Vacations in Rome

Vacations in Rome

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  • There are loads of types of vacations in Rome and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $451; Family vacation $401; Romantic vacation $507; Luxury vacation $492; Budget vacation $342.

Why should you book a vacation package to Rome?

Rome vacation packages make planning and booking much easier. Not only will you save with access to the most attractive rates, you'll be able to effortlessly match flight times to available hotels. Instead of spending time booking Rome flight and hotels separately, you can complete the process in one step.

When should you book a vacation package to Rome?

July and August are the most popular months and tend to be a little more expensive. However, you can always find competitively priced Rome travel deals. Some of the best Rome vacation packages are available in spring or fall. The city is less busy and queues for famous attractions like the Sistine Chapel are shorter.

Where should you stay in Rome during your vacation?

For any vacation type in rome:.

The Marcella Royal Hotel is perfect for singles, couples, or families. This Neo-Renaissance building is eight minutes from the metro and 15 minutes from the Via Vittorio Veneto. There is a shuttle service to and from Rome Fiumicino International Airport.

The Palazzo Martini is ideally located just one minute from the famous Baths of Diocletian. It's perfect for those who want upscale Rome vacation deals and easy access to the city's top attractions. Take a taxi or board the airport shuttle.

For family vacations in Rome:

You might consider the Hotel Mondial if you're browsing inexpensive Rome travel deals for your family vacation. Hop on the shuttle bus or take a train from the airport; the hotel is just a six-minute walk from Termini station.

Try the Hotel Ripa Roma, a chic design hotel on a bustling street 1.9 miles from the Colosseum and 2.4 miles from St. Peter's Basilica. Take the Leonardo Express to nearby Termini Station. The train departs from Rome Fiumicino at 30-minute intervals.

For romantic vacations in Rome:

Couples will adore the Palazzo Manfredi. A Relais & Chateaux hotel, it combines the opulence of a 17th century Italian Villa with chic, modern rooms and outstanding service. Take the complimentary shuttle from Rome International Airport.

Villa Clementina is perfect for couples who want Rome vacation packages that really meet their needs. Facilities at this sleek villa include a mineral water pool, a tennis court, a spa, a bar, and a 2-hectare garden. It's also easy to reach by taxi from the airport.

For luxury vacations in Rome:

Set in a grand 1930s Neo-Renaissance building on trendy Via Veneto Vittoria, the Ambasciatori Palace Hotel is an inspired choice for luxurious Rome getaways. It's 1.8 miles from the Colosseum and a short walk from the Trevi Fountain. Take a taxi or hire a limo from the airport.

Choose the prestigious Hotel Lunetta in the historic Parisi district for special Rome trips. You'll enjoy a range of amenities that includes a chic luxury spa, a rooftop bar, an indoor pool, and an airport shuttle service.

For budget vacations in Rome:

Suite Valadier enjoys an exceptional location between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna and it's a great solution if you're searching for cheap Rome vacation packages. Take a taxi or rent a car at the airport to drive to the hotel via the A91.

Located in the EUR business and financial district, Warmhotel Rome is the ideal base from which to discover the city on a budget. There's an American-style bar and a restaurant, and you can book shuttle bus transfers to and from the airport for a small fee.

Where to stay in Rome

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2 days in rome itinerary: best of rome in 48 hours (+ map).

Are you planning to spend 2 days in Rome and are looking for the best things to put on your Rome itinerary? I am here to help!

This guide will help you plan your entire weekend in Rome, Italy— from where to eat to the can’t-miss landmarks that are an itinerary essential! At the end, I also list things to do for those who have 3 days in Rome (or more!).

If youʻre booking your trip to Rome  last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

🇮🇹  Top Experiences and Tours in Rome:

  • Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill priority ticket & tour (top-selling option!)
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel skip the line ticket  (another top seller!)
  • Rome food tour with a local guide (a personal favorite)

🛌  Top Hotels in Rome:

  • Roma Luxus Hotel (stylish rooms in the Monti district)
  • Apartment Vatican Vista (has views over the Vatican)
  • The RomeHello (budget option, close to Trevi Fountain)

🚗  Looking for the best way to get around Rome? Click here to check rental car rates for Italy!

You can actually see a lot in Rome in 48 hours if you plan ahead. The public transportation is pretty good, and a lot of the Eternal City’s main sites are easy to visit on foot.

2 days in Rome itinerary - map, where to stay, and more!

Do you have any questions about this guide to spending two days in Rome? Let me know in the comments!

In this post...

How This Rome Itinerary Works

Best time to visit rome, how to get around rome, 2 days in rome itinerary: overview, day 1 in rome (main attractions), day 2 in rome (vatican city), where to eat (and drink) in rome, do you have 3 days in rome or longer, two days in rome: on a map, where to stay in rome, italy, more rome travel guides, pin this weekend in rome itinerary.

On my Rome itinerary, I have structured it so that I can help you break down days 1 and 2 with added information about how to visit each place there. You can see an overview of those places before I detail the information!

Also on here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions. I break down when the best time to visit Rome is, as well as how to get around the city.

Strolling around Centrocelle in winter

At the end, I give you a map (I hope it helps!) and also some additional places in case you have three days in Rome (or more). There are some day trip options as well as some attractions that I think are worthy of a visit if you have more than just a short weekend.

You will also find a section about where to stay. I am listing some of my top accommodation choices in Rome that are catered toward a first-time visitor (I recommend those revisiting to stay outside the center a bit for a truly Roman experience).

Have additional questions? Please feel free to reach out to me, and I will do my best to answer.

Rome is a destination that’s wonderful to visit at any time of the year. 

The high season is between Easter (March–April) and September due to the nicer weather (but summer can be a scorcher). You can also expect to see crowds around the Christian holidays, such as Christmas . 

View from my Rome apartment in December

If you want to avoid the large crowds and expensive prices, October to April is a great time to consider visiting. Just beware, it can be a little rainy!

Between March and May seems like the golden spot because you will stay out of the way of some of the larger crowds, but you can still take advantage of the warm weather.

In Rome, the most popular ways of getting around include the metro, bus, tram, urban railway, and taxis.

Although it’s Europe’s smallest metro system, you can get around via the three lines that run between 5:30 AM and 11:30 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the metro is open until 1:30 AM. You can purchase tickets at the stations.

Since the metro isn’t extensive, you might also be encouraged to take a bus. There are over 350 bus lines, which can get confusing, so you can check out the routes here .

The Metro does stop at some popular spots in Rome!

Trams tend to be cleaner and faster, but they don’t go to the city center, making them less popular among tourists. 

You can also try the urban railway, which runs in three lines: Rome-Lido, Rome-Viterbo, and Rome-Giardinetti. They run from 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and the trains leave every 10–20 minutes. 

Finally, you can go for a tried-and-true taxi, but Roman taxi drivers don’t have the best reputation, and you might find yourself paying more than you would in other European cities.

The minimum fare on weekdays is 3 euros. But Uber works in Rome just fine, so I recommend that!

Day 1 Overview (Main Attractions)

Spanish steps, trevi fountain, piazza navona, altar of the fatherland.

  • Forum and Palatine Hill

Circus Maximus

  • Dinner and drinks in Trastevere

Day 2 Overview (Vatican)

  • St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Museums

Sistine chapel, piazza del popolo.

  • Terrazza del Pincio

Start your Roman holiday on the Spanish Steps , where Audrey Hepburn was eating her gelato in the “Roman Holiday” movie. The site is a giant, sumptuous 138-step stone staircase that leads you from the Piazza di Spagna to the Piazza Trinita dei Monti.

Built at the beginning of the 18th century, the steps connect Piazza di Spagna and the Church of Trinità dei Monti.

While climbing up the stairs, you will see famous sculptures and sites: the Fontana della Barcaccia (fountain of the stone ship), the Keats-Shelley House, Via dei Condotti, and more.

Spanish Steps in Rome - an itinerary must!

Part of the Old City, the Spanish Steps are now a place for artists, poets, and painters. Every year in July , the steps are transformed into a fashion runway for the Donne Sotto le Stelle fashion show.

If you are planning to visit Rome in spring, check the dates to see when the steps are covered with thousands of pink azaleas to mark the beginning of spring.

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

It’s hard to imagine Rome without the Trevi Fountain , so your next destination on the Piazza di Trevi is “the jewel of water and stone.” Hands down, this is the world’s most beautiful fountain, built during the Renaissance. 

The Trevi Fountain is built against the back of the Palazzo Poli. Underneath the arch is the statue of the nautical god Neptune, with winged horses and tritons.

Trevi Fountain at night (it was too crowded!)

Most of the day, the site is overcrowded with tourists, and it’s quite challenging to get a closer look at the sculptures’ carvings and details.

Once you are at the Trevi Fountain, throw three coins into the water: one to return to Rome, one to fall in love with an Italian, and one to marry the person you met.

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM

The Trevi Fountain is just one of many splendid fountains in Rome.

Head to Piazza Navona to find one of the most charming places in Rome with three more fountains: the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the Fontana del Moro, and the Fontana del Nettuno.

An interesting fact is that until the mid-nineteenth century, the drains of the fountains were blocked, and the square was turned into the “Lake of Piazza Navona.” 

Today, it is a beautiful baroque-style square surrounded by small restaurants with terraces where you can enjoy evening Rome with a glass of wine.

You can also have an incredible view of the whole square from Terrazzo Borromini, a rooftop cafe, where you can enjoy a drink. Also, try “Il Tartuffo” at Tre Scalini, the world-famous dessert and a local specialty.

Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM

Finish with Piazza Navona and head to another square, Piazza Della Rotondo, to find the Pantheon , the best-preserved building from Roman times. 

The most recognizable Roman building was built in 27 BCE and still stands completely intact. Every detail and carving is unique and deserves your attention!

Rome's Pantheon

But the most impressive part is the oculus of the Pantheon, a hole in the dome with a diameter of 8.7 meters (28 feet). It lets the light in and illuminates the walls, making the building even more impressive and majestic.

The Pantheon is free to visit, but it requires online reservations in advance on weekends and public holidays. When finished exploring the Pantheon, head to the cafe Sant’Eustachio to taste the best espresso with a cornetto. 

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM

From ancient Rome to the new Italy, there is one step and a grand monument in the city center. The 19th-century Altar of the Fatherland is the symbol of Italy as a unified peninsula.

Altare della Patria is just a small part of a colossal structure with the official name of Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II. It stands on the way to the Colosseum, giving you the best views of the Colosseum and Rome.

Ask a local about the name of the monument, and they will call it “Wedding Cake,” “the False Teeth,” or “the Typewriter.” Those are not compliments. The thing is that locals think the monument distorts the historical city backdrop.

Whether it’s true or not, you will have to check it out yourself! But I think it is a must on this itinerary and a place worth seeing.

Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM

Finally, you have reached the Colosseum, the epitome of the history and architecture of ancient Rome. One of the world’s New Seven Wonders is located in the Piazza del Colosseo in Rome.

It is surrounded by other famous monuments: the Arch of Constantine, the Domus Aurea, the Roman Forum, and the Roman Circus. The combined ticket to the Colosseum includes access to these sites as well. 

Aram at the Colosseum

You will see the Arena Floor, where gladiators fought to the death; the Underground, with tunnels where gladiators and wild animals were kept in cages; and the Emperor’s Seats on both sides of the stadium on the ground floor. 

Be prepared for very long lines at the ticket windows, or you can buy tickets online and save time (the ticket also includes a guided tour, which is pretty cool).

If you do pre-purchase, you will need to pick a time slot, so planning your itinerary is imperative so you don’t miss the time!

Leave your large bags at the hotel because you will not be allowed to enter the monument with them. The Colosseum is wheelchair-accessible. 

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

After exploring the Colosseum, visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill , historic sites next to the Colosseum.

The Roman Forum was the center of political, judicial, and economic life. It was the site of the Senate and the place where Caesar’s body was carried after his assassination.

Standing in the middle of the Roman Forum, you will be part of history.

The Forum is included on your Colosseum ticket

Palatine Hill rises above the Forum. The hill was the site of emperor palaces, with pools, fountains, and a sports stadium. Walk to the top of Palatine Hill to the Severian Arcades to see the magnificent view of the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum.

Make sure to spend a couple of hours exploring all the historical buildings: the House of the Vestals, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, and more.

You can access the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill with a combined ticket to the Colosseum if you visit the sites within a day. 

Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM

The last destination for today is the largest stadium in ancient Rome, located between the Palatine and Aventine hills. At one time, it could accommodate over 150,000 spectators.

Chariot races were the main attraction in the Circus Maximus , racing for seven laps across a sandy stadium.

Today, Circo Massimo is in ruins, but with a bit of imagination, you will see how the stadium looked in the 6th century BC. Covered with grass, it is now a park where locals and tourists relax after a long walk around the sites.

You can enter the park for free every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Address: Via del Circo Massimo, 00186 Roma RM

Grab Dinner and Drinks in Trastevere 

It is time to enjoy the rest of the day by having a good portion of Italian food in Trastevere , a popular neighborhood with many street cafes, restaurants, and bars. 

If you want the best experience in Trastevere, visit Bar San Calisto , the oldest bar that is a cafe from 6 a.m. with coffee and pastries, a lively restaurant for the evening, and a bar with drinks till 2 a.m.

Trastevere is a great place for food and drinks

There is Enoteca La Vite for wine lovers, with local wines by the glass, considerable portions of snacks, and marinated vegetables enjoyed on the terrace. 

Next to San Calisto , you will see a modern bar with an exclusive craft cocktail menu. The list is often updated with new names.

Tasting cocktails is part of the fun, but watching how bartenders perform a masterclass in shaking, straining, and juicing your cocktail is a true performance. 

St. Peter’s Basilica

The second day of your tour will be devoted to the Vatican City, starting with St. Peter’s Basilica . The center of pilgrimage for all Catholics, the world’s largest church, and the Pope’s residence are the Vatican’s main attractions.

Inside, the Renaissance-style Basilica is decorated with impressive art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà statue, St. Peter on his throne, and St. Peter’s Baldachin. Every piece of wall is pure art, so take your time to enjoy everything.

St. Peter’s Basilica

After exploring the wall paintings and carvings, look up to the 130-meter-high (427-foot-high) Buonarroti Dome, designed by Michelangelo. 

When visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, you should follow several rules. Two of the most notable ones are:

  • Make sure to be dressed decently with covered shoulders and knees.
  • If you have tattoos, make sure to cover them too. Before entering the church, you will be asked to leave your backpacks, strollers, and suitcases. 

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

From St. Peter’s Basilica, packed with impressions, head to the Vatican Museums , one of the largest museums with priceless religious objects and Roman artifacts. It is a complex of 26 different museums, each with its own history.

You can learn everything from audioguides that will lead you through the main attractions: the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and more.

With an audioguide, your tour will last more than 3 hours because you will stop at each artwork and listen to the story. 

Like any attraction in Rome , there are huge ticket queues. To escape the lines and not waste time, make sure you buy tickets beforehand (the price for online tickets may be a little high, but they will help you save time).

Keep in mind that the dress code is mandatory in churches and other Vatican sites. 

Part of your Vatican Tour, the Sistine Chapel is a must-see historical site and the architectural masterpiece of Vatican City, Rome, and the world in general.

The ceiling is the most valuable part of the chapel; it is all covered with frescoes by Botticelli, Luca, Perugino, and Michelangelo.

Fresco at the Vatican

On Friday nights during the summer, the chapel and the other Vatican sites are less crowded, so you will have a chance to explore them without crowds of tourists. Also, you may consider going for an early bird tour before 8 am, before the main tourist flow has arrived.

Before your day is over in Rome, visit Piazza del Popolo , the northern gateway that was the main entrance to Rome during the Roman Empire.

You will see magnificent Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto churches, an Egyptian obelisk to Ramesses II, and Santa Maria del Popolo with its two canvases by Caravaggio. 

Once in the Piazza del Popolo, take a short walk between two churches to the shopping streets to find yourself in Rome’s most popular shopping area.

Piazza del Popolo

A perfect shopping day ends with fine dining at a restaurant near the square.

If you have time and energy, take a walk to Villa Borghese, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, with lots of activities.

I, however, think that Villa Borghese requires a bit more time than just an extra hour, so I did list it as an added landmark to see if you have more than 48 hours in Rome.

Address: Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Roma RM

Watch the Sunset at Terrazza del Pincio

The day comes to an end, and there is little time to enjoy Rome before sunset. From Piazza del Popolo, take a stroll to the Pincio terrace and wide promenade overlooking the square and Rome and leading to the Villa Borghese.

Sunset from Terrazza del Pincio

It is a free attraction, giving you a bunch of emotions and memories. If you are a sucker for viewpoints, you won’t get much better than the one from the terrace!

Address: Salita del Pincio, 00187 Roma RM

Located in Trastevere, one of the most crowded districts of Rome, Tonnarello is a popular venue for fine dining in Rome. You may even expect lines at peak meal times, but you will never regret it. 

Every Italian dinner should start with a bottle of red wine, so you can start sipping your wine while waiting for your food. For starters, guests have reviewed bruschettas and calamari as the best options.

There is a wide choice of main dishes, but no matter which one you choose, it will be beyond your expectations. Finish your dinner with a cup of coffee, and you will get it served with a plate of homemade biscuits without extra cost. 

Pizza della Madonna dei Monti

Serving some of the best ravioli, lasagna, and pizzas in Rome, Piazza Della Madonna dei Monti restaurant should definitely be included in your must-visit list.

The location is great to visit after you tour the Colosseum and nearby sites.

Promoting and protecting small farm businesses, the restaurant has chosen the fare un menu ‘tutto votato all’etica (to make a menu with ethics). That’s why the dishes are so tasty and always fresh. 

You can have delicious cordial, margaritas, or wine for evening cocktails and drinks. Also, try homemade beers that make the best match with pizzas.

Mr. 100 Tiramisu

There are perfect things in this life, and one of them is tiramisu at Mr. 100 Tiramisu . With terrific service, typical Italian vibes, and the most delicious tiramisu ever, this place will become one of your highlights in Rome!

Tiramisu is a must in Italy

Besides the well-known tiramisu, Mr. 100 Tiramisu serves the best bruschetta, burrata salad, meat and cheese platters with wine, and so many other delicacies you need to try. 

The reason why every guest simply falls in love with this place could be the exquisite tiramisu or wine, but it is the excellent service that makes you feel so special. 

Taverna Romana

Your tour of Via della Madonna dei Monti may be made more memorable with a dinner in Taverna Romana , a Rome favorite for both tourists and locals for its delicious Roman cuisine. 

The menu of the tavern offers all the classics of Italian cuisine, following the seasons and using products from the Lazio region, the Roman countryside.

Some of the signature dishes are gnocchi and truffle pasta. For dessert, you can try tiramisu and chocolate pie with espresso.

Osteria Barberini

At the end of your leisurely walk around the Piazza Barberini, you will find the famous Osteria Barberini restaurant, known for its best truffle dishes in Rome.

Besides truffles, the restaurant is a top destination for authentic Italian cuisine and the tastiest spaghetti carbonara, white risotto, and lasagna. Most of the dishes are finished with the refined flavor of truffle. 

The wine list is made to match the mouth-watering dishes, but the dessert menu is the one to pay special attention to. Try the perfectly cooked strawberry tiramisu, parfait, and raspberry cheesecake!

If you are spending a long weekend in Rome, here are some additional places and day trips for you to add to your itinerary.

Villa Borghese Grounds and Gallery

Villa Borghese , occupying over 200 acres of green park, is the largest and one of the most beautiful places in Rome.

Initially built for Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century, the building is now home to some world-class museums, including the Galleria Borghese and Casa del Cinema.

The park is too large to escape crowds, so you can enjoy the natural beauty without running into a lot of tourists.

Villa Borghese

To see everything around, rent a bike from rental services and start with Parco dei Daini, which leads to the Borghese Gallery and the zoo.

Go inside the Villa Borghese to find a lovely pond, and rent a boat for 3 euros to enjoy a ride.

You can explore the Borghese Gallery at your own pace, be guided by museum staff (in Italian or English), or book a tour guide outside the museum . Either way, there are maps all over the park so that you won’t get lost.

You can finish your day in a small cafe in the Borghese Gallery basement reception, eating snacks and pastries with coffee.

Address: Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Roma RM

Castel Sant’Angelo

The imposing Castel Sant’Angelo is the only building that has stood for 2,000 years and witnessed the development of Rome. This fortress is located on the right bank of the Tiber River, not far from the Vatican. 

A spiral ramp leads to each of the five floors of the Castel of Sant’Angelo. On the first floor, you will see the tomb of Emperor Hadrian.

The prison occupies the second floor. Going up, you will see weapons, Renaissance paintings, and sculptures. On the 4th floor, you can enter the rooms decorated with Renaissance-style frescoes that once served as a papal residence.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Go to the terrace to see a beautiful view of the river and Archangel Michael’s bronze statue. 

During the high season, queues are common at the Castle of the Holy Angel. Booking in advance is , therefore, a good idea.

Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (Vatican)

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major basilicas in Rome and the largest of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 

Located on the summit of Esquiline Hill, a 4th-century basilica. Inside, you will see a restored facade and interior with marble floors, columns from other Roman buildings, and fifth-century mosaics.

Don’t forget to look up and see the ceiling decorations from the Renaissance period and Baroque-era domes.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

The gold you will see was the first gold brought to Europe in the 1400s. The basilica is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (free entrance).

Don’t forget to wear a proper outfit to cover your shoulders and knees. Visit the church after sunset to see 130 light projectors illuminating the facade, the bell tower, and two domes, Sistina and Paolina. 

Address: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM

Walk around the Monti Neighborhood

Located in the heart of Rome, between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia, the Monti neighborhood attracts tourists with its history, cobbled alleys, and cool restaurants.

To experience Monti like a local, be there at aperitivo time (from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) when everyone is gathering on the fountain’s steps to chill.

Another thing you can do is start at noon by visiting the churches and main attractions, then take breaks at cafes for a snack and coffee with gelato.

Overlooking Monti in Rome

For the rest of the day, you can continue exploring the neighborhood before sunset and then have a glass of wine on one of the cafe terraces on Piazza della Madonna ai Monti. Alternatively, you can even take a food tour of Monti !

For weekend shopping, Mercato Monti will give you a lot of emotions and experience with vintage and handmade jewelry. If you get there at noon, have lunch at L’Asino d’Oro or taste traditional dishes in La Carbonara restaurant. 

The National Roman Museum

The National Roman Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums, showcasing ancient Greco-Roman art.

The museum is located in four buildings: the Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian, the Crypta Balbi, and the Palazzo Massimo. All four are very impressive and worth your attention.

You will have a chance to see the best-preserved Roman frescos, an impressive collection of mosaics from the 2nd century AD, and unique jewels.

All the exhibitions are chronologically divided into themes, so you will feel like you are traveling through time. The buildings are equipped with elevators on the ground and second floors for disabled visitors.

Also, each building has wheelchairs for visitors with limited mobility.

Address: Largo di Villa Peretti, 2, 00185 Roma RM

Take a Day Trip to Tivoli (Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana)

A relaxing one-day trip to scenic Tivoli is one of the best ways to escape the bustle of Rome.

From the Rome Termini train station, you will get to Villa d’Este in only 40 minutes to explore the beautiful 16th-century palace with gardens, one of the best-preserved examples of the Renaissance era with the most incredible collection of ancient fountains.

Tivoli

Starting at 10 a.m., the Fountain of the Organ performs a terrific show every two hours for visitors. You can also take an audio guide to learn about the site’s history and watch the introductory video in the multimedia room. 

Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, so you may be lucky to enjoy this beauty for free. You can enjoy the beauty of Villa d’Este from early morning until sunset.

Some of my top places to stay (for any budget) in Rome are: 

If this is your first time visiting Rome, I suggest staying closer to the city center to maximize your time! If you have been to Rome before, I think you can easily stay a bit outside of the center and enjoy the local neighborhoods of Rome.

Did I miss any of the best spots to see with only 2 days in Rome?

Let me know what I missed on this Rome itinerary in the comments. Thanks!

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Are you spending 2 days in Rome on your upcoming Italy trip and are looking for the perfect Rome itinerary? I plan your trip for you in this guide. Map included! | Two days in Rome | 48 hours in Rome | Rome in 48 hours | Rome in 2 days | Rome in two days | 3 days in Rome | Itinerary for Rome | What to do in Rome | Things to do in Rome | Weekend in Rome | Weekend trip to Rome | Rome weekend trip

Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.

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Your Rome Vacation

Reserve a Rome vacation package that has everything you need and nothing you don't. Good for shopping, bars and pubs and history, think about basing yourself in the neighborhood of Rome Historic Centre. Fill your itinerary with visits to St. Peters Basilica , Roman Forum and Pantheon , some of the things you should see during your trip to Rome. Expedia can help you escape the everyday. Tailor your vacation to Rome to suit your style of travel, whatever that may be!

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Hotel Mancino 12

Hotel Mancino 12

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024

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Grand Hotel Olympic

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Where to stay in Rome

Via del Corso which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Rome City Centre

Follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans when you tour the Eternal City's most well-known historical sites and see where it started almost 3,000 years ago.

Rome Historic Centre showing a statue or sculpture, a fountain and a square or plaza

Rome Historic Centre

Enclosed by Aurelian Walls, this UNESCO-listed historic district boasts numerous museums, including the Capitoline Museums and Scuderie del Quirinale. Well-connected by public transport including the Roma Termini and Roma Ostiense stations which are nearby.

Roman Forum showing a ruin and heritage architecture

Municipio I

If you're spending time in Municipio I, check out sights like Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps and hop on the metro to see more the city at Spagna Station or Barberini Station.

Passeggiata del Gianicolo featuring a sunset, a city and landscape views

Narrow cobbled streets lined by ancient houses give this area a charming character. Enjoy lively pubs and restaurants at night, while being close to international academic institutions and the River Tiber.

Piazza Navona showing a square or plaza, a fountain and a city

Discover magnificent squares, art-filled churches, museums that celebrate Roman history and charming al fresco cafes and restaurants in this part of Rome’s Historic Centre.

Rome Essential Information

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Hotel Quirinale

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

UNAHOTELS Decò Roma

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in rome.

A true architectural heavyweight, the 2,000-year-old Colosseum is often considered one of the seven “modern” wonders of the world.

Trevi Fountain

Rome is a city abundant in world-class water features, but none more stunning, or more famous, than the Trevi Fountain.

Piazza Navona

The old papal buildings have altered little over the centuries, but still act as an open-air hub for cafés and street entertainers.

What to do in Rome

Skip the line: premium colosseum tour with roman forum & palatine hill, tivoli full day trip from rome: hadrian's villa and villa d'este, other vacations you might like.

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The eternal city, explore the masterpiece that is rome, filled with timeless wonders that will astound you..

Vacation in the world's greatest open-air museum, revisit the past as you tour the Colosseum, and marvel at the wonders in the Vatican Museum. Take your afternoon espresso in St. Peter's Square and don't forget to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Package all of this together with some gelato for the full Italian experience.

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Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a café in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market and have an audience with the pope — all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close. It's no surprise that the food is rich and satisfying. Roman cooking is simple, rustic cuisine, perfected over centuries. Dishes rarely have more than a few ingredients, and meat and fish are most often roasted, baked, or grilled. And did we mention the nightlife? There's a bar for every taste in Rome, from wine bars catering to an eclectic crowd faithfully observing the Roman ritual of the evening aperitif to trendy dance clubs that don't get started until well after midnight.

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The main tourist season in Rome starts shortly before Easter (when the greatest number of visitors flock to the city) and runs through October. It's neither too hot nor too cold, there's usually plenty of sun, and the famous Roman sunsets are at their best. In July and August, come if you like, but learn to do as the Romans do — get up and out early, seek shady refuge from early-afternoon heat, take a nap if you can, resume activities in the late afternoon, and stay up late to enjoy the nighttime breeze. During August many shops and restaurants close, and on the August 15 holiday Rome is a ghost town. During the winter months, especially January through March, you have a better chance of getting into the major tourist attractions without having to wait in line.

Top Experiences

Colosseum : This ancient stadium is an iconic landmark of Imperial Rome in the middle of the city. The largest amphitheater ever constructed and still standing today. It was used for public spectacles but fell out of use in Medieval times and has since been partially restored.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel : An immense collection of artworks that eventually lead into the Sistine Chapel. The chapel itself is not overly large and is famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Don’t forget to take a look into St. Peter’s Basilica which is right next door.

Crypts and Roman Catacombs : These are underground burial chambers of the first Christians created 2,000 years ago, surrounding the city. The tunnels are so extensive that a tour is recommended so you do not become lost.

Food : Cooking classes abound in this city, for you to try your favorite Italian foods such as pasta making, pizza and gelato. However, eating in the sidewalk cafes is just as pleasing if you prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals.

Villa Borghese Gallery and Gardens : This museum started life as a country villa house. The many sculptures by Bernini are a highlight. The gardens surrounding the building create the third largest public park in Rome.

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Castel Sant'Angelo Rome

2 Days In Rome: The Perfect Rome Itinerary

Last updated: December 17, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 35 Comments

In this post, we’re going to share with you our idea of how to spend the perfect 2 days in Rome. There is a lot to see in Rome, so you’ll likely want to return (throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to be sure of that!), but as an introduction to the city, this itinerary will definitely get you started.

Rome is one of our favourite destinations, it’s a city we’ve visited multiple times and one we’re always happy to return to. We just love exploring all the ancient ruins, wandering down cobbled alleyways, eating delicious Italian food and trying all the different flavours of gelato !

Laurence and Jess Rome

Our suggested Rome itinerary is designed more around the first-time visitor looking to see many of the more famous sights, but will also work for a return visitor looking for inspiration.

As well as the itinerary, we’ll also be sharing with you our tips for getting around Rome, advice on where to stay, how to save money, a map of our favourite Rome attractions and more!

If you are visiting Europe on a longer trip, this guide to two days in Rome would work well as part of a longer Europe itinerary like this , or a focused Italy itinerary like this . You might want to read these posts afterwards. For now though, let’s get started with our guide to spending two days in Rome.

2 Days in Rome: An Itinerary

Day 1 in Rome

Our first day in Rome has you exploring some of Rome’s most famous sights, from stunning 2,000 year old gladiatorial arenas to Renaissance artwork.

First on the itinerary for your time in Rome is a visit to the mighty Colosseum . For over two thousand years this has been a landmark location in Rome, and it was once home to the infamous gladiatorial battles that were watched by tens of thousands of Roman citizens, not to mention Roman Emperors.

2 Days in Rome - Coliseum interior

To be able to visit a place where historical figures would have sat to be entertained (by remarkably gruesome spectacles) is quite incredible, and you can almost feel the weight of history carrying through the stones here.

Of course, the years have taken their toll, and the Colosseum is not quite the same place it was in its heyday. Still, it’s a remarkable testament to Roman engineering that so much survives to this day. You’ll likely want to spend at least forty-five minutes to an hour here to soak it all in – and maybe longer!

We’ve put the Colosseum first on the list for our first day in Rome for a reason – it gets very busy, particularly in the summer months. This is a common theme shared across many of Rome’s top attractions, and we definitely suggest you look into ways to minimize your time queuing.

The first option to avoid the queues is to buy a ticket directly from the official ticket office website , which gives you the option to specify an entry date and time for your visit. Just be aware these tickets are non-refundable. They d0 also sell out, so be sure to book as far in advance as you can (tickets become available 30 days in advance of the entry date).

If you do decide to just get a standard entry ticket rather than taking a guided tour, then I highly recommend picking up a guide book which includes details on the Colosseum like this pocket guide , or downloading a free audio guide to your smartphone which covers the Colosseum like this one from Rick Steves .

This will really help you navigate the site, as there is so much to see and it can be quite overwhelming otherwise.

You can also buy tickets for the Colosseum on the tiqets website here , and  GetYourGuide here . These include tours and tickets with addons like multimedia guides or bundles which include other attractions and activities in Rome.

These are going to be a little more expensive but can definitely be worth it if you want to take a tour or will take advantage of the other bundled products.

Note that Colosseum policy requires third-party sites to include an add-on such as a tour or multimedia guide when providing tickets, which makes them a little more expensive, but you are getting extra value as a result.

Another good option would be to take a tour (we recommend Take Walks who have a number of Colosseum tours ). Other tour options can be seen here . We highly recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum if your budget and timeframe allows for it, as it is a complex site with a lot of history. But it’s up to you of course!

Finally, you might consider investing in a Rome city pass that comes with fast-track entry to this and other attractions in Rome, such as the Roma Pass or Rome Tourist Card . We’ll cover more of these options towards the end of the post.

See our detailed guide to visiting the Colosseum for more information on how to book tickets and get the most out of your time here.

Note that as of October 2023 all Colosseum tickets are issued in the name of the person visiting, and you need to bring ID with you to use your ticket.

Roman Forum

Right next to the Coliseum, and included on the majority of Coliseum tickets and tours, is the Roman Forum. Since it’s right next to the Coliseum, and your ticket likely already includes it, we think it makes sense for this to be your next stop in Rome.

2 Days in Rome - Temple in Roman forum

For centuries, the Roman Forum was the heart of the Roman Empire. The square plaza, surrounded by the government buildings of the empire, was where everything from the political to the religious life of the city took place.

Today you can visit the Roman Forum, which is a large open area dotted with excavations, ruins and various notable sights.

Again, you can take a guided tour, or you can see yourself around, although we’d definitely suggest taking some sort of tour to get the most out of your visit and help you to understand exactly what you are seeing. See more about our suggested tours at the end of the post.

The Forum is open every day, you can see full opening hours here .

Most people visit the Forum using their Colosseum ticket, which will give you access into the main parts of the Forum.

However, there is also a “S.U.P.E.R.” ticket, which can be purchased separately on the official site here . This gives access to a number of additional sites inside the Forum, which you may be interested in visiting depending on how deep into Roman history you want to go.

These additional sites vary depending on archeological works, but usually include the Palatine Museum, House of Augustus, Aula Isiaca, Santa Maria Antiqua, Curia Iulia, Domus Tiberiana, Domus Transitoria and Livia’s House. So that’s something else to consider.

Circo Maximus

The Circo Maximus (or Circo Massimo in Italian), was Rome’s largest public games venue, which played host to numerous events. Perhaps most famously of these were the chariot races, a high-energy sport that became the focus of the Circus.

Other sports and celebrations were of course held at the Circus, including religious celebrations and staged animal hunts, and it was also used as a sort of local market area when not otherwise in active use.

Today, the Circus is an open public park which you can visit for free, and it’s only a short distance to the south of the Roman Forum, so we think is worth your time to visit.

Capitoline Museums

Rome has so many incredible museums that it is hard to pick just one or two to visit over two days in Rome. However, we can very much recommend the Capitoline museums , which are right next to the Roman Forum, and in fact offer a unique view of the Forum.

She wolf Rome Capitoline Museum

But you’re not coming here just for the view. The Capitoline Museums (which are actually just one museum housed in a number of buildings), are home to a number of treasures, including medieval and Renaissance art. They’re also well established, being the world’s oldest national museum, and in their present guise are set out to a design by Michelangelo.

The museum on Capitoline Hill consists of three main buildings that house different collections, with a primary focus on sculpture, although there are of course other items in the collection including jewellery and other art pieces. One of the most famous pieces, and one that you must see on your visit, is the sculpture of the “She-Wolf” feeding Romulus and Remus, one of the most well known symbols of Rome.

Entry to the Capitoline Museums is ticketed, with discounts available for Roma pass holders. They are open every day from 9.30am  – 7.30pm.

Trevi Fountain

We’re going to finish off the first of our two days in Rome with a couple of Rome classics. The first of these is the Trevi Fountain, a massive Baroque installation that is arguably the most famous fountain in the world.

Trevi Fountain Rome

Dating from the middle of the 18th century, this huge fountain was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi, and is a must-see for visitors to Rome. It’s good to visit at both day or night, but do be aware that it’s likely going to be crowded here at pretty much any time of day!

It’s considered good luck to throw a coin into the fountain – and if you do so it’s said that you are guaranteed to return to Rom. As a result, over 3,000 euros worth of coins are thrown into the fountain every day! This works out well for the needy of Rome, as the funds are used to help provide them with food.

Just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain is another highlight of any visit to Rome – the magnificent Pantheon. Nearly two thousand years old, this is an incredible example of Roman engineering and is guaranteed to take your breath away.

2 days in Rome - Pantheon Rome

Originally built as a temple, and then turned into a church, the building was completed under the rule of the Emperor Hadrian. It’s a huge circular design, with the main area of the church sitting underneath a huge concrete dome, in the centre of which is a huge opening.

Despite being nearly two thousand years old, this is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Clearly, those Romans built things to last!

As well as its mind-boggling construction the Pantheon is also noted for being the last resting place of a number of historical figures, including the Renaissance painter Raphael. You can see opening times and more information on the official Pantheon website here .

For a long time the Pantheon was free to visit but as of July 2023 there’s a small fee. You can pay this on-site, or you can buy it online in advance from the official site here (you’ll need to create an account).

Tickets with an audioguide are also available from GetYourGuide online here , although they are a bit more expensive.

You can also book an audioguide in advance here to help explain what you are seeing.

Have Dinner or Take an Evening Food Tour!

Well, that wraps up our first day of our two day Rome itinerary! Now it’s time to head to dinner, and you’ll find no shortage of options all around Rome.

The choice can be a little overwhelming, so we’d advise reading up in advance and getting some ideas for where you might want to eat so as to get a good option.

Another option to consider, rather than ending your day here, is to take a food walking tour. We’ve taken this evening food and wine tour of the Trastevere neighbourhood , and thought it was excellent.

It was a great way to try a lot of local food and wines, and also to get some recommendations for other locations to eat in Rome.

