Public transport

Travelling on a sleeper bus might not be a comfortable journey, but one woman was pleasantly surprised by her entire experience when she went from Amsterdam to Zurich

We’re always on the lookout for cheap travel, given the fact we’re still in a cost of living crisis. Recently a woman travelled from the UK to Spain without flying and left everyone surprised by the total cost.

Claire’s Footsteps is known for her travel content where she shares low-budget alternatives for holidays. And after she trekked from London to Malaga without stepping foot on a flight, she decided to take things to another level by boarding Europe’s first sleeper bus. Now we know what you’re thinking – a sleeper bus surely can’t be that comfortable, well you’ll be surprised. Claire rode the bus from the Netherlands to Switzerland where she enjoyed complimentary Wi-Fi and a full reclined sleep for a decent snooze.

The traveller recently posted a video on her Instagram and TikTok pages to give viewers a genuine insight into what the trip is really like.

Inside Europe’s First Lie-Flat Sleeper Bus Experience

Travelling from Amsterdam to Zurich overnight can set you back between €29 and €160+ (roughly £25 to £136) per person one-way, depending on your chosen level of comfort.

The direct ÖBB Nightjet (train NJ402/NJ403) leaves Amsterdam Central at around 20:30 and pulls into Zurich HB the following morning at 08:20.

In the clip, she began: “I’m about to take this business class lie flat sleeper bus from Amsterdam to Zurich. This is the Twilighter Europe’s first sleeper bus with seats that you can fully recline and get a good night’s sleep on.”

Describing the journey in detail, Claire continued: “I boarded the coach and we headed south through to Netherlands, I was given a bag with my bedding and had a look at the seat functions which had tray tables and charging facilities.

“Downstairs there’s a toilet and a separate changing room with atmosphere lighting and luxury soap, plus a snack bar with free tea and coffee.

“There is also complimentary Wi-Fi which stayed strong throughout my whole journey. I headed back to my seat to make my bed up for the night, all you need to do here is press two buttons to fully recline.”

Claire finally settled in and stretched out flat on the bus, ready to enjoy a decent night’s sleep. She said your seatbelts must remain fastened through your entire sleep and there’s a bag specifically for your feet to stay secured.

Affordable Eco-Friendly Travel: The Final Verdict

Then after catching up on some sleep, Claire woke up to find herself in Switzerland.

She continued: “I woke up in Switzerland and headed back downstairs to refresh and grab a coffee and all too soon we arrived in Zurich and it was time to disembark.”

Concluding her post, Claire issued an honest verdict about the trip and scored it a 9.5 out of 10.

In the comments section, people rushed to ask her for the guide on the adventure, while others said it was “amazing” and “looked great”.

Someone was intrigued by the bathroom situation as a person queried: “Was the toilet clean and do you have to queue up?” To the person’s surprise, Claire said the loo was spotless with “no queues”.

In terms of the sleeping situation, Claire “slept well throughout”.

This city break is one of those places where you can do everything on foot – perfect for soaking up the history, incredible food and affordable drinks

When it comes to holiday destinations, we in the UK are truly spoilt for choice, with continental Europe practically on our doorstep. It’s precisely why people travel from the far corners of the globe to settle here – drawn by the unrivalled access to a continent they might otherwise never explore.

Each year, my mum and I jet off together for a blissful and adventurous getaway, with me desperate to return to Italy while Mum was keen to add a fresh destination to her ever-growing list. After minimal deliberation, we agreed on Sicily as our next adventure – a magnificent fusion of rich history, sweeping coastline and an irresistible array of regional dishes we’d yet to sample.

Just over half of our trip was spent in the island’s second largest city, Catania, while the remaining days were whiled away exploring the capital, Palermo. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, indulgence and discovery – precisely what we both needed.

I’m a huge fan of a city break, and Palermo delivers on every front, while also offering easy access to the rest of the island – ideal for those seeking respite from the tourist crowds. The Sicilian capital is one of those rare cities where public transport becomes completely unnecessary, as virtually everything is within comfortable walking distance.

