The Ultimate 2-Day Rome Itinerary: Expert Tips for a perfect Weekend

Everyone wants to visit Rome once in their life – and not without reason! The entire city is like an open museum: you stroll through the alleyways and feel transported back to the time of the Roman Empire, gladiators, Julius Caesar and Romanticism. This beautifully preserved ancient Rome is paired with the Italian la dolce vita and the best food in the world.

For your perfect weekend in the Eternal City, we have put together a Rome itinerary with the must-see attractions, the best neighbourhoods to stay and real insider tips for authentic Roman cuisine. Have fun reading!

A young woman going sightseeing in Rome.
Eternal City Rome

Planning Your Trip to Rome

There is a lot to see in Rome! We’ll help you get the most out of your days in Rome and save time and money at the same time!

When to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is from April to June or September to November, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. If you don’t mind high summer temperatures and crowds, you can also visit Rome in the high season from June to August.

Charming Trastevere

Where to Stay in Rome

Rome has very different neighbourhoods and depending on what you are looking for, you will find the right spot for you. Trastevere is the hip, trendy neighbourhood, Parione is for night owls and in the Centro Storico you will find the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. We’ll tell you more in this article: BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ROME: DISTRICTS AND NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE [2024].

Day 1: Exploring the Eternal City

A young couple takes a selfie right in front of the Colloseum in Rome.
Colosseum - book early!

Start your day like a true Roman with a delicious breakfast at Antico Caffè del Brasile, where you should definitely order a warm cornetti (croissant). It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries before exploring Rome’s rich history.

Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Go on a journey back in time and explore the Roman Forum, which was once the heart of the Roman Empire and a centre of political and social activity. Wander through the ancient ruins of temples, basilicas and government buildings where Julius Caesar and Augustus once walked.

Next, you should visit the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Marvel at the colossal amphitheatre where gladiators once battled and crowds went wild. As the Colosseum is very popular with visitors, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance.

TIP: Buy your tickets here.

Don’t forget to explore the Palatine Hill. It is one of the oldest parts of Rome and is considered the most central of the Seven Hills. It overlooks the Roman Forum on one side and the Circus Maximus on the other. The Palatine Hill is the place where the mythical founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, are said to have been found and where Romulus founded the city of Rome in 753 BC. It later became the residence of Roman emperors and aristocrats with its luxurious palaces and gardens.

Chef preparing fresh pasta.
Rome is famous for its pasta carbonara

Lunchtime at an authentic Trattoria

The Naumachia Ristorante is located very close to the Colloseum. Here you can savour authentic Italian pasta dishes before continuing your journey through Rome.

Palazzo Barberini

After lunch, we recommend a visit to the nearby Palazzo Barberini, an impressive palace that has been converted into a museum and houses an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures. During your visit, you can marvel at masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio and Raphael.

Trastevere
Cosy trattoria in Trastevere

Galleria Corsini

End your day with a visit to the Galleria Corsini, a lesser-known but very worthwhile art treasure trove in the Trastevere district. Admire works by Titian, Rubens and other famous artists in the intimate atmosphere of this gallery, which offers a quiet contrast to the bustling streets in the centre of Rome.

When the sun has set

In addition to the architectural sights, Trastevere is also a paradise for gourmets and lovers of authentic Roman cuisine. From the famous carbonara to the classic pizza, you will savour the delicacies of Rome to the full.

TRY! Bonci Pizzarium for some of the best pizza in Rome, with unique toppings but a classic Italian simplicity.

Tomorrow awaits with new adventures and deeper insights into Rome’s captivating past and vibrant present. Buona serata (good evening) from the heart of Rome!

A young tourist looks at theSt. Peter's Basilica in Rome from a vantage point.
View of Sistine Chapel

Day 2: Vatican City and Beyond

Welcome back to our Roman adventure! Today we will explore the spiritual heart of the city and spend a morning exploring the treasures of Vatican City.

Vatican City

Start your day with a visit to Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, home to some of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements.

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel was built from 1475 to 1483 under the command of Pope Sixtus IV, who gave the chapel its name. One of the chapel’s most famous events is the papal conclave, where a new pope is elected. The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church come together to decide who will be the next head of the church. This process takes place when the head of the church either dies or renounces his duties as pope.