Food Tour Rome

Day 2 in Rome

Vatican City

For your second day in Rome, we’re going to start by visiting the city inside the city – the Vatican City in fact. Whilst this wholly surrounded by Rome, it is its own state – the world’s smallest!

2 days in Rome - Vatican Map Room Empty

The Vatican City is home to a number of attractions, with the most popular being the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

These attractions are well worth spending your morning exploring, and in fact you could spend the greater part of a day exploring here – the Vatican Museums alone are home to miles of exhibits!

If possible though, we’d advise limiting your time here to half a day, giving you time to see a few more attractions.

Half a day will give you time to see the highlights of the Vatican Museums, gaze at the incredible Sistine Chapel, and explore St. Peter’s Basilica – including taking the walk to the top of the dome, for spectacular views.

2 days in Rome - St Peters Basilica interior

We’d highly recommend getting here early, and using one of our suggestions for saving time getting in – the queues for the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are legendary!

We have a number of recommended options for speeding up your access to the Vatican City attractions.

First, you can buy individual tickets online with GetYourGuide here and Tiqets here (latter with a 5% discount on their normal price). These tickets give you skip the line access to the Vatican Museums. This will let you skip the main line for the Vatican Museum, which also includes the Sistine Chapel – but not St. Peter’s Basilica.

You can also book tickets online directly from the Vatican , which is usually a little cheaper but in our experience the other sites are easier to use than the official site.

As of early 2023 St Peter’s Basilica doesn’t actually have an entry fee, but nor does it have skip the line tickets (skip the line tickets used to be an option and we hope they come back soon!).

So the best option if you want to skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica is to invest either in a tour like one of these or a pass which includes a tour like the Rome Tourist Card . Some tours of the Vatican,  like this one , also include skip the line access to St. Peter’s Basilica which can be a good option.

Exit Stairway Vatican Museums Rome_by_Laurence Norah (3)

Finally, our last suggestion for skip the line access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica is to take a dedicated early bird tour with one of our preferred walking tour companies.

We’ve taken two Take Walks tours that featured early access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Pristine Sistine Tour and the incredible Vatican Key Master’s Tour (see our review of the VIP Key Master’s Tour here ). Both of these were fantastic experiences and worth checking out for your visit.

A guide can really help you understand more what you are seeing, so this is a good option if you prefer a guided experience. Take Walks also offer an after hours tour of the Vatican Museums on some days, if you feel like really maximising your time in the city.

Another option is this early-bird VIP guided tour of the Vatican which starts at 7.30am and includes breakfast at the Vatican.

Note, the Vatican is closed on Sundays and some other days – you can see all opening times and days on the official website here .

For lots more information on visiting the Vatican City and its attractions, see our complete guide to the Vatican , which has everything you need to know, including all the highlights, tips for visiting, how to buy tickets and lots more.

Castel Sant’Angelo

After the Vatican, you’re going to head to the Castel Sant’Angelo, which is one of my favourite buildings in Rome. This impressive construction has been sitting on the banks of the Tiber river for almost two thousand years, and is well worth a visit.

2 days in Rome - Sunrise castell d angelo rome

Originally constructed as a Mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family, when it was built this was the tallest building in Europe. It is still Hadrian’s tomb, but over time has played many different roles, including that of a fortress and a castle.

Today it’s a museum, and you can visit and marvel once more at the engineering brilliance of the Romans, for whom the term “planned obsolescence” would be anathema. The view from the top is worth the trek up, and you can also see the tomb of Hadrian of course.

There’s a fee to enter the Castel. Holder of the Roma Pass get free or discounted entry – more on this at the end of the post. The Castel is open every day from 9am – 7.30pm with some holiday exceptions – see more here .

You can buy tickets in person or from the official ticket site here . You can also buy tickets from GetYourGuide here or from Tiqets here . It’s always worth comparing as prices vary.

Piazza del Popolo

A short walk across and along the Tiber River will bring you to the Piazza del Popolo. This was once the northern edge of the city of Rome, and was the first part of the city that many travellers would have seen when arriving here – particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries.

2 days in Rome - Piazza Popolo Rome

The square, whose name means “People’s Square”, is home to one of Rome’s ancient Egyptian Obelisks, as well as the two 17th century churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. It’s a nice place to get a coffee or a bite to eat, before heading on into the rest of our itinerary.

Spanish Steps

From the Piazza del Popolo, three roads span out into the city, and exploring these on foot is always a highlight of our trips to Rome. If you take the left-most road looking south, the Via del Babuino, it will lead you to the Spanish Steps, another iconic attraction of Rome.

2 Days in Rome - Spanish Steps

These impressive steps, which lead from a fountain at the base up to a church at the top, were opened in 1725, and have long been a popular place for visitors to see. They were made particularly famous in 1953, when the film Roman Holiday (starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck) featured them.

The name, in case you were wondering, is because the Spanish embassay to the Holy See is located on the square at the base of the steps, known as Piazza Spagna, or Spanish Square.

The steps are free to visit, and a photo of you standing on them (ideally eating gelato), is pretty much a must when visiting Rome!

Note that as of August 2019 , it’s no longer permitted to sit on the Spanish Steps as they have been classified as a monument, and there is the potential of being fined if you do so. So stick to standing on them instead!

Museums and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

Moving on to a slightly off-beat sight now, but one we think you might appreciate. The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, found under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, is home to a unique display, quite unlike anything else you’ll see in Rome.

In five rooms, the bones of the monks of the Capuchin order are on display, arranged into various forms. It’s definitely unique, and with around 3,700 monks making up the display, is certainly going to remind you of your mortality. Out of respect, photography is not allowed here.

It’s also worth noting that the Catholic church is keen to stress that the display is not meant to be macabre – rather, it is a reminder of our own mortality, and how short our time on earth is. There’s a small fee to visit, which we think is well worth paying.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Just around the corner from the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars is the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria. This church, dating from the 17th century, is famed for it’s sculpture by Bernini – the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, which is definitely worth popping in to see.

If you are particularly interested in art, then instead of the previous two attractions, you might want to head instead to the National Gallery of Ancient Art , found in the Palazzo Barberini. This is home to one of Italy’s most important collection of paintings.

It’s been a long couple of days in Rome, and somehow we’ve not  mentioned one of Rome’s most famous foods – gelato! The Italian version of ice cream is a must when visiting the city, but it’s hugely important that you only eat the good stuff.

Come il Latte Gelato Rome

Thankfully, we’ve already done the research for you, and put together a guide to the best gelato in Rome . Conveniently, our favourite gelato spot in Rome falls right at the end of our second day – Come il Latte.

The gelato here is deliciously creamy and absolutely fantastic – we can pretty much guarantee it was worth the wait!

If you are looking for something a bit more hearty to finish your day off with, you might also consider taking a food tour. We have a guide to our favorite Rome food tours that you might find helpful if that sounds interesting to you.

2 Days in Rome: Rome Map

To help you visualise our suggested itinerary for 2 days in Rome we’ve added all the sights above to a map.

2 Days in Rome - Map

This should also help you plan where you might want to stay. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

Rome Itinerary Overview

To break the itinerary down as an overview:

  • Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maxima, Capitoline Museums, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon
  • Day 2: Vatican Museums, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria, Come il Latte

When to Visit Rome

We have visited Rome at a number of different times of year, and it is certainly a city that can be visited at any time of year.

In summer just be aware that it can get very hot and very busy, as this is the busiest time of year in the city.

We’re not saying don’t go – you might just need to plan ahead and make sure you get all the necessary skip the line tickets so you can make the most out of your two days in Rome.

When to visit Rome

If you have flexibility, we think the shoulder seasons can be a really nice time to visit – between April and June, and then late September through to the end of October.

The weather in Rome at this time won’t be quite so fiercely hot, but you’ll still have plenty of hours of daylight and enough warmth to make it a pleasant experience.

Winter is also a good time to visit Rome. You’ll need to bring warmer clothes of course, but Rome tends to experience fairly mild winters with snow being very rare in the city. It’s also a much quieter time of year to visit.

Where to Stay in Rome

For a two day visit to Rome, we’re going to suggest a hotel (or hostel, depending on your budget!) is likely going to be the best option. Whilst we love the convenience of an apartment when we travel, we find that for shorter trips, the full service convenience of a hotel is going to be a better option.

One reason we love staying in an apartment is the flexibility it gives us for things like cooking for ourselves, doing laundry and having a space to work, but with only 2 days in Rome, we don’t think you’ll be doing any of those things!

In terms of location, we would definitely suggest picking somewhere central – so basically the area between the Rome train station (Termini), and Piazza Popolo in the north, and Piazza Navona in the west. This will put you right within walking distance of the main attractions in Rome, as well as close to hundreds of fantastic eateries and cafes.

For some options close to the historical city centre and all the sights in our itinerary, consider the following. These are ordered approximately by price, from low to high, but do always check prices for your dates as they can vary.

  • The RomeHello – found just a few moments from Rome’s Termini Station, this hostel features a range of room types, from dormitories to private en-suite rooms. There’s free WiFi, fantastic reviews, and it’s a great value option.
  • Orsa Maggiore Hostel – just across the river in Rome’s trendy Trastevere district, this female only hostel features a range of room types including dormitories and private rooms.
  • Di Rienzo Pantheon Palace – a very well reviewed guesthouse option in the heart of the city, just moments from the Pantheon and other attractions. The building is a 16th century property, and rooms feature en-suite facilities, free wi-fi and breakfast
  • The  Mimosa Pantheon Hotel – right next to the Pantheon, and therefore well placed for the city’s attractions, this is a well reviewed good value 1* hotel. Rooms feature private bathrooms, air conditioning and free WiFi. A solid budget choice.
  • The  Navona Theatre Hotel – just five minutes walk from Piazza Navona, this is a very well rated 3* hotel within easy walking distance of most of Rome’s main attractions
  • The  Hotel Navona – another well reviewed 3* hotel in central Rome near Piazza Navona. This hotel is in a restored 15th century building which features restored original frescoes. Rooms have en-suite facilities, air conditioning and free WiFi
  • Hotel Valentino Palace  – a fantastic mid-range 3* property, just 150 yards from the train station
  • Gioberti Art Hotel  – 50 yards from Termini Station, a well rated excellent value 4* hotel
  • NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento – Good value 5* hotel just a few steps from the train station

Of course, this is just a small idea of what is available! For examples, here’s a  well rated hostel  and a  fantastically located apartment .

When we travel we usually use  Booking.com  as our first port of call for accommodation. They have everything from  hostels  to  apartments  to  hotels . The review system makes it easy to pick a good option, and they have an excellent cancellation policy.

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend either  Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our review of the Plum Guide here . See their listings for Rome here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the  best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find  here .

How to Save Money and Time in Rome

As with many of the cities we’ve visited and written about, Rome has a number of options for saving money (and time!) on your visit, particularly when it comes to sight-seeing.

There are three main attraction passes for Rome that we recommend for a two-day visit. These are:

  • The Rome Tourist Card .
  • The Roma Pass
  • The Omnia Card

There is also the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass (which just combines the Roma Pass and Omnia Card), but this is only available for three days.

If you were visiting Rome for three days or more we would recommend considering the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass , which includes the Roma Pass, however we don’t think it’s cost effective for two days.

Rome Pass

As previously mentioned in this post, Rome is a popular destination, and the lines at the major attractions, especially the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Coliseum can get quite long.

You definitely don’t want to spend your time in Rome standing in line if you can help it, especially if you are only in Rome for two days!

So your options are to pre book entry for the popular attractions, to take a tour that includes entry (we recommend Take Walks and Context Travel, see below for specific tours we recommend), or to pick up a pass that includes entry and fast track access.

The first pass we recommend you consider is the Rome Tourist Card , which includes pre-booked fast-track entry to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as some audio guides and discounts on other attractions. This card is very convenient and removes most of the hassle involved in booking attraction entry.

Another option to consider is the Roma Pass . This is available for either two days or three days . It also includes free public transport in the city. However it is a bit more complicated to use.

The way the Roma Pass works is that you get free access to the first attraction you visit with the 48h pass, and free access to the first two attractions you visit with the 72h pass.

Once you’ve used your free entries, you get discounted admission at the remainder of the attractions you visit, which includes a wide range of attractions across the city.

St Peters line Rome

Based on our itinerary, the two day Roma pass would get you free skip the line access to the Coliseum and the Roman Forum (these count as one attraction), after which you would get discounted entry at the majority of other attractions on the list. If you picked up the three day pass , you would also get free entry to the Capitoline Museums as well.

The only disadvantage of the Roma Pass is that it doesn’t include the Vatican attractions, so you’re still going to be queuing for those. So you have a few time-saving options.

First, you can book a tour like this one or this one which includes the Vatican and St. Peters. Or you can book separate skip the line tickets or tours for the Vatican and St. Peters in advance. Finally, you could invest in a 1 day Omnia Card .

The one-day Omnia Card lets you skip the line at the Vatican, plus a hop on hop off bus tour is included, making it easy to get from the Vatican to the other sights in Rome.

The main disadvantage is that it does not, as of March 2023, include any kind of skip the line access to St. Peter’s Basilica, which is a definite disadvantage. At busier times of year the lines can be hours long, so this is definitely an issue.

Overall therefore, we think the best option is the Rome Tourist Card , or booking individual tickets / tours for attractions.

Whatever you choose to do, we highly recommend you come up with a plan in advance.

In summary: Our preferred suggestion would be the Rome Tourist Card OR  a Roma Pass and a walking tour of the Vatican / St. Peters that comes with skip the line access

If you don’t want to do any of those, then you definitely will want to book your tickets for the most popular attractions online in advance.

How to Get Around Rome

For the two days on this Rome itinerary, the easiest way to get around is going to be by foot. The centre of Rome is very easy to get around on foot, and we think that seeing Rome this way is definitely a highlight of a visit to the city.

You’ll just keep stumbling across beautiful old cobbled streets, old churches and buildings, and hidden little restaurants and cafes.

Of course, there’s an extensive and easy to use public transport system in the city as well. If you invest in a Roma Pass this includes free public transport for the duration of the pass, so you can hop on and off buses or metros as you wish.

How to get into Rome from the Airport

Rome has two major international airports that you might fly into – Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (FCO). Flights from the North America usually arrive at Fiumicino, whilst flights from Europe may arrive at either.

It’s easy to get into central Rome from either airport.

From Rome Fiumicino, you can take the train, bus, or taxi. There’s a train station on site which will get you into the city centre in around 30 minutes to an hour. Prices range from €8 – €14, depending on if you take the fast  Leonardo Express  or the local train services (FL1).

Note that the local train service (FL1) does not go directly to Termini – it goes to Rome Trastevere, and then you would need to change onto the FL5, which you can take to Termini.

There are also a number of bus options which cost €6 – €8, and which take around 50 minutes to an hour, and take you to Termini train station. There’s also a taxi stand. You can also arrange either a shared shuttle  or a  private transfer service , which needs to be booked in advance.

From Rome Ciampino, there’s no on-site train station, but there is a local train station just five minutes away by bus. This train costs around €1.50. There are also buses from Ciampino, which also cost €5. Ciampino also has taxis, although as this is a smaller airport there are generally fewer available. You can also  book a shared shuttle  or  private transfer service in advance .

Both airports also have private and shuttle transfer options that you can book in advance.

Where to Store Your Luggage in Rome

It may be that on the day of arrival or departure in Rome, you might need to leave your luggage somewhere.

Usually your hotel or apartment will have left luggage facilities, however, if this isn’t the case (often the case with apartment rentals for example), you will definitely want somewhere to leave your luggage for the day while you sightsee.

Many of the attractions in Rome won’t let you take bags in with you, and even those that do will likely require you to do additional screening.

As such, we’d recommend you leave your luggage behind so you can explore without being weighed down. We’d suggest this luggage service , which has locations at Termini station as well as the Pantheon and other parts of the city.

We also suggest checking out Nannybag , a service which has storage points across Rome.

Should You Take a Tour in Rome?

Of course, this is up to you and your style of travel! We think that because Rome has so much history and there is so much you can learn on a visit, that taking a tour can be a really great way to do that. Some of the tours can also get you exclusive access to locations that you might not otherwise have been able to see, as well as skip the line access that can save you time.

Walks of Italy Tour Rome

The three companies that we’ve used in Rome for walking tours (and many other cities around the world) are Take Walks , Devour Tours , and Context Travel . For Context Travel, you get an automatic 10% discount on any booking through any of the Context Travel links in this post.

The tours we’d recommend in Rome based on our itinerary are the following:

  • Take Walks: Introduction to Rome tour
  • Take Walks: Skip the line Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
  • Take Walks: Early Entry Sistine Chapel / Vatican Museum & St. Peters tour
  • Devour Tours: Trastevere Gourmet Food and Wine tour
  • Context Travel: Roma Antica Tour (Coliseum & Roman Forum)

We think that these are the best tours to match up with our itinerary, but of course these companies have many more options depending on your specific interests. You can read some of our experiences taking tours in Rome with both of these companies, Context Travel here , and Take Walks here .

We’ve written fairly extensively about our tours with these companies in Rome, and I link to these reviews in the further reading section below to help you decide if these are going to be good options for you.

There are of course other options for tours in Rome, including all the tours on this page , which offers a variety of things to do from different providers. This one in particular of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica is a good value option.

So definitely check out the options to figure out what is best for you!

How Long to Visit Rome for?

This itinerary is for two days, which we think is a good amount of time to experience the highlights of the city. Certainly, spending a weekend in Rome will let you see everything you want to see as a first timer.

That said, you definitely won’t run out of things to do in Rome if you stay for longer. An extra day or two will let you visit some of the lesser visited attractions, as well as those attractions like the Appian Way which can take up a bit more time.

If you have longer, you can also take advantage of some of the day trips you can take from Rome, which I outline below.

Where to Go After Rome?

We’re often asked where to go after Rome, and our advice on the best way to get there.

We suggest that if you want to explore Italy a little bit further you should head to the relatively nearby cities of Florence and Venice . You could also head to Naples to see Pompeii, or head to the Amalfi coast.

Check out our suggested itinerary for 10 days in Italy for more inspiration and planning advice.

The easiest way to get to the majority of these locations is to take the fast train service. These run frequently and are very quick. Tickets are cheapest when booked well in advance, plus booking in advance will usually guarantee a seat reservation.

You can book train travel in Italy (and Europe in general), on our recommend train ticketing site: Trainline.com .

Another option if you would rather base yourself in Rome and don’t want to worry about booking train tickets, is to take a day tour from Rome. Some options from Rome include:

  • This day tour to Tivoli where you can visit Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este
  • This day tour of Tuscany
  • This boat-Hopping day tour of The Amalfi Coast from Rome
  • A day tour to Venice
  • This day tour of the Tuscan countryside
  • This day tour to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

As you can see, you have plenty of options for your adventures from Rome!

Laurence and Jess at the Colosseum

Further Reading for Your Rome Visit

We’ve written a number of posts and guides to visiting Rome, as well as Italy and Europe in general, that we think you will find useful. We also have a number of go-to guidebooks and other resources that we think you will find helpful for planning your time in Rome.

  • If you have longer in the city, or are just looking for more options for what to do, take a look at our guide to spending 3 Days in Rome . We also have a guide to spending just a day in Rome , as well as well as things to do in Rome .
  • If you’d prefer to take more of a guided visit to Rome rather than plan your trip yourself, we have a guide to doing just that here .
  • If you are particularly interested in visiting the Borghese Gallery, one of Rome’s most popular museums, we have a guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery here.
  • We have a detailed guide to the Colosseum to help you plan your visit.
  • No visit to Rome is complete without eating gelato! To be sure you get the best stuff, take a look at our guide to finding the best Gelato in Rome .
  • We also have a guide to where to find the best coffee in Rome , which also includes tips on how and what to order, as well as tips on saving money on your espresso shot!
  • Speaking of food, we have a guide to our favorite Rome food tours here .
  • If you’re planning on visiting Rome in summer, read our  tips for visiting a European city in summer  to stay sane
  • Looking to visit more of Italy ? Check out our content on  Venice ,  Milan  and  Florence  for inspiration!
  • We also have a detailed 10 day Italy itinerary to help you plan a trip in this wonderful country
  • If you’re looking for a physical (or Kindle!) guidebook, we recommend the  Rick Steves Rome guide , which has lots of practical information to help you make the most of your stay

And that’s it for our guide to how to spend 2 days in Rome! We hope you found it useful – as always, if you have any questions or feedback, just let us know in the comments below!

A detailed guide to spending 2 days in Rome, including tips on what to see in Rome, a detailed 2 day Rome itinerary, advice on where to stay in Rome, tips on how to save money and skip the lines in Rome and lots more to help you plan the perfect Rome trip!

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jeannette Carlile says

10th January 2020 at 11:57 pm

Going to a Sorrento in July for four nights and hoping to take in Rome (and possibly Venice) before hand. Fly into Rome and out of Naples from UK. Your two day guide for Rome looks just what we are looking for and will follow it very closely. A high speed train trip to Venice looks promising the day before we leave for Sorrento. I’m experiencing difficulties trying to see trains on the trainline link, saying no trains??, any idea what the issue is or are other sites available please?.

many thanks

Laurence Norah says

11th January 2020 at 11:06 am

Hi Jeannette,

Sounds like a lovely trip. Sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having with the trainline website. I just tried it for a trip from Rome to Venice and it brought back a number of results. Is this the journey you are trying to make? When using the site you definitely want to make sure it autocompletes the station, Rome is Roma Termini and Venice is Venezia. If this isn’t the journey you are trying to make let me know. You could also try either ItaliaRail or Trenitalia .

Happy to help out further if you let me know the route and dates 🙂

Cláudia says

6th November 2019 at 7:39 am

Thank you for the extremely useful information shared throughout the blog. I would like to suggest to include in this post a note referring the Vatican City’s schedule. As one of many people visiting Rome on a weekend getaway, I find it relevant to mention the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are closed on Sundays (except rare occasions). We have followed your program and bought the tickets for the Colosseum for Saturday only to find out later that Vatican City will be closed on Sunday.

Warm regards!

6th November 2019 at 9:02 am

Hi Claudia,

Our pleasure, and sorry to hear about the Vatican. I have updated this post (and our other Rome content) with this information, and to be complete, I’ve also added information on timings to all the other attractions as well 🙂

Thanks for your input, and happy travels!

Danielle says

25th September 2019 at 8:03 pm

I have to say this is the best blog post I’ve read! I can’t believe how helpful it is, so many good tips and links etc so thank you SO MUCH! I am going in 2 weeks and I’m so excited 🙂

25th September 2019 at 9:22 pm

THank you so much Danielle for taking the time to leave a comment. We’re always happy to help out and are thrilled to have been able to help you with your trip planning 🙂 Have an amazing time, and do report back how your trip was 😀

Carole Lamarre says

24th September 2019 at 12:04 pm

Hello, we will be in Rome in October for 2 days. Would the Colonna Palace be worth a visit, as we will be there on a Saturday? I have been to Rome before and saw major sites. Do you know how much time is requiered to visit the palace? Thank you, your blog is very interesting.

26th September 2019 at 10:29 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 So unfortunately we have not personally visited the Palazzo Colonna to be able to give our personal opinion. Certainly, as the largest private art gallery in Rome, if you enjoy art and relatively old buildings, then it should be an enjoyable experience, and likely less busy than somewhere like the Vatican. So it is up to you – sorry I can’t be of more help, but have a great time. if you do visit, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Carole says

29th September 2019 at 12:55 pm

Thanks Laurence for your quick reply. Your blog is very interesting and it is nice to get a response. I will be visiting the Palazzo.

Reagrds, Carole

Donna Yanitski says

27th August 2019 at 11:53 pm

Hi My husband daughter and I are planning a quick “last minute” trip to Italy. We were hoping to see the Vatican City Colosseum Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain – with skip the line passes. We will be there 1 1/2 days. Then we are hoping to go to Sorrento via Naples direct. Sorrento as a base where we would like to see Pompeii, Vesuvias, Benadictine Monastery, Positano Herculaneum. Leave flying out of Naples. We have only 8 days from landing to departing. Any suggestions? Thanks

30th August 2019 at 6:03 am

Sounds good to me 🙂 Just be sure to reserve your timeslot for the Colosseum (instructions will be given as part of the pass). Otherwise whilst your itinerary sounds busy it definitely sounds achievable 🙂

Have a great trip!

3rd August 2019 at 7:33 pm

Nice article, good info. Walks of Italy is just “Walks” now. Caesar was assassinated 44BC Colosseum was built 81AD. I would recommend Gallery Borghese before Capitoline museums if you only have 2 days. Tough call! Borghese make your reservation well in advance during high season April- October.

4th August 2019 at 9:15 am

Thanks for the input! I have updated the post accordingly. We know the owners of Walks quite well, and have been watching the slow transition to the new branding 🙂 It probably is time we reflected that in our guides too! We would agree that the Borghese is a better option, but the need to reserve always makes timings challenging on a shorter trip, especially now with the need to reserve for the Colosseum as well!

Thanks again for stopping by 🙂

Karen Brodie says

29th June 2019 at 4:27 am

Good evening.

I enjoyed reading your blog. We are expected in Italy for a few days; 2.5 days in Rome. I reserved the Pristine Sistine and The Coliseum/Roman Forum/Augustus Palace tours through Walk Italy. I want to purchase a “hop on hop off” bus pass so that we can can plan the other sights to see at our leisure: Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, National Gallery of Art, Partheon, Trevi Fountain, and get some Gelato. Can you tell me where to get this pass and if there is an existing map of the bus tour? Thanking you in advance and thanking you for your writings!

29th June 2019 at 8:09 pm

Thanks very much! So there are a number of options for purchasing a hop on hop off bus in Rome. However, I would say that all the places you mention are within an easy walk of each other, so you might find that the hop on hop off bus doesn’t add a great deal of value. There are actually quite a few different hop on hop off buses in Rome. We took the one that came with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass as it was included, but you can also purchase them in advance for example on this site . If you want to see some example routes, Big Bus has their routes on their website here:

https://www.bigbustours.com/en/rome/rome-sightseeing-tours/

Matthew miller says

22nd June 2019 at 2:28 am

If we do the 9 to 10 hour highlights tour of rome do we still need to book timed admission to some of the places like Coliseum and Vatican and how can we know what time we will be at those locations if we are on a guided tour? That confused me a bit. We will be in rome july 17 and 18 want to book all this very soon. Do you think we may have issues since we are just 30 days out? Thank you for any advice you can give.

Also for men long pants are preferred for one of the religious tours but will they deny entrance with tasteful short pants on? Thanks!!

22nd June 2019 at 12:51 pm

Hi Matthew,

If you do the guided tour then it will include all of your tickets and times so you don’t have to worry about it.

Shorts are OK, they just have to cover your knees. So you need longer shorts 🙂

I hope this helps, have a great trip!

4th May 2019 at 3:42 pm

Hi I am planning a surprise weekend to Rome for my partner’s birthday in December. We will arrive Friday and then leave Monday with the weekend for sight seeing. Firstly, thank you for such a great post, it has helped tremendously and I don’t feel quite so overwhelmed with sorting everything out now. I was planning to get the 48hr Roma pass so we have the option of transport over the weekend as we will have our 10 month baby with us. But, as we are going in winter and it should be quieter, do you think that the Omni pass or tours would be necessary for Vatican, Sistine etc? It is quite an expense if not needed. Also, is there anything on day 2 that won’t be open on the Sunday? Thanks 🙂

5th May 2019 at 9:42 am

So for December you should be fine. I would just advise booking the Vatican in advance on their website – it costs a little bit more as there’s a booking fee, but I think it’s worth it as the Vatican is likely to be the busiest of all the sights you see. Also, don’t forget to schedule your Colosseum time as every entrance is timed now.

As far as I can ascertain, everything should be open on the Sunday from our list 🙂

Joanne McCabe says

27th January 2019 at 10:58 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica, Have loved finding your blog, it’s full of great information- thank you! My husband & I will be in Rome on Sun 1st & Mon 2nd June which I now know is not ideal, wondering if you can recommend how we work a two day itinerary around “free Sunday” as it seems Walking tours don’t operate on sundays, was thinking of doing an early morning tour of the Vatican, Sistine chapel etc. which I think we will have to do on the Monday but am at a loss for Monday. Many thanks, Joanne

27th January 2019 at 11:21 pm

So one quick point of clarification – the 1st and 2nd of June is a Saturday / Sunday rather than a Sunday / Monday. So I just wanted to check your dates / days. Also, you are correct, the 2nd of June is a public holiday in Italy, essentially the national day. So on that day many services like tours will not be running.

The Colosseum will be open on the Sunday I believe, however your visit also co-incides with that being the first Sunday of the month, which is when it is free, meaning there can be huge lines to get in.

I guess my advice would be to visit the attractions of Rome which aren’t ever open or closed. So this would be many of the churches, the Trevi Fountain, historical centre, Pantheon (open 9-1 on public holidays) and sights like that. Then you could take one of the full tours on the Monday which has everything in it, like this Rome in a day tour .

Does this help at all?

Joanne says

28th January 2019 at 11:40 am

Hi Laurence, thanks for the speedy reply! My apologies, we arrive late on Sat 1.6 and will have Sun & Mon to sight see. Your suggestion of the Rome in a Day tour makes good sense given the holiday on Sunday. Thanks again, Joanne

28th January 2019 at 11:55 am

My pleasure Joanne, and no problem. We hope you have a great trip!

Tracy Heiner says

20th November 2018 at 1:58 am

We recently traveled to Paris and Rome (October 1st) celebrating our anniversary. We used the 3 day tour recommendation for both cities. I just want to say thank you for the detailed itineraries. While we made a couple of adjustments we felt like we really maximized our time. We can’t wait to go back!

I would highly recommend using the Walks of Italy tours no better way to get an education while seeing some of the most historic sights in the world. Well worth the money.

Thanks again for your efforts in sharing your experience!

Tracy (USA)

20th November 2018 at 12:13 pm

Thanks so much for letting us know that you used our guide and found it useful! It’s always so nice to hear from people that we were able to help out and that the itineraries worked for them. We also agree on Walks of Italy, they’re a fantastic walking company and one we’re always happy to recommend 🙂

Happy travels!

26th September 2018 at 2:09 am

Hi guys! I am from Australia and my family and I are planning to travel to Rome in January. Your blogs are so imformative and helpful! I was wondering if any of the “attractions” close down due to the cold weather? For example, does the Fontana Di Trevi run all year round or do they turn off the fountain in the colder months?

26th September 2018 at 4:43 am

As far as we know everything stays open – temperatures below freezing are very rare in Rome, so this shouldn’t be a problem. Sometimes things close for maintenance, but the Trevi fountain and Spanish Steps both reopened recently after major renovation, so you should be fine!

23rd August 2018 at 10:35 am

Hi! I’ve been to Rome end of July and I saw many things that you suggest here! I have made a video of our 2 days in Rome and I linked your blog, because I like it very much, hope you don’t mind it!! You can find it here: https://youtu.be/fyIEGkWyRHk I would love to hear your opinion about the video!

23rd August 2018 at 11:26 am

Hey Marco, thanks for sharing! Happy that you found our blog useful and of course you are welcome to link to it. The video looks great, looks like you had a fantastic trip 😀

Bailey says

9th July 2018 at 11:32 pm

We are heading to Rome next week and purchased the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card. I noticed it does NOT include the Dome entrance , Necropolis and Treasury Entrance at St. Peters or the Vatican Gardens. Is that something we can add on once we get there?

10th July 2018 at 11:09 am

You are correct, the Pass features the highlights, for the addons you need to plan separately. Partly this is because some of the tours you mention require separate advance booking, and numbers are limited. Details for everything below:

For the dome access as you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you head to the right of the main door into the church and the dome ticket booth is there. There’s no way that I know of to get advance tickets for that climb, and I believe it’s cash only. It’s around 10 euros.

Necropolis visits need to be scheduled in advance, as they control these quite carefully to limit numbers. You definitely need to contact them in advance if this is something you want to do, full details are here: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20090216_en.html

For the treasury, the entrance is inside St. Peters Basilica, just follow the signs. You can buy a ticket at the entrance to the treasury.

The Vatican Gardens are like the Necropolis, and can only be visited by guided tour. These also have to be booked in advance. For information: telephone +39.06.69884676 (individuals) or +39.06.69883145 (groups). Bookings can be arranged by faxing +39.06.69885100 or by emailing: [email protected]

I hope this helps! I’d also check the length of these tours as once you’re on the tour you’re not likely to be able to cut it short 🙂

Luxx Press says

24th April 2018 at 1:10 am

wonderful blog! thank you so much for sharing and keep it up!

24th April 2018 at 10:14 pm

My pleasure – thanks for your comment 🙂

travlermb says

22nd April 2018 at 2:41 pm

Here is one of my favorite little know places in Rome (especially if you are into art): St Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica Piazza della Minerva (3 minutes from the Pantheon) It is a nondescript church that has a marble sculpture by Michelangelo called, Risen Christ. It is beautiful work and was once the only sculpture of Christ naked until his privates were hidden behind a bronze loincloth! http://www.basilicaminerva.it

Keep up the good work, I enjoy your posts!

22nd April 2018 at 4:41 pm

Thanks very much, great tip! We haven’t found this spot yet so we’ll be sure to add it to our list for our next visit!

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2 Days in Rome Itinerary: Trevi Fountain

2 Days in Rome: An Epic + Easy Rome Itinerary

Here’s the thing about visiting Rome: whether you’re spending 2 days in Rome or 2 weeks, you will both never run out of things to do, and have plenty of time to see the highlights.

While it’s true that Rome is chock full of enough things to do, see, and eat that it can occupy a traveler for a lifetime (ourselves included), the city is actually a fairly simple one to get an overview of on a short trip.

The Eternal City’s top attractions split very cleanly into a 2 day Rome itinerary, making it easy to see Rome’s most famous and incredible spots very quickly.

… E ven if you’ll do so by passing by approximately a million interesting sights along the way that will leave you dying to plan a return trip to the Eternal City immediately.

kate storm and ranger storm in front of the pantheon when visiting rome italy

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

We are unapologetically obsessed with Rome, and it ranks among our favorite cities in the entire world–and with every trip, we have made it our mission to get to know the Eternal City better and better (and update this blog post along the way).

We’ve spent months exploring Rome in-depth over several years, on visits ranging from a few days to two visits where we rented an apartment for a month each time.

Our goal with this 2 day Rome itinerary is quite simple: show you the best of the city–all of those highlights that are world-renowned and utterly unmissable during your first trip to Rome–and also help you fall in love with the city so much that you leave already planning to come back.

Planning a short trip to Rome, particularly as a first-timer to the city?

We’ve got you covered with this 2 days in Rome itinerary.

Table of Contents

After Planning Your 2 Days in Rome…

The perfect 2 day rome itinerary, where to stay for a couple of days in rome, getting around when visiting rome, italy, more than 2 days in rome, the omnia card and roma pass: are they worth it, when to visit rome, staying safe when visiting rome for 2 days, what to pack for rome, your 2 day rome itinerary map, more rome travel tips.

Couple standing in from of Colosseum, One Day in Rome -- Rome in a Day

We’d love to help you plan your trip to Rome (and Italy overall) in more detail!

Here on Our Escape Clause, we have been writing about Italy travel since 2016, and have amassed a collection of 100+ Italy blog posts available for free on this website, covering everything from the  best hidden gems in Rome  to  what a coperto is  (and why you should expect to pay one).

Once you finish this post, you may also want to check out our posts on  what to eat in Rome , where to find  the best views of Rome , and our top  Rome travel tips !

If you happen to have more than a couple of days in Rome, our 4-day Rome itinerary goes into even more detail than this one.

I’ll continue linking relevant blog posts about Rome throughout this itinerary, but of course, I could never hope to add links to them all!

You can scroll through all of our Italy blog posts here .

kate storm in front of a church when traveling in rome italy

Day 1: The Colosseum, Ancient Rome + Trastevere

Start your 2 days in rome with the colosseum..

What better place to start your couple of days in Rome itinerary than at one of the most iconic sights in the world?

Step inside the Colosseum and marvel at the ancient history beating inside–but before you do, be sure to climb the steps on the north side of the Colosseum (turn left after exiting the  Colosseo  metro stop) and get those classic photos in front of the Colosseum’s exterior.

Before starting your day at the Colosseum, you’ll want to  book tickets ahead of time  to skip the (legendary) line.

Trying to decide whether or not to take a guided tour?

2 Days in Rome: Couple Inside Colosseum

Guided tours are typically sold as a package that includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Our personal take is that the tour of the Colosseum isn’t  as  necessary… but it’s absolutely worth it to have a guide for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and therefore we recommend signing up.

This is the tour we took  and greatly enjoyed (though fair warning, our guide’s passion meant that the tour did run past its predicted time).

And, while we didn’t structure this itinerary for Rome this way, I do want to mention that we have also toured the  Colosseum at night  and loved it–if that’s something that appeals to you, you can easily adjust this itinerary to accommodate it ( this is the tour we loved ).

Book your tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill  today! Prefer to explore independently? Grab your skip-the-line ticket  now!

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: Colosseum

Make your way over to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Right next door to the Colosseum, you’ll find the impressive Roman Forum.

From senate houses to public squares to palaces, these areas are archaeological and historical treasure troves.

We were blown away by how big the forum was on our first trip–when strolling through the remains of the buildings and avenues, it is fun and surprisingly easy to imagine what it must have looked like in all of its glory during the height of the Roman Empire.

However, it was our second trip to Rome where we truly fell in love with the Forum: having a guide during our second visit allowed the Forum to come to life in a way we simply weren’t able to accomplish on our own.

