2 Days in Rome: An Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors

Spending 2 days in Rome is the minimum amount of time I’d recommend for a first visit. There is so much to see in Rome that you could easily spend a week here.

However, 48 hours will give you enough time to see the highlights, such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon.

I’ve been to Rome many times over the years and have designed this itinerary to take you to the must-see sights while also sharing some of my favorite local spots. Read on to discover how to make the most of two unforgettable days in Rome.

Before You Go

• Book in Advance: Reserve tickets for the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery several weeks in advance. Time slots for these popular attractions book up quickly, and it’s almost impossible to get same-day tickets.
• Reserve Restaurants: If you have a specific restaurant in mind, call ahead to reserve at least 2-3 weeks in advance. The good places fill up fast.
• Get Started Early: To get ahead of the crowds, book the earliest time slots available for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Not only will you beat the rush but you’ll also have more time to explore Rome at a relaxed pace rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
• Double-check Opening Hours: The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays (except for the last Sunday of the month). St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings because of the Papal audience. The Borghese Gallery is closed on Monday. Make sure you avoid these days when planning your itinerary and always double-check opening times.

Rome Day 1: Colosseum, Trastevere, Historic Center

Colosseum

Start your day at Rome’s most famous attraction – the Colosseum. Completed in 80 AD, this nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater once held between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium at the time. People gathered to watch gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and other spectacles.

You have two main options for visiting the Colosseum:

• Self-Guided Visit: If you prefer to explore at your own pace, book an early morning entry slot at 8:30 AM to avoid the rush. For just a few euros more, you can upgrade your ticket to include access to the arena and underground levels where gladiators once prepared for battle – I highly recommend it.
• Guided Tour: This is a great way to dive deeper into the Colosseum’s history. Many tours are available, but I suggest booking the one that includes access to the underground levels and arena.

Plan on spending 1.5-2 hours here.

Tip: Don’t miss the Arch of Constantine, located right next to the Colosseum. This impressive triumphal arch was built to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.

Colosseum & Roman Forum Tours:

• 3-Hour Guided Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
• Small Group 3-Hour Guided Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine hill
• Underground Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Tickets: You must purchase your tickets several weeks in advance. Purchase online at the official website or from Tiqets. Basic tickets cost €18 and include access to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Tickets that include access to the arena and underground levels cost €24.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

From the Colosseum, follow Via Sacra, an ancient road that leads to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, religious, and social heart of ancient Rome for over a thousand years. This historic area was once filled with grand temples, basilicas, and arches, visited by everyone from emperors and senators to merchants and peasants.

While much of it now lies in ruins, several structures remain remarkably well-preserved, including the Arch of Titus and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Plan on spending an hour here.

Palatine Hill

Just above the Roman Forum and Colosseum, Palatine Hill is one of Rome’s seven hills. This area was historically the city’s most prestigious address, where emperors and aristocrats built their palaces and mansions.

It provided a peaceful escape from the busy, often dusty city below. Today, you can explore the remains of these opulent villas, including the home of Emperor Augustus and the massive palace built by Emperor Domitian.

Plan on spending one hour here.

Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the official website or from Tiqets well in advance. Basic tickets cost €18 and include access to Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. Tickets that also include access to the arena and underground levels of the Colosseum cost €24.

Capitoline Hill

Capitoline Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. During ancient times, this served as the headquarters of the government, where Rome’s senate would meet. It was also home to several temples, some dating back to the 5th century BC.

At the top of the hill, you’ll find Piazza del Campidoglio, a beautiful square designed by Michelangelo with a large statue of Marcus Aurelius. The original statue is inside of the Capitoline Museums.

If you walk past the piazza to the very back, you’ll find two balconies on either side of one of the palaces overlooking the Roman Forum. This is one of the best views in the city.

This is a quick stop and not essential, but if you have time, I highly recommend it for the views alone.

Optional: If you’re interested in ancient Roman art, the Capitoline Museums are well worth a visit. This museum houses incredible artifacts, including the original statue of Romulus and Remus with the she-wolf, an important symbol of ancient Rome. If you decide to visit, I recommend swapping out Trastevere from this itinerary and replacing it with the museums.

Teatro di Marcello & Portico of Octavia

Located in Rome’s Jewish Quarter, the Theatre of Marcellus is an open-air amphitheater that predates the Colosseum by nearly a century. Commissioned by Julius Caesar (though completed after his death in 13 BC), it once held 20,000 spectators, making it the largest amphitheater in Rome at the time.

