In Planning a weekend in Rome? This Italian city is well-known for its rich culture, history, and heritage. It is home to some world-famous attractions such as the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more. That’s not all, it is also the gateway to the Pope’s home - the Vatican City. Whether you are looking for exciting nightlife, delicious Italian dishes, or historical monuments to explore, this city has it all.
If you are planning to spend a weekend in Rome, then this well-planned itinerary can help you make the most of your trip here.
2 Days in Rome - How To Spend Your Day
Rome In 2 Days - Detailed Itinerary
Exploring The Fabulous Vatican City
Vatican & Sistine Chapel
St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome
Vatican Necropolis
Castel Sant Angelo
Piazza Navona
On the second day of your Rome trip, you can start your day with a visit to Vatican City, a small country inside Rome. The Vatican City is the residence of the Pope and the heart of the Catholic Church. There are two main sights to see here - the Vatican museums and the St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican Museums feature many stunning galleries and hidden rooms including the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and so on. One of the main attractions inside the museums is the Sistine Chapel which was painted by Michelangelo. The frescoes on the walls and the ceilings of this chapel are simply breathtaking.
- Make sure to visit the Vatican Museums on Saturday as it is closed on Sundays except for the last Sunday of every month. It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Saturday.
- The museum is free to visit every last Sunday of each month. The entry ticket on the other days costs 17 Euros while students and youth get a discount.
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues and get skip-the-line entry tickets for quicker access.
- Avoid visiting the museums on weekends or Mondays as it is the most crowded on those days.
Local Travel Tip
The Vatican Museums has 1400 rooms of art and unfortunately, you can’t see them all in a day. Hence, research the rooms and collections you want to see and visit accordingly
Restaurant Recommendations
Time for breakfast? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
After exploring the Vatican Museums, visit the gorgeous St. Peter’s Basilica . It took around 120 years to build this basilica and it is the largest church in the world. It also features the largest dome in the world from where you can enjoy stunning views of Rome city.
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, you can admire several artworks including Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture. The best part is that you can even attend the Holy Mass here for free! You can climb the 551 steps or take the lift to reach the dome of the basilica from where you can see St. Peter’s Square and the rest of the city.
- The basilica entrance fee is free but to reach the dome, you need to pay between €8 and €6 depending on your mode of climbing.
- Visit the dome before exploring the basilica to avoid the long lines in the latter part of the day.
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- St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances – Best Ways to Enter the Church
- St. Peter’s Basilica Guidebook: Discover The Most Visited Church In The World
- Best Ways To Skip The Lines at St. Peter’s Basilica
- Vatican Necropolis Tour – Unearth Ancient Roman History Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
- Why You Must Explore St. Peter’s Basilica From The Inside
- St. Peter’s Basilica Reopens Its Doors After Almost 2 Months
Local Travel Tip
Though entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, entering the Vatican Museums isn’t. But be sure not to miss the latter, for the historical and cultural significance of both are equally important to getting the full experience
Restaurant Recommendations
Feeling hungry? There are many great places to sit down for a scrumptious lunch after your spirited tour of the St. Peter’s Basilica. Here are some local recommendations:
Next, explore the Vatican Necropolis , an underground city featuring house-like mausoleums. These mausoleums are filled with frescoes, stucco decorations, and inscriptions. In the 1940s, a grave with the inscription ‘Petros Eni’ was found here. According to the Vatican, the remains found inside this grave are of St. Peter, one of the original Apostles.
- The Vatican Necropolis is completely underground with little ventilation and is dimly lit. Also, the temperatures and humidity levels would be slightly higher than on ground, so those people who have any serious medical concerns or suffer from claustrophobia should not visit.
- Since you will be entering a holy and sacred place, please make sure you wear appropriate clothing. For both men and women, knees and shoulders must be covered.
- Avoid travelling during the high season! During the months of June - August, the entire city gets very crowded and the lines to enter could go on forever. Try visiting during the off season to make the most out of your limited time.
- Note down all your questions beforehand as you may not get too much time to ask the guide during the tour.