2 Days in Rome: View of Roman Forum

Within the complex of the Roman Forum sits Palatine Hill, where a short climb will reward you with even more ruins and incredible Roman history, but also gorgeous views of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the city of Rome itself–including a view of St. Peter’s Basilica sitting in the distance.

The climb is easy, short, and well worth the time spent.

After touring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill both with a guide and without, we strongly believe that the context given by a guide is well worth the cost during your 2 days in Rome. We used and loved this tour –and while the Colosseum guide was less necessary, having the Colosseum skip-the-line portion and tour included definitely helped justify the cost! Book your guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill!

2 Days in Rome: View from Palatine Hill

Stop by Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Campidoglio.

As you make your way toward the heart of Rome’s Centro Storico neighborhood, stop for a peek at two particularly memorable piazzas!

The Piazza del Campidoglio in particular is one of my personal favorite  piazzas in Rome .

Shaped into a perfect oval and surrounded by beautiful buildings, it is a peaceful place to relax for a moment and take in the fact that you’re in Rome.

If you stop by on a Saturday as we did during one of our trips to Rome, you’ll likely also have the chance to admire lots and lots of wedding parties!

4 Days in Rome Itinerary: Piazza Campidoglio

The piazza’s beauty isn’t particularly surprising when you know who designed it: Michelangelo himself.

On your way to the Piazza del Campidoglio, you’ll also pass right by the Piazza Venezia, with the impressive Altar of the Fatherland (the enormous white building topped with chariots that is visible from just about every viewpoint in Rome) dwarfing everything around it.

Since you were just on Palatine Hill, climbing it isn’t necessary–but it is home to one of the  best views of Rome  if you’d like to see it for yourself!

The monument was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.

View of Teatro Marcello from the top of the Altar of the Fatherland, with the monument visible in the bottom right foreground of the photo

Pay a quick visit to the Largo di Torre Argentina.

You won’t need long here, but the Largo di Torre Argentina is a quick and interesting side stop during your time visiting Rome!

This set of ruins is home to two points of interest that are wildly different from each other: the place where Julius Caesar lost his life, and a cat sanctuary.

The ruins are open-air, laid out in the center of the square, and are made up of the remains of several temples as well as part of Pompey’s Curia–the Roman Senate–where Julius Caesar perished just under 2,000 years ago.

As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to stop by during your 2 day itinerary for Rome, the archaeological site doubles as a cat sanctuary.

There’s an organization onsite that works to feed and care for them, and I can only imagine that they have a delightful life living in what is essentially the world’s most elaborate set of cat trees!

I’m sure it will come as no surprise to cat lovers that we’ve seen more than one cat perched on top of the remains of surprisingly tall columns.

cat resting on the ruins of the largo di torre argentina, a fun stop during an itinerary rome italy

Stop by Campo de’ Fiori.

This market square may be touristy, but it’s also beautiful, bustling, and worth stopping by during your 4 days in Rome.

Markets are some of our favorite aspects of any city trip, and Rome is among the best of the best.

Of course, if you choose to purchase any  Rome souvenirs  or a meal at the market, you will pay a slight upcharge.

If you’re particularly hungry, we did once have tasty, if somewhat overpriced, pasta carbonara at (where else?)  La Carbonara  on the edge of the Campo de’Fiori.

If you’re looking for something more local, Da Sergio is just around the corner and a great option, but get there when they open, because it fills up ( Address: Vicolo delle Grotte, 27, 00186 Roma RM, Italy ).

And, if you want to step off the beaten path for a second, the cool Passetto del Biscione is just around the corner from Campo de’ Fiori and only takes a second to see!

4 Day Rome Itinerary: Campo de'Fiori

Head across the Tiber for a visit to Trastevere.

Colorful Trastevere is one of Rome’s most picturesque and beloved neighborhoods, and it’s well worth visiting as part of your 2 day Rome itinerary!

We have a full guide to visiting Trastevere here , but be sure not to miss stepping inside the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, stopping by Piazza Trilussa, and merely wandering through the gorgeous streets, camera in hand.

Vicolo del Cinque, Vicolo della Luce, Vicolo del Buco, Via dell’Arco di San Calisto, Vicolo del Piede, Via Titta Scarpetta, and Via in Piscinula are just a few of the prettiest streets in Trastevere, but there are dozens to choose from!

Don’t fill up on snacks, though, because the perfect way to end your first day in Rome is…

picturesque bar covered in ivy on one of the prettiest streets in trastevere rome

Eat your way through Trastevere on a food tour.

We’re big fans of opening trips with food tours–off the top of my head, we’ve taken at least 6 in Italy alone–as they are not only a wonderful way to get to know a city, they also help you gain a lot of confidence with ordering local food!

And, when it comes to Roman cuisine, Trastevere is the perfect neighborhood to dive into on a short trip.

We loved  this food tour in Trastevere  and can confirm that after taking it, you will walk away with a solid base knowledge for ordering food throughout the rest of your trip to Rome… and be extremely full.

From wine to cheese to Rome’s classic pastas to  contorni  (sides) to obligatory (incredible) gelato, every bite is a delight.

Book your Trastevere food tour  today!

hands holding up aperol spritzes in trastevere italy on a trastevere food tour

Day 2 in Rome: The Vatican + More Centro Storico + Beyond

Head straight to the vatican museums..

The Vatican Museums, with their magnificent art treasures, incredible map room, spectacular Sistine Chapel, and more, are an absolutely unmissable experience when planning to experience Rome in 2 days.

Plus, as a bonus, visiting means that you’ll actually be able to say you visited a whole other country!

Due to the severe crowds and ridiculously long lines, it is nearly essential to  pre-book your visit  to the Vatican Museums.

If you’d like to brave the odds on a rainy day in February, may the force be with you, but we once walked by the line to the museums nearly daily for a month as October bled into November, and the lines stayed at “Wow, okay, I’ll give that scalper whatever he wants to end this wait” levels.

Definitely book ahead to help your 2 day Rome itinerary go more smoothly!

Two tickets for the Vatican Museums being held up in front of a colorful wall--pre-booking these tickets is one of the most important Vatican travel tips

If you’re particularly interested in seeing the Sistine Chapel without a few hundred of your new closest friends, we’ve had friends of ours absolutely rave about the experience of  the early access tour , where you can gain access to the museums and Sistine Chapel before they officially open for the day.

While it is a pricier option, word on the street is that if it’s in your budget, it’s 100% worth both the money and the effort spent getting out of bed early in the morning.

After personally touring the Vatican Museums both independently and with a guide, we’re personally of the opinion that a tour (especially one that takes place outside of peak hours) is enormously beneficial, and can highly recommend  this one  for an early-morning experience.

2 Days in Rome: Vatican Museums Statue

Also, bear in mind when planning your 4 days in Rome itinerary that the Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month, when the museums are open and free to visitors who are able to enter before 12:30 PM (they then close at 2:00 PM).

From April to October each year, the Vatican Museums are also open on Friday nights, and we personally loved  our Friday night tour .

Book your  early morning  or  evening tour of the Vatican Museums  today! Prefer to explore independently? Book skip-the-line tickets  to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel!

2 Days in Rome: Vatican Museums Spiral Staircase

Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

The first thing that struck us about St. Peter’s Square was simply how big it was: it put the footage of Pope Francis’ inauguration, for example, in a whole new light.

Feel free to wander around the square, and when you’re ready, jump into line to head into the Basilica itself.

I t’s easily the most stunning one we have seen in Italy, and you definitely shouldn’t skip it during your 2 days in Rome (the line moves faster than you think).

2 Days in Rome Itinerary: Interior of St. Peter's Basilica

The Basilica is free to enter, but there is a charge for climbing up to the top of the dome (which, unless you get very claustrophobic or don’t think you can handle the climb, we highly recommend.

Keep in mind that St. Peter’s Basilica has a dress code that is enforced, so cover your shoulders and knees before entering.

If you’re interested in seeing the Pope, public addresses are given most Wednesday mornings when he is in town.

Tickets are required, but are supposed to be fairly easy to get –and you can always book a tour guide if you’d like to make things simple.

Piazza San Pietro as seen from the top of st peters dome, one of the top attractions during a 4 days in rome itinerary

Make your way to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Castel Sant’Angelo, despite its name, was never built to be a castle at all, but a mausoleum.

As the tomb of Emperor Hadrian and some of his family, Castel Sant’Angelo (in its original form, anyway), is an impressive nearly 2,000 years old–and it, combined with the Ponte (bridge) Sant’Angelo that sits in front of it, are absolutely worth seeing while in Rome.

Whether or not you choose to duck inside the castle as part of your 2 days in Rome (it’s a very interesting place, but personally, we don’t think it’s necessary to go in with only a couple of days in Rome), be sure to enjoy the views of the Tiber River from in front of it.

Some of the best buskers in Rome are virtually always playing outside the castle, near the entrance to the bridge, which makes for a wonderful environment!

Once you’re ready, go ahead and cross the gorgeous Ponte Sant’Angelo–which will lead you directly into Centro Storico, one of Rome’s prettiest neighborhoods, and the next stop on your 2 day Rome itinerary.

Castel Sant'Angelo seen from Angel Bridge in February, Rome in Winter

Stroll to Piazza Navona.

Once upon a time 2,000 years ago, the Romans built a stadium named Circus Domitianus.

Over time, the stadium was torn down, the area paved, Baroque fountains were put in, markets gathered, Popes ordained summer splash pools… and eventually, out of all of this activity and change, the area eventually became what is now known as Piazza Navona.

Today, it remains one of the best-known and most popular piazzas in Rome!

It is a must-see during your 2 days in Rome itinerary–perhaps with a gelato in hand.

4 days in Rome Itinerary: Piazza Navona

Head to the Pantheon.

Ah, the mysterious Pantheon: a Roman-temple-turned-church, the famous Pantheon is home to many mysteries, such as exactly how old it is and exactly what it is made out of!

Even with the omnipresent crowds, we loved wandering around and gawking at the elaborate and gorgeous Pantheon.

While the Pantheon has traditionally been free to visit, the city of Rome introduced an entrance fee starting in 2023.

Today, base tickets for the Pantheon cost 5 Euro, purchased onsite or through  this website .

Alternatively, you can purchase  tickets to the Pantheon that include a downloadable audio guide .

Be sure to read the signs carefully when arriving at the Pantheon: there are separate lines for those who already have downloaded tickets and those planning to purchase one in-person.

Get your Pantheon tickets + audio guide  now!

Right outside the Pantheon sits the beautiful Piazza della Rotonda–while you’re there, be sure to take a few moments to admire the view of the Pantheon from the piazza and the piazza itself.

Best Rome Itinerary: Pantheon

Head to the Trevi Fountain and toss in a coin.

Why? So you’ll be guaranteed to see Rome again, of course.

I’ll be honest: years ago, this fountain was incredibly high on my list of things I wanted to see on our very first trip to Rome, beating out even more “worthy” historical sites.

And… it was worth it.

The architecture is just so incredible, and the brightly colored water is magnificently beautiful set against the white stone. 

We make it a point to return to the Trevi Fountain every time we’re in Rome (given its extremely central location, it’s not that difficult!) and never tire of admiring its beauty.

Yes, you will inevitably share the lovely view with hundreds of others, but it is surprisingly easy to snag a prime location near the front to get up close and personal with the Trevi Fountain.

If you don’t mind sitting back a bit, you can often grab a seat on the steps of the Church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Fontana di Trevi to relax for a minute.

front facade of the trevi fountain, one of the best places to visit in rome in 2 days

Drop by the Galleria Sciarra.

is small courtyard is not only absolutely beautiful, but it’s also an easy way to sneak a less-touristed spot into your 2 day Rome itinerary because it is just down the street from the Trevi Fountain!

The Galleria Sciarra is free to enter during business hours (the building itself is used for offices today), but the Art Nouveau frescoes painted by Giuseppe Cellini in the late 19th century that adorn the walls are an excellent example of how beauty and exceptional artwork is truly around every corner in Rome.

The frescoes have a specific theme: women, or even more specifically, female virtues.

Feel free to take a moment to admire them for yourself–the courtyard will probably feel incredibly quiet and peaceful after the hectic crowds at the Trevi Fountain!

Rome off the beaten path: view of Galleria Sciarra looking up

Stroll to the Spanish Steps.

These steps straddle two gorgeous Roman piazzas: Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinita dei Monti at the top.

While sitting on the Spanish Steps has unfortunately been outlawed recently, ending a decades-long tradition of lounging there, the good news is that it is now easier than ever to snap photos of the steps!

Definitely come by the piazza to enjoy the view and to take some time for people watching–after all the walking and touring earlier in the day, you’ve earned it.

While visiting the Spanish Steps is fun at any time of day, bear in mind that it is frequently crowded.

The only time we’ve had the steps to ourselves was by waking up at dawn in February, so be prepared to share the view with many others!

vertical photo of the spanish steps rome with fountain in the foreground, part of a one day rome itinerary

Make your way to the Piazza del Popolo.

Walking from the Spanish Steps to the Piazza del Popolo is a lovely stroll in its own right, but even if it wasn’t, the destination would be worth it.

Piazza del Popolo is easily one of the prettiest piazzas in Rome –and it’s also very historically significant.

You’ve probably heard the phrase that “all roads lead to Rome”–and specifically, they all led to Piazza del Popolo, which was once a traditional entrance point to the city.

The “twin churches” of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli that stand at one end of the piazza are beautiful, of course–but it’s the comparatively plain exterior of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo on the other side of the piazza that art lovers should keep an eye out for, because it’s home to 2 Caravaggio paintings.

Be sure to climb up to the Pincio Terrace while you’re there for a gorgeous view of Piazza del Popolo and of Rome itself from above.

Piazzas in Rome: PIazza del Popolo viewed from Pincio Terrace

Where to stay for your 2 days in Rome depends a lot on your priorities.

Do you want to be surrounded by a beautiful neighborhood? Trastevere is the place for you.

In the center of the action? Head to Centro Storico.

Save money? The furthest reaches of the metro lines.

With 4 days in Rome, though, we consider access to the rest of the city to be the most important deciding factor when deciding where to stay–in other words, choose somewhere within no more than a 10-minute walk to a metro stop.

Cafe with Chairs outside in February, Rome in Winter, Instagrammable Places in Rome

However, if it’s within your budget, we find Centro Storico or fairly close to it (the closer edges of Trastevere, Monti, or Prati/Vaticano, for example), to be the most convenient place to stay for this Rome itinerary.

When choosing a hotel or apartment, looking at its distance from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon is a good rule of thumb–in a perfect world, you’ll be within walking distance of those.

That being said, we’ve stayed all over Rome and loved each corner for different reasons!

Here are a few well-reviewed properties to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in Rome.

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm on a roofdeck of rome at sunset during an itinerary rome italy

La Cornice Guesthouse  — We loved this little guesthouse back in our budget backpacking days! It was extremely clean and comfortable, and very affordable for Rome.

La Cornice is set slightly outside the main tourist areas, but an easy 5-minute walk to the metro and a 20-minute ride got us to the Colosseum and other major sights.

Our favorite part of La Cornice?

Eating a nearby Joseph Ristorante for lunch, a restaurant we have returned to for years–and it all started with a recommendation from the clerk at La Cornice.

Just a 5 minute walk away, their lunch special offered a choice of about 10 main courses plus bread, wine, and one of several desserts for 8 Euros/person–it’s hard to beat that!

Check rates & book your stay at La Cornice Guesthouse!

Round panna cotta with a spoon inserted in it shot from above. The panna cotta is coated in caramel sauce. Panna cotta is a delicious dessert to consider when deciding what to eat in Rome Italy

Hotel Condotti  — Located just a couple of blocks from the Spanish Steps (and consequently the Piazza di Spagna metro station), you couldn’t ask for a better location in Rome!

Well-reviewed and boasting exceptionally clean rooms, Hotel Condotti is the perfect choice for a traveler with a midrange budget (or luxury traveler–this hotel also holds some impressive-looking suites!) who would like to be within walking distance to the best that Centro Storico has to offer.

Enduringly popular and perfectly positioned, you can’t go wrong with checking into Hotel Condotti.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Condotti!

kate storm on the spanish steps at dawn, during a 4 day rome itinerary

The Wesley  — We adored this amazingly located hotel!

You can’t ask for a better location for exploring Rome, as it literally overlooks the Castel Sant’Angelo and is a short walk away from all the major Centro Storico sights.

It is a bit of a hike to a metro stop–you’ll probably need to take a taxi when you arrive/leave with luggage–but the location made it worth it for us.

For a mid-range property, The Wesley is a fairly simple one–expect small and extremely simple rooms, and shared bathrooms for some rooms.

Essentially, The Wesley as a guesthouse floats somewhere between budget and mid-range, with a luxury-status-worthy location.

Because of the fantastic combination of more affordable rates and a fabulous location, The Wesley sells out fast–if you want to stay there and see it’s available on your dates, we recommend booking immediately!

Check rates & book your stay at The Wesley!

Castel Sant'Angelo with bridge at night, What to Do in Rome at Night

Pantheon Inn  — If you’re looking for a building with classic Italian charm in the heart of Rome, this is it.

Located right behind the Pantheon and within reach, the Pantheon Inn offers a quiet, peaceful escape in the middle of bustling Rome.

You will need to walk a bit to the metro stop–but since the walk will take you through the heart of the beautiful Centro Storico, we doubt you’ll mind.

Check rates & book your stay at the Pantheon Inn!

Jeremy standing with Mouth of Truth in Rome, wearing his favorite black jacket that always ends up on our packing list for Europe fall.

We designed this 2 days in Rome itinerary to be as walkable as possible, grouping destinations by geography where we could.

Even still, Rome is large enough that you will need to use other methods of getting around, especially if you don’t stay right in Centro Storico.

The easiest option is simply to use the metro–though Rome’s metro has a mere 3 lines (only 2 of which will likely be of interest to you as a visitor), it connects directly to many of the city’s highlights, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and more.

View of Piazza di Spagna from above, one of the best viewpoints in Rome

If you can swing it, your 2 days in Rome will be highly enhanced by staying within a short walk of a metro stop, or by staying in the Centro Storico neighborhood where you will be within walking distance of highlights like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and more.

Rome’s bus system is also an option, though it can be slightly confusing and you  cannot  purchase tickets onboard.

Pick them up at a nearby bar or metro stop before hopping on, or aim for simplicity and purchase a multi-day pass to the transport network.

Taxis are present in Rome, but Rome’s heavy traffic and their high prices make these options best avoided if possible when traveling between these more popular (and therefore congested) sights in Rome.

people getting out of a taxi in rome italy, a great way to get off the beaten path in rome

For the same reason, we don’t generally recommend Hop On/Hop Off bus tours in Rome.

If you are planning on getting off the beaten path in Rome or you are staying somewhere not well-connected to public transportation, we use the Free Now app in Rome (and throughout much of Europe).

Think of Free Now as a local Uber option, except instead of calling private drivers, it calls official taxis.

2 Days in Rome Itinerary: Street Scene in Centro Storico

For a full Italy trip that is covering multiple Italian cities in a short time ( 2 weeks or less ), we believe 2 days in Rome is a sufficient amount.

I t’s enough to hit all of the major highlights with plenty of time in your schedule leftover for leisurely meals, randomly wandering down streets, or adding in another couple of highlights if you’re the sightseeing-from-dawn-to-dusk type!

Since most Italy trips will include stops in multiple cities–on a first trip, that would likely be Florence , Venice , and maybe one additional place–there’s no need to overwhelm yourself in any one place.

Kate Storm in a blue dress standing next to a Vespa on a street in Rome Italy--you'll see plenty of streets like this during your Rome vacation!

However, if you have enough time to justify a longer trip to Rome, of course, there are endless things to do in the Eternal City!

S ome of our other favorites include touring the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, taking the views of Rome from the top of the Altar of the Fatherland, exploring the fascinating Capuchin Crypt, seeking out interesting spots in lesser-explored neighborhoods like Testaccio (the 2000-year-old Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Non-Catholic Cemetery, and Testaccio Market are great places to start out there).

Close-up photo of Quartiere Coppedè entrance gate in Rome.

You can also consider a visit to some of Rome’s many catacombs, tour the interior of the Castel Sant’Angelo, a trip out to Appian Way, or a day spent hitting up quirky spots around town like the Keyhole on Aventine Hill, the Mouth of Truth (though it’s a bit overrated in our opinion), or the Quartiere Coppede neighborhood.

And, of course, if visiting churches in Rome is your thing, you can essentially throw a stone anywhere in Rome and hit a very impressive one–the city is home to a mind-boggling 900 churches in total!

We recommend checking out our guide to the best hidden gems in Rome to find many more incredible (and uncrowded) places to explore.

And, of course, if you’re based in Rome for quite some time, taking one of the best day trips from Rome is a fantastic way to spend a day in Italy!

jeremy storm and ranger storm on a small street during 4 days rome italy

Like most travelers to Rome, on our first visit to Rome, we compared the very expensive Omnia Card and the not-as-expensive Roma Pass, and ended up buying… neither.

While city passes can be a great deal in some destinations, we ultimately found both of these overpriced for what you get in return, and we weren’t interested in some of the benefits offered (like a hop-on/hop-off bus tour ).

That being said, it may be the right fit for some travelers–if you’re considering purchasing either the Omnia Card or Roma Pass, we recommend reading this article to get a clear understanding of the similarities and differences.

4 Days in Rome Itinerary: Trastevere

Ultimately, there is no bad time to visit Rome–except perhaps July and August, if you are trying to avoid the heat!

After visiting Rome in almost every month of the year, our favorite time to visit Rome (and Italy overall) remains the spring or fall–shoulder season is the perfect season in Rome as far as we’re concerned.

With only 2 days in Rome, you may want to stick to months like September or October as opposed to the riskier months like December, when the chance of rain soars.

If you’d like the lowest prices and smallest crowds, consider a winter trip to Rome in January or February–after Christmas, before Easter, and during the dead of winter will ensure you have Rome as much to yourself as you’ll ever be able to.

Bus in front of Altar to the Fatherland at night: What to Do in Rome at Night

Despite Rome’s international reputation as a pickpocket hotspot, it is, on the whole, a very safe city.

Yes, you should definitely keep a careful watch on your bags and pockets when in crowded areas (pay especially close attention in crowded metro stops like Termini and at tourist hotspots like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain), but we’ve never had so much as a close call during our visits to Rome.

You will see scammers present in Rome’s more touristy areas, including men presenting women with roses to try to elicit payment from their companion, “friendship bracelet” offers for bracelets that are free (until they’re tied on your wrist), etc.

It’s best to ignore these scammers entirely and brush them off with a polite but firm “no” if necessary.

Also, keep in mind that buying and selling fake designer goods is illegal in Italy as both a consumer and a seller.

Don’t be tempted by “designer” bags and sunglasses being touted on blankets in tourist areas, no matter how convincing the wares might look from across the piazza!

2 Days in Rome: Roman Views

Don’t forget to include these important items when you pack for Rome!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Pacsafe — We can’t recommend our Pacsafe enough: this travel safe is affordable, sturdy, easy to pack, and will help keep your valuables safe in your hotel room (not that you should need to worry much about theft when visiting Rome, but better safe than sorry!).

Travel Adaptors for Italy — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Rome Itinerary: Bike propped up next to a house in Rome

Swiss Army Knife — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that focaccia from the bakery? You’ll be so glad you brought along a Swiss Army Knife!

Umbrella — Option A: Plan on buying an umbrella when it starts pouring down rain. Option B: Plan ahead and buy a (probably much sturdier) umbrella before leaving.

Option C: Hope you get lucky with the weather (but fair warning, we’ve never been to Italy and avoided rain entirely!).

Travel Journal — If you want to keep a travel journal, but can’t commit to a huge amount of writing each night, I can’t recommend the One Line a Day Journal enough.

I’ve been using it for almost the full 5 years now and adore it!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Heading to Rome for a couple days soon?

Rome is one of our favorite cities in the world, and we have written about it (and Italy as a whole) extensively.

You can  browse 100+ Italy blog posts here , or check out some more of our guides to Rome (we have more than 20):

  • 30+ Important Rome Travel Tips You Need to Know
  • The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!
  • 33 Epic Hidden Gems in Rome (Off the Beaten Path!)
  • Is a Colosseum Night Tour Worth the Splurge? (+ Tips!)
  • What to Do in Rome at Night: 15 Exciting Ideas

Ultimate 2 Days in Rome Itinerary: #rome #italy #travel #eternalcity

About Kate Storm

Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

47 thoughts on “2 Days in Rome: An Epic + Easy Rome Itinerary”

I’ve been really interested in visiting Rome ever since the movie Angels and Demons came out, if I’m completely honest. And thanks for the heads-up on the metro passes. I always assumed that purchasing a day pass or even a week pass was beneficial and helped as a buffer, just in case I get on the wrong train or bus. I guess it’s probably best to do some price comparison beforehand.

Price comparison is definitely the way to go, and every city is different–in Budapest, for example, we purchased week-long passes for far less than buying individual tickets. Best to take a few minutes to run the numbers before buying!

Oh, I am so enjoying this! I visited Rome several times now and somehow, I get to the same places, each time. I am with you that 2 days in Rome is enough for starters, but my local friends keep insisting that there are so many places to see. I hope you enjoyed your 2 days 🙂 🙂 Have safe travels ahead!

Ha, I know what you mean–I’d definitely want to discover more places if we go back (we actually spent almost a week in Rome this fall), but there’s no way I’m going back to Rome and skipping a second visit to some of the highlights!

Your post on Rome just remind me of how much I missed out the TWO times I have been there! I didn’t visit the Vatican museum or the Spanish steps for exemples! I was just more people watching. And the second time I didnt even bother to throw a couple of coind in the Trevi fountain so I might not even get a third visit to Rome!

Oh, I bet you’ll make it back that third time! I know what you mean–personally, we’re kicking ourselves for not climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for the view. All the more reason to go back!

Rome is incredibly beautiful; as if I didn’t want to visit it enough, you have convinced me even more. It is good to know that some of these top attractions are located nearby. It saves you time from commuting to one attraction to another. And of course, it’s always nice to see a lot of attractions in a short amount of time. Given the hefty amount of historic attractions in Rome, you’ll want to squeeze in as many of those as possible!

Structuring days around geography is definitely a huge help in a city of this size! It’s one of the first things we check for when planning our own itineraries.

Wow I can never get tired of reading and looking at photo’s of Rome what a magnificent place. Those Spanish steps is where I would love to visit. I have read though that it is a busy city and can get quiet congested but it does not look to bad in your pics for that time of year. I would need a week though, 2 days would never be enough for me. Thanks for all the great info, happy travels you two!

It definitely is magnificent! Two days definitely isn’t enough to master Rome (we spent almost a week and barely scratched the surface), but for a shorter Italy trip… honestly, as much as we loved Rome, I think we’d probably spend the extra days in a different part of Italy!

I have just finished reading a book on Roman Empire. It fuelled my desire to learn more about Rome. Colosseum of course is on the top of my bucket list. I would love to discover the other ancient ruins of Rome as well. Vatican Museums also sound interesting.

Ooooh, what book? One thing I’m trying to do more of in 2018 is to read books set in the places I’m traveling to–hoping to write some posts about that for certain destinations!

I totally would pay a bit extra to pre-book tickets to the Colosseum and skip the line. Absolutely agree…time is of the essence when you only have 2 days! Good to know that 2 days is a sufficient amount of time to see all the key highlights of Rome. I would definitely love to spend 2 weeks in Italy, but traveling all through the country.

Ha, funny you should mention that, Soraya… our next post will be a 2 week itinerary for Italy! 😉 I agree, it would be such a shame to come all the way to Italy and only see one city, no matter how amazing it is.

I remember learning about Palatine Hill when I was in school. Roman history is truly astonishing and although I spend most of my time in Latin America now, I’d love to re-visit. Especially some of the more hidden places within Rome. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Latin America is an incredible place, but yes–Rome totally deserves a return visit! I definitely thought about my school days while there, and I suspect Athens will have a similar effect when we (finally) get there.

I went to Rome in winters with some snow. Your 2 days itinerary has covered all important and famous places of Rome. Colosseum and Trevi fountain are the first thing to visit in Rome. Vatican museum is also interested but due to lack of time I missed it and only saw Vatican city’s main hall with Pope’s address. If I visit rome next time, then I would surely go for Galleria Borghese as you have recommended it as a place for art and I love art.

Rome must have been so beautiful in the snow! Too cold for my tastes, but I’m sure it was gorgeous. Hope you get to see the Vatican museums and Galleria Borghese next time!

We will be going to Italy for two weeks Sept 5-18, what kind of weather/temps should we expect do you think? We will start in the Lake District, the Venice, Montecatini, Naples, then Rome.

That’s an interesting time of year, as it can vary quite a bit depending on year–I’d pay close attention as your trip starts getting closer! In general, I would expect the Lake District to potentially be cool by then, but Naples and Rome should still be very warm. Every year is different, though!

What tour did you use for the colosseum

Hi Joanna! We used this tour available through Get Your Guide: https://www.getyourguide.com/rome-l33/ancient-rome-tour-colosseum-underground-arena-forum-t155115/?partner_id=1OI4D21

We loved the guided portion of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in particular and also were thrilled to use a back entrance (they call it the gladiator’s entrance) to skip all the lines and crowds when we entered the Colosseum for our guided tour there. 🙂

This itinerary looks great! I will have two full days in Rome this May. Your itinerary hits all the places that I want to go, plus some I didn’t know about. Thanks for the help and saving me some extensive planning. Now I just need to get my advance tickets for the Vatican!

Thanks so much, Kelsey! I hope you have an absolutely amazing time in Rome!!

Enjoyed your Rome itinerary and your photos. Like your sunrise shot of the Spanish Steps in particular. It’s not easy to get a photo that isn’t covered in tourists.

We overlooked the Galleria Sciarra on our previous visits to Rome and will have to fit that in next time, as well. Nice find!

It definitely isn’t! We needed the combination of a winter morning and jetlag to pull that one off, lol. Thanks so much! Enjoy the Galleria Sciarra–it is lovely.

I think this blog is great with tons of useful information. I especially enjoyed the 2 days in Rome itinerary. We followed it not quite to the T, but visited most of the suggested sites and it went great. One thing though…. I guess everyone’s idea of a luxury hotel is very different. I booked rooms at the Pantheon Inn and we were very disappointed. So much so, that we left and found a new hotel. It’s my fault, I probably should have done more research on hotels before I booked. And this isn’t a knock on this blog, just a heads up for future travelers when booking hotels…. Everything else was great!!!!

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Kirsten!

So glad we were able to help you have a good time in Rome, and I’m sorry the Pantheon was a disappointment for you! If you have time, I’d love to hear your thoughts on your experience there vs your expectations of a luxury experience either here or via email at kate (at) ourescapeclause (dot) com.

We really appreciate you reading and providing feedback after your trip!

Wow this article was super helpful! My husband and I are traveling to Italy for the first time and will be spending 2.5 days in Rome. I definitely plan on following this itinerary while we’re there! What time do you suggest we start and end our day to fit everything in? We can walk pretty fast but will also be jet lagged … 🙂

Thanks so much, Courtney! As for getting up, I’d say make it as early as you can, especially on day two with the Vatican (early access tickets can get you in before the crowds). For day one, the Colosseum opens at 9, but if you happen to be up before that, you could visit the Trevi Fountain/Spanish Steps before going, which would allow you to open up more of your day.

Jetlag is the worst, but luckily Italian espresso makes it slightly better. 😉 The bars in Rome start opening around 6am (and our own jetlag is how we ended up learning that lol).

sir, your article was very useful for me . i am visiting roam in first week of sep’19. i want to know that whether roma pass is skip the line pass for all sites or discount only..

Hi Amrita! There are a few different companies selling city passes to Rome–I outlined the two most popular in this post–and they all have slightly different rules. We’ve never chosen to use one ourselves.

When you book skip-the-line tickets for a specific attraction, like the tours I’ve linked for the Vatican, Colosseum, etc, those prices cover both the skip-the-line rights AND the entrance fee, plus whatever tour/benefits (if any) are attached.

Hope that helps!

How are the crowds in mid November?

In our experience, not bad at all! Significantly less than in mid-October, but not quite as dead as mid-December or mid-February.

I loved reading this blog! Thank you! I have spent one day and a night in Rome in July 1998 and I’m considering going back for 2 days in June 2020. I loved reading your recommendation for a two day itinerary! So thank you very much!

Thank you so much Bridge! Hope you love your return to Rome! 🙂

Hello there. I plan to visit Rome for 2 days next week. First time. Thank you for your 2 day visit suggestion. Is it possible to do the coliseum tour by myself. How long do you think entrance que will be this time of year. Thanks again

February is probably one of your best shots at just showing up and waiting in line, honestly, but the lines can still get long–if you want to avoid purchasing a skip the line ticket or tour, we recommend showing up just before opening!

Also being from South Africa we are accustomed to cold winters. How cold is Rome in February. How warm do we need to pack..

Honestly it doesn’t get too cold in Rome! When we were there last February highs were usually in the 50s F iirc, and we were comfortable in peacoats. According to google looks like it’s actually in the low 60s F right now, so even warmer!

We are planning two weeks in Italy in the height of summer (7 people)… one week traveling around the north and the second week in my boyfriend’s families hometown on the coast of the Adriatic. Your two days in Rome was a perfect read and included many of the sites we already had on our list. We’re also doing “Tuscany” w day trips to Florence and Pisa and then Venice. Should be an amazing whirlwind for all 5 senses. I can’t wait!

Thank you so much, Stacey! Sounds like you guys have an amazing trip planned–all of those places are absolutely amazing. 😀

Your article is both informative and interesting. Rome is stunning, but I didn’t get to see it. You gave me all of the information I needed about visiting Rome. I’d want to express my gratitude for sharing the information and the beautiful photographs. These images have piqued my interest, and I have decided to travel to Rome.

This is so informative and was helpful to me. I have visited Rome in May 2022 and this was my base itinerary. It was a success without any surprises thanks to you. I convey my gratitude for your amazing effort. Keep it up.

Thanks, Ashani! So glad you had a great time in Rome!

Thanks so much for your suggestions! Planning my first trip to Italy with the help of all your articles. For the Forum guided tour, and the food tour, which ones are you referring to specifically? When clicking on the links, it takes us to all the different tours. Would love to know which ones you suggest. Thanks 🙂

Hi Stefanie,

So glad we can help! 🙂

Unfortunately, the tour aggregator we work with changed the layout of their website a bit since I originally wrote this post, hence the confusion. But the tours I’m specifically talking about are the ones that pop up at the top of the page when you click it, and are usually highlighted in blue to differentiate them from the other options.

Good luck with your planning! Rome is forever one of our favorite cities.

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Two Days in Rome, Detailed Itinerary

trip for 2 to rome

Planning to spend 2 days in Rome, Italy and looking to see the city’s top attractions? There are so many things to see and do in Rome and this 2-day Itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this lovely city.

As the famous saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, which though true, it is most definitely possible to visit its highlights in two days. Branded the ‘Eternal City’, Rome has a history unlike any other city in the world; from the days of Gladiators and Chariot racing to Renaissance paintings and architecture, all the way up to modern-day, the metropolis continues to thrive.

Whether you prioritise sightseeing and ticking landmarks off of your bucket list, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a city, this two-day itinerary has you covered to get the most out of your trip to Rome.

Table of Contents

Two Days in Rome: Where to stay?

Royal Rooms – Via Del Corso : Located on the main shopping street, within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps and within easy reach of the metro, this elegantly decorated hotel has comfortable rooms and kind staff. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. Palazzo Medusa : Within walking distance of the main attractions and well-located for The Vatican yet tucked away in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle, this guest house has elegantly decorated rooms with a shared lounge and a cafe opposite where you can enjoy breakfast. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. Navona Colors Hotel : Within walking distance of the main sights as well as bars and restaurants, this hotel is located on a pedestrianized street in the Baroque area of the Old Town. Rooms are decorated in an elegant olde worlde style with exposed beams and tiled floor. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

How to spend 2 days in Rome – a Detailed Itinerary

trip for 2 to rome

Rome in 2 Days: Day One

Tip: Two days in Rome is not much time for what the city has to offer. In order to be able to see the major attractions and not spend your time waiting in lines under the hot sun (if you are visiting in summer) I highly recommend that you book your skip the line tickets and tours in advance especially for the Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine Hill and for the Vatican .

Breakfast 

The best way to start your Roman experience is to eat breakfast the way Italians do. As you may know, the locals are fanatic about their coffee and the way in which it is drunk; head to one of the many cafes dotted around the city, otherwise known as Snack Bars, and order yourself a cappuccino and a cornetto (croissant).

Italians detest drinking coffee with hot milk after around 11 am, so the cappuccino is very much considered a morning drink. Enjoy your coffee like a local by standing at the bar and drinking it, rather than sitting down, as sometimes, you will be charged more.

Vatican Museum

Vatican Museum - 2 days in Rome

Founded in the 16 th Century, the Vatican Museum houses an extensive collection of masterpieces and artifacts. The scale of the Museum and the sheer number of works is breathtaking, and you could spend your entire trip to Rome here.

Discover some world-famous paintings by the artistic greats, such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Da Vinci, as well as the stunning Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.

Tip: Visiting the Vatican is an essential Rome experience, and it will be quite overwhelming! Before anything, you should know that the queues are huge. No matter how much you think you can wait, you can’t. The queues go on for seemingly forever, so I recommend a skip-a-line tour . Another way to enjoy the Vatican if you don’t have much time is by this  Pristine Sistine, early entrance small group Vatican tour  by the Walks of Italy. The reason I like this tour is that you get inside the Vatican one hour before it opens, the group is up to 14 people and you get to see the Vatican in under 4 hours. All times I’ve been to the Vatican (3 so far) were with the skip the line guided tour, and it added to the overall comfort and convenience of my entire visit there. If you’re not really into tours, you can  wander on your own and skip the lines.

