Only 2 days in Rome? This realistic itinerary for first-timers hits all the must-see sights, great food spots, and walkable routes—perfect for making the most of a short stay!

Two days in Rome requires a strategic itinerary. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t see it all in two. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. As I like to say, two days in Rome is better than zero days in Rome!

This guide is for those who want to experience Rome’s magic while being on somewhat of a time crunch. Expect a realistic, walkable, and delicious Rome travel itinerary that maximizes your time for 48 hours.

My first trip to Rome was three nights with two full days to explore the city. I speak from experience when I say that a two-day itinerary is not only doable but worth it. Fortunately, Rome is one of the more walkable cities I’ve visited, so this helps me tackle the top things to do and see in Rome, even when I am short on time.

Before we dive into what to do in Rome for two days, here’s my advice:

Don’t stress about not being able to see it all. Even though this 2-day Rome itinerary will take you to many of the main sights in Rome, there is always more to see and do. Make the most of what you can see.
Ignore the critics who say two days in Rome isn’t enough time. Like I said, two days in Rome is better than zero days in Rome. Don’t let this deter you.
Visit Rome in the slow season, if possible. Tourism is never dead in Rome, but summer will be the most chaotic time to visit. Not only is it peak crowded with people on summer holiday, but it can be uncomfortably hot. These factors will likely slow you down, but this is out of your control. I went to Rome twice in January, and my Rome travel experiences have been entirely different (in a good way) compared to the feedback I hear from those who visit Rome in the summer months (June-August).
Be strategic about where you stay in Rome. With only 48 hours to see it, being smack in the middle of it all will save you time and allow you to see more. The next section of this post includes advice on the best neighborhoods to stay in as a first-timer in Rome.
Consider booking guided tours if it feels overwhelming. Rome has many excellent, highly rated tours to help travelers see the city’s best. Having a local guide lead the way can be especially useful at the busiest tourist spots, like the Colosseum and Vatican City.

Where to Stay in Rome for Two Days

With just two days in Rome, location is everything. You’ll want to be central, well-connected, and within walking distance of major sights to make the most of your time. Here are the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome, especially as a first-timer:

Centro Storico (Historic Center) – Best for Classic Rome

Staying in Centro Storico means you’re in the heart of Rome, surrounded by significant points of interest like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to step outside their hotel and instantly immerse in it all.

Monti – Best for Staying Near the Colosseum

Monti is cool and artsy, full of trattorias, wine bars, and boutique shops. It’s a short walk to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Piazza Venezia, making it an excellent base for your two-day Rome itinerary. The neighborhood is quieter at night but lively enough to enjoy an evening out.

Trastevere – Best for Nightlife & Atmosphere

Trastevere is quaint and lively all at once. It’s just across the Tiber River but still walkable to the Vatican and central Rome. The narrow streets are packed with cute restaurants, cafes, and bars. It has a more local vibe and feels less touristy, but be ready for some extra walking on cobblestones.

Prati – Best for Staying Near the Vatican

Just outside St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, Prati is a quieter, more elegant neighborhood with wide boulevards and fewer tourists. It’s perfect if you want to start your second day at the Vatican early and have a more relaxed stay. That said, it’s a longer walk to sights like the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain.

If you want maximum convenience for this itinerary, Centro Storico or Monti are your best bets for where to stay in Rome. You’ll be within walking distance of most significant sights and surrounded by great restaurants. If you prefer a more local, lively stay, Trastevere is a fantastic choice.

2-day Rome travel itinerary

Day 1: The Colosseum & Roman Forum

You’re in one of Earth’s most historically rich cities for 48 hours, so naturally, we’re starting with the big stuff.

Morning: The Colosseum & Roman Forum

First Stop, Always Coffee

It will be a busy two days in Rome, so jump in and do as the Italians do. Start your day with coffee. Here are a few recommended places to get coffee in the area:

Bar del Cappuccino – Authentic Roman coffee experience with a beloved pastrami sandwich and pastries. (near Ponte Garibaldi bridge)
Bar Farnese – Cozy, family-run café with authentic Italian coffee and pastries. (Campo de’ Fiori)

The Colosseum

Start your day at the Colosseum early (like when the doors open early). No trip to Rome is complete without stepping into the Colosseum, the most legendary arena. For obvious reasons, this is a must for any two-day Rome itinerary.

