Spending Two Days in Rome: A Quick Guide to Italy's Captivating Capital
Tackle the Eternal City's most iconic spots in two sizzling days with this unfiltered itinerary, dispelling the notion that Rome wasn't built in a day!
You'll need a minimum of two nights to drink in the city's historic grandeur and mouthwatering cuisine. With three days, you can savor the famous "dolce vita" a bit longer.
Cramped for time? I've got a minimized version of this entire itinerary at the very end, along with a map. Otherwise, dive into my no-holds-barred guide to planning your two glorious days in Rome, and let's get started!
Is 48 Hours Enough for Rome?
Honesty compels me to say no, my friend! Rome bustles with so much to explore and gastronomic delights that a longer stay is ideal. But if you've only got a quick visit, rest assured you can still conquer the biggest sights.
My latest trip encompassed just about 48 hours, and I managed visits to the Vatican, Borghese Gallery, an open-top bus tour, delectable eats galore, and more!
Must-Sees for Your Intro to Rome
A quick rundown of all "main" attractions worth visiting during your initial sojourn:
- Colosseum & Roman Forum
- Borghese Gallery
- Vatican City (Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica)
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Spanish Steps
Interestingly enough, these last three sights are all nestled in the Centro Storico.
Rome in 2 Days: Your Itinerary
Here's an itinerary to help you cram the most out of Rome's major highlights in 48 hours...
Day 1: Ancient Rome
1. Colosseum & Roman Forum
About 1-2 hours, depending on if you wish to explore the Forum as well (a further 1-1.5 hours).
Kick off with the iconic Colosseum. Almost 2,000 years old, it's the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and seating around 50,000 spectators. This touchstone of Rome is oozing with historical resonance.
Be warned: it can get quite jam-packed and hosting long queues, so get there as early as possible. Pro tip: buy tickets online ahead of time, or opt for a guided tour with skip-the-line privileges (a 1-hour guided tour should suffice).
If pressed for time...
Sacrifice the Roman Forum and stick solely to the Colosseum, or merely take a leisurely walk around its exterior, which still takes around 10-30 minutes.
Recommended Guided Tour: Priority Access - Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour - €62.40 per person
2. Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
A couple of hours, minimum.
Jump on the city tour bus to effortlessly see various sites, all while being serenaded by an informative audio guide. The bus route includes a stop at the Colosseum, making it convenient to hop aboard following your visit.
The right-hand side of the bus offers prime views of the Colosseum as you approach.
3. Exploring the Borghese Gallery
1-2 hours (with a 2-hour time limit on visits).
Hop off the open-top bus tour at Piazza di Spagna and take a stroll to the picturesque Villa Borghese Pinciana, which houses this fabulous art collection. Allow some time to roam the surrounding gardens, and don't forget to rent a rowboat on the lake!
I strongly advise pre-booking your tickets as far in advance as possible (€13 plus a €2 booking fee), or splurge on a guided tour that includes priority entry (from €40).
Recommended Guided Tour: Borghese Gallery Small Group Guided Tour (Skip-the-Line Entry Included) - €40 per person
Evening: Foodie Delights
2.5 hours.
With renewed energy, join a food tour to discover Rome's mouthwatering culinary hotspots. I booked this 2.5-hour street food tour through Get Your Guide (€40 per person) on my first trip and was thoroughly satisfied – amazingly scrumptious fare awaited me!
Alternative Tour: 4-Hour Food Tour by Night - €109 per person
Day 2: Vatican and More
1. Vatican City
A minimum of 2.5 hours.
No visit to Rome is complete without a pilgrimage to this incredible city-state, home to the Roman Catholic Church and Pope, and boasting a treasure trove of art, architecture, and relics. From ancient Roman sculptures and Renaissance frescoes to masterpiece paintings and, of course, the famed Sistine Chapel, there's plenty to feast your eyes on.
Guided tours are highly advisable to delve deeper into the history, skirt long lines, and navigate the thick crowds. Although you can pre-purchase Skip The Line Tickets (click here), this just means avoiding queueing to buy tickets – you'll still need to wait in line to enter.
Recommended Guided Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica Tour - €95 per person
2. Stroll Along the Tiber River to Castel Sant'Angelo
A swift 20-minute walk, with a 5-minute photo break.
As you're done exploring the Vatican, it's a short trot to the luminous Castel Sant'Angelo. Bring camera in hand for capturing the stunning Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge and iconic castle on the far bank.
Casually meander around the castle if you've time, but remember it's not really worth venturing inside during your curtailed visit to Rome. An alternative lure: the nearby Neve di Latte gelato shop is a divine detour!
3. Centro Storico Walking Tour: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps
At least 1 hour.
Welcome to Rome's Centro Storico – the heart and soul of the city, teeming with pretty piazzas, historic churches, and charming alleyways. Spend hours (even days) getting lost in its scenic maze of streets, if time permits.
However, you're on a clock, so embark on a guided walking tour that encompasses the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. The route should take around an hour.
Walking Tour Route
1. Pantheon: Treat yourself to a 15-minute amble from Castel Sant'Angelo to explore this jaw-dropping Roman temple dating back to 126AD, later converted into a Catholic Church. The exterior facade is particularly breathtaking, while a worthy visit to the interior showcases a spectacular domed ceiling and the tombs of Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele.