St Peter’s Basilica

St Peter's Basilica - Two days in Rome Italy

Next, join the queue to enter St Peter’s Basilica; you must make sure that your legs and shoulders are covered, so either wear longer clothing or a scarf, otherwise you will not be allowed in. The inside of St Peter’s is awe-inspiring, and immense inside, so ensure that you take your time to appreciate all of its glory. You can also access the Vatican Grotto, which lies beneath the main building and is the resting place of previous Popes.

After this, purchase your tickets to visit the top of the dome; for the stair route it is 8 euros each, and to take the elevator it is 10 euros each. From the top, you can see all of Rome, as well as have a perfect view of the Vatican Gardens and St Peter’s Square.

12:30 pm Lunch

What better place in the world to eat pizza than Italy? In Rome, it is very common to pay for pizza by the weight of the slice, so you will see many pizzerias that offer this; it is perfect, as it means you can have as little or as much as you want, and in most places, pay a very reasonable price for it.

Just make sure you ask first as to roughly how much a slice is, as some places will take advantage of the fact that you are a tourist and rip you off.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo - 2 day Rome itinerary

After the Vatican Museum, head towards the river, where you will come across Castel Sant’Angelo; completed in 139AD, this landmark was built as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian.

In the 6 th Century, it was turned into a Papal Fortress, which you can visit today, admire gorgeous panoramic views of Rome from the top, and visit the vast collection of artifacts inside.

Tickets are 15 euros each, or 7.50 euros each if you bring your valid documentation stating that you are a European Union citizen.

Click here to book your skip-the-lin e tickets to the Castel Sant’ Angelo.

Trastevere - things to do in rome in 2 days

After visiting the Vatican and the Castel Sant’ Angelo, head along the river towards the neighborhood of Trastevere. Here you will find cobbled streets and ivy-covered buildings and feel as though you have stepped out of the hustle and bustle of Rome, and into a quaint Italian town.

There are so many restaurants to choose from, and all offer something different. After feasting on some Italian pizza and pasta, venture to the main square for some street entertainment and watch the sunset.

Rome in 2 Days: Day Two

Like the previous day, the best way to have breakfast in Rome is in true Italian fashion; locate a Snack Bar or café and order yourself a beautiful cappuccino and cornetto.

Colosseum , Roman Forum, Palatine Hill

Colosseum - two days in Rome

One of the world’s Seven Wonders, the Colosseum is one of the most incredible and famous landmarks on earth. Construction began in 70 AD, and it was used as an amphitheater for Roman entertainment.

Continue your visit to the Roman Forum  and Palatine Hill for the best views of Rome.

Tip: Lines are huge so a fast-track guided tour that includes the Colosseum, the Roman, Forum and the Palatine Hill is highly recommended. Click here for more information .

Palazzo Venezia

Two days in Rome - Palazzo Venezia

After the Colosseum, stroll down towards the forum and gaze in awe at some Ancient Roman ruins; there are many information boards scattered around this area, informing you as to what the particular ruin used to be, and how it may have looked.

Afterward, continue on towards Altare della Patria; often branded as ‘The Wedding Cake’, this stunning white tiered building was completed in 1925, to honor Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy. You can take the elevator at the top and admire some wonderful views of Rome.

Next to Altare della Patria is Palazzo Venezia, a gorgeous Venetian-style palace dedicated to Renaissance artifacts, whilst also boasting beautiful Italian gardens and architecture.

If you are visiting Rome in summer, at this point you will likely be exhausted from the heat, so Palazzo Venezia is the perfect way to cool down; regular tickets are 10 euros each, but if you bring your European Union identification, it is only 5 euro each.

Campo de’ Fiori

Two days in Rome

Just behind the restaurant lies Campo de’ Fiori – Field of Flowers. This is a wonderful daily market which runs from 10 am until 2 pm, where you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and clothes. As well to these, there are lots of souvenirs you can purchase, such as a vast selection of Limoncello and olive oil.

Once you have explored what the market stalls have to offer, visit one of the many bars dotted around the edge of the square; in the afternoon, lots of the bars have a happy hour, that typically charge around 5 euro for an Aperol Spritz – a popular Italian drink that the locals and tourists alike enjoy! Just a minute off of the main square is Arco degli Acetari, a hidden Medieval courtyard where vinegar makers used to work; it makes for a gorgeous photo.

There are so many enticing restaurants and cafes across Rome, so much so that you will feel spoiled for choice when selecting where to eat. One recommendation is Café Bianco, located just behind Piazza Navona. Here, you can indulge in a 12-euro deal, that consists of a starter, a main, and a drink. The food is delicious, the service is quick and friendly, and the location is incredibly central.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona 2 day Rome itinerary

Stroll onwards towards Piazza Navona, an immense and bustling piazza, full of tourists and locals alike, boasting an array of restaurants, bars, and street entertainment. The piazza has an extensive history as well; it was originally built in the 1st Century to house games and was later paved over to make it what it is today.

Museo di Roma

Once you have explored Piazza Navona, just next to it is Museo di Roma, a wonderful museum that houses a large collection of famous artifacts and paintings. It is the perfect way to escape the crowds and cool down.

Pantheon - 2 days in Rome itinerary

After visiting the Museum, walk for just a few more minutes and you will stumble across the Pantheon; this temple is one of the oldest buildings in Rome and has remained untampered with, meaning it is entirely authentic. The temple’s purpose was to serve as a place of worship to Roman gods, and today, you can visit this amazing site for free!

Spanish Steps

Two days in Rome

After lunch, take a stroll around Piazza Spagna, and admire the magnificent Spanish Steps. In the tourist months, the steps are crammed with visitors snapping selfies and admiring the view, whilst in the quieter months, it is a lot more peaceful; nonetheless, it is one of Rome’s highlights.

If you are finding the Steps a little too busy, dive into The Keats-Shelley Museum, which is located at the bottom. Here you can discover the famous Romantic poet, John Keats’s last resting place, as well as many other artifacts of the Romantic era, such as those of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron.

Trevi Fountain

Two days in Rome

Just a short walk from the Spanish Steps is the wonderful Trevi Fountain; it is obligatory that you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain and make a wish! Like most sights in Rome, the Trevi Fountain does get incredibly busy in peak season, so it may be a struggle to get close to the Fountain.

However, the surrounding area is beautiful and there are lots of lovely shops and bars, so if the crowds and heat are getting too much, stop for a gorgeous Italian coffee or Gelato.

Practical Information for your 2-day Rome Itinerary

When is the best time to visit rome.

Visit April-May (with the exception of Easter week) or September-November to avoid the crowds whilst still benefiting from good weather, bearing in mind that April, October, and November are generally the wettest months so you’ll need to pack an umbrella and waterproof jacket.

In September, as soon as the schools go back, the crowds lessen but the temperatures are still beautiful hitting highs of 27c whilst in October, the leaves start to change colors on the trees the temperature dropping to between 12c-23c with the Rome Film Festival taking place at the end of the month. November can still bring bright blue skies and warm days but by now, the temperature is only reaching up to 18c with 10 days of rain.

July-August are the hottest and busiest times of the year for tourism with temperatures hitting highs of 38c so are best avoided, however, there are lots going on with Rock in Roma and Lungo Il Tevere Roma, a fun event with pop-up bars, restaurants, and music venues both taking place in July and in August there’s Isola del Cinema, a Summer film series that takes place on Tiberina Island.

Winter shouldn’t be ruled out as, despite the colder temperatures which can range anywhere from 3c-12c, there won’t be the long queues and you can usually make good savings on flights and accommodation outside of the holiday period. Or, pay a little more and enjoy Rome’s Carnevale in February or visit for Christmas/NewYear and peruse the Christmas Market before seeing the life-size nativity unveiled at the Vatican on Christmas Eve.

How to get to and from Rome–Fiumicino International Airport

Train : There are 2 trains that go to the city center from the airport. The fastest option (and more expensive) is the non-stop Leonardo Express which runs from 06.28-23.23 from the airport to the city center (Termini Station) and 05.35-22.35 from the central station to the airport with a journey time of 30minutes.

The cheaper but slower option is the regional commuter train, the FL1, which goes to Trastevere (30 minutes journey), Ostiense, Fara Sabina, and Tiburtina (a 40minutes journey) along with other stations and runs from 05.58-23.38. From these stations (ideal if you’re staying in Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, within the Pantheon area, or the Sabina area) you can make a connection to the city center on another FL1 train or via metro, bus, or tram. Both trains depart every 15-30 minutes from the station outside terminal 3. Price: €8 – €14 Duration: 30-50 minutes

Bus : 5 bus companies travel between the airport and the city center with at least 1 bus every 40minutes.

Taxi : There is a flat rate fee if traveling from the airport to the city ring (inside the Aurelian Walls), but if traveling outside of the city ring, you will be charged by the time/distance as determined by the taximeter. The flat-rate fee goes up if traveling between 00.00-05.00. Price: €48 day, € 53 night Duration: 40minutes

Private Transfer : Pre-book online with Welcome Pickups , at which point you can order child seats and other essentials, and know that your driver will be waiting for you outside of arrivals at the airport or outside of your hotel. Click here to book your private transfer.

How to get around the city

You can easily walk between Rome’s top tourist attractions in the central historic district which includes the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon however, to reach the Vatican (a 3km walk from the Colosseum) or the Trastevere district (a 2.7k walk from the Colosseum), your fastest option is to take the metro or, to see more, take the bus or tram.

Rome’s metro consists of 3 lines but is limited compared with other European cities, good to get to the Vatican as it’s faster than the buses and trams but not as extensive as the above-ground public transport network. You can use the same ticket on all of Rome’s public transport (metro, bus, or tram) whether you opt for single tickets which give you 100minutes of travel or get a 24, 48, or 72 hour ticket.

For ease and convenience when sightseeing, consider buying a 24hr or 48hr ticket for the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus – you’ll save those aching legs whilst benefiting from information about the places you’re passing and the sights the bus stops at.

Despite there being so many sights to see in Rome, part of the city’s charm is the general hustle and bustle of Italian culture. Although Rome’s public transport is brilliant, this city is meant to be walked; that way, you don’t miss the gorgeous side streets and abundance of life that the city exudes.

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The Roman Guy

Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

Rome Travel Tips

The Complete Guide To Planning Your Trip To Rome: Tips, Restaurants, and More

Sean Finelli Last Updated: August 29, 2023

Traveling to Rome for the first time? Nobody wants to pick a hotel in the wrong part of town or sit down at a bad restaurant. The good news is you’re reading this article, so you won’t have these problems! This guide will cover some of the Rome basics and links to a ton of great resources to make planning your trip to Rome easy and fun. 

Pro Tip: Bookmark this post and other helpful articles, like where to stay in Rome in a trip folder on your browser so you can quickly find them when you need them. Rome is an expansive city worthy of a tour or two, explore our top-rated Rome tours and experiences . Also, check out our other resources on planning your trip to Rome .

How To Plan Your Trip To Rome: A Complete Guide

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a memorable vacation in the Eternal City, with plenty of additional resources to explore. From the logistics of where to stay and how to get around the city to the finer details of how to get your coffee, basic Italian phrases, and top things to do, we’ll help you prepare for your dream trip in Rome.

  • Airports and Public Transport (Metro)
  • Where To Stay
  • Things To Do
  • Food Culture
  • Credit Cards, Tipping, and Communicating

When To Travel To Rome and What To Pack

Rome airports and public transport, rome airports.

trip for 2 to rome

There are two main airports in Rome, Ciampino and Fiumicino, and they are both roughly the same distance from the city center.

Fiumicino (FCO)

In short, to get from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome’s city center, the train is the most popular means of transport, taxi is the most convenient, and the bus is the least popular.

By far, the most popular way to get from Fiumicino airport to the city center is by train. For €15, you can get the Fiumicino Express from FCO to Termini station (main station).

A taxi is the most convenient way to get to the center. There are regulated rates from the airport to the city center that fall between €45 – €50, depending on a few difficult-to-explain criteria, such as what type of license the taxi has. If you’re staying outside the historic center of Rome, you may also have to pay more or less. You can normally pay with a credit card in taxis but always ask.

Ciampino (CIA)

The bus is the most popular way to get from Ciampino Airport (CIA) to the city center. Buses tend to cost around €6 – €7, depending on the airport and the coach company. They run based on arrivals. Terravision has been around for a long time and is pretty cheap. 

Taxi, again, is the most convenient. They cost between €35 – €45 depending on the same factors mentioned above, which are difficult to understand.

BEST ways to get to ROME from the AIRPORTS (FCO & CIA)

Rome Transportation Options

Rome has plenty of transportation options. How you decide to get around Rome on any given day on your trip will depend on your preferences, what you have planned to do, and where you’re going. We’ll go over all of them:

Walking in Rome

Rome is an extremely walkable city. If you’re in reasonably good shape and the weather isn’t overly hot, you can walk Rome’s historical center very well. However, the streets can sometimes be confusing. If you aren’t using a mobile map app, it could get tough.

The Colosseum is a 35-minute walk from the Piazza del Popolo and around a 60-minute walk from the Vatican Museums Entrance. However, it’s important to pick your battles. For example, you may not want to walk to the Vatican from the Colosseum, considering that you’ll be on your feet for at least three hours when visiting the Vatican Museums with a guided tour. Some of our top-rated Vatican tours last up to 5 hours to give visitors an enriched experience of the museums. In this case, it might be better to take the subway or even a taxi to conserve energy.

That said, be prepared to walk when you’re in Rome. If you aren’t already doing so, walk at least an hour each day to get your legs ready for your trip!

Rome Bus System

We have a great video on what you need to know to use the buses in Rome . It’s a little dated but fun to watch, and you’ll see exactly where to get bus tickets, how to ask for one, and how to conquer Rome’s bus system. There are three fundamentals that you need to know when using the buses:

  • Buy a ticket before you get on and validate it when you’re on the bus.
  • The bus signs are pretty confusing unless you know the city really well. So, download an app .
  • The buses go literally everywhere. They’re a good option but get hot and crowded in the summer—just something to keep in mind.

Walking around Rome can get really tiring. Hopping on a bus for a kilometer or two can make all the difference. Save your energy for the highlights of your trip.

Rome Metro (Subway) System

The Roma metro system has two lines: the red A-line and the blue B-line. As a visitor, you’ll find yourself on the A-line the most. It goes from Termini past the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and most importantly, the Vatican.

The B-line will get you from Termini Station to the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. These are the most popular stops for visitors using the metro to get to Rome’s top attractions .

You can’t get to Trastevere by metro, but you can get close to Testaccio by getting off at Piramide. Both Trastevere and Testaccio are known for their lively nightlife and great food. Your hotel and most Airbnbs will have a metro map that you can keep handy.

Getting a Taxi in Rome 

I use public transportation for short, direct rides to get from place to place. For example, going from the Vatican to the Spanish Steps or from Termini Station to the Colosseum. For anything complicated, I normally pony up and take a taxi. They’re relatively cheap if they don’t rip you off—which they will try to do.

A good workaround is to search for your destination in your phone’s map app, get directions from your current location, and hit go. Then, show that map to the taxi driver when they ask where you want to go. This way, they know you’re tracking. Otherwise, there’s really nothing you can do. Just don’t pre-negotiate the rate. There’s a meter in the vehicle that determines the cost.

Renting a Scooter in Rome

If I’m in Rome for more than a couple of days, I’ll rent a scooter. It’s a good option if you have scooter experience. If you don’t, I wouldn’t recommend it. It can be dangerous getting around an unknown city when you don’t even know how to drive the thing, let alone negotiate traffic and figure out where to go.

Where To Stay in Rome

trip for 2 to rome

Rome is a large metropolitan city, but the area most visitors are interested in is the historical center or  Centro Storico because it’s pretty condensed. You can walk from the Colosseum to the Vatican, almost on opposite sides of the historical center or “center” for short, in an hour.

The center is the place to be in Rome, and each neighborhood is really great. I prefer the northern sections like Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps.  To me, they are classical Roman/Italian and super nice. Here are the best areas to consider with links to in-depth neighborhood guides:

  • Spanish Steps
  • Pantheon/Piazza Navona
  • Prati (Vatican)

Again, I really like anything near the Spanish Steps, as I like being in the thick of it. It will come with a price tag, but savvy travelers find deals. Check out our in-depth guide on where to stay in Rome, covering the city’s best neighborhoods.

Top Things To Do in Rome

trip for 2 to rome

From visiting the Sistine Chapel to an underground apothecary run by priests, there are unlimited things to do in Rome. One of the best ways to see a city with this kind of history is to join local guides on fun tours with exclusive access and endless stories to tell. There are so many things to see and ways to see them. Check out all our Rome tours that include the top monuments and museums, plus incredible day trips.

This is a list of the top things to do while you’re in the Eternal City. Be sure to follow the links for more in-depth information on visiting each one of these monuments and museums.

Top Museums

Rome has over 60 incredible museums containing some of the world’s most important works of art. It may be difficult to decide which of them you’ll see. Check out our guide on the seven best museums to visit in Rome for details. Here’s a quick list:

  • The Vatican Museums
  • The Borghese Gallery
  • The Capitoline Museum
  • Palazzo Barberini
  • Palazzo Altemps
  • Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
  • MAXXI Museum

Top Monuments

Rome is filled with historical monuments and attractions. Some of them you have likely heard. Others may be new to you. Here is a list of what you should see on your Rome trip. Check out this guide for the stories behind these top monuments and attractions in Rome .

  • The Colosseum
  • The Basilica of St. Peter
  • The Catacombs of Domitilla
  • The Roman Forum
  • The Pantheon
  • The Palatine Hill
  • The Trevi Fountain
  • Piazza Navona
  • The Spanish Steps
  • Belevedere of Gianicolo Hill
  • The Tiber Island
  • The Mouth of Truth
  • Trajan’s Column
  • Il Pincio and Piazza del Popolo

Must-See Gardens and Parks

If you love beautiful manicured gardens and green spaces, this is for you. There are a number of must-see gardens and parks in Rome . The Villa Borghese and Vatican Gardens are the more well-known among them, but you may also want to visit some of these:

  • Villa Doria Pamphili
  • Villa Borghese
  • Park of the Acquedotti
  • Giardino degli Aranci
  • Vatican Gardens
  • Villa Ada Savoia
  • Villa Sciarra

Absolutely Free Things To Do

You may be surprised by the cool free things you can do in Rome . Some of the city’s most well-known sites are completely free to explore. Check out this list:

Food Culture in Rome

trip for 2 to rome

Where to start with Italian food? It’s often one of the top reasons why tourists come to Italy, and for good reason. Every region serves amazing, fresh, handmade delicacies.

A traditional Italian meal will go like this: antipasto (starter), primo (pasta), secondo (meat and vegetables), dolci (dessert), followed by coffee and liquors. Do Italians eat like this every day?

Fortunately for those of us who live here, no! But these are typically the headings that you’ll see on a menu, so it’s best to have an idea of what they mean. There’s a lot to cover in this section, here’s a breakdown: 

  • How to Find Local Restaurants

Types of Restaurants

Rome meal times.

  • Coffee Culture
  • Drinking Fountains

How To Find Local Restaurants in Rome

Rome is a very touristy city, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t good places to eat in the city center. Check out our Rome restaurant master list that we regularly update . From there, you can navigate and see our restaurant recommendations near every major Roman attraction. 

In general, avoid restaurants within sight of a tourist attraction, particularly if they have pictures of the food on the menu or people standing outside trying to hustle you in. Even in the most authentic restaurants, don’t expect particularly friendly service.

Some of the best food is often flung at you without so much as a “hello,” but it’s guaranteed to be worth it. Areas a little more off the beaten track are where you’re more likely to have an authentic experience. For example, the area of Testaccio is well-known for being a classic Roman foodie area, packed with local restaurants.

A really great way to experience a wide variety of Roman cuisine in good restaurants is to join a food tour. They’re a trendy and fun way to get to know the local food scene. Check out our top-rated  Trastevere food tour in Rome .

In Italy, there are stereotypical classifications for almost anything, including restaurants. When you’re in Rome, you’ll notice restaurants don’t just have a name, like “Tony’s,” but also a classification, such as “Trattoria.”  Each one means something specific, and it lets you know what kind of food and experience to expect. Unfortunately, very few visitors to Italy know the difference between an osteria and a trattoria . We’ll solve that for you right here.

Imagine waking up at 6:30  am, rolling over to your significant other, and saying, “Want to head to the bar?” This is what happens almost every morning to millions of Italians.

No, they are not alcoholics. You can get alcohol at an Italian Bar, but you normally don’t. It’s where you get breakfast. You’ll see the “Bar” sign all over Italy, and when you walk in, you’ll find espresso drinks, cornetto, and panini. You can also get freshly squeezed orange juice or vegetable juice. I highly recommend it!

Unlike the bar, you definitely shouldn’t wake up at 7 a.m. asking you’re significant other to go to the enoteca . This is where you go for an alcoholic drink like a glass of wine or a beer.

A good enoteca will serve tons of wine by the glass in many different price ranges. They’ll often also serve cured meat plates for a snack or even warm meals at times. I definitely recommend stopping by one of these on your travels in Italy and Rome.

Tavola Calda

One of my favorite types of places to eat lunch is a tavola calda . They are normally unassuming and serve many different types of dishes, from cooked vegetables to lasagna and pasta dishes. The dishes normally change from day to day based on what is in season and other factors.

For example, gnocchi in Rome is only served on Thursdays. If you see it on the menu seven days a week, you may be in a tourist trap. Authentic Roman restaurants only serve this dish on  giovedí.  You have been warned.

These are pretty cool little sandwich shops. Dotted all over Rome, they range in quality. Don’t refer to your sandwich as a “panini” unless you get more than one. The “i” makes it plural. Italian’s order a  panino. 

Check out 200 Gradi by the Vatican. It’s an awesome place. Campo dei Fiori also has an awesome drive-up stand open for lunch that serves porchetta.

Osterie are pretty cool if you can find one. They are basically super cheap and simple places to eat. A true osteria would have communal-style tables and serve very cheap meals. Back in the day, when Italy was extremely impoverished, they’d even allow you to bring your own food and just drink there.  Imagine that today?

You can find restaurants with the title “Osteria” in Italy, but you shouldn’t bring your own food or normally expect to eat with strangers. There is a place in Florence, Da Mario , which says it is a trattoria, but it feels more like what a traditional osteria would have been like.

Expect a warm and cheap meal if you happen to go inside an osteria in Rome, and even more so in the Italian countryside. The menu will either be non-existent or small. In the countryside or in small towns, they can be really cool. The waiter may rock up to your table and say, “Today, we are serving pasta with clams. Would you like fettucini or spaghetti with that?” Enjoy!

The trattoria of Rome sits somewhere between osteria and ristorante . Almost all Italian restaurants are family-run, bu t trattories are quintessentially family-run. They are normally inexpensive but have a larger menu than an osteria.

Expect traditional regional cuisine at a trattoria. If you go to two different ones, you may find the exact same things on the menu. This is because they offer their family’s version of that regional dish.

This is basically the Italian equivalent of a more formal restaurant. They’ll have a menu with all the Italian courses, and you’ll be expected to eat each course. You should definitely find a top-rated ristorante in Rome and budget 3 hours for your meal. Really indulge in the food, wine, and desserts.

Pasticceria

This is an Italian bakery serving all types of delightful local treats. They are probably the best places to go for breakfast as they’ll make their cornettos fresh and supply them to all the bars.

You should be able to get a coffee here, too, but that isn’t a given. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or apartment rental, find a pasticceria close by and pick up a bunch of  cornetti  for your group. You’ll be everyone’s favorite person!

Rosticceria

You won’t find this is in Rome, but it’s worth mentioning. A rosticceria is a place you can go to find pre-cooked meals like roasted meats and high-quality products. If you do find one and you’re renting an apartment, consider doing take-out one night from a rosticceria.

Taverna or Rifugio

You’ll find restaurants in Rome with  taverna in their names, but this is more a colorful play on words.  Taverne  are secluded restaurants in the Italian mountains where you could get a hearty meal, something to drink, and possibly a warm bed to sleep in.

Today, you can still find a few dotted in the landscape, but you’re more likely to find an agriturismo, which is more of a B&B. A taverna in Rome is most likely going to decorate its interior in a rustic countryside style and have hearty meals on its menu. It’s kind of like going to a seafood restaurant that’s decorated in a nautical theme but nowhere near an ocean.

One of the biggest cultural differences is that Romans tend to eat much later than basically everyone except the Spanish. In fact, many of the best restaurants won’t open until at least 7:30 p.m.

Lunch: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Dinner: 7:30 pm – 11 pm

To avoid eating in an empty restaurant and to really make the most of your evenings in Rome, try and fit in with them and eat a bit later. Around 8 pm is a good time to sit down.

Coffee Culture in Rome

espresso italy

Italians take their coffee culture very seriously, and there are almost as many rules about coffee as there are for food. Here’s what you need to know to get your coffee fix in Rome:

Espresso “un Café”: A very small shot of coffee. Unless you’ve been to Italy, it’s never been this small.

Café Doppio: Double shot of espresso.

Café Macchiato:   Basically a mini cappuccino. Imagine an espresso and foamed milk all in a tiny espresso cup. Normally, men order these in the morning.

Cappuccino:  This is espresso and foamed milk in a small cup. It’s larger than a macchiato, but nowhere near that tall cappuccino you are used to. You won’t find a larger size.

Café Americano:  Espresso with hot water. The name is from WWII, when American troops would ask Italians to put hot water in the espresso.

Latte: A cup of milk—don’t order this if you want caffeine.

Café Latte: Warm, non-foamy milk with espresso.

The Coffee Rules (Yes, there are rules)

  • No cappuccino or milk-based espresso after 11 a.m. You can do it, obviously, but it’s not really the culture.
  • No cappuccino or milk-based espresso with meals. Don’t do this.
  • It is cheap when you stand up at the bar (€1 – €2), expensive when you sit down. Same for everyone, not just tourists.

Rome Water Fountains

rome water fountains

One of the best things to know about Rome is that there’s no need to buy plastic bottles of water when you get thirsty—there are tons of fountains dotted around the city, and Romans are very proud of them.

Bring a refillable water bottle, and fill it up whenever you see one. There’s also an app to help you find them called I Nasoni di Roma. If you’re going in the heat of summer, you’ll find this tip invaluable!

People are always surprised that you can drink from these fountains, which is crazy if you think about it. Their original purpose was to provide running water to each neighborhood since most houses didn’t have running water. Today, we forget that fact and are astonished by this basic concept due to our many creature comforts.

Credit Cards, Tipping, and Communicating in Rome

tipping in italy

Cash or Credit?

The currency in Italy is the euro. An important thing to remember about Italy is that cash is still king. It’s necessary to carry a reasonable amount of cash around with you at all times to avoid getting stuck.

In general, most restaurants will allow you to pay on a card, as will large shops and tourist attractions. But for drinks, coffee, transport tickets, and small items, cards often aren’t accepted. There may even be a €10 minimum on card payments.

Rule of Thumb:  If it’s less than €10, pay cash. It’s more than €10, and you can probably pay credit as long as there isn’t a “Solo Cash” sign on the door.

The Good News:  The Italian word for credit card is carta di credito . Any Italian shop owner will understand when you ask, “Credit Card?” They’ll also know to respond, “Cash” if they don’t accept credit cards. So, there’s no need to stress.

Tipping isn’t really expected in Italy. I’ve tried to convince visitors that you just need to leave some extra change, a euro per person, regardless of check size, but it normally falls on deaf ears. To simplify things, I have created different levels of tipping to help people understand:

Don Corleone:  Leave 20%, and when you go back, the restaurant staff will celebrate your return as if you were the Godfather. You may get some sneers from other restaurant goers who can’t get your waiter’s attention.

Super Nice : Leave 10%. It’s less than you are used to but far more than anyone in Italy would expect.

Roman : Leave a euro or two extra per person. The wait staff will be very happy.

Nothing at All : Leave nothing and nobody will say anything. Your food will not be poisoned upon returning.

Communicating in English or Italian

One of my favorite things to watch is travelers trying to string together Italian words into sentences from a guidebook. I have been that traveler in many countries. The worst part, though, is when you actually make sense, and the person responds, much to your bewilderment.

Let’s not romanticize the key phrases part of a guidebook here and keep it simple. The phrases below will make you look like a pro because you’ll get simple responses such as si (yes) or a finger pointing to the bathrooms. Remember that c’s have a hard “ch” sound, unlike Spanish.

How much does this cost? Quanto costa?

Check, please. Il conto per favore.

Do you take credit cards? Posso pagare con la carte? 

Where is the bathroom? Dov’è il bagno? Or simply, “bagno?” 

Water?  Acqua?

Table for two, please. Tavolo per due, per favore.

Can you order for me? Fai te?

The last recommendation is by far my favorite. If your waiter is Roman, they will accept the challenge and bring some tasty food. A key phrase is certo (pronounced cherto), which means “of course”. Romans use this all the time, so you may hear it instead of si .

trip for 2 to rome

When To Travel

Part of the reason why people love Rome is the weather. It’s pretty much always nice, and bad weather is when it is too hot. That’s a good problem to have.

Temperature

Avg Rome Temp (NOAA)

The average monthly temperature in Rome ranges from a low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to a high of 89 F.  It snows once every 10 to 50 years, and people don’t know what to do when that happens—it’s the greatest.

To decide when you want to travel to Rome, you can use this equation to get a rough idea.

How much am I willing to spend / Am I ok with cooler weather = Daily budget

Cheapest Months:

  • December (1st – 20th)
  • Jan (7th – 31st)
  • March (1st – 20th)

Mid-Range Months:

  • March (21st – 31st)
  • April (excluding 5 days on either side of Easter)
  • October (although it can be higher in price early in the month)

Full-Price Months:

  • Christmas to New Year
  • Easter (5 days on either side)

What To Pack

Check out the infographic below on what to pack. While it’s very useful, the ideal amount to pack is one change of clothes and a mostly empty suitcase. Shopping in Italy is great, so the more space you can leave in your suitcase, the better.

You don’t need to pack an umbrella. As soon as it rains, hundreds of people will appear out of nowhere selling umbrellas. It’s magical. Also, you can’t wear heels in Rome. Let me clarify, you can wear flats and pack heels in your purse for when you are inside bars and restaurants. The cobblestones make wearing heels nearly impossible.

trip for 2 to rome

Rome has a rich cultural history and many iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the magnificent Eternal City in the best neighborhoods.

people with smartphone looking for directions in an app

Reader Interactions

Comments (12).

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September 3, 2019

What a lovely description of Italy and Italians you have given to us! I love to read about the transport, food and most importantly the people. Awesome work done! Keep them coming!

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September 4, 2019

Ciao Tanisha! What a lovely comment. We are so happy to provide you with helpful tips for your vacation!

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October 24, 2019

A very informative article. Thank you so much for sharing these things.

October 28, 2019

Ciao! Thanks so much for reading our blog! It’s our mission to provide you with the most useful information possible for your trip.

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November 19, 2019

Nice quality post. Thumbs Up from my side. Special thanks to theromanguy for sharing this valuable information. Once again appreciated!

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January 6, 2020

Nice tips. I’d add the 48 euro fixed rate from the airport to the centre as the best option if there are at least 2 people. By the time you take the train then Metro or taxi from Termini it just about equals out.

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January 21, 2020

Thanks for the tip, Gary!

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May 15, 2020

Rome really such a beautiful city, wish more people will be able to experience it. Thanks for the insightful article.

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June 9, 2020

It is nice you included few basic lines of Italian language everyone should know when visiting Italy or and other country. People are so friendlier to you if you can say “Hi” to them in their language.

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July 21, 2020

Hey, thanks for sharing this, I enjoyed reading it looking forward to my next trip to Italy.

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April 23, 2021

Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.

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September 27, 2022

thank you – very helpful and have taken notes for our trip 🙂

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The Geographical Cure

2 Days In Rome, The Perfect Itinerary For The Eternal City

Rome is a magnificent tangled urban forest. History unfolds at every turn and the aroma of fresh espresso lingers in the air.

This city’s remarkable tapestry of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and vivacious street life is always alluring, if a tad chaotic. But with a well-planned itinerary, you’ll be able to soak in the grandeur of Rome’s iconic landmarks.

Whether you’re tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, marveling at the wonders of the Vatican, or savoring a slice of authentic Roman pizza, this 2 days in Rome itinerary is packed with unforgettable experiences.

You’ll discover the 2,000 year old city one cobblestone street at a time.

Pincio Terrace

Snapshot Of 2 Days In Rome Itinerary

Here’s a quick glance of what you can see in 2 days in Rome. I call it the Rome in a rush itinerary.

  • AM : Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Sopra Minerva, Church of St. Louis of the French, Piazza Navona
  • PM : Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Santa Maria Maggiore, Monti neighborhood
  • AM : Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica
  • PM : Vittoriano, Capitoline Museums (alternative: Borghese Gallery) Mouth of Truth, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, Trastevere food tour

Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona

Top Tours & Tickets You’ll Need

If you only have 2 days in Rome, you’ll need to pre-book skip the line tickets and possibly some tours, depending on your travel style.

Tickets you’ll need include:

  • timed entry Colosseum ticket
  • ticket for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  • Vatican tick et
  • Capitoline Museums ticket
  • St. Peter’s dome ticket

If you’re a first timer in Rome or simply want to maximize your sightseeing efficiency, you may want to book a couple tours. This will typically ensure you don’t miss any highlights. For example, this is a good way to see the imperial sites and the Vatican.

  • tour of Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill
  • private imperial ruins tour with PhD
  • Vatican Museums tour
  • private Vatican tour
  • Trastevere food tour

Piazza del Popolo

2 Days In Rome Itinerary

One day 1, you’ll start in the north and work your way through the historic center, ending at the imperial sites.

Piazza del Popolo

Start your day in the delightfully carefree Piazza del Popolo.

This is the “People’s Square,” known for its Neo-classical architecture that provides a sense of grandeur and symmetry. In the center is an Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Augustus after he defeated Egypt.

Piazza del Popolo is flanked by two almost identical domed churches – Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. But the one you’ll want to visit, just around the corner, is the Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo.

Piazza del Popolo

You’ll find artworks by the greatest artists of the day — Caravaggio, Sebastian del Piombo, Pinturicchio, and Bernini.

When you’re done admiring the art, head up to the Pincio Terrace. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Piazza del Popolo and St. Peter’s Basilica.

From there, take a stroll down Via Margutta, which is one of Rome’s prettiest streets bar none. After that, you’ll arrive at the Spanish Steps.

view from the top of the Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

The Spanish steps connect Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top to the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom.

You’ll walk down 135 steps in a mix of curves, straight flights, vistas, and terraces.

At the bottom, you’ll find a fountain designed by Bernini and his father. And you can also walk down Rome’s most famous shopping street, Via Condotti. Be forewarned, it’s usually packed with people.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

From the Spanish Steps, head towards the iconic Trevi Fountain, a grand masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Designed by the renowned Italian architect Nicola Salvi, this magnificent fountain was completed in 1762.

Standing at an impressive 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, it’s one of Rome’s most breathtaking sights.

At the heart of the fountain is the majestic figure of Oceanus, the God of all water. He majestically rides a shell-shaped chariot, drawn by sea horses and led by Tritons, creating a scene of dynamic beauty and power.

If you want to see it up close, you’ll have to join the huge crowds swarming it and wait a bit to get your shot.

Pantheon

Next, walk a few minutes to Rome’s best preserved ancient monument, the Pantheon . It’s the only building in Rome in continuous use since its construction.

The Pantheon was a Roman temple dedicated to all gods. The original was built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa. But, after a fire, it was later rebuilt by Hadrian.

Walk into the portico, a forest of 16 enormous columns. Once inside, stand under the solemn dome. Engineers still marvel at its precision and beauty.

At the top is a 300 foot oculus, the only source of natural light. You’ll also find tombs of famous Romans, including the Renaissance artist Raphael.

>>> Click here to book a Pantheon ticket

ceiling of Sopra Minerva

Visit A Church

Take a few minutes to pop into one of Rome’s beautiful churches. There are three that are very close to the Pantheon.

The Sopra Minerva is the only Gothic church in Rome, founded in the 7th century. Outside is a strange sculpture, which combines an elephant and an obelisk. It was designed by Bernini.

Inside, it’s a mini art museum. There are works by Bernini and Michelangelo. The Carafe Chapel has stunning frescos by Filipino Lippi, a student of Botticelli .

Caravaggio paintings in St. Louis of the French

Another must see is St. Ignatius. The church is a riot of Baroque illusions. Stand in the middle of the nave and look up at the ceiling fresco — which has been recently restored and just glows.

Caravaggio fans should head to the Church of St. Louis of the French. This is a Renaissance building with Baroque icing.

The church’s highlight is the Contarelli Chapel in the back left corner. It’s decorated with three in situ paintings by Caravaggio, which made the artist an overnight sensation.

Fountain of Four Rivers

Piazza Navona

Then head to Piazza Navona, the square of fountains. It’s a gorgeous place flanked by ochre and tangerine buildings that dates from the time of Domitian.

Admire the fountains by Bernini and Giacomo de la Porta. Go inside the Borromini-designed Church of Sant Agnese. It’s an exquisite little Baroque jewel box.

This is a good time to break for lunch. I wouldn’t advise eating in the square itself. But there are some good places in the side streets.

On my most recent visit, I paused at Cafe St. Eustache for a coffee. And had lunch at Ginger. It’s a chic eatery with paninis, artisanal bowls, and pasta.

