It’s not easy to give Rome an introduction, but does it really need one? Italy’s capital attracts millions of tourists each year, and there’s a reason for this!
It’s home to some of the world’s most beautiful art and famous architecture, its historic significance is unfathomable, and without Rome, we wouldn’t live in the world as we know it today (the Romans literally invented roads and highways…. so I guess they were also super into traveling?)
Whether you’re on your own ‘Eat Pray Love’ journey or you simply just want to eat a tonne of traditional Roman carbonara, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll fall utterly in love with this city the moment you turn the sharp corner on to the iconic ‘Piazza di Trevi’.
Rome’s history is so rich that it’s impossible to write it all in this blog post. When you arrive in the city you will immediately feel its history; not just see it.
The friendly Roman men dressed in typical gladiator outfits on ‘Via dei Fori Imperiali’ are a humorous reminder of what actually went on in Rome almost 2000 years ago.
Rome is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s also home to one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’: the Colosseum. There is also another little country located in the heart of Rome; Vatican City. You certainly won’t have trouble finding things to do!
Although two days can be little time when it comes to the Eternal City (I recommend at least visiting for 3 days), don’t worry: it CAN be done.
Luckily, Rome is pretty much an ‘open-air museum’, meaning that many of the attractions don’t have time constraints and therefore your day can be spread out a little more.
Below you can find a summary of what you can expect from a jam-packed 2-day Rome itinerary, from a local’s perspective.
How to Get Around Rome
▶️ First of all, you’re going to need a good pair of comfortable shoes! The city is very walkable, and you’ll spend most of your 2 days walking around.
Heels are NOT recommended, trust me. If you insist on getting some Audrey Hepburn-inspired ‘Roman Holiday’ pictures wearing your favorite heels, definitely take them in your bag and wear them only for the photo!
▶️ There is the city metro that you can grab that will take you directly to places like the Colosseum or the Spanish Steps. A one-way ticket costs €1.50 at the time of writing and can be purchased at any tobacco shop. These tickets last 90 minutes and can be used on the metro, the bus, and the trams provided by the city.
However, I really suggest walking from one place to another, as a lot of Rome’s magnificent beauty is hidden in the delicate little side streets that shouldn’t be missed.
▶️ You can also take ATAC city buses, but honestly they are not as reliable as the metro. Often the times shown on the digital timetables at bus stops are not correct.
▶️ I do not recommend renting a car. Traffic in Rome is brutal!
DAY 1: CLASSIC ROME FOR FIRST TIMERS
Your Rome itinerary has an early start. It’s not possible to avoid the crowds in Rome otherwise, and besides, you want to make the most of your time. (Right?!)
The first day begins, as it should, with breakfast at a typical Roman bar. For the full Italian experience, you should pop into any local bar close to where you’re staying and grab an espresso or cappuccino, and a ‘cornetto’, which is pretty much an Italian croissant.
This should only set you back around €2, and if you want to do it the Roman way, eat your breakfast quickly whilst standing at the bar rather than taking a seat. That’s what the locals do!
This will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to start the busy day ahead.
8.30 AM | Step foot inside one of the world’s most breath-taking pieces of architecture: The Colosseum
Obviously, when visiting Rome you cannot miss the Colosseum. Although it is just as spectacular when admiring it from the outside, if you are coming halfway across the globe to see it, you HAVE to go inside!
The Colosseum was built as a gift to the Roman people by Emperor Vespasian almost 2000 years ago. The site of countless gladiator fights and exotic animal shows, not only is it aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the engineering is incredible.
To learn all about this in more detail, I suggest you book a tour. Since you’re only in Rome for a weekend (or any regular two days!), booking a skip-the-line ticket is essential to avoid the countless queuing hours.
When you book Colosseum tickets, you’ll also be granted priority access to the marvelous Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the ancient centers of Rome.