Just be prepared to dart between buildings for shade from the blazing sun. If you’re fond of impressive churches, atmospheric theatres and magnificent palazzos, Palermo has them in abundance, reports the Express.

Cattedrale di Palermo, Palazzo dei Normanni, and Teatro Massimo di Palermo are traditional must-sees, but the authentic city reveals itself amongst the twisting side streets and cobblestone lanes.

Architectural treasures are plentiful, though some might suggest they merely mask the island’s more recent violent past. We’d been advised beforehand against mentioning the mafia while in the city, yet one of the most compelling aspects of my visit was exploring the No Mafia Memorial.

While the activities and offences of the mafia and criminal gangs are portrayed in films and television, nothing truly prepares you for the overwhelming number of photographs documenting the harsh reality. The connection between the corrupt powerbrokers and sinister underworld was undeniable.

You’re left bewildered by just how much violence occurred. Nevertheless, this free museum provides a perspective you simply won’t discover on screen.

Naturally, all the architecture and heritage makes Palermo undeniably striking, yet the primary attraction for us was the regional food. Endless servings and dishes of fresh seafood and handmade pasta represents my gastronomic paradise.

You absolutely cannot skip a visit to Mercato Ballarò, a hidden alleyway brimming with stall after stall of meat, fish, vegetables, cheese, and fruit; whatever you’re after, Mercato Ballarò stocks it. The market is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

It’s a feast for all the senses, with a dazzling array of colours, aromas and sounds. It can be incredibly overwhelming, with vendors desperately trying to hawk their wares or entice you into their eatery.

Instead, try a comforting bowl of Zuppe Di Mare at Osteria Villena on Via Maqueda, a seafood stew generously packed with calamari, prawns, mussels and cod, all brought together with a San Marzano sauce. It’s salty, warming, satisfying and absolutely divine. I could have happily devoured several bowls.

For pasta lovers who still crave that seafood fix, the Tonnarelli Mare Mare is an absolute must. Yes, it may appear to be packed with tourists, but Osteria Villena is clearly doing something right, as every lunch and dinner sitting was completely full.

However, no visit to Sicily is truly complete without sampling one of its most abundant fish: swordfish.

Think of it as a white fish with the texture of a tuna steak when cooked, but with a distinctive flavour you simply won’t get from eating the likes of cod or haddock. Best enjoyed served with caponata.

If you enjoy a spot of people watching, my favourite haunt was Enotequa, a dark and atmospheric wine bar serving up crisp Sicilian wines in all varieties, €7 (£5.99) Aperol spritzes, and a meat and cheese board to round it all off for just €30 (approximately £25) for two people. If spritzes aren’t your cup of tea, a bottle or pint of beer will set you back between €4 to €5 (£3.42 to £4.28), according to Numbeo. London could never!

And make sure you sample a cannolo, packed with fresh ricotta cream and topped with as many nuts, chocolates and glace fruit as your heart desires.

Palermo is a paradise for anyone seeking a getaway that’s not too far from home. It boasts glorious weather, stunning architecture, and incredible food to match. Despite only spending two days there, I could quite easily have stayed far longer.

I’m still daydreaming about that seafood stew… and the spritzes, naturally.

A woman has shared her experience on board a popular train route through Switzerland, which offers stunning views of Alpine lakes, waterfalls and mountain villages – and it’s only £30

A train journey boasting spectacular views of sweeping lakes, mountain villages and much more has been turning heads – and it’ll only set you back £30. Visiting new destinations ranks among life’s most fulfilling and thrilling experiences, opening up fresh cultures, cuisines, ways of living, and a wealth of things to see and activities to do.

For those eager to book a trip away but anxious about the financial burden, a scenic rail journey could be just the ticket. Switzerland sits near the top of many people’s travel bucket lists, owing to its breathtaking alpine landscapes, world-class public transport network, and its legendary reputation for chocolate and cheese.

