With 2 days in Rome, you have just enough time to visit the city’s biggest sights, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon.
This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without wasting time crisscrossing the city. Day 1 focuses on Ancient Rome and the historic center, while Day 2 takes you to Vatican City, with several options for the afternoon and evening.
Two days in Rome will be busy, but with advance planning and timed entry tickets, you can see an impressive amount of the city.
Our Experiences in Rome: We have visited Rome twice. Our first visit was a 3-day trip in July with our kids and the start of our 13-month trip around the world. A few years later, Tim and I returned for four more days, revisiting many of Rome’s major sights so we could create detailed guides to places such as the Colosseum and Vatican City. We also used that trip to explore more of the city, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and enjoy aperitivos at rooftop bars. This 2-day itinerary combines what we learned from both visits into an efficient plan for seeing Rome’s highlights.
2 Days in Rome: The Essentials
TIME NEEDED | 2 full days
DAY 1 | Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, historic center, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona
DAY 2 | Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, plus the Borghese Gallery or more time exploring Rome
BOOK IN ADVANCE | Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Borghese Gallery
BEST FOR | First-time visitors who want to see Rome’s major sights
EXPECT | Two busy days with lots of walking
September 2026 Update: We refreshed this 2-day Rome itinerary with updated ticket and reservation information for the Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Borghese Gallery, plus a new strategy for visiting Vatican City with fewer crowds. We also streamlined the itinerary based on what we learned from our two visits to Rome.
How Many Days Do You Need in Rome?
For a first visit to Rome, 3 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to see the major sights without packing every day from morning to night.
With 2 days in Rome, you can still see the essentials, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. It will be a busy visit, and advance reservations are important, but it works well if Rome is one stop on a longer trip through Italy.
With 3 days, you can slow the pace and add additional churches and viewpoints, or more time simply wandering through Rome’s historic center. With 3 days, Rome starts to feel less like a race and starts to feel more enjoyable. That 3rd day on our first trip gave us time to bike the Appian Way, Tyler and Kara’s favorite experience in Rome.
If you have 4 or more days, you can explore beyond the major sights, visit additional museums and neighborhoods, and build in more time for restaurants, rooftop bars, and less structured sightseeing.
If your trip length is still flexible, these itineraries can help:
- Only have one day? → Follow our One Day in Rome Itinerary for a fast-paced tour of the highlights.
- Have an extra day? → Our 3 Days in Rome Itinerary gives you more time for the city’s major sights and neighborhoods.
- Staying longer? → See our 4 Days in Rome Itinerary for a more relaxed visit with additional museums, neighborhoods, and dining experiences.
Places to Visit with 2 Days in Rome
Below are the major sights included in this 2-day Rome itinerary. If you have more time, or if you want to see the full list of museums, neighborhoods, viewpoints, churches, and other places to visit, see our guide to the best things to do in Rome. We have tons more information about Rome (and Italy) which you can see in our Italy Travel Guide.
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Spanish Steps
- Piazza Navona
- Borghese Gallery
- Trastevere
Make Your Reservations in Advance
For this 2-day Rome itinerary, advance reservations are essential. The most important tickets to book ahead are the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery.
I recommend booking these first and then planning the rest of your sightseeing around those timed entries. The Colosseum and Vatican Museums are the hardest reservations to work around if you wait too long, especially during the busier months.
For this itinerary, aim for a morning Colosseum time slot on Day 1 and an early Vatican Museums entry on Day 2. If you plan to visit the Borghese Gallery, reserve that in advance as well, since entry is timed and availability is limited.
How to Spend 2 Days in Rome
Rome Itinerary Day 1: Ancient Rome & the Historic Center
Today starts with Ancient Rome, visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. After lunch, walk through the heart of the city, visiting several of Rome’s most famous landmarks, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.
It’s a busy day, but most of the afternoon sights are clustered together and best explored on foot.