You can also try Bar del Fico (bar and bistro) or La Ciambala (Michelin delights).

Colosseum

After lunch, it’s time to hit the imperial sites. Start at the Colosseum, where you’ll need a timed entry skip the line ticket .

You could also book a guided tour that includes access to the underground gladiator area. I thought this was one of the most fascinating spots in the Colosseum.

The Colosseum is the most popular relic from Ancient Rome. It was built when the Roman Empire was at its peak, around 80 AD. In its glory days, the structure was white marble and painted with colorful trim.

The Colosseum was where Romans experienced theatrical violence, where gladiator and wild animals fought to the death in every conceivable scenario.

The upper levels of the Colosseum provide a sweeping view of the entire arena and a better understanding of its grand scale. From here, you can also get great views of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

House of the Vestal Virgins

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are organized as a single site. You’ll enter the forum at Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6.

The best way to visit is either on a skip the line guided tour that includes the Colosseum or with your own pre-purchased skip the line ticket .

Some tickets, like the one I linked, include access to the SUPER sites. You can read more about that here . It’s well worth getting.

There will be three security checks. The guard will scan your ticket, another will match your ticket to your ID, and then you’ll go through a metal detector.

The Roman Forum is a sprawling and magnificent jumble of ruins that were once the center of public life. It served as the site of triumphal processions, elections, public speeches, criminal trials, and commercial affairs.

frescos in Santa Maria Antiqua

Key structures within the Forum include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta, and the Senate House.

If you have the SUPER ticket, you can also visit the Church of Santa Maria Antiqua. This Byzantine church is a treasure trove of early Christian art.

Its walls are adorned with a stunning array of frescoes from the 6th to 9th centuries, predominantly featuring the Virgin Mary. The church is dubbed the “medieval Sistine Chapel.”

If you have the SUPER ticket, you can proceed from the church through the Neronian Cryptoporticus to get to Palatine Hill. If not, follow the signs that lead you to the passage near the Arch of Titus.

I think Palatine Hill is underrated. It’s not just “extra credit” after the forum. The hill offers insights into the greatness of Rome that’s well worth the effort and not nearly as crowded as the forum.

frescos in the House of Augustus

The hill is home to the House of Augustus, House of Livia, the imperial palaces, the Palatine Museum, the Huts of Romulus, Domus Transitoria, and the newly-opened Domus Tiberiana.

My favorite is the House of Augustus with its brightly colored Pompeiian frescos. Three times a day, there’s a 3D virtual reality presentation, which fills in the gaps and lets you see what the frescos looked like long ago.

Domus Tiberiana is also well worth a visit, just opening in September 2023. It’s the gigantic building with arches that you see from the Roman Forum.

In addition to striding down the gigantic hallways, you can admire a nice selection of artifacts that were found during digs. Along the way, you’ll have beautiful views over the forum.

frescos in Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore

If you have any time left in your day, head to the papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the Monti neighborhood. It’s open until 6:45 pm.

The church is one of Rome’s oldest and best preserved sacred spaces. It was build in 432 AD, just as Rome was falling.

The church’s soaring columns, gleaming marble, sparkling mosaics, and magnificent statues will astound you. Santa Maria Maggiore is just as spectacular as St. Peter’s Basilica, but without the crowds.

The highlight of the church are its colorful mosaics, some of which date back to the 5th century.

Monti

For dinner, stay in the Monti neighborhood. Monti is a charming and vibrant area known for its bohemian atmosphere, historic charm, and eclectic mix of modern and traditional.

On my last visit, I stayed in Monti and ate at three restaurants on Via Urbana that I would recommend — Pasta Urbana, Sciue Scieu Cucina, and Broccoletti.

For a pre-dinner apertivo, you can have a spritz at the fairytale-like cottage/bar called La Casetta. It has Christmas lights on all year.

>>> Click here to book a Monti food tour

Sphere within Sphere sculpture at the Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums

Start your second day in Rome at the Vatican Museums, which open at 8:30 am.

There are several ways to visit. You can pre-purchase a skip the line timed entry ticket (book early!) and visit on your own. This has the advantage of allowing you to proceed at a leisurely pace and see more things than are on a standard tour.

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of the Vatican Museums or a tour of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica . This is a good option if you are a first time visitor and want to make sure you see the essential highlights.

The combo tour also allows you to skip the long security lines to get into the basilica. You enter the basilica from a door in the Sistine Chapel.

Sistine Chapel ceiling

The Vatican Museums are among the most significant and renowned art museums in the world. They house a vast collection of artworks, ancient sculptures, and historical artifacts accumulated by the Catholic Church over centuries.

The collection spans from ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces. The Raphael Rooms are home to the artist’s best frescos, including his masterpiece School of Athens . The Vatican Pinacoteca is stuffed full of masterpieces.

The pièce de résistance , of course, is the world-famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling and Last Judgment fresco. No photos are allowed here.

For the full scoop, you can check out my guide to the Vatican Museums .

Pro Tip : One way to avoid crowds at the Vatican is to go on a early bird tour or an evening tour .

St. Peter's Basilica in December

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the greatest Christian church on earth. It represents the power and splendor of Rome’s 2,000 year domination of the Western world.

If you’re on a tour, you can, as I mentioned, enter through the Sistine Chapel. Otherwise, you’ll have to queue up at the security check in St. Peter’s Square. There is no skipping this line.

These lines are a bit of a bottleneck and can take awhile to get through. On my last visit in December, I spent 30 minutes in line to get into the basilica and 60 minutes waiting in another line to climb the dome.

Michelangelo's Pieta

But it’s all worth it. St. Peter’s Basilica sits in St. Peter’s Square, a beautiful space designed by Bernini. Its ring of columns is meant to wrap you in a a motherly embrace.

Every aspect of the interior, from its colossal statues to the smallest details of its mosaics, reflects the basilica’s importance as a symbol of the Catholic Church and a repository of centuries of artistic achievement.

Upon entering, you’ll be immediately struck by the vastness of the nave and the intricate detail of its opulent decor. The basilica houses numerous artistic masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.

The main altar is crowned by Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin, a towering structure made of bronze. The walls and ceilings are adorned with elaborate mosaics and the floors are a complex pattern of marble.

video of views from the dome

I highly recommend doing the dome climb. The views from the top are just staggering.

You can pre-book a dome ticket in advance or buy one inside the church. The entrance is on the left as you walk in.

You can hike up the 551 steps. Or you can take an elevator part way and hike up 320 steps.

At some points, the walls seems to lean into you. And there are some tight spiral steps. So, it may not be a good idea if you have any claustrophobia.

view of the Roman Forum from the Vittorio Emanuel II Monument

From the Vatican, make your way to the “wedding cake” monument, the Altar of Peace in Piazza Venezia. It’s about a 25-30 minute walk from St. Peter’s or you can hop in a cab.

You can walk right up to the upper terraces for views and a closer look at the sculptures.

Alternatively, go around back and buy a ticket for the glass elevator . It will whisk up to the top where you’ll have one of the best panoramic vantage points in the city.

Marcus Aurelius statue at the Piazza del Campidoglio

Capitoline Museums

After you’ve taken in the views, head to the Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill. It’s the most sacred of Rome’s seven hills and the center of the ancient city.

Head up the steps to Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio. The entrance to the museum is on your right.

There are three parts to the museum:

  • (1) Greco-Roman sculptures on the ground floor
  • (2) the picture gallery on the first floor
  • (3) the tabularium where you’ll have amazing views over the Roman Forum

Spinario sculpture

The museum has some simply amazing ancient sculptures — the Marcus Aurelius equestrian statue, the She-Wolf sculpture, and the Spinario. It’s also home to paintings by a young Caravaggio Guido Reni, and Guercino.

If you’re visiting off season, you won’t need to pre-book a Capitoline Museums ticket . But if it’s high season, you should definitely book a skip the line ticket.

It’s honestly worth visiting the museum just for the stunning views of the forum!

>>> Click here to book a private tour of the museum

Mouth of Truth

Mouth of Truth

On your way to your next stop, the Jewish Ghetto, you’ll pass by the Mouth of Truth in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

It’s an ancient marble mask that has a legend associated with honesty and truth-telling. According to the legend, if a person tells a lie while their hand is in the mouth of the sculpture, it will be bitten off.

If there’s a long line, I’d say it’s entirely skippable. Plus, you can get a good look at it through the openings.

Across the street, you can spy the temples of the Forum Boarium and the Theater of Marcellus.

Jewish Ghetto

Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto, established in 1555, is one of the city’s most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods. it was the forced home of Rome’s Jewish population for over 300 years.

The heart of the ghetto is Via del Portico d’Ottavia. This lively street is a hub of activity and is lined with kosher restaurants and bakeries. Via della Reginella and Via del Tempio are also especially charming.

At the end of Via della Reginella in Piazza Mattei, you’ll find a fun turtle fountain. It’s an old Mannerist work that was later embellished with turtles by Bernini.

The Great Synagogue of Rome, located on the Lungotevere de’ Cenci, is a major landmark. Nearby, the Jewish Museum of Rome tells the story of the Roman Jewish community, which is among the oldest in Europe.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto

Trastevere

From the Jewish Ghetto, walk about 10 to 15 minutes to the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood. Cross the river via the Ponte Garibaldi bridge, which offers up lovely views.

Trastevere is a picturesque village within a city. With its pastel facades, the neighborhood has the laidback vibe of small town Italy.

The heart of Trastevere is the lively Piazza di Santa Maria. It’s home to the Santa Maria Basilica, which is the oldest church dedicated to Mary in Rome. There are gorgeous 12th century mosaics in the apse.

There are some charming streets to wander — Vicolo della Luce, Vicolo del Buco, Vicolo del Cinque, Via dell’Arco di San Calisto, Via in Piscinula, Vicolo del Piede, and Via Titta Scarpetta.

Enoteca Roloco

Trastevere is a great place to have dinner or go on a food tour.

I recently took an evening food tour with Devour Food .

My guide was Mattia and he took us to the non-touristy places. We had apertivos at La Vita Enocoteca and Enoteca Roloco, sampled suppli, and dined on pasta specialities at Checco Er Carettiere.

I’ve stayed in Trastevere on prior visits, so am familiar with the restaurants as well. For the best eateries, I recommend checking out Zia, Ristorante la Tavernaccia da Bruno, and Le Mani.

Monti

Tips For Spending 2 Days in Rome

How to get to rome.

You’ll likely fly in to Fiumicino Airport. You can take a taxi into town, but expect long lines. For this reason, I usually book a  privat e transfer .

You can also take the train from the airport. The Leonardo Express leaves every 15 minutes from the Felice Santini train station near the airport. 

It drops you off in Rome’s Termini Station, which is in northeast Rome. Click here  to book a round trip ticket.

How To Get Around Rome

It’s really best to walk your way around Rome. You’ll see more things and bump into some hidden gems.

You can also use the metro, although there are only two functioning lines. There are taxis at designated taxi stands near major sites.

You can also try something fun like an e-bike tour or a Segway tour .

Hotel Hassler

Where To Stay In Rome

There are no shortage of amazing places to stay in Rome. I stay somewhere different each time I visit. With only 2 days in the city, I recommend staying somewhere central.

I have a soft spot for the Hotel Hassler Roma near the Spanish Steps. The Palazzo Manfredi is another great hotel with views of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum from its rooftop restaurant.

I’m also fond of Hotel Maalot . It’s a small luxury hotel in a restored palazzo not far from the Trevi Fountain. There are chic colorful rooms and a great restaurant.

On my last visit, I stayed in a rather artsy boutique hotel, the Elizabeth Unique Hotel . It’s housed in a restored 17th century palazzo in the heart of the historic center.

And that’s a wrap for my 2 days in Rome itinerary. You may find these other Rome travel guides useful:

  • 8 Ways To Spend 1 days in Rome
  • 5 Days in Rome Itinerary
  • Hidden Gems in Rome
  • Best Day Trips From Rome
  • Rome’s Palace Museums
  • Bernini Guide to Rome
  • Caravaggio Guide to Rome
  • Guide to the Best Museums in Rome
  • Guide To the Doria Pamphilj Gallery
  • Must See Archaeological Sites & Ruins
  • 50 Facts About Rome

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Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

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Explore classical Rome

Explore classical Rome

Be transported back in time to the days of Gladiator when you visit Rome’s epic monuments. Go to the Colosseum and imagine what it was like standing in the arena and hearing the roar of the crowd. Or follow in Julius Caesar’s tracks when you stroll around the magnificent marble Pantheon and Roman Forum.

Hang out in a piazza

Hang out in a piazza

Soak up the atmosphere as you sip an espresso in one of the city’s squares. Swing by Piazza Navona and you’ll be entertained by street performers while you admire the ornate buildings and fountains. Piazza di Spagna has the Spanish Steps at the top – the perfect place for a photo op.

Visit Vatican City

Visit Vatican City

The smallest state in the world is in the heart of Rome and packed with must-sees. St Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square, where the Pope holds his audiences, is here. So is Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with its fabulous frescoes. You can enjoy peace and quiet in the cool greenery of the gardens too.

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The Spanish Steps

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From the awe-inspiring setting of St Peter’s Basilica to the iconic sight of the Colosseum dominating the skyline, there's nothing quite like the culture-rich experience of Rome. While a short weekend break might not be enough to see it all, a Rome city break gives you a glimpse into the glorious golden age of classical Rome and the Vatican City with the Sistine Chapel. So enjoy a slice of life at the fabulous restaurants in the original 'City of Love'.

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A Broken Backpack

Perfect 2 Days In Rome Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 21, 2023 | Europe , Italy , Travel Tips

Wondering how to spend two days in Rome ? It is one of those cities that everyone needs to visit at least once.

Sometimes referred to as the City of Seven Hills because it was built on or between seven hills, Rome is central to the Catholic faith and has long been regarded as the cradle of Western civilization.

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It is home to some of the world’s most famous historic architecture and has a strong cultural identity centered on family life, good food, and the arts.

If you are visiting for the first time, you may be wondering about the best way to spend two days in Rome and which attractions to include!

We’ve put together this guide to make planning your visit a lot easier!

Read on to discover just what to do in Rome in 2 days and a few of the best places in which to stay.

rome italy skyline

On the first day of your weekend in Rome, you will be visiting some of its most famous buildings and monuments.

Then, you will be spending time in two of its most exciting neighborhoods.

What better way to kick off your 2 days in Rome than with a visit to Italy’s most famous monument – the Colosseum ?

Constructed around AD 70 it is awesome in scale and the largest amphitheater ever built, capable of holding more than 50,000 spectators.

The exterior is impressive enough and you can view it without a ticket, but the inside is simply fascinating!

Walking in the footsteps of Roman citizens from centuries ago, you can see four different levels of seating reminiscent of modern theaters, with the cheaps seats set furthest away from the floor of the arena.

You will also see the hypogeum, where the gladiators once waited to battle each other or animals like tigers and bears.

the colosseum

Beside the Colesseum is the Roman Forum, your next stop.

Daily life in Rome once centered around this area and you can now stroll around the ruined avenues and buildings, imagining just how it must have looked when the Roman Empire was at its strongest.

People would have come here to trade goods, watch battles between gladiators, and see criminals on trial.

It’s remarkable to think that this entire area eventually became buried under the earth after the Roman Empire fell and was only excavated in 1898.

Your ticket to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum will also give you access to Palatine Hill, where you’re headed next.

Towering over the Forum, this is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills.

Not only does it give you unmatched views over the city’s historic sites, but it is also home to many fascinating buildings, monuments, and relics.

These include the homes of ordinary Roman citizens, the palaces of emperors, temples, and warehouses.

You can also visit a museum filled with artifacts, some of which date back to the Stone Age.

As the morning draws to an end, make your way to the nearby La Nuova Piazzetta restaurant.

Tucked away on a quiet side street, it offers excellent, authentic pizza and a range of traditional Roman snacks.

Roman Forum

After lunch, a pleasant 30-minute stroll via Viale di Trastevere and across the Tiber will take you to the enchanting district of Trastevere.

This old working-class neighborhood is popular for its winding, narrow alleys and medieval houses, along with a distinctly bohemian atmosphere.

The Basilica here is quite beautiful and the oldest Marian church in Rome, containing lots of authentic mosaics.

Also worth seeing is the 9th-century Church of Santa Cecilia, featuring a gothic tabernacle by Arnolfo di Cambio, a magnificent crypt, and a twelfth-century bell tower.

To really get a feel for the ambiance of the region, stroll around the Piazzi di Santa Maria. This is the heart of the district where locals come to meet and has a lovely fountain at the center.

Sit at one of the artsy bars within, enjoy a craft beer, and indulge in a spot of people-watching.

Before leaving Trastevere, be sure to take the easy walk up Janiculum Hill to the west of the district and take in the fabulous views from the top!

Trastevere

Your next stop is the very authentic region of Testaccio, just on the other side of the Ponte Sublicio.

Not too touristy during the day, it’s a good place to see what daily life in Rome is all about for those that live there.

Its glass-roofed market is one of the oldest in Rome and some of the family-run stalls go back for generations.

It’s a riot of color and there is seating in the middle, so you can stop for a snack and try one of the local specialties.

You have a couple of options for your first evening in Rome.

You could choose to stay in Testaccio, which is completely transformed when the sun goes down and begins to fill with tourists, drawn by its after-dark reputation as a party district! It has some great restaurants, too.

For a slightly more romantic vibe, head to the Colosseum and stroll along the Via Dei Fori Imperiali, lined with various street entertainers.

via dei fori imperiali

Then take the 15-minute walk to the iconic Trevi Fountain. It looks absolutely beautiful when it is illuminated at night, with its stunning blue water contrasted against the white stone.

Legend has it that tossing a coin into the water ensures your future return to Rome – but you need to use your right hand and throw it over your left shoulder.

It’s good to know that all these coins are regularly collected, resulting in a donation of almost 1 million euros to local charities every year.

On the second of your two days in Rome you will be visiting more of the city’s historic sites and the incredible Vatican Museums .

Start your day by heading to Vatican City and its public museums. Here you’ll find the largest and most important art collection in the world.

The museums are vast and very busy, so if you’re seeing Rome in 2 days we strongly recommended booking a guided tour .

This will ensure you see all the most important parts, including Raphael’s ‘Transfiguration’ and the Sistine Chapel, which took Michelangelo four years to paint.

Next, make your way to St Peter’s Square and visit the Renaissance-style Basilica – the largest church on earth.

It is free to enter and absolutely stunning, filled with incredible artworks like the famous Pietà – Michelangelo’s depiction of the Virgin Mary supporting the body of Christ.

You will need to pay a small fee if you want to climb the dome. There are a lot of steps (551!), although you can take an elevator to the terrace, which leaves you with a mere 320!

It’s pretty narrow on the way up, but the views are well worth the climb if you’re up to it!

st peters square

Next, take the 10-minute walk to the fortress of Castel Sant’Angelo, your next stop. Despite its name, it wasn’t built to be a castle.

Instead, it was commissioned in AD 139 by Emperor Hadrian to be used as a mausoleum for himself.

Later it was connected via a corridor to Vatican City so that the Pope could escape there if his life was threatened.

Today you can see the rooms in which he stayed, along with a collection of weapons and well-preserved Renaissance frescoes.

After your visit, take a walk across the Ponte Sant’Angelo towards Campo de’ Fiori.

Campo de’ Fiori is a beautiful, busy market square where you can stop for lunch.

There are plenty of delicious options, from pasta carbonara at La Carbonara to baked treats at Forno Campo de’ Fiori, the city’s oldest and most popular bakery.

Strolling around the square – admiring the wonderful cured meats and colorful fresh produce – is lots of fun.

There are also many stalls selling cool souvenirs to take home, although these can be a little pricey and are probably cheaper to buy elsewhere.

fresh produce at market

Be sure to check out the ancient streets leading away from the piazza – they are all named after trades that used to take place there.

The Via Dei Cappellari is named after the area’s milliners, for example, while the Via Dei Chiavari honors the city’s key makers. There are lots of independent shops and galleries to enjoy along these streets.

Finally, head to the Pantheon – one of Rome’s most well-preserved ancient structures.

Originally a temple dedicated to pagan Gods completed between 126 – 128 AD, the building was later converted to a Christian church and now holds regular Catholic services.

The interior architecture is spectacular and not to be missed, particularly the oculus – a hole in the center of the dome that opens up to the sky.

For your final evening in Rome, visit the Piazza del Popolo and climb the steps to Terrazza del Pincio.

This is one of the best places in Rome to watch the sun go down as you listen to the live musicians who perform there daily.

There are lots of lovely restaurants and bars nearby to enjoy an aperitivo (pre-meal drink) or dinner.

Piazza del popolo

After you’ve eaten, stroll to the Spanish Steps, less than 10 minutes away. These feature 135 marble stairs connecting the Trinita dei Monti church with Piazza di Spagna square below.

The fountain at the base is illuminated at night and looks quite delightful.

Are 2 Days In Rome Enough?

Rome is so packed with interesting sights and experiences that you could spend a week in the city and still not see all that it has to offer.

But this itinerary for 2 days in Rome takes in the very best of the attractions and gives you a good overview of the city’s history and culture.

Get a Rome City Pass to gain access to Rome’s historical sites as well as public transportation.

Where To Stay In Rome

Here are some of our favorite places to stay in Rome, with a suggestion to suit every budget!

Best Budget Accommodation

The Hotel Wesley features simple rooms – some with well-equipped kitchenettes – and is within easy walking distance of many of Rome’s main attractions.

Check Availability

Best Mid-Range Accommodation

Just a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Hotel Amalfi features comfortable rooms with frescoed ceilings and offers a range of sweet and savory breakfast options.

Best Luxury Accommodation

To make your weekend in Rome even more special, book a stay at the splendid Hotel Martis Palace in the Navona district.

The rooms are beautifully appointed, and the hotel offers a library, restaurant, and bar.

Final Thoughts On Two Days In Rome

We hope this itinerary for seeing the best of Rome in 2 days has helped you plan your visit and that you enjoy every moment of your stay in the Eternal City.

Visiting Italy soon? Read one of the following guides:

  • Best places to live in Italy
  • Best hikes in the Dolomites
  • Is Milan worth visiting

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2 days in Rome: The perfect itinerary for a weekend + Tips

Weekend in rome: the best itinerary for 2 days + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 2 days in Rome and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 2-day itinerary in Rome.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city such as The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi fountain , the Vatican and a lot more!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Rome in 2 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Rome city pass

2. the omnia card, 2 days in rome: must-see attractions:, one last tip for a perfect 2-day stay in rome, a. the colosseum, b. palatine hill, c. the roman forum, d. piazza del campidoglio / capitoline museums, e. piazza venezia / the monument to victor emmanuel ii, a. visit the vatican museums and the sistine chapel, b. st. peter's basilica, c. castel sant'angelo, d. the trastevere district, a. piazza navona, b. the pantheon, c. trevi fountain, d. via del corso / via condotti, e. the spanish steps, f. the villa borghese, where to stay in rome, 2 days in rome with your family, more things to do in 2 days in rome, map of your 2-day itinerary in rome, flight prices to rome, you're traveling in italy these articles will help you, how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at romes’s tourist attractions.

When you visit one of the most touristic cities in the world , you can expect to queue for several hours to get into some of the most emblematic monuments .

In Rome, the Colosseum or St Peter’s Basilica are crowded as soon as they open by people who, like you, dream of discovering the Italian capital .

But don’t worry, I will give you several tricks to avoid queuing and optimize your 2-day itinerary in Rome!

Here are the 3 ways to save time during your weekend in Rome:

The first solution to save time during your 2-day trip to Rome, is to buy the “Rome City Pass”, also called “Rome Tourist Card” .

It’s really super convenient: you’ll get priority access to the most famous tourist attractions of the city!

Another advantage: the Rome Tourist Card is 100% digital . You don’t have to go anywhere to pick up your tickets, you’ll receive them immediately by email.

With the Rome Pass, you will get:

  • Priority entrance to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (1st day of your itinerary)
  • Skip the line ticket for St. Peter’s Basilica + audio guide (2nd day)
  • Priority entrance to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel (2nd day)
  • 10% discount on museums (Castel Sant’Angelo, Borghese Gallery), guided tours and day trips around Rome.

Buy your Rome City Pass/Rome Tourist Card now by clicking on the button below:

The Omnia Card or “Vatican and Rome Pass” is your second option to get priority access to the main tourist attractions.

Just like the Rome Tourist Card, it needs to be booked in advance online. However, the confirmation voucher you will receive by email must then be exchanged at a collection point in Rome.

With the Omnia Card, you will get:

  • Priority entrance to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
  • Skip the line ticket to St. Peter’s Basilica + audio guide
  • The Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
  • Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Borghese Gallery
  • Capitoline Museums
  • Visit to St. Peter’s Prison + audio-guide
  • Entrance to the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the cloister + audio-guide
  • Discounts for museums and activities
  • An Hop-on Hop-off bus tour of Rome
  • The City map

The Omnia Card also allows you to use public transport for free during your 2-day stay in Rome.

To buy your Omnia Card , simply click on the button below:

If you are hesitating between the Omnia Card and the Rome Tourist Card to visit Rome in 48 hours, I recommend the latter ( click here ) .

During your 2 days in Rome, you won ‘t necessarily need to take the bus as the itinerary I have planned for you can easily be done on foot.

3. Skip the line tickets for Rome’s tourist attractions

Your last option to save time is to buy priority entrances one by one, for each site you want to visit.

You will find tickets online for the main historical monuments as well as guided visits and activities. Perfect to easily organize your 2-day stay!

Just click on the name of the monuments below to get more information and book your tickets:

  • The Colosseum
  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • The churches of Rome
  • Hop-on Hop-Off tourist bus
  • The catacombs of Rome

If you want to book other activities in Rome, you should always use these 2 reliable and safe websites:

  • Tiqets: Official City Passes and skip the line tickets in Rome
  • GetYourGuide: Official entrance tickets and activities in Rome .

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Rome is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Rome by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in Rome.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Rome, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Rome in 2 days: the best itinerary

Let’s now plan your 48-hour itinerary in Rome!

For this itinerary, I assume you will be spending 2 full days in Rome and purchased a City Pass ( Rome Tourist Card / Omnia Card ) or have purchased skip-the-line tickets .

That’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide or need help planning you holiday, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section located at the end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in Rome in 2 days?

Day 1 of this Rome itinerary – Ancient Rome

week-end Rome itinéraire jour 1

Day 1 visits:

A. Colosseum B. Roman Forum C. Palatine Hill D. Piazza del Campidoglio / Capitoline Museums E. Piazza Venezia / Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Probably the most famous monument of the Italian capital, the Colosseum is the starting point for your 2-day tour of Rome.

This ancient arena, with a capacity of more than 50,000 spectators is the largest amphitheater in the Roman world .

Quite much blood was shed in these arenas, where the famous gladiatorial combats, animals fights and Roman games were held, always followed by horrific deaths.

In spite of a few missing parts, the Colosseum is still standing and is very impressive! You can visit the first and second floors, the arena and the underground .

As you can imagine, the Colosseum of Rome attracts thousands of tourists every day , and they wait in line for hours before entering the monument. But that’s because they didn’t read Voyage Tips before planning their visit!

As I mentioned in the introduction, you should really buy your skip the line tickets in advance.

  • All tickets for the Colosseum also grant you access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
  • If you have bought Rome Tourist Card or the Omnia Card, the Colosseum ticket is already included.

In order to help you find your way around all the different tickets, I have prepared a list of all tickets for the Colosseum (click here) .

To sum up, the 3 following tickets are more interesting than the others:

As all tickets for the Colosseum are not always available (for a given date, there is a limited number of tickets of each type , and they are sold out very quickly!), the orange links take you directly to the page with all Colosseum tickets.

Simply choose the one that suits you best on that page.

Of course, if you already know your travel dates, book quickly to ensure you can visit the monument.

The Colosseum + Arena + Roman Forum + Mount Palatine ticket – This ticket offers an amazing value for money!

The guided tour of the Colosseum + Roman Forum + Mount Palatine , – A great guided visit, full of historical anecdotes!

VIP guided tour: Colosseum (+ Underground + Arena) + Roman Forum + Palatine Mount . If you have no budget restrictions you should opt for the VIP guided tour :

It will allow you to access exclusive places like the arena or the underground of the Colosseum.

colosseum rome

Following your visit to the Colosseum, you should now go to the the Palatine Hill located nearby.

As I mentioned above, you don’t have to pay anything, as your ticket to the Colosseum also grants you access to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum (your next stop).

According to the legend, the city of Rome was founded on this hill by the twin brothers Remus and Romulus, two abandoned children raised by a she-wolf in a cave located on Palatine Hill.

During your visit, you can walk among the ruins and discover the residence of Augustus, the first Roman emperor.

At the top of the hill, you will also enjoy a magnificent view over the city of Rome and its most famous monuments.

Palatine Hill

The 3rd place you shouldn’t miss during your first day in Rome is the Roman Forum , located next to the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum .

The Roman forum was the heart of the ancient Rome . There, you will be able to admire ruins of administrative buildings, the ancient market and several temples.

As there are no explanatory panels on site, you should really opt for the guided tour if you want to learn more about the daily life in the ancient Rome.

The best guided visit of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman forum needs to be booked by clicking here.

You will see, it’s super interesting!

Roman Forum

To continue your 2-day trip to Rome, you should head to Piazza del Campidoglio , also called Capitoline Square. It’s only 15 minutes walk from the Roman Forum .

This magnificent square designed by Michelangelo features several famous monuments:

  • Palazzo dei Senatori
  • The Palazzo dei Conservatori
  • The Palazzo Nuovo.

These 3 monuments are known as the Capitoline Museums (you need to buy your tickets here) . Inside, you can admire numerous works of art, including paintings by Caravaggio and Tintoretto , and famous sculptures , including the one representing the She-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.

Piazza del Campidoglio

After visiting the Capitoline Museums, you should go to Piazza Venezia , only a 5-minute walk away.

This is the main crossroads of the city center, you can recognize it at first glance thanks to the Victor Emmanuel II monument located on one side of the square.

Made of white marble and topped by several bronze statues , it’s very impressive!

On Piazza Venezia, you will also find he famous Trajan’s Column , featuring engravings of the emperor’s military victories.

Monument to Victor-Emmanuel II, Piazza Venezia

Day 2 of your weekend in Rome – The Vatican (option 1)

The Vatican is one of the most popular place to visit during a 2-day itinerary in Rome.

So that’s the first option for your second day!

However, if you prefer to continue visiting the city of Rome , I have also written a second option that you can read a bit below.

week-end Rome itinéraire jour 2

Day 2 visits: (option 1)

A. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel B. St. Peter’s Basilica C. Castel Sant’ Angelo D. Trastevere district

For the second day of your 2-day itinerary in Rome, let’s visit the smallest country in the world: the Vatican!

To start the day, you should visit the Vatican Museums .

This group of 13 museums is located in a huge 7km long architectural complex.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to visit them all!

There are several routes to choose from for a duration between 1h30 and 5 hours. No matter which itinerary you opt for, you will end your visit with the famous Sistine Chapel.

Built in the 15th century, this tiny chapel is world-famous for its walls and ceiling covered with magnificent frescoes painted, among others, by Michelangelo.

To get your Vatican Museums tickets, you need to click on the button below, or you can enter directly if you have the Omnia Card or the Rome Tourist Card .

Vatican

After visiting the museums, it will surely be time for lunch!

So let's have a pizza or a good spaghetti dish in one of the many restaurants surrounding the Vatican.

Once you've had your fill, continue your 2-day itinerary in Rome by visiting St Peter's Basilica . Bordering the huge square of the same name, the basilica is one of the most visited monuments in the world!

When you enter the basilica, you will be surprised by the size of the place. There, you can admire the baroque decorations , the statue of St. Peter, the huge dome designed by Michelangelo and the vaults of the popes.

The entrance is free, however the queues to get in are always endless !

So you should really book a skip the line ticket , else you will waste half of your afternoon waiting in line. They need to be bought here:

St. Peter's Basilica ticket + Audio guide

Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (single ticket) + dome + crypt (the most complete!)

St. Peter's Basilica

After your visit, leave St. Peter's Square and walk down Via della Conciliazione to reach Castel Sant'Angelo in 10 minutes.

This castle, built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian , was later used as a refuge for the popes during enemy invasions of the Vatican. A secret passage allowed them to get there quickly without being seen!

You can visit the castle (it takes 1 to 2h) and see, in particular:

  • The ancient apartments of the popes
  • Several ancient tombs
  • The walkway and its remarkable viewpoints.

When leaving the castle, you will cross Sant'Angelo bridge . It passes over the Tiber and offers a beautiful view of the river and the city at sunset.

To buy your ticket for the castle, you need to click here:

The bridge and Castel Sant'Angelo

If you want to finish your weekend in Rome in style, you should go to the Trastevere , one of the most typical districts of the city.

Enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets, discover the handicraft shops and small businesses and of course take the opportunity to dine in a trattoria , far from the mass tourism. A great way to end your weekend in Rome!

Day 2 of this trip to Rome - The historic center (option 2)

You prefer to visit the city more in depth than spend a day at the Vatican during your 2 days in Rome?

No problem!

Here is an alternative tour for your second day in the Italian capital.

week-end Rome itinéraire jour 2 - option 2

Day 2 visits (option 2)

A. Piazza Navona B. Pantheon C. Trevi Fountain D. Via del Corso / Via Condotti E. Piazza di Spagna F. Villa Borghese

For your second day, instead visiting the Vatican, you can also spend another day visiting the City of Rome.

In that case, you can start at Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares of the city. There, you will find many restaurants and cafés - a great opportunity to enjoy a good breakfast on a terrace!

piazza Navona

Then, you can head to the Pantheon , one of the most emblematic monuments in Rome.

It houses the tombs of Emperor Victor Emmanuel II and the famous painter Raphael.

Since July 2023, access to the Pantheon has been subject to a charge and requires an admission ticket (cost: €5) . To visit, you should book your ticket on the official website .

And if you want to get more historical information , it's better to get the fast track ticket + audioguide by clicking here:

And for more detailed explanations, you can also choose a guided tour of the Pantheon by clicking here!

visit Rome Pantheon

After your visit to the Pantheon, you should go to the most famous fountain in Europe: the Trevi fountain!

This meeting place for lovers (and crowds of tourists 😅) is only a 10-minute walk away.

Yes, many tourists visiting Rome go there to take pictures of this beautiful work of art and throw coins to see their wishes come true!

On the architectural side, the statue of the God Neptune overlooking the basin is very well highlighted by the baroque monument located just behind the fountain.

Trevi Fountain Rome

While you're in Rome for 2 days, why not go for a bit of shopping?

You should go to Via del Corso to find the big brands like H&M, Zara etc..

And if you're looking for the famous Italian fashion designers (Prada, Gucci...), continue on Via Condotti!

This will lead you to the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most popular square in Rome.

With its cobbled floor, beautiful fountain, small shops, ice cream vendors, it's the perfect example of the italian "Dolce Vita" atmosphere.

Piazza di Spagna Rome

To end your day, you should go to Villa Borghese Gardens , the most beautiful public park of the city.

You can walk through the alleys, visit the botanical garden and the following museums:

  • The Borghese Gallery , housing a collection of paintings and sculptures ( You need to buy your ticket here )
  • The National Etruscan Museum and its collection of pre-Roman objects and jewellery
  • The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art , featuring paintings by Van Gogh and Cézanne.

And that's it, you now know how to visit Rome in 2 days! Spend one last night at your hotel before taking your flight back home the next day.

Now that you know how to visit Rome in 2 days , you will need to find an hotel.

In order to help you out, here are my 5 favorite hotels of the city, each in a different price category.

And as always, if you already know your travel dates, book your hotel right now! In Rome, the best hotels are fully booked very quickly.

  • Biancaluna: B&B located near Termini Station, 1.5 km from the Colosseum. Modern, comfortable and very clean room from 70€. Strong points: the warm welcome and the advice to visit Rome, the location. An excellent choice for a cheap stay in Rome!
  • Hotel Balilla: Located 1.6 km from the Colosseum and close to a metro station. Well-equipped and quiet double room, impeccably clean, from 99€, breakfast at 5€. Strong points: the friendly staff, the comfort of the beds, the location at 10 min walk from the Colosseum. This is our favorite for its excellent value for money!
  • Alice Vatican House : Located 450 meters from St. Peter's Square. Contemporary room with neat decoration from 95 € per night, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, terrace overlooking the Vatican, warm welcome. This is the best choice for your stay in Rome under 120 euros!
  • MZ Hotel: Located near the Campo di Fiori and not far from the Pantheon. Modern double room from 150€, breakfast at 12€. Strong points: the location near the historical center, the warm welcome, good bedding, new hotel.
  • Roma Luxus Hôtel : High end hotel located at only 400 meters from Piazza Venezia. Beautiful double room starting at 200€ per night, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: The room design, the 5 stars service, the superb breakfast, the spa, the amazing staff. It's the best hotel for a high end stay in Rome!
  • NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali: This 5* hotel located right next to the Roman Forum offers sublime rooms from 580€, breakfast included. Strong points: the exceptional location, the attentive staff, the view, the comfort. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Rome!

if you want to save a bit of money, you can find an accommodation around Rome. I recommend you he bungalows of Camping Village Rome , located at only 15 minutes by car from the Vatican city.

The price starts at only 30€ per night! It's the best "budget" solution if you don't mind not being in the city center. It's also a great choice for families, with the swimming pool!

Are you wondering if this 2-day itinerary in Rome is suitable for a family trip ?

The answer is of course yes!

If you have planned to travel to Rome with kids , you might want to slightly adjust this itinerary, but in general, Rome is a city that appeals to adults and children alike.

