2 Days in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary

You could spend an eternity in the Eternal City, roaming its winding streets, discovering its thousands of churches and neighborhood markets, and appreciating its historic sites. That said, you undoubtedly have less than that for your vacation. So, while Rome merits many trips, you can still see and do plenty with just two days, the key is planning ahead and making the most of your limited time. To help you make the most of your visit to the Italian Capital, we created a guide to spending 2 days in Rome, taking you from the ancient ruins of the Colosseum to the splendour of Vatican City. 

Read on and discover how to maximize your 48 hours in Rome!

Rome is not just all romans and ruins, there is so much to see and do, you can return again and again

Day 1 – Colosseum and Historic City Centre

Morning: Colosseum and Roman Forum

Start your morning at the Colosseum, Rome’s most iconic ancient landmark. Built nearly 2,000 years ago under the emperors Vespasian and Titus, the massive amphitheater once hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles.

We recommend going early, as crowds tend to build throughout the day. What’s more: As this is one of the city’s busiest attractions, make sure to book your Colosseum tickets and tours in advance; waiting in line can eat up precious hours when you only have 2 days in Rome.

Imagine being a gladiator back in the day… see what they saw looking up at the stands

From the Colosseum, continue into the Foro Romano (Roman Forum) and explore what was once the heart of ancient Roman society. A hub for political, religious, and commercial life, the Forum is today filled with the ruins of temples, basilicas, and government buildings that formed the center of the Roman Republic and Empire.

Spend the rest of the morning exploring the Palatine Hill: one of Rome’s seven hills and, according to legend, the birthplace of the city.

Insider Tip: Ever wondered what all those strange carvings and graffiti on the ancient stones are about? Keep an eye out as you explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum, these marks offer glimpses into how people experienced these places long after ancient Rome.

The ancient ruins of the Forum really do make you think about past civilisations and Roman life through the ages

Afternoon: Centro Storico

After exploring ancient Rome, head through Centro Storico, the Italian Capital’s historic city center. While you’ll want to leave some time to wander the city’s labyrinthine streets, with just 2 days in Rome, you’ll also want to keep a few key sights on your radar, including: 

• Campo di Fiori – A historic square that was once a meadow on the outskirts of Rome, which today houses a daily market that draws vendors selling fresh produce, spices, flowers, and other local goods. 
• Pantheon – A nearly 2,000 year old structure, which was originally a temple dedicated to the Roman gods and was later converted into a Christian church.

The Pantheon is a cool thing to see, both inside and out, especially if it rains!

• Fontana di Trevi – An 18th Century fountain which was built at the endpoint of an ancient Roman aqueduct, Aqua Virgo, and has supplied water to Rome for more than 2,000 years. 
• Piazza Navona – A grand baroque square that is home to Bernini’s famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi  – Fountain of the Four Rivers), designed back in 1651. (which you can learn more about in our Rome in a Day Tour!).

The central fountain and obelisk of Piazza Navona will blow your mind.

As you explore Centro Storico, you’ll also want to grab lunch. For a quick and quintessentially Roman option, grab a slice of pizza al taglio at Forno Campo di Fiori. Sold by weight, it’s an easy (and delicious) way to refuel without sacrificing too much sightseeing time.

Evening: Trastevere

If you still have energy, head to Trastevere for an evening stroll, where you can try some classic Roman supplì or stop for a drink at one of the neighborhood’s lively bars. 

Mmmmmm! Suppli really are an amazing street food you can enjoy while you wander!

Day 2 – Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

Morning: St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums

Kick off the second of your 2 days in Rome with a visit to Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state and home to some of the world’s most important artistic and religious treasures.

Start your morning at St. Peter’s Basilica, and admire its monumental interior and masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Swiss Guards, who have protected the pope since the 16th century.

Michelangelo’s works of architecture and painting will astound you!

Once you’ve had your fill of the basilica, head to the Vatican Museums, which house one of the world’s most significant art collections, spanning ancient Roman and Greek sculpture, Renaissance masterpieces, elaborate galleries, and centuries of religious art. 

Make your way toward the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll find famous works like Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment.

As with the Colosseum, you’ll want to secure tickets beforehand; with only 2 days in Rome, you don’t want to waste precious time waiting in line. For exmaple, on our Rome in a Day Tour, we take care of the logistics for you, with reserved entry and priority access so you can spend less time waiting and more time exploring.

