A One Day in Rome Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal

Last Updated on 19th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Dazzling and incredibly rich in history, Rome is a captivating destination with hundreds of interesting things to do and places to see. Although trying to see all of Rome in one day is not easy, at least seeing the best of Rome is something that you can reasonably consider. 

This itinerary guide has been designed keeping this time frame in mind and it will prove extremely helpful to discover those unmissable spots in Italy’s capital that you can fit in a one day in Rome itinerary. 

Is one day enough time to visit Rome?

As the capital of Italy, Rome is a large city with plenty of attractions and even more to see. As such, you won’t be able to cover everything that there is to do in Rome over the course of 24 hours considering its size and how much history the Italian city boasts.

With that being said, if one day is all the time you can allocate to visiting the Italian capital, for example 3 days in Rome, then it’s better to go and get a taste for the city than forgo it altogether.

The ideal amount of time to explore Rome is three to five days. If you’re visiting Rome in the colder months, here’s your guide to Rome in winter. If you’re visiting Rome at the weekend, here’s how to spend Sunday in Rome.

First Stop: The Colosseum

Optional: The Roman Forum

Arguably the most important landmark in Rome, this is the first place to include in your itinerary. The iconic Roman Colosseum received thousands of visitors each day, this is why it’s a good idea to arrive early and — whenever possible — book a guided tour that also offers the possibility to skip the lines.

Depending on how interested you are in this attraction, you can either go for a tour that takes you to the underground area of the Colosseum, which can last longer but gives you a good insight on the monument’s history. Or you book a tour of just the arena.

No matter what alternative you choose, you will be amazed at this imposing 2000-year old stone giant, deemed to be the largest ancient amphitheater that was ever built.

About the Colosseum: The characteristic oval structure of the Colosseo is the most important symbol of Imperial Rome. Known for being the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, still standing to the present day, despite its construction being completed back in 80 AD.

Nobody visiting the Colosseum can think of the theater without having in mind its incredible past as an arena for gladiatorial battles, executions, animal hunts, dramas and even the re-enactment of sea battles.

Following the Colosseum, you can either join a tour of the nearby Roman Forum or, if you prefer, you can move on to a different area in town to discover other landmarks, it depends on how much of a history buff you are. For that reason, I’ve decided to add the Roman Forum as an alternative as most of the ruins can be seen without accessing the actual site. 

The area includes many different ancient buildings of extreme value and historical interest, it’s the heart of Ancient Rome, the place where the Roman political scene and social life intertwined, boasting the ruins of ancient temples, public buildings, market places, and the Palatine Hill.

These are your options for the visit: 

• You can book a combined visit that includes both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and save some money. Check out Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Priority Tickets here.
  
• You can get yourself a good Roman Forum guide and see it from the outside. This is the fastest and cheapest option if time is an issue in your already jam-packed day in the Eternal City.
  
• Climb the Palatine Hill to get a panoramic view of the area and then move on to your next Roman stop. Admission to the Palatine Hill is free, making this the most budget friendly option to see a view of Rome from above.

Smart tip: Getting there as early as possible or booking an early morning tour allows you to move at a faster pace because there won’t be crowds slowing you down, but it will also be perfect in summer to avoid the hottest hours of the day.

It’s also important to book your visit to the Colosseum ahead of your Italy trip. For more ideas on what to book before your visit, here’s our guide on what to book ahead in Rome.

Second Stop: Trevi Fountain

On the way check: Piazza Venezia and the Altare della Patria

Although you can go from the Colosseum to the area near Trevi Fountain by bus, it can take you about the same time as it would to do this route on foot as traffic in Rome can be chaotic. 

Instead, it’s a better idea to walk (the walk is about 25 minutes- so be sure to wear comfortable footwear) in order not to miss some gorgeous Roman sights as well as an important Italian landmark, the Altare della Patria, located in Piazza Venezia.

The official name of this imposing white national monument was built to honour Vittorio Emanuele II, dates back to the beginning of the 1900s and was thought to represent a modern Forum, with a market, porticoes and a magnificent colonnade.

Your next stop, the Trevi Fountain, is a unique local sight located in the Piazza di Trevi (or Trevi Square), often terribly overcrowded, so be extra patient!