Here is an overview of the itinerary:
9:00 am: The Colosseum
10:30 am: Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
12:30 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm: Via dei Fori Imperiali
2:00 pm: Altar of the Fatherland
3:00 pm: Capitoline Hill (optional)
3:30 pm: Walk or Taxi to Piazza Navona
3:45 pm: Piazza Navona
4:15 pm: Historic Heart of Rome
6:15 pm: Aperitif and dinner
How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.
To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
9:00 am: The Colosseum
The Colosseum is the perfect starting point for a trip to Rome, especially if it is your first visit to the city. The Colosseum is one of the highlights of Rome and a marvel of ancient engineering.
Dating back to 80 AD, this is the largest amphitheater that was ever built at the time. It could hold up to 80,000 people, spectators who were drawn here to watch gladiatorial contests, executions, animal hunts, and re-enactments of famous battles. It is one of the seven New Wonders of the World.
The Colosseum
Inside the Colosseum
On a visit to the Colosseum, you can also add on the Arena Floor (stand on a portion of the floor and gaze up at the Colosseum…it’s well worth the few extra euros), the Underground (tour the maze of hallways under the Colosseum), and the Attico (the upper level).
How to Visit the Colosseum
For this itinerary, plan on spending about 1 to 1½ hours at the Colosseum. We think it is worth adding the Arena Floor. Standing on the arena gives you a very different perspective of the amphitheater and a great view into the underground chambers below. Visiting the Underground is best for those who want to thoroughly explore the Colosseum. This will cost more, add additional time, and can be harder to get a reservation than a standard entry ticket.
Reserve your ticket in advance. Colosseum tickets are timed, and the ticket options can be confusing. For this itinerary, I recommend reserving a morning entry around 9 am so you have plenty of time for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill afterward.
You can purchase tickets through the official Colosseum website, although we frequently find that the website is slow or times out, and several of our readers have reported the same problem. If you prefer to book a guided tour instead, this highly rated Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill tour on GetYourGuide is a good option. It covers all three sites in about 2½ hours and has an option to add Arena Floor access.
Hours: Hours vary by season. Click here to get hours for your dates of visit.
Cost: €18 for the standard ticket that gets you in to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum; there is also a Full Experience ticket that also includes a visit to the Colosseum arena and underground area for €24
Roma Pass: If you have the Roma Pass, you must make your reservation to visit the Colosseum in advance. There is a €2 reservation fee.
Getting Here: The closest metro stop is Colosseo. When you exit the metro station, the Colosseum will be right in front of you.
If you want to visit the Underground, compare ticket types and tours, or learn more about what to expect, read our article How to Visit the Colosseum.
Complete Guide to the Colosseum
How to plan a visit to the Colosseum: ticket types, things to do, helpful tips, and lots of photos.10:30 am: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum is the historical center of Rome. This is ancient Rome, a complex of government buildings, temples, and marketplaces from 2000 years ago. Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and it sits right next to the Roman Forum. There are several archaeological sites here and you get a nice view over the Roman Forum.
Allow about 1½ to 2 hours for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If ancient history is a major interest, you can easily spend longer, but that will shorten the afternoon portion of this itinerary.
From the Colosseum, walk up Via Sacra towards the Arch of Titus to enter the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Visit Palatine Hill first.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill sits next to the Roman Forum. It is a complex of archaeological excavations, the remains of temples and palaces, and a museum. During the time of the Roman Republic, many imperial palaces were built here, including palaces for Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian.
While on Palatine Hill, make sure you visit Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino for a bird’s eye view of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. It’s one of the best views in Rome. Here is the view:
View of the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill
Roman Forum
Notable things to see in the Roman Forum include the Via Sacra, the Temple of Venus, the Temple of Romulus (the bronze doors date back to 309 AD), the Temple of Antonius and Faustina and its “hanging door,” the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Temple of Julius Caesar.
A visit to the Roman Forum lasts 20 minutes to an hour.
12:30 pm: Lunch
For lunch we recommend La Prezzemolina. This highly rated restaurant serves Italian street food and pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) at budget-friendly prices. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in Rome.
