If you only have time for a 2 day Rome itinerary, it’s all good. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be back to this timeless city.
See some of the city’s top attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and soak up some authentic travel experiences along the way. While a weekend can feel quite rushed, you can still have a memorable and rewarding travel experience.
So, let’s get into it! Here’s how to spend 2 days in Rome, Italy.
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Are 2 days enough time in Rome?
I wish I had a straightforward answer to this question, but the answer ultimately depends on your travel style. Personally, I would need more than 2 days in Rome because I really love slow travel in Italy.
However, if you are just looking to see the highlights OR you plan to return to the city again in the near future, then 2 days is enough to get you started.
Let’s put it this way, there is never enough time in any destination if you’re curious enough. So, you just gotta soak up what you can with what time you have available.
This 2 day Rome itinerary gives you a good glimpse at some of the best things to do, while also allowing time for coffee and a relaxing stroll through some of Rome’s best neighborhoods.
When is the best time to visit Rome, Italy?
There’s not really a bad time to visit Rome, unless you want to avoid crowds and heat. If that’s the case, you can still have pleasant weather and deal with fewer crowds if you aim to visit from April through part of June or in September into October.
At the bottom of this travel guide, I highlight more on the weather in Rome, so check that out if you’re still planning when to visit.
Where to Stay in Rome
If you only have 2 days in Rome, Italy, I recommend staying in a central area somewhere near Campo de’ Fiori or in Monti or Trastevere. Here are my accommodation recommendations:
Relais Monti – a charming boutique hotel in Monti (especially great if you book a room with a private terrace)
Dimora ai Fori – very close to the Colosseum and has rooms with amazing views of the city.
Vacation rental in Campo de’ Fiori – I stayed here during a recent trip. It overlooks the market beautifully!
Giuditta In Trastevere – cozy and budget-friendly boutique hotel right off the Tiber River in Trastevere.
What to Wear in Rome
Follow this outline if you are visiting during late spring, summer, and through to September. These are the outfits to pack for Rome:
- Comfortable walking shoes – this is a must, especially for all those cobbled streets. Sneakers and/or sturdy sandals like these Clarks are comfortable and stylish.
- A flowy dress for day or evening
- A lightweight cardigan or jacket (evenings can cool off even in summer)
- Cute casual pants, skort, and/or romper
- A top that will match with your skirt or pants
- A small sun hat for May/June (fedora style would be great)
- This anti-theft bag because Rome is a prime pickpocketing destination. See my guide on avoiding pickpockets in Europe.
- A cotton/linen layer for added sun protection
- A lightweight scarf or cover up when entering basilicas, the Pantheon, Vatican
About This 2 Day Rome Itinerary
Make the most of your first time in this ancient city with this 2-day Rome itinerary. You can expect to visit a couple of delicious restaurants, see iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City, and enjoy coffee and an aperitivo for a true Italian experience.
This itinerary is suited for anyone – no matter if you’re traveling solo, with friends, a partner, or your family.
When planning out your days, remember to check the dates of your trip to make sure you’ll be able to do all of these attractions as I’ve suggested.
For example, on some Wednesdays the Pope gathers an audience at St. Peter’s Square. This is a unique thing to see, but it does mean that touring the Basilica won’t be an option until the afternoon. You do visit the Vatican in the morning, if you’re following this itinerary, so keep this in mind.
These two days are pretty full of activities that cover what to do in Rome, but there’s still a bit of wiggle room for some slow travel experiences, like having a relaxed coffee break, taking a leisurely walk, or allowing for some spontaneity.
While I highly recommend securing tickets in advance for big-ticket attractions (think Colosseum, Vatican, etc), you can still allow yourself the freedom of last-minute decisions here and there with this itinerary. That’s the beauty of slower travel!
2 Days in Rome - Day 1
Let’s get into all the details you need to know when planning a 2 day trip to Rome, Italy. Your first day is all about seeing some of the most famous places while still taking advantage of some unique experiences and slow-paced moments.
