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As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove of painting and sculpture. Brimming with culture, its entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Art lovers aren't the only ones happy here; shoppers revel in local jewellery and leather, while foodies indulge in Tuscan cuisine and wine.

Simply walking around the historical centre will give you a sense of centuries past. One of the best places to visit in Florence is Italy's largest museum, the Uffizi Gallery, where masterworks of world-famous artists are gathered.

Perfect for exploring

If you love to explore new places on foot then Florence is the perfect city for you to visit. It feels pleasantly compact, and the Arno river runs through the centre to give you an easy reference point. Take your time crossing the Ponte Vecchio as you stop to browse the shops that line the bridge and admire the views across the water. On the south bank of the river head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for incredible views back over the city.

Great sights

Make your way back down to level ground and take the short walk to Pitti Palace and its Giardino Boboli. The gardens are ideal for a lazy stroll as you gaze up at ancient statues and lose yourself in the peaceful calm. Cross back to the north of the river and visit Florence’s stunning cathedral, which is one of the biggest in the world and a great place to snap lots of memorable holiday photos.

Delicious cuisine

After a long day of sightseeing you’ll need a nice meal to help you recharge the batteries. Luckily the cuisine in Florence is based around hearty dishes that make the most of fresh local ingredients. Have your fill of traditional Tuscan food and sip some of the region’s famous wine as you plan your next day in this lovely city.

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Madrid is a modern capital city that dances to its own rhythm, often until the sun comes up. If you’re looking for people-watching opportunities, find them at one of many scenic pavement cafes. Along the Paseo del Arte, discover more collections of fine and modern art than you can squeeze into one visit. Wander stylish shopping streets, and visit the home ground of one of Europe’s most famous football teams.

Things to do

There are lots of fantastic things to do in Madrid. Visit one of Europe's most famous football grounds, spend an afternoon among beautiful nature in one of the hidden gardens and explore the beautiful designed buildings, iconic artwork and spectacular churches. You're bound to find something interesting to see and do in this vibrant city.

World class art

Madrid is famous for its arts scene, and if this is the reason for your visit then the only place to start is at the Museo del Prado. This historic museum is one of the world’s foremost art galleries, and you can excitedly browse both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Continue discovering the other components of the Golden Triangle of Art and head to the Museo Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Great for exploring

Dip into another aspect of Madrid’s culture and make for the famous El Rastro flea market. You might want to leave some space in your suitcase for the fantastic buys you can pick up from the myriad of stalls, especially as the Mercado de San Miguel is another must-see. If all that shopping leaves you needing a dose of peace and quiet then head to the alluring El Retiro Park, and lose yourself in the pretty gardens as you stroll between historic statues and towering trees.

Wonderful nightlife

Madrid has an excellent dining scene that’s perfect if you love eating out. There are countless restaurants to choose from, and you can spend a leisurely evening trying local delicacies or taking your time over some tapas as you sip on Spanish wine. Dance away your meal with a night at a salsa club, before heading to a discoteca to party until the early hours.

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Rome holidays are like no other. From rooftop cocktails overlooking Palatine Hill to Gucci and Versaci shopping sprees along Via del Corso and spaghetti-stuffing in front of the Pantheon. With an exciting mixture of old meets new, one minute you’ll be admiring 70 AD structures, the next you’ll be enjoying a tipple in one of the city's trendy ice bars. Whichever Rome hotel you choose as your base, Italy’s idyllic capital suits all tastes – whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a refined foodie!

If one thing is for sure, Rome city breaks are bucket list-worthy. From the one-of-a-kind Colosseum, up to the Spanish Steps of Piazza di Spagna and down to the magical Trevi Fountain in search of some luck – the Eternal City will simply enchant you. Not to mention its culinary scene! The city’s hidden alleys and bohemian streets of Trastevere all celebrate the same idea: life is good if the food is! And as the famous proverb says, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’, so expect to fill your face.

6 reasons to visit Rome: 

• Year-round destination: Whether you’re indulging in gelato during peak summer or exploring big-name attractions with fewer crowds in winter, there’s never a bad time to visit Rome. But for a comfortable climate and little to no rainfall, spring and autumn holidays are best. 
• World-famous landmarks: Colosseum, check. Trevi Fountain, check. Vatican City, check. Pantheon, check. The list of iconic sites is endless! 
• Foodie paradise: Bring your appetite because if Rome excels at anything, it’s good grub! Think creamy spaghetti carbonara, tomato-stuffed Bucatini all’Amatriciana pasta and hearty Coda alla Vaccinara (Oxtail Stew). 
• Heavy history: Want to take a step back in time to the days of the gladiators and Roman Empire? Check out the Roman Forum and learn a thing or two about the religious, political and social history of the city. Or, maybe a trip to the capital’s longest-standing landmark - the Temple of Hercules Victor.
• Shopping haven: Tucked away amidst its cobbles you’ll find quirky antique stores at Via dei Coronari, haute couture boutiques at Via Dei Condotti and global logos such as Calvin Klein and Zara at Via Cola di Rienzo. 
• Romance: From swoon-worthy sunset views at the top of the Spanish Steps to rooftop drinks overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica’s awe-inspiring dome and picnics at Villa Borghese, no wonder Rome is one of the world’s most romantic cities. 
   