For more restaurant recommendations, check out our Rome Restaurant Guide (it also includes some great rooftop restaurants that are perfect for dinner).
1:30 pm: Via dei Fori Imperiali
From La Prezzemolina, take a stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali. This street runs between the Roman Forum and the Forum of Augustus and the Trajan Forum. Keep an eye out for Trajan’s Column, which was erected in 113 AD.
Via Fori dei Imperiali ends at Piazza Venezia. From here, you can climb the steps on the Altar of the Fatherland for one of the best views of Rome.
2:00 pm: Altar of the Fatherland
The Altar of the Fatherland, also called Altare della Patria, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, or simply the “wedding cake,” is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Rome.
Altar of the Fatherland
This national monument was built between 1885 and 1935 to honor Victor Emmanuel II, who was the first king of unified Italy. It contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an eternal flame.
Entry to the Altar of the Fatherland is free. To ride the panoramic elevators to the upper terrace, you need a VIVE ticket, which currently costs €18 for adults and also includes access to several other sites within the Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia complex. From here, you can see all of Rome’s major landmarks, including the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.
One of the terraces on Altar of the Fatherland
We took this photo from the top of the Altar of the Fatherland
3:00 pm: Capitoline Hill (Optional)
Capitoline Hill sits next to the Altar of the Fatherland. On this hill are the Capitoline Museums (you won’t have enough time today to visit the museums) and a great viewpoint of the Roman Forum.
The reason to visit Capitoline Hill is to get this view:
This is not for everyone, since it adds more walking and more time to this itinerary. From the Altar of the Fatherland, this detour will add about 20 minutes and close to 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) of walking.
To do this, walk along Via del Teatro di Marcello. You will walk up a series of steps to get to Campidoglio, which is the square on Capitoline Hill that was designed by Michelangelo. Cross the square, walk between Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Senatorial Palace along Via del Campidoglio to Terrazza sul Foro for the viewpoint of the Roman Forum.
3:30 pm: Walk or Taxi to Piazza Navona
From Altar of the Fatherland and Piazza Venezia, it is a 15-minute walk to get to Piazza Navona. Along the way, you will pass Largo di Torre Argentina, which is an archaeological site that contains Roman Temples and it is believed Julius Caesar was assassinated at this spot. It is also a cat sanctuary.
Largo di Torre Argentina
If you want to save your steps, you can hire a taxi at Piazza Venezia. It is not worth walking to the Colosseo metro station, since that is also a 15-minute walk.
3:45 pm: Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous squares. It is filled with cafes, fountains, and lots of people. While you are here, take a look at the three fountains (the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fountain of the Moor), watch the street performers, and step inside Sant Agnese in Agone.
This is a good place to rest your feet for a few minutes. Many cafes get mediocre reviews, but it’s a nice spot to get a cup of coffee or glass of wine. We recommend Bernini.
Piazza Navona
Cafes on Piazza Navona
4:15 pm: Historic Heart of Rome
Once you are finished in Piazza Navona, continue the stroll through the heart of Rome. The route is on our map above under the title “Heart of Rome Walking Route.”
The Pantheon
It’s a quick walk to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is old. Really old. The Romans were master builders and the Pantheon is one of their most amazing accomplishments.
Construction of the Pantheon was completed around 120 AD. Just think about what this building survived…barbarian raids, wars, earthquakes, and the natural aging of 1900 years of wind, rain, and even snow. For 1300 years, this was the largest dome in the world, until the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica during the Renaissance. But the best part of the Pantheon is the oculus, the circular window in the top of the dome, the only source of light inside of the building.
Pantheon
When you first walk up to it, the Pantheon looks like an ancient, bulky, worn-out building. But inside, it looks surprisingly nothing like the exterior. It’s beautiful in the inside, with colorful Italian marble and the very unique lighting from the oculus.
Purchase your tickets online in advance through GetYourGuide, which is much easier to use than the official website.
Trevi Fountain
From the Pantheon, continue through Rome’s historic center to the Trevi Fountain, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Tossing a coin into the fountain is said to ensure a return trip to Rome, so it’s a tradition we wouldn’t skip.
