The Perfect One Day in Rome Itinerary: See The Highlights

_{Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission on every purchase made at no extra cost to you.}

You only have one day in Rome. Can you see the whole city in a day? Not quite – but you can still experience many of its incredible sights.

If you can, I always recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Rome. However, I know sometimes time is limited, and if one day is all you have, I want to make sure you make the most of it.

This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors and covers the city’s main highlights – The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. I’ve also included an optional itinerary for those who want to visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, as they require a bit of extra time.

I’ve also added a few of my favorite restaurants, a top-notch gelato shop, and a couple of hidden gems along the way.

This is a packed itinerary, so be ready for an early start and plenty of walking.

Tips to Help Plan Your Day

With only one day in Rome, careful planning is essential to make the most of your time. As one of the most visited cities in Europe, Rome attracts millions of visitors each year – and most of them have the same must-see attractions on their list. It’s important to plan ahead.

Book in Advance: To maximize your time, reserve tickets for the Colosseum and Roman Forum in advance. The lines for same-day tickets can be long, and with only one day in Rome, you don’t have time to wait. It’s also a good idea to book a restaurant for dinner ahead of time, especially if you have a specific place in mind.

Get Started Early: An early start is key to making the most of your day. The Colosseum opens at 8:30 AM, so book the earliest time slot or tour available. This will give you more time to explore at a relaxed pace rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.

Itinerary Changes: I haven’t included the Vatican Museums in this itinerary because they require a significant amount of time to visit. However, if seeing the Sistine Chapel is a top priority, it is possible to fit both the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum into your day. To help with this, I’ve put together an alternative itinerary that includes the Vatican Museums. You can find it [here].

Double-Check Opening Hours: Before finalizing your itinerary, make sure everything you want to visit is open. If you’re planning to see the Vatican Museums, avoid Sundays, as they are closed that day (except for the last Sunday of the month). St. Peter’s Basilica is also closed on Wednesday mornings due to the Papal audience.

One Day in Rome Itinerary

Colosseum

Begin your morning at Rome’s 2,000-year-old amphitheater. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum could hold more than 50,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and grand spectacles.

You have two main options for your visit to the Colosseum:

Self-Guided Visit: With this option, you can explore at your own pace and book an early 8:30 AM entry time.
Guided Tour: A fantastic way to learn more about the Colosseum’s history and incredible stories behind its walls. Tours typically start around 9:00 or 9:30 AM. I highly recommend booking a guided tour like this one through the official site.

You can also book one of these tours that also takes you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, a great option to see it all in a day.

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.

Tickets: Get your tickets well in advance. Do not risk buying them on the day of your visit, as you’ll likely be stuck in a line for an hour or more. Purchase online at the official website or from Tiqets. Basic tickets cost €18 and include access to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. For €24, you can also get access to the underground levels of the Colosseum.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, religious, and social heart of ancient Rome for over a thousand years. From the Colosseum, follow the Via Sacra, the main road that once led Romans through this busy center.

This historic area was once filled with grand temples, basilicas, and arches, visited by everyone from emperors and senators to merchants and common citizens.

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. Walking through the Forum gives you a real sense of the scale and significance of ancient Rome.

To visit, you can opt for a self-guided tour or choose a combined Colosseum & Roman Forum guided tour:

Tickets: Get your tickets well in advance. Do not risk buying them on the day of your visit, as you’ll likely be stuck in a line for an hour or more. Purchase online at the official website or from Tiqets. Basic tickets cost €18 and include access to Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. For €24, you can also get access to the underground levels of the Colosseum and a few other sites.

Capitoline Hill

Overlooking the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. In ancient times, it was the center of government and home to several grand temples, some dating back to the 5th century BC.

At the top of the hill, you’ll find Piazza del Campidoglio, a beautifully designed square by Michelangelo. If you walk past the piazza to the very back, you’ll discover two balconies offering stunning views of the Roman Forum – 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.

Read more: 30 Best Things to do in Rome

Pantheon

From Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the Pantheon. You can also take a bus, which saves about five minutes overall. Use Google Maps to find the best route.

The Pantheon is one of the most well-preserved and awe-inspiring buildings from ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple dedicated to all gods, it was later converted into a Christian church in 609 AD,

Its 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.

Piazza Navona

Just a 4-minute walk from the Pantheon, Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most picturesque squares, lined with charming cafés, shops, 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 stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini in the 1600s.

Tip: This is a great spot to stop for an overpriced cocktail, but skip the food, there are much better (and less touristy) options in Rome.

Lunch & Gelato

For lunch, I recommend keeping it simple and quick! Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) is a fantastic option for an easy, delicious meal. Here are a few great spots near Piazza Navona:

Forno Campo de’ Fiori – If I had to pick just one place for lunch, this would be it. Located in the lively Campo de’ Fiori market square, this bakery serves some of the best pizza al taglio in Rome. Just across the street, they also have a shop selling freshly made sandwiches.

