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How To See Rome in a Day: Multiple Itineraries
Sean Finelli
Spend as much time as possible in the Eternal City. But if you only have a day, follow our tips on how to plan an action-packed day in Rome that includes the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and more. Here are three pre-planned itineraries to help you get the most out of Rome in a day.
Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a “Rome” browser folder and bookmark this post. See our guide to Rome for more trip-planning resources and our Rome in a Day Tour for an easy and exciting day.
If you only have a day in Rome, you’re going to want to spend your time wisely. There are a lot of incredible sites to see and you’re definitely going to want to hit as many as possible.
We’ve planned three self-guided itineraries for you to choose from. Don’t want the hassle of figuring out where to go, how to get there, and queueing for tickets? Book our popular Rome In a Day tour.
With this epic Rome-in-a-day itinerary, you’ll hit most of the Eternal City’s top sights. Get ready for an action-packed day beginning with the Vatican Museums and ending with dinner in trendy Trastevere.
1. Vatican Museums
Arrival: 8 am – Departure: 11:30 am
The best way to skip the long line for the Vatican Museums is by booking an early access Vatican tour with an art history expert. That way, you can get inside the museums an entire hour before the general public and see the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and all the best galleries, finishing up at about 10 am.
Address: Viale Vaticano | Hours: Mon – Sat, 9 am – 4 pm; closed on Sundays
2. Spanish Steps and Lunch To Go
Arrival: 11:35 am – Departure: Noon
Created in the 18th century, the Spanish Steps are located in one of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods. The stairs are directly in front of Via Condotti, a world-renowned street for the fanciest haute couture brands.
If you’re looking to splurge (big time), shop on this street. After visiting the steps, grab a quick lunch. We suggest you get pizza al taglio (by the slice) and take a walk in the streets. It’s easy, fast, and delicious.
Rome’s stunning Trevi Fountain is a short walk from the Spanish Steps. On a hot summer’s day, you may be tempted to re-create that scene from “La Dolce Vita” where Anita Eckberg waded into the water, but resist the urge. Trust us, a hefty fine will follow. Trevi Fountain is a pop culture icon as well as, arguably, the world’s most beautiful and recognizable fountain.
Only a five-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain is the Pantheon. One of Rome’s greatest structures, the Pantheon dates back to the second century A.D. and was commissioned by the great Emperor Hadrian.
Many scholars claim the Pantheon’s dome is the best-preserved structure from antiquity. Inside are the tombs of iconic Italians like Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel II.
In the center of Piazza Navona is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed in 1651 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also, the 17th-century baroque church of Sant’Agnese is located here, which was designed under the architects Girolamo and Carlo Rainaldi. Built over the first-century Stadio di Domiziano, Piazza Navona was paved over in the 15th century and hosted the city’s main market for almost 300 years.
Largo di Torre Argentina is most commonly referred to as the place where Julius Cesar died. Although this is a myth, it isn’t far from the truth. He actually met his end on the steps to the Theatre of Pompey, just a few blocks away.
Today, you can see the ruins of four of Rome’s oldest temples here, which date back to the fourth century B.C. There are also tons of cats here, as this is a modern-day cat sanctuary.
On your way to the Colosseum from Largo Argentina, stop off in Piazza Venezia. Home to Trajan’s Column and the massive Il Vittoriano monument (nicknamed The Wedding Cake), Piazza Venezia is Rome’s central hub. Built in 1911, Il Vittoriano (Victor Emmanuel Monument) commemorates the first king who unified Italy.
The key to planning a visit to the Colosseum is to skip the line. There are two ways to do this: either buy your ticket online in advance or book a guided Colosseum tour. Your Colosseum tickets also get you a front-row seat to the ruins of downtown ancient Rome (the Roman Forum).
9. Panoramic Elevators at Vittorio Emanuele Monument
Arrival: 5:15 pm – Departure: 6 pm
A fifteen-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Vittoriano features breathtaking views of Rome. The panoramic view from the terrace is only accessed using the elevators, which costs €7.
It’s a worthwhile expense though; the views are epic. From here, take the opportunity to admire the view over the Roman Forum, the historic center of the city, and beyond.
Address: Piazza Venezia | Hours: Mon – Sun, 9:30 am – 7 pm
10. Teatro Marcello
Arrival: 6:10 pm – Departure: 6:20 pm
A mini Colosseum that seated 20,000 people, the Theater of Marcellus was planned by Julius Caesar and completed by Emperor Augustus in 11 B.C., who named it after his nephew, Marcellus. The Teatro Marcello served as a model for the larger and newer Colosseum and was used into the fourth century as a theater.
For over five hundred years, the living conditions in the Jewish Ghetto were unbearable and saw constant flooding. Now, it’s one of the most desirable areas of Rome. Enter the Jewish Ghetto on Via Monattanara and walk straight until you reach the Turtle Fountain.
Turn left onto Via di S. Ambrogio and take a walk. Look out for the gold plaques on the ground to commemorate Jewish residents who were affected by WWII. For more about this neighborhood, check out this video.