Nevertheless, here are my best tips to adapt the visits according to age and interests:

1) The safe bet: the Colosseum! A visit suitable for all ages that will for sure impress and amaze children.

2) A full day at the Vatican may be a bit boring for young kids. You can choose to spend only half a day there and then continue with a visit to the Explora museum . This is a very interesting and fun interactive museum located near the Villa Borghese.

3) A picnic in the gardens of Villa Borghese. Your kids can have fun in the various playgrounds and you can then rent bicycles for a ride or take a boat ride on the lake. There is also a zoo with thousands of animals ( tickets needs to be bought here ).

4) An Italian cooking class followed by a dinner near the Trevi Fountain. This is an opportunity to have fun together making a real Italian pizza under the guidance of a chef before enjoying it. Book here!

5) Going to the Gladiator school: Dressed in traditional gladiator costume , they will be able to train for combat in a fun atmosphere!

At the end of the activity, they will even receive a gladiator diploma.

You can book this family activity by clicking there .

If you're looking to modify this weekend in Rome itinerary or you're simply looking to add 1 or 2 extra activities, you should have a look at my detailed guide of the Italian capital.

You will find it here: The 25 Best Things to do in Rome.

And if you want to spend more time in Rome, don't hesitate to read my longer itineraries: 3 Days in Rome or 4 Days in Rome for example!

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 2 days in Rome, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day . You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to Rome, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

Now you know how to visit Rome in 2 days! Do you need help to organize your 2-day itinerary in Rome? Don't hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below, I will be glad to help you plan your weekend.

Italy travel Guides

  • Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
  • Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

  • Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
  • Where to stay in Rome? - The definitive guide of the best areas!
  • Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
  • Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
  • Turin: The 20 must-see attractions

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Best places to visit in Rome in 2 days

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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The Trevi Fountain is an iconic and historical monument of Rome and is a must see.

2 Days in Rome: An Epic First Time In Rome Itinerary

February 15, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the ultimate 2 days in Rome Itinerary?

Want to visit the most Rome has to offer in only two days? Don’t let a limited schedule keep you from visiting some of the most famous sites Rome has!

You will be wonderstruck by all that Rome has to offer, and we promise you can accomplish a lot in just 2 days.

Below we have selected some of the best things you can conquer in a short period of time.

Make sure to follow this 2 days in Rome itinerary to ensure your trip is filled to the brim with adventure. But please feel free to schedule our suggestions below in ways that fit best for you!

Whether you are spending 10 days in Italy , have a little more time like 2 weeks , or are renting a car and planning an Italy road trip , 2 days is the minimum time we recommend for spending in Rome!

For context, arrival day is not considered a day in this two days in Rome itinerary. The afternoon of your arrival can be utterly exhausting, and it might be best to rest as your next 2 days in Rome will be jam-packed.

But even if you arrive and aren’t super exhausted, you can always stroll the streets of Rome, stopping for a gelato and authentic pizza along the way as a way to ease yourself into your upcoming adventure.

Either way, make sure you are excited and ready to explore!

A Rome weekend trip requires a lot of planning and preparation, so make sure to pace yourself and ensure you and your travel group are ready to see the best of Rome.

Don’t forget to check out our Italy packing list before you head out on your adventure!

Keep reading to learn what to do in Rome in 2 days!

Sunset over the Tiber River and a bridge with the Vatican in the distance.

Are 2 Days Enough in Rome?

Two days in Rome can be tight, but it is doable if you make a plan and stick to the main sites.

If this is your first time visiting Rome, two days is a great amount of time for a sampling of the Eternal City.

You will have time to see the most popular attractions and taste some of the best Italian food.

Sunset over the city of Rome featuring the Colosseum.

Getting To Rome

There are a few different ways you may get to Rome for your vacation.

If you are flying in, you will land at either Leonardo da Vinci Airport or Ciampino Airport depending on where you are coming from.

Then, you can take a bus, train, or taxi to the city center.

Train travel is also very convenient if you are coming from somewhere else in Italy or Europe. It might take longer than a flight, but it is cheaper, easier, and more scenic.

If you are renting a car in Italy , then you can drive right into the city as well.

Aerial view looking out over the Vatican City. during 2 days in Rome.

Getting Around Rome In 2 Days

When you are learning how to plan a trip to Rome, you need to figure out how you will traverse the city.

Getting around Rome is easy with an extensive public transport system.

Rome has three metro lines, buses, trams, and three urban railway lines.

The public transport is how to see Rome in 2 days. You can buy single one-way tickets as needed.

However, a 48-hour pass is more convenient. It allows unlimited use of all public transport during that time period.

Walking is also a great way to see the city as well since many top attractions are close to each other.

White Vespa next to potted flowers.

Day 1: Begin Your 2 Days in Rome with Classic and Ancient Rome

Your first day in Rome will encompass some of the oldest and most iconic sights in the Eternal City.

These are some of the must-see attractions not only in Rome but in all of Italy! You do not want to miss out on these experiences.

If this is your first time in Rome, you will be amazed by places you have spent your whole life seeing in books and on TV.

The day is jam-packed but definitely worth it!

Also, check out our guide on the best time to visit Italy !

Stop 1: Climb the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are a great place to start your 2 days in Rome itinerary as they are considered a great gathering place for tourists and locals alike.

Many individuals return to these steps with coffee, sitting on the cusp of these Roman Baroque-style stairs, and relaxing.

The Spanish Steps connect the lower Piazza di Spagna and the upper Piazza Trinita Dei Monti. There are 138 steps in total, giving you lots of space to sit or climb to enjoy the view.

Because of the Spanish Steps’ unique design and elegance, many artists sit and paint at this beautiful location, which makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

The special mixture of curves, straight flights, vistas, and terraces give the Spanish Steps a great sense of atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Eternal City.

Starting here can help you get a sense of what Rome is really like, all while relaxing in this famous meeting location.

This is one of the best places to visit in Rome in 2 days!

Sunrise at the Spanish Steps with a fountain in the plaza during 2 days in Rome.

Stop 2: Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

No trip itinerary for Rome is complete without a visit to the iconic Trevi Fountain, which is why we suggest it for stop number two during your 2 days in Rome itinerary!

The Trevi Fountain is located in the Quirinale district of Rome and is known as one of the most stunning fountains in the world.

The fountain itself is one of the oldest water sources in Rome, and it is made of the same material as the Colosseum.

Because the Trevi Fountain is 85 feet tall and almost 65 feet wide, it is hard to miss!

Factoring in its large stature, the Trevi Fountain spills out over 2,000,000 cubic feet of water every day. But don’t worry, this water is recycled!

We highly suggest getting to the Trevi Fountain early as it can get a bit crowded during the day, especially during summer.

And make sure to participate in the tradition of throwing a coin over your shoulder and into the Trevi!

Not only does this make for a great Instagram video, but rumor has it that participating in such a tradition will encourage the gods to favor your journey.

And better yet? The coins thrown into the fountain are collected every night and donated to Caritas, which is an Italian Charity!

Book Here: Trevi Fountain and Underground Guided Tour

Sunny day at the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Stop 3: Swing by the Altar of the Fatherland

The Altare della Patria, which roughly translates into the Altar of the Fatherland, is a large monument in Rome created to pay respect to Victor Emmanuel II, who was the first king of Italy after the country’s unification.

This large attraction is located in Piazza Venezia. Conquering Rome in 2 days can be difficult, but the Altar of the Fatherland is something you don’t want to miss!

Inside this building, there is the Institute for the History of the Italian Risorgimento and the Central Museum of the Risorgimento, which means you can spend some time here!

This monument also holds the tomb of the unknown soldier, a place where an eternal flame shines.

From the places to visit inside the Altar, to the panoramic terrace and breathtaking views this monument has to offer, we highly recommend stopping here and spending a few hours simply learning about Italy’s history.

Cloudless day at the Altar of the Fatherland with many statues and Italy flags.

Stop 4: Tour the Colosseum

If you are planning a trip to Italy , you do not want to miss the iconic Colosseum. This ancient structure is arguably one of the most recognizable of Rome’s classic buildings.

Even 2,000 years after it was built, it is recognizable at first sight.

Back in its day, this amphitheater could hold 60,000 seats, with room for 10,000 others to stand. It has 80 entrances and was the first permanent amphitheater to be built in Rome.

While it surprisingly only took ten years to build this arena, what is even more surprising is the mix of architectural styles this building holds.

The three tiers of arcades follow the succession of architectural order: Doric on the first story, Ionic on the second, and Corinthian on the third.

The whole building covers six acres in total, and this place was historically popular for its hunting and gladiatorial games.

This is a must-see while you are visiting Rome in 2 days, but please know this iconic monument does get busy.

It may be smart to purchase tickets beforehand and skip the long lines that tend to circle this building.

Lastly, it is important to note that large parts of the Colosseum are accessible to wheelchair users. There are lifts to take you to the upper levels!

Book Here: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Entry Tickets

The exterior of the Colosseum in Rome with tourists outside.

Stop 5: Admire the Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine is situated between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.

This arch was originally created because the Roman Senate wanted to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312.

This is a must-see during your 2 nights in Rome because the Arch of Constantine is the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch and the last great monument of Imperial Rome.

Throughout history, it has been used for political propaganda as well, representing and sending messages about victory and leadership.

This arch stands about 20 meters high, 25 meters wide, and about 7 meters in width.

Three portals are flanked by Corinthian columns. Moldings and Victoria feature occupying the spandrels above the central archway are breathtaking and worth every second spent looking at them.

The variety in architectural styles is similar to that of the Colosseum, as the arch contains relief sculptures with bold outlines, blocky figures, and some that even lack natural aesthetics or clear form.

Ultimately, this arch represents power and leadership. Its location between the Colosseum and Temple of Venus and Roma helps reinforce its symbolism as it is the connective architecture that links the area of Forum Romanum.

The Arch of Constantine next to the Colosseum

Stop 6: Relax at Palatine Hill

Referred to as “the first nucleus of the Roman Empire,” Palatine Hill is the centremost of the Seven Hills of Rome.

It is one of the most ancient parts of the city, standing 40 meters above the Roman Forum.

It looks down upon the Forum on one side of the hill, while the Circus Maximums towers over the other side.

Many tourists tend to overlook Palatine Hill as it is often overshadowed by the Colosseum.

However, we are making sure to add it to your 2 days in Rome itinerary, because it is worth seeing!

The ruins of ancient palaces on this hill are mixed with a green haven. Wildflowers grow amongst the ruins.

It is a beautiful spot to learn about the history of Rome or to simply sit back and relax, seeking shade beneath some trees.

This area is very peaceful and a great place to escape some crowds.

Make sure you don’t miss the views from Palatine Hill. You can see the labyrinthine ruins, the Colosseum, and Capitoline Hill from this fresh perspective!

Book Here: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Access Guide

The ruins and greenery of Palatine Hill in Rome.

Stop 7: Finish the Day at the Roman Forum

For your last stop of the day, we recommend swinging by the Roman Forum. This historic site is located at the center of Rome and was originally used as a public meeting place and marketplace around 500 B.C.

The Forum eventually developed and expanded. Statues, arches, and other buildings were built to accommodate the growing crowds.

Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus also added to the area!

Some of the important sites you might want to see during your 2 days in Rome include the Senate House, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the Sacra Via.

Although many of these buildings are now ruins, the ruins and the Forum itself have continued to serve as a source of inspiration for artists.

It is the perfect location to wrap up day one in Rome as it has a great dose of history.

You’ll see the main road that ran through the Roman Forum and connected the city to other important sites!

It attracts over 4.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the top things to do in Italy .

Book Here: Colosseum Underground & Roman Forum Guided Tour

Golden hour at the ruins of the Roman Forum, a must-see for your 2 days in Rome itinerary.

Day 2: Finishing Your 2 Days in Rome with The Vatican and Rome Favorites 

The second day of your Rome vacation itinerary will focus on Vatican City and some hidden gems in Rome.

The Vatican City is actually a separate country governed by the Catholic Church.

Vatican City is vast, and thus we recommend spending almost a full day exploring it during your Rome, Italy, itinerary!

Whether you are interested in religious history or exquisite architecture, the Vatican needs to be part of your Rome two-day itinerary.

After exploring the Vatican, you will check out a couple of other things to do in Rome in 2 days.

Stop 1: Starting at The Vatican Museums

We highly recommend stopping at the Vatican Museums as your first stop on day two.

You will find lots of art and history in the Vatican Museums, including the iconic Sistine Chapel!

But be warned, these museums are large and will take up a large chunk of your day! We promise it will be worth it!

These museums contain roughly 70,000 pieces of work, of which only 20,000 are on display.

Several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces are located here.

It is the fourth most visited art museum in the world. So, make sure to pace yourself and give yourself time to explore everything!

That’s why we put it on the list first, so you can take your time and not feel rushed while exploring the museums.

We would also recommend getting tickets in advance, especially skip-the-line tickets, as you don’t want to waste time waiting to get inside these gorgeous museums.

Book Here: Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

Inside the Pio-Clementine Museum with a hall of statues and busts.

Stop 2: Explore Saint Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s holiest Catholic shrines and is visited by thousands of tourists every month.

According to Catholic tradition, the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus’ apostles. His tomb is supposedly directly below the high altar of the basilica.

Arguably, this is the most prominent building in Vatican City as it is the dominant feature of the skyline of Rome, covering 5.7 acres.

Saint Peter’s Basilica is right by the Vatican Museums, so it seems logical for this to be stop number two on your second day in Rome.

You don’t want to miss the beautiful art and architecture of Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Nave and North Aisle have chapels and statues that are breathtaking.

Not many visitors know it is possible to climb to the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica’s dome.

Known as the “cupola,” this dome is 450 feet off the ground and stretches 129 feet in diameter, making it a hard-to-miss part of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Getting to the top of the dome is a must-do during your weekend getaway in Rome.

It is a great opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the city while also admiring a top-down view of the Saint Peter’s Basilica Nave.

Saint Peter’s Basilica usually has a long line, no matter when you go! We highly recommend booking in advance or arriving early to avoid crowds.

Book Here: St. Peter’s Basilica, Dome Climb, and Underground Tour

Pink and purple sunrise over Saint Peter's Basilica during 2 days in Rome.

Stop 3: Tour Castel Sant’Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, also known as the Castle Sant’Angelo, is the towering cylindrical building in the middle of Parco Adriano in Rome.

This building was originally commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family.

Throughout history, the building was also used by popes and as a fortress and castle but is currently a museum.

This is why we have put it on your 2 days in Rome itinerary. It is beautiful and rich with history!

Castel Sant’Angelo is a fundamental part of history for Rome and the Vatican, as it once was used as a passage for the Vatican Palaces.

Today its five floors are divided and can be accessed through spiral ramps. You can even take one of these ramps to the entrance of a chapter of ashes and cells.

The top of the castle has some rooms once used as Papal residences and are preserved well. You can also visit some of those, as well as the cells where the remains of Hadrian’s successors are.

This place is truly filled with history and culture and you must add it to your itinerary for Rome in 2 days!

Book Here: Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket

Bridge with statues leading up to the round Castel Sant'Angelo seen during 2 days in Rome.

Stop 4: Visit the Pantheon

For the next stop of your Rome two-day itinerary, we suggest stopping at the Pantheon.

The Pantheon is another iconic monument of Rome as it was once a Roman temple.

Originally, this temple was dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome.

Today it is a church, but the building still holds symbolism as one of the most preserved and influential buildings of Ancient Rome.

Built-in A.D. 118, the spectacular design, proportions, and elegance are a must-see while you’re visiting Rome in a weekend.

As mentioned, it is the best-preserved Ancient Roman monument and has managed to survive raids throughout time.

The structure of the Pantheon was ahead of its time.

The exact composition of the material used to make the Pantheon is unknown.

But between its dome, statues, and gorgeous design, this is something you don’t want to miss on your weekend guide to Rome.

Book Here: Pantheon Audio Guide Tour

Pastel sunrise over the columned Pantheon during 2 days in Rome.

Stop 5: Stroll Piazza Navona

Last, but certainly not least, we suggest stopping at the Piazza Navona to finish your 2 days in Rome itinerary.

The Piazza Navona is a square in Rome built in the 1st century AD.

It follows the space of the Stadium of Domitian, which is located right next to the square.

Ancient Romans came here to watch games, but today it is a public space exemplifying the Baroque Roman architecture due to the Fontana di Quattro Fiumi, or Fountain of Four Rivers, located in the square.

The piazza has many monuments such as the Palazzo de Cupis and Sant’Agneses in Agone.

If you are looking for one of the best stops in Rome for foodies , this is it as there are many restaurants nearby!

It is also a familiar spot in literature and films, making it a popular destination.

The piazza has been featured in films such as  Angels and Demons  and  Catch-22.

It is great to simply walk through the piazza and relax as this is your last stop on the itinerary.

Two days in the city is a great amount of time if you want to consider a Rome walking tour because you can see and learn about all of the sites with an experienced local guide!

Sunrise over the fountain in Piazza Navona during 2 days in Rome.

Where to Stay in Rome

Affordable: relais palazzo taverna.

If you are looking for where to stay in Rome on a budget, Relais Palazzo Taverna is perfect. It is found in a 15th-century building.

Each of the rooms is uniquely designed and offers a relaxing space for when you are not at one of Rome’s many attractions.

It is also only a 15-minute walk from the Pantheon, Saint Peter’s Square, and the Trevi Fountain, so you will have many convenient sights to explore.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Simple hotel room with bed, table, and mirror.

Mid-Range: Soggiorno Downtown

Soggiorno Downtown is a great place to stay in Rome if you want to be close to the Forum and the Collesium. Both are only a short walk away.

Many other Rome attractions are within walking distance as well.

The bright rooms are simple but comfy with everything you need to feel at home.

There is also a continental breakfast served daily.

Simple hotel room with bed and desk.

Luxury: Tree Charm

Not only is Tree Charme one of the most charming hotels in Rome, but it is also in an awesome location.

Set on the banks of River Tiber, it is a 15-minute walk to the Vatican, and Campo de’ Fiori Square is only 1,800 feet away from the hotel!

The rooms are designed with both comfort and style in mind. You will also love the pretty terrace.

This is a romantic place to stay during a couple’s trip to Rome.

Terrace with seating and breakfast surrounded by vines.

Where to Eat During Your 2 Days in Rome

There are so many choices of where to eat in Rome from street food to fine dining. Here are a few options for you to taste test.

Er Buchetto

If you are looking for a budget place to eat, Er Buchetto offers delicious, authentic porchetta sandwiches that will leave your mouth watering.

The pork is slow-cooked with tasty herbs and spices that come through in each bite.

This restaurant has been open since 1890 and run by the same family for six generations!

If you are looking for a quick bite, this hidden gem is the place to go!

Of course, you will want to try some pizza while in Italy!

Sbanco is one of the best pizzerias in Rome and is sure to satisfy your cravings. It is popular with locals and usually has few tourists.

There are many different pizzas to choose from with all sorts of toppings.

There is also a great selection of beer and desserts. This is the perfect stop during your fun weekend trip to Rome.

Trattoria Al Moro

Near the Trevi Fountain, Trattoria Al Moro is a wonderful place to dine in Rome.

You will enjoy traditional dishes with a modern twist made with fresh and local ingredients.

The menu has an assortment of pasta, meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes.

Don’t forget to peruse the wine list and save room for dessert!

Small pizza with crisp crust, thick cheese, and basil leaves.

Two days in Rome is ample time for you to visit many of their most iconic monuments and enjoy the rich history, art, and culture of the Eternal City!

Using this 2 days in Rome itinerary, we do hope you get the chance to visit everything you want to see.

Italy will welcome you home with open arms, making your weekend getaway in Rome special!

If you’re staying in Rome for more than 2 days, make sure to check out our detailed 10 Days i n Rome Itinerary for other places to see!

You can also take some day trips from Rome to see more of Italy!

Pin with two Rome photos saying "how to see Rome in two days."

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Full Suitcase Travel Blog

How to See the BEST of Rome in 2 Days: Itinerary, Map & Planning Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 28, 2023

How to See the BEST of Rome in 2 Days: Itinerary, Map & Planning Tips

Visiting Italy’s capital Rome for 2 days and wondering how to plan your time so that you get to experience the very best of the city? In this guide, we share a suggested Rome itinerary for two days that brings you to all the must-see places, introduces you to the local food, and allows you to explore the city just a little bit deeper than most standard itineraries. Find out!

If you are visiting the Eternal City for the first time, you are probably wondering how much time you need and if two days are enough for Rome ?

Rome is a big city with so much history, impressive landmarks, and so many interesting places that you could spend a month and still just scratch the surface… So no, you can’t see everything in Rome in just two days.

However, 2 days in Rome is a sufficient amount of time in order to see all the ‘musts’ , including the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. In addition – if you plan well – you can get just a bit off the beaten path and explore the city center deeper, which will make your trip so much more memorable!

In this guide, we show you how to best plan your time so that you can make the most of your 2-day trip to Rome. We also include several options so that – in addition to the ‘musts’ – you can choose what else to see based on your interests.

At the bottom of this article, you can also find a short version of this itinerary , a map indicating all the places mentioned in our guide, and some essential tips . Take a look!

Top 3 Experiences Not to Miss in Rome:

  • Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill .
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel .
  • Local Food Tour .

Two days in Rome

Good to know: Please note that the hours below are just indicated for your reference and based on the situation as it usually is in the high season (+-April-October). Be sure to double-check the opening hours of the places you want to visit/ the tour starting times and adjust the itinerary if needed.

TIP: If you want to see some of the best places in Rome in two days in a most relaxed way and without having to plan or arrange anything, check out this private 2-day VIP tour .

This tour has a great itinerary and everything including transportation, tour guides, entrance tickets, etc. will be arranged for you. And because you have a guide and a driver, this itinerary will require much less walking than if you ‘do it yourself’. Accommodation and meals are not included, of course, but they pick you up/drop you off at your hotel each day.

And if you want to plan your own trip, here’s how we recommend spending 2 days in Rome:

DAY 1: Colosseum & Historic City Center

PLANNING TIP: Book the Colosseum tickets in advance. The tickets are recently really hard to get, but this Rome Tourist Card usually has some slots available if you book at least a week or two upfront. If you rather go with a guide (recommended), check out this all-in tour . It includes all the levels of the Colosseum, one of which can only be visited with a guide. If you’d like to take a bike tour or a walking tour mentioned below, be sure to book it in advance as well! Nowadays, you can also pre-book the tickets for the Pantheon .

On your first day in Rome, we recommend covering all the ‘musts’ of ancient Rome and the most famous landmarks in the city center. Plan at least 3 hours for the Colosseum area (Colosseum + Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum).

Here’s what your first day in Rome could look like:

8 AM: Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular landmarks in the historic city center of Rome and it can get extremely crowded here during the day. But it’s usually much quieter in the morning. And if you are staying nearby ( as we were ), it’s really simple to visit this famous fountain before day tourists arrive.

So we highly recommend starting your visit to Rome here. That way, you can see the impressive Trevi Fountain without the biggest crowds. And you can always come back here later in the day or in the evening when the fountain is nicely lit.

Don’t forget to toss a coin so that you come back to Rome again! For that, you should stand with your back towards the fountain, and throw the coin over your left shoulder.

Next, walk to the Pantheon (+-10 minutes walk from Trevi).

Trevi Fountain in Rome Italy

9 AM: Pantheon

If you absolutely want to visit the Pantheon inside and see its famous oculus, be sure to be here at least half an hour before it opens. The Pantheon is generally open from 9 AM, but it doesn’t harm to double-check before you go!

Good to know: Nowadays, there is an entrance fee to visit the Pantheon. It’s also possible to book a timed-entry ticket in advance, however, getting the earliest time slots is not easy. You may want to check the official website and also Tiqets and GetYourGuide to see what’s available for your travel dates. In any case, keep in mind that you have to pick up the actual ticket at an external location (they do like to complicate things more than necessary…).

Alternatively, you can just stand in line and hope to get in without too much of a wait (in that case, arrive long before it opens). Or make it easy for yourself and book a guided tour (likely later than 9 AM though, so you’ll have to adjust this itinerary accordingly).

You only need 10-15 minutes for a visit inside the Pantheon, but if you want to learn more about this unique temple that was turned into a church, and its 2000-year-old history, make sure to plan some time to listen to the audio guide as well. An audio guide is included with all tickets and takes about 35 minutes if you listen to the whole narrative.

Pantheon - must see in two 2 days in Rome

9.30 AM: Walk to the Colosseum via Piazza Venezia

If you are staying in the center of Rome, we recommend that you simply walk to Colosseum. It’s about 25 minutes walk from the Pantheon.

On your way, you’ll pass Piazza Venezia and you can also walk past Capitoline Hill . Here you can see Capitoline Wolf – a small statue depicting a wolf that saved and cared for Romulus and Remus, twin brothers that later founded the city of Rome.

Continue on Via dei Fori Imperiali in the direction of the Colosseum.

Altar of the Fatherland at Piazza Venezia in Rome

10.30 AM – 2 PM: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

The Colosseum is one of the main landmarks in Rome and a must-see. While you can always just admire this ancient amphitheater from the outside, a visit inside is well worth your time!

However, this is one of the busiest places in Rome, so planning in advance is essential! But you don’t absolutely have to rush here first thing in the morning – it will be busy no matter when you come and – in summer – it will be hot anyway.

Just be sure to book your priority tickets ( regular or with the Arena Floor access ) or a guided tour of the Colosseum in advance. So that you can actually visit it at the time you want and can make the most of your day.

Good to know: Colosseum normally releases their tickets about one month in advance. However, recently they have been really hard to get. Guided tours have better availability and they are really worth it. I hear from so many people that they find the Colosseum overwhelming, miss certain parts, are not able to return, etc.

TIP: We highly recommend going with a local guide because it’s so much more relaxing. The Colosseum itself is crowded, there are many entrances and various levels to visit, and just finding the right entrance can be a very stressful experience in itself. The same counts for the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. These are all huge areas with so many interesting sights that you will not know where to go first (or what you are seeing)…

We have been to Rome several times and on the most recent visit to the Colosseum, we took this highly rated tour and it was the best decision. In just 3 hours, we visited the Colosseum (including the Arena Floor and underground level that you can only visit with the guide), the Palatine Hill , and saw the main sights of the Roman Forum . We wouldn’t have been able to see half as much if we went on our own!

PRO TIP:  Even if you are short on time, we highly recommend seeing all the levels of the Colosseum. It’s a great experience and gives you a totally different insight into what this entertainment arena is truly about.

Good to know:   No matter how you decide to visit the Colosseum – on your own or with a guide – your ticket will also include a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill . You really need at least three hours in order to visit all three sites, and you could easily spend the whole day here too. But with just two days in Rome, 3-3.5 hours should be sufficient for the highlights (once again, it helps to go with a guide).

LEARN MORE: Colosseum Tickets & Levels Explained

Colosseum - must see in Rome in two days

2-3 PM: Lunch

After your visit to the Colosseum and the other sites nearby, it’s time for lunch . There are lots of restaurants near the Colosseum, and it shouldn’t be a problem to find something to eat.

I recommend that you sit down for a decent lunch. You’ll be tired after all the walking and this is also the hottest time of the day – you’ll be glad to rest a bit.

There are quite a few restaurants in the area east of the Colosseum . Trattoria Luzzi, Naumachia Ristorante, or Pasqualino Al Colosseo are all good options, and there are quite a few others (we indicated these on our map further below). Often, it’s not a matter of choice, but just being able to find a free table in this area at around lunchtime.

READ ALSO: Where to Eat in Rome

Spaghetti alla carbonara at La Locanda di Pietro restaurant near the Vatican

3.30-4.30 PM: Baths of Caracalla

After lunch, I highly recommend visiting the nearby Baths of Caracalla . It’s about 20 minutes walk to get there and you need about 30-45 minutes for a visit, but it’s absolutely worth it! And no, this is not a must-see place and many tourists don’t even know about it, but – to us – this is one of the most special places we visited in Rome and so if you can squeeze it in your itinerary, definitely consider!

Dating from the 3rd century, Caracalla Baths were one the largest Roman public baths with several heated baths, saunas, an Olympic-size pool, sports facilities, and even a library. This archeological site is quite well preserved, and you can also see some stunning mosaics that give you a glimpse of how grand and decorative these baths were.

To us, the Baths of Caracalla is one of the most special places in Rome. And while you won’t often read about them, I highly recommend including a visit here into your 2-days Rome itinerary. This is one of those unique places that will make your visit so much more special. It’s also a good place to escape the crowds. Despite being so close to the Colosseum, this is one of the hidden gems of Rome that most tourists never see.

Good to know:  The Baths of Caracalla are open daily except on Mondays and some public holidays.  Here  you can find the official opening times and also get tickets, but it’s not really a must – normally, you can just get a ticket at the entrance.

Mosaics of Caracalla Baths in Rome

5 PM: Back to the city center

Next, make your way back to the city center .

Depending on where you go next, you can either take a metro or walk. Circo Massimo is the nearest metro station, about 10 minutes walk from the Baths of Caracalla.

You can further explore the city center on your own , or opt for a walking tour (see below).

5.30 – 6.30 PM: Free time: shopping, drinks, gelato…

We recommend that you take a metro to Flaminio station, close to Piazza del Popolo .

Here, you’ll find Rome’s most popular shopping neighborhood (around Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, etc.). You can also visit the two churches on the square – Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.

But after all the sightseeing, you may want to simply sit down for a coffee or get some gelato and take a short break. Gelateria dei Gracchi is one of the best places for ice cream in this area.

Or – depending on your preferences and whether you had a good lunch – you could also get an early dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Piazza del Popolo, Rome

7-10 PM: Evening walking tour of the historic center

If you want to get the most out of your visit to Rome and see as much as possible in a short time, we highly recommend taking an evening walking tour of the highlights of the historic city center .

In summer, it’s often difficult to really appreciate all the sights during the day – it’s so busy everywhere and also so hot that all you want to do is look for some shade. Going in the evening, you can actually enjoy the landmarks of Rome.

There is a very good city highlights tour that starts at Piazza del Popolo at 7 PM (but do double-check the times!). With this 3-hour tour, you visit ALL the main sights that you absolutely should see in the center of Rome.

And yes, you can see all these places on your own, but a commentary from a local guide will help you appreciate it all so much more!

Good to know: If you rather explore the city center on your own, it’s perfectly doable too. Some of the places you should absolutely see include Piazza del Popolo, views from Pincio Terrace, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, as well as Campo de’ Fiori.

If you do one of the walking tours, they end at Campo de’ Fiori, which is a good neighborhood for dinner . Italians eat quite late, so you’ll have no trouble finding a restaurant at 9 or 10 PM.

Pantheon in the evening

ALTERNATIVE (less walking)

If you want to see a lot of Rome in 2 days without having to walk much, you can also opt for an e-bike tour of the city highlights . There is a very good and highly-rated e-bike tour that starts very close to the Colosseum, so it’s quite easy to fit it into your itinerary. In the high season, this tour starts at 3 PM.

Going by bike will save you lots of walking and you’ll be able to cover lots of ground in a short time. Furthermore, having a local guide, you don’t have to plan much AND you’ll get to see some a different side of Rome, places that you’d likely not get to otherwise (or not in just 2 days anyway).

The afternoon tour includes the following places: Colosseum, Circus Maximus and the view of the Palatine, Aventine Hill and Orange Garden with a panoramic view of Rome, Trastevere, Piazza Farnese, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, the Jewish ghetto and Portico di Ottavia, and Theater of Marcellus.

It’s also possible to take this tour in the morning and see the more popular sights in the city center. In that case, you simply turn this itinerary around and book the Colosseum visit in the afternoon.

Portico of Octavia (Portico d'Ottavia) in Rome

DAY 2: The Vatican + Catacombs OR Villa Borghese OR Trastevere & Food Tour

PLANNING TIP: Book the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel tickets or a Vatican tour in advance. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Also, keep in mind that the Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays and also on some religious holidays, so adjust your itinerary accordingly. And – normally – you can still visit St. Peter’s Basilica even if the museums are closed. If you plan to do the Catacombs tour , visit the Borghese Gallery , or do the food tour , be sure to book these in advance as well (see below for more info).

EARLY MORNING: St. Angelo Bridge & St. Peter’s Square

On the morning of your second day in Rome, walk to the Vatican. Coming from the city center, you’ll pass St. Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant’Angelo .

The bridge and this entire area is always crowded during the day, so early morning is by far the best time to appreciate it.

Also the nearby St. Peter’s Square is nice to see without the crowds. So be sure to stop by here for a few minutes before heading to the Vatican Museums.

Sant'Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant'Angelo

MORNING: The Vatican

The Vatican is the main highlight that you should plan to see on the second day of your 2-day Rome itinerary.

Just as Colosseum, this is one of the most popular places in the city, and booking your tickets for the Vatican Museums in advance is a must !

There are SO MANY options when it comes to the Vatican tours. You can just get the tickets for the Vatican Museums (including Sistine Chapel) + visit St. Peter’s Basilica (on your own or with a tour ). Or you can opt for a tour of either the museums, the Basilica, or a combination of the two .

With just two days in Rome (and if you want to make the most of your time), it’s probably wise to get a tour that includes the main highlights of the Vatican . If you don’t mind spending the bigger part of the day at the Vatican, you can also visit everything on your own.

TIP: If you want to see the main places in just 3-4 hours, then go with a local guide. That way you can be sure that you will cover all the ‘musts’ in the most efficient way.

The Vatican Museums are overwhelming. And while all the routes seem to lead to Sistine Chapel, in the beginning, it’s not clear where to go at all… We recently visited on our own and I really regretted we didn’t book a tour here.

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to visit and you can easily see the church on your own. However, it’s massive and there’s so much to see, so a guide is nice to have here too. As a minimum, get a digital audio guide so that you have a better idea of what you are seeing around you. I also highly recommend that you check out the underground crypts where some of the popes are buried and also climb the Dome .

Vatican museum staircase

Here are some of the best Vatican tours that will allow you to make the most of your visit:

  • OUR TOP PICK: Very early morning tour that focuses on bringing you to the Sistine Chapel before anyone else arrives . This tour includes the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica. It doesn’t include the underground or the dome climb, but you can probably do that on your own after the tour ends (+-11 AM).
  • Early morning tour that includes everything . This tour includes ALL the musts of the Vatican : St. Peter’s Basilica with a visit to the underground crypts and the dome climb + the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel. Keep in mind that the entire tour will likely last 5 hours, so until 1 PM.
  • Vatican Tour and Sistine Chapel . This is the most popular (and great value) tour of the Vatican Museums. A good alternative to visiting on your own.

Sistine Chapel

Lunch & make your way to your next destination

There are quite a few nice restaurants in the neighborhood just next to the Vatican Museums, so it’s a good place for lunch . We had lunch at La Locanda di Pietro – a local restaurant with excellent food and very friendly service.

Rome is so much more than the Colosseum and the Vatican, but with limited time, most tourists never get the chance to experience this incredible city beyond the main landmarks. Often, simply because it’s so busy everywhere and so overwhelming that you don’t even know where to go and what else to see…

So for the afternoon, we have 3 different suggestions on what you could see and do, depending on your interests: (1) a crypts & catacombs tour, (2) Villa Borghese, or (3) Trastevere + local food tour.

Below, you can read more about these three options. And no, you can’t see all of these with just 2 days in Rome (and if visiting all the main landmarks)… But no matter what you decide, it will make your short visit to Rome so much more special than if you would just concentrate on the ‘musts’.

If you are planning on doing the Catacombs tour OR visiting Villa Borghese Gallery and Gardens , take a metro to Piazza Barberini . There’s a direct metro line between the Ottaviano metro station near the Vatican and Piazza Barberini, and it’s just 4 stops.

The catacombs tour leaves from Piazza Barberini at 2.30 PM. And if you are going to Villa Borghese, you can walk there from Piazza Barberini in about 15-20 minutes.

If none of these two options interest you, you can also explore the Vatican deeper and at a slower pace. Afterwards, visit the Trastevere neighborhood and go on a local food tour. Food tours usually start at around 5 PM.

Below is some more info for each of the options.

Piazza Barberini in Rome

AFTERNOON OPTION 1: Crypts, Catacombs & Bone Chapel Tour

If you want to see some of the oldest and most unique sites in Rome , you may opt for this highly-rated crypts, catacombs, and bone chapel tour . This tour starts at 2.30 PM and lasts until 6 PM.

This is your chance to get acquainted with a very different side of Rome and visit the centuries-old burial sites ( catacombs ). These miles-long underground tunnels also served as a hiding place for the early prosecuted Christians.

You then visit the 4th-century Basilica of San Martino ai Monti with ancient frescoes.

This tour also includes a visit to the Capuchin Crypt with quirky ‘art works’ created using the bones of nearly 4,000 monks.

Good to know: These tours normally run daily throughout the year, except for some religious holidays. Which catacombs you visit might depend on the day of the week.

Bone chapel of the Capuchin Crypt in Rome

AFTERNOON OPTION 2: Borghese Gallery & Gardens

Villa Borghese  is one of the most beautiful public parks in Rome. It’s also home to the famous Borghese Gallery where you can see some of the most famous paintings and sculptures by Caravaggio, Raphael, Canova, and many others.

Good to know:  The Borghese Gallery is very popular, the tickets are timed, and they usually sell out long in advance. So if you want to be sure to visit,  be sure to reserve your tickets in advance ! The Gallery is closed on Mondays and on some public holidays.

Also here, you’ll probably need about 3 hours for a visit to the gallery and the gardens, so +- 3 to 6 PM.

Sculptures at Galleria Borghese in Rome

AFTERNOON OPTION 3: Trastevere & Food Tour

The most relaxing option of the three is spending more time at the Vatican during the day, exploring the Trastevere neighborhood, and then going on a food tour in the early evening.

