It is a cliché that walking is the best way to experience the life and character of a city, and it is nowhere more true than in Rome. Additionally, Rome is not a pleasant place to drive in, city centre parking is limited and expensive, tow-away trucks are remorseless. Many areas are pedestrianized, temporarily or permanently, and to get close to the finest monuments, churches and fountains you have to be on foot.

Our three Rome walks explore three areas that the first-time visitor cannot afford to ignore. They do more than link up major sights – they are designed to give you flavours of the city. For those who already know the main attractions, they offer opportunities for looking behind the scenes.

The first walk takes you north-west of the Termini station to pick up the geographical heart of the city, the principal public palaces and the imperial and modern delights of the Villa Borghese.

The second explores the ancient monuments of the original city, touching at five of the ‘seven hills’ on which Rome was built.

The third takes you west of the Tiber, from St Peter’s basilica to the Trastevere quarter where, they say, the genuine uncorrupted Romans live.

Do the walks in either direction. For some they will be too much if it is a hot day – do them in part or allow two days. You will never be more than a few minutes from a bus stop or Metro station. The important thing is not to wear yourself out trying to cram in too many sights. You might easily, for example, decide that you want to spend the whole day in the Vatican museums or Villa Borghese.