Rome is the destination of a lifetime. It has everything you could ever want: history, art, culture, fashion, food, gelato (because yes, gelato is its own reason to visit Rome). This city has something for everyone. You could easily spend a lifetime getting to know all of Rome’s quaint alleys and colorful streets, but sadly, most of us have only a limited time to visit, and I believe you can hit most of Rome’s main highlights in two days (though, by all means, please spend more time there if you can!)
This last visit to Rome was actually my second time there. I went once in 2016 over my Easter break while studying abroad in the UK. (I actually got to go see the Pope give his Easter Monday address at Vatican City, which was a super cool experience!) I immediately fell in love with the city, and with Italy in general, and couldn’t wait to revisit. I have a feeling that Italy is a country I will go back to again and again and again.
My most recent trip (in May, 2022) was special because this time, I got to bring Ben with me. My husband had never been to Italy before, and it was really special to get to share a place that I love with a person I love (although I’m pretty sure he got tire of me saying, “The last time I was here…” every time we went anywhere I had been before).
Day One: Central Rome
I’d suggest spending your first day in Rome exploring the downtown area. This is where you’ll see all the historic sites that make Rome famous, plus all the little streets are so wonderful and pretty!
The Trevi Fountain
With only two days in Rome, you’ll want to get an early start, especially if you are visiting in the summer because it can get really hot really fast. We got up bright and early our first morning in Rome to make our way to the Trevi Fountain at around 7:00 a.m. There were already several people hanging around the fountain, but we were able to get some great photos of this iconic spot without the crowds. We just happened to walk past the Trevi Fountain a little later in the day, and there were so many people, you could hardly even walk, so this is definitely something you want to do early in the morning.
Tradition says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you’ll return to Rome some day, so make sure to toss a euro into the water. Don’t worry, all the money is collected and given to charity. (Around 3,000 euros a day in case you were wondering!) Plus, anyone born in the 90s knows you have to have your Lizzie McGuire moment in front of the fountain.
The Roman Forum
From the Trevi Fountain, we walked to the Roman Forum/ Colosseum area to take some photos and eat a little breakfast. Then we went into the Roman Forum as soon as it opened.
So, here’s my strategy for the Roman Forum/ Colosseum. Both sites are included on the same ticket and are right next to each other. Most visitors do the Colosseum first and the Forum after, but I suggest doing the Forum first. The Colosseum will be crowded no matter what time of day you visit, but if you do the Roman Forum first thing in the morning, it will be way less busy.
The Roman Forum might just be my favorite site in Rome. It is so beautiful, and the history is so interesting. There are layers of ruins all on top of each other, and if you take your time to explore all the quiet corners, you’ll really see a lot. This was the center of life in ancient Rome, and has been a significant landmark ever since. Make sure to make your way up to Palatine Hill at some point for some seriously incredible views!
The Colosseum
Once you’ve had your fill of the Roman Forum (as if you could ever have enough), it’s time to head to the Colosseum. Most people already know that this enormous arena once hosted gladiator fights, where men, animals, and even ships would fight to the death. (Really, they would sometimes flood the arena and have naval battles!) You can get a special ticket that lets you go down to the underground tunnels and see the Colosseum from the gladiator’s point of view, but honestly, you get a really great view with the normal tickets, so I don’t know if it’s really worth it.
Once you get through the security line, you’ll follow a series of exhibits through the interior of the Colosseum. Don’t skip over these! There’s some fascinating information and several artifacts that have been uncovered during archeological excavations of the site. From there, you’ll enter the arena itself and walk along its perimeter. The Colosseum is pretty much always crowded, but no matter what, you’ll get great views and get to step inside a piece of history. Plus, come on, you’re in Rome. You aren’t going to miss this.
I highly suggest booking your ticket to the Roman Forum and Colosseum online ahead of your trip. You can enter the Forum at any time, but will have a timed entry for the Colosseum. This will save you waiting in the notoriously long lines.
