"Think of Rome and the first image that comes to mind may be the Trevi Fountain or the Sistine Chapel. And while a visit to Rome without seeing the ancient city’s archaeological sites would be remiss, it’s worth checking out the lesser-known spots as well to get full-picture view of one of the best places to visit in Italy. Stop by MAXXI, Rome’s museum of contemporary art, home to work by Europe’s coolest creators. A walk along the Tiber River at dusk is a must-do—in the summer months, stallholders set up shop along the water selling everything from clothes and shoes to locally-made pottery. Rome’s vibrant food scene means there’s no shortage of dining options. Casual eatery SantoPalato in the San Giovanni neighborhood is our pick. It’s just a 25-minute walk from the Colosseum, and takes you past some of Rome’s most verdant parklands including Villa Celimontana and Parco del Celio. Insider Tip: Escape the city with a day trip to Ostia Antica where you can see near-perfectly preserved Roman ruins and chat to the friendly archaeologists who are always puttering around. Or head out onto Isola Tiburtina, the world’s tiniest island, accessible from Ponte Cestio bridge." - Maresa Manara