Rome

 

Excluding thousands of years of history, Rome offers travellers food, fashion, history and art – the perfect combination for a fulfilling holiday.

What’s funny about Rome is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Thousands of years of well-preserved history, some of the greatest food in the world, ultra-high fashion and designer labels galore, and yet, the locals seem to take it all in stride – as if it’s no big deal. 

The immaculately dressed Romans zipping around on Vespas, speeding past the Colosseum, or downing an espresso in Piazza Navona, are constantly surrounded and bombarded by the greatness of their city. It’s possibly because of this famous city’s grand history, or maybe it’s the fact that archaeological discoveries are a daily occurrence.

For those who visit Rome for the first, second and even third time and beyond it’s an entirely different story. Traffic whizzing around you, monuments and ancient buildings at every turn, museums and art galleries, all vying for your attention. 

As any seasoned Rome visitor will tell you, the trick is to  browse the outdoor monuments like aqueducts, fountains, and ruins by night – while in some cases you won’t be able to gain access, you’ll at least be able to avoid the crowds and focus on their beauty.

Don’t underestimate the Vatican City as a venue that is not to be missed. The sheer volume of attractions makes it a mandatory multi-day expedition. Start with St Peter’s Piazza and the Basilica, astounding in its magnitude and opulence, this late Renaissance masterpiece is gilded with art of the finest quality, including Michelangelo’s Pieta. Other highlights include the enormous Vatican Museums, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel. 

Finally, the food. Rome is a food-lover’s paradise. The city lives and breathes its cuisine. Whether you fancy a light snack or a fancy meal in one of Rome’s upscale restaurants, Rome’s cuisine is second to none. Try the standard favourites like Vitello Saltimbocca, Gnocchi a la Romana, or Spaghetti alla Carbonara, or the more adventurous dishes like trippa (tripe) and Coda alla vaccinara (Oxtail Stew).

Whatever you try, fly to Rome and try one of Rome’s time-honoured traditions: a gelato near the Fontana di Trevi.