They say all roads lead to Rome – and where better to enjoy glorious days filled with warm sunshine than in the Italian capital, where you are confronted with thousands of years of history, fantastic food and endless culture at every turn? The city of the seven hills has a special appeal that somehow manages to combine majestic grandeur with relaxed nonchalance.

La Città Eterna

There is a good reason that Rome is called The Eternal City: Here, the past and the present appear to coexist. One moment you’re walking in the footsteps of antiquity, the next you feel the powerful pulse of a modern Italian city. Today, the center of an empire that once transformed the world comes across as loud and chaotic but possesses an indescribable beauty.

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With famous buildings like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps and lesser-known treasures like the Giardino degli Aranci, the orange garden on the Aventine Hill, it’s difficult to know where to start. Where the history of the world was once written, people now happily partake in the dolce vita – because Rome is at least as hedonistic as it is impressive. Its fabulous hotels are not afraid to trumpet their pomp and luxury, while shopping streets like Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso feature elegant boutiques from the world’s most desirable brands. Visit one of the city’s best restaurants to experience the indulgent pleasures of Roman cuisine – not to mention the gelato.

© Tommy Picone

In Rome, you can go ahead and satisfy your culinary desires; you’ll have plenty of opportunity to work off the calories while sightseeing later. The city may initially appear overwhelming, but exploring on foot is an excellent idea. Whether you work out a step-by-step itinerary for visiting the famous landmarks (of which there are plenty) or simply follow your inspiration – is up to you. The fact is, you’ll be amazed everywhere you look, although a single trip will not be enough to take in all that Rome has to offer.

Where to stay

Hotel de Russie

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The luxurious Hotel de Russie, which enjoys a prime location between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo, is an absolute institution in Rome. It’s where old-world elegance meets modern service. The wonderful, leafy inner courtyard is an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a delicious breakfast or dinner. 

Hotel de Russie
Via del Babuino 9
Tel.: +39 06 328881
Web: roccofortehotels.com
Price: doubles from €1460

Hotel Vilòn

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Well hidden in a charming side street at the edge of the Tiber River, you’ll find what is possibly Rome’s most beautiful boutique hotel. Eighteen individually designed rooms and suites await guests looking for romance. Its restaurant Adelaide serves the delicious creations of executive chef Gabriele Muro. Worthy of special mention is the breathtaking view overlooking the private garden of the Palazzo Borghese. 

Hotel Vilòn
Via dell'Arancio 69
Tel.: +39 06 878187
Web: hotelvilon.com
Price: doubles from €940

J.K. Place Roma

© Christos Drazos Photography

J.K Place Roma is an urban retreat where international elegance is enhanced by a certain something that makes Italian design so special. Benefiting from a stellar central location, the boutique hotel is the perfect home base for shopping trips (Via del Corso is just around the corner) and sightseeing tours. Throughout the day until late in the evening, the JKCafe serves delicious drinks and snacks that combine Roman cuisine with cosmopolitan sophistication. 

J.K. Place Roma
Via di Monte d'Oro 30
Tel.: +39 06 982634
Web: jkroma.com.
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €800

Where to eat & drink

Don Pasquale

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Just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain is the enchanting boutique hotel Maalot with its restaurant, run by executive Chef Domenico Boschi, serving Roman cuisine to the highest standards. 

Don Pasquale
Via delle Muratte 78
Tel.: +39 06 878087
Web: hotelmaalot.co

Osteria Chiana

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Its authentic ambiance and delicious menu of Roman classics make this bistro a great meeting place for pranzo (lunch) and cena (dinner). It’s also popular with locals. 

Osteria Chiana
Via Agri 25
Tel.: +39 06 8530 4430
Web: osteriachiana.it

Salotto 42

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What began as a “book bar” in the beautiful Piazza di Pietra is now one of the coolest places in town, where you can hang out and feel at ease. Enjoy creative cocktails and tasty snacks in a lively atmosphere right opposite the Temple of Hadrian. 

Salotto 42
 P.za di Pietra 42
Tel.: +39 06 678 5804
Web: salotto42.it