- Give yourself at least 1.5 hours for the entire tour. You do not want to rush past all the attractions and find yourself regretting it later. Take your time and enjoy this exclusive visit.
Local Travel Tip
Ensure that you make your booking at least 3-4 weeks in advance in order to secure your place. The tickets for the Necropolis are high in demand and may get sold out if you book last minute. For a private tour, you will need to email the Fabric of Saint Peter directly
Also known as Hadrian’s Tomb, Castel Sant Angelo was built for King Hadrian. Located on the banks of River Tiber, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Initially, it was built as a tomb for King Hadrian but it evolved into a fortress then a castle and now, it is finally a museum. Visitors can head to the top of this castle to enjoy breathtaking views of Rome city.
- In a day, the best time to visit Castel Sant'Angelo is the evening, because that's when you'll bump into the least crowds.
- In a year, visiting Rome, and especially this attraction between September to March, allows you to enjoy the weather, which might be useful when you're exploring the five floors of the castle.
- If you choose to go to the attraction in a car, be aware that there isn't a parking facility available on the premises.
- The closest bus stop to Castel Sant'Angelo is Piazza Pia. The attraction is a 5-minute walk away from here.
Local Travel Tip
Since the landmark is a popular spot, for locals and tourists alike, it's advisable to book your tickets at least 3 days in advance to ensure you get the smoothest experience.
Restaurant Recommendations
Feeling hungry? There are many great places to sit down for a scrumptious dinner after your spirited tour of the Castel Sant' Angelo. Here are some local recommendations:
Finally, make your way to Piazza Navona which is a hub for artists, musicians, and street entertainers. Take a stroll at night here and enjoy a delicious gelato from GROM. Centered around 3 lavish fountains - Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana di Nettuno ; Piazza Navona is a true example of a hive of activity. It flaunts Bernini sculptures, elaborate fountains, a magnificent church, colourful casts of street artists, quaint cafes and lots of open space, bathing in sunshine and brimming with tourists. If you like a slow start to your day, grab a coffee, catch a nook and drink in your surroundings.
- For the first 3 activities of day 2, we recommend booking the Navona Underground, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain Walking Tour in advance.
- There are many restaurants inside Piazza Navona, and waiters will try their best to lure you in. The restaurants here are mostly tourist traps- very expensive and not actually authentically-Italian. We recommend that you do not eat in Piazza Navona.
- Visit the piazza during spring or autumn when the weather is ideal for walking.
Local Travel Tip
Later, you can also enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants here. If you are looking for an authentic Roman meal, then Mimi e Coco and Cantina e Cucina are good choices.
Sauntering Through Ancient Rome
Colosseum
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Borghese Gallery
Terrazza del Pincio
Trevi Fountain
Colosseum
One of the most popular attractions in Rome, the Colosseum is an ancient amphitheater that was used for gladiator contests, animal fights, and other public events. It is also the tallest amphitheater to be ever built at a height of 157 feet. Enjoy a tour of this ancient sight to learn more about the history and stories of ancient Rome.
Roman Forum
Located outside Colosseum is the Roman Forum which was once the city center. The forum features tall buildings with arches, columns, and other unique architectural elements. A few highlights of this place are the Temple of Castor and Pollex, the Temple of Antoninus Pius, and so on.
Palatine Hill
Next, enjoy a trip back in time with a visit to Palatine Hill. Located in the center of the seven hills, the hill overlooks Roman Forum and Circus Maximus.
- The Colosseum is open from Monday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The last entry is at 3:30 PM.
- The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are open year-round from 8:30 AM till one hour before sunset.
- The attractions are quite popular so visitors are recommended to buy their entrance tickets in advance to skip the waiting line.
- Plan a visit around 8:30 AM as there are fewer tourists in the morning.
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- The Colosseum Arena: An Ancient Stage Of Barbaric Gladiator Games
- The Roman Colosseum At Night: A Guide To Visiting The Colosseum Under Stars
- How To Explore Colosseum The Right Way: The Ultimate Roman Colosseum Travel Book
- The Colosseum Reopens Post COVID-19 Lockdown – New Rules & Safety Measures
- Top 9 Colosseum Guided Tours 2022
- Walk In The Footsteps Of Gladiators With These Colosseum Underground Tours
- Rediscover Ancient Rome With Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Tickets
Local Travel Tip
The views of Rome and the Colosseum from atop the Palatine Hill are the best in the city; don’t miss out on bringing a camera!
Restaurant Recommendations
Time for breakfast? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
The Borghese Gallery
Borghese Gallery is located on the eastern end of Villa Borghese and is known for its display of art collection. This impressive collection includes masterpieces from Botticelli, Raphael, Tiziano, and more. Take a stroll through this gallery and admire the gorgeous frescoes on the walls, stunning sculptures, and mosaics found in every corner here. With ticket options aplenty, choose your preferred Borghese Gallery Ticket.
- The Galleria Borghese is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM. The last entry is at 5:45 PM.
- Book your entrance slot in advance and arrive 45 minutes before as the entrance can be quite crowded.
- Entry is allowed at the whole hour, I.e., 10 AM, 11 AM, and so on. Each visitor has 2 hours to explore the art gallery.
- The entry fee is 15 Euros for adults and free with the Roma Pass.
Local Travel Tip
Want a fun way to explore Villa Borghese? Rent a bike (from either Viale Goethe or Viale dell'Uccelliera - both located inside the park) and explore the garden in peace!
Cafe Recommendations
Feeling hungry? There are many great places to sit down for a scrumptious snack after your spirited tour of the Galleria Borghese. Here are some local recommendations:
After a visit to Borghese Gallery, you can head to a gelato joint nearby, Come Il Latte. It is a 13-minute walk from Borghese Gallery and serves a variety of gelato flavors and frozen yogurts. They make all these using natural and organic ingredients which is why they taste so amazing.
On your weekend trip to Rome, don’t forget to admire the sunset from Terrazza del Pincio near the Spanish Steps. This magnificent terrace is one of the best places to catch a sunset in Rome and is a 12-minute walk from the Spanish Steps. Enjoy the live music playing in the background as you soak in the gorgeous sunset from this viewpoint.
Local Travel Tip
A great way to enjoy the Borghese gardens is to have a picnic instead of sitting down at a café or restaurant!
Next, make your way to one what's considered to be one of the most famous fountains in the world. The Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain, is one of the most breathtaking fountains and stands out starkly from the other 1,352 fountains in Rome. One of the most classic experiences to enjoy in Rome is having a bottle of wine at the Trevi Fountain. The area around the fountain comes alive at night where you can watch people and enjoy the Italian atmosphere.
Get a bottle of wine, and glass, and enjoy your Saturday night in Rome the right way. You can also throw a coin in the fountain for good luck, as is the Italian tradition.
- For the first 3 activities of day 2, we recommend booking the Navona Underground, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain Walking Tour in advance.
- Be alert of your surroundings: people will be brushing up against each other, so keep your belongings and valuables safe.
Local Travel Tip
The Trevi Fountain is swarming with tourists day in and out. We recommend visiting early in the morning (preferably at sunrise) for a unique experience!
Restaurant Recommendations
Time to refuel your body? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
Spend 2 Days in Rome Under 130 Euros
Barring your accomodation and food expenses, here's an approximate of how much you'll spend in Rome over 2 days. Headout guarantees the best price on the internet, so simply buy your attraction tickets from the Headout website and get 5% Cashbacks and 6 Euros Discounts on every other purchase!
Day 1 : Full-Day Combo: Crypts & Catacombs and Legends & Ghosts of Rome Tour
€84
Day 2 : Combo (Save 5%): Tickets to Colosseum & Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel
€46
Total
€130
Book your Rome Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend just €130 on your 2 day vacation in Rome! Hit up all the prime attractions in the Eternal city and save more while you explore more.
Recommended Experiences for your 5 day Rome itinerary
• Priority Entrance Tickets to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill• The Original Rome Capuchin Crypts and Catacombs Tour
• Best of Rome: Walking Tour with Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain & Pantheon
• Villa Borghese Gallery: Skip The Line Guided Tour
• Skip-the-Line Tickets: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Vatican City Tour with St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb
• Castel Sant Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket with an Audioguide
More Rome Itineraries
Before we take a deep dive into the itineraries, is this your first time visiting Rome? Need help figuring out the best time to visit Rome, where to stay, transportation in Rome, packing tips, etc.? Give our Rome Trip Planner a read!
Want some more itinerary options?
Public Transportation In Rome
Exploring Rome by car/taxi can be something straight out of a nightmare. This is why even the local prefer using the metro or city buses. The most preferred amongst the two is the metro. But there are certain areas you cannot cover on the metro- these will be covered by buses. There are also 3 tram lines that are good to use to cover short distances.
You'll need to buy tickets for these modes of transportation. You can buy the tickets each time for your journey or a travel pass that is valid for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours. If you will be staying for a week here, then you can buy the weekly ticket for traveling around the city.
Where To Stay in Rome?
In case you're still in your planning phase and want to arrange your accommodation, we have some recommendations. But before we go into the specific hotels, let's talk about the best neighborhoods to stay in.
If you’re looking for good places to stay for sightseeing, look no further than the city center. There are plenty of good hotels around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, both atmospheric and convenient locations if you’re looking to get some sightseeing done. Staying in the city center can get pricey, though, so if you’re looking to stay for 5 days and more, look further afield.
Recommendations:
1. Around Piazza Navona:
- Eitch Borromini (5-star)
- Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori (4-star)
- Hotel Damaso (3-star)
- Navona Residenza de charme (guesthouse)
- Grand Hotel de la Minerve (5-star)
- Otivm hotel (4-star)
- Hotel Abruzzi (3-star)
- NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento (5-star)
- The Fifteen Keys Boutique Hotel (4-star)
- Princeps Boutique Hotel (3-star)
Tips & Hacks For Making The Best of 2 Days in Rome
- Getting Skip The Line Tickets is always recommended in Rome. The ticketing queues can be excruciatingly long. Pay a little extra to avoid waiting around in line and thank us later.
- Most restaurants listed on popular websites like TripAdvisor are tourist traps- they can be quite hefty on the pocket. When in Rome, eat like a local. Head to where the locals flock and taste authentically-Italian grub! If you're interested in squeezing in local food tour on your 2 day trip, check out our list of the Top Local Food Tours in Rome.
- The all new Walk On Walk Off Pass : This is a fairly new concept and we are completely blown by it ( you will be too!) If you like exploring a city on foot, nothing gets better. Check out our review of the Walk On Walk Off Pass.
- Rome is infamous for its scamsters and fraudsters, so, keep an eye out for your belongings and keep them near and close.
- There are many non-decorative fountains along the streets with free-flowing water. This water is perfectly safe to drink, so bring your water bottles and fill them up from here
- Italians don’t drink cappuccinos after 11 AM. Order an espresso to shun funny looks.
- Most museums and sites are closed on Mondays, so if you're in Rome on a Monday, make sure you have a Plan B of things to do.
FAQs: Rome in 2 Days - Itinerary
However, 2 days in Rome is a sufficient amount of time in order to see all the 'musts', including the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. In addition – if you plan well – you can get just a bit off the beaten path and explore the city center deeper, which will make your trip so much more memorable
To break the itinerary down as an overview: Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maxima, Capitoline Museums, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon. Day 2: Vatican Museums, Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria, Come il Latte.
It's fine for your sightseeing outfits to be casual in Rome. T-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, sundresses and sandals are all appropriate for any of the Rome sights, including Vatican City. You should be comfortable since so much of the best sight-seeing in Rome involves walking
The priority access together with free public transport or Rome hop-on-hop-off bus tickets frees up more time for sightseeing. This is huge, as people can queue for up to 4 hours in the ticket lines of the Vatican and Colosseum during the peak tourist season. That is the main point why Roma Pass worth it.
Rome's best travel months (also busiest and most expensive) are April, May, June, September, October, and early November. These months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather.
