Are you planning a trip to Rome but have only two days to stay? Don’t worry; it’s enough to fall in love with this magnificent city. Rome has always been one of my favorite places in Italy, and I hope that with this 48 hours in Rome itinerary, you’ll have a weekend to remember.
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Rome, Rome, Rome… even today, all roads lead to the capital of Italy. Loved not only by tourists but also locals, Rome is the most popular destination in the country and has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best places in Italy.
When planning my weekend in Rome, I struggled to decide what sights I should visit. Rich in history and culture, Rome has too many things to offer, and you’ll need more than two days to explore them all.
The good news, however, is that with proper planning, you can still make the best out of your stay even when you don’t have much time. And that’s exactly what I’m going to help you with.
In this 48 hours in Rome itinerary, you can find a detailed description of each day. You’ll discover what to do, where to eat, and what not to miss in Rome.
Yes, two days may not be enough to see all of Rome, but it pretty much is to see the best part of it. So, here is how you can relish your weekend in Rome!
Weekend in Rome: Day 1
Breakfast Time
Let’s start your first day in Rome like locals. Pop by a local bar or pasticceria to have a typical Italian breakfast!
Italian breakfast culture may slightly differ from what you’re used to, and if it’s your first time in Italy, you’ll surely notice that.
For instance, Italians prefer to have a quick breakfast on their way to work, and usually, they eat standing. Their food preference is limited to coffee with a pastry and nothing heavier than that. And oh my, how obsessed (in a good sense) they are with food and coffee rules.
Here are some of them to keep in mind:
- Italians don’t drink cappuccino after 11 a.m. For them, it’s a morning drink ONLY. It doesn’t mean that you can’t order it in the afternoon… But, the barista could have a slight judgment in his eyes. So, please, don’t get offended.
- If you want an americano, it will be served as an espresso in a deep cup with hot water on the side.
- If you want a latte, order a caffè latte. Otherwise, a barista will give you a glass of milk.
- In Italian bars, you pay first and then order coffee from a barista. They usually ask for a check. So, don’t throw it. In pasticceria it’s the opposite. You order first and pay when you have finished your breakfast.
Another interesting thing is coperto. It’s an additional fee that Italian restaurants, cafeterias, and bars charge for the seating. Usually, it’s around 1-3€ per person.
What I can say from my experience is that breakfast places near the tourist sights would surely add coperto to your receipt. However, some off-the-beaten-path bars won’t do that.
When it comes to choosing a nice place for breakfast, I usually check Google maps with the highest ranking, and Rome was no exception.
In general, it’s difficult to find bad cafeterias in Italy, but my honest advice is to avoid cafeterias near tourist spots. If there is a chance, always favor hidden places outside the main streets.
The Vatican City
During your weekend in Rome, I would recommend starting your first day in the holy city of Catholics – the Vatican.
As the world’s smallest independent state, the Vatican has enormous cultural and historical importance, and since 1984, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Considering the Vatican’s importance, people from all over the world come to see it. That means it can get hectic, and you should prepare for the visit in advance.
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums are the main highlights of the Vatican, and here is how I managed to visit both of them.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
If you’re not a museums fan and wondering whether you should pay a visit to the Vatican Museums, here is one quick fact.
The Vatican Museums is the second most visited museum in Europe after the Louvre, hosting 70,000 masterpieces. One of them is the prominent Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo.
It sounded pretty convincing to me, so I bought a skip-the-line ticket, eager to see an extensive collection of art with my own eyes.
To my surprise, there weren’t that many people, but I should note that I went in November 2021, and the situation may have changed.
My skip-the-line ticket also included an audio guide, allowing me to study frescoes calmly at my own pace. But if you prefer to uncover the museum’s history with some assistance, you can join a guided tour.
My Travel Tips
Vatican Museum Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm (last entry at 4 pm)
On Sunday, the Vatican Museum is closed.
Except for every last Sunday of the month, 9 am – 2 pm (last entry at 12.30 pm). Entry is FREE
Lunch Time
The Vatican Museums offers several places where you can have lunch or a quick coffee at the bar. And as it took me around three to four hours to explore the whole museum, I decided to enjoy my slice of pizza in one of the available cafeterias.
St. Peter’s Basilica
After the Vatican’s Museums, let’s visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Entering the Basilica is FREE, but as a security check is compulsory, the queue can be crazy.
Especially during the holiday season. And when you have only 48 hours in Rome, every minute counts.
Therefore, let me tell you one trick that will help you skip the long line to the church.
As you’re already in the Vatican Museums, go to the Sistine Chapel and find a side door that brings you directly to the Basilica. Voilà! As easy as that.
When you have only two days in Rome, you should try to save as much time as possible. That’s also why you should go to the Vatican Museums first instead of heading to the Cathedral.
There are several ways to tour St. Peter’s Cathedral. You can take it easy and purchase the audio guide as I did or join a guided tour. You can also dive deeper and climb St. Peter’s Basilica Dome or explore the underground grottoes.
My Travel Tips
Basilica Opening Hours: 7 am – 6.30 pm
Dome Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 5 pm
Climbing a Dome – 8€ (without an elevator) and 10€ (with an elevator)
Trevi Fountain
When your Vatican adventure is over, let’s have a peaceful walk in the historic city center.
