The eternal city of Rome, constructed of ruins and in whose name the Caesars sought to claim the world, opens for the visitor as a living museum. The centuries peel back with each new vista in this great city of gladiators, lunatic drivers and well-rounded pasta posteriors. Vespas, nippy little Fiats and red sports cars speed past trendy sidewalk bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of Fellini's . The chillingly stark facades of the Stadio Olimpico complex bring back Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance splendour is perhaps best revealed in the Pope's residence, the Vatican Palace, or in Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From early Christian Basilicas to the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the height of the Roman Empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced with new ones, but Rome remains.

Trastevere

Address: Rome

Separated from central Rome by the Tiber River, Trastevere is a picturesque medieval neighbourhood characterised by a quirky Bohemian atmosphere. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with overhanging flower boxes and washing lines, and home to numerous cafes, boutiques, pubs and restaurants. The area has long attracted artists, famous people and expats, and is a charming place to explore, having escaped the grand developments of central Rome.

Capitoline Hill

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome Rome

Admission: EUR6.50, concessions available, Free to EU citizens under 18 and over 65. Museums open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 8pm

Capitoline Hill was the original capitol of the ancient city and continues to serve as the seat of the city's government. The main feature of the area is Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio, a testimony to the superiority of Renaissance town planning. The piazza is bordered by three palaces: the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the twin structures of the Palazzo dei Senatori and Palazzo Nuovo which house the Musei Capitolini, containing the largest collection of classical statues in the world. Among the notable statues found here are the Dying Gaul and the Satyr, the Capitoline Wolf with Romulus and Remus and the Spinario. Paths cut along the side of the hill from the Campidoglio giving way to panoramic views of the ancient sites of the Forum and Colosseum.

Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali Rome

Admission: Free Daily 9am to 7.30pm (April to September) and 9am to 4.30pm (October to March)

Telephone: (06) 3996 7700

The site of ancient Rome's commercial, political and religious centre retires in the valley between the Capitoline and Palatine hills. The Forum's main thoroughfare, Via Sacra, slices through the old market square and former civic centre. To make sense of the ruins and relics of the old Republic it is helpful to consult a map of the area. Some of the best preserved and most notable monuments include the impressive Arch of Septimus Severus - a construction designed to celebrate Roman victory over the Parthinians - and the former atrium of the House of the Vestal Virgins and Temple of Vesta. Also of note are the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, and the Arch of Titus, built to celebrate Titus' destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. To the right of the arch are stairs snaking up the Palatine hill through a series of terraces to the Farnese gardens. The scented avenue festooned with roses and orange trees gives way to a vista over the Forum.

The Colosseum

Address: Piazza del Colosseo Rome

Admission: EUR10 Daily; 9am to 6.15pm in summer, 9am to 4.30pm in winter.

Telephone: (06) 700 4261

This enduring symbol of ancient Rome tenaciously clings to its foundations as the site of former gladiatorial conquests. Its architecture boasts an impressive array of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns and an underground network of cells, corridors, ramps and elevators that were used to transport animals from their cages to the arena. The magnificence of the original structure has been eroded through the years of pillaging and earthquakes so that only a skeletal framework remains.

Pantheon

Address: Piazza della Rotonda Rome

Admission: Free Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 7.30pm; Sunday 9am to 6pm

Telephone: (06) 6830 0230

The stately Pantheon is one of the world's most inspiring architectural designs. Fittingly built as a temple to the Gods by Hadrian in 120AD, its perfectly proportioned floating dome rests seductively on sturdy marble columns. The only light source flowing through the central oculus was used by the Romans to measure time (with the aid of a sundial) and the dates of equinoxes and solstices. The south transept houses the Carafa Chapel and the tomb of Fra Angelico rests under the left side of the altar.

The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

Address: Rome

The graceful steps built in 1725, elegantly curve their way from the Piazza di Spagna to the Church of Santa Trinit dei Monti, a pastel tinted neoclassical building. The shopper's paradise of Via Condotti leads back from the Spanish steps to Via del Corso, and during spring the steps are decorated with pink azaleas. At the foot of the steps lies Bernini's boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain and to the right is the unassuming Keats-Shelley Memorial House.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

Address: Rome

The tiny Piazza di Trevi has been immortalised through this fountain built for Pope Clement XII. The statues adorning this watery display represent Abundance, Agrippa, Salubrity, the Virgin and Neptune guided by two tritons. Tossing a coin into the fountain is supposed to guarantee a return trip to Rome.

St Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

Address: Piazza San Pietro Rome

Admission: Free. Dome: EUR4 (EUR5 with lift); Necropolis: EUR10 Daily; 7am and 7pm (April to September), 7am to 6pm (October to March)

The Basilica lies above the reputed site of St. Peter's tomb. It is an overwhelming interior containing notable sculptures including Michelangelo's Pieta, which is protected by bullet-proof glass since the damaging attack on it in 1972. In the central aisle stands Arnolfo da Cambio's bronze statue of St Peter, its foot worn down by the constant flow of pilgrims' kisses. Proudly resting above the papal altar is Bernini's Throne of St Peter. The Vatican Grottoes, containing papal tombs, can be reached by steps from the statue of St Longinus. The Necropolis is located one level below the grottoes. This is the legendary site of St Peter's tomb and advance permission has to be obtained to view it. A strict dress code is in place for the Basilica and no shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts are allowed (for men and women).

The Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

Address: Viale Vaticano Rome

Admission: Museum EUR14, concessions EUR8 Museums open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm

The Sistine Chapel's famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo looms above the frescoes on the side walls that were painted by an illustrious team of artists that included Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Roselli, Pinturicchio, Signorelli and della Gatta. The altar wall is covered by Michelangelo's Last Supper, revealing the figure of Christ hovering above centre and flanked by Mary and other saintly figures. The Vatican Museums provide an inspiring visit to one of the world's greatest collections of art. The galleries stretch over four miles (6km) and include the magnificent Raphael rooms, the Etruscan Museum and the Pio-Clementino Museum, which boasts the world's largest collection of Classical statues.

Time Elevator Rome

Address: Via dei SS. Apostoli 20 Rome

Admission: Daily, 10.30am to 7.30pm

Telephone: 069 774 6243

Time Elevator Rome is an interactive movie theatre featuring panoramic screens, flight simulators and surround-sound. This modern technology offers kids the opportunity to be enthralled by a cinematic, 3-D journey back through 2750 years of Roman history.

Basilica di San Giovanni

Address: Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano Rome

Admission: Free, cloisters EUR2 Daily 7am to 6.45pm

Telephone: (06) 6988 6433

The Basilica of St John Lateran was built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and was the first church built in Rome. It is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, and as such ranks above all other Roman Catholic churches, even St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, and it is here that he celebrates Mass on certain religious holidays. The building has suffered much damage in the past and has been rebuilt several times, leaving only fragmented parts of the original church. The present building is characterised by its 18th-century façade and contains several important relics, a 13th-century cloister and an ancient baptistery. Inside are numerous statues, paintings, the High Altar that can only be used by the Pope, and a cedar table that is said to be the one used by Christ at the Last Supper. Across the street is one of the holiest sites in Christendom that is visited by pilgrims from around the world: the Palace of the Holy Steps, believed to be the 28 marble steps originally at Pontius Pilate's villa in Jerusalem that Christ climbed the day he was brought before Pilate. They have been in Rome since 1589.

Unusual Rome for Kids

Address: Via Paolo Emilio, 7 Rome

Telephone: 348 329 6384

Unusual Rome offers fun, tailor-made tours and activities for children, planned and presented according to age and interests. With options ranging from visiting the popular sites of Ancient Rome to modern museums and shows, as well as taking part in cultural and outdoor activities, kids in Rome certainly won't be bored!

Villa Doria Pamphili Park

Address: Via San Pancrazio Rome

Villa Doria Pamphili is a wonderful park to take children to while on holiday in Rome. The park's playground, skating rink and soccer fields will keep kids happy (and very active!) for hours, and the pony rides around Villa Doria Pamphili are also great fun.

Looney's

Address: R. B. Bandinelli 130, Ciampino Rome

Telephone: 067 932 1977

Looney's Indoor Entertainment Center is a great place for kids to hang out, featuring costumed characters and entertaining shows, as well as fun play areas. While the centre offers recreation for children as old as 14, there are also play groups for toddlers and their mothers to enjoy together.

Puppet Shows

Address: Rome

There are many theatres throughout Rome staging excellent puppet shows (in English) that will keep the kids amused. Well-known venues include the Pulcinella Puppet Theatre, an open-air theatre on Gianicolo Hill, and the Teatro delle Marionette degli Accettella, on Via Genocchi. The Teatro San Carlino is a puppet theatre in Borghese Gardens, while Teatro Verde is located in Circonvallazione Gianicolense.

ATP Masters Series: Rome

Where: Foro Italico,Rome

When: 26 April to 2 May 2010

Many tennis fans consider the Rome Masters to be the second most prestigious clay court tennis tournament in the world, after the French Open. The ATP Masters Series consists of nine tennis tournaments that are held annually in Europe and North America and sees the world's top tennis players competing for the title of world number one.

Notte Bianca (White Night)

Where: Throughout the city,Rome

When: September 2010 TBA

During the Notte Bianca the city stays open all night and invites locals and visitors to get to know Rome at different hours and from a different perspective. The occasion offers a unique opportunity to choose from a wide variety of events, from art and theatre, to cinema, music, dance and sport, and the involvement of craftsmen, shopkeepers and restaurants ensures that there is plenty to keep one in a festive mood until morning.

