Things to see and do when visiting Rome
There's nothing like a city break to a European city and Rome has to top the list for culture, beauty, great food and gorgeous architecture! Visitors certainly won't be disappointed by the range of attractions on offer, many of which can be enjoyed for free or on a shoestring, if budgets are a consideration.
The Capitoline has to be a first stop, celebrating the city that inspired the great Michelangelo’s work. Its collection is housed within twin palaces, located on opposite sides of the Piazza del Gampidoglio and there are incredible 
art collections to admire, including paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, Veronese and statues by Bernini.
From here, head to the Colosseum and feel the ancient roar of Roman gladiators past. This incredible amphitheatre is steeped in dramatic and bloody history, where slaves, gladiators, wild animals and prisoners fought for the entertainment of up to 50,000 people.
The history and atmosphere is potent and fascinating and it makes a great starting point for the rest of your historical destinations in the city; the Pantheon, Domus Aurea and the Forum.
For relaxation, why not walk through the Gardens of the Villa Borghese, which are both beautiful and serene. The most central park in the city, it's a real oasis of calm, with sweeping lawns, tree-lined hills, turtle-filled ponds and ponies too, to amuse the children. Whilst here, visitors should also head to the Trevi Fountain in town and make a wish.
Italy is, of course, a Catholic country and many choose to head to the Vatican for an audience with the Pope. Every Wednesday morning he holds a general audience in St Peter's square and it's packed with devotees and tourists alike.
After the event, wander through the beautiful Basilica of St Peter, visit the Mueso Pio-Clementino and see Michelangelo’s frescoes in the world-famous Sistine Chapel. It's inspiring stuff and incredible to see these world-famous art works up close and in their original form.
The Pantheon is a great architectural splendour and one of the most well preserved relics from ancient Rome's mighty empire. It was originally built as a temple to honour the classic deities and is still a church today, with Italy's first king and Raphael both interred within. It's a geometry lover's dream too, with incredibly precise dimensions and a breath-taking hemispherical dome.
After all this sightseeing, you'll be ready for some food and oh what choice! Avoid the tourist traps and seek out the gorgeous local cafes and restaurants located on the various town squares and throughout the city.
There will be great lunch and dinner offers and seasonal menus to choose from, all with fresh local foods and delicacies to tempt you. Pizza is, of course, widely available too, but forget the cheese-stuffed crusts from home, here they are made in wood-fired ovens, with thin crisp bases and the freshest of toppings. You'll find the prices excellent and there's usually a good wine list to choose from. Get a table outside if you can, to watch the stylish locals go about their business!
Ice-cream can be found on every corner and the best in the city is said to be at Il Gelato di San Cripino, which offers seasonal flavours such as raspberry and summer plum.
After lunch, why not photograph some of the city's most beautiful piazzas, such as the Piazza del Popolo and visit one of the antiques markets in the city? There are some lovely treasures and local souvenirs to be found, often at great prices.
In the evenings, enjoy a glass of Italian wine at one of the wine shops dotted around the city. Then, why not head to the opera for a chance to dress up and see this traditional part of Italian life? The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma-Teatro Costanzi is well worth a visit and many also splurge on a box for the ultimate experience!
It's also worth speaking to other seasoned travellers for their Rome recommendations, particularly to discover little gems off the beaten track and latest local trends and attractions, such as the book bars and late night clubs that keep the entertainment going until dawn.
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