Rome's sprawling location, midway along Italy's west coast, opens up a gateway to the whole country. The main motorway that loops around the city, the A90, can take you to roads leading north towards Florence (via the E35/A1), east to Pescara (via the A24 and E80) and south to Naples (via the A1/E45) as well as the outskirts of the city itself.

If you're arriving in Rome by air, you can hire a car from Fiumicino Airport, and travel along the A91 to reach the south of the city or, if you're landing in Ciampino Airport you can take the SS7 which will lead you into the bustling centre.

Pay close consideration to any parking restrictions in the city. Blue lines indicate that you need to “pay and display", while yellow lines mean the space is reserved, and white lines on the road mean the bay is free to park in. Watch out for Limited Traffic Zones – Rome's is one of the largest in Europe - as only specific vehicles can pass through these.

If you need to get out of your vehicle, whether roadside, in a lay-by or in an emergency lane, you'll be required to wear a reflective jacket if visibility is poor. You can find more information on the rules of the road, including information about speed limits on our blog.

With several million tourists making the trip to Rome every year, the roads can become quite heavily congested, so planning your journey in advance is advisable.

Rome's remarkable history is reflected in the city's exceptional architecture and culture. Whether you're seeking out the sites of ancient civilisations, looking to enjoy a relaxing city break, or dropping in for a quick business trip, you'll find Italy's capital city is a truly spectacular place to be.

Acclaimed sights of the ancient world

With a rich history spanning almost 3,000 years, the city is home to sites including gladiatorial arena, The Colosseum; a 50,000-seat stadium originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. You'll also find Vatican City here – the world's smallest state which is nestled in the heart of the capital – and the nearby Prati neighbourhood will see that you're not short of first-class restaurants to eat in.

With breath-taking architectural highlights spanning the Renaissance and Baroque periods showcased in structures including St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Square, you can spend days losing yourself in this extraordinary city. Capitoline Hill, the most sacred of Rome's seven hills, and the Spanish Steps, a staircase of 138 steps built in 1725, should also be on your radar when visiting this intriguing city.

From art scene to silver screen

While Rome may be home to some of the most fascinating historical sights in the world, the intricate artwork housed here has led to the city becoming known as an “open-air museum".

The city's vast offering of galleries and museums display pieces by Raphael, Titian and Michelangelo. Marvel at MAXXI, the National Museum of Art from the 21st Century. Italy's first national museum dedicated wholly to contemporary art is a piece of art itself, and visitors can spend hours weaving their way through its works via a maze of ramps and bridges.

Fans of the silver screen can get to grips with the country's cinematic history with a visit to Cinecitta, a huge film studio that's overseen the production of national and international movies and television since the 1930s.

Rome in fashion

Some of the hottest designers hail from Rome, so you can expect to find flagship stores from the likes of Fendi and Bulgari, among many other well-known names in the designer shopping area, Via Condotti. As one of the most renowned shopping districts in the world, be sure to look out for celebrities. You can find more mid-priced shops on Via Cola di Rienzo and Via del Corso.

Stunning coastal scenery can be found right at your feet, so leave the chaos of the city behind and make the short journey via the E80 to Santa Marinella. Spend the day lazing on the beach and be sure to sample the area's exquisite seafood.

When in Rome, treat yourself to some of the tantalising tastes of the authentic Italian cuisine on offer and explore the dramatic ruins. When you're done, drop a coin into the 26m high Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to the city, or so legend says.