Rome is one of my favorite cities in Europe. I love its atmosphere, history, and people. There is so much to see and do in the city that you’ll need multiple visits to truly get to know it. However, you only need a few minutes to start appreciating its charm and character.
Below are my recommendations on how to spend 2 wonderful days in Rome. Just keep in mind that if you’re going to be traveling by train into other parts of Italy, it might be a good idea to stay somewhere around the train station, Roma Termini. The area is conveniently located in short proximity to all major attractions in Rome and you have a great train connection between the airport and the train station.
If you only have 2 days in Rome, my suggestion would be to focus on getting the feel for the city rather than touring a lot of places. Rome is a great walking city, so put on a pair of comfortable shoes and let’s get started.
How to spend 2 wonderful days in Rome
Day 1
Head to Capitoline Hill
After arriving at your hotel and taking a moment to rest, get ready to spend 2 wonderful days sightseeing Rome. So, grab a map and head outside. I recommend starting your sightseeing tour with visiting Capitoline Hill and Piazza del Campidoglio. There are two reasons for it. First, Piazza del Campidoglio is a beautiful square designed by Michelangelo in the16th century. There are 3 main buildings on the square- Palazzo Sentario , which is the official seat of the Mayor of Rome and two museum buildings- Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo di Conservatori. Secondly, Capitoline Hill offers fantastic views of the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum from the back of the square. We spent quite a bit of time here relaxing, strolling around, and admiring the views.
Walk around the Vittorio Emanuele Monument
From Campidoglio, head northwest to the majestic Vittorio Emanuele II Monument built with white marble more than a hundred years ago. This national monument, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, honors the first king of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Halfway up the stairs is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame. Inside the monument you will find a museum devoted to the reunification of Italy, Museo del Risorgimento. While we didn’t go inside, we certainly enjoyed walking up the external terraces and admiring the architecture of the monument.
Walk around the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, the most important gathering place in ancient Rome, sits in between Palatine and Capitoline Hills. While you may not have enough time to tour the Roman Forum, you can certainly admire it from above. Walk around it and ponder the history Rome has experienced over the centuries.
Admire the Colosseum
You can’t come to Rome and not see the Colosseum. This remarkable structure was built almost 2000 years ago and is considered the icon of Rome. You can visit the Roman Colosseum with a guided tour or on your own. You can buy your tickets here. For great pictures of the amphitheater climb up the stairs on the north side of the Colosseum close to the Colosseo metro station. It’s worth it!
Find an outdoor restaurant
By now, I bet you’re tired and in need of rest. I suggest finding an outdoor restaurant on one of the quieter streets in the area. It was probably around 4 pm when we sat down and enjoyed a beer and an early dinner. We had a nice day and it was pleasant to sit outside taking in the atmosphere. The food was delicious! I had gnocchi with nuts in a gorgonzola cream sauce and my husband had his favorite, pasta alla carbonara.
Day 2: How to spend 2 wonderful days in Rome
This was a very ambitious day. We walked for about 10 miles making a large loop and stopping by many of Rome’s famous landmarks. We also built in some time to sit down, eat, and rest our legs. Here are my recommendations on how to spend another wonderful day in Rome.
Start the day with a cappuccino
Rome is full of coffee shops, restaurants, and little bakeries that serve coffee. But, be aware that some restaurants will charge you a service fee (coperto) if you sit down at the table and are served by a waiter. That’s why Italians prefer to stand at a bar and drink their coffee that way. I’m of the opinion, however, that sitting outside with a cup of an Italian cappuccino is a great way to start a day.
Head to the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is possibly the most famous and one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. It was built in a baroque style in the 18th century and depicts Oceanus, god of the sea, taming the waters. If you want to have the fountain to yourself, you may need to wake up pretty early. Otherwise, be prepared for the crowds. The fountain is so magnificent, it’s worth getting there before it gets packed. There are several coffee shops around, so if it’s not too crowded, it might be nice to sit down and enjoy the view.
Climb up the Spanish Steps
After visiting the Trevi Fountain, I recommend walking over to the Spanish Steps along Via della Stamperia and Via di Propaganda. Those are pleasant streets with fewer cars. If you’re curious, the Spanish Steps got their name because of their location. They sit at the base of Piazza di Spagna or Spanish Square which was home to the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See in the 17th century.
