The Perfect Itinerary To See Rome In 2 Days

Can you visit Rome in 2 days?

You can only scratch the surface of Rome in 2 days – but if that is all you have, you may as well make the most of it. Don’t worry about the planning bits – I am here for you! I know Rome like the palm of my hand – I used to live there, and have been more times than I can remember – and will share my best itinerary for your 2 days in Rome.

The Eternal City – Città Eterna, as we lovingly call it in Italy – has so much to see and do that a lifetime won’t be enough to cover all of it. If it is your first time in the city, you should definitely stick to the classic sights – the landmarks in Rome that will be in your bucket-list.

Even if you visit only a few places, the only way to appreciate the magnificent Italian capital in such a short amount of time is by following a well-planned itinerary—one that is crafted to minimize the amount of time you spend moving from one attraction to the other and that, in fact, allows you to see places along the route.

Don’t worry if you are a fan of planning. Here I will share with you all the best things to do in Rome in 2 days and include some useful planning tips, along with a detailed itinerary guaranteed to make you have a blast.

Now, let me show you how to see Rome in 2 days!

Itinerary Overview

As I have said before, you can’t really see Rome in just two days, but if you follow a great itinerary (like the one I am about to share) you get to see quite a bit and you can definitely get a taste of the atmosphere of the city.

My itinerary is based on the assumption that you are sleeping 3 nights in the city, and you have 2 full days there. It may also work if you get to Rome very early on your first day or leave very late on your last day.

Here is a quick overview of the itinerary I have planned for you:

Day One

• Vatican City
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• The Spanish Steps
• Piazza Del Popolo
• Galleria Borghese

Day Two

• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Altar of the Fatherland
• Largo di Torre Argentina
• Campo de’ Fiori
• Piazza Navona
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• The Jewish Ghetto

Visiting Rome Soon?

You may have planned your trip for months, or you may have decided to go on a last-minute trip. Regardless of that, you need to book some attractions in advance, and possibly a few tours too. My favorite tour provider, GetYourGuide, offers a variety of activities, flexible booking, and 24/7 support!

Now, let’s discover what to see in Rome in 2 days.

What To See Rome In 2 Days

Day one

Map of day 1

Click here to open up the map for your first day in Rome. You’ll be able to see the walking distance from one place to the other, and to drag and rearrange things to better suit your tastes and needs. The nearest metro stop to the Vatican is Ottaviano, metro line A.

St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel 

Head out no later than 7:00 am to explore the Vatican, so that you can be out by 11:00 am, thus having time to visit the other places in this Rome in 2 days itinerary too. 

The Vatican Museums are a must see in Rome in 2 days. They are among the biggest museums in the world: there are 54 chambers and a massive collection of art.

This is where you’ll see the magnificent Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgement – one of Renaissance’s greatest works and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, as well as Raphael’s Chambers, Caravaggio’s Entombment of Christ, and mosaics and sculptures dating back to the Roman Empire.

It would probably take you a full day to explore the museums in depth, but if you only have 2 days in Rome, a shorter visit is still great and if you go very early you will also be able to avoid the largest crowds.

St. Peter’s Basilica is another work of art of Renaissance, built by Michelangelo, Bernini and Bramante over a site thought to be the tomb of St. Peter. The church has 11 chapels, 45 altars and a myriad of mosaics. Inside you’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, as well as the Chair of St. Peter.

The official opening time of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is 9:00 am, while St. Peter’s Basilica opens at 7:00 am. Lines to get into the Vatican Museums start forming at around 7:30 am.

I am going to offer two options of visiting these impressive sites.

The first is a completely hassle-free option: an early access Vatican tour that also includes dedicated access to St. Peter’s Basilica via a “secret passage” (this means you don’t have to walk out of the museums and around their perimeter for 1 km—0.6 miles—to reach the church) and a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, too.

The main bonus of an early tour is that the Vatican is still virtually empty at that time.