The ceilings of the Sistine Chapel are what a lot of people come to Rome for

Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza del Popolo

After venturing through the Vatican, spend the afternoon checking out some of the surrounding neighborhoods and landmarks.

Start with Castel Sant’Angelo, the impressive fortress on the banks of the Tiber River. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, the structure was later transformed into a papal fortress and prison.

On the banks of the Tiber River you will see the imposing silhouette of the old fortress Castel Sant’Angelo

Insider Tip: For lunch, head to Osteria della Parola in Prati, where you’ll be able to enjoy some top notch traditional Roman pastas.

From here, walk along the Tiber toward Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome’s most expansive squares. Take in its grandeur and twin churches before continuing into Villa Borghese, Rome’s expansive central park, just steps from the piazza. 

Wander its tree-lined paths, enjoy views over the city, or visit the Galleria Borghese, if you’ve booked tickets beforehand.

The beautiful building that houses the Borghese Gallery, which stands in stunning gardens that you can enjoy too

Making the Most of 2 Days in Rome

2 days in Rome may not be enough to see everything the Eternal City has to offer, but with a little planning and smart time management, you can experience many of its biggest highlights without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one attraction to the next. 

If your schedule is tight, our Rome in a Day Tour makes it possible to experience Rome’s essential sights in just one day. Led by one of our expert guides, they’ll bring the city’s history to life while taking care of the logistics, so you don’t have to stress about planning. Your guide can also point you toward what’s worth exploring if you have extra time after the tour, or give you recommendations to save for your next trip to Rome. 

On this seven-hour experience, you’ll get to combine skip-the-line access with one of our expert guides and cover many of Rome’s essential sites, including:

• The Colosseum
• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Navona
• Pantheon (exterior)
• View of Roman Forum
• Piazza Venezia & Mussolini’s balcony

There are so many works of art in Rome, you definitely will be spoilt for choice!

FAQs – 2 days in Rome 

How much does a 2 day trip to Rome cost?

Rome can be surprisingly expensive, particularly when you add up accommodation, attraction tickets and meals. For a comfortable trip, budget around €100–€150 per person per day, excluding your hotel. You can spend less by eating at casual restaurants and pizzerias, but major attractions such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums will add to the cost.

What is the best time of year to spend 2 days in Rome?

Spring and autumn are generally the best times for a short trip, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. Summer can be hot and extremely busy, while winter is quieter and often cheaper. If you visit in July or August, plan sightseeing for the morning and take a break during the hottest part of the day.

How far in advance should I book Rome attractions?

For a two-day visit, book your major attractions before you arrive. Colosseum and Vatican tickets can sell out, particularly during spring, summer and holiday periods. Booking ahead also means you can plan your days around fixed entry times rather than wasting valuable sightseeing time in queues.

How much walking is involved in two days in Rome?

Quite a lot! This itinerary covers several areas of the city on foot, so expect to walk several kilometres each day. Comfortable shoes are essential, and you may want to use public transport or a taxi for some longer journeys. Remember that Rome’s historic streets can be uneven and are often paved with cobblestones.

Wandering the back streets of Rome is a day out in itself, just remember to wear comfortable shoes!

Can I do this itinerary with children?

Yes, although you may want to slow the pace down. Two days packed with ancient ruins, museums and churches can be tiring for younger children. Consider dropping one or two stops and building in time for gelato, parks and playgrounds. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are usually particularly engaging for children because there is plenty of history to bring to life.

Should I stay in the historic centre for a two-day visit?

If you only have two days, staying relatively centrally can save you a lot of travel time. Areas such as Centro Storico, Monti, Trastevere and Prati put you within easy reach of many major sights. A slightly more expensive hotel in a convenient location can be worthwhile when every hour counts.

A guided walking tour helps take the logistical stress out of sightseeing!

Want to see Rome’s highlights in just one day?

If two days in Rome sounds like a good plan, our Rome in a Day Tour takes the stress out of planning. In seven hours, an expert guide leads you through many of the city’s essential sights, including the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, with reserved entry and priority access along the way.

See more of Rome, spend less time planning and waiting, and make every hour count.