AT A GLANCE A trip to Rome is like stepping back in time.

Ancient buildings such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon stand on cobbled streets with local trattorias serving fresh pizza and pasta alongside them. While Rome is known for its history, its still very much a modern city. Fashionistas flock here to scour the many boutiques and the nightlife is an eclectic mix of classic concerts, bustling wine bars and bohemian nightclubs. WHEN TO GO Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons to visit Rome and coincidentally these are also the peak holiday seasons. However, the city is generally good to visit all year round, with free concerts during the summer months and the temperature seldom dropping below freezing in the winter. Weather Winter: It can be cold during this season but it will rarely drop below zero. Snow is also extremely rare in Rome. If you travel during winter you should pack an umbrella as rain is common. Spring: Temperatures in Rome during spring are often in the high teens or early twenties. With clear skies and stable weather throughout May, this is often considered to be the best season to visit. Summer: Festivals and outdoor parties are common in Rome during the summer season, but some holidaymakers might find that the city centre is unbearably hot during July and August as temperatures often climb above 30. Autumn: This season can be quite mild and rain is not common until the middle of October. The end of October and beginning of November sees chillier temperatures and winter rain.
Images: Rome snow by Rome Cabs / Rome Sun by Kulicki

THINGS TO DO Romes attractions are famous throughout the world and most visitors have a list of sites that they want to see during their travels. However, while Rome has plenty to offer dont be afraid to venture a little further afield and explore some of the famous Italian countryside on a day trip from the city. Attractions Colosseum: The largest remaining Roman amphitheatre in the world Pantheon: A temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome with an oculus in the centre Roman Forum: Contains several important government buildings from ancient Rome Vatican City: Not technically in Rome - its a separate country - but impossible to miss Capuchin Crypt: Decorated with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks Trevi Fountain: Throw a coin in here if you wish to return to the city

Spanish Steps: A romantic stairway leading to Trinita de Monti Church Piazza Navona: A city square built in the 1st century AD containing an impressive fountain Nightlife Romans dont generally drink that much and therefore the nightlife isnt about drinking huge quantities of alcohol. However, the Campo dFiori district is the exception to this rule as it has been adopted by the towns large US student population. Dont let that put you off though; the piazza is very picturesque, especially on a summers evening. In Villa de Pace the nightlife is more upmarket and elegant, while the locals tend to congregate around the Travestere area. Around here, youll find that many bars offer free plates of aperitifs such as mini pizzas and Greek salads with every drink. If its lively nightclubs that youre after then you cant go wrong with the Monte Testaccio district. where clubs have been built around old wine cellars. Art Cafe: An outdoor club with a gazebo and a Jacuzzi to slip into Gilda: Mingle with fashionable celebrities at this cool club near the Spanish Steps Circolo degli Artisti: A great place to catch live music in the city Ai Tre Scalini: Excellent bar with many happy hour deals later in the evening Muccassassina: Glamorous gay bar with three floors and ripped dancers RadioLondra: A former bomb shelter that plays garage music LOasi della Birri: An off licence and bar that faces a bustling market Cavour 313: A traditional wine bar near the Roman Forum

Day Trips From Rome: Rome is surrounded by the picturesque Lazio region. The area is rich in historic and archaeological sites and there are even a couple of beaches nearby. All this means that holidaymakers are spoilt for choice when seeking a destination for a possible day trip: Florence: Theres a lot to see in Florence, the home of Michelangelo and Dante, but if you plan an itinerary in advance you could do the main attractions in a day. Climb the Duomo, Visit the Uffizi, walk across the Ponte Vecchio and take a look at Michelangelos famous statue of David. Travel Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Pompeii: Visitors can explore the ruins of the city that was completley wiped out by Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. If you can arrange a walking tour around some of the ruins then this is an excellent way to learn more about history. The Opolontis is a definite must visit. Travel Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes Santa Marinella: A pretty seaside town close to the ancient Etruscan port of Pyrgi. Holidaymakers looking to escape the heat of the city can head to this Mediterranean resort to dine on fresh seafood and bathe in the ocean. The resort is home to several art galleries and museums. Travel Time: 1 hour

Tivoli: Those that enjoy wandering gardens will love Tivoli. The gardens at Villa dEste contain the fountain of Neptune and are the perfect place to spend a sunny day. Nearby youll find Hadrians Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former home of Emperor Hadrian. Duration: 30 minutes
Images: Forum by xiquinhosilva / Trevi fountain by Archer10 / Piazza Navona by Rome Cabs / Florence by Chris Yunker / Pompeii by Roller Coaster Philosophy / Santa Marinella by Pandemia / Tivoli by Romecabs

SHOPPING Rome has all the latest fashions, and shoppers will find the biggest names in Italian fashion here from Fendi and Valentino to Bulgari. However, there are several places where you will find high street brands such as Benetton and Diesel. If you want to pick up a souvenir of your time in Rome then look for dried pasta, silk ties and Chianti wine. Shopping Areas: Via Condotti: Designer boutiques in the area lining Romes Spanish Steps Via del Corso: Romes best known shopping area containing many flagship stores Via Cola di Rienzo: Another high street area that is quieter than Via del Corso