Our first stop is the majestic Trevi Fountain which is known all over the world. Its impressive architecture and the light-blue color of the water look magical in the daylight and the evening.
It will take you around 35 minutes to reach Trevi Fountain from the Vatican. It may sound too much, but the first rule of being in Rome – you must be ready to walk. And to walk a lot.
So, once you reach the fountain, don’t forget to throw a coin into the water! The legend says that then you’ll come back to Rome.
By the way, did you know that you can also explore the Trevi fountain from the underground? The fountain actually has a fascinating history, and you can learn more about its secrets and ruins from the guided tour.
Spanish Steps
Our next stop is another site you must see in Rome – the Spanish Steps that inherited their name after one of the most famous squares in Rome, Piazza di Spagna.
The monument is located in the heart of Rome’s shopping district, and it’ll take you only 8 minutes to get there from Trevi Fountain.
Spanish Steps were a primary meeting and resting point in the past. But in 2019, the local government set new regulations prohibiting people from sitting on the stairs to preserve the monument.
So, if you want to take a break after a long walk, you should find a bench nearby.
Dinner Time
The first day in Rome is coming to an end, but it can’t be complete without a proper Italian dinner.
Rome is a grand city with endless restaurants of great quality, but after a long day, I bet you would like to find a place for dinner in two shakes. Which is why I already did it for you.
No worries, you won’t have to walk too much again. All the restaurants I selected are relatively close to Spanish Steps. And all of them serve authentic Roman food.
If you want to try a traditional Pasta alla Carbonara, you should head to Trattoria Della Stampa.
For those that crave Pasta all’amatriciana (with bacon, pecorino cheese, cherry tomatoes, and chili) Hostaria Romana is your way to go.
While meat lovers should pay a visit to Mastrociccia for a delicious abbacchio alla scottadito (grilled lamb chops) and carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichokes).
Weekend in Rome: Day 2
Breakfast Time
I would recommend dedicating your second day to the wonders of ancient Rome. To do that with no rush, wake up earlier. If you manage to have a delicious breakfast by 9 am, that would be great.
As I mentioned before, check Google maps to find a lovely cafeteria or bar. Otherwise, look for a hotel or AirBnB with breakfast included if you prefer to have everything set.
To my personal taste, local cafeterias give you something more than just a pastry and the boost of caffeine. These places reveal authentic Italy, allowing you to see what life in this country really looks like.
And I bet when you’re traveling, that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
The Colosseum
Let’s start our ancient Rome adventure with the Colosseum, one of the World’s Seven Wonders.
In the past, the amphitheater used to bring people together to watch gladiatorial games, dramas, and public executions. Its main goal may have changed with the centuries passing by, but the cultural importance didn’t.
Nowadays, the Colosseum is Rome’s main tourist attraction, representing the Roman Empire’s former glory. And as we know, tourist attractions mean long queues.
To avoid crowds, I purchased a Colosseum priority ticket that also included the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. But if you prefer guided tours, there are various options to choose from.
You can have a guided Colosseum tour, explore the underground and arena floor, or discover the wonders of Ancient Rome at night.
If you’re traveling with kids, there is the Ancient Rome Family Tour available. All the options I just mentioned include a pass to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Another important moment is the security check. Unfortunately, you can’t enter the Colosseum with your luggage because it doesn’t have a locker.
Therefore, if you need to check out from a hotel on the same day, you can leave your luggage at the Stow Your Bags.
It’s a self-service only a few minutes from the Colosseum, where you can book your locker starting from 1.99€. Absolutely life-saving.
My Travel Tips
The Colosseum opening hours: 9 am – 5.30 pm
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
After the Colosseum, head to the Roman Forum, which used to be the political, cultural, and economic center of the Roman Empire.
By the way, before the construction of the Colosseum, that was also the place of gladiatorial games.
After the Roman Empire fell, the Roman Forum became grassland for cows. Robbers stole marble and stones, and many of the monuments disappeared.
Archeologists rediscovered the Roman Forum only in the 19th century, and it took them almost 100 years to excavate the area.
Today, the Roman Forum is a famous touristic place where you can take a peek at the life of the Roman civilization.
And as you’re walking around anyways, check out Palatine Hill – the place where Rome was founded.
My Travel Tips
Roman Forum Opening Hours: 9 am – 4.30 pm
Palatine Hill Opening Hours:
9.00 am – 5.30 pm
from 1st March to 26th March
9.00 am – 7:15 pm
from 27th March to 31st August
9.00 am – 7:00 pm
from 1st September to 30 September
9.00 am – 6.30 pm
from 1st October to 30 October
9.00 am – 4.30 pm
from 31 October to 31 December
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
Your two days in Rome will be incomplete without seeing the Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Located just next to the Roman Forum, this magnificent building is an architectural masterpiece.
The monument was built to commemorate the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who unified the country in 1861.
In addition to its incredible beauty, immense size, and historical importance, it also has one of the best viewpoints in Rome.