I recommend this early access Vatican tour, which starts at 7:00 a.m. I took it myself and loved it. The guide was very thorough in explaining the history of the museum and the significance of the main pieces of art we were observing.

Another option is to visit St. Peter’s Basilica first, as it opens at 7:00 am (and you can get in for free) and then walk to the Vatican Museums – however, there is no dedicated entrance if you follow this route and you’ll have to walk for 1 km (0.6 miles) around St. Peter’s Square to get to the museums. In this case, you’d need to get tickets to the Vatican Museum separately.

You can get tickets to the Vatican Museums on the official website or, for a more straightforward booking experience, tickets are also available on third-party booking sites. Third-party booking sites usually have more last-minute availability but tickets may be a bit more expensive than on the official site.

Remember there is a dress code for visiting the Vatican. No photography is allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.

One of the most impressive sights in Rome is St. Peter’s Basilica Dome. As it is the highest building in Rome, it can be spotted from many places when you walk around the city. The views from the Dome itself are some of the best views in Rome.

However, I don’t recommend trying to squeeze it into your Rome in 2 days itinerary. This would add a minimum of 2 hours to your visit as there is some climbing to do.

Castel Sant’Angelo

If you leave the Vatican by 11:00 am, your should have enough time to check out Castel Sant’Angelo. You will walk by it on your way to Spanish Steps, as it is right by the Tiber River.

If you have read Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons you will likely know that Castel Sant’Angelo isn’t exactly a castle. Originally built to be a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo saw different uses throughout history. It was a prison for a while, a fortress and a safe place for popes – who has access to it via a secret passage from the Vatican; and it now is a museum.

The museum and the castle are themselves incredible to visit, as there are some beautiful frescoes and paintings. What you will definitely enjoy here is the magnificent view of St. Peter’s Basilica you can get from the terrace.

There’s never too much of a line to get inside Castel Sant’Angelo, but if you are keen on going in, opt for a skip the line ticket to make things quicker.

The Spanish Steps

The next stop on your Rome in 2 days itinerary will be the Spanish Steps – which we actually refer to as Piazza di Spagna in Italian, located in the historic center of Rome. This is one of the most iconic squares in Rome.

The 185 steps of Piazza di Spagna lead to Trinità dei Monti church; they were built in the 18th century, overlooking what now is one of the most famous shopping streets in the country – Via Condotti.

That’s where Antico Caffé Greco – one of the most famous and oldest cafés in Rome – is located. This is actually a good spot for a short break – a coffee, a snack or even something a bit more consistent. But I have more tips for you.

Go to Pastificio Guerra, in Via della Croce 8 (at the far end of Piazza di Spagna, as you make your way to Piazza del Popolo) for some take away pasta. For a few euros you’ll get a hearty portion of a local specialty and a carb overload to keep you going till dinner time.

Another lovely place for a bite is Cantina Belsiana. It’s a lovely wine bar where you’ll find some of the staples of Roman food, and a wide selection of wine. Service is prompt and you can book a table on the app The Fork.

Piazza Del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, below the Pincio (the Pincian Hill), is one of the largest squares in Rome. At its center you can admire the obelisk of Ramesses II from Heliopolis – it’s the second tallest in the city.

There is quite a bit to see in the square itself. First of all, you can spot Carlo Reinaldi’s Twin Churches – the Chiese Gemelle of Piazza del Popolo which sit on either side of the Via del Corso. One of them is the 1681 Santa Maria dei Miracoli; the other is the 1675 Santa Maria in Montesanto.

Look a bit more carefully though: they are not actually identical!

Piazza del Popolo is also home of three fountains – among the most beautiful fountains in Rome, each fed by the acqua Vergine Nuova aqueduct.

The Fountain of the Lions (Fontana dei Leoni; also known as the Fontana dell’Obelisco), is at the center of the square. The Fountain of the Goddess Rome (Fontana della Dea Roma) is right under the Pincio Terrace. The Fountain of Neptune is on the other side of the square.

