With the rest of Italy and Rome’s suburbs and neighbors waiting to be explored, car rental in Rome can be a great way to see the country. It’s essential to plan ahead when driving in Rome, because cars are banned in much of the city center to cut congestion and preserve some of the antiquities.

On-street parking is almost impossible in the heart of Rome, but there are lots of parking lots and garages. If you do park on the road, only white lines indicate a free place. Yellow means the spot is reserved, while blue lines mean you have to pay and display a ticket.

The GRA – the Grande Raccordo Annulare – is the beltway that skirts Rome and bypasses the center. Handy if you want to get to the other side of Rome as quickly as possible, it’s officially the A90 – but nobody calls it that.

The restricted zones – or Zona Traffic Limitato – are in Trastevere and Centro Storico. Only residents may enter them by car. If you do have to go into a ZTL, for example to get to your hotel, make sure you let the hotel know in advance so they can arrange a temporary permit.

Rome sits on the west coast, so it’s perfect for exploring northern cities such as Florence (take the E35/A1) and south to Naples (A1/E45). You’ll probably want to access them via the GRA. Please note that many of the freeways in Italy charge toll fees.

In Italy, speed limits range from 50km/h (30mph) in built-up areas to 90km/h (55mph) outside. Highways usually carry limits of 110km/h (68mph), rising to 130km/h (80mph) on freeways. Limits are reduced in wet weather.

Rome is packed with treasures that’ll be tricky to cover in one vacation – but that’s fine, because you’ll definitely want to come back again. Fuel yourself with some world-class coffee (just don’t order a cappuccino after lunchtime – it’s frowned upon) and start discovering these big-hitters…

Ramble Rome's ruins

It’s almost unfair to call them ruins, such is their splendor, scale and the love afforded to them – but that’s technically what the Colosseum is.

Opened in AD80, this is where Romans came to see sports and the circus – and, notoriously, gladiators. 50,000 people would clamor to watch them fight wild beasts, and each other, to the death.

You can still sense the energy and fear when walking through the very passageways the gladiators and animals once used to enter the amphitheater. It’s best to reserve tickets in advance to avoid the long waiting lines.

For another glimpse into Roman times, grab a map and navigate the Roman Forum and Palatine. Among the numerous highlights is the Tempio di Giulio Cesare, which is where the body of Julius Caesar was cremated, and Augustus ordered a temple to be built in his honor in 29BC.

The masterpiece of Michelangelo

You should reserve tickets in advance to enter the Vatican Museums for access to the Sistine Chapel. Opt for a timed ticket which will limit the time you spend in the waiting lines.

There’s more to the museums than just Michelangelo’s famous ceiling though – you’ll also find Egyptian mummies, Raphael frescoes and artworks by Giotto, Titian, Da Vinci and others. Set plenty of time aside for its many tempting rooms and galleries.

Raphael himself, along with many other greats, dignitaries and even kings, are buried elsewhere in Rome – in the Pantheon’s burial chamber. The Pantheon is wonderfully preserved, and while not particularly eye-catching from the outside, its interior is astonishing. Although the temple has stood since AD125, no larger concrete dome of its kind has ever been built.

You’re still only starting your exploration of Rome, but don’t forget icons like the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps and the oldest museum in the world, the Capitoline. In the latter, you’ll find pieces by Caravaggio, Rubens and Titian, as well as spectacular sculptures.

The silver screen, shopping and snacks

If you need a break from Ancient Rome, delve into more recent history with a visit to Cinecitta, the legendary Rome film studios. Get your shopping fix on the Via Condotti, home to designers such as Bulgari, Gucci and Fendi. And grab some food at one of Rome’s thousands of eateries.

Roman specialties include the Suppli’, a risotto ball filled with mozzarella cheese, pasta alla carbonara, Roman-style pizza with exceptionally thin crusts, and pizza bianca – a crispy bread topped with salt.

Opt for formal dining, relaxed trattorias or street food, depending on the atmosphere you’re going for. A great place for street food is Pizzarium in Vatican City. Many say it serves the best pizza in Rome.

Take the weight off your feet by sitting down at Salumeria Roscioli for stellar carbonara or cacio e pepe – just what you need before another afternoon exploring the cobbled streets of Rome.

With its world-envied ancient art and modern design, Rome straddles the old and the new worlds. Car rental in Rome will get you into the city and acts as a great springboard for exploring the rest of Italy’s stunning west coast.