http://www.hotelhasslerroma.com

BETTOJA HOTELS

Five generations of Bettojas established three 4-star properties on Rome’s Via Cavour near the Termini Station and historic sites. The 69-room Hotel Atlantico and the 254-room Hotel Mediterraneo are Art Deco gems with an abundance of polished wood and marble. Mosaics, wood inlays, marble statuary and vast canvases decorate the Mediterraneo’s common areas. On the 10th floor are seven luxury suites and a rooftop bar overlooking the city. The Hotel D’Azeglio has hosted notables since 1875, including Benito Mussolini and Louis Armstrong. All three properties have modern business facilities, in-room wireless Internet, savvy concierges, and share several stylish restaurants and bars.$$$
BETTOJA HOTELS
Via Cavour 23, 15 & 18,
tel 39 06 481 4798,
http://www.bettojahotels.it

DINING

IMAGO

The rich marble-and-wood décor, mirrored tables and stunning panorama of the city have made the 65-seat Imago a perennial favorite of the glitterati — including Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana and the Kennedy family — and American business travelers. Chef Francesco Apreda designed his own kitchen (visible through a window) for induction cooking and is a master of exotic twists on Italian cuisine. Try the breaded sea scallops stuffed with buffalo mozza- rella, celery leaves and black truffles; or crabmeat ravioli in a parsnip and saffron sauce; and end with a divine Sicilian cannoli.$$$$
IMAGO
6 Piazza Trinita del Monti (in the Hotel Hassler),
39 06 699 34726,
http://www.hotelhassler.it

LA PERGOLA

Executive Chef Heinz Beck presides over this Michelin 3-star restaurant where he strives to attain new “harmoniously balanced aromas, flavors and colors.” The repeat international clientele is a testament to his success. One melt-in-your-mouth dish on the nine-course gourmet menu: medallions of lobster and duck liver with lime puff and pea sprouts. Located atop the Cavalieri Hilton with an adjacent terrace for al fresco dining with a view of the city, the restaurant is decorated in rich cherry wood with a frescoed ceiling.$$$$
LA PERGOLA
Via Cadlolo 101,
tel 39 06 350 92152,
http://www.cavalieri-hilton.it

RISTORANTE MIRABELE
The Michelin 1-star Mirabelle, located on the seventh floor of the Hotel Splendide Royal, boasts fantastic views of the city through large glass doors opening onto a balcony. Prime Minister Berlusconi mingles here with other Italian business moguls and international personalities. Small alcoves around the dining room provide settings for private conversation over Bruno Borghesi creations such as boneless pigeon in puff pastry with truffle sauce, or pastry-wrapped beef with Perigordian (southern French) sauce and cubes of goose liver.$$$$
RISTORANTE MIRABELE
Via de Porta Pinciana 14,
tel 39 06 421 68838,
http://www.mirabelle.it

DIVERSIONS

Where to start? The “big three” historical icons that it would be criminal to miss: St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums (Vatican, http://mv.vatican.va), the world’s largest museum complex. Its treasures include Michelangelo’s paintings in the Sistine Chapel. Next, the stunning Colosseum(Piazza del Colosseo, tel 39 06 399 67700, http://www.romaturismo.com), a 60,000-seat amphitheater built for bloody gladiatorial contests. Finally, the Roman Forum (Piazza Santa Maria Nova 53, tel 39 06 399 67700,  http://www.roma turismo.com), a hodgepodge of crumbling buildings and monuments (some dating to the seventh century B.C.) that was the city’s political, religious and commercial hub for 1,200 years.

Even a quick exploration of these attractions will take two or three days, and there is so much more. For instance, the best preserved of the ancient architectural masterpieces is the second-century Pantheon, built by Hadrian as a temple to the gods. Don’t miss the Piazza di Spagna, a square surrounded by big-name boutiques at the foot of the gracefully cascading Spanish Steps, where Romans and visitors like to gather.

Of the city’s 280 fountains, the most famous is the Trevi, where visitors toss coins over their shoulders for luck as Neptune looks on from his shell chariot. For details, see http://www.romaturismo.com.

While known for its antiquities and cultural attractions, Rome does not lack in lively nightspots. Rome’s cognoscenti are a fickle bunch whose favorite hangouts ebb and flow, but corporate types, actors and artists are often found sipping Campari on the terrace of Dal Bolognese (Piazza del Popolo, tel 39 06 361 1426). Or try the Russie martinis with caviar in the gardens of the Hotel de Russie’s Stravinskij Bar (Via del Babuino 9, tel 39 06 328 881, http://www.hotelderussie.it).

INFO TO GO

Located 16 miles from Rome, the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) is the main international airport. The new Terminal 5, opened in May, takes the strain off Terminal C, where most international flights arrive. Follow signs in Terminal C to Stazione FS/Railway Station. Trains depart every half hour for the 31-minute trip (about $13.60) to Rome’s Termini Station, a hub for subways and buses. Frenetic traffic and scarce parking in the city make renting a car ill-advised, and taxis from the airport are pricey — about $70. Getting around is inexpensive and easy by bus or subway (buy a ticket good for both at any newsstand), but beware of pickpockets. Keep money, credit cards and travel documents in a pouch under your clothing. Avoid carrying purses or backpacks, and keep your hands on cameras at all times. For more information, visit http://www.italiantourism.com