Galleria Borghese 

Continue walking for little under 2 km through the beautiful park to get to Galleria Borghese. The beautiful gardens are a good introduction to the museum, one of the finest art collections in the world.

At Borghese Gallery you be able to see works of Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Titian. The villa itself is a stunning building, complete with some of the original furnishings and beautifully frescoed ceilings. The last time I visited there was also a special exhibit of contemporary art that made it even more interesting.

Only 360 visitors at once are allowed inside Galleria Borghese, so it’s never really crowded. Admission is timed and you’ll have buy tickets online beforehand and select a time slot for your visit.

If you don’t want to rush through the other sites in this itinerary, select the last time slot at 5:45. Visits last two hours, after that you will be asked to leave the museum.

Keep in mind it takes around half hour to walk all the way to Borghese Gallery from Piazza del Popolo.

You can buy tickets for Galleria Borghese directly on its website. If they are sold out, you may want to opt for a guided tour which, though more expensive, normally has more availability.

I recommend this small group guided tour of Galleria Borghese which also includes a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gardens. There are options for tours at 4:00 and 5:00 pm so you should be able to fit it into your Rome in 2 days itinerary.

Day two

Map of day 2

You can see the map for your second day in Rome here. Check out the walking distances and time it takes to walk from one place to the other, and rearrange to fit your needs and interests.

Your starting point is the Colosseum (subway stop Colosseum, metro line B) and the final one is Trevi Fountain.

The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill

The Colosseum is one of the most visited attractions in Rome and one of the places to visit in Rome in 2 days. A beautiful sight during the day, it’s splendid at night when it is illuminated.

Known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was constructed under Emperor Vespasian in 72 and completed under Titus in 82.

When it was used as a theater, the Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators, and all social classes could have a seat to attend a show.

Shows could include anything from gladiator battles to battles with wild animals (there used to be an elevator system to carry animals and fighters to the arena level) to naval battles during which the arena was completely filled with water.

Unfortunately the Colosseum is often very crowded and at times it even gets sold out in the peak season, so getting tickets before visiting is an absolute must.

The Colosseum opens at 9:00 am. Like many other places to visit in Rome, the site works on a time slot system so make sure to book yours well in advance. I recommend getting the first time slot to walk in at 9:00 am. You will have to be there a bit earlier to go through security too.

You can get tickets to the Colosseum on the official retailer CoopCulture. Your ticket to the Colosseum gives you access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill too.

For a more in depth experience, you could consider getting a guided tour that will also take you to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

I recommend this guided tour of the Colosseum run by the local operator Touriks that also goes the underground and the arena, and then visits the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. I have taken many tours of the Colosseum but that’s by far my favorite.

You are likely going to find my post How To Get Tickets To The Colosseum also very useful.

Once you are done visiting the Colosseum, you can head to the Roman Forum, which used to be the heart of Rome at the times of the Republic. It was a very busy place, with a market, temples, brothels and even the House of the Senate. During the the Roman Empire, it became a ceremonial center.

The Palatine Hill is thought to be the legendary place where the twins Romolo and Remo were raised by the wolf, and Romolo founded Rome after having killed Remo. It’s where the emperors and aristocrats of Rome used to live so here you can see the remains of magnificent residences dating back to ancient Rome.

The views of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum from the Palatine Hill are absolutely stunning.

Piazza Venezia and the Altar of the Fatherland

Following Via dei Fori Imperiali, you will get more impressive views of the Roma Forum. Finally, this will allow you to get to Piazza Venezia, which is the very heart of Rome. It’s one of the top things to see in Rome in 2 days.

Piazza Venezia is where you’ll be able to see the impressive Trajan’s Column, erected to commemorate Roman emperor Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars.

