There is probably no other city on earth as steeped in history as Rome. At the end of every winding cobbled passageway is another awe-inspiring monument, another beautiful piazza or another breathtaking view.
The men are chic. The women are beautiful. The driving is as crazy as a Ben Hur chariot race.
For thousands of years this has been the cradle of western civilization. More recently, for a couple of millennia, it is has been the second most important center of Christianity after Jerusalem.
Fortunately the city went to extravagant efforts to celebrate the 200th anniversary two years ago and the effects of the clean up can still be enjoyed after the worst of the crowds have gone. That does not mean Rome is tourist free. They have been coming since well before Julius Caesar was a boy.
None of those tourists can have failed to be overawed by the Eternal City. And none can have left without the feeling that there was more they never had time to see.
You will never see it all, and neither should you try. But there are some sights that you should not miss.
Spring and fall are the seasons when the climate and scenery are at their best. Some may find summer unpleasantly hot, although it’s no worse than Chicago or New York. Many restaurants close in August as Roman office workers leave town.
Winter can be chilly, but less tourists means lower prices and fewer crowds. Holy Week is the hardest time to find a room as the faithful head for the Easter celebrations. Really though, there is no bad time to visit Rome.