The ruins are free to visit, along with several other fascinating sites in the area. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Portico di Octavia, an ancient gate built by Augustus around 24 BC.

Surprisingly, this area is never too busy, even though I think it’s one of the most underrated spots in in Rome.

Lunch

For lunch, you have a few great options depending on where you want to eat.

Just a short walk from the Theatre of Marcellus is Al Pompiere, a fantastic restaurant in the Jewish Ghetto. Be sure to make a reservation in advance and order the Tagliolini al Limone, one of my favorite dishes.

Otherwise, cross the Tiber River to Trastevere, one of Rome’s best foodie neighborhoods.

For a quick and casual bite, stop by Supplì Roma, a local favorite specializing in Roman street food. Order some pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or try supplì, a crispy fried rice ball stuffed with cheese.

If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, you can attempt to get a table at Da Enzo al 29, one of my favorite restaurants in Rome. Their carbonara is unbeatable, but they don’t take reservations, so you might end up waiting. It’s worth a shot – if the line is too long, just head to Supplì Roma instead.

Other solid choices in Trastevere include Trattoria Da Teo and Roma Sparita, both serving up delicious Roman classics.

Read more: 30 Best Things to do in Rome

Trastevere

Trastevere is Rome’s most charming neighborhood. It’s much quieter than central Rome. I love spending a couple of hours here, simply wandering its quaint, cobblestone streets, preferably with a gelato in hand.

Stop by Otaleg to grab a couple of scoops. Their gelato is some of the best in Rome.

Piazza Navona

Depending on where you are in Trastevere, it’s about a 20-minute walk back into Rome’s historic center. Make your way to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most picturesque squares, lined with cafes, restaurants, and pastel-colored buildings.

What makes this piazza unique is its long, oval shape, a remnant of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which once hosted chariot races and athletic competitions. At the center of the square is the beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini in the 1600s.

Pantheon

Just a 4-minute walk from Piazza Navona is the Pantheon, one of the most well-preserved buildings from ancient Rome. It was originally built as a temple dedicated to all gods, but was later converted into a Christian church in 609 AD.

The Pantheon’s most remarkable feature is its massive dome, the largest unsupported dome in the world. The only source of natural light comes from the oculus, a circular opening at the dome’s apex.

Tickets: Entry to the Pantheon used to be free, but tickets are now required. Reserve your time slot online in advance at Musei Italiani to avoid long waits. Full price tickets cost €5.

Trevi Fountain

Built in the 18th century, this is the largest fountain in Rome and is a must-see attraction. You can’t leave without tossing a coin (or three!) into the water. According to legend:

• One coin ensures you’ll return to Rome
• Two coins will help you find love.
• Three coins will lead to marriage.

When in Rome!

The Trevi Fountain is always crowded – to the point where getting close to the fountain can feel like an impossible task. The steps are filled with people taking selfies or full-on photoshoots, and unfortunately, that’s just the reality of visiting such an iconic spot.

If you want to experience the fountain without the crowds, your best bet is to visit early in the morning (before 7 AM) or late at night. It’s especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Tip: Just steps from the Trevi Fountain, Galleria Sciarra is one of Rome’s hidden gems. This stunning courtyard, built in the late 1800s, is covered in intricate Art Nouveau-style frescoes painted by Gabriele Cellini.

Read more: One Day in Rome Itinerary

Dinner

Rome is known for its four classic pasta dishes and you can’t leave without trying at least a couple of them.

• Carbonara – Made with eggs, pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper
• Cacio e Pepe – A simple yet delicious mix of pecorino cheese and black pepper
• Amatriciana – A tomato-based pasta with guanciale and pecorino
• Pasta alla Gricia – Made with pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper – sort of like carbonara but without the eggs.

I suggest making a reservation at La Matriciana for dinner. One of my top 3 restaurants in Rome! Check out my Rome Restaurant Guide for a full list of places to eat.

Day 2: Vatican City, Borghese Gallery, Spanish Steps

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums contain one of the finest art collections in the world that ranges from Egyptian mummies to ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, and Renaissance masterpieces. It is estimated to house about nine miles of art, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to see the highlights within a few hours.

A few pieces you shouldn’t miss include Giuseppe Momo’s spiral staircase, Caravaggio’s Deposition in The Pinacoteca, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo.

From my personal experience, the best way to explore the Vatican Museums is by booking a guided tour. Large museums can be overwhelming, making it difficult to decide what to see and leaving you feeling like you might be missing important works.

