48 Hours in Rome, Italy

Welcome to Rome, the city of romance, culture, and history!

With only 48 hours to spend, it’s important to prioritize your time and make the most of your visit. Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins, world-renowned art, or delicious Italian cuisine, this guide has got you covered. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Day 1:

After the long flight to Rome, drop your bags and set-off on your Italian adventure.

Breakfast and coffee: Start your day off like a true Italian with breakfast at a local cafe. Indulge in a croissant and a cappuccino (never cappuccino in the afternoon, as the Italians feel (know) it is bad for the digestive system), and soak up the morning sun while people-watching. Some great spots to try include Bar del Cappuccino, Roscioli, and Sant’Eustachio Il Caffe.

Explore Ancient Rome: No trip to Rome is complete without exploring the ruins of Ancient Rome

Step back in time and witness the incredible history that lies within the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Take a guided tour or explore on your own, but be sure to take in the impressive architecture and engineering of the ancient city.  To view a masterpiece by Michelangelo without the crowds of the Sistine Chapel, visit the church of San Pietro in Voncoli (St. Peter in Chains).  Here you will find the amazing sculpture of Moses, without a line of tourists.

Lunch at a local trattoria: After a morning of exploring, refuel with a delicious lunch at a local trattoria. Some top recommendations include Armando al Pantheon, Da Enzo al 29, and La Campana. Be sure to try classic Roman dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana.

Visit the Vatican City: No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican City. Marvel at the incredible art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, and take in the history of the smallest country in the world. Be sure to dress appropriately, as the Vatican has a dress code.  If time allows, make your way to the top of the dome at St. Peter’s for an amazing view of the city.  There is an elevator for the first leg of the trip, but stairs in the dome for the second leg.  You must be reasonable fit for this climb.  The dome was designed by Michelangelo, so this is the best way to explore a piece of his work from the inside.  If time is limited, make a quick stop in St. Peter’s late in the afternoon, after the crowds have left.

Italian dinner and wine: End your first day in Rome with a delicious Italian dinner and some wine. Some top spots for dinner include Roscioli (casual), La Pergola (fancy), and Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (simple, hidden gem). Indulge in a classic Italian dish, like spaghetti alle vongole or osso buco, and sip on some local wine while enjoying the ambiance of the city at night. 

If you have any energy, grab a taxi and ask for a 1-hour drive through the city.  You will see more of the city in an hour without traffic than you could hope to by walking all day.  The quick taxi tour will allow you to adjust your plans for what you must see the next day.

Day 2:

Before breakfast:  You will be up early due to jet lag.  Lace up your sneakers and visit some of the sites that will be busy later in the day.  You might walk to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, the swing through the Villa Borghese gardens.  (Hopefully you will make it back to the gardens for sunset.)

Breakfast at a local cafe: Start your second day in Rome with another classic Italian breakfast at a local cafe. Some great spots to try include Tazza d’Oro, Pasticceria Regoli, and Antico Forno Roscioli. If you are a Stanley Tucci fan, you must visit Bar San Calisto.  Grab a pastry and a coffee, and get ready to explore the city.  At some point on your trip ask for a “caffé corretto.”  You are on vacation.  It will be good for you.

Stroll through charming neighborhoods: After visiting the Colosseum, take a stroll through some of Rome’s charming neighborhoods, like Trastevere, Monti, and Testaccio. Explore the winding streets, admire the architecture, and stop at some local shops and cafes.

Lunch at a local pizzeria: Refuel with a classic Italian lunch at a local pizzeria. Some top recommendations include Pizzeria La Montecarlo, Dar Poeta, and Pizzeria ai Marmi. Try classic toppings like margherita or prosciutto e funghi, and enjoy the casual atmosphere of a traditional Roman pizzeria.

For a lot of history in one structure away from the crowds, visit Santa Maria degli Angeli (Our Lady of Angels).  This place started as a Roman bathhouse, back in the time of the empire.  The walls are strong enough to survive centuries even mellenia, but after 1500 or so years, the building needed some rehab work.  Who did they find as the architect for the job?  You guessed Michelangelo Buonarroti.  Yes, that Michelangelo.

Of course the Pantheon is another architectural wonder that has roots in ancient rome and now is a church, but there just isn’t enough time.  In my view, the best time spent in Italy is the time spent in a chair on a piazza with a cup of coffee, or later in the day with a glass of wine.  The lesson of Italy is on living, not looking into the past.

Time won’t allow for more churches, but if you did find time… St. John Lanteran (the home of the church before St. Peter’s… If you know about Pope Joan, you know that SHE was here), Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Suzzana’s (the American seat in Rome) and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.  But there is never enough time…

Gelato?  By now you should be on at least your second gelato in Italy.  Many believe (incorrectly) that Giolitti has the best gelato. Perhaps they are confused between the best and the oldest gelateria.  Others are die-hard believers in Grom.  They too are wrong. 

Here is a comprehensive guide to the best places for gelato, but the best is… Della Palma.  Molly and I spent a gruelling afternoon doing the research for you.  Yes, we visited all three.  The winner was Della Palma. 

While in the area, visit Piazza Navona.  In a perfect world, you will stumble back to the area after dinner for more gelato and a drink, and the Piazza is at its best with local artisans at night.  Way back when, the Romans flooded this square for pretend naval battles.  

Read more about our favorite gelato in Italy on our past blog here.

Sunset at Pincio Terrace: As the day comes to a close, head to the Pincio Terrace for a stunning sunset view over the city. Located in the Villa Borghese park, the terrace offers panoramic views of the city and is a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of Rome.

Farewell dinner: End your 48 hours in Rome with a memorable farewell dinner at a top restaurant. Some great options include Felice a Testaccio and Trattoria Monti.  Indulge in a multi-course meal and some local wine, and soak up the atmosphere of the city one last time.

Day 3:  

While your departure is today, there is still time for a bit more of Rome.  For the pre-breakfast stroll, walk through Trastevere, through St. Peter’s square (before it opens), then on up to the Villa Pamphili park for an amazing view of the city.  

We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you make the most of your 48 hours in Rome. From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in delicious Italian cuisine, this city has so much to offer. Don’t forget to take in the incredible history, culture, and beauty that makes Rome one of the most beloved cities in the world. Safe travels!