There’s something for everyone, whether you’re after an action-packed outdoor adventure such as skiing or hiking, or something more laid-back like soaking in mineral-rich thermal baths, leisurely cruises across glacial lakes, or exploring car-free alpine villages such as Mürren or Wengen.

One woman has been full of praise for the iconic Luzern-Interlaken Express, which is billed as “an unforgettable journey right into the heart of Switzerland”.

The nearly two-hour trip carries passengers “along the shores” of at least five “crystal-clear lakes”, “past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass”.

Sweeping panoramic windows ensure travellers can fully soak up the stunning scenery throughout the journey.

Travel enthusiast Dani Dimitrova captured her onboard experience on camera and posted the footage to TikTok. Over the clip, she included text referencing Switzerland’s notoriously pricey reputation: “‘Switzerland is so expensive’. This panoramic train is only £30.”

In the caption, she went into further detail: “Everyone says Switzerland is expensive… and then I found the panoramic train from Interlaken to Lucerne for around £30.

“The Lucerne-Interlaken Express is one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland, taking just under 2 hours and passing lakes, waterfalls, mountain villages and some of the most incredible Alpine views along the way.”

Dani also shared some handy tips for those thinking about making the journey. She said: “Sit on the right-hand side when travelling from Interlaken to Lucerne for some of the best lake and mountain views.”

She also encouraged travellers planning to visit during the busy summer season to “book in advance”. Dani also noted that for those holding a Swiss Travel Pass, the journey is covered but “seat reservations are optional and cost extra”.

Lastly, she suggested keeping cameras at the ready for “the entire trip” as “the views change every few minutes”.

Dani added: “Honestly, if you’re visiting Switzerland and only have time for one train journey, make it this one.”

In the comments section, other TikTok users asked how to book, with one person describing the train route as “magical”.

Train tickets can be booked directly through the Luzern-Interlaken Express website. If you’re eager to secure the best views, seat reservations can be made as early as six months before your departure date.

Fans have been gripped by the latest dramatic season of Clarkson’s Farm, but where is Diddly Squat actually located?

Fans should definitely pay a visit to The Farmer’s Dog.

Clarkson’s Farm fans want to know exactly where the iconic Diddly Squat Farm location actually is.

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson returned to Prime Video this year with another gripping instalment of the documentary series, which sees him taking on numerous farming challenges to highlight the insurmountable tasks facing modern British farmers.

However, Jeremy faced even more hardship in Season 5 as it kicked off with his emergency heart surgery in October 2024 and concluded with the announcement that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Thankfully, his cancer is now in remission and Diddly Squat is back in business for Season 6, which is expected to arrive on screens next summer.

Now filming is once again underway, let’s take a look at the precise location of Clarkson’s Farm.

Where is Clarkson’s Farm?

Jeremy’s Diddly Squat Farm is located in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in West Oxfordshire, England.

It’s just a short drive from the market town of Chipping Norton to the north, while to the south is the village of Chadlington.

Diddly Squat’s nearest major city is Oxford, which is about a 50 minute drive away.

The farm is also drivable from London in around two hours.

For visitors who want to reach the farm by public transport, the easiest route from London is the Great Western Railway from Paddington station to Charlbury.

From there, it’s just a 20 minute bus ride on the X9, which runs past the Diddly Squat Farm Shop managed by Jeremy’s partner Lisa Hogan.

If you’re travelling from Birmingham, it’s the Cross Country train to Worcestershire Parkway you want before getting the GWR to Charlbury and taking the same X9 bus. This can take around two and a half hours.

In addition to the farm itself, Jeremy also owns the iconic pub The Farmer’s Dog, which serves Diddly Squat’s very own Hawkstone lager.

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The pub is just a half-hour’s drive away from the farm by the Asthall Barrow roundabout on the A40, a few miles from the town of Burford.

