Weekend break in Rome

Shop...

When in Rome, the first place you’ll want to check out is Via Dei Condotti – Italy’s answer to Bond Street – a street boasting the cream of designer labels, from Armani and Prada to Versace and Gucci. Once they used to charge you just to walk through the door – thankfully, these days, all the shops sport an ‘ingresso gratuito’ sign, which means you can browse without obligation to buy! Phew…

For more affordable fashion, head to the mile-long street that runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. Here you’ll find high-street brands such as Diesel and Benetton, and La Rinascente, one of Italy’s oldest department stores. Opening hours are 9am-1pm and 3.30pm-7.30pm, so factor in a siesta or a long lunch.

Flea markets are scattered all over Rome but the big one is Porta Portese, where you can buy antique housewares, second-hand clothing and jewellery.

See...

Slip on your sensible shoes (do they exist in Rome?) as walking is the way to get about. First stop, The Colosseum – the largest remaining Roman amphitheatre, where gladiators fought man and beast for four centuries – see it at night, too, if you can.

No trip to Rome would be complete without a tour of the Vatican. St Peter’s Basilica, the centrepiece, is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in Rome. Take a guided tour or just soak up the grandeur of the dome. Next stop, the Pantheon – the inspiration for Michelangelo’s dome on St Peter’s, built two thousand years ago as a temple to the Roman gods.

Schedule in a stroll through the Villa Borghese gardens, the city’s most central public park. Climb the hill behind Trastevere and the Gianicolo and you’ll find yourself in the Villa Pamphili Park, where kids can ride ponies or feed turtles. Need to cool down? Scoop up a tub of ice cream at Il Gelato di San Crispino, where cones are banned as they interfere with the wonderful flavours. Last but not least, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain – don’t forget to make a wish!

Eat...

We all know how much the Italians love their food and this city is stuffed with excellent restaurants. You’ll need to book ahead in some places, or queue in others, but don’t be put off. For a casual lunch with a fun atmosphere, head to Popi Popi (00 39 06 589 5167), a family-friendly restaurant in the Trastevere area, that serves the best pasta and pizza.

In the same area is Da Giovanni (00 39 06 686 1514), a homely, no-frills trattoria where you can enjoy an early dinner with the locals.

Stay...

If it’s full-on luxury you’re after, then try the Rome Cavalieri. Located only minutes from the capital’s monuments, the hotel is nestled among acres of lush parklands. Rooms are lavishly appointed, with spacious balconies. Prices start from £314, including breakfast,based on double occupancy (www.romecavalieri.com).

If your budget is chic-but-cheap, check into the Orange Hotel, close to the Vatican. We’ll let you guess what the accent colour to each room is! Head to the roof terrace for a cheeky sundowner. Double rooms are £116 per night. (www.hotelorange.hotelinroma.com)