Rome

Rome offers a deep and varied selection of hotels that ranges from high-end luxury to budget options. Choosing your location will often depend on the sights you value most dearly to your stay, with the boutique St Peter Guest House (Via Ottaviano 98) conveniently situated near the Vatican, while the trendy iRooms Forum & Colosseum (Via Baccina 45) is unsurprisingly found in close proximity to the Colosseum. The Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto (Via Vittorio Veneto 155) is an upper-tier option boasting 116 rooms and a rooftop terrace, a feature also found at the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Raphael (Largo Febo 2).

Those armed with a sizeable budget will revel in the opportunity to shop Rome’s designer stores and boutiques, although there are of course places to snap up a bargain. For fashion houses and trendy boutiques make for streets such as Via Condotti around Piazza di Spagna, while the Prati district’s Via Cola di Rienzo is one of the hotbeds of the city’s shopping. For specialty Italian foods check out the Castroni store (Via Cola di Rienzo 196). Meanwhile, the Porta Portese flea market is held every Sunday, with the markets offering goods such as books, antiques and jewellery.

With a reputation for harbouring some of the world’s finest cuisines, Rome’s options for Italian food rank it as a true great amongst foodies from all four corners of the globe. La Pergola (Via Alberto Cadlolo 101) boasts three Michelin stars, and is regarded as one of the city’s finest restaurants, although there are plenty of more understated trattoria’s that are often family-run, and capable of wowing their guests. La Tavernaccia da Bruno (Via Panfilo Castaldi 12) and La Nuova Cantinetta (Via Basilio Brollo 7) are prime examples of such establishments. For a sweet treat be sure to visit one of Rome’s many gelateria, or ice-cream parlours.

Rome Marathon

March

Rome’s incredible landmarks form the backdrop for one of the world’s most popular marathons. Via dei Fori Imperiali is both the start and finish point for the event, which also offers the opportunity for runners to participate in a slightly less taxing 5km run.

Natale di Roma

21 April

Roman history dates the founding of the Eternal City as 21 April 753BC, and each year this day serves up a lively celebration. Literally meaning the ‘birth of Rome’, expect live music, parades through the streets, firework displays and historical re-enactments.

Roma Incontra il Mondo

June – August

Villa Ada park is the sumptuous setting for this music festival that’s staged beside a picturesque lake. Well-known artists are attracted from all over the world to entertain the crowds.

Gay Village

June – September

The Esposizione Universale Roma, or EUR, plays host to this annual 10-week extravaganza. Running since 2002, you can expect a colourful array of performances ranging from drag to dance, and literature events and cinema festivals.

Romaeuropa

September – November

A blend of local and international acts combine to put on this eminent gathering of musicians, contemporary dancers and entertainers, resulting in an inventive annual performing arts festival.