Visiting Rome for two days is wonderful, even if short. I have been living in the Italian Capital for about 3 years and know the city inside out. The deep knowledge about Rome, makes this guide the most complete out there, and feasible for just few days in Rome.
Rome is called the Eternal City for good reason – with over 2,000 years of history and iconic sites, it’s impossible to see it all. But if you only have 48 hours in Rome, you can still discover some of its top attractions.
In two days in Rome, we’ll explore famous ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
We’ll also discover some hidden gems like the Capitoline Museums and walk quiet neighbourhoods like Trastevere. With clever trip planning, skipping the lines and relying on public transportation, our Rome 48-hour itinerary packs in the city’s must-see sights.
Is 2 Days Enough to Visit Rome?
Yes, 2 days is enough to visit the main highlights and get a good taste of Rome. While more time in the Eternal City is always better, you can see the top attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Vatican in just 48 hours if you plan ahead.
How Much Money Do I Need for 2 Days in Rome?
You should budget around $100 – $150 per day in Rome to cover food, attractions, transportation and entertainment. To save, take advantage of free walking tours and sights. Metro/bus day passes are also an affordable way to get around. With some planning, 2 days in Rome can be done on a budget.
Things to do in Rome in 2 days
There are many things to do in Rome in 2 days, but if you have an organised plan you can enjoy the city without stress yourself. A well done Rome itinerary in 2 days will include all the most important monuments of the city. Be ready to wake up early and enjoy a couple of amazing sunrise with a stunning view.
In another post, we wrote about the best photo spots of Rome, where you can snap the city as you want. Rome is so crowded during the day, if you want a few personal photocards of Rome, you have to wake up early visiting the landmarks when there are no people around.
Planning a trip for the first time in Rome? Book here your free walking tour!
- Visit the Colosseum | The Ancient Roman Arena
- Roman Forum and Altare Della Patria
- The Myth of Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon | Must see in Rome in 2 days
- Villa Borghese | What to see in Rome in 2 days
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome
- Vatican City | Rome 2 days itinerary
- St. Peter’s Basilica | Things to do in Rome in 2 days
- Vatican Museum | Rome in 2 days
- Sistine Chapel | Rome itinerary 2 days
- Castel Sant’Angelo | Places to see in Rome in 2 days
- Trastevere
- Campo de Fiori | Rome 2 days itinerary
- Piazza Venezia
- Cencio la Parolaccia
- Nannarella | Trastevere restaurants
- Ombre Rosse | Where to eat in Trastevere
- Rome to Amalfi coast day trips
- How to get to the airport | Roma Fiumicino and Roma Ciampino
- Our suggestions – Rome Travel Tips
What you will see in two days in Rome | Map
Day 1 | Rome 2 days itinerary
Day 1 Morning: The Colosseum & Roman Forum
We’ll start our first day at one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks – the Colosseum, the giant amphitheatre built in 70–80 AD that once hosted gladiator battles. Arrive right when it opens at 8:30 am to beat both the crowds and the summer heat.
After exploring the Colosseum and its underground passages, we’ll walk over to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for a glimpse into ancient Rome. Wander past the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus and other ruins from Rome’s days as a republic and empire.
TOP TIPS | The perfect time to visit the Colosseum is in the early morning, with the sunrise. It’s the perfect time of the day, no one is around and you will be inspired to take some beautiful pictures.
Day 1 Afternoon: Lunch at Supplizio, then the Pantheon & Piazza Navona
From the Forum, we’ll take bus #64, two stops to Largo di Torre, Argentina, to grab lunch at Supplizio. This popular spot serves up delicious Roman street food like pizza al taglio, supplì rice croquettes and fritti deep fried treats. Reenergized, we’ll walk 5 minutes to the Pantheon, the ancient Roman temple turned church with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
After visiting the Pantheon, we’ll explore Piazza Navona next door. This lively Baroque square has beautiful fountains, street artists and cafés perfect for people watching over coffee or gelato. We recommend sampling the Tartufo flavour at Tre Scalini café.
