Arguably one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and since it features so frequently in film and literature Rome has, perhaps unfairly, been called a cliché. In any case, the locale needs little introduction, even to those who’ve never visited the ancient city. But it didn’t reach the top of the tourist charts without good reason, and it’s understandable that people are drawn to the historical fortress city like bees to honey.

Aside from being a true tourist magnate, the city is growing in popularity among international property investors.

But to live in Rome is very different from jostling with the crowds in the Sistine Chapel to catch a glimpse of Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement. Its appeal lies not only in its history-laden nature – which is awash with monuments of historical importance, some of which stretch back 3,000 years in history – it’s attractive due to other factors too.

Characteristics that may be considered annoying in other parts of the world – such as narrow pavements, traffic jams and general inner-city chaos – take on a rather charming air in Rome and could even be deemed inspiring. It has a general feel not easily found in any other city.

Although plenty of young Romans speak English, and take any opportunity to practise their foreign language prowess, expatriates that don’t master Italian well might experience a slight language barrier. Therefore, it’s advisable to pick up as much Italian as possible before packing the suitcase and heading for the airport. A reassuring fact, however, is that the Italians are generally patient with foreigners trying to learn their language, and there’s none of the snobbery that one can occasionally encounter in other European countries.

Other aspects that one should consider when just having landed in Rome is that some sectors take advantage of unsuspecting visitors, just like they potentially would in any other tourist spot. Hungry travellers are particularly worthy prey and some restaurants in close proximity to the most popular attractions are known to charge non-locals prices much higher than those offered to natives. It always pays off to get advice from locals as to where the most worthy restaurants are located. Again, mastering the Italian language is a step in the right direction to be treated like a local and charged accordingly at restaurants and other service-based establishments.

Another potential drawback is that the pace of life is decidedly slower than in the UK. To call out a plumber to fix a leaking pipe is not necessarily done in a flash, something that can be frustrating to folks used to more efficient services. Still, the prospect of living in Rome is so attractive that any practical hurdle is worth overcoming, and lovers of Rome will take any challenge in their stride.

Areas to consider
In terms of the property market and what one might expect to pay, Rome has enjoyed a boom in the last few years and as a result prices are relatively high. Apartments in Rome typically fetch prices of around €1,500 per square metre, while high-end villas are priced at about €7,800. Although prices might be steep, investing in real estate in one of the most tourist friendly spots in the world would certainly be worthwhile, particularly since the property can yield healthy rental income if living only part-time is on the agenda.

Properties that rank high on the rental popularity metre are those located close to a metro station; if the flat has a balcony it’s considered even more attractive.

The seven hills of Rome
Ancient Rome was founded on seven hills, namely the Capitoline, Palatine, Celium, Aventine, Quirinal, Viminal and Esquiline. Each hill features a neighbourhood with a distinctive identity. The historical centre is the spot found within the Aurelian walls. This is where most of the awe-inspiring sites and monuments are to be found including sculptures, fountains and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Borromini, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Famous landmarks that form part of the historic centre include the Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia, Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Some of the most residential areas, meanwhile, are located in the north of Rome. A hop and a skip away from the Vatican you will find the neighbourhoods of Aurelio, Prati and Mazzini, all of which offer good prospects for property investment. On the grander end of the scale, the refined and rather pompous quarters of Parioli and Nomentano are home to many foreign embassies as well as a slew of beautiful apartment blocks, while Prenestino and Tiburtino in the south of the city could be defined as university areas, with generally more affordable property prices to match.

Offering an authentic vibe and a more youthful energy, the charming area of St. Lorenzo is particularly popular with students and is awash with nightlife spots and eateries. In the southern part of Rome nestles Eur – one of the most modern areas of Rome that serves as the base for offices and administration centres. Trastevere is arguably Rome’s most authentic and energetic area. Defined by narrow, cobbled streets and medieval architecture, the locale has a local feel and, although tourists flock here at night to revel in pizza and ice cream, the spot still retains a surprisingly local air and attracts a creative crowd. Since it is home to several educational institutions, the locale also has a decidedly youthful edge to it, but don’t think that property prices are set to suit a student’s budget – prices are among the most expensive in Rome.

The prospect of buying a home within Rome’s borders might seem pricey, and more and more investors have started to look outside of the city for their dream property. Areas at the fringes of the capital include Lazio, which can be reached easily by and the trip takes about an hour.

Life in Rome
Away from the crowds
Once settled in Rome, one can start to enjoy its surroundings at times when the tourist crowds have eased. To escape the hustle and bustle, Rome offers numerous havens of tranquillity. Villa Borghese is one such spot, even though it’s not entirely immune to localised swarms of tourists, particularly during the summer months. At 80ha, it’s the second largest public park in Rome, overtaken only by Villa Doria Pamphili. The lush and green space was developed to create a beautiful setting for the pompous Villa Borghese Pinciana (“Borghese villa on the Pincian Hill”). Designed in the style of an English landscape garden, the park was conceived by the architect Flaminio Ponzio for Scipione Borghese, who used it as an urban party villa (or suburban, as it’s called in Italian). Aside from the property’s foremost purpose, it was also used to house Borghese’s impressive art collection that includes major works by artists including Caravaggio, Bernini, and Lucas Cranach. Today, the villa is open to the public and Galleria Borghese, as it is known today, is considered a key international art establishment.

Local markets
Rome is known for its spectacular sites and historical value, but locals rarely mingle with the tourists by the Trevi Fountain. The best way to live like a Roman is to mix with the natives and to hit the city’s many markets. Varied in format, Roman markets can take almost any shape and size and they are inherently eclectic in style and spring up anywhere from city squares to larger spaces on the outskirts of the city.

One of the most famous markets is the colourful Campo de Fiori in Piazza Campo de Fiori. A rich plethora of merchandise is offered up, but it’s the myriad of different flowers and food products that give the market its character. This is not a bargain basement but the quality is correspondingly high.

Piazza Fontanella Borghese is another worthwhile market, despite its rather small size. This is a bookworm’s dream, as the little establishment is full of second-hand and antiquarian books as well as prints, old Roman souvenirs and a mishmash of other knickknacks, some of which are valuable, others less so.

Held twice a year only, the antiques market Non Solo Tarli in Fiera di Roma attracts serious collectors from all over Italy and beyond. The spread of items for sale across the 200 or so stalls span furniture, china, ornaments, paintings and jewellery. Lastly, Porta Portese – in Via di Porta Portese – is Rome’s biggest and most famous market with a range of produce that is all-encompassing to say the least.

Roman food
Aside from the allure of Rome itself and its sheer beauty and mystique, Italian cuisine is a reason to relocate to the city alone. Ingredients tend to taste fuller, richer in Italy, be it tomatoes or a piece of chicken, and the country’s food heritage is so much more than famous national dishes, pizza and pasta.

Since food forms such an integral part of Italians’ lives, there are many rules and regulations that surround eating, although they aren’t necessarily adhered to. Served at set day of the week, Italian cuisine follows a weekly menu. On Thursdays, for example, Romans like to cook up a gnocchi dish typically served with a meat and tomato sauce or a simpler accompaniment of cheese and pepper. On Fridays, meanwhile, ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach is served up, or alternatively fish or seafood. On Saturday, it’s time to enjoy pasta e ceci – a pasta dish served in a bowl with broth and chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic and rosemary.