Here is also the massive monument to Vittorio Emanuele II (the Altar of the Fatherland, or Altare della Patria in Italian), which is significantly more recent and was in fact built in 1911 (following much criticism for the eviction of people living in the area) to commemorate the first king of unified Italy.

Walking up the first terrace of the Altar of the Fatherland is actually free (there is a small fee to access the elevator that will take you to the upper terrace) and the views are incredible, so consider going in if you feel you have time.

Largo di Torre Argentina

On your way from Piazza Venezia to Piazza Navona you’ll walk by Largo di Torre Argentina. This is one of my favorite places to visit in Rome, so of course I had to include it in this itinerary.

Largo di Torre Argentina has the ruins of some of the oldest temples of Rome. It’s also known as the place where Julius Cesar died – in fact, he died on the steps of the Theater of Pompey on 15 March 44 AC (a date that’s remembered here in Italy as the “idi di Marzo”).

This should be enough to make you want to stop there. But if you are a cat lover, you’ll be happy to know that Largo di Torre Argentina is also home to the oldest cat sanctuary in Rome.

You can walk around the site to look at the ruins and then find the entrance to the shelter, where an association takes care of the cats and works to raise funds for them. You can visit to play with the cats, buy a Cats of Rome calendar as a souvenir, or even make a donation. I distant-adopted a cat named Mozart there!

You may also want to get on the official website of Largo di Torre Argentina cat sanctuary to make a donation.

Close to Largo di Torre Argentina, you will find one of my favorite restaurants in Rome, Renato e Luisa, where you could stop for lunch. Their rigatoni alla carbonara are legendary!

Campo de’ Fiori

Before you reach Piazza Navona, stop by Campo de’ Fiori, one of the prettiest squares in Rome. The area was paved in 1456 and since the 19th century it’s been home to a lovely market that sells fruits, vegetables and flowers. There also are lots of cafés to hang out.

Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere, but don’t forget to find the statue of Giordano Bruno. It’s easy: it’s literally in the center of the square, where it was erected – face looking towards the Vatican – in 1889 on the exact spot where Bruno died in February 1600, burned alive after having been condemned for being heretic.

Piazza Navona

Another beautiful square, Piazza Navona was paved over in the 15th century over the 1st century Stadio di Domiziano. It now is where one of the many city markets are located (though keep in mind the market is not permanent).

There’s quite a bit to see in this marvelous Rome square, so take your time there. You will find several fountains – the most famous one is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed in 1651 by Bernini, but there’s also the Fontana del Moro and the Fountain of Neptune.

Another thing to see here is the 17th century Sant’Agnese church, built over an 8th century site where it is said that 12-year old martyr Agnese was killed during Diocletian’s persecutions.

You won’t have time for that if you are only spending 2 days in Rome, but keep in mind that the undergrounds of Piazza Navona are actually very interesting to visit – one of the most interesting Rome Underground sites.

The Pantheon

Nobody should spend 2 days in Rome and miss the Pantheon. This is quite simply one of the most famous landmarks in the city, and an impressive sight from many points of view.

You will walk by the Pantheon on your way from Piazza Navona to Trevi Fountain. Its dome, thought to be one of the best preserved buildings from antiquity, is one of the most iconic structures in town.

Its construction was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian, and it was built in the 126 AD. With time, the Pantheon actually became a Catholic church, one where notable people have been buried in the past.

Inside you’ll find the tombs of famous Italian artist Raphael and of King Victor Emmanuel II.

There’s always the longest line at the Pantheon, but don’t worry, it normally goes quite fast as people generally don’t spend more than 10 or 15 minutes inside. The site is no longer free to visit. You will need to get tickets via the site Musei Italiani, which will require you to register.

Trevi Fountain

One of the most iconic places to visit in Rome in 2 days, Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art and an easy addition to this itinerary.

It’s a massive fountain that measures 20 meters (almost 66 feet) in width and 26 meters (that’s more than 85 feet) in height, and quite a sight! The main feature of the fountain is the sculpture of the sea god, Oceanus, who sits in his shell shaped chariot led by a pair of Tritons and sea horses.