Colosseum & Roman Forum
It’s your first day in Rome! How exciting. I have butterflies for you just thinking back to my first time seeing the Colosseum.
To start the day, I recommend grabbing a coffee first. Come on, you’re not walking through ancient ruins without a good caffè e cornetto in our bellies – you’re in Italy!
For a typical Italian bar experience near the Colosseum, I recommend Antico Caffe del Brasile, which I’ve been to several times and it has high ratings on Google.
They have a big selection of baked goodies, like a cornetto (aka a croissant). I usually go for a cornetto vuoto (meaning empty or plain) but you choose marmalade, chocolate, pistachio, etc. – whatever you like.
Once your belly and caffeine levels are sorted, it’s time to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum. These attractions are booked together as they are part of the same complex.
The Colosseum is, I’m sure you know, the ancient Roman arena. The Roman Forum is more like an ancient marketplace and meeting place now in ruins.
Romans came here to hear speeches, watch trials, and gladiatorial combats. However, its original purpose was to serve as a marketplace but it eventually outgrew the day-to-day shopping to serve primarily as a public meeting space.
Keep in mind you should reserve your Colosseum ticket in advance!
Tickets and things to know before visiting
You’ll want to get this this fast-pass entry ticket to the Colosseum and Roman Forum (or this one if you prefer to have a guided tour). While the Colosseum is the most famous place in Rome, I honestly enjoyed the Roman Forum more, so I highly recommend you do both.
You could spend anywhere from 2 hours and up depending on your interest. While I don’t recommend rushing too much, do remember you’re on a short trip. But if you know you’ll be back, take as much time as you need wandering.
Typically, you’ll visit the Colosseum first and then make your way out following the signs for the Forum. Once there, an attendant will check your ticket/scan your QR code to allow you to pass through.
Pasta lunch near the Colosseum
Depending on how long you stayed at the Roman Forum, it’s probably about time for lunch. This is usually around 1 p.m. in Italy.
Your first lunch in the city might as well be pasta. I recommend checking out the nearby Naumachia Ristorante.
My favorite dish at this restaurant is their homemade fettuccine with tomato sauce, basil, and topped with Italian cheeses. Pair it with a glass of red wine as well as a bruschetta starter for a delicious Roman lunch. It’s completely normal to have a glass of wine at lunch in Italy.
Via dei Fori Imperiali
Walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali to see more iconic landmarks during your 2 day Rome itinerary.
This ancient street goes between the Roman Forum and the Forum of Augustus and Trajan Forum and offers a new perspective of ancient Rome.
If you are traveling to Rome on a budget and you didn’t do a tour of the Roman Forum, this is a great free alternative! I didn’t visit the ruins on my very first trip, but I did walk along this iconic Via and it did the trick (sort of – I still suggest buying tickets to the Roman Forum).
I like to walk on the right side of the street if you’re heading toward the Capitoline Museums and Altar of the Fatherland.
Monument of Victor Emmanuel II - Altar of the Fatherland
This monument is dedicated to Italy’s first kind (who is presently buried in the Pantheon). It’s called the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, or Altar of the Fatherland, and it’s set between Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill (where the Colosseum is).
It’s hard to miss it with its two bronze statues and white exterior perched high above Rome.
Inside, there’s a museum, but it also offers some of the best views of Rome throughout.
You can also get tickets to the rooftop, which is reached via elevator, for more views of the city. Noted, you can get amazing views without buying tickets to the rooftop, but you will get a closer look at the two statues of goddess Victoria that stand tall on either side of the monument.
Pantheon
Your 2 day Rome itinerary can’t skip out seeing this must-see spot!
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient Rome and it’s one of the best cheap places to visit in Rome. Unfortunately, it used to be free to visit until July 2023. Now it costs €5 to enter with the option of adding an audio guide. So, it’s not too bad!
It’s located in Piazza della Rotonda. This is where you’ll find another beautiful Italian fountain – because Rome doesn’t have enough of those!