This Rome’s iconic Baroque fountain dates back to the eighteenth century, it features incredibly beautiful classical statues and it was made even more famous after being featured in classic films such as Roman Holidays and La Dolce Vita.

Remember: According to the urban legend, tossing a coin into the Fountain (some say over your left shoulder), will ensure that you will make it back to Rome.

Third Stop: The Pantheon

Optional: Quick Lunch

An unmissable stop under 10 minutes away from the Trevi Fountain is the legendary Pantheon, a unique ancient building standing in the historical center of Rome. 

Considered an architectural masterpiece, the Pantheon is a cylindrical stone building boasting one of the biggest and most impressive domes in the world (even bigger than Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican) which has been standing the test of time for over 2000 years. 

Once an important Ancient Roman Temple dedicated to all past, present and future gods. The entrance to the building is free. During its long history, the Pantheon served as an important church in town and is not the final resting place of several former Kings of Italy. If you would like even more detailed information, then you can book a Pantheon tour like this one.

After the morning you have spent so far walking along the most important places to see in Rome, you’ll probably be hungry, certainly thirsty, and maybe a little bit tired too. There are some good places for a restoring stop in the area, including:

• Different food stalls around the Pantheon, for a quick bite. For inspiration of what to get, check out our Italian cuisine guide.
  
• Taverna del Seminario, about 200 meters from the Pantheon, is a non-touristic, casual eatery, serving affordable traditional local fare such as pizza, seafood, pasta dishes, salads, and meat plates, plus wine and delicious desserts. (right behind the Pantheon, Via del Seminario Street, website).
  
• If you’re not in the mood for a lunch stop and think that a gelato will be just enough, then check Gelateria Mastro Cono (also right behind the Pantheon, Via del Seminario Street).

Extra stop at the Spanish Steps

If walking a bit off the path is not an issue, take a 20-minute detour to visit the Spanish Steps, take a look at the small but remarkable fountain at the base, Fontana della Barcaccia, built by Bernini. 

Also, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Trinità dei Monte, a Renaissance church dominating the landscape from the top of the steps.

Fourth Stop: Piazza Navona

On the way check: Domitian Stadium

A fantastic place for a stop in the area is Piazza Navona, about 300 meters from the Pantheon is the elegant Navona Square which dates back to the first century AD. The square displays impressive examples of significant Baroque Roman architecture. 

It is located next to the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, Rome’s first permanent venue for competitive athletics. Its architecture was inspired by Greek stadiums, and was used to host mostly foot-races on its arena which might have probably been from 200 – 250 meters in length.

If time is still an issue, avoid stopping at the ruins of the Domitian Stadium and focus on Piazza Navona and its fantastic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), an impressive structure situated in the center of Navona Square, featuring four river gods sculpted in classical style and towering above them, a copy of an Egyptian obelisk. 

On the northern and southern extremes of the square, you can also admire other two smaller fountains, the Fountain of Neptune is located at the North end of the Piazza Navona, while The Fountain of the Moor is a sixteenth-century fountain located at the southern end of the Piazza representing a Moor wrestling with a dolphin, surrounded by four Tritons.

The colossal fountain which pays tribute to four major rivers of the four continents where the Pope’s authority was recognized: the Nile (Africa), the Danube (Europe), the Ganges (Asia), and Río de la Plata (the Americas).

All around it, you will find picturesque gelato shops, coffee shops, and traditional trattorie (small, informal restaurants), where you can grab another bite, an ice cream, or enjoy an authentic cup of espresso.

For a cheap and authentic bite, the popular Ristorante Pizzeria Navona Notte (address Via del Teatro Pace, 46, 00186 Roma RM, Italy) is only a two-minute walk from the fountain and it is well-known for delicious pasta dishes and pizza.

Fifth Stop: Vatican City

On the way check: Castel Sant’Angelo

From Piazza Navona, head to the famous Ponte degli Angeli, a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Tiber and lands you directly in front of Castel Sant’Angelo. You won’t certainly have the time in a day to visit the premises of the castle as well as Saint Peter’s Basilica.

However, you will be able to admire this breathtaking fortress from the second century AD, once the place where Popes would hide during turbulent times, but also home to the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the tomb of one of the most important Roman Emperors.

