Things to Do in Rome

Monument-wise, there’s not much to choose between the city’s marquee attractions: the Vatican and the Ancient City. Both are spectacular, both are full of unmissable individual sights (St. Peter’s Basilica and the Cistine Chapel on the one hand, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum on the other…) Can’t choose between them? Don’t – do both!

Just across the River Tiber, the district of Trastevere is a part of the Old Town where monumental Rome meets the real city. While parts of it are undeniably touristy, others are breathtakingly romantic. During the day it begs you to get lost in it, while in the evening, bars, cafés and restaurants line the narrow streets.

Rome is perhaps more blessed with markets than any other European city: the Campo dei Fiori (flowers), the Mercato delle Stampe (books) and, best of the lot, the massive flea market of Porta Portese could keep you busy for days alone.

Italy’s capital, like most places in Southern Europe, has a reverence (bordering on the religious) for food and drink. Deliciously thin-crusted, the Roman pizza is a joy to behold; if you’re not hungry (or on a bit of a tight budget) order it ‘al taglio’ or by the slice.

Strictly speaking, this is covered in No.1, but it’s truly in a category unto itself. There are few more atmospheric experiences than watching the sun set over Rome surrounded by the remains of grand palaces, arches, temples and all manner of evocatively crumbling masonry.