While it’s definitely possible to visit both the farm and The Farmer’s Dog in the same day, those using public transport will find the journey a little trickier.

From the shop, you can take the X9 bus back past Charlbury and down to the town of Witney. This takes about 40 minutes.

Visitors can then take the shorter 234 bus to Burford and it’s then just a few minutes’ walk to the pub. All in all the journey should take just over an hour.

Clarkson’s Farm is available to stream on Prime Video.

Events and public transport have been cancelled with public drinking banned

Health warnings have been issued for peopel across Europe including in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. France has been cancelling trains, concerts and sports events and cracking down on public drinking as an exceptional heat wave unfurled across parts of Europe.

Multiple drownings were reported as people sought relief in whatever water they could find About a third of France is under “red alert″ heat and temperatures reached 40C in some areas, in a country where air-conditioning is not widespread.

The forecast for Monday is even hotter. The Eiffel Tower and other Paris venues set up misting stations to cool crowds, among a raft of measures introduced by authorities to minimise risks. Tourists in Rome dunked in fountains.

Spain’s Basque Country cancelled some sports and cultural events. More than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the last four years, and most of the fatalities were preventable, the World Health Organisation’s Europe office said this month.

More above-average temperatures are expected this summer, which can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Human-caused climate change is tied to increasing extreme weather events and UN climate agency projections say the next five years should shatter more heat records.

A rapid study found that human-caused climate change was responsible for killing about 1,500 people in an unusually early European heat wave in May. In this latest European hot spell, French media reported that four children drowned on Saturday.

Summer drownings are an annual problem that health authorities say worsens during hot spells. France’s annual Music Day on Sunday was of particular concern. The nationwide summer solstice celebration involves thousands of concerts in village squares, rave venues and Paris clubs, bringing communities together and increasingly drawing British and other international visitors.

Some of the concerts outside Paris were cancelled. The French government banned public drinking in “red alert” zones, and ordered organisers of music day events to limit alcohol consumption to “preserve emergency services and allow medics to concentrate on taking care of the most vulnerable”.

Scores of French trains were cancelled, and the national rail authority dispatched thousands of extra staff to deal with potential problems as the heat threatened rails and electrical cables. Authorities are notably worried about people living in the baking streets, and elderly people in nursing homes or isolated in their homes.

About 15,000 older people died in France in a 2003 heat wave that became a national reckoning. The government mobilised emergency services and military forces for reinforced wildfire readiness, imposed tightened surveillance of water supplies to France’s many nuclear reactors, and ordered 845 schools to close on Monday.

Spain kicked off the summer with large parts of the country on alert because of temperatures expected to hover around 40C — even in the interior of Basque Country, a northern region that typically experiences cooler temperatures. Authorities have suspended outdoor sports and cultural activities in the region.

The heatwave is expected to scorch Spain at least until Wednesday. In Italy, authorities expanded heat warnings — referred to locally as “red flags” — to eight cities on Sunday in northern and central parts of the country.

Temperatures there are mostly in the upper 30s. At one farm outside Milan, owners set up fans and sprinklers to keep cows cool, while visitors to Milan Fashion Week huddled under parasols and clutched fans.

In Rome, tourists dunked their arms and occasionally their faces into the city’s famed fountain pools. The German Weather Service is forecasting temperatures of up to 37C for Monday and Tuesday, and up to 39C on Wednesday.

A 23-year-old man drowned on Saturday in a lake near Rheinstetten in the south-western region of Baden-Wurttemberg, the German news agency dpa reported. Three other people are missing after swimming in the Rhine River, a police spokeswoman told dpa.

Thunderstorms also threatened regions in Germany and Poland. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is convening a new government heat crisis meeting on Sunday, and ordered government ministers to plan for better adapting France to heat waves in the future — including “via air conditioning, if necessary”.

