As one of the world's most historically enchanting cities, Rome has long been a must-see for European travellers. The city is home to many of the world's great artistic masterpieces, here you don’t need pink-tinted lenses.
Rome is a stunning city. Beautiful and proud, like its residents. Style and enjoying life’s pleasures reign supreme here, ensuring you have a real Italian-style stay. Ready for a Rome city break? All roads lead there, apparently! The City of 7 Hills has lots of special days in store for its visitors.
Start your visit to Rome by setting off on foot from your hotel to explore the heart of the city centre. Spend time lounging in the sun at the foot of the Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna, before taking a stroll to view the magnificent Trevi Fountain.
Book a guided tour around the Colosseum, built between 70-80 AD, to take in the stunning architecture, view its underground chambers and get a feel for what it might have been like to enter the arena as a competing gladiator. Next door you'll find the Roman Forum, an incredibly important archaeological site filled with the ruins of the city's ancient government buildings.
If you've time, pay a visit to the Vatican to explore St Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. The wonderfully ornate building took 150 years to construct and contains numerous exceptional works of art, along with ornate marble carvings. The nearby Sistine Chapel with its stunning ceiling by Michelangelo is also a must-see.
There's a host of museums worth visiting while in Rome but you're unlikely to be able to fit them all in during a single trip. Head to the Vatican Museums to view works by masters including da Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Alternatively, the Borghese Gallery houses one of the world's best art collections, including pieces by Titian and Bernini. Finish off the day at Palazzo Altemps, to the north of Piazza Navona, where you'll find an outstanding collection of sculptures.
For a successful weekend or short stay, you must see the most important places in the Italian capital: the Vatican, the Capitol, the Pantheon, the Basilica of San Sebastian or the Coliseum. Having said that, if you’ve got more of an urge to experience “real” life, just cross the Tiber in the direction of Trastevere. Wander around the unusual little streets and the gorgeous squares with their central fountain, and watch the locals going about their daily lives. The Trevi Fountain will collect your most secret wishes, the Piazza di Spagna and its world-famous staircases…
The Piazza del Popolo is a wonderful departure point towards the gardens of Villa Borghese, which will seduce you with their beauty. Wander around the unusual little streets and the gorgeous squares with their central fountain, and watch the locals going about their daily lives.
Since the gladiators fell into obsolescence, parties in Rome have lost their zest (a local joke). If you’re staying in Rome for a weekend, things don’t happen in the nightclubs, but in the bars of the Centro Storico, the city’s historic centre.
But keep it to yourself… A weekend in Rome would be incomplete without a trip to the Piazza Madonna di Monti, a haven of peace and extraordinary freshness. Generally, Rome and its restaurant owners like to offer the best to tourists; the city’s reputation depends upon it. Therefore, avoid all places where the pizzas cost under €5. This is never a good sign…
The cinema: cinema automatically springs to mind when we mention a weekend in Rome or Italy. We will stop off at the Cinema Paradiso and other studios at the Cinecittà. To experience the magic of times gone by, the open-air cinema in the centre of the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele offers a great opportunity to share a moment with the locals.
Some shopping: Romans are shopping aficionados. What is their favourite place? Via Condotti. The best of Italian dressmaking covering a few hundred metres. For a smart and stylish weekend away in Rome!
The local market: The daily market on the Campo dei Fiori in the historic centre is the most typical of Rome. Early risers will be rewarded. Yes, sometimes we must get up early, even for a short stay in Rome to the sound of La Dolce Vita.
For a short stay in Rome, you can opt for one-day bus or metro tickets, a practical and fairly cheap solution. For short distances, we recommend you discover the city on foot – it’s the best way to admire this magical city!
Roman cuisine is very regional, healthy and in line with the seasons. During your short stay in Rome, venture into Testaccio – the old abattoir district – to try its typical cuisine.
Fabulous food is on offer at every turn in Rome. Whether you're looking for a small trattoria where you'll be able to enjoy a relaxed lunch and escape the midday sun, or a leading restaurant offering a fine dining experience, you'll have a wealth of options to choose from. An excellent pizza menu is on offer at La Pizzetteria, while Agata e Romeo is a great option if you're looking for a wide choice of local and regional specialities.
For an afternoon snack or a post dinner treat, track down some Italian-style ice cream, known as gelato. Try ci gusta! Roma on Via della Palombella or Gelateria del Teatro on Via dei Coronari.
Try some offal, antipasti, gnocchi a la romana, delicious traditional soups, chicken or Rome-style cod… And don’t forget the Castelli Romani white wines!
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