Trevi Fountain
Tourists and non-residents must pay €2 to enter the basin area closest to the fountain. You can still see the Trevi Fountain from the surrounding piazza without paying; the ticket is only required to enter the inner viewing area. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, where payment is by card only.
Paid access generally runs from 9 am to 10 pm, although on Mondays and Fridays it begins at 11:30 am. Hours can occasionally change for maintenance or crowd-control measures. Allow about 15 to 30 minutes here.
If you need a break, or just want a unique view, go to Garden Roof Trevi (also called Trevi Roof Top), a tiny rooftop bar that has a view over the Trevi Fountain. We had a drink here one evening. The prices are on the expensive side but what you are paying for is the view.
Spanish Steps
Continue the walk until you get to the Spanish Steps.
This stairway is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome, frequently shows up in walking tours of the city, and is free to visit. The fountain that sits at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Longboat), dates back to 1629 and was built by Pietro Bernini, father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Spanish Steps
At the top of the steps is Trinita dei Monti. From here, it’s a nice view back out over the Spanish Steps and over the rooftops of Rome.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Tired and need a break? Think twice about having a seat on the Spanish Steps. In 2019, a new law was put in place to crack down on “bad behavior” in Rome. If you are caught sitting on the Spanish Steps, you risk paying a €400 fine.
If you prefer to walk the streets of Rome with a guide, this afternoon walking tour includes the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
6:15 pm: Aperitif and Dinner
Dinner in Rome does not typically start until 7 pm. That gives you some free time. You can either return to your hotel for a little bit or visit a nearby rooftop bar for a aperitif and another nice view of Rome.
Just a one-minute walk from the top of the Spanish Steps is Cielo Terrace, which is on top of the Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville. They serve both aperitifs and dinner, so you could stay for dinner.
Cielo Terrace
Almost next door to Cielo Terrace is Imàgo, a Michelin-starred restaurant with amazing views over Rome. If you like the idea of dining here, make your reservation at least one month in advance.
For dinner, you can stay at Cielo Terrace or have dinner elsewhere. Trastevere is a great place to go for dinner. The best way to get here from the Spanish Steps is to take a taxi. For recommendations on where to eat, not only in Trastevere but elsewhere in Rome, take a look at our Rome Restaurant Guide.
Rome Itinerary Day 2: Vatican City & Villa Borghese
The first half of the day will be spent touring the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Then it is a scenic walk along the Tiber River to the Villa Borghese Gardens. The day ends with a visit to one of the most important art galleries in the world.
If the Borghese Gallery isn’t a priority, you can spend the afternoon at Castel Sant’Angelo, explore Trastevere, or simply slow down after a very full morning at the Vatican.
Here is an Overview of the Itinerary:
Morning (7:00/8:00 am): Vatican City
12:30 pm: Lunch near the Vatican
1:30 pm: Walk along the Tiber River toward Piazza del Popolo
2:15 pm: Villa Borghese Gardens & Terrazza del Pincio
3:00 pm: Borghese Gallery
5:00 pm: Aperitivo, free time & dinner
Morning: Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. In Vatican City, there are three big sites to visit: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The modern Bramante Staircase in the Vatican Museums
Room of the Immaculate Conception in the Vatican Museums
St. Peter’s Square
We took this photo from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
For this 2-day Rome itinerary, the most efficient option is a guided Vatican Museums tour that includes the direct passage from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, when that passage is available. This saves you from walking around the Vatican walls and, more importantly, from joining the regular security line for St. Peter’s Basilica.
Here are three different ways to spend your time at Vatican City this morning:
Option 1: Guided Tour with Direct Access into St. Peter’s Basilica
This is our first choice if your budget allows.
Some tours begin around 7:15 or 7:30 am, giving you a small head start before regular admission to the Vatican Museums begins at 8 am. Other tours begin right around opening time.
The biggest advantage, however, is the direct passage from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica. When it is open and included with your tour, this can save a significant amount of time.