Day 1 Evening: The Trevi Fountain at Sunset, then Dinner in Trastevere
To wrap up day one, we’ll take bus #40 to the Trevi Fountain, arriving just before sunset when the crowds thin out. This gives us time to savour the atmosphere of this elaborately decorated fountain and maybe toss a coin into the water to ensure we’ll return to Rome someday.
For a fun dinner spot, we’ll take tram #8, three stops to Trastevere. This charming neighbourhood across the Tiber River has cobbled lanes lined with trattorias, wine bars and pizzerias. We recommend ordering the cacio e pepe pasta and bruschetta at Arco del Lauro Osteria or splitting a meter-long pizza on the sidewalk tables at Pizzeria Ivo.
Read more about Rome
Day 2 Itinerary | Two days in Rome
Day 2 Morning: The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
On day two, we’ll explore the Vatican City, the world’s smallest country. The Vatican Museums house an enormous collection of art spanning centuries. But the main event is the Sistine Chapel, where we’ll crane our necks to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes.
Arrive right at 9 am when the museums open to avoid the long lines later in the day. Follow the one-way route through the galleries and save time for St. Peter’s Basilica next door. Marvel at its soaring dome, the marble Pieta sculpture by Michelangelo and ornate tombs of past popes.
Day 2 Afternoon: Lunch at La Montecarlo, then Exploring Ancient Rome
For lunch, we’ll take the Metro two stops to La Montecarlo Pizzeria for their thin-crust Roman style pizza. Located close to the Circus Maximus, this place is popular with both tourists and locals.
After lunch, we’ll explore more ancient sites like Circus Maximus, the old chariot racing stadium, and climb to the top of Capitoline Hill. Here, we’ll wander through the Capitoline Museums to see precious statues and art collected by the papacy over centuries. The viewpoint overlooking the Roman Forum provides fantastic views over the city.
Day 2 Evening: Sunset from the Janiculum Hill & Farewell Dinner
To wrap up our last evening, we’ll hike up Janiculum Hill for panoramic views over Rome as the sun sets. Walking along the tree-lined Passeggiata del Gianicolo pathway, we’ll pass statues, fountains and even a puppet theatre.
For a farewell dinner, we recommend wandering the narrow lanes between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona to find a restaurant that catches your eye. Over pizza and wine, we can reminisce about our memorable weekend in the Eternal City and the sights seen during our 48 hours in Rome.
While it’s impossible to fit everything into 2 days in Rome, this Rome itinerary lets you experience some of its most famous attractions along with local neighbourhoods. With clever planning to avoid crowds paired with comfortable walking shoes, you can discover the essence of Roma in just 48 hours!
Not your first time in Rome? So Add this hidden gems
Villa Borghese | What to see in Rome in 2 days
Villa Borghese is the largest public park in Rome. It is the perfect place to chill in Rome. The Villa Borghese Gardens are located on the Pincian Hill, close to Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. The park is always open and it is free of charge. To visit Galleria Borghese the tickets are available online or to the ticket office.
There is 2 euro per tickets reservation charge plus 13 euro standard fee. For European Union citizens between 18-year-old and 25, the price is 6.50 euro plus the 2 euro reservation charge. Sometimes the admission charge might be higher where there are temporary exhibitions.
Also Read: Reasons why Rome is worth visiting
Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome
Located close to Villa Borghese and Piazza del Popolo, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is another sightseeing of the city. It is one of the places to visit in Rome in 2 days if you love Leonardo da Vinci. Well, who doesn’t love it? Personally, we loved it and that’s why we encourage you to book the tickets and explore it.
The price of the ticket is moderate as is 13.50 euro per person which include the presales reservation. During Summer the museum is open from 10 am until 9 pm and in winter closes at 7 pm.
You can reach the Leonardo da Vinci Museum very easy or by underground line A getting off at Flaminio stop or if you are around the area you can easily walk.
How to get around Rome for 2 days
Rome is very walkable, but the public transportation system makes getting around efficient if you need to give your feet a break.
The metro has just three quick lines. Line A runs from the Vatican down to the Colosseum, and Line B connects to the Circus Maximus and Pyramid stops closest to Testaccio and Ostiense neighbourhoods.