You could either take a taxi or walk to Trastevere after visiting the Vatican. If you walk, you can either go via Gianicollo Hill (about 40-50 minutes) or next to the river (about 30 minutes walk).

Trastevere is one of the nicest local neighborhoods in the center of Rome. It’s a colorful and lively area best known for its many restaurants. Be sure to visit Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere and also Basilica Santa Cecilia in Trastevere .

Afterwards, take a food tour with a local guide . Food tours are great for getting to know the more local side of Rome and exploring some cool neighborhoods, while at the same time enjoying some delicious traditional food that you’d likely never taste otherwise.

Taking a food tour is truly one of the best ways to get a bit off the beaten path and experience different facets of Rome! I highly recommend this – it will make your visit so much more special!

There are many really good options when it comes to food tours in Rome and it might be difficult to choose which one to take. I don’t think you can really go wrong with either of them, but do check where and when they start so that you can easily fit it into your itinerary. Also, read some reviews so that you know what to expect.

Our experience: We took this street food tour on our most recent trip to Rome and it was a great experience. Even having visited Rome several times in the past, we learned a lot of new things, saw some places we had never seen before, and tasted some really delicious local food. This tour starts at 5 PM close to Campo de’ Fiori , about 10 minutes walk from Trastevere. It takes 2.5 hours and ends close to the Pantheon.

Another good option that would fit this itinerary well is this food tour in Trastevere . It starts at a local restaurant in Trastevere at 5 PM and takes about 4 hours . And if you are not interested in a food tour, there are plenty of nice restaurants in Trastevere. I indicated a few of them on our map below.

READ ALSO: Rome Street Food Tour: What to Expect

Basilica Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Rome 2 days itinerary

So, these are our suggestions on how to spend two days in Rome. As you can see, there are some absolute must-sees (like the Colosseum or the Vatican) that should be in any itinerary. But it’s those additional options that will make your visit so much more special and more memorable.

And yes, you can visit pretty much everything in Rome on your own and you don’t absolutely need a tour for most places. However, going with a tour will often not only save you time, but will also give you unique insights and will allow you to experience Rome to the fullest. So choose wisely, but definitely consider some tours if you want to make the most of your 2 days in Rome!

Here’s a short summary of everything listed above – this should give you a better overview and let you decide how to plan your time.

Two-day Rome itinerary suggestions:

  • 8 AM Trevi Fountain.
  • 9 AM The Pantheon.
  • 9.30 AM Walk to the Colosseum (via Piazza Venzia).
  • 10.30 AM – 2 PM: Colossem, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
  • 2 PM Lunch near the Colosseum.
  • 3.30-4.30 PM Baths of Caracalla.
  • 5 PM Metro to the city center.
  • Evening: The highlights of the city center (on your own or with a 7 PM tour).
  • OR Afternoon e-bike tour (+- 3-7 PM).
  • 7 AM Walk to the Vatican (via St. Angelo Bridge).
  • 8 AM – NOON Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • 12.30-1.30 PM Lunch near the Vatican.
  • 2 PM metro to Piazza Barberini (depending on the option chosen).
  • 2.30-6 PM Catacombs OR Villa Borghese (+ dinner in the city center).
  • OR Trastevere + 5 PM food tour.

Good to know:  This itinerary is suitable for  any time of the year . The only thing to keep into account is the summer heat (pack a water bottle and sun protection!) or – in late fall/winter – shorter days. However, we recently visited  Rome in November when it gets dark at around 5 PM, and we could see everything we planned. So this 2-day itinerary would definitely work for the darker and colder months as well.

Map of places to visit in Rome in 2 days

And here’s a map of Rome showing all the places mentioned above. In addition to the main landmarks, I also indicated some restaurant suggestions, best places for ice cream, metro stations, etc.

The places we recommend visiting on day 1 of this itinerary are indicated in purple, day 2 – in red. Restaurant suggestions are in yellow, and metro stations – in blue.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical tips & info

To make the most of your two-day trip to Rome, here are some useful tips:

  • Stay in the historic city center. We love the area close to the Pantheon and we always stay in this part of town because it makes sightseeing so easy. On our most recent visit, we stayed at 9Hotel Cesari , just a few minutes walk from the Pantheon or the Trevi Fountain, 20 min from the Colosseum, and 30 min from the Vatican.
  • Start your days early and book the tickets/ tours in advance.  As a minimum, you really have to get skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. If you are planning on visiting these sites on your own, check out this digital Rome Tourist Card . It’s a combined ticket that includes entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica & its dome. This card allows you to choose time slots for all the top attractions in one go and saves you time and money.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot.
  • Wear respectable clothing (knees and shoulders are covered ). This is a must if you are visiting the Vatican and the Catacombs, but also for churches.
  • Take a reusable bottle.  You’ll find lots of water fountains all over Rome where you can refill your bottles for free. Ideally, you have one bottle per person, especially if visiting Rome in the warmest months. Something  like this  is perfect for travel, but any sturdy plastic bottle will do just fine (and there are  foldable travel bottles as well).
  • Leave big bags at your hotel.  You’ll have to pass airport-style security at the Vatican and the Colosseum, so the less stuff you have with you, the easier it will be. A small backpack is fine, but ideally, you take as little with you as possible. We always take crossbody bags instead of backpacks for European city trips.
  • Pack  a power bank  for your phone and/or some extra batteries for your camera. Also, Italy uses European plugs, so if you are traveling from the US, UK, and some other parts of the world, be sure to pack a European adapter .
  • Research airport transfers in advance so that you don’t have to waste time on that upon arrival. Here you can find our detailed guide with all the best options for airport transfers in Rome , no matter which airport you are flying to.

For more travel tips for Rome, take a look at our guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE:  Tips for Visiting Rome

So, this is our suggested Rome itinerary for two days. I hope that it helps you plan a fun and truly memorable vacation in Rome!

Have a great time!

TIP: If you are not yet sure how much time to spend in Rome or are looking for some additional information or more travel inspiration, take a look at our other guides to Rome :

  • Rome Bucket List: TOP Sights & Things to Do in Rome
  • 1 Day in Rome
  • 4 Days in Rome
  • Hidden Gems of Rome
  • Ancient Rome (the oldest landmarks)
  • Underground Rome (coolest underground sites)
  • Best Viewpoints in Rome
  • Where to Eat in Rome
  • Where to Stay in Rome

READ ALSO: 2 Weeks Italy Itinerary

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Rome itinerary for 2 days

More travel inspiration for Italy:

  • Best Places to Visit in Italy
  • Best Cities in Italy
  • Best Towns in Tuscany
  • Tuscany Itinerary
  • Florence Bucket List: Top Sights & Things to Do
  • 1 Day in Florence
  • Best Things to Do in Siena
  • Best Things to Do in Montepulciano
  • Florence Rooftops
  • Venice Bucket List: Top Sights & Attractions in Venice
  • 1 Day in Venice
  • 3 Days in Venice
  • Tips for Venice Gondola
  • How to Visit Venice by Car
  • Best Things to Do in Naples
  • 1 Day in Naples
  • Where to Stay in Naples
  • Best Day Trips from Naples
  • Amalfi Coast Itinerary
  • Tips for Visiting the Amalfi Coast
  • Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
  • Path of The Gods Hike
  • Capri Island
  • How to Visit Mt Vesuvius
  • Best Things to Do in Milan
  • 1 Day in Milan
  • Best Things to Do in Lake Como
  • Bellagio, Lake Como
  • Varenna, Lake Como
  • Como, Lake Como
  • Best Places to See in the Dolomites
  • Best Hikes in the Dolomites
  • … For more inspiration and many more destination guides, please check our  Italy travel blog .

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John and Kelly

Wednesday 15th of November 2023

Hi Jurga, what a great page... We are going to stay in Rome a couple of days and follow your guide. I've already bought the pantheon tickets and the sweet colosseum underground tour. We're looking for the correct walking night tour you recommended. The link takes me to a ton of tours, but none seem to start where you noted. Is there a specific one you'd recommend?

After a couple of days in Rome we are going to Tuscany for 9 days (We're going to look through some of your recommendations and links before I book anything). When we get back to Rome on the backend of the trip, we are staying at a place on the beach right near the airport. My question is: should we get there a day early to tour that area or is the extra day better spent in Tuscany? We soooo appreciate all you do here!

Hi Kelly and John, I see that indeed the evening tour that we recommended is at the moment not available. There are tons of other walking tours but I couldn't find one exactly as that one. This evening tour that starts at Piazza Navona and ends at the Spanish Steps is as close as I found to the one we originally recommended, but it's quite a lot more expensive than most others. From what I see, it spends more time in the old town and I think it also enters the Pantheon (except on Sundays) which could be a nice extra. This highly-rated tour is much cheaper, but it has a very different itinerary, starting at Piazza Navona and ending at Piazza Venezia (and they also walk to the Colosseum which you will likely have seen already if you follow this itinerary as it is). Most other tours that I found also follow an itinerary similar to this one. As for Tuscany, yes, we have quite some articles about various places, so please use the search button or take a look at an overview on our Italy travel page. You can see a lot in 9 days, but you will still have to make choices because the region is huge and there are so many amazing places. You can spend 3 days in Florence alone and never get bored... So I strongly encourage you to make an approximate plan in advance - that way, you know what you absolutely want to see and get a better idea whether it's better to spend an extra day in the region or head back to Rome earlier. Anyway, close to the airport you could visit Ostia Antica. You need about 2 hours for it. The same ticket also includes the entry to the Castle of Julius II (Castello di Giulio II), Museum of Ships in Fiumicino (Museo delle Navi di Fiumicino), Imperial Ports of Claudius and Trajan (Porti Imperiali di Claudio e Traiano), and Necropolis of Porto on Isola Sacra (Necropoli di Porto). These additional sights are not absolutely must-see, but there's enough to fill a day. For the rest, there are some beaches, but nothing really wow I think. If you have a car, on your way out or back to Rome, you could also visit Villa d'Este and Adrian's Villa in Tivoli. They are both located close to each other and are well worth a detour. You will likely need a good part of the day for these. If you don't have a car, it's a nice day trip from Rome and there are lots of tours that go there. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 15th of August 2023

Hi Jurga, I'm so happy I stumbled upon your page. My husband & I are headed to Italy for 10 days to celebrate our nuptials. We are mids 50, love to eat, shop, music, art, walking & blending in with the locals. I'm going through your post trying to ensure we hit the "must see" spots but I struggle with knowing timing to be alotted. Here's our layout thus far: 1. Sorrento - 3 nights: Capri Boat Tour with Blue Grotto (8 hrs); 2. Florence - 4 nights: Italian Cooking Class (Brunch) 4 hrs; 3. Rome: 3 nights: Colesseum Tour; Vatican Tour.

Above are those we know we want to do that we will booked and do as "guided tours". Any other "must -do" fillers you can add? Also, are you aware of any photographers in Florence and/or Rome that can do a mini-photo shoot? Also looking for the best 1 day trips out of Florence / Rome? What's the best shopping places to go to from / in Florence? I appreciate your info. Enjoying your blog.

Thursday 17th of August 2023

Hi Dee, please take a look at the following articles for more ideas on how to plan your trip: Amalfi Coast itinerary Best Things to Do in Capri Italy Itinerary for 2 Weeks (this will give you an idea of how you can fit it all in, but use it just as inspiration, of course) Best things to do in Florence (including some day trip suggestions at the very end of the article) For photoshoots, here you can find lots of options in Rome and here in Florence. For shopping, in Rome, the area around Spanish Steps. In Florence, around Via Roma or San Lorenzo Market if you are looking for leather etc. Hope this helps.

Maggie fernandez

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi, we will be staying in Rome for two days and will be doing the 2 day itinerary thank you so much for that…. We are planning on staying at Positano to do the Amalfi coast. Before we head there we have an about 5 or six days to visit others cities like Venice, Florence but not sure. What would you suggest? Thank you Maggie F

@Jurga, Thank you so much for your in put… I really Appreciate it…Just trying to see how I can fit Venice into my trip… I really want to spend some time there. Even if it’s for a day. Any suggestions of how to fit that in… I will be staying in Positano for 5 nights… what would you recommend and seeing while I’m there… open to suggestions. I will be in Italy for a total of two weeks..

Hi Maggie, since Amalfi Coast is south of Rome and Florence and Venice are in the totally different direction, you have to think well what you want to do or you'll waste too much time on the trains. Florence could be doable since it's not that far from Rome. Take a look at our Florence guides for some ideas of what to see/do there. In addition, Naples area is amazing, and you could easily spend 5-6 days there alone (and visit places like Pompeii, Mt Vesuvius, Capri, Amalfi Coast, etc). You could also just head that way from Rome, and spend a few days in Naples and/or Sorrento first before going to Positano. You can also easily visit Positano and other villages on the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento if you don't like changing hotels too often. We have lots of articles about those areas. You can find an overview here. You may also want to read our guide on the beast places to stay on the Amalfi Coast. There are countless ways to plan any trip to Italy and you can't go wrong with any of these areas. I think you'll enjoy your visit more if you don't have to take a train and change hotels daily, so maybe limit your choices to just 2-3 places and do short day trips nearby. If you are starting in Rome, you could do 2 days in the city, 1 day trip to Florence by train (see our Florence 1-day itinerary for recommendations). After that, take a train to Naples and stay there for a few days or head straight to Sorrento and base yourself there for day trips in that area. Hope this helps.

Friday 31st of March 2023

We are booked on a cruise leaving Rome Nov. 10, so we have Nov 8-9 in Rome. We like the lesser seen locations without huge amounts of walking - we are 70. Can you advise.

Sunday 2nd of April 2023

@Jurga, thanks so much for the quick reply. I like the idea of the hidden gems of Rome and I think I might take you up on that. Since we’re going in November, it shouldn’t be too crowded. I wish we had more time but our cruise will take us through the Mediterranean and that should be lovely. .

Hi Terrie, you may want to take a look at our guide to the hidden gems of Rome for some inspiration. You'll find a map in that article too, so you can see which places could possibly be combined together without having to walk too much. But overall, there is no way to explore Rome to the fullest without walking, unless you want to take taxis or - for some places - the metro, but often it's just more convenient on foot. Alternatively, you may want to consider some tours to the lesser visited places e.g by golf cart or by bike if you are confident enough to bike in Rome.

Saturday 7th of January 2023

Hi Jurga, First of all, thank you for the articles on your website. They have been incredibly helpful. We are planning a trip to Italy in April and will be staying in Rome for 2.5 days. I am overwhelmed since it is our first European trip. 1. I am skeptical about the tours since I am not sure what all they cover and how genuine they are. I was looking at the tour you've recommended and I think we will go with it, but does it provide a guided tour to the Roman forum. The description stated that they leave you to peruse the forum on your own. Do I have to book another tour for the forum?

2. Laundry is my biggest issue since we have kids. Do the hotels have laundry machines and dryers? We always travel light and rely on the washing machines and dryers in the hotels.

Any help will be highly appreciated. Thank you!

Monday 9th of January 2023

Hi Lovee, 1. It's less complicated than it looks, but there are so many options that it can get overwhelming indeed. While some tours only offer a guided visit to the Colosseum (giving you the tickets to explore the rest on your own), there are many tours that include a guided visit to both - the Colosseum and the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill. Here's one just as an example of such tour. The tour that we did included a guided visit to all the parts, plus the Colosseum Underground and the Arena Floor, but someone told me that for some strange reason, it's not available in English anymore. Here is another highly-rated tour that has the same itinerary and is available in English. It includes the guided tour of the Colosseum (+ underground and arena), and also a guided tour of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

2. As for the laundry, that is trickier since hardly any hotels in Europe offer self-service guest laundry. And if you ask them do it, it costs a fortune. What we normally do on longer trips is look for an apartment with a washing machine for a few days somewhere halfway through the trip and do the laundry there. Finding a dryer, however, is very rare and definitely in Italy. Italians usually just hang their laundry to dry outside. For apartments, we usually look on Booking.com, where you can usually also filter your selection by certain criteria like 'kitchen', 'parking', etc. However, I don't think there is a filter for a washing machine, so you have to read the descriptions carefully so that you know what kind of facilities they offer.

Hope this helps!

Two days in Rome with family: itinerary + all you need to know to plan a trip

Two days in Rome with family: discover the best things to do in Rome in two days with family, our recommended hotels and restaurants in our family-friendly 2-day Rome itinerary.

The name of my site, Mama Loves Rome, gives it away: I love visiting Rome as a family.

I have talked before about the many things you can do in Rome with kids and I have shared all my best tips for planning a trip to Rome with children .

However, I have never shared a family-friendly itinerary for 2 days in Rome and today, I want to remedy it!

Entrance to the Roman Forum seen from the Colosseum, Rome

Today, I will share my favorite itinerary for two days in Rome with the kids.

If you are visiting as part of a multigenerational group, you may also want to this my guide about visiting Rome with kids and grandparents .

It covers ways to divide and conquer, should the sightseeing wishes of family members differ too much from one another.

Table of Contents

Two days in Rome with children: challenges + how to use this itinerary

One of the most significant challenges, when deciding what to see in Rome as a family, is not the lack of things to do but their abundance.

If this is your trip to Rome, you may easily find yourself trying to fit way too many things in the time you have.

While Rome City center is relatively compact, with only two days in Rome you need to prioritize.

Today, I will share my recommended itinerary to see Rome in two days with family if you are in the city as a first-time visitor.

If you are returning visitor, I recommend joining me on Facebook instead: on there, I run a free private group about exploring Italy with kids – click here to request access . Once in, you can ask me and the other parents in the group all their tricks and suggestion to make the most of your time in Rome and Italy.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

Where to stay to Visit Rome in two days with family

If you only have two days in Rome, finding accommodation in the city center is paramount. You will be in the best location to have all main attractions nearby and limit transport time.

Hotels I love for a weekend stay in Rome City center are:

Hotel Kolbe : 4-star hotel with modern rooms and a nice restaurant, perfect for all types of travelers, including families with kids. Ideally located close to the Colosseum and the Forum.

Le Clarisse al Pantheon : 3-star hotel with clean rooms and a family apartment in a lovely location close to the Pantheon

Palm Suites by Palazzo Manfredi, Small Luxury Hotels of the World : 5-star family suite with views over the Roman Forum, part of Palazzo Manfredi Hotel.

View of central Rome from Terrazza Caffarelli

Two days in Rome with family: itinerary

Morning day 1.

I love to start my Rome itineraries with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

The three attractions are beside one another and you need 3 hours – up to a whole morning to visit.

Find out guides at the following links:

  • Visiting the Colosseum with kids
  • Roman Forum visitors’ guide
  • Palatine Hill visitors’ guide

Children in Rome Colosseum

The best tickets for Ancient Rome are:

Top tip! Tickets for Ancient Rome include a visit to the Colosseum and one access to the Roman Forum / Palatine area. Access to the Colosseum is timed and you choose your slot at the time of booking.

Access to the Forum and the Palatine Hill is not timed and you can enter once in the 24 hours following the time of your Colosseum visit.

If you are traveling with small kids, it can be worth taking a break at the local park in front of the Colosseum and get them playing in the playground before tackling the Roman forum.

The park has simple yet nice play frames and swings, a nice coffee kiosk and it is one of Rome’s best photo spots. A great place for all ages!

Have lunch in: Via dei Santi Quattro/ Via Celimontana. Cafe’ Cafe’ (casual, mediterranean) and Naumachie are both good options.

View of the Roman Forum in summer

Afternoon day one

I recommend you spend the afternoon of your first day seeing Rome’s highlights such as piazzas, cobbles streets and landmarks. To to that, I recommend one of two options:

With small kids, children who can’t walk long distances and for guided experience , opt for a Golf Cart Tour of the city center.

A golf cart tour is a fun way to see the city with a guide and a fantastic way to cover long distances without having to walk much.

While not a budget option, it is a brilliant way to maximize your short time in Rome and see the best of the city in just an afternoon. My favorite Golf Cart Tour in Rome for families is this one by LivTours .

With older kids, children who don’t mind to walk or for families on a budget , you can see stunning and significant part of Rome on foot and in that case I recommend to focus you time between Piazza Venezia and the Pantheon.

From the Colosseum, it is a short walk to these attractions and you can easily see:

The Trajan Column : one of the most interesting and peculiar columns in Rome , this is a tall column with carvings that tell the story of Emperor Trajan’s war triumphs in the II century AD.

Seeing the columns only takes a few minutes but it is interesting and beautiful. Since the carvings tell a story, the column has been dubbed ‘the first film in history! You can read here >>> all about Trajan’s Column

Vittoriano : Vittoriano is the tall, white building overlooking Piazza Venezia. The monument is unique in appearance and beautiful to visit. Access to the first and second terraces is free and the views are fantastic!

The monument initially celebrated Vittorio Emanuele King of Italy and now it is also the Altar to the Fatherlands, memorial to the unknown soldier, and exhibition space.

You can read here >>> all about Vittoriano

Vittoriano Rome

Capitoline Hill: The Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome .

On its top, you find a stunning Renaissance Piazza by Michelangelo (Piazza del Campidoglio), a beautiful terrace overlooking the Roman Forum, and the Capitoline Museums, one of the most beautiful ancient art museums in the city.

To see the piazza you only need a few minutes, the time mainly depending on how long you stand mesmerized by the view!

If you want to visit the Museum, I highly recommend you book in advance and plan up to half-day here.

You can find official museum tickets here . If you have Percy Jackson fans, you may want to treat them to this tour instead .

Piazza del Campidoglio Capitoline Hill Rome

Pantheon: The Pantheon is one of the most beautiful and peculiar monuments in Rome. It is itself worth a visit but it is also located in a fantastic area. I recommend you plan the rest of your day so that you have the time to explore and take in the sights.

Things not to be missed here and easily encountered in the Pantheon area are:

The Pantheon itself – find here >>> our guide to the Pantheon

Piazza della Minerva , famous for a statue by Bernini representing a small elephant and for the stunning church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, with the grave of Beato Angelico and a statue by Michelangelo.

Pantheon facade and fountain Rome

Piazza di Pietra , a wonderful, scenic piazza with the remains of the temple of Hadrian. If you can catch a table in one of the cafe terraces here, this is a lovely place for a break.

I believe it is one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome !

This area is also close to Via del Corso, which has lovely shops, and many of Rome’s famous cobbled streets.

For a late afternoon drink with older kids I recommend, you book aperitivo at the Divinity Terrace in Via di Santa Chiara, one of the best rooftop bars in Rome .

For dinner, I recommend you make your way to Mimi and Coco on Via del Governo Vecchio.

This will also allow you to catch a glimpse of Piazza Navona at night, which you will then visit properly the following day.

Day 2 morning

If you have never been to Rome before, I believe you should spend the morning of your second day visiting Vatican City.

Vatican seen from Ponte Sant Angelo with statue of angel in the foreground

The big decision you have to make when planning two days in Rome with your family is whether you visit the Vatican Museums or you skip them.

The Vatican Museums are stunning and they are also where you find the Sistine Chapel.

They are a must-see for art lovers however, they are very big so your plan for the day will change significantly depending on whether you go or not.

If you want to visit the Vatican Museums, I recommend you plan here an entire morning. This will allow you to see the Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica (including Michelangelo’s Pieta’, one of the most famous statues in Rome ) and St Peter’s Square.

The best tickets for the Vatican are:

  • Official entry tickets are here : you can choose between entry ticket only / guided tour
  • Family Tour of the Vatican Museums, info here : A pricey option, but a great one to engage kids with a traditional museum with no interactive exhibits.
  • You can read our full experience here >>> how to visit the Vatican Museums with kids , where we talk about our positive experience with the tour and share practical tips for the day.

Early morning Vatican Museum tickets : great for early risers, this can be a good option to beat the crowds.

Top tip : no matter how you visit the museums, it will be tiring: I highly recommend planning some downtime after your visit. The area of Castel Sant’Angelo is nearby and a good option as it also has a nice outdoor area to relax / for kids to play.

If you decide to skip the Vatican Museums, I recommend you come to Vatican City anyway and spend your time visiting stunning Piazza San Pietro, possibly St Peter’s Basilica.

Then I would recommend you book a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Castel Sant'Angelo Rome

Castel Sant’Angelo is the ancient Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, over time turned Papal Castel and Fortress.

It is a fantastic place, one of the most beautiful monuments in Rome, and it is perfect for families as it can be enjoyed by kids, parents and grown-ups in general.

You can read here >>> all about Castel Sant’Angelo here . You can book a guided tour here .

Lunch: for lunch, I love the area of Borgo. Pastificio Borghisana is a lovely, casual place with great food at good prices.

Afternoon Day 2

On the afternoon of day two, I recommend you visit the area of Piazza Navona and slowly make your way back to Rome City center proper.

The best way to visit Piazza Navona neighborhood with kids is by a self guides scavenger hunt, an experience we recently tried ad adored!

The scavenger hunt is organized by the local Museo Mostra di Leonardo and it is perfect for primary school kids, teenagers and adults.

It starts at the museum, where you get an iPad with a map and clues and allows you to discover the area in your own time and at your own pace.

At the end of it, you return to the museum, visit the exhibition of Leonardo Machines, which is great for kids and interactive, and you get a prize for winning the hunt!

You can find info and tickets here.

You can also just visit this area on foot.

In this area, you will find Rome’s cobbled streets, pretty shops and several interesting family attractions including:

Piazza Navona : the ancient stadium of Emperor Domitian, now one of the most elegant and beautiful piazzas in Rome, graced by work by Masters such as Bernini and Borromini.

Kids will love running around here and the toy shop Al Sogno is always a success with little ones too!

Adults will be mesmerized by the FOuntain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome !

Find my guide to Piazza Navona here

Piazza Navona Rome in summer

Mostra Leonardo : this ‘mostra’ is a permanent exhibition of machines and designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. It is hosted in Piazza della Cancelleria and it is interesting for kids and adults.

It is also small enough to easily be included in a two-day Rome itinerary for families without taking away from must-see sites.

I recommend it especially to families with children as it adds a moment of interactive play on a day otherwise primarily devoted to pure sightseeing.

You can find my review of the Leonardo exhibition here or find prices and tickets here

Welcome to Rome: this is a permanent exhibition about the story of the city of Rome and a great place for school age kids.

Inside the museum, you find 3D light reconstructions of Rome’s main landmarks, with explanations on how they came to be and a you can watch a short movies with a quick history of the city’s birth and development.

This is a lovely, informative experience for kids and a great way to get some rest after all the walking!

You can find info and tickets here

Campo de’ Fiori : Campo de’ Fiori is a beautiful square in Rome with stunning medieval aspects and now filled with cafes and terraces popular for aperitivo and lunch.

trip for 2 to rome

The square is interesting to see, pleasant to visit and lively: not to be missed is the statue of Giordano Bruno, who died at the stake here and who now looks over the square form a pedestal in its center.

Via dei Giubbonari : Lively street just off Campo de’ Fiori with nice shops.

Largo di Torre Argentina : This is a large Piazza that you are likely to pass while walking in this area. In its center, you find an archaeological area (currently closed to the public) famous for being where Julius Caesar got murdered.

If you have kids who love cats, the archaeological area hosts a cat shelter: you can pop in for a cuddle!

Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain : before the end of day two in Rome, you should see the last two Rome must see sites you most likely have on your Rome bucket list: the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

These two attractions are free, close to one another and only required a handful of minutes to visit, so they are perfect right after dinner, at sunset, to even as last stop of the day.

Dinner: nice dinner places for this second day are La Ciambella (Via della Ciambella, Pantheon area), Il Chianti (beside Trevi – good quality but rather busy).

If you are looking for a casual place that is good for kids, you may also like the food hall at the top of La Rinascente, which has a pizza place as well as a nice aperitive terrace and a Japanese/Brazilian fusion restaurant.

trip for 2 to rome

Two days in Rome with family: must -have

I highly recommend you have the following items with you:

Comfortable walking shoes – in Rome, you will walk A LOT. You can find here>>> my recommended shoes for Rome travel here.

Your bookings/reservations : electronic confirmations on your phone / QR codes are usually accepted

Your Green Pass /Vaccination Card or equivalent, if applicable at the time of your trip

Suitable attire for churches / Vatican – you can read here >>> all about the dress code for the Vatican or more, in general, find here >>> how to dress in Rome .

A reusable water bottle – tap water in Rome is delicious and free

A baby carrier and a stroller for your little ones. You can find here >>> my tips for visiting Rome with a baby or toddler

You can find my full packing list for Rome in each season here.

I hope you enjoyed my recommended itinerary to see Rome in two days with family and it helped you plan your stay. Safe travel planning!

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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4 Days in Rome Itinerary: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Julie Last updated: January 16, 2024 Italy , Itinerary 2 Comments

4 Day Rome Italy Itinerary

4 days in Rome is a wonderful amount of time to spend in this city. Not only will you be able to visit the main highlights, but you will also have time to explore a few hidden gems and add in something like a cooking class, more leisurely time, or a food tour.

The list of things to do in Rome is enormous. It takes one busy week to visit Rome’s long list of museums, cathedrals, archaeological sites, and famous attractions. With 4 days in Rome, you won’t be able to get to everything, but you will see and do quite a lot.

This itinerary covers the main places to visit in Rome as well as restaurant recommendations and rooftop bars. One of our favorite things to do in Italy is to eat and Rome is filled with amazing restaurants, from fast, cheap eats to expensive, fine dining experiences. We mix these in as well.

Having a good meal in Rome is just as important as touring the Colosseum, in our opinion, and this is very easy to do on a budget.

We have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

About this 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

This itinerary is very similar to our 3 days in Rome Itinerary. Days 1, 2, and 3 are identical on both our 3 day and 4 day Rome itinerary. The only real difference is day 4 (of course). On the final day of this 4 day itinerary, we give you several options on how to plan your time.

There is a long list of cathedrals and historical sites in Rome, so you can pick and choose the ones you want to do. And if touring a bunch of churches doesn’t sound like how you want to spend your time, we’ve got some other ideas for you.

You can do these days in any order. For example, you can do day 3 first, if that works better for your overall itinerary or with getting entrance tickets into certain attractions.

It is also important to know that St. Peter’s Basilica does not open until the early afternoon on some Wednesdays (when the Pope holds an audience in St. Peter’s Square). Day 2 of this itinerary includes a visit to St. Peter’s Square in the morning, so do not plan to do day 2 of this itinerary on a Wednesday (unless you want to modify it and attend the Papal Audience).

All of the times in the daily schedules are rough estimates, just to give you an idea about timing throughout the day. Your times may differ, based on queues and how much time you decide to spend at each place. I did my best to anticipate waiting times and visiting times, but on very busy days (or very quiet days) these times can differ.

We have tons more information about Rome (and Italy) which you can see in our Italy Travel Guide.

I do my best to keep the hours of operation and pricing up to date for each attraction, however, these can change at any time. I recommend getting updated hours and pricing for your dates of travel. The link to the official website is provided for each site.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do with 4 Days in Rome

Below is a list of the places to visit if you have 4 days in Rome. All of these are included on this Rome itinerary.

Roman Forum

Palatine hill.

  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Spanish Steps
  • Piazza Navona
  • Borghese Gallery
  • Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Altar of the Fatherland
  • Mouth of Truth

Santa Maria Maggiore

Scala sancta.

  • San Pietro in Vincoli

Jewish Ghetto

  • Cooking class

Piazza Navona | 4 Days in Rome

Piazza Navona | 4 Days in Rome

4 Days in Rome Itinerary

Rome itinerary day 1.

Colosseum, Roman Forum, Altar of the Fatherland, Trastevere

Ciao! Welcome to Rome!

Today you get to visit one of the world’s most popular attractions (the Colosseum), stroll through ancient Rome, take in the view from one of the best viewpoints in the city, and end the day with dinner with a view.

Get ready to take lots of photos and make some wonderful memories.

Everything on today’s itinerary is located within a small area of Rome so you won’t do a ton of walking. In fact, it adds up 3.2 km/2 miles, a little more if you choose to walk to Trastevere (this walking distance is just to get from site to site, it does not include walking within the sites, for example, walking through the Roman Forum and in the Colosseum). 

9:00 am: The Colosseum 10:30 am: Roman Forum & Palatine Hill 12:30 pm: Lunch 1:30 pm: Via dei Fori Imperiali 2:00 pm: Altar of the Fatherland 3:00 pm: Capitoline Hill 5:00 pm: Aperitif at Oro Bistrot 6:00 pm: Trastevere

How to Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (places to go and the walking routes). You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest.   If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

9:00 am: The Colosseum

The Colosseum is the most popular attraction in Rome. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Construction was completed in 80 AD, making it the largest amphitheater in the world at that time. The Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 people, spectators who were drawn here to watch gladiatorial contests, executions, animal hunts, and re-enactments of famous battles.

You can tour the Colosseum on your own or with a guide. Purchasing tickets in advance and touring it on your own is the cheapest option. Taking a guided tour is more expensive but you will get more out of your visit (we have done both and recommend taking a guided tour of some sort).

Colosseum Rome | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

The Colosseum | 4 Days in Rome

Colosseum Second Level View | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

Inside the Colosseum | 4 Days in Rome

On a visit to the Colosseum, you can also add on the Arena Floor (stand on a portion of the floor and gaze up at the Colosseum…it’s well worth the few extra euros), the Underground (tour the maze of hallways under the Colosseum), and the Upper Tier (currently closed but you can get updates about its reopening on the official website ).

For more information about the Arena Floor, the Underground, and what there is to do at the Colosseum, read our article How to Visit the Colosseum. It also has lots of helpful tips for your visit.

How to Visit the Colosseum

On your visit to the Colosseum, you can either wander through it on your own, take the audio guide tour, or join a guided tour. Most visits last 1 to 3 hours.

You must purchase your entrance ticket in advance (you cannot just show up and get in line for a ticket). Tickets now sell out almost as soon as they become available, which is 1 month in advance. Set a reminder on your calendar to purchase tickets the moment they become available. The earlier time slots of the day usually sell out first. 

If online tickets are sold out for your dates of travel, I recommend joining a guided tour of the Colosseum. You will spend a little more money than purchasing your tickets directly from the Colosseum website, but at least you will get to visit the Colosseum.

Hours: Hours vary by season. Click here to get hours for your dates of visit. Cost: €16 (+ €2 online reservation fee) for the standard ticket that gets you in to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum; there is also a Full Experience ticket that also includes a visit to the Colosseum arena and underground area for €24 Website: Get updated hours and pricing and purchase your ticket here. Roma Pass: If you have the Roma Pass, you must make your reservation to visit the Colosseum in advance. There is a €2 reservation fee. Click here for more information. Getting Here: The closest metro stop is Colosseo. When you exit the metro station, the Colosseum will be right in front of you.

For more information, including ticket types, how to book your tickets, things to do at the Colosseum, plus many more photos, check out our guide on How to Visit the Colosseum.

10:30 am: Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are a short walk from the Colosseum. They are both included on your entrance ticket into the Colosseum. If you are on a guided tour of the Colosseum, most tours will continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

From the Colosseum, walk up Via Sacra towards the Arch of Titus to enter the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

The Roman Forum is ancient Rome, a complex of government buildings, temples, and marketplaces from 2000 years ago.

Notable things to see in the Roman Forum include the Via Sacra, the Temple of Venus, the Temple of Romulus (the bronze doors date back to 309 AD), the Temple of Antonius and Faustina and its “hanging door,” the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Temple of Julius Caesar.

A visit to the Roman Forum lasts 20 minutes to an hour.

Palatine Hill Rome

Palatine Hill | 4 Days in Rome

Palatine Hill sits next to the Roman Forum. It is a complex of archaeological excavations, the remains of temples and palaces, and a museum. During the time of the Roman Republic, many imperial palaces were built here, including palaces for Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian.

While on Palatine Hill, make sure you visit Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino for a bird’s eye view of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. It’s one of the best views in Rome. Here is the view:

Roman Forum | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

Roman Forum | 4 Days in Rome

12:30 pm: Lunch

For lunch we recommend La Prezzemolina. This highly rated restaurant serves Italian street food and pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) at budget-friendly prices. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in Rome.

For more restaurant recommendations, check out our Rome Restaurant Guide (it also includes some great rooftop restaurants that are perfect for dinner).

Roman Pizza

Pizza at La Prezzemolina

1:30 pm: Via dei Fori Imperiali

From La Prezzemolina, take a stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali. This street runs between the Roman Forum and the Forum of Augustus and the Trajan Forum. Keep an eye out for Trajan’s Column, which was erected in 113 AD.

Via dei Fori Imperiali | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

The view of the Forum of Augustus on the walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali

Via Fori dei Imperiali ends at Piazza Venezia. From here, you can climb the steps on the Altar of the Fatherland for one of the best views of Rome.

Altar of the Fatherland | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

Altar of the Fatherland | 4 Days in Rome

2:00 pm: Altar of the Fatherland

The Altar of the Fatherland, also called Altare della Patria, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, or simply the “wedding cake,” is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Rome.

This national monument was built between 1885 and 1935 to honor Victor Emmanuel II, who was the first king of unified Italy. It contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an eternal flame.

For free, you can climb the series of staircases to the upper terrace and café. For the best view, ride the elevator (€12 in 2022) to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Rome. From here, you can see all of Rome’s major landmarks, including the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.

Altar of the Fatherland Rome | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

On the top level of the Altar of the Fatherland | 4 Days in Rome

Best Rome Itinerary

The view from the Altar of the Fatherland | 4 Days in Rome

3:00 pm: Capitoline Hill

There are two reasons to visit Capitoline Hill: for a great view of the Roman Forum and to visit the Capitoline Museums.

To get here from the Altar of the Fatherland, it is a 3-minute walk along Via del Teatro di Marcello. You will walk up a series of steps to get to Campidoglio, which is the square on Capitoline Hill. This square was designed by Michelangelo.