Antico Forno Roscioli – Another excellent choice for traditional Roman pizza by the slice, known for its crispy crust and high-quality ingredients.

MAMI – A solid option for pizza, though it would be my last choice of the three.

By this time of day, I usually start craving gelato, and luckily, you’re just a short walk from one of my favorite gelato shops in Rome – Gelateria del Teatro. I love their flavor combinations. Try something a bit different here like pear and cheese or raspberry and sage.

Trevi Fountain

From Piazza Navona, it’s about a 13–15 minute walk to the Trevi Fountain.

Built in the 18th century, this is the largest fountain in Rome and a must-see attraction. And, of course, 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 water can feel like an impossible task. The area is 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.

Galleria Sciarra

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.

Originally intended to be a shopping mall, the project was never fully realized, and today, the building serves as an office space. While you can’t go inside, the open-air courtyard is absolutely worth a quick stop to admire the beautiful artwork.

Spanish Steps

From the Trevi Fountain, take a scenic 10-minute walk through Rome’s charming streets to the Spanish Steps – one of the most famous staircases in the world.

The Spanish Steps rise from Piazza di Spagna and lead up to Trinità dei Monti, a beautiful 16th-century church with two bell towers. The steps have long been a meeting point for both locals and visitors, and from the top, you’ll get a lovely view overlooking Piazza di Spagna.

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

Vatican City

From the Spanish Steps, take Metro Line A from Spagna to Ottaviano, then walk about 13-15 minutes to St. Peter’s Square. Once you arrive, you’ll need to go through a security check before entering Vatican City.

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

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, and it’s well worth the visit. As the largest church in the world, it took 120 years to complete. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s dome, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the breathtaking Pietà sculpture.

Climbing the Dome (Cupola)

If you’d like to climb to the top of the dome for incredible panoramic views of Vatican City, follow the signs pointing toward the “Cupola.” You can either:

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

However, keep in mind that the dome closes earlier than the basilica, so you may not have time to do this. If it fits into your schedule, it’s absolutely worth it!

Expect long lines to enter the basilica and to climb the dome, especially during peak season.

Opening Hours: For the latest opening hours and visitor information, check the official Vatican website before your visit.

Dinner

From Vatican City, you can take the bus or metro back to central Rome, but if you still have the energy, I recommend walking. Take the scenic route past Castel Sant’Angelo and cross the St. Angelo Bridge over the Tiber River. Rome is especially magical at dusk, and walking through its streets in the evening is an experience in itself.

You can’t leave Rome without trying one (or all!) of the city’s classic pasta dishes:

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

Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Rome:

La Matriciana – One of the best restaurants in Rome. It combines old world charm with typical Roman cuisine. Order the Amatriciana – savory, hearty, and memorable. We also enjoyed the Tonnato and a seasonal mushroom pasta dish, which was our favorite dish of the three. Don’t skip dessert. Website / Location
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina –This restaurant is extremely popular, so be sure to reserve a table weeks in advance, especially during the high season. Their menu features very traditional but excellent dishes. I recommend trying the cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and meatballs. Website / Location
Da Gina al Parlamento – We decided to try this place last minute, arriving right at opening time in hopes of snagging a table without a reservation. We got lucky and were the last walk-ins to get one. Hidden away on a small street in the heart of Rome, this meal turned out to be one of our favorites. The pasta dishes were excellent, but the real star was the Pollo Alla Romana – a flavorful chicken dish stewed with peppers and olives. Absolutely delicious. Location

For more restaurant recommendations, check out my Rome Restaurant Guide.

Rome Itinerary Overview

Colosseum & Roman Forum
Capitoline Hill (Optional)
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Lunch
Trevi Fountain
Galliera Sciarra (Optional)
Spanish Steps
Vatican City
Dinner

Alternate Itinerary: Vatican Museums

If visiting the Vatican Museums is a top priority, then you’ll need to rearrange this itinerary to fit everything into one day. The best strategy is to start your day at the Vatican Museums and book an early morning group tour or private tour starts around 7:30 AM.

Here’s an itinerary overview:

Early morning Vatican Museums
St. Peter’s Basilica
Lunch
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
Dinner

Getting Around Rome

Overall, Rome is a very walkable city and many of the attractions are within walking distance. Most likely, you’ll need to use public transportation at least a few times throughout the day, especially to get to/from the train station, your accommodation (if staying outside the center), and Vatican City. If you need a break from walking, the bus sytem is also a great option.

I suggest buying a 24-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)
24-Hour Pass: €7 (unlimited rides for one day)
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

Rome is always busy. January and February are the city’s quietest months, which is great if you don’t mind bundling up!

However, 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.

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 one day 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.