The guided tour we recommend (it’s offered by the same company we used for our tour of the Vatican Museums, LivTours) begins at 7:30 am and includes the VIP access from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica.
Check the tour details carefully before booking, since use of the passage is limited to certain tours and can be suspended for Vatican events.
Option 2: Guided Vatican Tour & Timed St. Peter’s Basilica Entry
If your preferred Vatican Museums tour does not include direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica, book an early-morning or 8 am guided tour of the Vatican Museums, followed by a timed reservation for St. Peter’s Basilica.
You will still need to pass through security at the basilica, but the timed reservation gives you access through a dedicated entrance route and can make the visit more predictable.
Option 3: Visit Independently
If you prefer to visit without a tour, reserve an 8 am timed entry to the Vatican Museums. Starting at opening time gives you the best chance of seeing the museums before they become extremely crowded.
After visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, walk around the Vatican walls to St. Peter’s Square and use a timed reservation for St. Peter’s Basilica.
If you also plan to climb the dome, reserve the dome in advance instead. The dome ticket includes scheduled access to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Traveling on a budget? You can still enter St. Peter’s Basilica for free. In this case, consider reversing the order: visit St. Peter’s around 7 or 8 am, before the regular security line becomes long, and reserve a Vatican Museums entry for around 9:30 or 10 am. The trade-off is that the museums will likely be more crowded by then.
A Note About the Early Start: If this is your first or second morning in Italy after flying from the United States, a 7 am start can feel brutally early. Depending on where you are coming from, it can feel like setting your alarm for 1 am—or earlier—on your body clock. We know this from experience. For most travelers, an 8 am start is a good compromise between avoiding crowds and making the morning manageable.
GUIDE TO VATICAN CITY: In our guide How to Visit the Vatican Museums, we cover hours, pricing, and helpful tips for your visit. You also have the option to add on the “secret rooms” of the Vatican, such as the Cabinet of Masks, and we cover these as well ↓
How to Visit the Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica
Detailed guide to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.12:30 pm: Lunch
For lunch, we have three recommendations that are all within walking distance of St. Peter’s Square. You can either have a quick lunch or a longer, leisurely lunch.
We had a quick lunch at Alice Pizza, dining on pizza by the slice. It’s great if you are on a budget or are saving your money for dinner. Two restaurants we have not tried but sound amazing are Borghiciana Pastificio Artiginale and Scialla the Original Streetfood.
1:30 pm: Scenic Walk along the Tiber River
Stroll along Via della Conciliazione towards Castel Sant’Angelo (and look back several times for the amazing view of St. Peter’s Basilica).
Turn right onto Via San Pio X and cross the Tiber River on Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II. From this bridge, you get a beautiful view of the Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo.
The view from Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II
Stay on the south side of the Tiber River, walking underneath of the trees that line the river. You will get two more very nice views from Ponte Sant’Angelo and Ponte Umberto I.
Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo
Continue the walk along the Tiber River, and once you get to Ponte Cavour, walk up Via di Ripetta until you get to Piazza del Popolo. This walk from St. Peter’s Square to Piazza del Popolo is 2.5 km/1.5 miles and takes 30 minutes.
This large piazza is flanked by three basilicas. In the center sits the Flaminio Obelisk, an Egyptian obelisk of Sety I. This obelisk was brought to Rome in 10 BC and erected in this square in 1589.
For the best view of Piazza del Popolo, cross the square and climb the steps to Terrazza del Pincio in the Villa Borghese Gardens. Here is the view:
Piazza del Popolo from Pincio Terrace, which is in the Villa Borghese Gardens.
3:00 pm: Borghese Gallery
Even if you are not a big fan of art museums, or even just museums in general, the Borghese Gallery is still worth the visit. This art museum contains one of the best collections of art in the world. See works of art by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini. Even the building is an attraction.
To get here, stroll through the Villa Borghese Gardens. The gardens are quite large and you will have to walk from one side to the other, which takes about 20 minutes.