The fountain been recently brought back to its splendor thanks to restoration works. It’s a crowded place, so forget about those romantic solitary pictures, unless you visit at really odd hours. But it remains a must see!

Don’t dip your toes – and let alone jump – in this or other fountains in Rome. It’s forbidden and if caught you will be fined!

The Jewish Ghetto

At the end of your second day, head to the Jewish Ghetto of Rome. It’s a 15 minutes walk from Trevi Fountain.

Established by Pope Paul IV five centuries ago, the Ghetto is the place where all the Jews living in Rome were forced to move. It was walled and had gates that were closed at night, and regularly flooded because of its vicinity to the Tiber River, causing much damage to the community living there.

There is quite a bit to see in the area but nothing requires specific bookings or tickets so it’s easy to explore.

A place you should not miss is the Portico di Ottavia, the ruins of an ancient Roman gate built in 27 BC by Emperor Augustus and named after his sister, Octavia. Between the middle ages and the 19th century this part of the ghetto was used as a fish market.

Another impressive place to see here is the Theater of Marcellus, a former open air theater that back in the day could hold up to 20,000 people. It was completed by Augustus in 13 BC and named after his nephew, and it is often referred to as the “Jewish Colosseum”.

Of course, there’s also the Jewish Synagogue of Rome, which will likely be closed by the time you get there, and the Turtle Fountain, or Fontana delle Tartarughe located in Piazza Mattei and built between 1580-88 by Bernini.

Finally, the Jewish Ghetto is very famous for its Roman Kosher cuisine. Find a place to have dinner to try some of the best specialties such as carciofi alla giudia – fried artichokes.

For a more in depth experience, consider this Local Rome Food Tour: Jewish Quarter & Historic Center. It starts in the late afternoon, so you have the rest of the day to explore other places in the city. It’s a great tour to discover the history of Rome through its many flavors, starting from those of Roman Kosher cuisine.

Read this post for inspiration on where to eat in the area.

Using A 48 Hours Roma Pass 

A Roma Pass may be a good thing to have if you visit Rome in 2 days. You can make the most of it by visiting all the attractions mentioned in this post, and get discount on others, and most pass options also give you access to public transportation. Some even include a one way transfer to the airport.

One thing to be aware of is that even when you have the Roma Pass you will have to book your entry to sites such as the Colosseum. Furthermore, Borghese Gallery is usually not included in any of the passes. You may end up being better off booking individual skip the line tickets or guided tours.

This is the official website of the Roma Pass.

Otherwise, you can take advantage of My Adventures Across The World partnership with Tiqets and book time slots to the top attractions in this itinerary in one easy move. You’ll have the chance of booking tickets to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Practical Guide

Where to stay in Rome 

If you only have 2 days in Rome, you are better off staying in the historic center for easy access to most attractions.

If you stay by Ottaviano metro station, you’ll have very easy access to the Vatican which is the first place you will be visiting. These are some excellent hotels near Ottaviano metro station:

Polinari Rooms – a very good hotel with spacious comfortable rooms. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Vatican Museums, so perfect if you have an early start.

Town House 57 – a guest house with impeccably clean, modern furnished rooms. It’s walking distance from the Vatican Museums so another very good option.

My Bed Vatican Museum – the best place to stay in terms of location as it’s right in front of the entrance to the Vatican Museums. Rooms are spotless and comfortable.

Another great area to stay is Monti, from where you will have quick access to the Colosseum. These are some excellent hotels in Monti:

Relais Monti –  great location close to the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and excellent rooms with all modern comforts.

Residenza Maritti – a lovely local guest house, the terrace has incredible views of the Colosseum and the Forum. It’s one of the best places to stay in Rome overall.

How to get to Rome

The main train station in Rome is Roma Termini, which connects the Italian capital to other cities in Italy.

If Rome is the first leg of your trip to Italy, you will likely fly there from another city. There are two airports of Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino. Getting from either airport to the city is very easy. Here’s how to do it.

From Fiumicino

This airport serves intercontinental flights and major airlines.

The cheapest way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center is the express train, which runs roughly every 15 minutes (or every 30 minutes late at night). You can buy tickets and check the timetable online. 

Taxis have a flat rate of around €50.

You can also count on shared transfers or, for something more comfortable, book a private transfer from the airport to the city center via Welcome Pickups.

From Ciampino

This airport is used for budget flights from Italy and other destinations in Europe.

The cheapest way to get from Ciampino to Rome city center is by bus. Terravision has regular departures.

Otherwise, you can count on taxis that also have a flat rate of around €30

How to move around Rome

This itinerary is meant to maximize the amount of things to do in Rome in 2 days by letting you stick to more or less one area to explore without having to rely on public transportation.

For the purpose of this itinerary, the best way to get around Rome is on foot. You will need to use the bus or subway in Rome to get to the starting point for every day (unless you are staying close-by) and to get back to your hotel in the evening.

In case you do need to use public transport in Rome, you’ll be glad to know that it is quite efficient, with several buses and a subway system too.

Luggage storage in Rome

If you must check out from your hotel but you aren’t leaving town until later, you have the option of storing your bags at your hotel or leaving them at a more central location where you can pick them up before heading to the airport.

Most train stations have luggage storage. I’d recommend opting for one near Termini train station as chances are that’s where you’ll be taking your train to other destinations or to the airport.

In most cases, you need to book your luggage storage in advance. For example, you can do that here.

Other Useful Tips 

Get a data plan for your smartphone

Top up your smartphone so that is has enough data and make sure it has a plan that allows you to navigate and use Google Maps if needed. You can also download maps to use them offline or get an eSIM that you can activate as soon as you get to Italy.

Drinking water 

Tap water is safe to drink in Rome – carry around your own bottle to refill at public drinking fountains. Although tap water is good in Rome, restaurants usually only serve bottled or filtered water.

Mind the scams

Beware of scams! As in any big city, tourists are a target for scams and pickpocketing in Rome. I was a victim myself!

Keep an eye out for people being overly friendly (by all means do not fall for the “friendship bracelet scam); don’t leave your belongings unattended; say no to people who offer to help you at train station with things such as tickets and luggage.

They can be quite persistent at times but if you just say you’re going to call the police (polizia in Italian) they will leave.

Get a good travel insurance

Whether you are looking to visit Rome in 2 days or more, don’t forget to get a good travel insurance. Heymondo is one of the best insurance available for travelers.

Final Considerations About This Rome In 2 Days Itinerary

This itinerary explained how to see Rome in 2 days. My starting point in planning it was that you have at least 2 days the city – which ideally means you are spending 3 nights in the city, unless you get there very early in the morning and are full of energy.

This is a packed itinerary, but the good news is that all the places you’ll visit are more or less in the same area, so you can just walk.

Start your day very early (ie at 7:00 am when you visit the Vatican) and don’t linger over lunch for too long – the places I have suggested are right along the itinerary, in any case. Chuck down an espresso or two for an energy boost!

For the purpose of this itinerary, you have to book skip-the-line tickets for a bunch of tourist attractions, so that you can avoid the lines at the ticket counter or – worse! – get stuck with no ticket.

Further Readings

For more itineraries, read my posts:

• Why Visit Rome?
• A Fantastic Itinerary For 4 Days In Rome
• A Wonderful Itinerary For 5 Days In Rome
• A Great Itinerary For A Fabulous Week In Rome
• 20 Great Day Trips From Rome
• 31 Incredible Places To Explore Rome Off The Beaten Path
• 18 Useful Things To Know Before Visiting Rome
• The Best Airbnbs In Rome
• The Best Movies About Rome

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