From here, you can make your way along Via della Conciliazione to Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square), where the impressive Saint Peter’s Basilica welcomes you to the Vatican grounds. Be aware that there’s a pretty strict dress code (no bare shoulders and covered knees- check out what to wear to the Vatican here).

Also known as The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, this is the most important religious center for the Christian community, also considered the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus’s apostles and also the first Pope in history.

The church boasts an intricate Renaissance architecture with stunning columns and impressive statues. The construction of the Basilica lasted more than a hundred years (1506-1626) by important artists including Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini.

You could easily fit a visit to the Basilica, but do keep in mind that there might be a long line. Remember that the Vatican is the most visited landmark in Rome. Check out the best Vatican City tickets and tours here.

Once you have visited this part of town, it’s a good idea to stop for an aperitivo in the area, or to walk along the Tiber towards the area of Trastevere.

End the Day in Trastevere

Bohemian, funky, and romantic, this is the perfect place to end your day in Rome, either walking by the river at sunset, or stopping at a restaurant for an aperitivo or even dinner. 

You can reach the Trastevere district on foot from the Vatican, enjoying a relaxing and beautiful 40-minute walk along the Tiber River or by bus if you’re too tired to walk any further (Line 115).

Where to eat in Trastevere:

Pasta e Vino Osteria (website) is perfect for handmade pasta with different sauces to choose (usually nine different varieties). They also serve good cold cuts and cheese platters, featuring prosciutto, salami, mortadella, culatello, and parmigiano or pecorino cheeses, and top-quality but affordable local wine labels.

Tonnarello (website) another casual stop for pasta, special meatballs, a delicious pizza that the restaurant chose to call “pinse”, traditional sweets, and many more characteristic Roman delicacies.

One-day Itinerary Alternative

If you prefer to devote your day to the Vatican City and other religious buildings and churches in the area, then you will certainly find time to check the Vatican Museums as well as the world-famous Sistine Chapel which did not fit in our one-day in Rome plan.

As soon as you have made up your mind about visiting the Vatican, book your skip-the-line ticket as they tend to sell incredibly fast. In that case, you might not be able to see the Colosseum, but you could start early at the Vatican City and spend almost the whole day visiting the exhibitions, museums, and the Sistine Chapel. 

From there, you can walk to Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, where you could stop for a romantic dinner in a small hidden trattoria before ending your incredible day in Rome. Just before dinner, make sure you take part in the Italian tradition of the aperitivo.

So here you go, a complete full-day itinerary to the wonderful city of Rome that will have you wishing to spend more time and to discover other incredible landmarks and gems hidden in the city. Rome is also one of the most romantic places to visit in Italy so here’s your guide to planning a honeymoon in Italy.

If you have longer…

If you have more than one day in Rome, then it’s fair to say that the Eternal City is a great base from which to explore the wider area and indeed Italy on a more general scale. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best day trips from Rome.

Take a cooking class

Italian food is world-famous thanks to its simplicity and great taste. Dishes of note include pizza, pasta, and gelato, all of which can be found in Rome in abundance. Taking a Rome cooking class will allow you to delve deeper into the foodie scene of the city. Find class details here.

Where to spend the night in Rome

Although Trastevere would certainly be the place of choice for a longer stay in the city, it might be better to choose a place in a neighbourhood close to Termini Station if you need to catch an early flight (or train) the next day. 

Termini is not the safest area in Rome, especially for solo travellers, however you will find good places to stay within reasonable walking distance. In fact, if your stay in Rome is a short one, it is a good idea to stay in a close-by location in order to reach the station either on foot or with a short bus or metro ride. 

Seven: Located about 600 meters from the station, this hotel features a restaurant, allergy-free rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property while a typical Italian breakfast is served every morning. The hotel is close to the Spanish Steps, Piazza Barberini, and offers a paid airport shuttle service as well. Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Lirico: This is a simple but comfortable 3-star hotel in a good area of Rome, within easy reach from Termini Station. It is located just around the corner from Rome’s Opera House and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi while a continental breakfast is served in a bar nearby. Check prices and availability here.

Palladini Hostel Rome: Perfect for budget travellers, this hostel offers air-conditioned dormitories with free Wi-Fi and free internet terminals. The dormitories are women-only or mixed. Each unit has wardrobes and plenty of electric sockets. Check prices and availability here.

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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.