Don’t be tempted by the cafes and restaurants surrounding the Pantheon. If you walk down some nearby streets, you’ll be able to find some terrace restaurants that make for an excellent Aperol Spritz or Americano (cocktail) pit stop.
Salotto42 is one of the best cocktail bars in Rome that also serves light bites. The outdoor seating area is beautiful and it overlooks Piazza di Pietra with its ancient Roman columns.
Gelato
It’s the first day in Rome, Italy, so why not have a gelato!?
After the Pantheon, you’ll be walking toward the Trevi Fountain (minutes away). There are so many places to get gelato in this area. Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato is a very popular option. I always recommend pistachio because for me it’s like a litmus test. If the pistachio is top tier, it’s a good gelato place.
But, don’t let me lead you astray. Choose your favorite gelato and select either a cone or cup. Feel free to walk toward the Trevi Fountain with your treat.
Spanish Steps
From the Pantheon, you’ll be about 15 minutes away from the Spanish Steps. I added the Spanish Steps to this itinerary last minute because I understand a lot of travelers will want to see them.
Personally, I’ve been to the Spanish Steps multiple times but I don’t know why they are SO famous, but I think it roots back to their appearance in the 1953 movie Roman Holiday that stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
However! They do lead up to a nice Renaissance church called Trinità dei Monti. Up there, you’ll have a great view of the city and the fountain at the bottom of the steps.
Villa Borghese is not far from the Spanish Steps, but I don’t recommend visiting if you’re doing a 2 day Rome itinerary. Save it for next time.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most iconic places to see in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is truly a masterpiece. The problem is that everyone else seems to think so and it consistently remains one of the most overcrowded places in the city.
The later in the day you can visit the Trevi Fountain the better. Generally, I’d say visit early in the morning or late in the evening. But it’s not always so easy.
When I first visited Rome, I saw the fountain in the afternoon and was so blown away by the amount of people that I couldn’t appreciate the experience. I was just annoyed.
However, I came back the following night after drinks with people in my hostel and was very surprised to see it empty save for a couple cozied up at the fountain’s edge. It was actually magical!
Pizza or pasta
Around Monti, one of the oldest and most picturesques neighborhoods you’ll visit within 2 days in Rome, is a lovely area for dinner. It stretches from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum and upward.
I recommend pizza or pasta, obviously! For pasta, check out Gli Angeletti. This Italian restaurant has a cozy traditional vibe with a nice outdoor patio with hanging lights.
Gli Angeletti is a 15-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain.
For pizza in Monti, I really like the traditional Roman restaurant Non c’è trippa pe’ gatti OR Diadema Restaurant.
Finish it all off with tiramisu and a digestivo like coffee or a limoncello. You could also swap around the gelato break and have gelato with an evening Rome stroll after dinner.
Night Rome Tour
For something unique and memorable for your 2 days Rome itinerary, hop on this E-Bike Night Tour of Rome.
There’s a wine and snack stop and you’ll get to cycle past some of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. Plus, the city’s ancient buildings and monuments look stunning at night, lit up with a gentle glow highlighting the cobblestone streets.
2 Days in Rome - Day 2
On your 2nd day in Rome, you’ll get to visit Vatican City, explore the liveliness of Trastevere, and see some iconic places along the Tiber River.
Vatican City
It’s exciting to know you can check off another country from your bucket list when you visit the Vatican City. That’s right! It’s considered its own country.
To get to Vatican City, you can walk, which will take about 30 minutes if you’re staying toward the center of Rome, or you can take public transport. Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station is the closest metro line to the Vatican.
While you’re at Vatican City, be sure to see Michelangelo’s famous works in the Sistine Chapel. I also encourage you to climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for mesmerizing views of Rome and Vatican City.
There’s also the Gardens of Vatican City, home to a peaceful oasis full of fountains, sculptures, and rare plants. This was something I pleasantly didn’t expect to find here.
Tips for visiting Vatican City
Secure tickets in advance! While it’s free to enter Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums do require paid entry tickets.