Buses and trams crisscross the city and can be quicker than walking. Bus #64 conveniently connects Termini Station to the Vatican and stops at the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Largo Argentina along the way.
Validate your ticket each time you board a bus or tram. A single ticket or day pass can be purchased at tobacco shops, some bus stops or metro stations.
Another great option is taking an Uber, which operates in Rome just like most other major cities. This can be helpful for reaching farther neighbourhoods or getting back to your hotel after a long day of sightseeing.
How to get to the airport | Roma Fiumicino and Roma Ciampino
Keep in mind that Rome has got two airports, both of which are easy to reach by bus or even by car. The most commonly used is Roma Fiumicino, which is only one hour away from the city centre. You can get the bus from Roma Termini direct to the airport or Fiumicino or Ciampino.
We always book our tickets in advance to avoid any kind of mistake or queue. You can buy the tickets on the Flixibus website, or sometimes we use Terravision as well. The price is 6 euros, and you can reach the airport very easily.
Where to eat the traditional food in Rome
The first thing everyone thinks about Italy is the food. Well, the food is amazing and in your things to do in Rome 2 days itinerary, you will eat pasta and pizza every day. Usually, the restaurants in the middle of the city centre are the most expensive one but if you know where to go you can find good deals with low prices.
Trastevere is the riverside of the city, is not just a great photography location in Rome, but also a great place to hang out. We will suggest you point your GPS to San Lorenzo, one of the best places to meet the locals and find amazing and tasty spots.
Cencio la Parolaccia
This is a famous restaurant in Rome is known for its food and for the lovely company by the owners and waiters. The speciality is doing jokes about the clients and having fun while eating. This place is usually fully booked and, if you really want to try something different during your stay in Rome, you should book the table and enjoy the lovely food and people. You can ask locals why this place is typical in Rome.
Nannarella | Trastevere restaurants
It is one of the best Trastevere restaurants where you can enjoy typical Italian food. You can choose from the main course of pasta to a proper Saltimbocca sandwich. The most typical in Rome is the pasta and you can’t leave Italy without eating at least one portion of pasta. It is like a tradition and Nannarella is the perfect place where you can taste all the flavour of good food.
Do you know what is Cacio and Pepe? Cacio is kind of cheese, Pecorino, typical from Rome and Pepe mean pepper. Think about pasta with Cacio and Pepe. At the first bite, you will be in paradise.
Ombre Rosse | Where to eat in Trastevere
A really good restaurant where to eat in Trastevere is Ombre Rosse. We found it by mistake and I must say it we made the best decision ever. The pasta was so good and even all the other plates were looking delicious. As Italian, we do eat a lot of pasta from lunch until dinner we don’t mind. What we always prefer to do is having a light lunch while we are strolling around and then having a proper dinner, where we can eat a bit more and try something new.
Where to stay in Rome | Best Area to Stay in Rome for a weekend
With just 48 hours to spend in the Eternal City, we recommend staying in Rome’s historic city centre within walking distance of major attractions. Here are some of our favourite neighbourhoods to stay in Rome for easy access to top sites:
Pantheon / Piazza Navona Area: These central districts put you right next to famous piazzas and the Pantheon, along with bars, gelaterias and restaurants galore. The lively atmosphere makes you feel part of the action.
Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain: Luxury boutique hotels surround Rome’s famous Spanish Steps, perfect for shopping and fine dining. From here, the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese gardens are within easy walking distance.
Monti: Rome’s trendiest up-and-coming district has winding lanes lined with wine bars, hip boutiques and bistros. You can easily walk to the Colosseum or take the metro to two quick stops to reach the Vatican.
If you plan to rely on public transportation for getting around Rome, hotels near Termini Station or the main metro lines provide easy transit access. But you’ll sacrifice charm and atmosphere compared to staying in Rome’s centro storico neighbourhoods.
How to save money visiting Rome
Rome is very expensive, and we had to keep track of money getting out at every visit. However, visiting on a budget is very feasible. Here are some of our best money-saving tips for spending 2 days in Rome without breaking the bank:
Walk & Use Public Transit: Rome’s compact size makes getting around on foot the most affordable and often fastest way to explore. When you need to give your feet a break, use the metro, buses and trams, which cost far less than taxis.
