How to Visit Rome in Less Than 24 Hours
What to Do With 1 Day in Rome
The city of Rome is filled with world-famous historic sites. One could spend a week in this ancient city and still not see everything it has to offer. However, there are a few places in Rome that are considered must-see attractions due to their high-profile artistic, historical, and cultural values.
Ideally, you should plan to spend at least 2 days in Rome in order to see all of its main sites properly. Unfortunately, sometimes circumstances allow a tourist a limited amount of time to enjoy the city. Given Rome’s historical significance it is important to make the most of the time you have there. With careful planning, Rome’s biggest attractions can be seen in only one day and night.
1. 8:30 AM: The Roman Forum
A glorious jumble of ancient buildings
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Arrive at the Roman Forum entrance on Via di S. Gregorio as it opens and buy your combined ticket for the Forum and the Colosseum. The ticket line at the Forum is always much shorter than at the Colosseum, so it saves time to purchase tickets here.
Many people skip seeing the Forum in favor of heading directly to the Colosseum, but the Forum is full of history and is awe-inspiring in its own right. The Forum is, at first glance, a jumble of rocks and columns so take a decent guide-book with you. You might also consider picking up some pastries from a cafe on the way there so you can have breakfast on-the-go. Read more
Location: Via di S. Gregorio, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm
8:30 AM: The Roman Forum
2. 9:30 AM: The Colosseum
Rome’s most iconic landmark
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Leave the Roman Forum from the exit closest to the Colosseum on the East side of the Forum. On your way to the Colosseum, make sure you note the Arch of Constantine to your right. Built in the early 300s, it is well-preserved for its age, and its size is nothing short of impressive. Like the Forum, it is often underappreciated due to its proximity to the Colosseum.
Now onto the main attraction: The Colosseum. Go to the entrance, and make sure you don’t get into the line to purchase tickets; you already have yours from the Forum. Head inside and marvel at the wonder of this ancient amphitheater. Read more
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
9:30 AM: The Colosseum
3. 10.30 AM: The Vatican
The Holy City inside a city
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Leave the Colosseum and get a taxi or Metro train. Once near The Vatican, head to the Vatican walls by Piazza del Risorgimento. You’ll find many people selling guided tours to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. These tours often allow you to skip the line to get into the Vatican Museums, which can be hours long in peak season.
While you’re waiting for your tour, there are quaint streets to explore and nearby restaurants for lunch. Make sure you choose a tour that starts at 1 pm at the latest, since the Vatican Museums close at 4 pm. To avoid rushing around, you could even choose to stay near the Vatican City in a hotel with free breakfast.
Location: 00120 Vatican City, Roma
10.30 AM: The Vatican
4. 4:00 PM: View of Castel Sant’Angelo
A mighty, historic fortress
Good for: History, Photo
When your tour has finished, at 4 pm at the latest, walk East from St. Peter’s Square up the Via della Conciliazione. Be sure to turn around for the picture-perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica. Veer right onto Via San Pio X and across Ponte Vittorio Emanuele, one of Rome’s many bridges over the Tiber River. This particular bridge is a work of art in its own right, as it’s adorned with statues.
However, the real goal here is to see the impressive view of Castle Sant’Angelo, the ancient fortress that also served as a tomb, dungeons, and papal refuge. Unfortunately, there is not enough time to go inside, so the view from the outside will have to suffice. Read more
Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 7.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
4:00 PM: View of Castel Sant'Angelo
5. 5:00 PM: The Pantheon
An unmissable, imposing temple
Good for: History, Photo
Hail a taxi and direct the driver to go to the Pantheon. While there are bus routes that could get you there, the Roman bus system is not recommended if you have a limited amount of time in the city. The buses are notorious for not running to schedule, and it’s sometimes difficult to know which stop to get off at. A short taxi ride like this should be quite affordable.
After you enjoy the ancient Pantheon’s charms, you can do the rest of the itinerary at your own pace, since the remaining attractions do not have closing times to worry about. Read more
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
5:00 PM: The Pantheon
6. 6:00 PM: The Trevi Fountain
The famous fountain of fortune
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Make your way from the Pantheon to the iconic Trevi Fountain by foot. The street you want to take is to your left when you’re facing the front of the Pantheon. It’s about a ten minute walk, although you might first want to poke around the souvenir stands that line the pedestrian street leading up to the Trevi Fountain.
Once you get to the fountain you can enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of its mythological imagery. You might consider getting some pre-dinner gelato from one of the nearby gelaterias to eat while you sit on the steps of the fountain. Read more
Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
6:00 PM: The Trevi Fountain
7. 7:00 PM: Piazza Navona and Dinner
One of the loveliest town squares
Good for: Food, Nightlife
From the Trevi Fountain, walk the 20 minutes to the stunning Piazza Navona. This is a wonderful area to wander around in and you could perhaps even buy some art from one of the many artists who sell their wares in this area.
You can easily find a lovely place to have dinner here. There are dozens of little restaurants to choose from in the area, serving every type of cuisine imaginable. If you’re looking for traditional Roman cooking to enjoy, you won’t have to look far to find a good quality restaurant near the piazza. Read more
Location: 00186, Roma RM, Italy
7:00 PM: Piazza Navona and Dinner
8. 9:00 PM: The Spanish Steps
An evening at a beautiful landmark
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
When you’re finished with dinner, find your way to any of the main roads near Piazza Navona and hail a taxi. Direct the driver to go to the Spanish Steps. When you arrive, find yourself a seat on the steps and absorb the lively atmosphere around you. Buskers usually perform here day and night, and people-watching over a quick gelato is a fairly popular pastime in the summer.
These steps below the Trinita dei Monti church also serve as a rendezvous point for venturing out into Rome’s nightlife. When you’re done with the great bars and clubs in the area, you can head back to a hotel, conveniently close to the Spanish Steps, and recharge after your busy day. Read more
Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
9:00 PM: The Spanish Steps
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