Roma

Start in the very centre of Rome. Municipio I, the historic centre of Rome, is known as its Centro Storico. Here the monuments are many and the crowds are big – especially at the beautiful baroque Trevi Fountain. Duck to avoid the hail of coins flung into the pool as you pass its thronging square (the saying goes that if you thrown a coin into its pool, you’ll definitely return to the city). Nearby is the famous Via del Corso which is one of Rome’s main shopping streets and the Spanish Steps, a wide, sweeping staircase where people meet, sit and watch the world go by. Book a room at Hassler Roma and you’ll find yourself staying at the very top of the staircase.

Famed for its location rather than its beauty, Termini is Rome’s main transport hub – and you'll probably end up passing through it if you travel from the airport into Rome by public transport. Some of Rome’s most popular sights are in this area: the National Museum and the Baths of Diocletian. Follow Via Cavour to the historic ruins of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, or take a stroll down Via Nazionale and Repubblica to peruse the shops. The station connects Rome by direct train to many of Italy’s biggest cities. If you’re planning a multi-centre trip you can connect to Tuscany, Umbria and the Amalfi coast with ease. There are lots of budget hotels in the area – but then again, there are also some amazing luxury hotels – like the jaw-dropping Palazzo Naiadi.

The Collosseum and the Roman Forum sit side-by-side south west of Termini. Both sites are utterly unmissable; their crumbling ruins are an incredible record of the former Roman empire and are visited by millions (buy your tickets in advance to beat the queues.) The Circus Maximus – the former chariot racing track-turned-peaceful-park – is nearby, as is the serene and leafy Palatine Hill, with its well-preserved Roman villas. Stay at the atmospheric Inn At The Roman Forum: it’s not just near the historic sites, it is one.

Life on the west bank of the River Tiber moves at a slower pace than in the Centro Storico. The Prati district’s broad boulevards invite wanderers, and passers-by move lazily from trattoria to bar along the Via Tacito. Vatican City is in this area. The world’s smallest sovereign state and the seat of the Catholic Church is a must-visit for tourists, who clamour to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel and to climb the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. Don’t miss the stunning Castel D’Angelo and its beautiful bridge on your way back to central Rome. Stay at DOM Hotel, a boutique establishment with a lovely terrace.

Trastevere will enchant you. This picturesque neighbourhood has a great atmosphere, and its local feel and foodie scene have garnered plenty of fans. Take a stroll down the narrow labyrinthine streets, where washing is hung to billow between the decrepit and well-loved apartments – eventually you’ll reach the beautiful Piazza Santa Maria, with its 12th century church and ornamental fountain. Illuminated, it's a sight to behold after dark. Take the opportunity to dine alfresco – it’s the done thing here, and many fantastic establishments serve Roman cuisine well into the night. If you don’t want a long walk back to your hotel, stay at Gran Melia Rome, which is a strollable distance from the district.

Formerly the red-light district, Monti is a fashionable neighbourhood in the heart of Rome’s historic centre strangely unaffected by tourists. Sit and drink perfect cappuccinos at a café on the many piazzas, perfecting the art of dolce far niente (doing sweet nothing) watching life go by. Monti is also the perfect place for your evening aperitivo. Vintage shopping and hipster bars have popped up all over the vicinity, making clear that this is the Roman equivalent to Shoreditch or Brooklyn. You can also get a decent curry on Via dei Serpenti, which is home to many different worldwide cuisines, a rarity in Rome. Stay at the Rome Times Hotel and you’ll be in a good position to explore the area at your leisure.

Hidden away behind the Termini train station and next to the university, San Lorenzo is a hip place to be. One of the most bohemian and alternative districts in Rome, there are cool bars and cheap trattorias with students discussing everything from local politics to ancient literature. San Lorenzo is the perfect place to go to escape the grandeur and history of the centre; the street art and affordable artisanal shops will not disappoint. Stay at NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento, which is set in a grand building, and handily located at Rome’s main station.

A working class district with a local, yet welcoming, flair Testaccio is often overlooked by tourists. This makes it a great place to visit if you are looking for an offbeat, or more Roman holiday. Check out the famous Testaccio food market, where local farmers hawk their wares – try buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, suppli (rice balls) and amazing gelato. You will find superb local osterie, places serving simple, rustic food and wine, with patrons chatting well into the night. Afterwards, head to the area’s famous nightclubs, and join the party-goers bar-hopping until the small hours. Stay at H10 Roma Citta, a modern hotel in the area with a rooftop pool.