Tip: A €5 entrance fee is levied, though pre-booking tickets isn't necessary.
2. Trevi Fountain: Wander a scant 10 minutes from the Pantheon to lay eyes on Rome's most photographed delight. Constructed between 1732 and 1762, the fountain is adorned with awe-inspiring sculptures and iconic figures.
Tip: Skirt the crowds by visiting later in the evening.
3. Spanish Steps: Saunter another 10 minutes from the Trevi Fountain to marvel at this grand staircase dating from the 1720s, leading from Piazza di Spagna to the white, twin-towered Trinità dei Monti church. It's another Rome icon, and you'll be sharing it with swarms of tourists, so be prepared!
Detour: Don't forget to peruse the nearby Don Nino gelato shop for what quite possibly is the best gelato in town.
Where to Shack Up in Rome
hu Roma camping in town
If you seek an affordable yet delightful lodging option in Rome, I wholeheartedly endorse hu Roma camping in town. Part of the hu openair consortium, this tranquil, verdant camping village on the periphery of the city offers the perfect escape after a bustling day of sightseeing.
You'll find the ideal combination of bustling city vibes and laid-back countryside bliss. Mobile homes cater to self-catering needs, with accommodations suitable for five guests across two rooms: a double and a triple containing a bunk bed. Both rooms flaunt their own en-suite toilet and shower, cigalle meanderne and an inviting kitchen/dining space.
Out front, bequeaths a generous veranda complete with a spacious table for alfresco dining or evening libations. Despite the family-friendly reputation of the campground, you'll find that around fifty percent of its occupants are couples or groups of adults.
Relish in offerings like an outdoor pool with two jacuzzis, a large BBQ area, a tiny playpark, a basketball & football pitch, and a well-stocked mini market for nabbing necessities. A lovely onsite restaurant serves enticing Italian fare, and a superb bar offers splendid sunset Aperol Spritz! A free shuttle bus runs to the Cipro metro station, making transit to Rome's city center simple.
Promo Code: EMILYFORHUUse this special reader promo code for a 10% discount on stays at hu Roma camping in town through 17.04.2025 (including Christmas holidays).
Tips for Making the Most out of 48 Hours in Rome
1. Pre-book tickets or arrive early.
Pre-booking attraction tickets or tours and showing up as early as possible at major sites like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Borghese Gallery will rescue you from daunting lines and lengthy waits. If you haven't pre-booked, arrive as early as feasible.
2. Visit during the off-season.
Visiting Rome in the low season (think January) boasts fewer crowds and shorter lines at attractions. Major sights like the Colosseum may even greet you with zippy entrance times.
3. Weekday vs. Weekend Visits.
Opting for midweek adventures instead of weekend excursions may present quieter attractions and slimmer lines.
4. Public Transport and Taxis.
Rome's Centro Storico is reasonably walkable, though the rest of the city center sprawls. Instead of hailing pricy taxis, take advantage of Rome's decent public transit system. Invest in a 100-minute ticket for €2, or enjoy day and week-long passes as well. Click here to learn more about utilizing the metro.
Alternatively, use the FREE NOW rideshare app (similar to Uber but with more Italian presence) during your Roman adventure.
5. Dining Delights.
Rome's culinary scene is a highlight, and I've compiled a list of top local eats to try:
- Supplizio: Stop by for fantastic suppli (traditional Roman street food balls).
- Panificio Bonci: Ideal for a speedy lunch near the Vatican. Grab the sumptuous porchetta sandwich!
- Pizzarium by Gabrielle Bonci: Delish pizza by the slice, close to the Vatican.
- Settimo: Ideal for sunset drinks on the rooftop of the Sofitel.
- Da Sergio: Sink your teeth into hearty dishes at this rustic, checkered-clothed trattoria.
- La Matriciana: Savor the signature dish, Bucatini Amatriciana.
- Roscioli: Possibly the best carbonara in town. You'll need to book a table for this spot, and if you're solo, opt for a spot at the bar.
48-Hour Rome Itinerary: Map & Quick Version
Day 1
Colosseum (allow 1.5 hours minimum – including queue time)
- Pre-book tickets or snag a guided tour for skip-the-line privileges.
Optional: Roman Forum (additional 1-1.5 hours)
- Included with Colosseum tickets for further exploration.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour (minimum 2 hours – without stops)
- City Sightseeing is a fantastic provider.
Borghese Gallery (visits are timed and last approximately 2 hours max; advance booking highly recommended).
Evening: Food Tour (2.5 hours)
- A fun way to steep yourself in Rome's iconic cuisine.
Day 2
Vatican City (at least 2.5 hours – including queue time)
- Book a guided tour for skip-the-line access and a wealth of information.
Tiber River to Castel Sant'Angelo (20-minute walk + 5-minute photo stop)
Centro Storico Walking Tour: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps (1 hour, minimum)
- Follow this route to maximize your time: Pantheon > Trevi Fountain > Spanish Steps
detour: Don Nino gelato shop (delicious gelato).
- A female traveler can immerse herself in Rome's rich history and gastronomic delights by following this 48-hour itinerary.
- Finally taste the famous Italian "dolce vita" with visits to the Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, hop-on-hop-off tours, and more delectable eats.
- The Centro Storico, housing popular attractions like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, offers a captivating walking tour experience.