At 2:30 pm, collect your tickets. For this itinerary, I recommend making a 3 pm reservation to visit the Borghese Gallery.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: It’s a long walk from Vatican City to the Borghese Gallery (about 4 km/2.5 miles) so this is not for everyone. You can save some steps by walking to Castel Sant’Angelo for the views, then hire a taxi from Stazione Taxi San Pietro, which is at the intersection of Via della Conciliazione and Via San Pio X. Take the taxi directly to the Borghese Gallery. This will get you there faster so make an earlier time slot reservation or spend your time strolling through the gardens.
Borghese Gallery
How to Visit the Borghese Gallery
You can only visit the Borghese Art Gallery with a reservation. Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance.
You can book through the official Galleria Borghese website, although we have found that the site can occasionally be slow or time out. If you have trouble booking there, a guided tour through GetYourGuide is a good backup option.
Collect your tickets a half an hour before your time slot. For a 3 pm reservation, plan on arriving no later than 2:30 pm. If you arrive late, even 5 minutes late, they may turn you away. We saw this happen to other people who arrived late for their reservation.
Plan on spending about 2 hours inside.
5:00 pm: Free Time & Dinner
This afternoon and evening, here are three recommendations on how to spend your time.
Crypt of the Capuchin Friars (Optional)
From the Borghese Gallery, it is a 20 minute walk to the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars.
In several small chapels underneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappucchini are the skeletal remains of almost 4,000 Capuchin friars. The bones are arranged in artistic patterns. It’s morbidly fascinating and definitely an off-the-beaten-path location (unfortunately, photography is not allowed, which is why we don’t have any photos). Get pricing and hours here.
It is conveniently located near the Barberini metro station so you can get to your hotel or dinner restaurant on the metro.
Rooftop Bar
Spend the late afternoon at a rooftop bar followed by dinner. Our favorites are Oro Bistrot, AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari, and Divinity Rooftop. These each also serve dinner. Learn more about them and see a longer list in our guide to the Rome Rooftop Bars.
The view from Oro Bistrot at sunset
The view from Divinity Restaurant and Lounge
Leisurely Time & Dinner
Return to your hotel, relax for a few hours, and then go out to dinner. If you did not go to Trastevere last night, tonight is a great time to go.
Are the Travel Passes Worth It?
For this 2-day Rome itinerary, we generally prefer booking the major attractions separately rather than purchasing a city pass.
The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery all require advance planning, and not every pass includes the exact tickets or timed-entry options you may want. Before buying a pass, compare the total cost with the individual tickets included in your itinerary and make sure you can still reserve the required time slots.
A Rome city pass can be worthwhile if it includes several attractions you already plan to visit, but we wouldn’t buy one simply for convenience without checking the details first.
How to Get Around Rome
For this 2-day itinerary, expect to do a lot of walking. Many of Rome’s major sights are clustered together, especially in the historic center, and walking is often the easiest way to get from one stop to the next.
On Day 1, most of the itinerary is best done on foot once you arrive at the Colosseum.
On Day 2, you can walk from Vatican City along the Tiber River toward Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese, but this makes for a very long walking day. If you want to save time and energy, take a taxi from the Vatican area to Villa Borghese or the Borghese Gallery.
The Metro is useful for a few longer trips, including getting to the Colosseum, but it does not reach many of the sights in Rome’s historic center.
Taxis can be especially helpful at the beginning or end of the day, or anytime you want to cut down on walking. Taxi stands are set up throughout the city. On Google Maps, you can search “taxi stand” for the ones closest to your location. Then get in the taxi at the front of the line and tell them your next destination. We frequently do this, and every taxi we took accepted credit cards (but it is good to have some cash on hand as a backup). To tip the taxi driver, we added on 1 to 2 euros to the fare.
You can also use Uber but we ended up spending a lot of time waiting for the Uber to arrive and figured out it was quicker to walk to the closest taxi stand.