Walk across the oldest functional footbridge, Ponte Fabricio, in Rome and admire the views along the Tiber River. In the summer, thanks to the event Lungo il Tevere Roma, the nightlife comes alive with outdoor stalls and events on the banks of the river. Grab some refreshments at one of the stalls or walk to Trastevere and go to Alembic for a pre-dinner drink.
If you’re staying in Rome for dinner, Le Mani in Pasta is one of the best places to eat in Trastevere. This authentic and traditional-style trattoria is well-known for delicious seafood, meat, and pasta dishes, all made from high-quality and locally-sourced ingredients. This lively osteria is always busy, so be sure to make reservations. If you trust the waiters, you’re in for the meal of your life.
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Our “in a day” tour is best way to get your bearings all in one day. Visit the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and more with a licensed, fun English-speaking tour guide. They’ll add tons of insights and make the entire experience so much more memorable. Also, you’ll get a feel for the city, so it’s a great option on one of your first days in Rome. Bring your walking shoes and water bottle!
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Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
One of our most popular Vatican tours since it is such an amazing value. Skip the line to get inside with a super-knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who will bring the museum to life with stories of the artists, popes, conspiracy, love, and even tragedy! This tour has start times throughout the day so you can choose when to visit based on your schedule!
If you’re planning a few days in Rome and want to compress some sightseeing into one day, consider trying this Rome-in-a-day itinerary with sit-down lunch. It comes with recommendations for places to have lunch, aperitivo, and dinner.
1. Vatican Museums
Arrival: 8 am – Departure: 11:30 am
The Vatican Museums don’t wait for anyone—the lines start winding around the block before 8 am. Get in line by 7:30 am to make sure you’re one of the first members of the general public to get in when the museums open at 9 am.
You can also buy a ticket in advance online to skip the long ticket queue. However, the best way to skip the line is by booking an early access Vatican tour with an art history expert. That way, you can get inside the museums an entire hour before the general public.
Address: Viale Vaticano | Hours: Mon – Sat, 9 am – 4 pm; closed on Sundays
2. Spanish Steps
Arrival: 11:35 am – Departure: 11:45 am
Created in the 18th century, the Spanish Steps are located in one of Rome’s most desirable neighborhoods. They sit directly in front of Via Condotti, a world-renowned street for the highest of haute couture brands.
This is the main shopping district in Rome—but the prices here are sky-high. An outstanding example of Roman baroque style, this is an excellent place to sit down and do some people-watching. But not for too long, you still have plenty of stops to go on your Rome-in-a-day itinerary.
Only five minutes away from Piazza di Spagna, Ginger Sapori e Salute is a bistro restaurant celebrated for its fantastic food. In a bright and modern space, this restaurant serves healthy and fresh gourmet sandwiches, salads, and smoothies from sustainably-sourced ingredients. Pair your meal with some delicious Italian wine and recharge before you continue your day of sightseeing.
Rome’s most stunning fountain is a nine-minute walk away. On a hot summer’s day, you may be tempted to re-create that scene from “La Dolce Vita” where Anita Eckberg wades into the Trevi Fountain’s water. Don’t do it, the hefty fine isn’t worth it. If it weren’t so crowded night and day, this would be the most romantic spot in Rome. Legend has it that if you stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder, you’ll guarantee a return trip to Rome.
Home to Trajan’s Column and the massive Vittoriano monument, Piazza Venezia is the central hub of Rome, Italy. Spiraling down this column is the story of Emperor Trajan’s victory over the barbarian empire of Dacia told in 155 scenes. Built in 1911, Il Vittoriano (the Victor Emmanuel Monument) commemorates Victor Emmanuel II, the first king who unified Italy.
A perfect place to end your walking tour in Rome is the Colosseum. With a history that dates back over 2,000 years, this structure is where gladiators and wild animals fought surrounded by 60,000 screaming spectators. The key to planning a visit to the Colosseum is to skip the line.
There are two ways to do this: either buy your ticket online in advance or book a guided tour. Get up close and personal with ancient Roman history as you take a walk through the ruins in the ancient Roman Forum.
The Vittoriano, a monument with several names including “The Wedding Cake,” features breathtaking views of Rome. Only accessible via elevators, the panoramic view from the terrace is well worth the €7 cost.
Admire a 360-degree panoramic view of Rome that includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and St. Peter’s Basilica. What better opportunity to take some jaw-dropping photos to show your loved ones back home?
Address: Piazza Venezia | Hours: Mon – Sun, 9:30 am – 7 pm
8. Pantheon
Arrival: 6:10 am – Departure: 6:40 pm
Completed around A.D. 125 under Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is the best-preserved building from ancient Rome. The structure (and in particular the dome) reveals the skill and genius of the architects who lived and worked during the Roman Empire. A rare opportunity to step back in time 2,000 years, don’t miss seeing the Pantheon.
In the center of Piazza Navona is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed in 1651 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also, the 17th-century Baroque church of Sant’Agnese is located here, designed under architects Girolamo and Carlo Rainaldi.
