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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Italy > Rome

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Things to do in Rome

Bag an opera ticket for the Baths of Caracalla

Opera originated in Italy, so it is no surprise that Rome is one of the finest places to catch a performance. With unrivalled acoustics, the ornate interior of Teatro Dell'Opera is more than a grand setting - though the company’s summer venue at the Baths of Caracalla is arguably even better.

Cycle past Rome’s great monuments

Peppered with scenic parks, fans of two wheels will find Rome a delight. Traffic restrictions in the historic centre make it easy to glide past Rome's great monuments using a bike (www.romarentbike.com). For a longer ride on the old Roman road, Via Appia Antica, is closed to traffic on Sundays.

Make a splash in a swanky swimming pool

Summer temperatures in Rome soar, so knowing where the nearest pool is located is vital. La Piscina delle Rose (www.piscinadellerose.it), is the city’s largest open-air pool. Predictably, it gets busy during the summer so secure a spot early. More central, and a good deal sexier, is the rooftop pool at the Radisson SAS (tel: +39 6 444 841; www.radissonblu.com/eshotel-rome).

Play golf in a volcanic crater

Golf is an exclusive game in Rome but if you can provide the relevant paperwork (home club membership card and handicap proof) most clubs will receive non-members. Country Club Castelgandolfo (tel: +39 6931 2301; www.countryclubcastelgandolfo.it) is located within a volcanic crater, whilst Circolo del Golf Roma Acquasanta (tel: +39 6780 3407; www.golfroma.it), situated in Appia Antica, is the city’s best course.

Solve some riddles

For a light-hearted break from Rome’s cultural must-sees, take your friends and try out Escape Room Campo dei Fiori & Beershop (www.escapecampodeifiori.com). You’ll have a limited amount of time to solve a series of puzzles in order to escape one of three themed rooms: a pyramid in Egypt, the slums of the East End in London or an underground bunker. If you make it out, there’s a pub serving craft beers for afterwards – you can also purchase your favourites to take away with you.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

City Highlight: Rome

From world-famous ruins to chic cafés and must-try specialties, in Italy’s cosmopolitan capital it’s certainly true that “one lifetime is not enough”

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Featured Hotels

Hotel d’Este

Sitting on the peak of the Esquilino hill, Hotel d'Este is a characterful, old-fashioned place with 31 charming bedrooms. Housed in a timeworn palazzo, rooms have high ceilings, period detailing and classic furnishings such as brass beds and mahogany-coloured dressers and wardrobes. Breakfast is served on a roof terrace.

The Beehive

Established by Californian couple Steve and Linda, The Beehive is deservedly one of the most popular, budget stays in Rome. Run with great personality and warmth, the house features dorms or private rooms with original artworks on the walls, a vegan and vegetarian café, a book exchange and a yoga studio.

Hotel Locarno

Close to Piazza del Popolo, the classy yet moderately priced Locarno dates back to 1925. It's full of atmospheric art deco details, from its rattling cage lift to the wood-polished bar. Each room is uniquely decorated with discreet antiques and coordinated Liberty-style wallpaper and fabrics. A real find.

Rose Garden Palace

Just off central Via Veneto, this is a business-like oasis. The interior is contemporary, with stylish design that sets it apart. The 59 bedrooms and six suites are spacious and serene, and there is the Il Roseto Restaurant, an outdoor courtyard and rose garden (hence the hotel's name) where you can breakfast and dine in fine weather.

Hassler Roma

The elegant Hassler Roma has awe-inspiring panoramic views over Rome. It's hosted a firmament of stars including Bill Clinton and Tom Cruise. The rooms are decorated in classic style, with sweeping floor-to-ceiling curtains, Venetian glass chandeliers and marble bathrooms. Ask for a room with either a balcony or terrace.

Grand Hotel Via Veneto

This 5-star hotel near the Borghese Gardens is worth a visit for the art collection alone - works by Picasso and Dali are among those that line the walls. An excellent spa and roof terrace make it great for a pampering weekend too.

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