Car hire is at its peak over summer, with people using them to travel around the UK and beyond. And getting it right is easy with a bit of knowhow, says travel expert Jamie Holt

Hiring a car is not particularly sexy nor glamorous – but it’s a task completed by Brits in their hundreds of thousands every summer. “We’re seeing families prioritise flexibility and convenience more than ever, whether that’s for a summer holiday abroad or a UK staycation,” says Jamie Holt, SIXT’s Head of Operations and Resident Travel Expert. “Whether it’s a week in Cornwall, a weekend in the Lake District, or driving straight from the airport to a resort abroad, people want the journey itself to feel easy and enjoyable.” Here he shares his top tips for getting it right.

Don’t leave it too late

Jamie says: “Summer is always busy, and family-friendly vehicles – SUVs, estates and 7-seaters- get booked up first, particularly during school holidays. Booking early gives you more choice, better value and the right vehicle for your trip. It’s also worth being realistic about space: once you add luggage, pushchairs and everything else, a slightly larger car makes the whole journey more comfortable.”

Embrace flexibility

Jamie says: “My biggest tip is to embrace the flexibility a car gives you – stop at a beach on the way down, visit smaller villages that are harder to reach by train, and avoid the pressure of fixed schedules. Make sure you plan for busy roads during peak weekends: setting off slightly earlier or later than the main rush makes a real difference. Keeping snacks, entertainment and chargers easily accessible helps too. We’re seeing more families turn short UK breaks into proper road trip experiences.”

Understand local rules when abroad

Jamie says: “Book in advance, especially in popular destinations where availability drops quickly in summer. Make sure you understand the local driving rules before you travel – speed limits, road signs and right-of-way rules can vary significantly. Check what’s included in your rental: unlimited kilometres, protection options and 24/7 breakdown assistance make a big difference abroad. And always take five minutes to familiarise yourself with the vehicle, the navigation system and local road apps before you set off.”

Book the right car for you

Jamie says: “Comfort and practicality should come first. People focus on price, but choosing the right vehicle completely changes the experience. At SIXT, we specialise in premium vehicles, so customers can expect a comfortable drive from the moment they collect the car. For summer, whether you’re heading on a UK road trip or hiring abroad, SUVs and larger family vehicles are popular because they offer the room and comfort that longer journeys demand. Think beyond getting from A to B; the journey should feel like part of the holiday.”

Take five minutes before setting off

Jamie says: “It makes a real difference, especially when driving somewhere unfamiliar or abroad. Before anything else, do a full walk-around of the car and take photos and videos – it only takes a moment and gives you peace of mind for the journey ahead. Check the navigation system, phone connectivity, charging points and child seat fittings before leaving the branch. Test how luggage fits in the boot rather than assuming it will all squeeze in later. Travel days can already feel hectic during summer, so a little preparation upfront helps everything run more smoothly.”

Plan, plan, plan

Jamie says: “Extra planning goes a long way during peak season. Whether you’re collecting from an airport, heading off on a staycation or navigating busy roads, giving yourself extra time helps. Keep an eye on live traffic updates and avoid the busiest routes where you can. If you’re travelling with children, build regular breaks into the journey. Hiring a car through SIXT already takes a lot off your plate – with flexible booking, 24/7 support and out-of-hours returns, families can focus on enjoying the trip.”

Hire straight from the airport

Jamie says: “Hiring straight from the airport removes unnecessary stress. After a flight, the last thing you want is to navigate train connections or wait for taxis with lots of luggage. Having a car ready means you continue your journey comfortably and on your own schedule – especially useful in destinations abroad where public transport is limited. We also see strong demand for same-day and short-notice bookings during summer, so flexibility is built in for when plans change.”

Look beyond the headline price

Jamie says: “Features like unlimited kilometres, vehicle protection and 24/7 breakdown assistance make a huge difference, particularly for families driving long distances or abroad. Adding an extra driver for longer trips is also worth considering – sharing the driving makes the experience more relaxed, especially with children. And for UK staycations, you can often book and collect from city centres and local branches, not just airports.”

