One Day In Rome
Trying to see Rome in just one day may sound ambitious—but it can be done! With some smart planning, you can experience many of the city’s most iconic sights and still soak in its unforgettable atmosphere.
The itinerary below is packed with Rome’s greatest hits, from the Colosseum to the Vatican and everything in between. But don’t feel pressured to check off every stop—pick and choose the ones that matter most to you and savor them.
If you only have a day, it’s essential to plan ahead and book timed-entry tickets for major sites like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. This will save you precious hours standing in line and give you more time to wander Rome’s charming streets, stop in a church, sip a quick espresso, or enjoy a spontaneous gelato stop.
Morning – Ancient Rome
Colosseum – Begin your morning at Rome’s most iconic landmark. Be sure to book skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour in advance to avoid long waits. Step inside to explore the arena floor, underground passages, and towering seating tiers while imagining the roar of ancient crowds. For the best experience, arrive early when it’s less crowded and cooler.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – Next spend a few hours exploring the heart of ancient Rome. Wander through the Roman Forum, weaving between temples, triumphal arches, and basilicas that once formed the center of public life. Continue up to the Palatine Hill to stroll among the ruins of imperial palaces, enjoying sweeping views over the Forum and the Colosseum. Take your time—this area is packed with history at every turn. With so much to see and learn here, consider booking a guided tour to truly bring the history to life. Reserve your spot for a Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour here.
If you are short on time, both sites can easily be viewed from the outside. Just take a stroll down Via dei Fori Imperiali!
Late Morning Historic Heart
Take a leisurely stroll to Piazza Venezia, the bustling heart of Rome. Here you’ll find the towering Victor Emmanuel II Monument, also known as the “Altar of the Fatherland,” with its gleaming white marble and sweeping staircases. Climb up to the terraces for one of the best views of the city, or simply admire the monument’s intricate sculptures and grand scale from the piazza below. If time permits take the elevator to the roof and take in the view.
Climb Capitoline Hill for a stunning panoramic view of the Roman Forum. Pause to admire the iconic statue of Marcus Aurelius and the elegant piazza designed by Michelangelo. Want to dive deeper, time will be tight but if you can sneak in a short visit you will not be disappointed? To explore the treasures inside the Capitoline Museums. Click here to plan your experience.
Continue your stroll through Rome’s winding, picturesque streets until you reach Campo de’ Fiori, one of the city’s liveliest squares. In the morning, browse the open-air market stalls filled with fresh produce and flowers, or simply pause at a café for a quick espresso. If you’re hungry, stop at Forno Campo de’ Fiori, a beloved local bakery known for its fresh pizza bianca and sandwiches—perfect for a quick, delicious bite while soaking up the atmosphere.
Lunch STOP
Take a break in Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful and lively squares. Surrounded by elegant Baroque palaces and home to Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, it’s the perfect spot to sit at a café or trattoria and linger over classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara. Stay a while to enjoy the street performers, artists, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes this piazza a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Afternoon Vatican City
Make your way to St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual heart of the Vatican and one of the most magnificent churches in the world. Step inside to marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s soaring bronze baldachin, and the stunning interior. For an unforgettable experience, climb to the top of the dome—first by elevator, then a narrow staircase—for breathtaking 360° views over St. Peter’s Square and the city of Rome. Plan your experience here.
Take a quick yet unforgettable tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel — a pre-booked, timed-entry ticket is essential to skip the long lines. Plan for about three hours to see the highlights, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling, the Gallery of Maps, and Raphael’s Rooms. Discover guided tours to the Vatican here.
Evening La Dolce Vita Walk
Castel Sant’Angelo: Castel Sant’Angelo: Stroll past this iconic fortress or step inside to enjoy the panoramic terrace views overlooking the Tiber, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the heart of Rome. The terrace café, accessible only with entry to the site, is a perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitivo, where you can sip a drink and watch the sunset over the city. Advance booking is recommended to secure your visit to the castle and its terrace here.
Pantheon → Trevi Fountain → Spanish Steps: Explore some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at the Pantheon, an architectural marvel with its massive domed ceiling. Continue to the Trevi Fountain, where tossing a coin is a must for good luck, and finish at the Spanish Steps, perfect for people-watching and soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere. If the Pantheon is a must see for you, be sure to visit before 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased onsite.
End your day with gelato at Giolitti: Treat yourself to some of Rome’s most famous gelato at Giolitti, a historic gelateria near the Pantheon. With an array of classic and seasonal flavors, this beloved spot has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1900. Grab a cone (cono in Italian) or a decadent cup (coppa) and savor it as you stroll through the charming streets of Rome or dinner in the Monti or Trastevere neighborhoods.
Accommodation Recomendations
With just one day in Rome, it’s essential to stay in the historic center—you’ll want to be within walking distance of the major sights so you can spend less time commuting and more time exploring. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay, perfectly located for a whirlwind Roman adventure.
Looking for luxury in the heart of Ancient Rome?
Welcome to Rhinoceros, a collection of 24 design apartments inside Palazzo Rhinoceros, created by the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti. Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, each apartment merges historic charm with sleek, modern style.
Guests receive complimentary private tours of the Fondazione and priority reservations at select partner restaurants.
Located between the Circo Massimo and Roman Forum, Rhinoceros is a short walk from Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum—right in the heart of ancient Rome.
Book here.
Looking for the perfect mid-range stay right in the heart of Rome?
Welcome to Rhea Silvia Navona, set directly on Piazza Navona—one of the city’s most iconic squares. Just steps from Sant’Agostino and a short stroll from the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori, this boutique guesthouse puts you halfway between the Vatican and the Colosseum, with all of Rome at your doorstep.
The rooms are elegant and modern, featuring air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV with Netflix, a coffee machine, and a complimentary minibar with soft drinks. Bathrooms are designed for comfort, complete with chromotherapy showers, luxury toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer. Guests also enjoy access to a complimentary smartphone with internet during their stay.
Book here.
Looking for the perfect budget hotel?
Located just steps from Torre Argentina and Palazzo Venezia, Queen Palace Suites offers elegant rooms with air conditioning, Smart TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a shared lounge, and breakfast served in-room or in the common area with American, Italian, and continental options. Major sights like the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Navona are all within a short walk. Book here.