Don’t miss

The Eternal City ‘s unmissable sights include the Vatican City’s frescoed Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Square to Ancient Rome relics like the Forum, Pantheon and Colosseum. Stop by Piazza Navona’s ornate fountain, climb the Spanish Steps and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return. From Termini station, visit the majestic Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.

Retail therapy

Via dei Condotto is designer central, lined with Armani, Prada and the rest while pedestrianised Via del Corso is crammed with global brands. Art lovers love browsing the galleries and antique shops around Piazza Navona while Sunday’s Porta Portese flea market is a Roman institution.

Eat & drink

Try local specialities like trippa alla Romana, tripe in tomato sauce and Pecorino cheese, and saltimbocca alla Romana, veal scallops with wine, sage and prosciutto in the trattorias of Trastevere and Testaccio districts. Wash down with Frascati wine and leave room for mouthwatering Roman gelato (ice cream). Don’t miss Piazza Campo de’ Fiori’s fruit and veg market.

Hidden gem

Stroll among the former Jewish Ghetto’s tiny streets and crumbling façades, across from Trastevere. Near the synagogue, find Forno del Ghetto (Burnt Bakery), renowned for its slightly-burnt, caramelised pastries, and one of the only bakeries preserving traditional Jewish Italian cooking.

Day trips

Visit the scenic wine town of Frascati, 21km (13miles) away. Once a summer retreat for wealthy Romans, admire its opulent villas, enjoy fine dining and explore its medieval streets before returning by train to Rome.