When I was 14 I threw a coin into Trevi Fountain and as promised I was taken back to beautiful Roma.

If you like pizza, gelato, pasta and muscular gladiators wearing leather and metal, you are going to like Rome. And once you visit the first time, you will keep coming back – I didn’t believe it until my 4th visit to the city. But with every visit I threw a coin (or two) into Trevi Fountain, I was taken back to the buzzing ancient city. I have been told that the second coin would grant you an Italian fling and your third would grant Italian romance…

So far only coin #1 has been successful for me.

Rome can keep the most hyperactive tourist entertained for a week. The city itself is an open-aired museum, showcasing the architectural wonders of ancient Rome. It is a city literally built on a city.

Admire the birthplace of democracy  at the forum, then marvel at the Colosseum (while you imagine Russel Crowe wearing metal and leather) and try to fight the tourists through the crowd to eat some of the greatest food in the world.

Unfortunately I am no longer 14 and naive to food intolerance’s (my last visit was a blur of gluten, cheese and Nutella), but Rome, and the rest of Italy, cater for all. Due to such a glutenous-based diet, celiac disease is well known and gluten free pasta and pizza can be found at (almost) every restaurant.

I am lucky to still be  in touch with Paige, my wonderful host during my first visit to the city. Her and Grant once again welcomed me into their home, I was no longer 14 so this visit involved much more wine (as well as the delicious home meals and gelato).

My previous visits to the city had included the main tourist sights and lines, so this trip was dedicated to aimlessly wandering and admiring. Rome is a beautiful city when you don’t have a tourist obstructing the view.

Due to having such an abundance of historical magnificence, you can only imagine how crowded the streets are. I know some people find the Roman tourist crowds frustrating, but like any crowded the city – A big crowd means there is something to see. And there is more than one something to see in Rome.

Need some inspiration?

• Visit the Vatican (and do a tour). On my first visit I skipped the tour but now that I have had both experiences I know the tour is well worth it. (Don’t forget to buy a ‘Jump the Queue’ ticket or you’ll be waiting hours)
• Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans during a visit to the Colosseum (don’t forget to picture the muscular, leather-and-metal-covered gladiators that previously graced the structure with their presence).
• Stare at the magnificent ceiling in The Pantheon.
• Eat a LOT of gluten (unless you are a celiac – I don’t want to be responsible for your death).
• And throw a coin in Trevi fountain to guarantee your return (or if you’re keen throw in two… maybe even three if you).

After something more unique?

• During a visit to the Vatican, mail some postcards. Not only will the receiver admire a funky stamp – it will also reach them quicker as the Vatican mail system is Swiss run (much more efficient than Italian post)
• Hire a vespa (and maybe upgrade your travel insurance)
• Take a food tour. Yes, they exist.
• take photos at night. There is nothing quite as beautiful as Trevi Fountain lit up. (You may even get an unobstructed view).
• Visit the Catacombs – a church full of bones. Human bones.

There is something for everyone in Rome and even after four visits, I still intend to return, with a euro ready to sacrifice to Trevi once more.