Rome Holidays

City breaks to Rome are like flicking through the pages of a history book. The Italian capital's teeming with ancient architecture, and eating out delivers some of the country's best cuisine.

The Eternal City

The ancient Romans were on the money when they nicknamed this place the Eternal City. They believed it would survive forever, and the bevy of pristine historic sites shows that they weren’t wrong. It’s full-to-bursting with centuries-old architecture, and the gaps are filled in with trendy boutiques, pavement cafés and traditional trattorias.

Peppered with piazzas

Rome’s piazzas are at the heart of the city’s social scene, and showcase everything from symmetrical churches to Egyptian-style obelisks. You can’t go five minutes without stumbling on one of these charming squares, and they range from intimate meeting spots to sprawling, fountain-filled spaces. Restaurants spill out along the sides of Piazza Navona, while Piazza Santa Maria doubles up as a stage for street magicians and buskers.

Ancient architecture

Picture gladiatorial battles in the towering Colosseum, cross the statue-flanked bridge to Castel Sant’Angelo, or watch the world go by on the flower-lined Spanish Steps – and you’ve still barely scratched the surface. The whole city centre’s got a UNESCO tick to its name, and lines up other standout sights like the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Capitoline Hill.

World’s smallest state

In the heart of Italy’s culture-stuffed capital, you’ll find Vatican City. St Peter’s Basilica dominates the skyline, while Tuscan colonnades form a ring around the adjoining square. The Swiss Guard, clad in flamboyant blue, orange and red-striped uniforms, continue their long-standing protection of the Pope around the grounds. Inside, the dazzling architecture includes the Sistine Chapel – tilt your head back here, and you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous Renaissance fresco.

At a glance

Marvel at the mighty Colosseum
Get your art fix in Vatican City
People-watch in Piazza Navona

Close to the coast

Rome’s better known for exploring than for its relax-in-the-sun credentials, but there’s a bunch of options nearby if you fancy a day on the sand. The closest is about 45 minutes from the capital by train, and you’ll find other strips of sand punched all along the shin of Italy’s sun-kissed boot.
Big beach

Anzio has archaeological sites, museums and memorials dotted around its seafront. The sandy shoreline’s pretty unique, too, with a lighthouse, crumbling Roman ruins, and natural grottoes on the cliffs that face the Mediterranean Sea. It’s about an hour and half’s drive from Rome, and two of the stretches have Blue Flag ticks to their names.
Secret beach

There’s nothing small about Sabaudia Beach, but it’s still one of the region’s most secluded sunbathing spots. You can reach the town in about an hour and 40 minutes by car, and the Blue Flag waterfront’s framed by a bumpy string of sand dunes.

Bargain Buys

The Porta Portese Market has a back-to-basics take on shopping. Held every Sunday from dawn ‘til early afternoon, it features thousands of open-air stalls clamouring for your attention. It’s the biggest market in Rome, selling everything from books to bicycles, and scarves to ceramics. To dodge the busiest times, be sure to get here early.
Mid-Range Buys

High street shopping’s taken care of by Via del Corso, which cuts a path through the city’s historic centre. H&M, Nike, Disney, Zara – they’ve all got stores dotted along this lengthy avenue. You can mix up your retail therapy with sightseeing along the way, too, as its neighbours include the Trevi Fountain, Piazza del Popolo, and the San Carlo al Corso basilica.
Designer Buys

If you’re really fashion-conscious, then Via Condotti’s the place for you. The shops here are like a who’s who of top Italian labels – think Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Armani. International brands like Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Dior get in on the act, as well.

Laid-back evenings

You won’t struggle to find a wine bar in Rome, and your best bet for a casual drink is the Pigneto neighbourhood. It’s a short tram ride from the heart of the city, and lines up enough cocktail joints to have you returning night after night.
Lively evenings

Make a beeline for the Testaccio district if you’re looking for late-night partying. It’s home to Rome’s biggest concentration of clubs, and you can reach them in around 20 minutes by cab from the city centre.

Saltimbocca

As meat dishes go, saltimbocca is one of Rome’s tastiest calling cards. Paper-thin prosciutto, veal and sage are rolled into tight parcels, before being sizzled in dry white wine and butter. You don’t have to head to a particular part of the city for it, either, as practically every restaurant will have it on the menu.
Carbonara

This Italian classic’s the cream of the pasta crop in Rome, and it’s simpler than you think. Spaghetti and olive oil are teamed with whisked eggs and pecorino cheese, and there’s a salty punch from crispy cubes of guanciale – a cured pork cheek that the locals swear by.
Coda alla vaccinara

For a change from pizza and pasta, give coda alla vaccinara a try. It’s fresh from the hearty eater’s cookbook, and hails from a time when every cut of meat was put to good use. In this recipe, oxtail, carrots, tomatoes and red wine are stewed for hours, with pancetta, onions and garlic added along the way. It’s served in big bowls, and promises an authentic taste of classic Roman cuisine.
Pane di genzano

Just like Champagne and gorgonzola, Rome has its own protected food that can only be produced in the region. Pane di genzano, a soft rustic bread with a firm crust, is named after its parent town to the south of the city. You’ll find it in bakeries and restaurants all over the capital – all you need to do is pick a topping.
Suppli

When it comes to tasty street food, suppli set the benchmark. They’re a Roman take on Sicilian arancini rice balls, and look like chunky potato croquettes to the untrained eye. Break one open, though, and you’ll find al dente risotto rice, rich tomato sauce and stringy mozzarella packed inside.