Built over the first-century Stadio di Domiziano, Piazza Navona was paved over in the 15th century and hosted the city’s main market for almost 300 years. Enjoy the street performers and do some people-watching before heading to get an aperitivo.
Just a two-minute walk from the center of Piazza Navona, Bar del Fico is a perfect spot to enjoy the grand tradition of aperitivo. At around 7 pm, order a drink and enjoy some small plates from the buffet of snacks.
Even though Piazza Navona is a big tourist magnet, locals love this offbeat restaurant. Since Italians typically eat dinner on the later side, a 7 pm – 9 pm aperitivo is completely normal. For the most authentic experience, go with a traditional Italian cocktail, like a Campari or Aperol Spritz, Bellini, or Negroni.
Close to Piazza Navona, the popular wine bar Cul de Sac offers an eclectic range of food, from traditional Roman dishes to Greek and Arabic cuisine. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll love this place because it offers well over a thousand wine labels of many varieties. Get an outdoor table if you can, the view of Piazza Navona is dreamy.
Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
This is our most popular Colosseum tour due to the incredible access to non-public areas like the underground chambers. All admissions are included and it is lead by an English speaking licensed guided and Colosseum expert.
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Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Through the Gladiator’s Gate
You’ll enter the Colosseum through the back door entrance avoiding lines and crowds, which is ideal! You’ll step through the gladiator’s gate and your English-speaking Colosseum guide will bring the stories to life. Next, on to the Roman Forum. All admissions are included.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Rome Guide for more info.
Itinerary: Rome in a Day with Castel Sant’ Angelo
Did you know the Eternal City has a castle in its city center? With this itinerary, you’ll see the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, stop by Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, and end the day with the spectacular sight of Castel Sant’Angelo by night.
1. Colosseum
Arrival: 9:30 am – Departure: 12:30 pm
While it’s easy to romanticize history, life in ancient Rome was hard if you weren’t from the upper classes. To prevent civil unrest, Roman emperors provided an outlet for their desperation in the form of the brutal games at the Colosseum. Hence the expression, “Give them bread and circuses.”
Due to the amphitheater’s popularity, skipping the line is a must. Either buy your ticket online in advance or sign up for a guided tour. Depending on which Colosseum tour you book, you’ll gain access to areas that are normally restricted to the general public, including the Colosseum Underground, Arena Floor, and Top Levels.
If you’ve been to Italy, regardless of the time of year, you’ll know how important gelato is. Many gelato shops use artificial flavors that weaken the sweet dessert’s bold and tasty flavor. However, at Flor, you’re guaranteed to get high-quality artisan gelato made from the finest natural ingredients.
A trip to Rome isn’t complete without visiting the Trevi Fountain. One of the most jaw-dropping fountains in the world, it dates back to ancient Rome. when they created a highly-sophisticated network that brought water to Rome.
Not only did this ingenious system provide water to Roman baths and gorgeous fountains, but it also enabled the growth of the Roman Empire. Legend has it that if you stand with your back to Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder, you’ll return to Rome.
The most famous and beautiful staircase in Rome is the Spanish Steps. Designed by little-known architect Francesco de Sanctis, these stairs are a meeting place for all kinds of people.
In fact, the only reason that these steps aren’t the most romantic place in Rome is that they are crowded day and night. In the film “Roman Holiday,” this is where Gregory Peck’s character bumped into Audrey Hepburn.
Did you know it would take approximately 12 years to see every item in the Vatican Museums? If you’re doing Rome in a day, you definitely don’t have that much time. We offer a skip the line afternoon Vatican tour at 2:30 pm that covers the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Borgia Apartments.
If you’d rather go alone, tickets are available in advance online. But be advised, there’s so much in these collections that without a professional guide, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Address: Viale Vaticano | Hours: Mon – Sat, 9 am – 4 pm; closed on Sundays
6. Castel Sant’Angelo
Arrival: 5:50 pm – Departure: Whenever
After seeing the Vatican Museums, take a quick 15-minute walk to Castel Sant’Angelo. Walk down Via del Governo Vecchio and turn right on Via del Banco di S Spirito to admire Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo at night.
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, was initially commissioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian. He built the castle as a mausoleum for his family—later it was used as a castle by the popes around A.D. 400. Ponte Sant’Angelo connects central Rome to the castle, and when lit up, is one of the most beautiful things to see at night in Rome. Then, head to dinner or have some drinks first.
Want to make seeing Rome in a day much easier? Check out our epic Rome in a day tour. You’ll hit the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
This is nice Tawny. It’s very helpful to travelers who don’t have much time to plan their travel.
Ciao Agness! Thanks for reading our blog and we appreciate the support!
We followed this from Spanish steps to coliseum and loved it! Thanks
Ciao Jake! So happy to hear that. We’re glad we could help you experience the magic of the Eternal City!
Hi Tawny, You made my day with your blog on ‘How to See Rome in a Day’. Very informative and eases our stay during our visit to Rome. Thanks
I love short travels. Rome in one day is perfect for me. Your blog is probably one of the most detailed one I’ve ever read
about Rome! Thanks!