Book Timed Entry Tickets: Reserve timed entry tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, which allows you to skip the regular ticket lines. Timed entry tickets cost only a few euros more than general admission.
Have Picnic Lunches: Dining out for every meal in Rome can get very expensive. Stop at neighbourhood markets or alimentari/salumeria shops for fresh sandwiches, pizza slices or salads to enjoy tasty, affordable picnics.
Drink Coffee at the Bar: Sipping Coffee while standing at the bar of local cafés costs much less than sitting at a table. Enjoy your morning cappuccino with locals rather than paying a premium to relax.
Stay in Apartments: Rome has great Airbnb and apartment rentals that provide kitchens for preparing simple meals and more room to spread out. This saves considerably over pricey hotel rooms in the historic centre.
With clever trip planning using our Rome itinerary, maximising your time, relying on public transit to get around, and these money-saving tactics, you can discover La Dolce Vita in Rome even on a tight vacation budget!
Extending Your Rome Itinerary to 3 or More Days
While our 2 day Rome itinerary covers the main highlights, we know travellers are always hungry for more time in this captivating city. Here are our suggestions on places to visit in Rome if you’re lucky enough to extend your trip to 3 days or longer:
Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii & Naples
Rent a car or take the fast train down to Naples to explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Wandering the preserved Roman town frozen in time by volcanic ash is a humbling experience. Naples also tempts with fantastic pizza, castles and underground catacombs.
Day Trip to Tivoli’s Hadrian’s Villa & Gardens
Escape the summer heat at Hadrian’s enormous countryside Villa from the 2nd century with pools, fountains, and classical architecture set amidst lush gardens. Nearby in Tivoli, don’t miss Villa d’Este’s Mannerist garden with an avenue of hundred fountains.
Ostia Antica Roman Ruins & Beach Day
For a mix of history and relaxation, take the local train 30 minutes to Ostia Antica to explore this excavated port city. Wander among ancient apartment blocks, mansions, warehouses and public toilets well-preserved from its heyday. Then, cool off at the nearby beach lined with restaurants and clubs.
Trendy Neighborhoods: Trastevere, Testaccio & Pigneto
Spend more time wandering Rome’s hip neighbourhoods like Trastevere’s cobbled lanes, Testaccio’s contemporary art scene centred around old slaughterhouse buildings, and Pigneto’s gritty graffiti-lined streets now home to rock bars and hipsters.
Day Trips to Hill Towns like Orvieto or Viterbo
Escape the hustle of Rome for slower-paced hill towns like Orvieto with its Gothic cathedral and winding lanes, or Viterbo for its medieval squares and the Pope’s summer retreat palace. Each makes for excellent day trips or bases to extend your Italian adventure after Rome.
Making the Most of Your 2 Days in Rome
To make sure you have an amazing time during your quick trip to Rome, follow these tips:
Book tickets ahead: Buy skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums to save hours waiting in queues. Timed entry reservation tickets cost only a few euros more.
Arrive early: Get to popular sights like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica first thing when they open in the morning to avoid crowds. Enjoy less hurried visits before tour groups arrive.
Have a plan B: Rome’s museums sometimes close unexpectedly for strikes or holidays. Be ready to swap the Vatican Museums for the excellent Borghese Gallery or Castel Sant’Angelo if needed.
Take walking breaks: Between sightseeing, stop regularly for espresso and pastry breaks at cafés. Sit near fountains like Trevi or Piazza Navona and do some people-watching while resting your feet.
Visit street markets: Rome has wonderful street markets like Campo de’ Fiori and Mercato Trionfale. Browse stalls selling fresh produce and artisan goods for picnic supplies or edible souvenirs.
See the city at sunset: End each evening watching the sun set over Rome’s iconic monuments from vantage points like the Janiculum Hill or Pincio Gardens terrace. Breathtaking!
Even with just 48 hours in the Eternal City, you can soak up the magic of Rome following our efficient 2-day itinerary. By booking ahead, arriving early, taking regular breaks and catching sunsets, you’ll maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed.
