With over 3000 years of fascinating history and architecture, few cities can rival Rome's enduring appeal. From the monumental ruins of the Roman Empire, to Renaissance churches and palaces packed with artistic riches, there is no shortage of sightseeing opportunities; plus, this is a city that has truly mastered the Dolce Vita, offering fabulous shopping, dining and modern-day culture to round out your stay in the Eternal City.
Despite its size and complexity, the Italian capital is easy to get around on foot, by bus and metro. While the city is beautiful at any time of year, spring and autumn offer the best mix of mild, dry days and smaller crowds at visitor attractions.
Book a hotel near Rome's city centre and head out early to beat the queues at sights such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, which give an impressive insight into the epic scale of Ancient Rome; or put on your most comfortable walking shoes and spend a day touring the endless artistic treasures of the Vatican, from the awe-inspiring dome of Saint Peter's Basilica, to the world-famous painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
Unsurprisingly, Rome is packed with world-class museums and galleries, and you can happily lose yourself for hours in the likes of the Galleria Borghese and Capitoline Museums. Or, visit the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo and descend into the atmospheric catacombs beneath the city streets to get a sense of Rome's multiple levels of history.
For those interested in religious art and buildings, Rome is positively dotted with lovely churches. Drop into the ancient Pantheon (formerly a Roman temple) or the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to admire the ornate interiors. Or, if you've had your fill of sightseeing, take some time out to unwind in the peaceful landscaped surroundings of the Villa Borghese gardens.
It is also a delight simply to wander through Rome's cobbled streets and lanes, pausing to browse in boutiques full of fine leather goods and designer clothing, and stopping for a tasty gelato or invigorating espresso in mid-afternoon. Climb the Spanish Steps for impressive views of the skyline, and people-watch alongside the fountains and artists in Piazza Navona – then pop back to your hotel to drop off your purchases.
After enjoying a packed day of exploring, settle into one of the city's many charming restaurants and trattorias for some mouth-wateringly authentic Italian cuisine – from crispy, wood-fired pizzas to hearty pastas, meat dishes and desserts, the food is one of the best parts of a stay in Rome. Finally, complete your visit with a romantic night-time stroll through the illuminated capital. Be sure to toss a coin into the breath-taking Trevi Fountain – this is said to guarantee you will always return to Rome!
Ready to plan your own trip to the Eternal City? Book a Rome hotel by Marriott today and immerse yourself in the capital's splendour.