The saying goes that Rome wasn’t built in a day, so you certainly shouldn’t try to see it in one. And while that’s true, don’t be put off - if you can only fit in (e.g afford) a flying visit, you can still explore plenty of the things this gorgeous city has to offer. Rome has been firmly at the top of my ‘must visit’ list for a very long time, and I was lucky enough to fit in a flying visit this Easter holidays. Go armed with your camera and ready to squeeze in as much as possible, and you will leave with a great impression of a completely unique and buzzing city.

I arrived in Rome completely exhausted (think: 4 a.m. detour to Southampton on way to Gatwick to retrieve passport) but quickly forgot my tiredness - the city offers so much that you will want to get started as soon as possible. It’s a city of contradictions too; edgy boutiques are sat next to the ruins of the ancient world, nightclubs are housed in crumbling churches, and cars whizz round the Colosseum like it’s your average roundabout. I loved the buzzy atmosphere that this created, as whatever you’re interested in, Rome has it: priceless artwork and breathtaking architecture for culture vultures, as well as plenty of restaurants, nightclubs and boutique shops for those more interested in the perfect pizza, cocktail or designer outfit.

If you have days rather than weeks to spend, then top must-see in my opinion is the world’s smallest country and the home of the Pope, the Vatican City. Go straight to St. Peter’s Square, which is so breathtakingly grand it quickly makes you feel about an inch tall. Word of warning: if you go when it’s hot, dress appropriately; shoulders need to be covered and shorts aren’t allowed. After soaking up the atmosphere and checking out the Swiss Guard (Vatican security, wearing what at first glance looks like a jester’s outfit but with the addition of huge swords), head to the Vatican museum around the corner, which houses the Sistine Chapel and roughly six million (only a slight exaggeration there) other priceless statues and artworks. Take your time and soak up works by Michelangelo and the other Renaissance masters, but be prepared for a lot of walking, as the Sistine Chapel itself is located at the very end of a two hour one-way tour with no shortcuts. Never go on a Sunday, when admission is free, or you will spend a vast chunk of your life in a queue that stretches back to the airport. Instead, bring your student card instead to save a few Euros on admission.

The Spanish Steps are also definitely worth a visit; it’s much more than a staircase. In spring, flowers surround the steps with bursts of colour, and students, locals and tourists alike use the steps as a meeting place, for lunch or a siesta. The atmosphere is amazing, and I recommend people watching with an authentic Italian gelato whilst trying to avoid the temptation of the Prada, Missoni and Yves St Laurent boutiques at the bottom of the steps. From here you can walk to the Trevi fountain, which is especially breath-taking when lit up at night. The same can be said for the Colosseum, where you can release your inner Russell Crowe. Huge and imposing, it’s only when I stood next to it that I fully realised I was at the epicentre of the ancient world. It’s very rare and almost breathtaking to stand in a place that holds so much history, and that’s just another thing to love about Rome.

Every price range is catered for as well as every taste; the Metro system is so simple that a toddler could use it (it’s cheap too) and there are endless sights to choose from. You could walk down any side street and stumble across a traditional market, ancient church or the perfect pizza. As soon as I left, I started planning my next visit, and that’s what I love about Rome - it’s a vibrant and intoxicating city that you will want to return to again and again rather than cross off a to do list. Rome truly has something for everyone; go with lots of energy and an open mind and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.