Rome

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Rome

Rome has attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most magnificent and romantic cities in the world, boasting an attractive mix of grandiose sights, such as the Colosseum, Roman Pantheon, and Forum. Amidst the awe-inspiring ruins and charming piazzas, you can savour the delights of smooth gelato, frothy cappuccinos, delectable pasta and pizza, and exquisite wines, all contributing to the allure that draws over 10 million tourists annually in search of a taste of the Italian “Dolce Vita”.

The City

Where should one begin to summarise the history of the Eternal City? A good date might be 21 April 753 BC, when Romulus founded the city after murdering his twin brother Remus. During the following centuries, Rome grew into a powerful empire, peaking during the rule of Marcus Aurelius in 161-180 AD. Like the ancient city, today's Rome is built on seven hills: Capitolino, Palatino, Quirinale, Viminale, Esquilino, Celio, and Aventino. The central area is called Campo Marzio, named after the Roman God of war, and was the ancient army’s training grounds. This is where many of the famous sights are located. Other well-known areas are Trastevere, on the other side of the Tiber River, and Monti. Little Pigneto is considered to be the most typical Roman neighbourhood.

5 Secret Spots in Rome

The vibrant capital of Italy is a unique fusion of rich history, culture, natural beauty, and monuments. It goes much further than the usual tourist sites: delve into Rome's hidden gems that are just a few steps away from the well-trodden paths and monuments.

Do & See

Rome is one of a kind. No other city — not even Athens, Istanbul, London, or New York — has as many world-class sites as the Eternal City. Walking down Via del Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum will impress even the most spoiled and shopping-crazed teenager. The city has so much to offer: besides the Roman heritage, there are also medieval neighbourhoods, well-designed squares, colourful markets, and the Vatican City with St Peter’s Basilica and its incredible museums. To help you make the most out of your visit to the city, our travel experts have created a list of the top-rated tourist attractions you simply cannot miss in Rome.

Dining

Rome's restaurants cater to all tastes. There are American steakhouses, Lebanese meze restaurants, Vietnamese eateries, and several haute cuisine establishments celebrated in the Michelin Guide. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do and choose the less extravagant restaurants and trattorias for a memorable and authentic dining experience. The Italian word for dinner, "cena", comes from the Latin convivium, which means "live together". Eating is a social get-together which consists of at least three courses — often even at lunchtime. The Romans do not eat dinner until nine in the evening. Rome is known for its Carbonara (made with egg, guanciale, hard cheese, and black pepper) and Amatriciana (made with guanciale, pecorino Romano and tomatoes).

Cafés

Rome's coffee culture is steeped in tradition and passion. The city's charming cafés exude an inviting atmosphere, where locals and tourists alike gather to savour the rich aroma and intense flavour of espresso, the quintessential Italian coffee. From bustling streets to historic piazzas, coffee serves as a delightful companion to daily life. Moreover, no Roman experience is complete without a creamy indulgence of artisanal gelato, crafted in a myriad of luscious flavours.

Bars & Nightlife

The Romans love to meet over aperitivo around 7:30 pm, after which they either go to a restaurant or home for dinner. The drinks need not be alcoholic. Many bars serve light snacks that are included in the price. After 11 pm most of those looking to party head over to the Testaccio area. Named after the mountain of discarded amphoras, the area is home to many establishments, ranging from small piano bars to bustling discos. Make sure you take at least a night out to experience the bar and club scene in Rome.

Shopping

High fashion shopping in Rome is concentrated on two streets running parallel to each other from the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is home to Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Armani, and Max-Mara. Over on Via Borgognona, one can find the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gianfranco Ferré, Laura Biagiotti, and Gai Mattiolo. Closer to Piazza Navona is Via dei Giubbonari and its street fashion stores McQueen and Liquid. Also nearby is Via del Governo Vecchio with its elegant vintage fashion boutiques. When it comes to food, Rome has several notable spots. Salumeria Volpetti, on Via Marmorata 47 in Testaccio, is as close to heaven as you can get. This bustling, high-paced place offers many deli options — Latini pasta from Osimo, salsiccia and spicy sandwich meats. Its speciality, however, is its cheeses, including the Formaggio di fossa, which is matured underground. Another deli to revel in is Castroni on Via Cola di Rienzo, which offers a slightly international selection. Campo de' Fiori is the site of a daily food market that embodies the terms picturesque and colourful. Come early when the shadows are long and the morning is at its freshest. Another nice market, with more of a food hall atmosphere, is Mercato di Testaccio.

Tourist Information