If desired, you can upgrade your ticket to include an audio guide or a guided tour of the sites, delving into their fascinating history. The visit will likely take you around 2.5 to 3 hours.
I can also recommend the perfect Insta spot if you’re interested in that kind of thing. When you exit the Colosseum, cross onto the side of the road that the metro station is on.
Directly across from the entrance of the Colosseum itself, you will notice some stairs that lead up to a sort of balcony. Make your way up those stairs, and sit on the wall for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity!
Colosseum Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 AM to 7.15 PM during the high season. The last entry is at 6.15 PM.
11.30 AM – Do as the Romans do at Piazza Venezia
After exhausting yourself at the Colosseum, especially if you’re there in the summer, you’ll end up thirsty. It’s a good idea to bring your water bottle around Rome, because the city is full of ‘nasoni’, centuries-old water fountains whose name literally means large noses.
The water is safe and free to drink, and there’s a huge one right outside of the Colosseum’s metro station – with both still and sparkling water!
Take advantage of it and fill your bottle up before strolling up Via dei Fori Imperiali on your 15-minute walk to Piazza Venezia.
Now that you’ve arrived at Piazza Venezia, be careful when crossing the road. The cars don’t always stop!
One of my favorite monuments is located here: the Altar of the Fatherland. Italians sometimes call is the ‘wedding cake’ building due to its eye-catching and unusual white marble design.
It’s not as old as other Roman monuments, having been erected in 1911 as a tribute to the first Italian King. However, there’s a pretty cool museum inside that you can visit if you’re into Italian history.
There is also a panoramic lift that offers spectacular views of the city. Since you’re only in Rome for 2 days, it’s probably better to just admire the beautiful building from the bustling piazza. Gorgeous city views can be found elsewhere (and we’ll get to them!)
Museum Opening Hours: Open daily from 9.30 AM to 7.30 PM. The last admission is at 6.45 PM, and the entrance is free.
12.00 PM – Fall in love with the cats of Torre Argentina
Ok; this part is totally optional as it’s not directly en route, but if you adore cats then this can’t be missed!
First, walk to the side of Piazza Venezia which is opposite the monument. Then you should turn left, and make your way on to Via del Plebiscito, then Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. After 5 minutes you’ll reach the archaeological site of Largo di Torre Argentina.
Fun fact: Julius Caesar was killed here!
Even funner fact: It’s the home of a cute cat sanctuary that will let you enter and pet the kitties for a small donation of whatever you can afford. If you fall in love with one of them, you can also adopt them from a distance!
Cat Sanctuary Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 4.30 PM.
12.30 PM – Stroll up Via del Corso and make your way to the Trevi Fountain
Now that you’ve had your cat-fix, it’s time to get back to business. You’ll want to walk back along to Piazza Venezia, but this time, when you reach the piazza you should turn left onto Via del Corso. You’ll be heading to one of the MUST destinations on your Rome itinerary.
Via del Corso is the main street of Rome’s historic center; it runs from Piazza Venezia all the way up to Piazza del Popolo. It’s the home of many familiar high streets as well as more luxury stores.
If you like shopping, this is the place to be; if not, it’s still a beautiful street to stroll up as you make your way to the Trevi Fountain.
Take a right on to Via delle Muratte and…YOU’VE MADE IT! Your Lizzie McGuire dreams have come to fruition, but you weren’t quite expecting AS many people, right?
Well, the Trevi Fountain is always packed, that’s just how it is. If you want a really good picture here without the crowds, you’ll have to get to the place at around 6 in the morning (or earlier!)
Probably the most famous fountain in the world, its construction began in 1732, after being designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi.
It was built at the end of a Roman aqueduct dating all the way back to BC times. It’s undoubtedly the largest Baroque fountain in the city. The contrast between the crystal blue water and the travertine/marble statues really takes one’s breath away.
The Trevi Fountain needs to be included in your visit, not only for its beauty but to grant you more time in this spectacular city. According to legend, if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, you will for sure come back. And trust me, you’re going to want to come back!
