Pantheon

This ancient temple dates back to 27BC, and was converted into a church in the 7th century. The interior’s massive columns and dome are staggering.

Open: 9am-6.30pm Monday to Saturday, 9am-1pm Sundays

Tickets: Free

 

Trevi Fountain

Toss two coins into this extravagant Baroque fountain and legend is you’ll fall in love with an Italian – although possibly not the one you hit with your flying euros.

 

Colosseum

Possibly Rome’s most famous site, it was completed in 80 AD and was originally capable of seating about 50,000 spectators whose blood lust was sated by watching gladiatorial contests and other sometimes grisly public spectacles.

Open: 9am-4.30pm mid-February to mid-March, 9am-5pm mid-March-end of March, 9am-7pm end of March to end of August, 9am-6.30pm end of August to end of September, 9am-6pm end of September to end of October, 9am-4pm end of October to mid-February

Tickets: Adult €15.50


Spanish steps

Here’ your chance to channel Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday by lolling like a true Roman on the Spanish Steps.

 

The Vatican

You’ll need a full day to explore the Vatican, from the immense St Peter’s Basilica and Square to the Michelangelo-inspired Sistine Chapel. Get there early for the latter as the crowds can be horrific. Arrange your visit on Wednesday morning to catch the pope’s weekly blessing.

Open: 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday Note: ticket office shuts at 4pm

Closed: Sundays, January 1st, January 6th, February 11th, March 19th, April 5th & 6th, May 1st, June 29th, August 15th, December 8th, 25th & 26th

Tickets: Adult €16, Note free entrance from 9am-12.30pm on the last Sunday of every month unless that coincides with Catholic religious holidays.


Piazza heaven

No other Italian city quite does public squares, known as piazzas, quite like Rome. Do not miss the incredible Piazza Navona, featuring Bernini’s masterpiece of a fountain in the centre fountain.

Campo de-Fiori has a lively flower and vegetable market most mornings and is a magnet for young Romans out for a good time in the evenings. Say hi to Giordano Bruno, a monk who was burned at the stake for heresy in 1600, whose statue watches over the square.