Best Time to Visit Rome
Spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Rome. During this time, the weather is great for sightseeing and crowds tend to be lower than the busy summer months. But here is a breakdown by season of what you can expect in Rome:
WINTER: It’s chilly in Rome during the winter months. Daytime high’s average around 13°C (55°F) and it is a little colder at night. Rainfall is slightly above average for the year (averaging about 7 days of rain per month in December, January, and February).
SPRING: In early spring, the high temperature is 17°C (62°F) and it continues to get warmer week by week, reaching an average high of 29°C (85°F) by June. Rainfall chances go down the closer you get to the summer months. May and June have warm weather and lower chances of rain than the fall and winter months.
SUMMER: Expect the biggest crowds of the year and hot weather during the summer months. Daily high temperatures average 32°C (90°F) but they can easily get up to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is the lowest of the year. If you plan to visit in the summer months, make your hotel reservations far in advance as well as your entrance tickets into the museums.
FALL: In early fall, crowds can still be high, not really quieting down until the end of October. Daytime high’s range from 27°C (80°F) in early fall and cooling off to 17°C (62°F) by late fall. Autumn is the wettest time to visit Rome (mid-September through early December with rainfall peaking in November), so bring an umbrella if you plan to be here at this time.
Where to Stay in Rome
For recommendations on where to stay, read our guide Where to Stay in Rome. Learn where to stay for a great view of the Colosseum and Piazza Navona and get recommendations whether you are looking for a budget hotel, luxury hotel, or if you are traveling as a family.
Where to Stay in Rome for the First Time (+ Where NOT to Stay)
Best locations in Rome, with recommendations based on your budget and travel style.Where to Eat in Rome
We listed several recommendations in this itinerary, but for a bigger list of recommended restaurants, take a look at our Rome Restaurant Guide. And for rooftop bars, take a look at our guide about the Rome Rooftop Bars.
Tours of Rome
Looking for more ideas of how to spend your time? These tours can easily be added to this Rome itinerary. Take a food tour, a cooking class, or tour the Colosseum at night.
Tours of Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 2 days enough in Rome?
Two days is enough to see Rome’s biggest highlights, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. It will be a busy visit, so advance reservations are important. If you have the flexibility, 3 days give you a more relaxed experience.
What should you prioritize with only 2 days in Rome?
For a first visit, we would prioritize the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, and Rome’s historic center, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. These sights offer a good mix of Ancient Rome, Vatican City, and the city’s historic heart.
Is this Rome itinerary too rushed?
It is a busy itinerary, but we think it works well for travelers who want to see Rome’s major sights in a short amount of time. You will do a lot of walking and have several timed reservations. If you prefer slower travel, long lunches, or more time simply wandering the city, we recommend spending at least 3 days in Rome.
Should you visit the Vatican and Colosseum on the same day?
We don’t recommend it. Both are major sights that take several hours to visit, and combining them into one day can feel exhausting. In this itinerary, we visit the Colosseum and Ancient Rome on Day 1 and Vatican City on Day 2, which creates a much better balance.
Is it better to stay in the historic center for a 2-day trip?
Yes. With only two days in Rome, staying in or near the historic center can save a significant amount of travel time. Areas around the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps put you within walking distance of many sights and make it easier to maximize your time.
Plan Your Trip to Rome & Italy
- Have more time in Rome? → Our 3 Days in Rome Itinerary gives you a more relaxed pace and more time for the city’s museums, neighborhoods, and viewpoints.
- Staying even longer? → Follow our 4 Days in Rome Itinerary for an even deeper visit, with more flexibility and fewer packed sightseeing days.
- Want to see everything Rome has to offer? → Our Best Things to Do in Rome guide covers the city’s top sights, neighborhoods, churches, viewpoints, and experiences.
- Planning your Colosseum visit? → Read our How to Visit the Colosseum guide for ticket options, tours, and practical tips.
- Visiting Vatican City? → Our How to Visit the Vatican guide covers the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, tickets, and tours.
- Planning a longer trip through Italy? → Start with our Italy Travel Guide for itineraries, destination guides, and trip-planning advice.
