Want to explore Rome in 1 day? If you’re looking for the best itinerary for your quick visit to Rome, you’re in the right place.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it is possible to visit and enjoy the “Eternal City” in less than 24 hours.
Rome is the capital of Italy and the region of Lazio. If you only have a day to visit this stunning during your Italian holiday, what will you do and where will you go?
If you only have a day to spare for a tour of Rome, consider booking a flight where you’ll arrive early in the morning, say 6 or 7. Get a hotel that allows early check-in so you can explore the area freely. Check out our list of the best hotels in Rome here.
The following suggested Rome day tour starts at around 9 in the morning and goes until past 9 in the evening. This itinerary includes tips on saving time and getting from one Rome attraction to another via public transport.
If you don’t want to deal with the Roman public transport system and instead want to zip through the traffic on your own, you may also rent and ride around the ancient city streets on an iconic Vespa moped.
One-day Itinerary for Rome, Italy
Getting ready for your Italian holiday and want to make sure you make the most of your time in the country’s historic capital? Here’s our recommended one-day itinerary for Rome, Italy.
1. The Roman Forum
Location: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Arrive early, preferably before 9 am, at the Roman Forum entrance on Via dei Fori Imperiali. You can buy your combined Forum-Colosseum ticket here and wander around the Roman Forum for a while.
To the untrained eye, the Forum appears to be nothing more than a jumble of rocks and columns. You won’t even see any sort of historical plaques.
The Roman Forum (Latin: Forum Romanum) is a square forum ringed by the ruins of several significant ancient government buildings.
The Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum, was the name given by ancient city residents to this area, which was originally a marketplace.
To make sure you have a thorough understanding of these 2,000-year-old structures, we strongly advise bringing a guidebook with you.
2. The Colosseum
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 8:30 am to 7 pm
Exit the Forum on the east side and walk to the Colosseum. Be sure to admire the well-preserved Arch of Constantine, built in the third century. Proceed to the Colosseum’s entrance after that. Enter the Colosseum and explore the area.
The Colosseum in Rome is a time capsule and one of the most renowned amphitheaters ever built. Despite being around for thousands of years, this oval-shaped building remains largely intact. Surviving earthquakes and even stone thieves is an excellent example of ancient architectural achievement.
The Colosseum was once a gladiatorial arena, as it is now depicted on the Italian five-cent euro coin. The museums here honor ancient Roman deities and let visitors walk on the same floor where gladiators fought and travel through the same tunnels they used.
3. The Vatican
Location: Vatican City
Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last entry at 4 pm
Take a taxi or the Metro across the street from the Colosseum or if you want to save some money, use the city’s metro. The fee is 2 euros.
Arriving at Piazza del Risorgimento, make your way to the Vatican walls to see the famous Vatican frescoes.
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica will be advertised by about a dozen tour operators. Many of them offer good value for the amount of information they provide. The cost per person is expected to be around 40 euros. Pick a tour company that offers a tour around noon or 1:00 PM. Check to see if they have permission to skip the lines at the Vatican Museums.
You may also book a tour in advance and visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Around the Vatican, you’ll find a wide variety of cafés and restaurants where you can sample authentic Italian cuisine. Be sure to eat first before you start your tour, which usually includes the following:
• Vatican Museums –
These are Vatican City’s open-to-the-public museums. A vast collection amassed over the centuries by the Catholic Church and the papacy is on display here, as well as some of the most famous Roman sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces in the world.
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• St. Peter’s Basilica –
The Renaissance church shaped like a key when viewed from above. This is also known as the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.
• The Sistine Chapel –
Photo by: Jörg Bittner Unna via Wikimedia Commons
The Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, the pope’s official residence, houses the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is known for its Renaissance Michelangelo frescoes.
4. View of Castel Sant’Angelo
Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Open: 9 am to 7 pm
Your Vatican tour should be done no later than 4:00 PM.
From St. Peter’s Square, take the Via della Conciliazione to the east. To get to the Tiber River bridge Ponte Vittorio Emanuele, turn right onto Via San Pio X. This bridge is a work of art in and of itself, with ornate statues adorning it. However, the real draw here is the view from Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as Mausoleum of Hadrian.
This ancient fortress has served as a tomb, a dungeon, and a haven for the pope throughout its long history. The view from the outside will have to suffice because there isn’t enough time to go inside.
5. The Pantheon
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open: 8:30 am to 7:30 PM (last admission 7:15 PM), Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM (last admission 5:45 PM), and Public holidays from 9 AM to 1 PM (last admission 12:45 PM) (closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25)
Take a cab to the Pantheon, which should not cost you more than 10 euros. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman structures, and it offers a glimpse into ancient Roman spiritual history. It has been referred to as the Santa Maria Rotunda by locals since it was built.
Modern Catholic rites can be observed at the Pantheon along with a visit to the tombs of Italian historical figures and artists. You’ll also get a chance to see some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful architecture.
You can download a quick guide to help you with your tour of this magnificent building, or you may buy an audio guide to the Pantheon to make the most of your visit.
6. The Trevi Fountain
Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Open 24/7
From the Pantheon, a short walk will bring you to the Trevi Fountain, just across the street.
Take the street on your left if you’re facing the Pantheon. Once you arrive, take a moment to admire the fountain. Sit on the steps and enjoy a pre-dinner scoop of gelato from one of the nearby gelaterie.
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the world’s largest and most famous fountains, built by famous architects and artisans. This Baroque fountain stands more than 26 meters high and 49 meters wide and has been the city’s largest fountain for centuries.
If you will be throwing coins into the Trevi, you should toss them over your shoulder, facing away from the fountain. This way your wish will come true, according to legend, and you’re guaranteed to return visit to Rome.
7. Piazza Navona and Dinner
Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open 24/7
Piazza Navona is about a 20-minute walk from the famous Trevi Fountain.
Located in the heart of the historic center of Rome, the Navona Square, or Piazza Navona, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It is based on the dimensions of the Domitian Stadium, which was built in 86 CE and used for sporting events at the time.
Under some nearby buildings, you can still see the original stadium’s foundations, as well as the famous Gothic cathedrals, fountains, and enormous statues.
Explore the piazza’s artistic community and consider purchasing something from one of the many artists who set up shop there.
For dinner, choose from the numerous small trattorie in the area to choose from, or check out our list of the best restaurants in Rome here. You can also choose from the best halal or vegan restaurants in the city as well.
8. The Spanish Steps
Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Open 24/7
Make your way to one of the main roads in or near Piazza Navona and get a taxi to take you to the Spanish Steps.
Sit on the steps and take in the lively atmosphere that surrounds you when you arrive.
These steps below Trinità dei Monti Church also serve as a rendezvous point if you want to venture into Rome’s nightlife.
The 135-step Spanish Steps, which connect the Piazza di Spagna to the Pincian Hill, are considered a scenographic masterpiece from the 18th century. Cardinal Pierre Guérin de Tencin commissioned architect Francesco de Sanctis to design and build these stairwells, which Pope Benedict XIII inaugurated at the Jubilee in 1725.
After relaxing in the Spanish steps and a day of exploring the top sights in Rome, head back to your hotel which ideally should be in the area.
Check out these beautiful hotels which are within walking distance to the Spanish steps. Call it a day, rest, and recharge to prepare yourself for another day in another Italian city.