This isn’t just any ordinary ruin—it’s the site where gladiators fought while 50,000 spectators cheered for the bloodsport (since there was no Netflix back then). Its scale is massive and astonishing, especially considering it was constructed nearly 2,000 years ago without cranes, power tools, or a reliable WiFi connection.

If you want to make the most of your visit, book skip-the-line tickets or, even better, a guided tour. Some tours take you underground (like this one), where gladiators prepped for battle or up to the highest levels for panoramic views. If you’re a history nerd, it’s worth it.

A view of the Colosseum in Rome from a walking overpass. An itinerary for two days in Rome.

Pro tip: For the best photo of the Colosseum, head to Via Nicola Salvi for an epic vantage point.

The Roman Forum

Just next door is the Roman Forum, which used to be the heart of the empire. It was buzzing with temples, government buildings, and busy markets. These days, it’s a cool place to explore ancient ruins and check out the crumbling columns. Many of the Colosseum’s guided tours also include the Roman Forum. I love walking through here!

The Roman Forum is particularly fascinating if you know what to look for. Here are the highlights:

Arch of Titus—This triumphal arch celebrates Rome’s victory in Jerusalem (81 AD). Look for the carving of soldiers carrying a menorah.
Temple of Saturn – Once home to Rome’s state treasury, it is now recognizable by its eight towering columns.
Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine – A massive public hall with impressive vaulted ceilings still standing.
The Temple of Castor and Pollux — Only three columns remain, but it once honored mythological twin brothers who helped Rome win a battle.
Curia (Senate House) – One of the best-preserved buildings where the Roman Senate once debated.
Rostra – The platform where Mark Antony gave his famous eulogy for Julius Caesar.
Temple of Vesta & House of the Vestal Virgins – Home to Rome’s sacred flame and the priestesses who kept it burning.
Arch of Septimius Severus – Another grand arch celebrating military victories, covered in detailed battle carvings.
Temple of Julius Caesar – Built on the site of Caesar’s cremation, where people still leave flowers today.
Via Sacra – The Forum’s main street, once filled with victory parades and Roman elites.
- TIP: Book a guided tour if you are short on time. Having an experienced local show you the way is highly efficient and informative.

Palatine Hill

Don’t miss Palatine Hill for some of the best panoramic views in the city. Overlooking the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill is where legend says Romulus founded Rome. You’ll also find Palatine Hill included with many Colosseum and Roman Forum tours.

Lunch: Traditional Roman Fare Near the Forum

After soaking in all that history, you’ll want to refuel. Stick around the ruins and grab a bite at one of these nearby spots:

Taverna dei Fori Imperiali – A family-run trattoria with cozy vibes and delicious pasta.
Fuorinorma is a cozy spot near the Colosseum that serves paninis, charcuterie, and great wine. It’s perfect for a quick, tasty lunch with quality ingredients. Limited seating, so go early!
Trattoria Pennestri — It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth it for an authentic Roman meal. Their amatriciana and oxtail stew are favorites.
Pane e Salame – If you want something quick, this sandwich shop near Trevi Fountain is fantastic. (For what it’s worth, this is where I’ll head!)

Afternoon: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Piazza Venezia

After lunch, take a scenic stroll through Piazza Venezia, one of the busiest squares in Rome. Rome is a wild mix of crazy traffic, stunning buildings, and tons of history packed into one city. It captures the essence of the place!

The star of the show here is the massive Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, an over-the-top structure built to honor Italy’s first king. Locals jokingly call it the “Wedding Cake” or the “Typewriter” because… it looks like both. Love it or hate it, you can’t miss it.

Climb to the top for amazing views of the city. An elevator takes you even higher to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe, where you’ll get a panoramic view of Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance. It’s one of the best spots to take in the skyline.

Piazza Venezia has seen some of the most significant moments in Rome’s history, from grand parades to Mussolini’s notorious speeches from the balcony of Palazzo Venezia. These days, it’s just a busy, slightly chaotic crossroads, but it’s still full of life!

The Pantheon

Up next is the Pantheon—one of Rome’s most remarkable buildings and the city’s best-preserved ancient site. It’s over 2,000 years old, and unlike many other Roman ruins, it’s still in great shape. Plus, the best part? It’s one of the few major landmarks you can check out for free.

From the outside, it looks pretty impressive, although a bit weathered. But wait until you step inside! The massive dome with its famous oculus—a big hole in the center—is seriously an engineering marvel.

Fun fact: The Pantheon remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Its only natural light source is the oculus, and when it rains, the water drains down the sloped flooring through tiny holes. The Romans honestly thought of everything.

