One day in Rome itinerary – get to see the best of the city
Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex
When we took our first cruise on the Mediterranean Sea, the starting point was the port of Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport. Since they always recommend arriving one night before the ship sails, we had the chance to explore Rome in one day.
It was not my first time in the Eternal City, as I lived and worked there in my younger days, but it was my mother-in-law’s first visit, so we had to get the maximum out of our limited time.
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Can you see Rome in one day?
Absolutely not! And no matter how many times I get back to the city, I always feel I manage only to scratch the surface, so I guess I will keep going back again and again.
However, you can sometimes find yourself in a position where you need to spend only 24 hours in Rome and will want to make the best out of it. For that kind of occasion, and because we also only had one full day here, I’ve created this itinerary.
If you are lucky and have one week to spend in Rome, check out Rachel’s guide for inspiration.
Where to stay in Rome
If you spend only one day in Rome and also spend the night, make sure to book a room very close to the city center or at least to one of the major tourist attractions ( the Vatican, for example—where you will find plenty of good places).
You should look after Piazza del Popolo or the Vatican area. If you plan to take a train, look for a place near Termini Station.
Here are a few options to consider:
Vatican Luxury Penthouse with terrace
This stunning two-bedroom penthouse has a terrace that will leave you in awe! Located only three minutes away from the metro, it is not only super comfortable but also typical Italian in the heart of the city.
Check out availability and prices here!
Rooftop Magic in Piazza del Popolo
A rooftop facing Piazza del Popolo where you could return for a stunning sunset over one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome.
Check out availability and prices here!
Booking.comYour Rome in one day itinerary
The itinerary is simple:
Eat breakfast as the locals
Option 1: The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
Option 2: the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel
Piazza Navona
The Pantheon
Lunch
Fontana di Trevi
Piazza di Spagna
Dinner with a view
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
Our first stop was the Colosseum, of course.
If you want to enter the arena and experience the past, try booking your ticket ahead of time online.
For more information, read our post about visiting the Colosseum.
The Roman Forum
Only a few steps from the Colosseum, you’ll find the iconic Roman Forum.
The place is so rich in history, that we had to write a dedicated post just to scratch the surface. Read our guide to visiting the Roman Forum for more information.
I strongly suggest starting your day with this and booking a tour that will guide you through it all. Since the tour lasts for 3 hours, you will also have a better way of keeping track of your time.
Book your tour with free cancellation here!
Alternative: See the Vatican City
Once we finished with the Forum, we took the metro and headed to Vatican City.
However, if you want to explore the center of the Roman Catholic religion properly, I suggest you skip the Colosseum and the Forum and start your day at the Vatican.
When you want to have a really special experience, book an authentic tour of the Vatican Gardens on a minibus. This is a very popular tour, and on it, you will not only learn a lot about the place’s history but also admire the gardens with their stunning fountains, sculptures, and historic buildings.
TIP: For those history lovers out there, take more days and visit also Via Appia Antica
Stroll on the old streets and see some of the most popular piazzas in Rome
From the Colosseum or from the Vatican City, whichever option you choose to go for, make your way towards the most popular attractions in Rome: Piazza Navona with its impressive fountains and restaurants, the Pantheon where you can discover the secrets of this engineering masterpiece dating from 113 AD on a guided tour, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and spend some time on the steps in Piazza di Spagna.
Unfortunately, since we chose to see both the Roman Forum and the Vatican (without going inside), we did not have the time to admire the Trevi Fountain, but you should add it to your Rome bucket list!
We stopped at a gelateria nearby and ate delicious ice cream while soaking up the peacefulness and zen.
While you’re there, stop for dinner at one of the many romantic restaurants on the narrow streets of Rome and finish it off with one of the many cool things to do in Rome at night.
Getting around in Rome
The easiest way to get around, especially if you follow this itinerary, is on foot.
Since I’ve chosen most of these attractions based on their location close to one another, you won’t have to worry about transportation and timetables.
However, if you are traveling for greater distances, I suggest taking the subway, a hop-on-hop-off bus, or public transportation.
The subway has 2 lines going around Rome; you can buy a ticket directly at the subway stop, and it only costs 1.5 EUR.
A hop-on-hop-off panoramic bus will take you around town, linking some of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. You can admire the landmarks from the comfort of your seat, and you can hop off any time you feel like seeing something up close. Tickets are bookable for 24 hours or 48 hours, and you will also have access to a pre-recorded audio guide. Book it here!
Extra tips for spending one day in Rome
Because of its popularity and history, you must first be prepared for the crowds and, secondly, wisely plan your itinerary.
Book tickets ahead of time
Don’t hop you won’t have to wait in line, because you most probably will. Avoid taking this risk by booking your skip-the-line tickets in advance and saving precious time.
Book A Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line tour
Book a skip-the-line tour to the Foro Romano, the Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum
Start your day early
With plenty of things to do and see, you’ll find it hard to cut places off your list. By starting super early, you can include more things on your “to see” list while skipping the crowds, at least at the beginning of your destinations.
Book accommodation wisely
Stay close to the place you choose to visit first – the Vatican or the Colosseum. There are plenty of great accommodation options in both areas, and you won’t find it hard to book the best for your needs and tastes.
Wear the most suitable clothes and shoes
Bring a scarf to cover your arms in case you choose to step inside any basilica. Don’t wear slippery shoes or high heels—it will be hard to walk around the cobbled streets and in the Forum or Colosseum.
Have a quick Italian breakfast
Italians don’t eat a big breakfast and have their coffee standing at the “banco”. Since you don’t have much time to waste, do as the locals and get a delicious croissant with a strong espresso or cappuccino.
More time in Rome?
Check out my 2 days in Rome itinerary.
Italy travel resources
- Find out why the Cinque Terre would make for the perfect day trip from Genoa
- How can you include the Cinque Terre in your 10-day Italy Itinerary
- Want to see something else for a change? Plan a one-week itinerary in South Italy and make sure to see Puglia and the Amalfi Coast
- Best Italy subscription boxes for when you get back home and want to bring Italy with you
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