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Rome is a city that runs on its sort of controlled chaos, based on some unspoken rules and customs. The city can do a lot to you – it can show you ethereal chapels and Renaissance frescoes, or it can push you into the midst of a massive traffic jam – either way Rome is bound to overwhelm you. Here’s how you can strategize and make the most of your trip.

Skip the Vatican Museums

The Vatican is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city and is always teeming with long lines and crowds, which hardly makes for a pleasant experience unless you’re willing to wake up at the crack of dawn to avoid the rush that is. Instead of getting lost in the crowds, go to the Capitoline Museums and Galleria Borghese. The former boasts antique marble sculptures, statues, and paintings, while the latter is home to the works of Rafael, Bellini and the like.

Don’t order a cappuccino after breakfast

Italians are known for making some of the best coffee in the world. Breakfast for Romans usually consists of a cappuccino, and a pastry consumed standing up at a bar. It is the only time of the day when it is considered appropriate to order a cappuccino; after breakfast follow up with an espresso or a caffe macchiato. Also, make sure not to order a latte as it is just milk.

Try wines other than Pinot Grigio

Use where you are to its best and go beyond the familiar and try white wines from Campagna like Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, and Falanghina. Sicily produces some of the best reds like Nero d’Avola and Nerello Mascalese. If you are unsure about your selection, ask the sommelier for suggestions.

Be careful when picking hotels

Although the historic part of Rome is pretty compact, the city as a whole is enormous, and the last thing you want to be doing on vacation is waste time and money commuting via night buses and taxies. Find a location of preference and a hotel in its vicinity. Business people would find Le Méridien Visconti in Prati apt, while stylish budget options are available at the Generator Hostel near Termini Station.

Rome is not just historic

The Eternal City is about more than just ancient history – it is a fine meld of antiquity and modernity working in symphony. Discover Rome’s contemporary side with museums like MAXXI and MARCO, and the galleries of Monti. Get a look into the artsy side of the city with a street art tour in the neighborhoods of Ostiense and Pigneto.

While Rome is known for its history, architecture, and old world charm, the Eternal City has more to offer. All of the resorts are within easy of reach of Rome offer either private beaches with paid entrance and facilities or free beaches with the option to rent lounge chairs to take in the sun, all equipped with children’s facilities making this an ideal vacation spot for the beach-lovers out there. Here are some of the top beach areas near Rome you should check out.

S. Marinella

An hour away by train from Termini station, the Marinella beach with its small strip of white sandy beach is a popular option with windsurfers.

S. Severa

Less than 10 km away from S. Marinella, this beach lies 50 km north of Rome and is a 10-minute walk from the station. You can take one of the Civitavecchia trains from Rome to reach this place that offers both private and free beaches, as well as a magnificent castle.

Fregene

With its long stretches of sand with both private and free beaches, Fregene was the chic hotspot in the 1960s and 70s and today attracts Rome’s club scenes in the summer months. Although the journey takes an hour, the trip is made worth it thanks to the wide range of family restaurants and tavole calde.

Ostia/Cancelli

Taking a one-hour bus ride will get you to Ostia and the Canelli along the coast nearest to Rome. Ostia is known for its private beach experience while Canelli offers free beaches that are equipped with restaurants and bathrooms.

Sabaudia

This stretch of beach is a Blue Flag area, which indicates its high environmental and quality standards. This sustainable area predominantly consists of free beaches with a few private beaches to choose from, should the need be. Another fascinating aspect of Sabaudia is its Mussolini-era architecture.

S. Felice Circeo

Circeo is also home to a number of Blue Flag beaches, as well as beautiful crystal clear waters. This area has more private beaches to offer, but the small trek to the free beach nearest the port is a move you won’t regret.

Terracina

Terracina is located 10km south of Circeo and requires you to take the hourly regional train for Naples, getting off at Monte S. Biagio, and a 20-minute bus until the beach. There are a roughly equal number of private and free beaches which are family-friendly owing to its cleanliness and maintenance.