While you’re there, take a minute to check it out. The Pantheon is a church now, which is why it’s in such good shape. Plus, it’s Raphael’s final resting place— the famous Renaissance artist, not the Ninja Turtle!

Espresso break: Stop by Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, one of Rome’s best coffee spots, and drink your espresso at the bar like a local.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

You can’t come to Rome for two days and skip the Trevi Fountain. This isn’t just any fountain; it’s the fountain, a baroque masterpiece that’s been stealing the show (and tourists’ coins) for centuries. It’s an over-the-top beauty designed by Nicola Salvi in the 18th century.

The coin toss tradition goes like this: If you toss a coin over your left shoulder, you’ll supposedly be back in Rome one day. If you throw in two coins, it’s said you’ll fall in love with an Italian. And if you want to go for it, toss three, and you might marry them. The fountain rakes in over a million euros annually, but don’t worry—it all goes to charity. So even if your love life doesn’t take off, at least your coins are helping out.

If you want to snap a pic without many tourists in the background, aim to go early in the morning or late at night. But hey, if you can’t make that work, roll with the crowd and soak it all in. There’s something special about being in front of this amazing masterpiece, whether it’s your first time in Rome or your tenth. And before you leave, do yourself a favor and grab a gelato at Gelateria Valentino or San Crispino nearby.

The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are one of the world’s most famous (and photogenic) staircases. Built in the 18th century, this grand staircase connects Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with Trinità dei Monti Church at the top.

You can no longer sit on the steps (Rome got tired of tourists treating them like picnic benches), but you can still climb them for views over the city. The best times to check it out are early morning when it’s not super crowded or at sunset when everything looks fantastic in that golden light.

Around you, Via dei Condotti is lined with designer shops, perfect for window shopping (or actual shopping.)

Are you feeling in need of another gelato break? You only have two days in Rome, so eat all the gelato. Here are some more tasty places to have a gelato pit stop:

Venchi is a classic, high-quality gelateria with rich chocolate flavors and a waterfall. Try the gianduia (hazelnut chocolate) or pistachio.
Gelateria dei Gracchi is a hidden gem with all-natural ingredients and seasonal flavors. Their ricotta and pear gelato is a must-try.

Dinner: Classic Roman Cuisine

For your first dinner in Rome, hit up one of these restaurants and enjoy some of the must-try dishes that the city has to offer:

Roscioli – A Roman institution blending a wine bar, deli, and dining experience. Try the carbonara, burrata with sun-dried tomatoes and amatriciana.
Armando al Pantheon — This legendary trattoria is near the Pantheon. It serves authentic Roman dishes in an intimate setting, and reservations are necessary.
Emma Pizzeria – If you want to try Roman-style thin-crust pizza.

Day 2: Vatican & Exploring Neighborhoods

The Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica

If you only have two days in Rome, visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. These sites are great if you enjoy art and history or simply want to see beautiful ceilings, like the ones in the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican is its own country, so you can also say you visited Vatican City!

You can enter Vatican City and the church, St. Peter’s Basilica, for free. However, you need a ticket to enter the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. I highly recommend experiencing these.

TRAVEL TIP: Vatican City is busy with tourists, so book your tickets in advance to skip the line.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house over 70,000 works of art, so unless you plan on moving in, you will not see everything. Prioritize the highlights:

• The Raphael Rooms – Renaissance frescoes so stunning they almost steal the show from Michelangelo (almost).

• The Gallery of Maps – A long, jaw-dropping corridor filled with ornate, hand-painted maps of Italy from the 1500s.

• The Sistine Chapel – The grand finale. Michelangelo’s famous ceiling is even more incredible in person. Just remember: no photos, and whispering only—Vatican security takes the “silent awe” thing very seriously.

Pro tip: The museums are insanely popular, so book skip-the-line tickets or, even better, a guided tour. You’ll save time and get the entire backstory of everything you’re looking at.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest and most important church in Christianity. It’s free to get in, but the real fun is climbing to the top of the dome—that’s over 500 steps. It is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some pasta beforehand. Once you reach the top, you’ll get an amazing view of Rome, with the Vatican, the Tiber River, and the whole city stretched out below you.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, don’t miss:

Michelangelo’s Pietà – A marble sculpture of Mary holding Jesus, carved when Michelangelo was just 24.
Bernini’s Baldachin – A massive, twisting bronze canopy over the main altar made from repurposed metal from the Pantheon.
The Vatican Grottoes – A quiet, sacred space beneath the basilica where several popes (including St. Peter himself) are buried.