Avoid waiting in lines by reserving your tickets in advance.
Tickets cost €20.00 + €5.00 for skip-the-line access when booking on the Vatican’s website.
For Vatican City, I also recommend I also recommend a guided tour for an in-depth experience that makes your visit far more memorable. Either way, definitely make Vatican City part of your Rome three day itinerary.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Continue your 2 day Rome itinerary by leaving the Vatican and walking toward Castel Sant’Angelo. This extremely old Rome castle was built in 135 AD, making it one of the oldest places in the city.
You’re welcome to take a tour of the building if it’s piqued your interest. Personally, I haven’t been inside but that’s not to say it’s no less amazing to see. Plus, one of my Italian friends loved her tour of the castle’s interior. She noted that there’s a nice cafe with fantastic views of Rome as well as the Vatican City.
Also! The bridge that leads up to it, the St. Angelo Bridge, offers a lovely perspective of the castle. It was also built some 2,000 years ago so it’s pretty legendary to walk across.
Campo de' Fiori
One of my favorite places that I always recommend to people – Campo de’ Fiori is a sprawling square with a lively market during the day as well as restaurants and bars open all day.
Campo de’ Fiori translates to ‘field of flowers’, and the name derived from the Middle Ages when this area was still a meadow covered in wildflowers.
It’s the perfect spot to find local Italian souvenirs. You’ll stumble upon fresh produce, dry pasta, truffle and olive oils, local cheeses, spices, flowers, and loads more.
During the evenings, the square is still very alive thanks to the bars and restaurants, so it’s an all-day place to experience with 2 days in Rome, Italy.
Lunch in Campo de' Fiori
We enjoyed having lunch at Antica Hostaria Romanesca – the Roman-style pastas were bellissima! It’s also a popular spot for cacio e pepe in Rome – a delicious cheese and black pepper Roman pasta. Learn more about the food tours in Rome offered in Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere.
While there, pair dishes like pasta alla Carbonara, tonnarelli cacio e pepe, and bucatini all’Amatriciana with a glass of Italian wine. Even if you don’t visit my lunch recommendation, you can’t go wrong with lunch in Campo de’ Fiori.
Coffee at Sant' Eustachio Caffè
This is Italy, and so you must certainly stop for coffee. It’s cultural and it’s delicious – a travel win-win. Sant’ Eustachio Caffè is one of the most famous places for coffee in Rome. They roast their beans in house and blend them with water from an ancient aqueduct.
Plus, it’s perfectly located for this Rome itinerary, only a 6 minute walk from Campo dei’ Fiori and just around the corner from Piazza Navona. Take home a bag of beans as a souvenir!
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, and perhaps my favorite.
It’s very long with a central fountain called La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (The Fountain of the Four Rivers, with four statues representing the Donau, Ganges, Nile, and Rio de la Plata).
There are lots of restaurants and places to get coffee surrounding the square, so feel free to take a wander around the edge as well.
Then, for a cute hidden gem for book lovers in Rome, Fontana dei Libri (Fountain of the Books) is just around the corner from Piazza Navona. It’s a small fountain pressed into the wall on a street called Via degli Staderar.
Ponte Garibaldi
From Piazza Navona, walk toward the neighborhood of Trastevere. You will need to cross the river at one of the city’s most charming bridges – Ponte Garibaldi.
It’s actually a much newer bridge compared to the other bridge you saw this morning, the Sant’Angelo Bridge. Ponte Garibaldi was built in 1888 and Sant’Angelo is close to 2,000 years old. Pretty wild.
From the bridge, you’ll be able to see river cruises go by as well as different birds like heron, ducks, and gulls.
Trastevere
This is a lovely, historic neighborhood with working class roots and loads of character.
To enjoy Trastevere, I encourage you to take a walk along the narrow cobbled streets. They are lined with greenery-covered old world buildings, unique boutiques, craft breweries, and traditional trattorias. A little bit of everything.