A guide will take you to all of the must-sees, so you won’t miss a thing. Some of the tours also take you to St. Peter’s basilica, so you can skip the long line.

Recommended Vatican Tours:

• Book this 3.5-hour early morning group tour or private tour to visit the Vatican museums before they open to the public for a crowd-free experience.
• For a regular daytime tour, book this 3.5-hour guided experience of the museums.

I highly recommend booking the early morning tour that starts around 7:30 or 7:45 AM. You’ll beat the crowds and get a head start on your day.

If you opt to book a self-guided ticket, then try to get the earliest entry time – 8:00 AM. Otherwise, you can head to St. Peter’s Basilica first and then head to the Vatican afterwards – around 9:30/10:00 AM.

Tickets: A full price ticket which includes the Vatican Museums and The Sistine Chapel costs €20. Children 7-18 years old can get a ticket at a reduced fee of €8. There are also add-ons available to your ticket purchase including an audio guide for €7. Note that all tickets are timed and no re-entry is allowed. 

Book your fast track tickets in advance online to avoid the long wait times. I’ve heard that crowds are more manageable if you visit later in the afternoon instead of first thing in the morning.

For further information about the museums, opening hours, and to book your tickets direct, check the Vatican Museums official website.

Dress code: Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, or you won’t be allowed inside. The Vatican has a strict dress code, which means shoulders must be covered (no sleeveless tops or dresses), no shorts or skirts above the knee, and no flip-flops or beachwear. You can read through the official dress code here.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and took 120 years to build. The impressive dome was designed by Michelangelo, and renowned pieces like Bernini’s Baldacchino and Michelangelo’s Pieta are housed inside.

Admission to the basilica is free.

Papal Audience: If you hope to see the Pope, papal audiences are held in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday mornings, starting around 9:00 AM. For a good seat and view, arrive early. Note that the square and basilica are closed to regular visits on Wednesday mornings for this event. For more details, check the Vatican’s official site.

Dome: For one of the best views in Rome, climbing the cupola, or dome, is highly recommended. To get here, wait in line to enter the basilica and then follow signs to the cupola. You can either:

• Take the elevator + stairs combo (€10) – This lets you skip part of the climb and only have to climb 320 steps.
• Climb all the stairs (€8) – A more budget-friendly option but more strenuous (551 steps!).

I think the extra €2 for the elevator is worth it.

Lunch

Plan for a quick lunch today. If you’re craving Roman-style pizza, head to L’Archetto – their pizza is great, and the service was surprisingly fast (at least for us!).

If you’d rather grab something on the go, search “Pizza al taglio” on Google to find a nearby pizza-by-the-slice shop. Sprizza is a solid option.

Borghese Gallery

Make your way across Rome to the Borghese Gallery. You will need to take a metro to get here. The closest station to Vatican City is Ottaviano. Find the best route using Google Maps.

Located in the Villa Borghese Gardens on Pincian Hill, the Borghese Gallery is one of Rome’s must-see museums. The villa itself a piece of art, with gorgeous frescoes painted all over the walls and ceilings.

The museum features many sculptural masterpieces by Bernini and artworks by renowned Italian artists, such as Raphael, Titian, and Giovanni Bellini.

The highlight for me is Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne, a beautiful sculpture that left me completely awestruck. It captures the moment Daphne transforms from a nymph into a laurel tree.

Visits are timed and are limited to just 2 hours. You must arrive 30 minutes before your time slot, so you have plenty of time to check your bags and grab your tickets.

Tour: If you’re debating between a guided or self-guided tour, go for the guided option. I recently took a guided tour here, and it was one of my favorite museum experiences. The detailed explanations of the sculptures added so much to the visit.

Tickets: A full price ticket to the museum is €13, discounted tickets at just €2 are available for anyone ages 18 – 25 and entrance is free for all visitors under 18. Book tickets online at the official website several weeks before your visit.

Pincian Hill & Piazza del Popolo

From the Borghese Gallery, take a leisurely walk through the Borghese Gardens to Terrazza del Pincio, a scenic overlook with a great view of Piazza del Popolo.

From there, follow Viale della Trinità dei Monti until you reach the top of the Spanish Steps.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps have long been a meeting point for both locals and visitors, and from the top, you’ll get a lovely view overlooking the Piazza di Spagna.

Important Note: Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited, and if caught, you could face a fine of up to €400

Wander & Shop

There are a lot of high-end designer stores like Dior and Prada around the Spanish Steps, but you’ll also find some wonderful local boutiques worth exploring.

