They say all roads lead to Rome, and it's easy to see why. Italy's capital has a fantastic historical past and the sights are many and impressive.
Today's Rome is, of course, a modern European city of 4 million inhabitants.
But the city's rich history can still be read in the crumbling columns of the Roman Empire, the medieval alleyways lined with Renaissance palaces, and the Baroque fountains that ripple in the city's elegant piazzas.
Rome has dozens of museums from the vast Vatican to compact collections like the Borghese.
There are also hundreds of churches filled with art, from small chapels to St. Peter's itself.
It might be a good idea to start your tour of the city by exploring historic Rome. Start your tour with the Roman Forum, an enchanting mosaic of temple ruins and basilicas.
Here you will find the Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Julius Caesar and the Temple of Saturn. Among many other things. Exploring the Roman Forum usually takes a whole day.
When you are done, you can look into St. Peter's Basilica; the center of Roman Catholicism in the world. This lavishly decorated basilica is unlikely to disappoint.
Built in 1506 by Pope Julius II, the church took a hundred years to complete and all the great architects of the Renaissance were involved in the construction of this architectural masterpiece.
Another amazing monument not to be missed in Rome is of course the Colosseum. Rome's premier amphibious theater was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and built in the marshes next to a lake at Nero's palace.
This is where gladiatorial battles were fought to the death in the heyday of the Roman Empire.
Today's Colosseum is still a majestic sight. It is open to tourists from 9.00 am - 1 hour before sunset.
Of course, Rome offers a wealth of art galleries and museums. There is something for all tastes and interests.
Things to see and do in Rome
The Vatican Museums, the Museo Nazionale Romano and Palazzo Venezia are among them. Rome also has some of the best theaters and operas in the world.
World-famous artists perform all year round. The Teattro dell Opera offers a magnificent version of Verdi's Aida, performed outdoors during the summer.
Modern music such as rock is also popular in Rome. There are many clubs and venues with both foreign and domestic stars. In summer there are outdoor festivals of rock, jazz and world music.
Rome has been a thriving center of fashion and world trade since ancient times. This is still the case today and Rome offers a diverse range of shopping goods.
It is also often more affordable here than in Milan and Florence.
Leather goods of all kinds are always a good buy, including bags and shoes.
Italian branded goods are not cheap but they are definitely cheaper than in other countries. Even designer lamps and furniture can be affordable in Rome.
The sales in Rome start in mid-July and last until mid-September. In addition, sales run from the period just before Christmas to the first week of March.
The leading fashion designers then reduce the price by 50%. Shops are usually open from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 15.30 to 19.30.
In central areas, however, many shops have more generous opening hours. Most shops accept major credit cards, the signs of which are displayed in the shop window.
Sporting activities
If you are a sports fan, visiting the Stadio Olimpico to watch a match between Rome's two top teams, Roma or Lazio, is obviously a unique experience.
Buy tickets in advance at the stadium. The tickets cost between 15 - 80 Euro. Otherwise, there are nice golf courses in Rome that do not require special membership.
Rome also has 350 tennis clubs. However, you usually have to book a court at least a week in advance to play.
Many airlines operate daily flights to Rome. Rome also has bus and rail connections with other parts of Europe, so it's easy to get to the Eternal City.
However, remember to avoid summertime. It's hot and the crowds are very heavy.
Spring and fall offer a pleasant climate, while the number of tourists is lower.
