City Scoop: Romantic Rome

Brimming with culture, history, great food and fashion, Rome is an incredibly vibrant and romantic city to explore. The capital city has nearly 3000 years of globally influential art and architecture on display. City breaks are perfect for couples wanting a weekend away, and sometimes a small break is much needed! So why not incentivise some city break trips – starting with Rome! Below we've added some must-sees.

1.The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
This is where the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church is located. There's so much to do and see here so I advise an early start to beat the queues – which there will be. The Sistine chapel ceiling, roman sculptures and architecture can all be found in the Vatican Museum. This is one of the worlds largest museums and can sometimes feel like a bit of an overwhelming maze. The museum started off as a collection of ancient sculptures by Pope Julius in 1503, and the collection has forever grown. It celebrates the work of Michelangelo and Raphael, Matisse and even holds a piece of the moon donated by Nixon.

2. St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest churches built. Those who aren't squeamish when it comes to heights can in fact climb the 871 (small, steep) steps to the top of the Basilica's dome for the 360-degree views of the Vatican City. If you plan on visiting here, be sure to dress appropriately where you must have your knees and bare shoulders covered. St. Peter's Square fronts the Basilica and is probably one of the most famous piazza's on earth. If you're lucky enough to be visiting on a Wednesday then most weeks the Pope holds Papal Audiences at 10am, he will also recite the Angelus prayer and on Sundays he will be there giving a papal blessing.

3.The Colosseum
If you're looking for authentic Rome, then look no further. This amphitheatre has stood the test of time, built in 70-80 AD and was thought to be able to hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiator contests, animal hunts, executions and then entertainment in the early medieval era. But later it was reused for housing, workshops and for a religious quarter. It has been damaged partially due to earthquakes, but it still stands as an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome.

4.Trevi Fountain
This is the worlds most famous fountain that people visit to throw in their coins and make a wish. It was designed by architect Nicola Salvi and was finished by Giuseppe Pannini. It boasts a statute of Oceanus, two-winged sea horses and two Tritons leading the horses. Throwing coins into the fountain mean many different things to people, but the old wives tales say that you're meant to throw the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, throwing one coin means you will return to Rome, a second coin represents love of a Roman, and the third is to represent marriage to a Roman. The fountain racks up over €3000 each week, but the coins are collected and given to a Charity that funds a supermarket for the poorer members of the community.

5.Spanish Steps
This elegant and vibrant square is surrounded by bright and brimming flowers which adorn the Spanish steps. Surrounded by 18th Century Buildings, the steps created by Fransesco de Sanctis consist of twelve flights of different widths, the steps lead up to the Franciscan Church of Trinita dei Monti. Surrounded by shops and cafes it's the perfect scene for a chilled day.

Other places to visit:

• Piazza Navona – A square dating from 1st Century AD – Great spot for eating, drinking and street artists.

• Roman Forum – Excavated areas of Roman Temples

• Vespa Museums

• Stadio Olimpico – Football Stadium

• Roman Holiday Filming Spots