A perfect day in Rome
Rome wasn’t built in a day, so is it possible to take in its top sights in just 24 hours? Along with exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum, can a day-long itinerary squeeze in some time for strolling around a piazza or two, taking a break from the midday sun at a gelato stand, and sipping an aperitivo as the sun sets over those famous seven hills? We Romans are always up for a challenge, so I’ve put together a blockbuster of an itinerary for you.
With time at a premium, this one-day itinerary is centered around the cobblestone streets of the Centro Storico, the terracotta-hued palazzos of Prati, and the quaint riverfront eateries of Trastevere (all places Tripadvisor users have given their stamp of approval). To make sure you don't waste precious hours in transit or standing in line, I advise you to set out bright and early, walk as much as you can (so that you don’t miss any of the ruins that are around practically every corner), and spend mealtimes overlooking the monuments you don’t have time to see up close.
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MORNING: Start your trip on a colossal scale
Ancient Rome is your first destination this morning—but first, grab a quick breakfast. Do as the Romans do with a caffè and cornetto (the Italian version of a croissant) eaten at the counter (al banco) in under 10 minutes. You can practice your moves at Caffè Antica Roma, where the coffee is excellent and the location could hardly be better. Or head to Cafè Cafè, which has a heartier breakfast menu and views of the Colosseum.
Time is at a premium, so kick off your Roman Empire adventure with a skip-the-line guided tour of the Colosseum. (You’ll thank us once you see just how many people are waiting outside). If you decide not to spring for a tour, buy your regular tickets in advance and get there as early as possible. Seeing this ancient amphitheater up close is as magical as you’d imagine it to be. Built in 70 C.E. as a gift to the Roman people, it held more than 50,000 people and hosted gladiator games, theater performances, and public executions.
Travelers say: “The Colosseum is a breathtaking sight that every traveler to Rome has to see. The largest amphitheater ever constructed, this magnificent structure is a striking example of the Roman Empire's mastery of architecture and engineering. Here, history comes to life, and you almost feel as though the gladiators, emperors, and onlookers who once called this famous building home are still there.” —@207dalidar
Most guided tours of the Colosseum include the Roman Forum, but you can see everything on your own by walking down Via dei Fori Imperiali. Lined with Rome’s quirky flat-topped pine trees, this broad boulevard was once the city’s political and religious center and features the imperial forums of Caesar and Augustus. Look out for the cluster of columns marking the 2,500-year-old Templo di Saturno, in the northwest corner of the Roman Forum.
AFTERNOON: Lunch with views fit for an emperor
When you reach the remarkable ruins of the Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum), follow the path to the right until you hit a massive column called the Colonna Traiana. Directly ahead of you is your lunch spot, Oro Bistrot, the rooftop bar and restaurant at the NH Collection Rome Fori Imperiali Hotel. It’s no secret that it has one of Rome’s most stunning views, so make sure to book a table in advance, especially in the summer. From here you’ll gaze out at sights you won’t have time to visit on this one-day itinerary, including the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument and the nearby Piazza del Campidoglio.
After lunch here in the Centro Storico, head toward Piazza Venezia. In about 10 minutes you’ll reach the ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina, where Julius Caesar was famously assassinated by members of his inner circle. (It’s also the unlikely location of a quirky animal shelter, the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, a sweet detour for kitty lovers.) The newly opened walkways across the ruins—costing a few extra euros—are a great way to take in this historic sight.
A short walk up the Corso del Rinascimento takes you to Piazza Navona, one of the city’s most spectacular squares. Spend some time admiring its trio of fountains, especially the gallivanting gods of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi at the center. From here, two other sights rated as “Best of the Best” by Tripadvisor reviewers are a short walk away: the Pantheon (4 minutes) and the Trevi Fountain (13 minutes away). If you’re on schedule, both are worth a detour.
From Piazza Navona, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Ponte Sant'Angelo. In 1669, Pope Clement IX commissioned Bernini to add 10 magnificent angels along both sides of the bridge. The Pope liked two of the statues so much that he kept them for himself and had replicas installed on the bridge. Ahead of you is the massive Castel Sant'Angelo, originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Gaze off to the left and you’ll see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, the centerpiece of Vatican City. There’s an even better view from the Via della Conciliazione, which slices through the Prati neighborhood.
For more Instagram-ready pics, enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the nearby Terrazza Les Etoiles (make sure to book ahead). Arrive just before sunset for the perfect shot between the two hedges that frame the dome of St. Peter’s.
EVENING: Dine with the locals in Trastevere
Dinner will be in one of Rome’s oldest and prettiest neighborhoods, Trastevere. But you’ll be taking the scenic route there so that you can tick off a few more sights along the way. From the stop in front of the Ospedale di Santo Spirito in Sassia, hop aboard Bus 115 toward Trastevere. Get off a couple of stops earlier at Mura Gianicolensi for what’s the hands-down best view over Rome (in a city built on seven hills, this is no small feat). Nicknamed the “Beverly Hills of Rome,” Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) is where locals come to romance their amore or sip take-away beer with their friends.
After you’ve taken enough pictures, stroll down the hill to Trastevere. Known for its appetizer-sized portions of traditional Roman fare, Antica Osteria Rugantino is the place to try local specialities like beef tripe. For your main dish, you can’t go wrong with the meatballs or one of the excellent pasta dishes.
Leave room for dessert at what’s arguably the best gelateria in Rome: Otaleg (the oddball name is just “gelato” spelled backwards). Fan favorites include pistachio and lemon. After an epic day exploring the Eternal City, there’s no better way to celebrate hitting all of the capital’s best sights.
TRASTEVERE AREA FOOD TOUR OPTIONS
- For well over a decade, Eating Europe has been giving visitors VIP access to some of Trastevere’s culinary institutions on its Rome Twilight Food Tour. Limited to groups of 12, the walk includes a peek at the city’s oldest wine cellar.
- Taking in Trastevere and nearby neighborhoods, the Rome Wine and Food Tour reveals the best spots to sample fried artichokes, risotto balls, and pizza bianca (white pizza). This small-group walking tour also hits markets where you can try local produce.
- Focusing on Trastevere, the four-hour Roman Food Tour with Free-Flowing Wine is rated a “Best of the Best” by Tripadviser users. Among the highlights is pizza from the neighborhood’s oldest wood-burning oven.
Where to stay in Rome for 1 day
Centro Storico: Rome’s sprawling Centro Storico, covered on this blockbuster day, is the most convenient place to stay when you’re here for a short—or very short—visit. Staying in the hip neighborhood of Monti puts you close to the Colosseum and other ancient Roman treasures. Located on Via dei Serpenti between family-run trattorias and vine-covered buildings, Condominio Monti is an apartment block from the early 1900s that has been transformed into a boutique hotel with modern furnishings and a rooftop terrace where you can eat breakfast like a local.
Vatican City: Located a few steps from the Vatican, Residenza Paolo VI has the most spectacular views of the dome atop St. Peter’s Basilica from its swanky rooftop terrace. (Yes, you can see and listen to the Pope’s blessing from here if you visit on a Sunday). The rooms are spacious and well-appointed.
Trastevere: This pretty-as-a-postcard neighborhood is where locals go about their day oblivious to the crowds of photo-snapping tourists. When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options to choose from, especially if you prefer smaller hotels. Close to Trastevere train station, B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere gets kudos for its breakfast spread. The rooms are simple but tick all the important boxes.