Think about the journey as part of the holiday…

…”not just the transport,” says Jamie. “The smoother the travel day, the better the trip starts for everyone. Booking early not only gives you the widest choice of vehicle categories – it’s also where you’ll find the best rates, with SIXT’s prepay option offering great value and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. At SIXT, we’re making it easier than ever to hit the road – browse the premium fleet at sixt.co.uk or download the SIXT app to book from our nationwide network including city centres such as London, Manchester, and airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and many more. SIXT gives people the freedom to travel on their own schedule, make spontaneous stops, and avoid the stress of crowded stations or peak-time public transport.”

People with hidden disabilities tend to use this as a way of making others aware

Travel can be made easier for some people living with an invisible disability or health condition by wearing a ‘Sunflower Lanyard’. Hundreds of airports around the world recognise it and what it may mean for some passengers – but not every airport is the same.

The Sunflower Lanyard isn’t recognised everywhere. Although many airlines and airports around the world support it, some international airports and locations ask you to use their own specific hidden disability programs or badges to get access to special fast-track lanes, priority boarding, or customised assistance.

Employees at participating venues are trained to recognise the lanyard and offer specific help, such as using simpler language, giving you extra time to process information, or guiding you to a quieter space. But, not every part of the world will instantly recognise or understand the lanyard.

On the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website, it says: “It’s a misconception that people living with a disability don’t want to, or can’t travel. They do and they can. Globally, one billion people live with some sort of disability, and while some experience a disability that is visible, for many it is not visible.”

The system is designed for any condition that isn’t immediately obvious to others, including conditions like neurodivergence, mental health, sensory impairments, and chronic conditions, to name a few. The lanyard does not reveal your specific medical condition or disability.

What parts of the world accept and follow the Sunflower system?

According to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website, hundreds of airports and airlines do recognise the lanyards. As of April 2026, the number was around 325 – but checking the specific airport’s accessibility page can give more details such as finding out if staff can provide free Sunflower lanyards and where to collect them.

Because the lanyard operates on an “opt-in” basis for businesses, an airport will not recognise it unless its staff have been explicitly trained to do so. Holiday hotspot Spain made headlines because its airport authority (Aena) rolled out its own alternative system.

Most other non-participating airports simply do not recognise the lanyard at all, instead of replacing it with a local version. Outside of a few specific exceptions (such as Singapore Changi, Tokyo Haneda, and select major airports in India), the scheme is not widely adopted or understood by security staff across Asia and Africa.

What isthesystem

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard system is an initiative that allows people to discreetly let others know that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional support, time, or help. Wearing the bright green lanyard that features yellow sunflowers indicates to trained staff that you have a hidden condition.

Anyone who feels they have a non-visible disability can use the lanyard. You do not need to show medical records or a doctor’s letter to get or wear one.

The system is designed for any condition that isn’t immediately obvious to others, including conditions like neurodivergence, mental health, sensory impairments, and chronic conditions, to name a few. For more information, click here.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled, official data from June 3 indicates

A UK tourist hotspot has been rocked by disruption today. Officials in Portugal say 44.7% of flights scheduled to Portuguese airports on the day of a general strike today, Wednesday, June 3, were cancelled.

Portuguese media reports say that out of 1,472 flights scheduled across the country, at least 658 were cancelled, officials say. Of the 658 flights scheduled for Lisbon Airport, 408 have been cancelled, equivalent to 62%.

EasyJet had said in advance that its passengers would be affected. It said on the eve of the strike: “Due to a national strike in Portugal on 3 June, like all airlines operating to and from the country we can expect some disruption to our flying programme. We will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action and will contact customers directly with their options if their flights are affected.

“While this is outside of our control we are sorry for any inconvenience this strike action may cause.” Ryanair said it would not be affected.

