Arguably the most fascinating city in the world, the Italian capital is an ancient place, packed with the relics of more than two thousand years of habitation. You could spend a month in Rome and barely scratch the city's surface. Yet it is so much more than an open-air museum: Rome's people, culture and food identify a modern and vibrant European capital as worth of a visit as any, irrespective of its extraordinary history.

Rome DIRECTIONS has all you need to get the most out of your stay: the best-value hotels and restaurants, whatever your budget; the most happening clubs and bars; the best shops, museums and galleries; the pick of the nearby beaches, and of course all the ancient sites not to miss... in short, the best the city has to offer.

Browse the full-colour ideas section for a wealth of things to do, 24 hours a day. Then flip to the places section to explore the city, with every sight, restaurant, bar, club and shop located on our easy-to-use maps.

It's like having a Roman friend plan your trip.