Spring is the most beautiful time of the year to visit Rome—flowers begin to bloom, café tables reappear on bustling sidewalks, and crowds of summer tourists are yet to arrive.

      Before dawn, head up to the Janiculum Hill to catch the sunrise. From here you’ll be able to see the Vatican, Pantheon, Colosseum, and Borghese Gardens. Then you can stroll through the oldest morning market, Campo di Fiori, to pick up some fresh fruit and flowers. Proceed from the Campo towards the Pantheon. Built in A.D. 124 as a temple to all the gods of Rome, the Pantheon remains today as a Catholic church and a tomb for Italian celebrities, such as the artist Raphael and King Vittorio Emmanuelle II. Around the Pantheon, you can’t miss the best Italian coffee. Romans are passionately divided as to who makes the best cup: Sant Eustachio, steps behind the Pantheon, or Tazza d’Oro, a few feet in front of the Pantheon. Take your coffee in the traditional Italian way: standing up at the bar.

      Spend the rest of the morning exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Vatican City is full of extraordinary artworks and monuments of history. Don’t forget to climb to the top of St. Peter’s for an incredible view.

      In the afternoon, head to the Borghese for a leisurely stroll through the garden. If you are in the mood for shopping, head down the Via Babuino towards the Spanish Steps. Essential to any afternoon in Rome are a few scoops of ice cream. Go to the renowned Giolitti, in the Piazza Colonna, and try their 40 flavors of ice cream. You may see Italian politicians flocking here between their government meetings.