1 PM – Spanish Steps, and a local lunch
Once you’ve tossed your coin and taken a photo at the fountain, it’s time for lunch. Finding a restaurant in the historic center that doesn’t serve overpriced, low-quality food is kind of difficult sometimes, which is why I bring you an alternative approved by locals: Pastificio.
It’s right by the iconic Spanish Steps, and serves fresh, homemade pasta. You’ll want to arrive outside the inconspicuous-looking store before 1 PM, the place’s opening time, because there’s usually a line. And when the pasta is gone, it’s gone!
At the time of writing, a decent-sized portable container of pasta costs €4.50. This also includes a small plastic cup of water or WINE! If you choose to have wine with your pasta, you can’t leave the store though.
Eating or drinking in the historic monuments, including the Spanish Steps, is not permitted. But you can eat your lunch in the piazza!
If you have a sweet tooth, the best mini tiramisu to-go in Rome is in Pompi, just across the street from Pastificio. I probably should have warned you to wear pants with an elastic waist at the beginning of this post…
2 PM – Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese
Make your way down Via del Babuino, a street full of luxury stores and typical Italian men dressed in suits on their lunch break, and head towards Piazza del Popolo.
This is one of Rome’s largest squares, dating back to around the 3rd century AD. Apparently, it was the first point of contact that foreigners would meet when entering Rome during the empire.
The name means ‘People’s Square’ in English, and it’s home to one of Rome’s most famous churches: Santa Maria del Popolo, home to two works of Caravaggio.
If art isn’t your cup of tea, after grazing around the piazza, make your way up the 1 million stairs on its east side. This is obviously an exaggeration, but trust me, that’s what it feels like! The destination, though, is worth it.
You’ll get to the beautiful Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s largest parks. It’s home to many magnificent villas, museums, theatres, and bars.
At Villa Borghese you’ll find everything from children roller-skating to friends sharing a drink and people sunbathing as they read a book (or scroll through Instagram!). This is the ideal spot to relax for a little while.
3.30 PM – Galleria Borghese
One of the aforementioned museums, the Galleria Borghese (Borghese Gallery) is home to one of the greatest collections of art in the world today.
The villa itself was built in the 1600s as a grand party villa for the noble (and wealthy) Borghese family. Even if you’re no art geek, you should still visit this gallery. It will blow your mind and it’s definitely worth seeing even just to impress any art lover that you may meet in the future ;-).
It’s home to numerous mesmerizing paintings and intricate sculptures by Bernini, Caravaggio, Correggio, Raphael, and Titan.
Galleria Borghese Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM.
5.30 PM – Terrazza del Pincio and Aperitivo Hour
Now you’ll take a stroll back through Villa Borghese and to Piazza del Popolo, but this time you’ll be making a pitstop on the ‘Terrazza del Pincio’ before heading back down those hellish stairs.
Any worthy itinerary for Rome has to include Terrazza del Pincio. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city, boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the piazza below as well as St. Peter’s Basilica in the near distance.
The best time of day to enjoy the views is during sunset when there’s usually a street performer playing live music or entertaining the audience. It’s also a pretty romantic spot!
The sun has set and it’s time for a well-deserved drink, right? Aperitivo culture is huge in Rome, and you should take advantage of the many deals that the local bars and restaurants offer during this time (from around 6 PM at most places).
7 PM – Head across the Tiber to Trastevere for a dreamy dinner
A 10-minute walk across the bridge from your cool Aperitivo spot you’ll find Rome’s most funky, trendy little neighborhood: Trastevere.
Formerly a working-class district, famous for its bustling nightlife and younger crowd, this spot is home to so many bars and restaurants that you could probably spend an hour just trying to choose one.
Take a little walk around, and try not to be lured into a tourist trap by one of the charming waiters outside.