TRAVEL TIP: To beat the crowds, arrive first thing in the morning or visit later in the afternoon. Also, dress appropriately—no shorts, tank tops, or anything too revealing, or you’ll be turned away.

Lunch After Visiting the Vatican

After exploring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll be ready for more food. You have limited stomach space with only 48 hours in Rome, so here are some lunch recommendations:

Bar Palomba is a no-frills, local favorite serving simple, delicious Roman dishes near the Vatican. It’s great for a quick, affordable lunch with homemade pasta, sandwiches, and strong espresso.
Hostaria Dino e Toni – A no-menu, old-school trattoria where the owners decide what you eat (and it’s always delicious). Don’t go here if you are picky or unwilling to go with the flow. Expect heaping plates of cacio e pepe, carbonara, and tiramisu. Reservations recommended.
Pizzarium Bonci—For a quick but legendary bite, this is one of Rome’s best pizza al taglio (by the slice) spots.
200 Gradi – A gourmet panini shop with fresh ingredients and a vast selection of sandwiches. Try the “Inferno” with spicy salami or the “Cacio e Pepe” sandwich for a Roman twist.
Sorpasso – A trendy wine bar with fantastic cheese and meat platters, fresh pasta, and excellent local wines if you’re in the mood for a slow lunch.

TRAVEL TIP: Vatican City is packed with touristy restaurants—avoid anything with laminated menus and aggressive hosts calling you in. Walk 10-15 minutes away for much better food at local prices.

Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo & Trastevere

After lunch, let’s keep exploring! First stop: Castel Sant’Angelo, a round, fortress-like structure that’s served many purposes over the years. This place was built in the 2nd century as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb. Over time, it became a military stronghold and even had a secret passage to the Vatican! If you make it to the top, check out the terrace—it has fantastic views of the Vatican, the Tiber River, and the whole skyline of Rome.

TRAVEL TIP: Castel Sant’Angelo is usually less crowded than other Rome landmarks, making it a great place to breathe from the city’s chaos. If you’re visiting during the busy season, purchase a skip-the-line entry ticket in advance.

Trastevere: Rome’s Cool Neighborhood

Cross the Ponte Sant’Angelo, the bridge adorned with angels designed by Bernini, and enter the charming district of Trastevere. You’ll appreciate the cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings that give this area its unique character. It’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly and perhaps enjoy another coffee (or a spritz) along the way.

Some highlights in Trastevere:

Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere – The heart of the neighborhood, with one of Rome’s oldest churches and plenty of spots to sit and people-watch.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere – Step inside to see gorgeous golden mosaics dating back to the 12th century.
Villa Farnesina – If you love Renaissance art but hate crowds, this hidden gem has stunning Raphael frescoes in a quiet, beautiful setting.

Trastevere is also home to some of the best gelato and aperitivo spots in Rome. If you need a snack break, grab a gelato at Gelateria del Viale or Fiordiluna.

Dinner: End on a High Note

Your last night in Rome calls for a meal to remember. Here are some of the best places to wrap up your two days in Rome with an incredible final dinner.

Lume Osteria Alle Scalette – A cozy, modern spot with elevated Roman dishes and great wine. Fresh pasta, seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a memorable last dinner. Book ahead!

Seu Pizza Illuminati – One of the best pizzerias in Rome, serving creative toppings and perfectly airy, charred crusts.

Da Enzo al 29 – A small, family-run trattoria in Trastevere with some of the best carbonara and tiramisu in town. Expect a wait.

Final Tips for 48 Hours in Rome

Here are some final tips to make the most of your two-day trip to Rome:

Wear comfortable shoes. Rome’s streets are all cobblestones, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
Take your time at each landmark! You might not be able to see it all, but really enjoy the iconic spots you hit. Rome is way more fun when you soak in the history instead of just rushing through everything.
Book skip-the-line tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and Colosseum. You’ll save hours of precious time and avoid the long lines.
Stay hydrated! Hey, just a heads-up—Rome can really heat up in the summer, so it’s a good idea to have a water bottle with you. There are free water fountains all around the city.
Don’t forget the small stuff. Wander down hidden streets and enjoy spontaneous moments. Sometimes, the best parts of Rome are the ones that aren’t on the tourist checklist.

Rome will always hold more allure. It’s a city I will return to repeatedly. With historic landmarks scattered throughout and a never-ending list of things to eat, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

Rome in Two Days: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Timers