Vatican City, a sovereign state within Rome’s borders, is the capital of the Roman Catholic Church and home to several important sites, among them St. Peter’s Basilica, the papal residence, and the Sistine Chapel.

As befits a city so steeped in history, Rome’s museums intrigue and inform. The Capitoline Museum offers fascinating displays of sculptures and other images of Roman life while the National Museum of Rome showcases ancient treasures in an ancient building that once held public baths.

The Teatro Dell'Opera, also known as the Teatro Costanzi, is a spectacular venue for opera and ballet that draws well-heeled Romans and visitors in their most formal attire.

The historic Spanish Steps is a popular spot for tourists and Romans alike. At the foot of the steps is the Piazza di Spagna, at the edge of which is the former home of English poet John Keats, now a museum dedicated to his memory. From the square, Via Frattina beckons with its concentration of shops. Via del Babuino, Via del Corso and Via di Ripetta are the top shopping streets for the style conscious.

For a distinctly Roman shopping experience, Campo de’ Fiori is one of the city’s oldest markets and abounds with food and flowers every morning of the week except Sunday. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, the market transforms into a popular evening destination.

Many visitors embrace the local tradition of la passaggiata, the evening stroll. After dining in one of the city’s many exceptional restaurants, people fill the streets and piazzas from the Via Condotti to the Piazza Navona.

Another pleasant spot for a stroll is the Villa Borghese, Rome’s second largest public park. Within this English-style landscape garden are a number of museums and attractions. Nearby Villa Glori is home to the new Auditorium Parco della Musica with its three concert halls.