Rome has always been one of my favourite cities in the world. There is something special about it, you can sense its unique charm when you walk up the narrow alleys, or wander through its characteristic markets crowded with shouting stallholders, bustling locals and entranced tourists.

First and foremost Rome is considered to be an ancient city, steeped in history and boasting some of the finest examples of Roman architecture, tourists flock to marvel over the Colosseum, admire the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican City. However, not many people realise that Rome is so much more and they will be surprised at what else it has to offer...If I say MAXXI it is unlikely you will know what I am talking about and what a shame that is!! MAXXI is the brand new National Museum of the 21^st Century Arts, located in the Flaminio neighbourhood of Rome. It was inaugurated in May 2010 and designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, who thought of it as a composition of bending oblong tubes, overlapping, intersecting and piling over each other. MAXXI’s permanent collections include works by Anish Kapoor, Gerhard Richter, Francesco Clemente along with many others. The interior of the building is as awe-inspiring as the exterior and on walking in you will almost certainly be amazed. It certainly is a masterpiece fit to sit alongside Rome’s ancient wonders.

In my opinion another must-see when visiting Rome is the Palazzo della Civilta`Italiana. This square Colosseum is located in the EUR district and it is fascinating to see its resemblance with the ‘original’ Colosseum located in the city centre. When the sun shines it is as if its marble surfaces are covered with glitter.

Of course Rome is also food: artichokes, trippe, abbacchio, bucatini all`amatriciana…people from Rome really know how to treat themselves! Rome is full of cheap and typical trattorie (eating houses) where you can try the local cuisine. Trastevere is the district recognized for offering the best trattorie in Rome. In the heart of Trastevere I discovered a charming little eaterie, La Scala, as soon as I walked in I was surrounded by the typical ‘Roman charm’. The food there was amazing and affordable and the rustic charm of the place reminded me the infamous scene in Disney's ‘Lady and the Tramp’, such a romantic place especially by candlelight and with the addition of a delightful dinner date!

Rome is a city that will never fail to indulge you!