City Break: Long Weekend in Rome

Spending a long weekend in Rome? Make the most of your time with this quick guide to the Italian capital.

Rome is a city that overflows with culture, with religious landmarks and artistic masterpieces on every corner. While this all sounds fantastic and is the stuff a culture vulture's dream vacation is made of, identifying the city's highlights and planning an itinerary for a long weekend in Rome is no small task. To make things easier, we've done the legwork for you below.

What to Eat

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and indulge yourself in carbs. Unsurprisingly, homemade pastas are the name of the game in the Italian capital and carbonara is a must in the birthplace of the recipe. For simple comforts, try Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (a peppery cheesy pasta) or Bucatini all’Amatriciana, a meaty, tomato-based dish using hollow pasta strings called bucatini. Fried appetizers such as artichokes, suppli and zucchini flowers are a great way to kick off a meal and if you're feeling adventurous, try a quinto quarto dish comprised of offal. Don't forget to bookmark our guide to Top 10 Rome Foods you must try when visiting the capital!

Where to Go

The Vatican City Regardless of your religious background, the Rome's holy city within a city never fails to amaze with its stunning architecture and range of Renaissance art. Filled with churches and museums, it's worth braving the hordes of tourists to see Michelangelo's breathtaking frescos across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and find Botticelli's masterpieces scattered across the Vatican Museums. After that, venture to St Peter's Basilica and climb its intricate spire for a view over the city and see the papal throne at the Basilica of St John Lateran. For a glimpse of the Pope on Sunday, arrive early at St Peter's Square to see him read the Angelus prayer from his window.

Things to See

Colosseum Named for the gigantic statue of Emperor Nero that once stood nearby, this gigantic Roman stadium is a legacy of the capital's ancient past. Where gladiators and bloodthirsty spectators once roamed within its walls, tourists can now discover the history of its entertainment and see the remains of its glorious architecture. Trevi Fountain Sometimes the best tourist sites in life are free and the grand Trevi Fountain is one of them, with images of its pristine white marble sculptures and coin-filled waters featuring in every guide book. Participate in a Roman tradition by turning your back to the fountain and tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand - it's said that this will ensure you'll return to Rome in the future. Roman Forum Featured in blockbuster movies such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, the once great Roman Forum now stands in ruins and serves as a popular tourist highlight. Located in Capitoline Hills, once you've basked in the remains of its tall columns and massive expanse, it's worth heading over to the Capitoline Museums to see the legacy of ancient Roman art. National Museum of Rome Spread across four separate buildings, the National Museum of Rome encompasses the history of Rome's architectural contributions, artistic past and evolution of culture. While the widespread nature of the collection makes seeing all of it a frustrating task, those short on time should prioritise seeing the darling of the museum, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, which boasts a superb range of ancient Roman art.