Shopping Centres: Euroma: Romes largest shopping mall has over 240 shops and 40 restaurants Porta de Roma: A 13 screen cinema and fitness centre are among the facilities in this mall Roma Est: 210 shops and a 12 screen cinema make this an excellent entertainment centre Parco Leonardo: This shopping centre contains the largest cinema in Rome at 24 screens Markets: Campo de Fiori: The best known market in Rome and home to a lively bar scene Porta Portese: Every Saturday this clothing market can be found on the left bank of the Tiber Mercato della Stampe: Antiques on offer at Largo della Fontanella di Borghese
Image: Campo de Fiori by Heather on her Travels

FOOD & DRINK Italy is known throughout the world for its food with many claiming it to be the best in the world. Elizabeth Gilbert chose the city for the eat part of her personal quest in Eat. Pray. Love and you can take a food tour of the city and find the restaurants that featured in both the book and the film of the same name. Italys most famous food, the pizza, was made in Naples, but the city of Rome has a cuisine all of its own, not least including the pasta cacio e pepe that was mentioned throughout the book. Most Romans chose to have their pizza served alla Romana, which means just brushed with olive oil and rosemary. Perhaps the most famous dish to come out of the city is carbonara pasta, made from bacon, eggs and pecorino cheese.
Image: Carbonara by chunyamlim

Popular Rome Hotspots: Piazza Navona: Delicious Italian classics at great value prices can be found in this area Campo de Fiori: Buy slices of pizza from the market or try one of the popular restaurants nearby Testaccio: Restaurants in this district specialise in offal. Try the pajata at Agustarello Pigneto: The bohemian district of Rome features interesting and chic eateries CULTURE & ETIQUETTE Italy is a Catholic country and when visiting churches in Rome, you should be aware that they are also places of worship and behave and dress appropriately. Shoulders should be covered upon entering a church and holidaymakers should not eat or drink once inside the building. When eating out make sure you ask for il conto (the bill) once you are ready to leave. No waiter will put a bill on your table unless youve requested it. Rome does not have a drinking culture and public drunkenness is very much frowned upon. Drinks are seen as something to accompany food. Useful Phrases Hello - Ciao Do you speak English? Parli Inglese? How much does it cost? - Quanta costa? Thank you grazie

Dos and Donts DO try traditional Italian gelato while in Rome DONT start a diet before your trip to Rome DO save money by buying a combination ticket for the Colosseum, Forum and Palantine Hill DONT forget your passport if you want to use an internet caf. Its the law that you must show ID when using the internet DO attend Sunday mass with the locals for an insight into the culture DONT order a cappuccino in the afternoon. The drink is only acceptable in the morning. DO make use of the free water fountains which can be found throughout the city

Tipping Restaurant bills usually include a service charge of 15%, however it is normal to tip an extra 5-10% on top of this amount. In bars and cafes you should also tip 15% but only if a service charge is not included on the bill. Taxi drivers require a 5-10% tip and you should tip your hotel chambermaid around 1 per day and the hotel porter a similar amount per bag.
Image: Tipping by Tom Raftery

TRANSPORT Many locals will tell you that Rome is a city that should be walked and while it is possible to stroll around the centre, youll need public transport if youre planning on venturing further afield. Hiring a bike is a great way to see the sites, but there are more public transport options: Getting Around Buses: Rome has an extensive bus network that runs from 5.30am to midnight Metro: Made up of two lines, red and blue, this goes around rather than through the historic city Taxis: The official taxis are either white or yellow. Insist on using the metred fare Vespa: Hire a Vespa motor scooter for around 40 per day Airports: The two main airports in Rome are Fiumicino, which is situated 30km out of the city, and Ciampino, a smaller airport 15km away and popular with budget airlines

Fare Information Metro: A daily Metro ticket costs 6 and covers travel on the Metro and buses A 15 minute taxi ride in Rome costs 30
Image: Vesper by Rosino

HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in Italy Foreign and Commonwealth Office Emergency numbers: 112 and 911

ROME BLOGGERS TOP TIPS

Shelley Ruelle - Un Americana a Roma

"I'm always obsessed with the caff completo at Caff Camerino in Largo Argentina, and I still think after all these years not many people know about it. In fact just the other day I ordered one and the Italian ladies next to me got all curious and asked the barista, "what's that called?" And, I don't think any other bars in Rome, or anywhere else I know of for that matter, offer it exactly this way under exactly this name. Dark chocolate paste, rich espresso, fresh whipped cream and cocoa powder, an indulgence for just 1,10." Caff Camerino, Largo Arenula 30 (in front of the 8 tram depot in Largo Argentina)

Natalie - An American in Rome

"Rome's historic center (home to the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps) is actually quite small. Since it's all walkable (given you don't mind cobblestones and erratically driven vespas) the best plan for a day out is to wander a bit aimlessly. Yes, Rome is filled with some of the most famous monuments in the world, but it's also chock full of quaint side streets and artisan shops. Give yourself enough time to get lost and sample plenty of gelato along the way. Just don't sit down on the Spanish Steps to enjoy it. Rome has a crazy law that fines people for stopping to enjoy sandwiches or drinks in public places!"