If you have any questions about this 2 days in Rome itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.
Plan Your Trip to Italy
Italy Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Italy
Pinterest Facebook Flipboard Italy Travel Guide From the ruins of ancient Rome to the hiking trails of the Dolomites, the trulli of Puglia to the hilltop villages of Tuscany, Italy is a country that rewards every kind of traveler, and keeps pulling you back. We’ve traveled to Italy six times, exploring the country from the […]
The Photographer’s Guide: 20 Iconic Views of Rome
Rome is filled with some of the world’s most famous landmarks…the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. One of the best things to do in Rome is to get a bird’s eye view of these iconic spots. From panoramic views from the highest spots in Rome to lovely […]
Where to Stay in Rome for the First Time (+ Where NOT to Stay)
If you are trying to decide where to stay in Rome for the first time, you have a lot of options. Do you want to stay in the heart of Rome and easily walk to the city’s top sights? How about a romantic apartment tucked away in a charming neighborhood? Or a hotel with a […]
One Day in Rome: 3 Unique Ways to Plan Your Itinerary
If you are planning to spend one day in Rome, there are several ways you can do it. Do you want to spend the day visiting the highlights of Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and historic heart of Rome? With proper planning, you can do this ambitious itinerary, but it will be an […]
7 Best Rooftop Bars in Rome with Amazing Sunset Views
Drinks with a view…one of the best things to do in Rome is to visit a rooftop bar. Sipping on a cocktail or a glass of wine is the perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing, and from a rooftop bar, you also get to enjoy the view. In this guide, we […]
Where to Eat in Rome: Restaurants, Cheap Eats & Food Tours
Where should you eat in Rome? With outdoor cafes, rooftop restaurants, wine bars, and a long list of restaurants selling pizza, pasta, and gelato, your choices may seem overwhelming. In this guide, we list some of the top restaurants in Rome. Ranging from quick, cheap eats to Michelin starred restaurants with a view, there is […]
14 Day Italy Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Italy
We have been to Italy six times, and this route — Rome, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, and Venice — is the one we recommend above all others for a first visit. We’ve traveled every stretch of it firsthand and refined the planning advice in this post trip by trip. What […]
25 Best Places to Visit in Italy
After six trips to Italy, these are the 25 places to visit in Italy we keep recommending — the ones that reward first-timers and repeat visitors alike, from the iconic cities of Rome and Florence to lesser-known gems like Matera and Puglia. We’ve been to Italy six times over the past ten years, and we’re […]
15 Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast of Italy
What do you look for when picking the perfect vacation spot? Beautiful beaches? Charming towns to explore? Shopping? Restaurants with a view? Colorful sunsets? Romance? What if I told you that you could get all of these in one place…the Amalfi Coast. In this article, learn about the best things to do on the Amalfi […]
How to Travel from Rome to Sorrento, Capri & the Amalfi Coast
How to travel from Rome to Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast can be confusing at first. There’s no single train that takes you from Rome all the way to Positano or Sorrento. Getting there involves a mix of trains, transfers, and sometimes a rental car, depending on your budget and how much flexibility you […]
24 Best Things to Do in Tuscany, Italy: Cities, Hill Towns & Hidden Gems
From world-famous cities like Florence and Siena to quiet hill towns and scenic drives through vineyard-covered hills, Tuscany offers a wide range of experiences, but deciding what to do (and what to skip) can be overwhelming. We’ve explored Tuscany on two very different trips: a one-week highlights tour with our kids and a longer 10-day […]
2 Days in Venice Itinerary: What 3 Trips Taught Us
Our 2-day Venice itinerary, refined over three visits and built for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without wasting time in line. If you are planning your first trip to Venice, this itinerary is built for you. With 2 days in Venice, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of this […]
30 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy (2026 Guide)
Florence is one of the most rewarding cities in Europe, and the best things to do in Florence range from climbing Brunelleschi’s iconic dome to watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. We know this firsthand, having visited Florence twice. Our first trip was a quick day and a half visit in July with our kids. […]
Comments 116