The Capitoline Museums are located inside of Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. These museums contain works of art by Caravaggio, Rubens, and Tiziano. Be sure to see the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (a copy of this statue sits in Campodoglio Square) and the original statue of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, called the Capitoline Wolf (a replica of this statue sits next to the Senatorial Palace).

For hours and pricing, visit the official website.

Campidoglio Square Rome | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

Campidoglio Square | 4 Days in Rome

For the best viewpoint of the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hill, walk between Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Senatorial Palace along Via del Campidoglio to Terrazza sul Foro for another great view of the Roman Forum.

Roman Forum View | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

The view of the Roman Forum from Terrazza sul Foro

5:00 pm: Aperitif at Oro Bistrot

Having an aperitif (an aperitivo) is a pre-dinner drink that is served with a few small snacks. It is popular thing to do in Italy and a great way to unwind after a busy day sightseeing.

One of our favorite places to go for a drink with a view is Oro Bistrot. It is located very close to Piazza Venezia and is a 7-minute walk from Capitoline Hill.

Oro Bistrot is a rooftop terrace that has a spectacular view of the Altar of the Fatherland and the Trajan Forum. They open mid-afternoon and you can have a drink here and then move on or stay for dinner (dinner does not start until 7 pm). Make a reservation in advance for drinks and dinner.

Here is the view. We spent several hours at this spot and sunset was amazing.

Altar of the Fatherland | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

The view of the Altar of the Fatherland from Oro Bistrot | 4 Days in Rome

6:00 pm: Trastevere

You have the option to spend all evening at Oro Bistrot, or you can go to Trastevere. This neighborhood is filled with some of the best restaurants in Rome and it is a lovely area to explore. We recommend Nannarella, Enoteca Trastevere, and Trapizzino (make your reservations in advance, we have links to these restaurants on our Rome Restaurant Guide ).

To get here, hire a taxi (you can walk but it is a 22-minute walk, about 0.6 km/1 mile from Oro Bistrot). The hotel staff at Oro Bistrot can call you a taxi. We were able to get a taxi at Piazza Venezia.

Trastevere Rome

Trastevere | 4 Days in Rome

Rome Itinerary Day 2

Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, Historic Heart of Rome

Morning (7:30/8:00 am): Vatican City 12:00 pm: Lunch 1:30 pm: Castel Sant’Angelo 3:00 pm: Scenic Walk to Piazza Navona 3:20 pm: Historic Heart of Rome 5:30 pm: Free Time or Rooftop Bar 7:00 pm: Dinner

The best way to avoid the crowds and the long line at Vatican City is to get an early start, which accounts for the 7:30/8:00 am time listed above. You can hit that snooze button, but you risk an hour wait (or longer on some days) to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. 

And again, be aware that on Wednesdays when the Pope is in town, he holds an audience and St. Peter’s Basilica does not open until the early afternoon. So, if this day happens to fall on a Wednesday, move this day to a different day of the week.

Morning: Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. In Vatican City, there are three big sites to visit: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

St. Peter's Square | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

St. Peter’s Square | 4 Days in Rome

Vatican Museum Room

Rome of the Immaculate Conception

Vatican Museums | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

The staircase inside the Vatican Museums

St Peters Square

Overlooking St. Peter’s Square from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

There are several ways to visit Vatican City. You can take a guided tour or visit it independently. We have visited Vatican City independently and on a tour. Taking a tour is more expensive but has several advantages.

Taking a tour is much more educational, as a knowledgeable guide will teach you about important sights within the museums and concentrate on the most important things to see. Some tours take you right from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, which can save you a lot of time (you get to skip the line into St. Peter’s Basilica). Yes, a tour is more expensive, but skipping that line is well worth the extra money.

Here are three different ways to plan your visit to Vatican City:

BEST OPTION: Early morning guided tour of Vatican City. The Vatican Museums open at 9 am. On an early morning tour, you enter at 8 am, which allows you to see part of the museums with very low crowds. Some tours will take you directly into St. Peter’s Basilica via the tunnel from the Sistine Chapel, which bypasses the enormous line to enter the cathedral. An early morning tour is pricier (on average you will spend about €80 to €135 per person), but it is an all-around better experience. We recommend this early morning tour (it is with the same tour company we used).

CHEAPEST OPTION: At 8 am, go first to St. Peter’s Basilica. This early in the day, there should be little to no line to enter the cathedral. Once inside, do the dome climb first, then visit the rest of the cathedral (learn more about what to see and do in our Guide to Vatican City). After the basilica, visit the Vatican Museums (book tickets for a 10 am entry, and do this several weeks before your visit). You will tour the museums and Sistine Chapel on your own, without a guide. The museums will be busy so be prepared for some crowds.

GUIDED TOUR: The early morning tours of Vatican City are expensive, since you are paying for early access. You can save some money and still take a guided tour by taking a tour that starts at 9 am, which is opening time of the museums. This tour gets nothing but stellar reviews and includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

GUIDE TO VATICAN CITY: In our Guide to Vatican City, we cover hours, pricing, and helpful tips for your visit. You also have the option to add on the “secret rooms” of the Vatican, such as the Cabinet of Masks, and we cover these as well.

12:00 pm: Lunch

For lunch, we have three recommendations that are all within walking distance of St. Peter’s Square. You can either have a quick lunch or a longer, leisurely lunch.

We had a quick lunch at Alice Pizza, dining on pizza by the slice. It’s great if you are on a budget or are saving your money for dinner. Two restaurants we have not tried but sound amazing are Borghiciana Pastificio Artiginale and Scialla the Original Streetfood.

1:30 pm: Castel Sant’Angelo

Stroll along Via della Conciliazione towards Castel Sant’Angelo (and look back several times for the amazing view of St. Peter’s Basilica).

As you walk to Castel Sant’Angelo, you have the option to make a small detour to Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II for a beautiful view of the castle and Ponte Sant’Angelo.

Tiber River Castel Sant Angelo | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

The view from Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II | 4 Days in Rome

Castel Sant’ Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Later, it was used as a fortress, a prison, a castle, and now it is a museum.

Castel Sant Angelo

Castel Sant’ Angelo | 4 Days in Rome

During your visit, you will follow a walking route through the fortress. First, you make a loop around the lower level. At the end of this loop, you will enter the center building, and climb to the top on a series of ramps and steps.

From the highest terrace of Castel Sant’Angelo you have almost 360° views of Rome.

Get hours and pricing on the official website.

3:00 pm: Scenic Walk to Piazza Navona

Cross the Tiber River on Ponte Sant’Angelo (the bridge that crosses the Tiber River in front of Castel Sant’Angelo). This bridge is lined with angels and a great photo spot.

Walk east along the Tiber River. Once you get to Ponte Umberto I, walk a short distance on this bridge for an iconic view of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Tiber River.

Tiber River Rome | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

The view from Ponte Umberto I | 4 Days in Rome

Then walk down Via Giuseppe Zanardelli until you get to Piazza Navona.

This walk is 800 meters (0.5 miles) and takes 10 minutes without stops for photos.

3:20 pm: Historic Heart of Rome

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous squares. It is filled with cafes, fountains, and lots of people. While you are here, take a look at the three fountains (the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fountain of the Moor), watch the street performers, and step inside Sant Agnese in Agone.

Piazza Navona is a good place to rest your feet for a few minutes. Many cafes get mediocre reviews, but it’s a nice spot to get a cup of coffee or glass of wine. We recommend Bernini.

Piazza Navona | 4 Days in Rome Itinerary

Cafes in Piazza Navona

Once you are finished in Piazza Navona, continue the stroll through the heart of Rome.

It’s a quick walk to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of the oldest buildings in Rome. For hours of operation and ticket options (the Pantheon is no longer free to visit), visit the  official website.

Pantheon

The Pantheon | 4 Days in Rome

Continue to the Trevi Fountain, passing by the Temple of Hadrian and Venchi (one of our favorite gelato shops in Rome).

The Trevi Fountain is one of the busiest places to visit in Rome. If you want to leave the crowds behind, visit Garden Roof Trevi (also called Trevi Rooftop) . This tiny rooftop bar overlooks the Trevi Fountain. You can have a drink with a view and rest your feet for a few minutes.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain | 4 Days in Rome

Continue the walk until you get to the Spanish Steps.

This stairway is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome, frequently shows up in walking tours of the city, and is free to visit. The fountain that sits at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Longboat), dates back to 1629 and was built by Pietro Bernini, father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps | 4 Days in Rome

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Tired and need a break? Think twice about having a seat on the Spanish Steps. In 2019, a new law was put in place to crack down on “bad behavior” in Rome. If you are caught sitting on the Spanish Steps, you risk paying a €400 fine.

For a unique view of the Spanish Steps, go inside the Keats-Shelley House. It takes 30 minutes or less to tour this small museum. For hours of operation and pricing, visit the official website.

Spanish Steps View

The view of the Spanish Steps from the Keats-Shelley House

5:30 pm: Free Time or Rooftop Bar

Dinner in Rome does not typically start until 7 pm. That gives you some free time. You can either return to your hotel for a little bit or visit a nearby rooftop bar for an aperitif and another nice view of Rome.

Just a one-minute walk from the top of the Spanish Steps is Cielo Terrace, which is on top of the Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville. They serve both aperitifs and dinner, so you could stay for dinner. Learn more about the rooftop bars in our guide to the Rome Rooftop Bars.

Cielo Terrace Rome

Cielo Terrace | 4 Days in Rome

Almost next door to Cielo Terrace is Imàgo, a Michelin-starred restaurant with amazing views over Rome. If you like the idea of dining here, make your reservation at least one month in advance.

Best Restaurants in Rome

The view from Imàgo

7:00 pm: Dinner

For dinner, you can stay at Cielo Terrace or have dinner elsewhere. If you didn’t go to Trastevere yet, you could have dinner here tonight. For recommendations, take a look at our Rome Restaurant Guide.

Italy Travel Guide Florence

Rome Itinerary Day 3

Appian Way, Catacombs, Borghese Gallery

In the morning, cycle on the Appian Way and tour the Catacombs. In the afternoon, visit the Borghese Gallery, an art museum that contains one of the best art collections in the world.

9:00 am: Appian Way & Catacombs 3:00 pm: Borghese Gallery 5:00 pm: Villa Borghese Gardens 6:00 pm: Aperitif 7:00 pm: Dinner

Morning: The Appian Way & the Catacombs

The Appian Way is an ancient Roman road that was built to connect Rome to Brindisi. Many monuments lie along this road, including the Circus of Maxentius and numerous catacombs.

If you are visiting Rome with kids, this is one of the best things to do in Rome.

Appian Way

Appian Way | 4 Days in Rome

To visit the Appian Way, you can either rent bikes and cycle the road on your own or take a tour. Many tours use e-bikes and include a visit to the catacombs.We took the bus to the Appian Way, rented bikes at a small shop (Appia Antica Caffe), and cycled the road on our own, ending the morning with a visit to San Sebastian Catacombs. This takes about 3 hours, so if you get started at 9 am, you will finish around 12:00 pm. To learn how to do this on your own, take a look at our article about the Appian Way.

Joining a tour takes out a lot of the hassle of getting to and from the Appian Way (we used a combination of the metro and bus to get here). Plus, you get to tour the catacombs with a guide, so you’ll get the most out of your visit.

Here are several of the highest rated tours of the Appian Way and Catacombs. Some take 3 hours and there is one on this list that takes 6 hours. If you plan to visit the Borghese Gallery, take a shorter tour so you have enough time to also visit the Borghese.

3:00 pm: Borghese Gallery

I put the Borghese Gallery at 3 pm, to give you enough time to have lunch and get here from the Appian Way. Plus, you will have to arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to pick up your tickets.

Getting to the Borghese Gallery: The closest metro station is Barberini and from here it is a 20-minute walk or a quick bus ride to get to the Borghese Gallery. You also have the option to use the bus, taxi, or Uber. There is more information about how to get here on the official website.

Even if you are not a big fan of art museums, or even just museums in general, the Borghese Gallery is still worth the visit. This art museum contains one of the best collections of art in the world. See works of art by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini.

Borghese

Inside the Borghese Gallery

Borghese Apollo and Daphne

Apollo and Daphne

PRO TRAVEL TIP: You can only visit the Borghese Art Gallery with a reservation. Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance. Reservations are made for two-hour time slots, starting at 9 am, and the last time slot is at 5:45 pm.

You can make your reservation online or call +39 06 32810. There is a €2 fee for making online reservations. Tickets can also be purchased through GetYourGuide , which includes a guided tour of Borghese Gardens. This is a great option if you want to visit the museum with a guide or were unable to purchase tickets on the official website.

Collect your tickets a half an hour before your time slot. For a 3 pm reservation, plan on arriving no later than 2:30 pm. If you arrive late, even 5 minutes late, they may turn you away. We saw this happen to other people who arrived late for their reservation.

Hours: 9 am – 7 pm; last entry at 5:45 pm Closed Mondays Cost: €13, prices can increase during special exhibits, +€2 reservation fee Website: galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it Nearest Metro Station: Barberini

5:00 pm: Villa Borghese Gardens

After your visit to Villa Borghese, take a stroll through the gardens. Notable things to see include Tempio di Esculapio (a small temple on the lake) and Orologio ad Acqua del Pincio (a hydropower clock).

Tempio di Esculapio

Tempio di Esculapio | 4 Days in Rome

At the far end of the Villa Borghese Gardens, you will be standing on Terrazza del Pincio. From here, you will overlook Piazza del Popolo.

Piazza del Popolo

The view of Piazza del Popolo

6:00 pm: Dinner

If you aren’t getting tired of rooftop bars yet, we have a few more recommendations. Just a short walk from Piazza del Popolo is Terrazza Nainer. A little farther away is AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari. This rooftop bar and restaurant serves amazing pasta dishes.

Rome Rooftop Bar Terrazza Nainer

Terrazza Nainer | 4 Days in Rome

Another recommendation is Divinity Restaurant & Lounge, which is near the Pantheon. They have an outdoor terrace where you can have an aperitif and they also have an outdoor restaurant. The food and drinks are great and here is the view at sunset (the view from Divinity Restaurant is also the header photo for this itinerary):

Rooftop Restaurants in Rome

Divinity Restaurant & Lounge | 4 Days in Rome

Rome Itinerary Day 4

Cathedrals, Hidden Gems, Food Tours & Cooking Classes

Even after three busy days in Rome, there is still a very long list of archaeological sites and cathedrals to visit. We have organized these places into 4 hours chunks of time. You can pick and choose two of the blocks of time that look most interesting and put them together to create today’s itinerary.

Option #1: A Tour of Rome’s Cathedrals

This walking tour takes you to some of Rome’s oldest and grandest cathedrals. Some cathedrals close midday. We have provided the links to each one so you can get updated hours and pricing before your visit.

This walking route is 3.3 km/2 miles point-to-point. It starts at the Termini metro station and ends at the San Giovanni metro station. From the Termini metro station, it takes 3 minutes to walk to Santa Maria Maggiore.

This is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome and a Major Papal Basilica. Things to see include the coffered ceiling (the gold on the ceiling was brought by Christopher Columbus to Ferdinand and Isabella), the Salus Populi Romani, the Crypt of the Nativity (which contains wood from the crib of Jesus Christ), and mosaics. Get hours here.

Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore | 4 Days in Rome

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli

It is a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Maggiore to San Pietro in Vincoli. This church is famous for Michelangelo’s statue of Moses and a reliquary containing the chains of St. Peter. Get hours here (this basilica is closed midday).

Moses by Michelangelo

Moses by Michelangelo

San Pietro in Vincoli

The chains of St. Peter

Next, you will walk past the Colosseum on the way to the next place to visit, the Basilica of San Clemente.

Basilica of San Clemente

The Basilica of San Clemente is famous for its three-tiered design: a present-day church that sits atop two much older churches. The oldest church, which is now underground, dates back to the first century. The spring that runs through this church also runs to the Colosseum. Get hours and pricing on the official website.

St Clemente Basilica

Basilica of St. Clemente | 4 Days in Rome

The Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs, is a staircase of 28 marble steps that lead to the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies). The Sancta Sanctorum is the first private Papal chapel. It is believed that Jesus Christ climbed these same stairs several times a day while imprisoned in Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem. The stairs were later relocated to this site in Rome.

At the top of the Holy Stairs is the Sancta Sanctorum. You can get a peek of it through the window or spend a few euros for a ticket to enter the chapel, which is well worth it. This small chapel is covered in colorful mosaics and a beautiful place to visit.

Scala Sancta

Scala Sancta | 4 Days in Rome

Sancta Sanctorum Ceiling

Ceiling of the Sancta Sanctorum 

Basilica of Saint John Lateran

This basilica, which is across the street from Scala Sancta, was founded in 324 AD, making it the oldest basilica in the Western world. It is also the Pope’s official seat. A visit here is free, but for a few more euros, you can visit the cloister and monastery, which is well worth it.

Saint John Lateran Cloister

Cloister of Saint John Lateran | 4 Days in Rome

Option #2: Aventine Hill, Jewish Ghetto & Mouth of Truth

This half day itinerary takes you to some interesting, off the beaten path destinations. This point-to-point walk is 3.2 km/2 miles. It starts on Aventine Hill and ends at the Spada Gallery.

Knights of Malta Keyhole

This keyhole is famous for its view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. There is usually a short line to look through this keyhole. When we did this, a black bar sat across the keyhole, obstructing most of the view. So, before you go, just be aware that you may not get the same great view that you have seen online or on Instagram.

It is free to visit and plan on spending about 15 minutes in line.

Knights of Malta Keyhole

photo credit: Matteo Gabrieli/shutterstock.com

View from the Orange Garden

From the keyhole, walk through the Orange Garden to a viewpoint called Terrazza Belvedere Aventino. From here, you get a sweeping view of Rome and the Altar of the Fatherland is the main focal point.

Orange Garden of Rome View

View from the Orange Garden | 4 Days in Rome

Bocca della Verita

From the Orange Garden, it is a downhill walk to get to Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

The Mouth of Truth is a marble mask that is located in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. Legend has it that it will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie while their hand is inside of the mouth.

After having your photo with the Mouth of Truth, you have the option to enter Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Inside, you can visit the crypt and see the skull of St. Valentine, which sits in a side altar on the left side of the church.

Mouth of Truth

Mouth of Truth | 4 Days in Rome

Theatre Marcellus and Porticus Octaviae

From Santa Maria in Cosmedin, it is a 5-minute walk to Theatre Marcellus. This building looks like a smaller version of the Colosseum. It’s older than the Colosseum and could hold up to 20,000 spectators. It has been turned into a palace but you can still see the ancient exterior walls of the theater.

Walk around Theatre Marcellus and take the pathway to Porticus Octaviae, which was built in 27 BC to enclose the temples of Jupitor Stator and Juno Regina. The theatre and the remains of the Porticus are located together and take just a few minutes of your time.

Theatre of Marcellus

Theatre of Marcellus | 4 Days in Rome

Spend the next 30 to 60 minutes strolling through the Jewish Ghetto. See the Turtle Fountain and the Great Synagogue (Tempio Maggiore di Roma). You can also grab a bite to eat. We had a drink at the bar at Chapter Roma. They have a rooftop bar but it does not open until the evening.

Spada Gallery

Galleria Spada is an art museum that is located inside of Palazzo Spada. This gallery contains four rooms filled with Baroque paintings that were collected by Cardinals Bernardino and Fabrizio Spada. In these rooms, you will see works of art by Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, and Guido Reni.

The main attraction here is the perspective gallery that was created by Borromini. This is the best place to see an optical illusion in Rome. The colonnaded gallery is only 8 meters (26 feet) long and the statue of Mars is only 60 centimeters (24 inches) high, but they look much larger than this.

Spada Gallery Rome

Spada Gallery | 4 Days in Rome

Tickets can be bought online or at the palazzo. We purchased our tickets onsite and there were just a few other people here during our visit.

From the Spada Gallery, it is a 3-minute walk to Campo de’Fiori and a 7-minute walk to Piazza Navona. You can also retrace your steps back to the Jewish Ghetto, cross the Tiber River, and then spend a few hours in Trastevere.

Option #3: Food Tour or Cooking Class

One of the best things to do in Rome is to take a food tour or cooking class. These walking tours combine some of Rome’s most interesting neighborhoods with local foods. These tours typically take about 4 hours.

This highly rated street food tour takes visitors through Trastavere or the Jewish Quarter.

Take a food tour of Rome at night and sample more than 20 different foods.

Or take a sunset food tour of Trastevere or this food and wine tour also includes a visit to a market.

In this cooking class, learn how to make authentic pasta and pizza, taste limoncello and tiramusa, and enjoy unlimited red wine.

Option #4: Domus Aurea or Capuchin Crypt

There are two notable places to visit in Rome that didn’t make it into our itinerary above. You don’t miss much by skipping them, but they are interesting and worth mentioning, so you know about them.

The Capuchin Crypt

In several small chapels underneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappucchini are the skeletal remains of almost 4,000 Capuchin friars. The bones are arranged in artistic patterns. It’s morbidly fascinating and definitely an off-the-beaten-path location. Unfortunately, photographs are not permitted.

For updated hours and pricing, click here.

Domus Aurea

Domus Aurea is massive villa that was built by Emperor Nero. This immense, opulent palace, also called the Golden House, was covered in marble and gold. It had 300 rooms. After Nero’s death, the palace was stripped of its marble and jewels and much of the palace was filled with dirt, which helped preserve it. It is now one of Rome’s most important archaeological sites.

It can only be visited on a small group tour. If this sounds like a place you would like to visit, take a look at the official website for pricing, hours, and information on booking your visit.

Domus Aurea Virtual Reality

Seating for the Immersive Reality experience in Domus Aurea

Option #5: Colosseum at Night

One of the best ways to visit the Colosseum is on a nighttime tour. It’s a wonderful way to end your visit to Rome. These tours sell out far in advance since spots are limited and this is a very popular thing to do.

This nighttime tour includes a visit to the Arena Floor and the Underground.

Are the Travel Passes Worth It?

There are several different travel passes in Rome, including the Roma Pass , the Omnia Card , and the Turbo Pass. Of the three passes, the Roma Pass is best for this itinerary. The Roma Pass is the cheapest of the three (the Omnia Card and Turbo Pass are expensive and cover a lot of sites not listed in this itinerary, so you won’t get your money’s worth).

The 3 day Roma Pass costs €52. It also covers a long list of sites that are not in our itinerary, but it does cover the Borghese Gallery, Spada Gallery, the Capitoline Museums, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The first two sites you visit are free and then the remainder get a discount. You also get free use of the public transportation. The savings are minimal and with the Roma Pass, you still have to make your Colosseum reservation in advance (if Colosseum tickets are sold out, you will then have to offer a tour, so the Roma Pass is of no benefit in this situation). We don’t think it is worth it, but you can learn more about it on the official website.

How to Get Around Rome

The majority of the must-see sights in Rome are located in central Rome. It’s possible to get around mainly by walking, but you can save your steps, and a little bit of time, by also using the Rome metro or taking a taxi.

Taxi stands are set up throughout the city. On Google Maps, you can search “taxi stand” for the ones closest to your location. Then you get in the taxi first in line and tell them your next destination. We frequently do this and in 2022, every taxi we took used credit cards (but it is good to have some cash on hand as a back up). To tip the taxi driver, we added on 1 to 2 euros to the fare.

You can also use Uber but we ended up spending a lot of time waiting for the Uber to arrive and figured out it was quicker to walk to the closest taxi stand.

The metro is fast, cheap, and easy to use. It’s a lot more economical than a taxi. Just beware of pick pockets on the metro and in other crowded places throughout Rome.

Rome at Night

The view from Oro Bistrot in the evening

Best Time to Visit Rome

Spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Rome. During this time, the weather is great for sightseeing and crowds tend to be lower than the busy summer months. But here is a breakdown by season of what you can expect in Rome:

WINTER: It’s chilly in Rome during the winter months. Daytime high’s average around 13°C (55°F) and it is a little colder at night. Rainfall is slightly above average for the year (averaging about 7 days of rain per month in December, January, and February).

SPRING: In early spring, the high temperature is 16°C (60°F) and it continues to get warmer week by week, reaching an average high of 27°C (80°F) by June. Rainfall chances go down the closer you get to the summer months. May and June have warm weather and lower chances of rain than the fall and winter months.

SUMMER: Expect the biggest crowds of the year and hot weather during the summer months. Daily high temperatures average 31°C (87°F) but they can easily get up to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is the lowest of the year. If you plan to visit in the summer months, make your hotel reservations far in advance as well as your entrance tickets into the museums.

FALL: In early fall, crowds can still be high, not really quieting down until the end of October. Daytime high’s range from 26°C (79°F) in early fall and cooling off to 17°C (62°F) by late fall. Autumn is the wettest time to visit Rome (mid-September through early December with rainfall peaking in November), so bring an umbrella if you plan to be here at this time.

VERDICT: The best time to visit Rome is May through mid-June. The weather is nice and crowds are manageable.

Where to Stay in Rome

For recommendations on where to stay, read our Best Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide for Rome. Learn where to stay for a great view of the Colosseum and Piazza Navona and get recommendations whether you are looking for a budget hotel, luxury hotel, or if you are traveling as a family.

Where to Eat in Rome

We listed several recommendations in this itinerary, but for a bigger list of recommended restaurants, take a look at our Rome Restaurant Guide. And for rooftop bars, take a look at our guide about the Rome Rooftop Bars.

Where Are You Going Next?

If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for five different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. We also have a detailed 10 day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Venice.

For those with more time, check out our 14 day Italy itinerary, which covers the highlights of Italy.

On this 10 day southern Italy itinerary, visit the Amalfi Coast, Castelmezzano, Matera, Alberobello, and more towns in Puglia.

More Information about Rome

For a full list of things to do in Rome, check out our article Best Things to Do in Rome. For the best viewpoints of Rome’s famous landmarks, take a look at our article Best Views of Rome.

Don’t miss our detailed guides about How to Visit the Colosseum and How to Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Get recommendations on where to stay in Rome in our Rome Hotel Guide.

For advice on where to eat, read our guide about Where to Eat in Rome, that has restaurant recommendations near the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the historic heart of Rome, plus some great rooftop restaurants. We also have a guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome.

If you have fewer than 4 days in Rom, learn how to plan your time with our One Day in Rome Itinerary , 2 Day Rome Itinerary and 3 Day Rome Itinerary.

If you have any questions about this 4 days in Rome itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Italy

BEST OF ITALY: In our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 25 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy.

FLORENCE: For a list of things to do, take a look at our Florence Bucket List and learn how to plan your time with our 2 Day Florence Itinerary. We also have information about how to visit the Florence Cathedral, about the best rooftop bars in Florence, the  best viewpoints in Florence, and where to stay in Florence.

TUSCANY: Get started with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Tuscany. Learn how to plan your visit with our Tuscany Itinerary, which has sample itineraries, whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or an entire week in Tuscany.

VENICE: Learn more about Venice in our article Best Things to Do in Venice. We also have guides about How to Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, where to get the Best Views of Venice, and how to spend Two Days in Venice.

AMALFI COAST: Pick out which towns you want to visit in our article about the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast. If you are active and adventurous, one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is hike the Path of the Gods. We also have a guide on how to plan your Amalfi Coast Itinerary , best things to do in Capri , and where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Basilicata, and Puglia.

4 Day Rome Italy Itinerary

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2 Days in Rome Itinerary

Thanks for the 4 day in Rome itinerary which was very useful for a long weekend. Great recommendations and tips. Much appreciated.

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You’re welcome!

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I concur. I have been to many places using your guides over the past few years and you are always spot on. I am currently in the middle of planning our Italy trip so I would like to thank you very much for your assistance. I follow many Youtubers and you website is second to none.

Wow, thank you so much for your very kind comment! Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip and I hope you have a wonderful time in Italy! Cheers, Julie

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Travels & Treasures

An Easy Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

V isiting the Eternal City for the first time? Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and we created an easy travel guide to Rome so that you know the best things to see and do.

In this post, we’re sharing all we’ve learned from our vacations in Rome to help you plan your getaway. We’ll cover the most popular neighborhoods, the best things to see and do, how to get around in Rome, the best time of the year to visit, how to get to central Rome from FCO Airport, and tips for traveling.

Where is Rome

Rome is located in the region of Lazio, near the and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It has the highest population of all cities in Italy and sits about 1 hour from the western coast.

And when it comes to tourism, it’s no surprise that visitors from around the globe travel to Rome to see its beauty and Renaissance art, experience Roman cuisine and Italian cooking , shop the fashion capital, discover the piazzas and fountains, explore the historical landmarks, or even practice Italian phrases that they’ve learned.

The various neighborhoods are the most widely visited by tourists because they are where most attractions can be found. Traveling through the city is easy on foot, but you should also consider the Rome sightseeing bus or the Rome golf cart tours .

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome can be extremely uncomfortable in the summer months (primarily June through September). In April and May, the spring temperatures are nice, the mornings are cool, and by noon you probably won’t need a jacket.

The Best Things to See and Do (by Neighborhood)

Each neighborhood of Rome has museums, churches, gardens, parks, and iconic spots to visit. This list gives a brief description of each district, and helps you understand what to see in each neighborhood. It will come in handy for deciding where to stay in Rome while planning your trip.

You may need to take public transportation to reach a specific neighborhood depending on where you stay. However, once you arrive, the area is completely walkable and getting from one point of interest to another is easy.

Modern Center

This neighborhood is located around Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the Modern Center neighborhood combines classic and contemporary influences. It has a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious hotels, making it a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the modern side of Rome.

Palazzo del Quirinale

Complesso delle Quattro Fontane

Trevi Fountain

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica a Pallazo

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Castro Pretorio

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo e Cripto dei Frati Cappuccini

The heart of Rome’s historic center, the Old Rome neighborhood captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Scalinta di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

Museo dell’Ara Pacis

Campo de’ Fiori

Palazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone

By far this is the most popular neighborhood in Rome for travelers. Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is known for it narrow, winding streets, nightlife, and charming piazzas. Trastevere has a lively atmosphere with trendy bars, and traditional trattorias.

Villa Farnesina

Galleria Corsini

Basilica di Santa Maria

Orto Botanico

Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Colosseum neighborhood in Rome immerses visitors in ancient history as they explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire, marvel at ancient ruins, and soak in the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Bocca della Verita

Circo Massimo

Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria

Aventino – Tastaccio

Testaccio is a historic working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a culinary hotspot. It offers a vibrant food scene with traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and a bustling food market.

Basilicia di San Giovanni

Terme di Caracalla

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Esquilino – San Giovanni

Located near Termini Station, the Esquilino neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its diverse immigrant communities, Esquilino is a mix of ethnic restaurants, colorful markets, and architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Museo Nazionale Romano

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincole

Nomentano combines residential tranquility with commercial areas. This neighborhood is characterized by its leafy parks, elegant villas, and the iconic University La Sapienza. There is a mix of students, locals, and dining. Nomentano has a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere.

Sapienza University

North Center

The North Center neighborhood of Rome, encompassing areas like Villa Borghese and Parioli, presents a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. With its leafy parks, elegant villas, and cultural institutions like the Galleria Borghese, this area provides a peaceful retreat from the city center.

  • Museo e Galleria Borghese
  • Villa Borghese
  • La Galleria Nazionale
  • Museo Nazionale Etrusce di Villa Guilia

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic neighborhood offers a rich blend of religious significance, magnificent art, and awe-inspiring architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Southern Rome

The southern part of Rome is less touristy and has an authentic atmosphere that portrays a taste of local Roman life. From food markets and traditional trattorias to vibrant street art and a strong sense of community, Southern Rome provides a glimpse into the city’s everyday charm.

Via Appia Antica

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Catacombe di San Callisto

Museo Capitoline Centrale Montemartini

How to Get Around Rome

Getting around the cobbled-stoned streets of Rome is not hard. I’ve walked, biked, and bused throughout Rome and loved it! All are great ways to get around and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and your personal preference.

I recommend the  Big Bus Tour  or a Golf Cart Tour in Rome if you are short on time or if you booked your travel in the dead heat of summer (which can be intensely hot).

With these tours, you’ll see all the top Rome attractions with audio commentary in your language of choice. If you choose an open top tour bus, the added benefit is free wi-fi and for 3 extra euros, you can use your ticket for two days (it is worth it).

When it comes to seeing Rome, walking can not be avoided especially when getting to an attraction that require climbing hilly pathways or navigating ancient streets. In my opinion, being on foot is one of the best ways to travel in Rome.

Exploring the narrow streets can lead you to the most marvelous pasta, the creamiest gelato, or the most perfect pasta! I highly recommend visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for  Italian street food . 

Public Transportation

This is the best option for getting to a part of town that is more than 20 minutes on foot, especially if visiting a museum or park. Save your energy and use public transportation for less than 2 euros. You can purchase them at the tobacconist store.

You will need to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus (it’s an honor system). Getting caught with an un-validated ticket can result in a fine. You should also use a really good map of Rome. 

Bike or Vespa

Peddling around the city on your own time feels so liberating. Bike rental is very affordable and is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, get some exercise to make up for all the  Italian breakfasts  that you eat, and explore Rome.

You can find rentals for as little as 13 euros for 24 hours, complete with lock, for a standard bike. The price for e-bikes is higher.

Getting around on a two-passenger scooter is loads of fun!  Rent a Vespa to skirt traffic or explore outside the city. They can be rented by the hour or day. This will make your trip to Rome memorable as you travel in true Italian style!

How to Get to Central Rome from FCO Airport

There are several options to get from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the center of the city. I found the train to be the quickest and most affordable especially if you’ve had a long day of travel and want to get to Termini station.  

The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is via a shuttle bus service from the airport. You can travel conveniently between Rome’s city center and the airport and take pleasure in a stress-free arrival or departure from the city.

The ride takes about 50 minutes and departures run from the airport every 30 to 40 minutes so you have time to collect your luggage. Shuttles stop in Terminal 3’s arrivals section. Look for the respective service at the arrival platform.

Terravision offers a shuttle service for less than 8 euros it’s quite popular. The buses are air-conditioned and there is no cost to bring your luggage aboard. It goes directly to Termini station with no extra stops. 

Another option is the public transportation system, which costs about 6 euros. The bus stops multiple times in the city center, including one close to the Vatican and one at Termini Station, throughout the 45- to 1-hour one-way trip.

Buses halt in Terminal 3’s arrivals section, at number 14. You can purchase tickets at the airport desk or online. 

A taxi is quite expensive. It will set you back almost 50 euros and the ride takes just as long as a shuttle service (about 50 minutes). You can find the taxis at the arrival level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The Leonardo Express train is less than 20 euros and runs every 15 minutes during peak periods. It is operated by Trenitalia and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you wait to collect your luggage, and then make your way to the window or kiosk to purchase your ticket, note that many others will be doing the same. Hate long lines? You can purchase tickets in advance and be ready for validation after boarding the train.

I can’t recommend a car rental unless you plan a day trip and need a set of wheels. Rome is completely walkable. Not to mention, even Italians know that finding a parking space can be a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Rome

I adore visiting Italy. And no trip would be complete without seeing some of the most iconic and historic spots in the Eternal City.

Don’t make the mistake (that I made on my first trip) and skip these incredible spots! Fortunately, I was able to see them on return visits!

Whether you are visiting the Vatican for the first time or returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain, these Rome travel tips will come in handy to make your stay enjoyable.

  • Be prepared! Read these tips on the essentials for an international flight .
  • Think comfort when flying coach , it will help you stay calm and confident.
  • Beware of scammers, pickpockets, and panhandlers. It’s a thing in Europe and it can happen when you least expect it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight to Rome and thank me later.

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trip for 2 to rome

Spring break, 2 parents and 3 teenagers.

Our AirBnB is booked until 4/11.

Our initial plan was to spend some time in Naples , 4/11-13 but I am having second thought after reading about commuting, since we don't plan on renting a car or a driver.

We want to go to Pompey for a tour, spend some time on the touristic places (food!) in Via Toledo and pretty much enjoy our days.

My questions is really what else can I do in this area without a car . Should we go to Capri with the kids? I do not do heights so the cable car is not an option.

Or should we not plan too many transfers and stay in Rome the entire 8 days, with one day trip to Pompey and one day trip to Florence . How can we decide?

6 replies to this topic

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You can take a ferry over to Procida or Ischia (two other nearby islands) if the heights on Capri are not for you - you don't need to take the funicular on Capri or go up the chairlift, the island is full of gorgeous walkways, beautiful views, etc - Ferries are easy to get right at the port in Naples but, really, you don't much time there, you could get to one of the islands.

A car is wholly unnecessary; the train from Rome to Naples is 70 non-stop crazy fast minutes - the fast trains are amazing - comfortable, with assigned seats and so incredibly fast and these trains are frequent - many per day - You can check schedules on either http://www.trenitalia.com or http://www.italotreno.it for best prices and timings - These are the two national train systems so if you buy train tickets, buy from just these official websites.

What are you using as a resource for a trip to Naples? There are guidebooks that you can download which can help you decide what you want to see or if you want to go at all....It is very different than Rome, terrific energy and unique sites to show for its 3000 years.

trip for 2 to rome

I will check the ferry, I read somewhere early April still not considered “a season”, would attractions be closed?

High season begins around Easter and ferries Naples to the islands run year round since there are people who live there and need to come to the mainland for various reasons.

trip for 2 to rome

Both cities are glorious.

The idea to stay in Rome for the duration and daytrip to Florence and Naples would work for me too. In that event I would recommend the earliest possible starts and the latest possible returns.

Sorry, can't help you decide!

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trip for 2 to rome

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