After a little exploring, definitely have dinner here during your 2 days in Rome. It’s one of the top foodie neighborhoods.
Osteria Nannarella is a famous spot with a selection of high-quality Italian dishes in the forms of pasta, pizza, and seafood.
Osteria der Belli is another classic choice, with a similar style menu but it seemed like even more seafood options.
For something a little less traditional, check out Mimi e Coco Trast. It’s a cute restaurant with an inviting ambiance and unique menu with Italian ingredients. They have a lot of small bites, like bruschetta, that you can share. They also serve pasta, salad, desserts, etc.
But don’t finish the night just yet! After dinner, experience the lively nightlife around Piazza di San Calisto and Piazza Santa Maria. It’s these two areas that help this neighborhood to be so beloved by both locals and visitors to Rome.
Cooking class in Trastevere
If you want a unique experience, you can skip the dinner recommendations and book a cooking class in Trastevere for dinnertime. You can learn how to craft some iconic Italian staples and then feast upon your dishes with free-flowing wine.
Check out one of these two options:
- Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trastevere Villa
- Handmade Pasta Cacio e Pepe and Tiramisu Cooking Class
- Guided Food Tour in Trastevere (This one isn’t a cooking class but rather a walking food as an alternative dinner option in Trastevere).
Rome Travel Tips
Before you go, here are some essential tips to help make your planning and days in the city a lot easier.
Plan ahead: Rome is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to plan ahead, especially if you want to do tours of the Colosseum and Vatican City. I always recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time and avoid pesky long lines.
Bathrooms cost: If you see WC signs, particularly near the Colosseum, Vatican, etc, you will need to pay 1€ in change to use the toilet. However, if you got the Roma City Pass, it’s free.
If you go into a bar and buy a coffee or similar, you can use the toilet there for free.
Dress appropriately for religious sites: When visiting religious sites like churches, the Pantheon, and the Vatican, make sure to dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and avoiding anything too short out of respect.
Comfortable footwear: Like I already touched on, Rome is a city best explored on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Trust me, no matter what you’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and uneven paths.
Public transportation: Rome has a great public transportation system including buses, trams, and the metro. These can be convenient when exploring Rome in 3 days. You might consider purchasing a Roma City Pass for unlimited access to public transportation and discounts on attractions, or doing the Hop-on hop-off bus.
Watch out for pickpockets: Rome has its share of pickpockets, ranking among the worst in the world (but not as bad as Barcelona!) especially in crowded tourist areas. Stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas, and keep your belongings secure. This anti-theft bag will be really handy, trust me.
When in Rome, do as the Romans: Rome is a foodie’s paradise, so you should totally be indulging in authentic Italian cuisine at local trattorias and street food stalls. Don’t forget to try classic Roman dishes like pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, and Roman-style pizza.
Drink plenty of water: Rome can get hot and humid, especially in the summer months, so be sure to stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you and refilling it at public water fountains (nasoni) scattered throughout the city. Bring a collapsible water bottle with you for an eco-friendly travel solution.
Siesta time: Many shops and businesses in Rome observe a siesta period in the afternoon, typically between 1:30 p.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., when they close for a few hours. This won’t be a problem when visiting most tourist sites, but if you’re wanting to shop, you might have a harder time finding open boutiques.
Learn some Italian: While many Romans speak English, it’s always fun and respectful to learn a few phrases in the local language. Try out saying “buongiorno” (good morning), “grazie” (thank you), and “prego” (you’re welcome) to feel like a local in Roma.
La Dolce Vita: Last but not least, take the time to soak in the beauty and charm of Rome, whether it’s sipping un caffè on a cobbled street, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or wandering down vibrant, vine-covered streets. Embrace “la dolce vita” (sweet life) and savor every moment of your time in the Eternal City! A dream!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading my 2 day Rome itinerary. I LOVE Rome and I hope that’s come across through this travel guide.
Above all, I wish you the BEST time in Roma soaking up La Dolce Vita. And please remember to return – there’s still so much more left to see! <3