You can climb the stairs to enjoy the stunning view for free. Otherwise, you can reach the Terrazza delle Quadrighe on top of the monument by elevator, paying 7€. The latter option offers an absolutely stunning panorama.
Lunch Time
Once you feel hungry, go to Pizzeria La Boccaccia, which is 13 minutes away from the Victor Emmanuel II Monument.
This place serves square pizzas with different toppings, and oh my, I won’t exaggerate if I say that it was one of the best pizzas I’ve tried in Italy.
The pizzeria is quite small, and it’s possible that you may not find a place to sit inside at lunchtime.
That’s exactly what happened to me. However, I noticed locals enjoying their meals nearby the Fountain of the Catechumens. So, I followed their example.
That’s why don’t worry if the pizzeria has no free table for you. Just buy your pizza slices and head to the fountain right away.
The Pantheon
I finished my weekend in Rome with the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome.
“It’s an angelic and not a human design”, that’s how Michelangelo described it, and I can’t agree more.
The Pantheon has played a crucial role in the history of Italy throughout the years, while its architecture has been living proof of advanced Roman engineering.
Today, the Pantheon is not only a tourist attraction but also a functioning church. That’s why you don’t need to purchase a ticket and can just walk in.
For some history enthusiasts like me, there is an audio guide. It’s available in eight languages and costs 8.50€.
My Travel Tips
The Pantheon Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday: 8.30 am to 7.15 pm
Sunday: 9 am to 5.45 pm
Weekend in Rome: FAQs
Is Rome Worth Visiting?
Yes, Rome is an absolute must-see destination in Italy. The most incredible thing is that Rome never gets old.
First-time visitors would surely love it, but even if you’ve been to Rome before, there are still so many amazing places to explore.
How Many Days Do I Need in Rome?
You would need at least 4 days, but the honest answer is it depends. Before planning your trip, you should ask yourself what you want to do and how big your budget is.
I would say that the optimal number of days is 4-5, but even if you can spend only two days in Rome, you can still have a great time! And that’s exactly what I wanted to show with my 48 hours in Rome itinerary.
One quick note is that I compiled this itinerary based on my personal experience, trying to offer you a stress-free and enjoyable adventure. As Rome can be overwhelming sometimes, I prioritized quality over quantity.
But if you have some time left, check out the next paragraph to know what else you can do during your weekend in Rome!
What Else Can You Do in Rome?
Here are some ideas if you have free time left:
- Watch a stunning sunset from the Garden of Oranges (Giardino Degli Aranci).
- Explore epic locations of the “Angels and Demons” movie, taking a peek into Illuminati’s secrets.
- Learn how to cook pasta and tiramisu with Italian chefs, and have a delicious dinner later!
- Enjoy a private rooftop opera show with a stunning view.
- Visit Galleria Borghese to see one of the biggest private art collections in the world.
- Walk along the Tiber River and admire the beauty of Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Explore the charming streets of Trastevere.
Where to Stay in Rome First Time?
Rome has an infinite amount of accommodation options for any taste and budget, but if it’s going to be your first time in the Eternal City, it may be difficult to decide where to stay.
While planning your trip to Rome, I recommend choosing accommodations near the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. An excellent location would allow you to easily reach all the most famous sights.
When I spent a weekend in Rome, I stayed at Terazze Navona. I could comfortably move around, getting to the Vatican and the Roman Forum in 20 minutes.
The only note is if you visit Rome in winter, bring some warm clothes to wear in the apartment.
Is Rome Expensive?
No, Rome isn’t very expensive. Of course, everything depends on your preferences, but Italy generally offers plenty of budget-friendly food and accommodation options.
Spending a weekend in Rome may cost around 100-200€ per day for a person (depending on what activities you want to include).
Prices for decent hotels and apartments in Rome start from 70€ per night (for two people).
When it comes to food, once you learn how to bypass tourist traps, you’ll be able to have a cost-effective trip while still traveling with style.
For instance, try to avoid food places next to tourist sights.
Also, remember that you can always pop by a forno or a small pizzeria instead of going to a restaurant for lunch. Who said you couldn’t enjoy your meal sitting next to the fountain like a local?
Of course, you could. And this type of meal won’t cost you more than 10€.
Typical Italian breakfast is very cheap. You can get a delicious pastry with a coffee for up to 7€. Gelato will be around 2.5-3.5€ for due gusti (two tastes).
For dinner, try to find restaurants off the beaten path that are loved by locals. Once you see that the restaurant visitors are mostly Italians, you may be sure that the place is great and reasonably priced.
The dinner cost will vary depending on what you want to eat. The indicator I usually follow to understand whether the restaurant is overpriced is the price of pasta.
If you see that it costs 18-25€ (unless it’s with seafood), that’s too much and aimed at tourists only. The usual price of Pasta alla Carbonara, let’s say, is 9-12€.
Another trick I’m using is ordering a house wine instead of a bottle in a restaurant. It’s way cheaper, around 7-10€ for a liter.
Summing Up My Recommendations
And… that’s it from my side. Now you know what not to miss in Rome, and I hope you’ll have a fantastic weekend with this 48 hours in Rome itinerary.
But if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below!
Have a beautiful trip, and let’s chase Italy together!
