Rome travel inspiration and advice

Few cities deliver density of historical significance comparable to Rome — where three millennia layer themselves atop each other in extraordinary proximity, where the Colosseum and Roman Forum preserve imperial grandeur alongside Renaissance churches and Baroque fountains, where every piazza seems designed for lingering over espresso whilst contemplating architectural splendour. Yet Rome simultaneously frustrates and fascinates: the Sistine Chapel crowds can overwhelm its artistic magnificence, the famous piazzas possess undeniable beauty whilst lacking certain amenities, and finding genuinely good restaurants near your hotel requires more luck than tourists typically possess. The city rewards both careful planning — understanding why private tours of major sites often prove superior — and spontaneous discovery, from the macabre artistry of the Capuchin Crypt to the unexpected cat sanctuary occupying Julius Caesar’s assassination site.

These Rome travel articles provide honest assessment alongside practical guidance, acknowledging both the city’s considerable appeal and its capacity to disappoint unprepared visitors. You’ll discover why Rome suits solo travellers particularly well, understand the specific shortcomings of famous piazzas, find practical information for visiting lesser-known attractions like the Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum, and access frank opinions about experiences that tourist literature oversells. Whether you’re planning your first Roman holiday or returning to explore beyond the obvious highlights, these guides approach the Eternal City with appreciation tempered by realism, helping you maximise time in a destination where poor planning wastes precious hours whilst informed decisions unlock extraordinary experiences.

• Why Rome is a brilliant city for solo travellers.
• What Rome’s piazzas sadly lack.
• In praise of the decent restaurant within a short walk of your hotel.
• Why I hated the Sistine Chapel.
• How Julius Caesar’s assassination site became a cat sanctuary.
• The Capuchin Crypt – Rome’s most ghoulish attraction.
• Can you take photos inside Rome’s Capuchin Crypt?
• A practical guide to visiting the Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum.
• Why a private tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum is often the best choice.
• A realistic guide to visiting the Pantheon in Rome.
• What to expect at the Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus.