Rome, Italy 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Rome

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty Italian breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli, located near Piazza Navona.
  • Head to the Colosseum (Ticket Price: €12 - €14) and spend a few hours exploring this iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. Remember to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
  • From the Colosseum, walk to the Roman Forum (Included in the Colosseum ticket) and Palatine Hill (€12). These sites offer a glimpse into the political, social and religious life of ancient Rome.

Afternoon:

  • Grab a quick lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Remo, near the Colosseum for authentic Roman pizza.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Capitoline Museums (€14) on the Capitoline Hill. The museum houses a vast collection of art and archaeological finds from Rome.
  • End your day at the Pantheon (Free admission), one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Don’t forget to watch the sun setting through the oculus!

Dinner:

  • For dinner, head to Trattoria Vecchia Roma in Trastevere for traditional Roman dishes.

Evening:

  • Spend your evening strolling around the charming streets of Trastevere, with its picturesque cobblestone alleys and vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Vatican City & Artistic Rome

Morning:

  • Begin your day at St. Peter’s Square (Free admission) and Basilica (Free entrance; €6 for the dome climb). Be sure to check out Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s Baldachin.
  • Enter Vatican City and visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Remember, modest dress is required to enter these sites.
  • Explore the Vatican Museums (€17 - €25) which house an extensive collection of artworks including the famous Sistine Chapel frescoes by Michelangelo.

Afternoon:

  • For lunch, try Osteria del Migliore near Piazza del Popolo.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Galleria Borghese (€15 - €20), a villa museum housing an exceptional collection of art and sculpture including works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova.

Dinner:

  • Dine at Ristorante La Pergola in the Rome Cavalier Waldorf Astoria for a high-end dining experience with stunning views of the city.

Evening:

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Tiber River and end your day at Campo de’ Fiori, one of Rome’s most famous markets by day, but a vibrant nightlife hub in the evening.

Things to Know:

  1. Rome is a city that loves its gelato. Don’t miss Giolitti or Fatamorgana for some delicious desserts!
  2. The Vatican closes at 6 PM, and many sites close earlier on Sundays, so plan your visits accordingly.
  3. Public transportation in Rome includes buses (€1.50 per ride) and the metro (€1.50 - €5 depending on distance). A 48-hour pass costs €12.50.
  4. English is widely spoken, but learning a few Italian phrases will make your trip more enjoyable!

Tips:

  1. Avoid peak tourist season (June to August) for a less crowded experience.
  2. Stay in the historic center to be close to all major sights. Areas like Trastevere and Monti are great choices for budget travelers, while the Spanish Steps area offers more upscale accommodations.
  3. Consider getting the Roma Pass (€38 for 48 hours or €62 for 72 hours) which includes free entry to museums and sights, as well as unlimited public transportation.