Live La Dolce Vita in Rome: what to do and where to stay

There’s no wonder Rome is known as the Eternal City. Each corner of its A-list streets reflects 2,800 years of breathtaking history. From centuries-old painted masterpieces to the finest marble architecture, the city can’t help but evoke awe. Then there’s the cuisine; nobody leaves the city unsatisfied. From the perfect espresso to moreish carbonara, explore Rome’s trattorias, pizzerias and enotecas. Spend the perfect weekend at a luxury hotel in Rome or plan an extended stay to dig deeper into the city’s quieter corners with our guide.

Revel in Rome’s historic sites

1. The Colosseum

Rome's magnificent 50,000-seat Colosseum was finished in 80 AD and once hosted grizzly gladiatorial trials. Nothing can prepare you for its 2000-year-old majesty, so soak in the drama on a tour of its storied arches and columns. Commissioned by Vespasian but inaugurated by Titus, the arena was Italy’s most spine-chilling with marathon slaughter sports that would have been heard across the city. Book your tickets in advance to jump the queues of this spectacular historical site.

2. Roman Forum

Easily combined with a visit to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a sprawling romantic ruin. Once the home to majestic temples and piazzas, this was Rome's pulsating heart from the 7th century BCE on. There are plenty of impressive historical sites to take in, from the white marble Arco di Settimio Severo to the remains of Tempio di Saturno. A guided tour is recommended to make sense of its history and its engaging links to Caesar and Pompey.

3. The Vatican and Sistine Chapel

Easily a destination in its own right, the Vatican is a tiny sovereign state in the heart of Rome. Its treasured Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, in particular, are home to the world's most revered artefacts. Michelangelo's admired frescoes may require some patience when queuing, but the pay-off is outstanding. St Peter's Basilica, possibly the most impressive church in the world, boasts gold-adorned hallways showered with light.

4. Trevi Fountain

Rome's most famous public fountain has graced many of Italy's most popular films. This baroque beauty was constructed in the 18th century by Nicola Salvi to perfectly accompany the Palazzo Poli behind it. There’s an etiquette to throwing a coin the traditional way; use your right hand to propel your coin behind your left shoulder with your back to the fountain. When in the Trevi area, admire the many stunning palazzos, including Palazzo Barberini, now the National Gallery of Ancient Art.

5. Capitoline Museums

Rome has no shortage of special exhibits. If you can only find time for one, make it this one. Housed in the gorgeous Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, the museum's collection spans captivating classical sculptures that defined Italian art. Browse masterpieces from Titian and Caravaggio alongside iconic mainstays like the Capitoline Wolf.

Wander off Rome’s beaten track

1. Terme di Caracalla

These vast baths were built for Caracalla in the 3rd century and were once some of the largest in Rome. They’ve taken on an ethereal quality after falling into ruin and are found in Rome’s quieter southern reaches. Best explored with a headset tour, they sit on the renowned Appian Way, a stunning trail of archaeological treasures that spreads south of the Colosseum.

2. Cinecittà Studios

Fans of Italian cinema will adore these sprawling studio grounds. Despite a dodgy origin under Benito Mussolini, Cinecittà has hosted major American productions like Roman Holiday alongside classics by Fellini and Zeffirelli. Cinecittà World is the on-site theme park that's home to museums of Italian film and roller coasters. Italy's answer to Universal Studios has perhaps an even stronger film heritage, with some 50 Oscar-winning movies. Guided tours are well worth it to unveil plenty of studio secrets and lore.

3. Rome’s hills

The most central of the seven hills, Palatine Hill is the location where according to legend, the she-wolf Lupa cared for the Rome’s founder Romulus and his brother Remus as infants. Containing ruins like Domus Flavia, it also overlooks the stunning Roman Forum. As for views, Janiculum Hill affords the best clear vistas of the city. Nothing beats the twinkling city lights from this phenomenal spot if you’re wondering what to see in Rome at night. Capitoline Hill, too, provides exceptional views.

4. Villa Borghese

Make a detour from the spectacular Spanish Steps to visit these 80 hectares of bucolic grounds. Landscaped gardens, scenic lakes and woodland trails make this one of Rome's most picturesque parks. The grounds take up much of Pincian Hill, which itself holds highlights like the Borghese Gallery and Museum and National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.

5. Castel Sant’Angelo

From its iconic circular main keep to its sculpture-lined Sant’Angelo Bridge, this fortress was built as a mausoleum to Hadrian. Now a museum, you'll find plenty of impressive military regalia and grand paintings in its galleries. The fortress itself hosts secret passages to the Vatican where popes and priests were protected during turbulent times.

Book a stay at the magnificent Grand Hotel Palace