I was actually so pleasantly surprised by Rome, I had heard such mixed reviews from friends and family about the city being dirty or hard to navigate. I mostly had heard it’s a place you should maybe spend a day and then move on.
Now that I’ve actually been there, I would say two days isn’t enough, but below I’ll provide you with a guide to conquer the city and all of its beauty in 2 days.
I've been to Rome now twice, and this is a solid list of the places you should see when you are in Rome, some of them are more than Instagram worthy as well. The list I have can be done in 24 hours, but probably if you don't sleep within those hours. I would recommend splitting it up by a half-day PM, and half-day morning, or just a full 2 days!
The city of Rome is divided in 2 ways, 1st, by the river; it gives you an easy access point of reference when you're walking near the river and divides the historic (tourist) area from Trastevere (eating and still tourist area). The other way the city is divided is by the Vatican area, and by the Colosseum/Roman Forum area. I suggest doing one on one day, and the other the next.
Here is a map that has all of the locations you'll need to know!
A few things you should know about Rome to start
Planning is actually really important. Simply because of the sheer volume of people who visit every day, it’s super important to book tickets and tours in advance to avoid waiting in lines. It’s no fun wasting half of a day in a line when you only have two days to begin with.
You’re going to walk a lot. Rome does have public transport and I took full advantage of the metro and train systems while I was there, but I still walked about 8 miles (15km) every day while I was there, but hey, it’s one way to help burn off all of the incredible pasta you’ll be eating anyways.
1. The Colosseum, DUH.
So, the suggestion would be to start in the morning at the Colosseum. I know, this is an obvious one but I had to say it. Although, to me, there are more fully built, and maybe better-done colosseums, like the one in Verona, this one is "the iconic one" so I guess you should put it on your list.
Prepare for 2 things, 1, chaos, 2, heat. Both are inevitable unless you go maybe in December or January, then you will only have chaos, but maybe less heat.
You can get tickets here:
2. Roman Forum
TIckets to the Roman Forum are usually included in the price for the tickets to the colosseum, so buy them in that order to avoid waiting in multiple lines, its easier to go backwards this way, anyways.
The Roman Forum is HUGE, you could probably spend an entire day here exploring all there is to see. My suggestion is, when you enter from the back entrance, by the colosseum to head BACK right, towards the colosseum, you will get maybe the best view for pictures from here.
After you exit, head to your left towards the
Tickets: https://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm
FULL € 12,00
REDUCED € 2,00 EU members between 18 and 25 years old
TICKET ON-LINE reservation fee € 2.00
After, I would wander back and head left and up. This area is my favorite, it has the gardens, fountains and the BEST views.
Wander around and head away from the colloseum, when youre done exploring, there is an exit on the right hand side that drops you in the perfect spot to listen to some music as you walk towards:
3. Romulus & Remus Statue, Piazza del Campidoglio, Ascensore Panoramico (Scenic Staircase), & The Altar of the Fatherland.
These 4 things kind of belong together, but are all worth seeing. Once you exit the forum youll take a left and walk behind the gigantic white building, UP a hill (i know, im sorry). Make sure you have water!
Then youll be able to also see an awesome view of the Roman Forum (again) and see so much more! You'll see the tiny statue of Romulus and Remus and the wolf on your left as you enter the Piazza, walking down will take you to the stairs, and on your right will be the altar of the fatherland which Im convinced was made by aliens.
It is actually one of the newest buildings in Rome, learn more about it here :https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/a-history-of-the-altare-della-patria-in-60-seconds/ (thank you Culture Trip!)
4. The Pantheon!
The Pantheon is a straight shot ahead, you have to que in line to get in, if I remember right it's free to get in! ALSO, you will never run into a shortage of souvenir vendors or restaurants, so anytime you want, stop for either.
5. Piazza Navona
This is kind of out of the way on your left, but worth the jog over, if you cut something out, it could be this, although, it is quite pretty.
6. Trevi Fountain
Now you can cross back over to your right and head over to the Trevi Fountain. Prepare yourself for crowds. The only way to avoid the crowds would be to visit EARLY in the morning, or later in the evening. Our walking plan includes it now, but feel free to modify if you would like to see this marvel with less humans in the way.
7.Piazza Di Spagna (Spanish Steps)
Our last and final stop for the day is the Spanish steps. These are beautiful, and if you climb all the way up and go to the church, you might get some cool shots for sunset. Feel free to have dinner AND THEN GO TO YOUR HOTEL AND SLEEP BECAUSE YOU WILL BE SO TIRED I PROMISE.
Day 2
1. The Vatican & The Sistine Chapel
This you will need to book tickets to a while in advance if you haven't already sometimes you can through third party websites if they are sold out on their own website.
My friend and I bought the breakfast at the Sistine Chapel, and then we realized that my train wouldn't get in until after the breakfast sooooo, we got to skip the line but I would recommend that idea to others! It seemed like it would be charming and for sure a less crowded time of day!
Full price ticket: Euro 17,00. Reduced ticket: Euro 8,00. Every ticket reserved online has a reservation fee of Euro 4,00. Audioguide (optional): Euro 7,00. Audioguide for children between 6 and 12 years old: Euro 5,00
REMEMBER: You have to wear clothing that covers your knees and your shoulders, which is TRICKY because it's hot and you'll probably be melting. I would suggest kapris this day, and then just tossing a light whatever that you can throw over your shoulders to keep the holy space holy, OK people!?
2. St. Peter's Basilica & Piazza
You will automatically be funneled into this on your way out of the Sistine Chapel, it is for sure worth a look, or two ;).
Enjoy your views, take some walks around and then you can head to my favorite place:
3. Trastevere
Admittedly, this place is better at night, so if you have a night, go here. If you don't I'm sure it would be equally as cute to wander around during an afternoon. You'll find a lot of restaurants, cute shops, and GELATO too!
So, that's all folks! I hope this was insightful! I'm super happy to answer any questions you have about Rome, or this itinerary etc.
I hope you enjoy your time in Rome, the eternal city! It was such a joy for me to wander around and be pleasantly surprised by every corner I turned. It's hard to go wrong and I'm positive you could spend a lifetime exploring it all. For now, tackle this list and let me know how it goes!
Cheers,
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