The Pantheon
Next stop: the Pantheon. The Pantheon was once a Roman temple, but was later converted into a church, and is famous for the domed ceiling that has a big hole at the top, so it is exposed to the elements. One thing that’s great about this spot is that entrance is free! So definitely stop by, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Piazza Navonna
Often considered the prettiest square in the city, Piazza Navonna is famous for its spectacular fountains and the quintessentially Roman architecture that surrounds the square. We actually picked up some take-away food nearby, and came here for a little picnic on a park bench.
The Spanish Steps
To be honest, I’m not really sure why the Spanish Steps are so famous. I bet if you came here early in the morning, it would make for a nice photo spot, but when we visited, it was really crowded and hot, so we didn’t stay long. I think that people used to like coming to the Spanish steps to sit and chat and people watch, but in recent years, sitting on the steps was made illegal with a 250 euro fine! So keep on your feet.
Day Two: Vatican City and Trastevere
Spend day two seeing another side of Rome and another country, Vatican City. Vatican City is an independent city state within Rome, and is the smallest country in the world. It is famous as the home of the pope and of Catholicism itself (as I’m sure you already know.)
St. Peter’s Basilica
Start your day bright and early once again with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. This is arguably the most significant Catholic church in the world, and to say it is stunning is an understatement. There is something incredible to look at in every square inch of that church, let me tell you. The church was originally built up around the relics of St. Peter, but even if you are not religious, you have to make a stop here.
The Vatican Museums
Right around the corner from the Basilica are the Vatican Museums. Buy your timed entry ticket online ahead of time because they do sell out, and it would be tragic to miss this museum. Many visitors run straight to the Sistine Chapel, but don’t be one of them! This museum is huge, and you could easily spend an entire day here. I particularly enjoyed the Egyptian exhibit and the Gallery of Maps. Plus, of course, you can’t miss the Sistine Chapel. I remember the first time I visited Rome, I wasn’t expecting much from the Sistine Chapel. I was prepared to be underwhelmed. I could not have been more wrong! All I can say is that this place is famous for a reason, and it will blow your mind!
Castel Sant’Angelo
Ben and I actually ran out of time and had to skip the Castel Sant’Angelo on this most recent visit to Rome. But I got to go in 2016 and highly recommend it if you get the chance. It was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, and has since been used as a castle, a fortress, and now a museum. My favorite thing about the fortress, though, is that it offers unparalleled bird’s eye views of the Vatican.
Trastevere
This picturesque neighborhood is a great area to get lost in. Quaint shops and restaurants line the winding streets, plus the food! Oh my goodness. All food in Rome is good, but I have never eaten a bad meal in Trastevere. And when you need to walk off all that pasta, hike up to Belvedere del Gianicolo for truly incredible views of the city.
What to Eat in Rome
I couldn’t write a blog post about Rome without mentioning the food. It’s one of my favorite things about Italy! But since I’m not really a food writer, and definitely not a food photographer, I’ll just list my top favorites. The best pasta we had was at Tonnarello in Trastevere. Get the carbonara. It will change your life. For pizza, I recommend Pizzeria Dar Poeta, also in Trastevere. We had some of the best cocktails of our lives at Salotto42, although you should make a reservation because they only have a few tables, and it can get busy. And most importantly: gelato. You should eat gelato at least once a day (and preferably more) the whole time you are in Italy. In Rome, I recommend La Strega Nocciola near the Spanish Steps or Come Il Latte. I came to this gelato shop in 2016 after meeting a girl from Wisconsin who tried the gelato here, and liked it so much that she dropped everything and moved to Italy to go to gelato university (yes, that’s a thing). This gelato is literally life changing!
Well, that’s it for my two-day guide to Rome. Even after a second trip, I still don’t feel like I have seen enough of this city and know that I will be back some day. It truly is one of my favorite cities in the world!
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