Sapo reports that the second-highest percentage of cancelled flights is in Ponta Delgada, where 41% of the 118 scheduled flights will not take place, according to ANA information. In Porto and Faro, nearly a third of flights will be cancelled.

In Madeira, 23% of the 102 scheduled flights were cancelled. Almost all flights were reportedly cancelled in advance. This enabled notifying passengers and rescheduling flights, local media reports said.

The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPAC) said that of the 508 scheduled flights, “329 flights have already been cancelled, that is, 65% of the operations planned for June 3”.

The strikes, which also affected public transport and other services in the country, were the second in six month called over proposed government labour reforms.

A GuruWalk study found the world’s most walkable destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history

The old adage that the best things in life are free rings particularly true when it comes to travel. Exploring a city on foot, rather than wrestling with bewildering public transport networks or splashing out on car hire, is one of the finest ways to immerse yourself in unfamiliar surroundings — and it won’t cost you a penny.

Free walking tours are a firm favourite amongst seasoned travellers as a brilliant way to get acquainted with a new city while soaking up a bit of local history.

Europe is brimming with historic cities where you can stroll between landmarks in just a few minutes, including Cordoba in Spain, whose magnificent Old Town has even earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

The ability to simply wander up to a World Heritage Site is a remarkable privilege that’s easy to overlook, yet far from an everyday occurrence. But when it comes to exploring your surroundings on foot, one European city — dubbed an “open-air museum” — stands head and shoulders above the rest as the ultimate walkable destination.

A study by GuruWalk, the world’s largest platform for free walking tours, has crowned Rome the most walkable destination on the planet for “travellers fascinated by ancient history”, drawing on the preferences of more than four million users of the platform.

The city’s historic centre is packed with unmissable sights, while its surrounding streets and winding cobblestone alleyways are frequently too narrow for traffic to navigate, making it an absolute must for exploring on foot.

Many of Rome’s most iconic attractions, including The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are within a mere 20-minute stroll of one another, with countless stunning Baroque piazzas to pause at along the way.

The oldest surviving structure in Rome, the present-day Pantheon — which originally functioned as a temple dedicated to Roman deities — was finished in 126 AD and sits encircled by three of the city’s most cherished squares: Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, and Campo de Fiori, reports the Express.

Reflecting on the awe-inspiring monument, one Tripadvisor reviewer remarked: “We didn’t get to go in so this review is only in regards to the outside. I thought it was so cool to see. You’re walking through a city and suddenly walk right next to this beautiful ancient structure. There’s so much history to it!”

Indeed, there’s no finer method of immersing yourself in Ancient Rome than by meandering through its storied streets. A visit to the Vatican — the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and location of one of the world’s grandest churches, St Peter’s Basilica — wouldn’t be complete without popping into the nearby Pizzarium.

This beloved Roman establishment, famed for its pizza al taglio (by the slice), is adored by both residents and tourists, and there’s an abundance more to discover while exploring — from velvety gelato and piping hot bowls of pasta to a crisp Aperol Spritz to round things off.

If you find yourself worn out from all that strolling, there’s plenty of coffee bars to choose from, but be aware that milky coffees are only deemed acceptable before 11am, with tradition suggesting it’s wise to order an espresso after that time.

According to GuruWalk’s 2026 top ranking for Rome, it stated: “Rome has captivated travellers for over 2,700 years thanks to its unparalleled historical legacy. Walking through its cobblestone alleyways reveals one treasure after another: the Colosseum, where gladiators battled before 50,000 spectators, the Pantheon with its unreinforced concrete dome that remains the largest in the world, and the baroque fountains that spring up at every corner. Every step transports you through empires, popes, and renaissances.”

GuruWalk’s top 10 walkable cities in 2026:

1. Rome, Italy
2. Madrid, Spain
3. Budapest, Hungary
4. Prague, Czech Republic
5. Lisbon, Portugal
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Porto, Portugal
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. London, United Kingdom
10. Berlin, Germany