RomaEuropa Festival

Where: ,Rome

When: 22 September to 2 December 2009

RomaEuropa is an annual, international cultural event that features performances and concerts of theatre, dance and music. Although the focus is on classical music, the festival is famous for its diversity of musical styles and artists.

Birth of Rome Celebrations

Where: Various,Rome

When: 21 April 2010

Every year the birth of Rome is celebrated with numerous events around the city, including the Roman Forum and Campidoglio. Celebrations include a fireworks display over the Tiber River, parades, gladiator shows and traditional banquets.

Rome Marathon

Where: Starts at the Colosseum,Rome

When: 21 March 2010

The annual event takes runners on a scenic tour of Rome, passing some of the most famous monuments like the Colosseum and St Peter's Basilica. The Marathon Village sets up a week in advance with concerts, stalls and shows for all.

La Terrazza dell'Eden

Address: Hotel Eden, Via Ludovisi 49 (Via Veneto) Rome

Food Type: Italian

Michelin-starred La Terrazza serves some of the city's finest cuisine, along with sweeping views over the Seven Hills of Rome and Michelangelo's dome of St Peter's. Executive Chef Adriano Cavagnini is dynamic and creative, having worked at Harrod's and cooking for the Al Fayed family, as well as for members of the British government. A seasonally changing menu includes modern Italian cuisine, fresh seafood dishes and creative flavours of the Mediterranean that are light and delicious. Reservations essential. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

La Rosetta

Address: Via della Rosetta 8 (Piazza Navona) Rome

Food Type: Seafood

Possibly the best seafood restaurant in Rome, the cuisine at La Rosetta is world-class. A selection of marinated seafood appetizers, such as squid with ginger and French beans, is the best way to appreciate the flavours, followed by one of the superb pasta dishes dressed with fish or seafood. The menu includes almost every type of Mediterranean fish, grilled or roasted to perfection, and desserts such as the ricotta cheesecake with honey are worth saving space for. Reservations essential. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.

La Pergola

Address: Hilton Hotel, Via Cadlolo 101, San Pietro Rome

Food Type: Mediterranean

This sophisticated rooftop restaurant boasts a spectacular view of the city below, and has an elegant setting with candlelit tables and impeccable service. Many Roman food critics claim it is the best restaurant in the city, which is attested to by a list of regulars that includes Prince Rainier of Monaco, Bruce Springsteen and Glen Close. Food is the very best of Mediterranean haute cuisine and each dish is a work of art in presentation and taste. A sundowner at the chic cocktail bar is a fine way to start the evening. Reservations essential. Closed Sunday and Monday. Dinner only.

Alberto Ciarla

Address: Piazza San Cosimato 40, Trastevere Rome

Food Type: Seafood

This is one of Rome's best fish restaurants and owner Alberto Ciarla puts priority on finding the freshest fish for the à la carte menu and the six tasting menus available. Near the entrance is a lavish display of seafood on ice. Original dishes include a variety of seafood pastas and fried, grilled or roasted fish from the Mediterranean, and the trademark sea bass fillet prepared in various special ways. Closed Sunday. Dinner only. Reservations required.

Agata e Romeo

Address: Via Carlo Alberto 45 (Termini) Rome

Food Type: Italian

For a gourmet treat, this charming restaurant is elegant yet relaxed, run by a husband and wife team who produce outstanding Roman 'nouvelle cuisine', exceptional desserts and a fabulously stocked wine cellar. Roman specialities include broccoli pasta in skate broth, a gourmet version of a traditional vegetable soup, or sheep's cheese flan with a dried fig sauce. An Agata e Romeo taster menu allows one to sample a variety of specialities, and includes wine. Closed weekends. Reservations recommended.

Ai Tre Scalini

Address: Via SS. Quattro 30 Rome

Food Type: Italian

Small, unpretentious and serving top-quality Roman cuisine, Ai Tre Scalini is one of the nicest restaurants in the area close to the Colosseum. The small menu is a gourmet experience, from the cheeses and salamis to porchetta and cacio al coccio, complemented by the wide variety of wines on offer. Reservations required. Closed Mondays. Open from 6pm.

Arancia Blu

Address: Via dei Latini 55-65 (Via Veneto) Rome

Food Type: Vegetarian

Arancia Blu offers Rome's best vegetarian fare in a trendy, friendly atmosphere. Individual dietary needs are catered for as staff assist in redesigning menu suggestions to suit everybody's tastes. The dishes are inspired by country Italian cuisines and include things like potato and mint ravioli, or eggplant parmigiana in a pastry crust. There is an excellent dessert menu and extensive wine list. Open for dinner daily. Reservations recommended. Credit cards are not accepted.

Il Leoncino

Address: Via del Leoncino 28 (Piazza di Spagna) Rome

Food Type: Italian

This tiny pizzeria is immensely popular and one of the best for the distinctive thin and crispy-based Roman pizza. The service is quick and the food delicious, including starters like crostini topped with anchovies, cheese and ham. Closed Wednesday. No lunch weekends.