One-Day Itinerary For Rome, Italy

No visit to Italy is complete without a visit to its capital, Rome. However, because the country has so much to see, there’s a chance you’ll want to cut your time in Rome short in lieu of some other underrated Italian gems. Even if you narrow your time in Rome to just one singular day, you’d be surprised by how much you can see in just a short 24 hours. You know the old saying, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it can certainly be seen in one. Here’s the perfect itinerary for just one day in Rome.

Pro-Tip: If you want to book a day tour to see the best of Rome in a day, this is a great option for highlights like the Colosseum and Palantine, and this is a great option for Rome’s top museums.

Stop #1: Trevi Fountain

Instagram vs. Reality has never seen a truer situation than at The Trevi Fountain. If you are looking to get there with no crowds, your best bet is to get there as early as possible. When I say early, I mean early. Hey, if you only have one day in Rome, you might as well get a head-start! I’d highly recommend getting to the Trevi Fountain before 7am. That way, you can enjoy it somewhat to yourself. Spending time at the Trevi is not time-consuming. You can gaze at the exceptionally blue water, which comes from the Acqua Vergine Antica aqueduct. Make a wish, toss a coin, and move onto your next adventure in Rome.

Stop #2: The Pantheon

Just a short 8-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain is the magical Roman Temple of the Pantheon. You don’t need a ton of time here; admire its beauty, get a few photos, and if you’d like to learn more, book this tour. Afterward, stop by one of the many nearby cafes to grab a proper cappuccino, only acceptable before 11 a.m. in Italian culture (one of the many things to know before visiting Italy), of course.

Stop #3: Vatican City

Did you know The Vatican is actually a separate country from Italy? It likely won’t even be 10 a.m. yet, and you’ll already have been in 2 countries in one day! The Vatican is absolutely worth seeing, and worth spending a few hours in. If you can, take a tour of the Sistine Chapel. Admire the holiness of the Holy Sea, the other name for this sovereign nation. Even if you’re not religious, you are likely to be taken away by just how powerful the experience of being there is. But beware — regardless of the hour you visit, it’s almost always guaranteed to be crowded.

• Because The Vatican is so busy, you’d be foolish to go without a skip-the-line ticket.
• Alternatively, book a tour of the Sistine Chapel.

Stop #4: Eat Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere

Nothing is cooler in Rome than the hip, young neighborhood of Trastevere. Lucky for you, it’s just a short walk from Vatican City. Don’t say it like the tourists, and say it like the locals: trah-STAH-ve-ray. Trastevere is full of street art, lined with restaurants serving up Roman dishes such as carciofi, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and carbonara, but none of them do it better than Trattoria da Enzo al 29. They are closed on Sundays, and open from 12:15-3PM for lunch hours, and 7-11PM for dinner hours. Your best bet is to try to get there as soon as they open for lunch, and ordering both the carciofi and the carbonara should be a requirement.

Trastevere is one of the top foodie neighborhoods in Rome; to get a better look into some local eats, take this Trastevere food and wine tour.

Stop #5: Colosseum

Now, for the most iconic stop of the day: the Colosseum. While everything in Rome is historical and beautiful, the Colosseum naturally tops the list due to it being a World Wonder. My favorite way to explore a city is by walking, and the Colosseum is about a 30-minute walk from Trastevere, or an 8-minute car ride if that’s more your style. You’ll want a good amount of time at the Colosseum. You can take a tour inside, as you should, and learn about Roman history. I’d recommend putting at least 2 hours toward visiting this massive monument.

• Book a tour of the Colosseum here.

Stop #6: Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

About a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum is Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. How’s that for a mouthful? It’s a large beautiful intricately and classically Roman-designed church. Take a peak inside and admire the many Virgin Mary mosaics. You’re likely to see several nuns nearby, a classic Roman sight. For context as to how old this church really is, it started being built in the year 432, and was completed in 1743.

Stop #7: The Spanish Steps

Your last touristic destination of the day is a visit to the Spanish Steps, somewhat coming back full circle from where you started. The Spanish steps are a 17-minute walk from Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. Walk along these steps all you want, but be weary. As of 2019, you can no longer sit on the steps, and if you do, you’ll be slapped with a 250-euro fine!

Stop #8: Apertivo at Il Palazzetto

No trip to Italy is complete without a proper apertivo! That’s where you buy a drink and get unlimited free food. It’s an Italian tradition that I don’t understand why the rest of the world hasn’t developed yet. The food is always ever-flowing and delicious, and it all just pairs perfectly with a nice Aperol Spritz while in Italy.

Stop #9: Dinner at a Traditional Roman Restaurant

After you’ve enjoyed a few snacks and beverages during apertivo, you’ve got to go out and get a proper Roman dinner. Roman cuisine tends to be a bit heartier than the rest of the country. Some famous Roman dishes include tripe, lamb, beef, carciofi (artichokes), cacio e pepe, carbonara, and more. Try all of the Roman dishes your stomach can handle, and of course, pair it with local Italian vino. Here are the best places for a true and tried Roman meal:

• Flavio al Velavevodetto 
• Trecca (not suitable for vegetarians)
• Sagro del Vino
• Trattoria Pennestri 

Alternative Option: Take a Roman cooking class!

Stop #10: Gelato or a Night Cap

To perfectly wrap up your very Roman day, grab some gelato or a glass of vino. Or, if you’re like me, do both!

For the best gelato in town, head to:

• Otaleg
• Torcè
• Gracchi 
• Gelateria del Teatro 
• Gunther Gelato Italiano 

For the best wine bars, head to:

• Rimessa Roscioli 
• Il Goccetto 
• Circoletto 

Extra: Where to Stay in Rome

Assuming you’re spending at least a night in Rome (though you don’t have to thanks to the efficient Italian train system), here are some hotel options:

• $ (Less than $100/night): Hotel Trastevere (I’ve stayed here and loved it! Great location); Hotel Cristoforo Colombo; Hotel Raganelli
• $$ (Less than $300/night): Condotti Boutique Hotel; Boutique Hotel Campo de’Fiori; Hilton Garden Inn Claridge
• $$$ ($300+/night): The St. Regis Rome; Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel; Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville

Alternative: Consider a Day Trip

Rome is a great hub for several day trips. Here are some of the best:

• Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius (Lunch Included) from Rome
• Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Cruise Tour from Rome
• Abruzzo, a Hidden Gem from Rome
• Venice on a High-Speed Train from Rome (this is great because one day is plenty in Venice!)
• Pompeii AND the Amalfi Coast from Rome

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