Rome is a chaotic, sensuous, and addictive place. Travelers are often overwhelmed and enchanted at the same time by the exuberance and friendliness of the locals, by the weight of the history and by the sheer beauty of the city.

Rome is not just a city of culture, history, and crumbling marble, but a lively city that's a lot of fun for young people. Simply hanging out in the piazzas and on the steps of churches and old buildings is the best way to meet young locals as well as other travellers. There are also plenty of cafes, pubs, and bars offering all kinds of live music.

Renowned for its stunning art and architecture, chaotic traffic, frenetic lifestyle and the happy-go-lucky attitude of its people, Rome is a city like no other. A living museum 2,500 years in the making, the city well deserves the nickname "the Eternal City". The heart of the city measures around 3 mls E to W and 3½ mls N to S and includes the "centro storico" (historic centre), a warren of narrow, cobbled streets and piazzas crammed with Renaissance and baroque buildings, fine old palaces, churches and the occasional ornamental fountain. The marble monuments and ruins of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, are concentrated within the area known as Il Centro. Nearby is the medieval Campo Marzio quarter. Across the river lies the Vatican City - spiritual and physical centre of the Roman Catholic Church and the only surviving papal state. S of the Vatican lies the ancient quarter of Trastevere, a one-time working-class area whose narrow cobbled streets now host a myriad restaurants and a vibrant, youth-orientated alternative scene. With so many sights and delights, it's easy to be overwhelmed, so take the time to sit in some of the city's many cafes, sip an espresso and watch the world go by.

Rome has something for everyone. Lovers of history, art, architecture, shopping and restaurants will be right in their element.

Hundreds of hotels and "pensione" all over the city to suit every price bracket. Upmarket establishments in the lively area around the Spanish Steps. Mainly medium-priced options - with a few upmarket choices thrown in - in the "centro storico". Lots of budget choices near the seedier area surrounding the Termini train station. Several campsites on the perimeter of the city.

Designer shops in the vicinity of the Spanish Steps. More affordable shops located on Via Cola di Rienzo and Via Nazionale and in the Piazza Fiume areas. Via del Corso, with its upmarket boutiques and chain stores, is the city's main shopping street. A popular Sunday flea market at Porta Portese; other daily markets dotted all over the city. Gourmet goodies - such as vinegar, truffles, olive oil and Italian wines - will make popular gifts. A special Christmas market during December in Piazza Navona.

Daytime: top sights include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Vatican City (particularly the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica), the Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Villa Borghese, the Trevi Fountain and, of course, the city's countless museums, most of which are converted palaces or villas. Nightlife: lots of smart bars, clubs and piano bars. Classical music performances at various venues but most obviously at the National Opera House (Teatro dell'Opera) near Piazza della Repubblica. Campo dei Fiori, Piazza di Spagna and Trastevere are the busier areas at night.

Eating out is a way of life here. From the snack bar to the more exclusive restaurants, there is something for every pocket. Plenty of good options throughout the city, though those close to the biggest tourist sights can charge exorbitant prices. Eating in the open air is a favourite with the Romans, so during the summer every inch of pavement or tiny square is occupied by restaurant tables.

Owing to the sheer number of tourist sights, it's best to explore the city on foot. Rome has a limited underground system, which nevertheless serves most major sights, and a few tram routes. Buses are plentiful and most parts of the city are well served; tickets must be bought in advance - either from the many bus depots or "tabacchi" and news stands - with the choice of a single journey, daily or weekly travelcard (all of which are inexpensive by British standards). Licensed taxis are white or yellow and have a sign on the roof.

Full day: tours on historical/archaeological or religious themes; nearby cities of Florence and Pompeii; countryside tours. Two days: excursion to Capri Island. Many excursions run by local agencies.

Halfway down and about 20 mls inland from the W coast of the Italian peninsula. 150 mls NW of Naples. 180 mls SE of Florence. The main airport is Leonardo da Vinci at Fiumicino, 16 mls SW of the city centre. A second airport, Ciampino, lies approximately 8 mls SE of the city centre and caters mainly for charter flights.

Spread over several low hills on both banks of the River Tiber. To the SE lie the Alban Hills; the Apennine mountain range rises to the E.

Website: www.romaturismo.it

Airport : Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino
Airport Code: FCO
Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs 15 mins