Walk up to the top of the steps and pop inside the church or enjoy the views of Rome from above. Also, take a closer look at the fountain itself. It is lovely!
Head to Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square which used to host public executions till the 19th century. Its entrance is flanked by two churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli on one side and Santa Maria di Montesanto on the other. It’s a nice place to come to and sit for a moment. An Egyptian obelisk in the middle of the square serves as a resting place for many. If you’d rather sit in an outdoor cafe, you’re in luck too. There are several options but prices are not cheap. We splurged on a couple of cappuccinos and enjoyed a few minutes of rest before heading out to the Vatican. Before you leave the piazza, make sure to walk up to the Fountain of the Goddess Roma and the Fountain of Neptune. They are remarkable!
Visit the Vatican
We walked from Piazza del Popolo to the Vatican across the Regina Margherita Bridge. It’s about a 20 minute walk outside of the City Walls. We have been to St. Peter’s Basilica before, so we didn’t go inside this time. If you’re planning on going on a tour, book it in advance and skip the long line. I find St. Peter’s Square very regal and beautiful at the same time. Over 20 years ago, I was lucky to see Pope John Paul ll during one of his papal audiences there. Spend some time walking around and looking at the basilica. There are several benches along Via della Conciliazione, so if you can find a seat, stop for a moment and savor the view. It’s always very special to me.
Walk across the Bridge of the Angels
The Bridge of Angels, or Ponte Sant’Angelo, is perhaps the most recognizable bridge in Rome. It offers great views of the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica. The bridge was built under Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD. However, the 10 statues of angels that adorn the bridge were added many centuries later, in the 17th century by Bernini. It is a spectacular piece of art and a wonderful place to stroll along and admire.
Have lunch around Piazza Navona
After visiting the Vatican, we headed towards Piazza Navona, another lovely piazza that is worth checking out. When we visited it, it was home to the Christmas market. While the market itself wasn’t that great in my opinion (no food- something I was hoping for), the buildings and the fountain surrounding the piazza were indeed beautiful. There are several restaurants flanking the square, so this may be a good place for a drink or lunch. We personally didn’t eat there but found a little suppli place on one of the narrow surrounding streets where we sat down and relaxed for a while.
Taste some limoncello on Campo de Fiori
We definitely enjoyed our visit to Campo de Fiori. This smaller square holds a nice market with edible/ drinkable souvenirs as well as fruit/vegetables. We enjoyed tasting several types of limoncello, truffles, and truffle oil. Don’t be afraid to bargain a bit to get a better price if you decide to buy a thing or two. This place also has several good restaurants, so if you choose not to eat around Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori might be a great option.
Visit the Pantheon
A visit to Rome would not be complete without a stop at the 2,000 year old Pantheon. This beautifully preserved building used to function as a temple dedicated to Roman gods. Currently, it serves as a catholic church. You need to buy a ticket to enter but it only costs a few Euros. If you prefer, you can go on a guided tour.
Enjoy an aperitivo
After visiting the Pantheon, you have officially seen all of the major attractions in Rome. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy an Italian aperitivo, reflecting on the 2 wonderful days you’ve spent in Rome.
Have dinner the Italian way
Having dinner the Italian way means eating late and having several courses – an appetizer, a bowl of pasta, some protein, and a dessert with an espresso. While a multi-course meal was too much for us, we enjoyed our bowls of pasta with some house wine. It was a very satisfying day and while tired, we felt great about what we have seen.
How to spend 2 wonderful days in Rome
Now you know how to spend 2 wonderful days in Rome. It is an amazing city with such rich history that two days here only gives you a glimpse into it. Visit again for longer and spend time exploring the sights that might be of particular interest to you.
A word on churches
Rome has over 900 churches and they house amazing treasures both religious and artistic. Most churches are open and free to the public. Other than St. Peter’s Basilica, I haven’t highlighted any in detail. As you walk past them, take a peek inside. They will astound you with their size, opulence and some with their simplicity. I probably walked into a dozen churches and particularly enjoyed Chiesa Marie Maggiore, a massive Baroque church not too far from the train station. Poke your head in there, it’s worth it.
A word on surviving the traffic
I didn’t remember how chaotic driving was in Rome. Cars and scooters are everywhere and they seem to take priority over pedestrians. Be careful crossing the street and walking along narrow streets with no sidewalks. It takes some getting used to and may be both intimidating and frustrating. Just pay attention and you should be fine.
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