There’s something for everyone in Trastevere no matter who you are, but I recommend the restaurant Grazia & Graziella if you’re truly stuck. Here you can order a delicious traditional Roman pasta dish and people watch outside while you eat.
Don’t be afraid to explore and try a tiny little ‘hole in the wall’ restaurant though!
After dinner you have two options. Either retire for the day, or walk up the hill to the Janiculum Terrace, where you can have a beer on the terrace with astounding views of the city.
DAY 2: THE VATICAN AND MORE
Make sure to start your day again with another dose of cappuccino and a cornetto from your bar of choice!
8.45 AM – Visit the Vatican Museums
Rome is a unique city in many ways, but one way in which it stands out is that if you choose to visit the Vatican (which, why wouldn’t you?) you are ticking another COUNTRY off of your travel bucket list!
Since 1929, it has held the title of the world’s smallest independent nation and as the epicenter of the Catholic church, the Vatican City obviously holds a lot of historical and religious importance.
Before entering the museums, take a ‘passeggiata’ (leisurely stroll) down Via della Conciliazione and admire the unmistakable dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
You can access the basilica for free (climbing the dome though costs a few euros). The basilica is home to many masterpieces including Michelangelo’s Pietà. Then, head to the the museums.
As one of the most visited museums in the world, the Vatican Museums are an absolute must-see when in Rome.
As there are many, many, manyyyyy different rooms, it will easily take around 3 hours or more to complete a quality tour of the museums and the Sistine Chapel. You can see the works of Raphael, as well as the Spiral Staircase, the Tapestries Hall, and my personal favorite: the Maps Room.
Don’t forget to look up when you finally arrive at the Sistine Chapel… the ceiling was decorated by Michelangelo. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime sight!
If you happen to be in town on the last Sunday of the month, entrance is free.
Vatican Museums Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM. Last admission is at 5 PM. Every last Sunday of the month it opens from 9 AM to 2 PM, last admission being at 12.30 PM.
Sistine Chapel Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
12.30 PM – Lunch and Castel Sant’Angelo
There are too many restaurants around the Vatican area to choose from, therefore I suggest you bring out the old trusty Google Maps and find one close by that serves one of the traditional Roman pasta dishes that you haven’t tried yet… a Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, or Amatriciana, perhaps?
From Saint Peter’s Square (the main square of the Vatican City), if you walk directly down Via della Conciliazione, you will not miss Castel’Sant Angelo. This 2nd-century castle was originally designed by Roman emperor Hadrian to be a tomb for him and his family.
It was then more famously used by the popes as a fortress. The cool thing is that if you look up, you can actually see the secret passageway they would have used back then that connected Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican.
The castle is now a museum, and inside you can see the old luxurious papal apartments. I think it’s worth it purely for the panoramic views of the city.
If you’ve had enough of the panoramic views and climbing stairs isn’t your favorite thing to do, maybe give this one a miss. If you do decide to go for it, a skip-the-line ticket is key here too!
Castel Sant’Angelo Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 7.30 PM during peak season, and from 9 AM to 2 PM the rest of the year. Last entry is 1 hour before closing time. Entrance Fee: A general admission ticket costs €19. European citizens aged 18-25 get in for €7.
4 PM – Campo de’ Fiori
Another 10-minute ‘passeggiata’ over the iconic St. Angelo Bridge, down Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, and after a small right turn, you will arrive at the famous Campo de’ Fiori.
Constructed in the mid-1400s under the orders of Pope Callistus III, it remains one of Rome’s main meeting points today. No matter what time of day you go there, there will be something going on.
Every morning except Sunday there’s one of the most famous flower and fresh produce markets in the world. In the evening, the square is bustling with beautiful terraces, cool bars, and adorable little restaurants.
5 PM – Piazza Navona and the Pantheon
From one iconic piazza straight to another, you should now walk back to the main road that you arrived from (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II) and cross the street onto the other side.