Things to do and great sightseeing locations

Rome city breaks are all about hopping from one landmark to the next. Whether you’re hitting the Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel and Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II in one fell swoop or sipping glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon among Lazio’s vineyard, there are endless adventures to be had.

The Vatican

If you want to visit the smallest country in the world, then head over to Vatican City. Although surrounded by Rome, this state is very much independent from Italy and is ruled by the Pope. You can visit 54 richly decorated rooms at the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps and ceramic treasures from the Etruscan showcase. But the real highlight is the Sistine Chapel, which is regarded as Michelangelo’s masterpiece. And if there’s one direction you want to be looking, it’s up! With a ceiling full of artwork around the nine stories from Genesis, you’re bound to be captivated. 

St. Peter’s Basilica

When you’re done exploring the Sistine Chapel, you’ll find more of Michelangelo’s creations in the architectural majesty of St. Peter’s Basilica, including its iconic Dome. As one of the holiest temples in Christendom and one of the largest churches across the globe, you’re sure to get your history fix. 

Trevi Fountain

Make a pit stop at the Eternal City’s most iconic water spot dating back to 19 BC. Legend has it, if you throw one coin into the Trevi Fountain you’ll return to Rome, throw two and you’ll fall in love and if you throw a third, you’ll marry that person. But be sure to do it with your right hand and over your left shoulder! Or, just grab a gelato and admire the work of creator Giuseppe Pannini. 

Castel Sant’Angelo

If you head south, you’ll run into Castel Sant’Angelo, one of Rome’s most distinctive landmarks. This once prison, now a museum, is split into five floors. Here you’ll see the cells in which a number of historical figures were incarcerated. Alongside a weapons room from the Renaissance period. And have your camera on standby when you approach the rooftop terrace for the awe-inspiring city views that wait. 

Villa d’Este & Garden of Ninfa

If you want to witness the charm of nature, pay a visit to Villa d’Este. This 30 thousand square-metre villa is only 30 minutes away from the capital and features 50 fountains and 255 waterfalls. Don’t forget to check out the Garden of Ninfa as well. This is among Italy’s most beautiful botanical gardens – a crumbling medieval town framed by a thousand shades of plants and flowers.

Ancient History

Rome city breaks are full of surprises, but above all, lots of history. The way its ruins and archaeological sites are preserved will take you back to the city’s glory days. From its cobbled alleyways leading you to the Spanish Steps to the square of Piazza Nova which once held 20,000 spectators in 86 AD. And you’ll never get lost with the Colosseum and its 2,000 years' worth of history dominating the city centre. Rome’s gladiatorial arena is the most monumental ancient sight in the capital, taking you back to a time of fighting, exotic animal exhibitions and recreations of battles. 

You can stroll through an impressive sprawl of ruins not far from the Colosseum known as the Roman Forum. First developed in the 7th century BC, it gradually became the social, political, and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. If you head north, you’ll bump into the city’s best-preserved building from ancient times: the Pantheon. The name refers to a temple for all the gods, but the Pantheon is where the kings of Rome are buried. Don’t forget to also look up! The dome’s oculus is open to the sky. 

Vibrant nightlife

If the streets look too empty at 7 pm, don’t panic. Nightlife in Rome doesn’t kick off until around midnight. You can start your pre-drinking game at Marmo, home to some of the best mixologists in town and a live music only policy. While Baja is a cocktail venue for the Insta account. This fancy conservatory-looking structure floats on the Tiber River, and is a must-visit in summer. Voodoo is the ultimate place to unwind after a day of exploring. Think tapas spreads, Latin-American tunes and a Caribbean themed bar. But for early-hour partying, Circolo Degli Illuminati will see you dancing to Tech, House and Hip Hop until 4 am. 

Food and drinks

What did we say at the beginning? Life is good if the food is! The power of a great culinary experience is also something to consider when going on a city break, especially in Rome. The capital has a strong sense of tradition and a longstanding love for eating out.

Are you a pasta lover? If yes, then you’re in the right place. Italy is the homeland of spaghetti dishes, with 350 different types to taste and try. But Rome has its own style. Make sure you try the Cacio e Pepe (a stripped-down mac and cheese) at Roscioli alongside the carbonara and amatriciana (a spicy tomato and bacon dish) at Lo Scopettaro restaurant. 

If you have a sweet tooth, you won't be disappointed to find many gelato spots dotted around the city. From your classic strawberry and chocolate flavours to scoops of Kinder Bueno and Snickers. 

If you’re feeling a little thirsty after all this food, Rome certainly knows how to help you. Stop for a drink in one of the bars along the Tiber and enjoy a refreshing Aperol Spritz. Italy is also famous for its coffee. And we’ll let you in on a little secret, if you add some sugar and it takes a moment to sink, you’re about to taste one of the city’s best brews!

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Milan | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia  | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice