Planning your first visit to Rome can be an overwhelming undertaking. From ancient ruins and gorgeous piazzas to iconic fountains and some of Italy’s best food. It’s no wonder that Rome attracts over 7 million people each year and has remained a European favorite for centuries.
The great news? You don't need a week to explore the eternal city! You can experience Rome's best sites in two days with a smart, walking-tour-style Rome itinerary and things to do in Rome. Here's how to cover the top sights and activities, from the Colosseum to Trastevere.
Rome is one of the most walkable cities in all of Europe. Many major sites are within walking distance from each other, specifically within Rome's historical center. The advantages of walking in Rome are clear—it allows you to truly absorb the city: notice the tiny hidden alleyways, smell fresh coffee, and hear the strumming of guitars while the light changes and the architecture takes on a whole new look as you turn each corner. A self-guided Rome tour is a walking tour that also offers flexibility. It allows you to stop for extra-long breaks inside churches, have gelato whenever you want, and explore piazzas for hours on end, all without being confined to a group schedule.
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No Rome trip would be complete without stopping at the iconic Colosseum. Nearly 2,000 years old, this incredible structure once fit over 50,000 spectators for all sorts of events, most famously gladiator battles. Visit the Colosseum before 9 am to beat some of the lines, and purchase your skip-the-line ticket in advance if possible, as it can save you a full hour during peak season!
From the Colosseum, you’ll find the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, ruins that will give you insight into daily Roman life and are often thought to be the most significant archaeological site in all of Rome.
From the Forum, you'll then begin to walk towards Piazza Venezia, dominated by its striking monument, Altare della Patria. Although many visitors disagree about the monument's aesthetic appeal, the rooftop view offers an unforgettable vantage point over Rome. Stop at a café in the area for a quick break before you carry on your Rome itinerary.
It is, of course, impossible to have an Italy-Rome tour without tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous in all of the world. An estimated 1.5 million coins end up in this fountain each year, according to the city of Rome, and legends say that throwing one coin into the fountain guarantees a return trip. Visit the fountain late at night or early in the morning to see it without the crowds and enjoy a more romantic view.
As sunset begins to fall and the city lights sparkle, you'll want to make your way toward the Spanish Steps, which make for the perfect spot for an evening stroll and people-watching. Lined with high-end boutiques, local coffee shops, and gelato stands, it's also the perfect place to settle down for a traditional Italian dinner. The most popular dishes to try at any Italian restaurant around the Spanish Steps include cacio e pepe, carbonara, and saltimbocca alla Romana. Meals for two people at a mid-range Roman restaurant range between 45 and 70 Euros.
The Vatican Museums attract 5 million tourists each year, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. To beat the queues, get there early! Here you'll find the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and countless ancient sculptures and Renaissance artworks. The Vatican museums themselves are quite the sight, though you will want to be sure to allow plenty of time in the Sistine Chapel, which many visitors consider truly breathtaking, even if art is not one of their interests.
Outside the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica holds one of the most important titles of any religious institution in the world. Entry to St. Peter's Basilica is free, but be prepared to stand in line during peak times. You'll want to climb to the top of the dome if you can for 360-degree views of Rome; you'll agree it makes the itinerary and Rome itself unforgettable.
After Vatican City, you'll want to slow the afternoon pace down with a relaxing walk along the Tiber River. Here, the atmosphere is peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of touristy sites, and leads toward Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress that once housed a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, one of the most picturesque buildings in Rome.
The lively piazza in Rome is full of fountains, talented artists, outdoor cafés, and street musicians, giving it a different feel compared to the historic heart of Ancient Rome. A stone's throw away is the Pantheon, a remarkably well-preserved Roman building that is one of the most stunning feats of architecture in the world. Travelers find this area embodies the real spirit of Rome, as it successfully combines its ancient history with contemporary culture.
This is the perfect place to find authentic, low-key, and classic Roman food during your last evening in Rome. Trastevere offers charming, narrow cobblestone streets; outdoor seating at most restaurants; and beautiful lighting, creating a special atmosphere for your last Italian evening. Must-try dishes in Trastevere include suppli, Roman-style pizza, and Amatriciana pasta. It is these hidden local neighborhoods, just like Trastevere, that make the Rome travel itinerary so immersive; you’ll feel like a local traveler instead of an ordinary tourist on your journey through the Italy-Rome itinerary.
Budget traveler: 150-220 Euros
Mid-range traveler: 300-500 Euros
Luxury traveler: 800+ Euros
This includes transport, food, and site entries. Public transport in Rome is fairly inexpensive, with a 48-hour transit card costing about 12.50 Euros.
Rome is one of the few places in the world where history, food, culture, and everyday life intertwine beautifully to create an unforgettable experience. In 48 hours, you'll be walking the streets where gladiators once fought, exploring architectural masterpieces dating back thousands of years, throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain, and indulging in fresh, local dishes at charming Roman restaurants under string lights. You can also visit platforms like leisure.com for better assistance during your holiday, from flights to hotels to everything.
This Rome sightseeing itinerary offers a taste of the city without rushing through the sights. Every place you visit provides a different element of Rome's personality and offers a glimpse into its soul. Rome offers so much to see and do that no trip is ever enough, so there is always a reason to return to the Eternal City!
Yes, for major attractions and highlights. You will have plenty of time to explore Ancient Rome, the Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Within 2 days, you can take a relaxed-paced tour to see the most impressive sights of Rome.
Spring and early autumn are generally considered ideal. April, May, September, and October boast mild temperatures perfect for exploring. Summers (June-August) tend to be hot and crowded, and winters are colder.
Rome is a quite safe destination to travel, especially when it comes to tourist sites. Theft, such as pickpocketing, is a common risk at train stations, on public transportation, and at crowded tourist sites. Having your belongings kept safe and being attentive to your surroundings should make your travels to this ancient city enjoyable.
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