Walk behind the Museo di Roma, and you will find yourself in the magical Piazza Navona.
This is probably one of the most well-known squares in Rome, boasting spectacular fountains.
The most popular one, La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, was designed by Bernini in the 1600s, and it’s said to represent the spread of Christianity.
This piazza is full of cute, feel-good entertainment such as magicians and dancers. I highly recommend stopping here on your way to your next destination: the Pantheon.
Walk there through Via degli Staderari, which will lead you to what is apparently Rome’s best cup of coffee at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè.
After this little pick me up, you should make your way round to one of the most astonishing monuments you will ever see in your life.
The best-preserved building that still remains of ancient Rome, it was built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD. Can you believe that?? When you see how pristine the condition of the Pantheon is, you’ll be shocked that it’s so old.
The most unique thing about its architecture is the hole in the top of the dome. This is to allow natural sunlight to illuminate the now church during the day.
Entrance to the Pantheon costs €5. If you want a guided tour or an audio guide for your visit, you can buy them directly on the Pantheon’s website.
▶ Make sure you are wearing clothes that don’t show your shoulders and you are slightly covered up; it’s a church after all (and they won’t let you in).
Pantheon Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 6.30 PM. Last admission is at 6 PM.
Once you’ve seen what the Pantheon has to offer, head around the corner to Rome’s oldest gelateria, Giolitti, for your delicious Italian gelato fix!
6.30 PM – Chill across from Hadrian’s Temple
After your long day of museum, church and castle hopping, it’s only right that you relax with a well-deserved cocktail.
Head round the corner to Piazza di Pietra, where you’ll find one of Rome’s gems of the historic center, Salotto 42. This unique bar attracts many people from different walks of life, but it is adored by locals. The bonus? You can sit outside and admire the Temple of Hadrian while you enjoy your drink!
This building was created in 145 AD, and its imposing columns really catch the eye. Enjoying a glass of wine next to such an important piece of history really will feel surreal.
8 PM – Enjoy your final meal in Rome
Hungry? To finish off your two days in Rome perfectly, I suggest you head back toward Piazza Navona. Nearby you’ll find the most adorable little restaurant, Mimì e Cocò for a delicious meal (traditional Roman food) and perhaps some more wine?
The staff will treat you well and the ambiance of this restaurant will make you feel sad you’re leaving tomorrow (not that that’s the goal!) Hopefully, it will make you want to come back sooner than you planned!
Where to Stay in Rome
When it comes to accommodation, I recommend that you try to find a hotel or Airbnb in one of the following neighborhoods, purely for easy access to all the important sites that you will want to see:
- Trastevere (this neighborhood is the epitome of Rome; it looks just like the pictures you see on postcards and on Instagram!).
- The historic centre (close to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona).
- Monti area, or Ancient Rome (Colosseum area).
- Tridente (Trevi fountain area).
- Villa Borghese area.
- Prati (a little more residential and located on the left bank of the River Tiber, but only a short walk away from the main sites).
For those on a tighter budget, I would also suggest the area of Testaccio. It’s a little further away from the main historic sites, however it is just two metro stops away from the Colosseum and is also home to many of Rome’s best local bars and restaurants.
LUXURY: Umiltà 36 is a 5-star hotel right in the city center, featuring a fitness center, a restaurant with a bar, and very elegant rooms with a fully-equipped bathroom, modern appliances, and optional terrace.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Relais Rione Ponte offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, tea & coffee making facilities, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. There’s a permanent art exhibit on the premises. I’ve stayed at this hotel and thought it was a beautiful, artsy hotel in the perfect location.
APARTMENT: Domus Catone 21 is a 1-bedroom apartment with a bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a seating area. It provides free toiletries, and it’s pet-friendly.
ON A BUDGET: Caracalla Room Rental offers air-conditioned double and twin rooms in a guest house. All rooms feature a private bathroom, and the stay includes access to a shared kitchen and dining room.
