Sina Bernini Bristol, Autograph Collection

The best times to visit Rome are April, May, September, and October, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is moderate. June is also pleasant, though hotter. July and August are the hottest and driest months, with highs around 34°C, while November is the rainiest. Winter months are cool and damp, but still manageable for sightseeing.

Stay near the historic center for your first visit: the Pantheon and Piazza Navona area puts you steps from the main sights, with plenty of restaurants. The Spanish Steps and Via Veneto area suits those who like upscale shopping and grand hotels, like the Rocco Forte Hotel de La Ville or the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace. Trastevere, across the river, offers a more local, lively feel with narrow streets and trattorias, and the Hostel Trastevere is there. Termini is practical for short stays or train travel, with the Hotel Royal Court nearby.

Start at the Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater, then walk through the Roman Forum, its ancient heart. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and admire the Pantheon's dome. See the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel, and end at Piazza Navona with its fountains. Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are also worth a visit.

Full-day tours from Rome go to Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast, where you can see the ancient ruins, coastal towns, and Positano. Another tour heads to Tuscany and Montepulciano for hilltop scenery and wine tasting. These are the main day trips offered from the city.

Plan 3 to 4 days for the main sights: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Vatican Museums. Add a day for a day trip to Pompeii or Tuscany if you want. Two days feels rushed; four lets you see everything at a relaxed pace.