My GlobieCities / Rome, Italy
City guideRome in 48 hours 🍝
Day 1 is ancient Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, then dinner in Trastevere. Day 2 is the Vatican in the morning and wandering Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps after. Book the Colosseum and Vatican Museums ahead; they sell out.
Day 1: ancient Rome
- Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill. One ticket covers all three. Go early, and book a time slot online.
- Pantheon. A 2,000-year-old temple with a hole in the roof that's still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Small entry fee.
- Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin over your shoulder and, legend says, you'll be back. Go early morning or late at night to beat the crowds.
- Dinner in Trastevere. Cobbled streets across the river, full of trattorias.
Day 2: the Vatican and the center
- Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel. Book ahead. Usually closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month.
- St. Peter's Basilica. Free to enter; cover shoulders and knees.
- Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Walk between them for gelato and people-watching. Sitting on the Spanish Steps can get you fined, so keep moving.
Eat this
- Carbonara and cacio e pepe: the Roman pasta classics.
- Supplì: fried rice balls with mozzarella inside. The ultimate snack.
- Pizza al taglio: pizza by the slice, sold by weight.
Skip this
- Restaurants with picture menus and people outside calling you in, especially right next to big sights.
- Unofficial "skip the line" sellers on the street. Book on the official sites instead.
Getting there
Rome's main train station is Roma Termini, with fast trains from Florence, Naples, Milan and Venice. The main airport is Fiumicino; the Leonardo Express train runs from there straight to Termini.
Coming from somewhere else in Europe? Compare trains, buses and flights to Rome on Tryp.com (yes, that's where our team works; see About).
Quick answers
Is 48 hours enough for Rome?
It's enough for the big hitters: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Vatican. Add a third day if you want slower meals or a day trip.
Do I need to book the Colosseum and Vatican in advance?
Yes. Both use timed tickets and popular slots sell out, so book on the official sites before you go.
How do I get from Fiumicino airport to central Rome?
The Leonardo Express train runs non-stop from Fiumicino to Roma Termini.
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