Everyone knows that Rome is the centre of the world. From its 8^th century BC founding legend through its more than 2,500 years of senators, Caesars, painters, and popes, Rome has reigned eternal. The 21^st century city continues to hold the crown as capital of Italy.

With over 4 million inhabitants and hundreds of thousands of works of art and monuments to see, Rome can seem daunting. However, Romans say it’s simply a small country within a city – which means everyone knows each other and nothing is too hard to find. Dive head first into the centro storico (historic centre), the heart of the city concentrated with museums, monuments, and churches. From centro storico, all other neighbourhoods are reachable, mostly by foot, making Rome easily walkable.

Remember, Rome isn’t bashful – so neither should you be. Enjoy the never-ending outdoor café scene and chat with your neighbour. You never know who you’re going to meet in Rome.

07.30
Early to rise. Start the day in Campo de’ Fiori, an open-air market, for full immersion in la dolce vita, where local flavour is not just the juicy produce. Campo will captivate with its friendly banter and colourful wares. From here, take advantage of the early hours and stroll towards Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, usually Rome’s most congested sites, but not before coffee hour.

09.00
Savour a cappuccino, espresso, or macchiato at Caffè Sant’Eustachio just behind the Pantheon, where finely dressed senate members vie for elbow room and the ritual morning caffè.

10.00
A walking tour through the Roman Forum is an epic visit back in time where republican temples, imperial era buildings, and triumphant arches immortalise the Roman Empire.

12.00
The Terrazza delle Quadrighe at Victor Emmanuel II Monument undoubtedly has the most beautiful panorama with a 360˚ view of both contemporary and ancient Rome.

13.00
Bask in Bernini at Galleria Borghese. Built in the early 1610s, it is an unending treasure trove of Renaissance through to Neoclassical art. In April 2012 the Galleria will be reunited with 700 pieces pilfered by Napoleon for the Louvre’s collection.

15.00
The Tridente area – from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza di Spagna – is a must for style addicts, with a mix of alta moda and kitsch humour at Eleonora on via del Babuino, and Lelli’s lavish interior decors on via Margutta.

17.30
People-watching is best at Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, where fashion’s faithful, undercover celebrities, and VIPs mingle for an afternoon aperitivo at Vitti and Ciampini. Caffe Ciampini has Rome’s very best chocolate, hot or iced.

20.00
Rome evenings revolve around dinner. Aroma, Palazzo Manfredi’s rooftop restaurant, is literally top tier with a tantalising combination of exquisite Italian cuisine and unobstructed views of the Colosseum in its entirety.

01.00
Make a wish. Though the Eternal City may have begun to slumber, the Trevi Fountain is always flowing, and late evening is the ideal time for an enchanting photo and unforgettable wish without jostling crowds.