One of my favorites is Schostal Originals, a chic pajama shop with the friendliest owner. The last time I visited, we ended up chatting for two hours – it’s that kind of place!

Dinner

For dinner, I recommend Rocco Ristorante or Da Gina Al Parlamento. Both are great options and reservations are a must.

For more options, check out my Rome Restaurant Guide.

2-Day Rome Itinerary Overview

Day 1

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Capitoline Hill
• Jewish Quarter
• Lunch
• Trastevere
• Piazza Navona
• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Dinner

Day 2

• Vatican Museums
• St. Peter’s basilica
• Lunch
• Borghese Gallery
• Pincian Hill
• Spanish Steps
• Wander & Shop
• Dinner

Getting Around Rome

Overall, Rome is a very walkable city and many of the attractions are within walking distance. However, I often use the metro to get to places like the Colosseum and Vatican City that are just far enough away from the center. The metro is easy to use and affordable – just beware of pickpockets.

I suggest buying a 48-hour transportation pass, which gives you unlimited access to buses, trams, and the metro for the day. If you’re only planning to use the metro a couple of times, you can simply tap your credit card or use Apple Pay at the turnstiles instead of buying a physical ticket.

• Single Ride Ticket: €1.50 (valid for 100 minutes, including transfers)
• 48-Hour Pass: €12.50 (unlimited rides for 2 days)
• Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased at any metro station.

For taxis, download this taxi app to easily book rides across the city.

Best Time to Visit Rome

If you’re looking for nice weather and the al fresco dining experience, then spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Rome. I particularly love Rome in late October when it’s still warm yet not nearly as crowded as summer.

I’ve also visited in early spring, around the end of March, which is another beautiful time to go without the crowds, though you do risk rainy weather.

January and February are the city’s quietest and chilliest months, but a great time to go to avoid the crowds!

Overall, April, May, October, and November are the best months for a trip. Check out my seasonal guide to Rome for more information.

Where to Stay in Rome

With just 2 days in Rome, I recommend booking a hotel or accommodation in the historic center, particularly near Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori.

Here are a few options:

• Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Talia
• Boutique Hotel: Boutique Hotel Atelier ‘800
• Mid-Range: Palazzo Olivia & 59 Steps Trevi
• Apartment: The Old Town Inn

How to get to Rome

By Train

Already traveling in Italy? The best way to get to Rome is by train. The city’s main station is called Roma Termini. From this station, you can catch the metro or a taxi to your accommodation.

A few train tips:

• Book your tickets on Trenitalia.com, the official train site.
• High-speed trains (like Frecciarossa or Italo) should be booked at least three weeks in advance for the best prices.
• Local trains are more flexible and can typically be purchased on the day of travel for the same price.

Popular train routes:

• Venice to Rome: ~4-4.5 hours via high-speed train.
• Milan to Rome: ~3-3.5 hours via high-speed train.
• Florence to Rome: ~1.5 hours via high-speed train.
• Naples to Rome: ~1 hour via high-speed train.
• Bari to Rome: ~ 4 hours via high-speed train

By Plane

Rome has two main airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). To get from the airport to the city center, you have a few options.

Fiumicino Airport

FCO is Rome’s primary airport, where you’ll likely land if you’re arriving by air.

• Taxi from FCO: A taxi ride from FCO to Rome’s center takes between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. As of 2025, there is a €55 flat rate for taxis to the historic center. Do note that rates may vary depending on your exact destination within the city.
• Train from FCO: The Leonardo Express offers a convenient direct train service from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Termini Station. The journey takes just 32 minutes and costs €14 each way. Trains depart every 15 minutes.

Ciampino Airport

• Taxi from CIA: Taxi to the center of Rome costs around €31 euros from CIA airport to the city center.
• Bus from CIA: From Ciampino Airport, you can catch an airport bus that departs every 1-2 hours. The journey to the city center takes about 35 minutes. The cost is €6 for a one-way ticket or €11 for a round trip

By Car

Do not rent a car in Rome. Although I’ve driven all over Italy, including Sicily, navigating Rome by car is a whole different challenge. The parking situation is chaotic, and the driving behavior is reckless. It often seems as though traffic rules are merely suggestions, plus the roads are narrow.

From personal experience, save yourself the stress and consider renting a car only after you’ve finished exploring Rome.

On one of my trips, we stayed outside the city and attempted to drive into Rome for the day, which I also do not recommend. However, if you do this, you can park at a train station on the outskirts and then either take a bus or local train into the center. This is my best advice if you do have a car.

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