For people planning on visiting Rome, there is no better advice than the adage “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Being the Eternal City, Rome has a lot to offer visitors ranging from unique architecture to cuisine, to handicrafts and so on. First trip or not, Rome is bound to overwhelm your senses, so here are some must-do and see things in Rome.

Roman Forum

Dating back to 500 B.C., and enlarged by Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Domitian, and Trajan, the Roman Forum and its archaeological site take you back in time to when the citizens of ancient Rome walked around the cobblestone paths, bringing their sacrifices to the temples. After admiring all the Forum has to offer, try visiting the Bocca della Verità – an ancient stone carving of a bearded man’s face which according to legend, will bite off the hand of those who do not speak the truth.

The Colosseum

This is a great place to visit with a luxury car hire from Apex Luxury Car Hire Rome, one of the best agencies in the city. The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, which was built around 80 A.D. for games including gladiatorial combats and animal fights. With a capacity of 50,000, the Colosseum welcomes over 4 million visitors annually. Getting a combined ticket for the Forum, the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill will help you jump the long lines at the Colosseum.

The Pantheon

Built somewhere between 118 and 128 A.D., the Pantheon was the most prominent dome in the world. With the honor of being the most architecturally perfect building in the world, the Pantheon was used as a burial site for Rome’s prominent figures ranging from the emperors to Raphael. This is also the best-preserved monument of Imperial Rome, its most fascinating feature being that the oculus in the dome is open, letting sunlight in.

Piazza Navona

All of the ornate Baroque art that Rome has to offer is on display at the Piazza Navona; this, combined with the abundance of restaurants, gelaterias, souvenir shops, and the Museo di Roma make it one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. A short distance away is the Via della Pace, one of the most picturesque streets in the city. Make sure to make a pit stop at Ristorante Santa Lucia where you can fill up on fresh salads, pasta, and other Roman delicacies.

Trastevere

Literally translated into “across the Tiber,” you’ll find Trastevere housing a more hip and bohemian vibe, similar to Barcelona, in contrast to the elegant and historical vibe on the other side of the River. This place offers you plenty of boutiques to shop all day at and bars all along the streets that become lively in the night.

Rome is into its third millennium of wine consumption and the bars in the city keep getting better and better. Here is a list of places as to where you can get your drink on in Rome.

Alembic

Whether for aperitivo or drinks, this trendy bar at the heart of Trastevere is the place to be. With lights that are dimmed down and a cozy atmosphere, the bar balances both the chic and the homely with its unique combination of chill music, art, and cocktails. The aesthetic with wax dripped wine bottles, chandeliers, and modern art will ensure that Alembic becomes your go-to spot in the Trastevere.

La Punta Expendio de Agave

The result of three years of travel through Mexico and the prime location within city hot spots The Jerry Thomas Speakeasy and Freni e Frizioni, La Punta Expendio de Agave is a haven for Rome’s wanderlust minds. The owners are well versed in the art of creating Mexican cocktails, specializing in those influenced by the region of Oaxaca. The bar with its strong tequila and Mezcal presence presents an opportunity to learn of a culture outside of Italy.

Coffee Pot

With its hip interiors, stylish décor and great music, Coffee Pot is the kind of place that demands you to savor it sans the rush. The uber-cool collective space features a lounge that serves up an array of dishes ranging from sushi, tacos, and drinks from an extensive cocktail menu, and also as a bonus opens up an outdoor patio for the summer months.

Bar del Fico

This is the go-to spot for all Romans who crave a good cocktail or two, or just want to show themselves off and be seen. The club is frequented by posh yet cool locals and is a great space to interact with them or to just lounge with a beer or a cocktail while you wait for the nightclubs to come to life. Bar del Fico always has huge crowds inside that often spill into the piazza, making this the prime spot for pretty-people-watching in the city.

Ex Circus

A hidden gem just a small distance away from the Piazza Navona, Ex Circus appears to be a cross between a café, a bar and a bistro which also has the perk of doubling as a study room. Homely and hip, this place is perfect for grabbing an aperitivo or a casual drink. But what sets this place apart is not merely the alchemy of alcohol, but also the events they offer that range from art exhibitions to musical events and even yoga lessons.