Rome

Rome layers ancient monuments, Renaissance squares, neighbourhood life and modern capital-city energy across a large urban area. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon reveal the city's imperial past, while churches, fountains and museums add centuries of later history. Vatican City is a separate state within the wider city and requires its own planning. Many central sights can be reached on foot, but distances and summer heat are easy to underestimate. Book major archaeological sites and museums ahead, use public transport for longer journeys, and leave room for quieter districts and evening walks away from the busiest landmarks.