Weekend in Rome

A 2000-year-old former Roman temple, now a church, with the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The oculus opens to the sky and rain falls through to the polished floo

Tip: Go at 8.30am just after opening to avoid 45-minute queues. Mass at 9am is a quieter way in.

A medieval neighbourhood of narrow alleys, ivy-covered houses and lively piazzas. Free to wander. Street food costs €3–€5 for pizza al taglio or supplì. The Basilica of Santa Maria

Tip: Skip the main Piazza Trilussa at night—packed with tourists. Instead walk up Via della Scala to Via dell'Arco di San Calisto for good wine bars and fewer crowds.

Rome's central public park: walking paths, pine groves, a small lake with rowboats, and a stunning view from the Pincio Terrace. Free for everyone, no ticket needed. Cycle hire or pedalo boats cost ro

Tip: Take a book and a sandwich to the Giardino degli Aranci across the road at sunset—the view over the dome is better than any rooftop bar.

The world's largest amphitheatre, built in 70-80 AD and capable of holding 50,000 spectators. Rome's most iconic monument, the Colosseum hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts and public spectacle

Tip: Book tickets online at least 72 hours ahead — the Colosseum is one of the most visited sites in the world and same-day tickets are rarely available. The Forum–Palatine side entrance on Via Sacra has shorter queues.

A 12th-century basilica built on top of a 4th-century church, which itself sits on a 1st-century Roman street and Mithraic temple. For €10 you walk down three layers of Roman history. Worth every euro

Tip: The natural spring in the lowest level can make steps slippery. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a small torch to read the dark inscriptions.

The Roman Forum is the ancient heart of Rome — a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of important government buildings dating to the Roman Empire. Once the centre of Roman public life, it contai

Tip: Book online to skip the queue — the combined ticket includes the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Best visited early morning before tour groups arrive. The elevated view from the Capitoline Hill gives the best overview of the Forum.

Roman statues placed among early 20th-century power plant machinery—turbines and marble heads side by side. Admission costs €7.50 and the collection is small enough to see in 90 minutes. Far quieter t

Tip: Buy a combined ticket for €12 to also see the Musei Capitolini within two days. The cafeteria has cheap coffee and a terrace overlooked by a 4-metre turbine.