The chapel is also home to some of the most famous paintings in the world. See Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescos in the Sistine Chapel, including the famous ceiling and “The Last Judgement”. Book your tickets in advance to skip the queues and fully experience this masterpiece of Renaissance art.

View of the Vatican Museums building in Rome.
St Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica

This historic building is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Italian metropolis and invites crowds of tourists into its halls – without charging admission!

St Peter’s Basilica is considered one of the largest buildings in the world with an area of over 15,000 square metres. The popes’ masses are held in St Peter’s Basilica. The interior of St Peter’s Basilica offers space for up to 60,000 people. The dome of St Peter’s Basilica can be reached via 537 steps and is the largest self-supporting brick building in the world. The inner diameter of the dome is 42.34 metres and is supported by 4 pentagonal pillars. From the dome, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Rome and the Vatican.

TRY: Stop by Peter’s Square, a beautiful square with stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere.

Lunch in the Vatican Area

Try Ragno D’Oro for a delicious lunch near the Vatican.

St Peter's Basilica in Rome
Vatican City

Vatican Museums

No visit to the Vatican City is complete without a visit to the Vatican Museums, a huge treasure trove of art and history. These collections are among the most important in the world and their value is estimated at more than 15 billion euros.

There are 14 different museums belonging to the Vatican in Rome. The collection includes classical antiquities, pieces from the Orient as well as Etruscan-Italian, early Christian and medieval art.

Works of art by artists such as Raphael, Da Vinci and Michelangelo attract more than 5 million visitors to the Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel is the most famous museum in the Vatican.

Pantheon

The famous Trevi Fountain in Rome in sunny weather
Trevi Fountain

The Pantheon, this ancient temple-turned-church has a massive domed roof and a perfectly symmetrical interior that continues to amaze visitors centuries after it was built. Take a moment to admire the oculus, a circular opening in the dome that allows sunlight and rain to enter, adding to the mystique of this ancient wonder.

Stop by the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, and make a wish. The fountain dates back to Ancient Roman times and it’s one of the oldest water sources in Rome.

Stadio di Domiziano (Domitian's Stadium)

Near the Pantheon, you’ll discover the underground ruins of the Stadio di Domiziano, also known as Domitian’s Stadium. This archaeological site offers an insight into the Roman world of entertainment and is a fascinating contrast to the splendour of the Pantheon above ground.

View of the bridge and the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome
View of the bridge and the Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo (Castle of the Angels)

End your day with a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, a towering cylindrical fortress originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. Over the centuries, it has served as a papal residence, a fortress and a prison. Today it houses a museum where you can explore its history and enjoy a panoramic view over Rome from the roof terrace.

Dinner in Monti

The neighborhood Monti is home to a plethora of chic restaurants and trendy eateries that serve up innovative dishes and traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

TRY! La Taverna Dei Monti: Via del Boschetto, 41

Rome Travel Tips

Rome City Pass

A young man looks out over the Roman Forum in Rome.
Forum Romanum

Explore Rome hassle-free and on your own pace with the Rome City Pass! This all-inclusive pass grants you access to over 50 attractions and activities throughout the Eternal City. Enjoy skip-the-line entry to all the major sites like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Explore further with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, visits to the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, and numerous museums. Save time, avoid queues, and take advantage of discounts on ice cream or bike rentals for a unique perspective of Rome. Available for 1 to 7 days, the Rome City Pass offers stress-free and economical sightseeing. Book yours now and uncover Rome like never before!

How to Get Around while visiting Rome

Buying a Rome City Pass also gives you unlimited access to public transportation. Use buses, trams and the metro to get from A to B in in Rome.

The Leonardo Express train takes you from Fiumicino Airport to the city centre.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Trip to Rome

  • plan ahead and book tickets in advance. Some attractions are very popular and sell out fast.

  • Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen, especially during peak tourist season.

  • Indulge in all the food, including pizza, pasta, and gelato.

  • Explore hidden gems, such as Monti and Trastevere.

  • Consider purchasing a Rome City Pass for skip the line access on tourist attractions and public transport.

Try!

Rome City Pass - one ticket for the whole city

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