The most of your two-day stay in Rome

Get ready for an exhilarating two-day “wow” adventure down timeless streets in Rome. With the city steeped in history and actually stuffed with so many cultural treasures inside, it has much more in store than just a trip-it’s actually traveling to the heart of ancient civilization. From the breathtakingly beautiful Colosseum to the vibrant Piazzas, Rome calls for discoveries of all its wonders.

Whether it’s bathed in ancient history, renowned for its art, or simply classically Italian, whatever one’s reasons, Rome will have something sure to capture whatever kind of traveler. With local insights and hideaways around every corner, we show you exactly how to spend 48 hours in Italy’s storied capital. Stay tuned for some inside information so that your visit becomes truly unforgettable.

Day 1: Rome-the Eternal Classics

Colosseum Morning Tour Your Roman holiday, in fact, begins right at the doorsteps of probably its most recognizable landmark: the Colosseum. This enormous amphitheater was constructed from 72 to 80 AD and could hold several gladiatorial combats, theatrical representations, and public executions with up to 50,000 viewers when full.

It stands to this day, its grandeur unblemished-some many centuries after wear and tear-a must-see and part of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Shooting perfect pictures with the fewest number of people means trying to get there at about 30 minutes before opening at 9 am. There are a few different types of tickets available, but the regular ones start off at about $17 USD for an invaluable yet very cheap travel back to the core of Roman history.

Mid-Morning: Arch of Constantine & Forum Romanum

Immediately in front of the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, the largest triumphal arch of Ancient Rome; admission is totally free. The construction was made to celebrate the great victory of Constantine over AD 312, which is considered one of the Roman feats that attracts tourists and testifies to the skillfulness and genius of Roman art. Just a short walk from here leads to the Forum Romanum and Palatine Hill, where your Colosseum ticket ($17 USD) also grants access. The Forum was the bustling heart of ancient Rome, a key site for commerce, politics, and religion. Today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life, with ruins that tell tales of the city’s glorious past. Nearby, Palatine Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

This will eventually prove to be home to all the enthusiasts of history as well as this lovely Roman landscape.

Lunch Break: Piazza Venezia Having had your morning full of history, in less than a 10-minute leisurely walk, you will find yourself in front of the foodie center with great views: Piazza Venezia. If you want to sit down, head to Ristorante Roof Garden and get some delicious pasta and risotto with prices of about $20-30 USD per person with views over the Roman Forum.

If in a hurry, then one can have sandwiches from Emanuel’s Food Deli at about $10USD and take it to Piazza d’Aracoeli for a picnic. Eating surrounded by the beauty of Rome is nice.

Afternoon Delights: Piazza Venezia & Beyond After lunch, take all the time to see Piazza Venezia in and for itself, situated at the very juncture of Roman life where a number of large streets meet. The whole area is noisy and buzzing, an ideal balance of modern Rome but still wrapped within historic building giants. It would be a good idea to pay a visit to the Altare della Patria, otherwise called the Wedding Cake because of its tiered appearance.

This imposing monument to the first king of united Italy is free at its base, but has an elevator to the top observation deck for about $8 USD with great 360° views over Rome.

Evening Exploring – Caracala’s Baths & Mouth of Truth Later in the evening, likewise head to the Baths of Caracalla, about 30 minutes away from the centre on foot. The site used to be one of the largest and most magnificent public baths of Rome, constructed between the year 206-216 AD, which could allow entry for up to as many as 1,600 bathers at any given time. Entry is about $11 USD and will include a video guide.

Cap it all off with the famous stop at the Mouth of Truth: the fabled piece of marble said to snap off liars’ hands. Take a test of honesty for roughly $2.20 USD and add some comedy to this historic tour. Since it closes at 5:50 pm, try to squeeze it in for a weird addition to your day.

Day 2: Discoveries of Hidden Treasures Morning: Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Start your second day in Rome with a visit to the beautiful Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. Get there at about 8 am while it is serene, before the crowds build up. In its center is an inspired statue of Neptune against the canvas of the baroque art.

Remember, it is free to visit, but the tradition of throwing a coin ensures a return to Rome. Turn your back to the fountain and with your right hand throw a coin over your left shoulder.

In turn, Spanish Steps are within 10 minutes of walking from Trevi Fountain and also are among the top meeting places in the city, great examples of architecture. Go up the 138 steps leading from bustling Piazza di Spagna to the tranquil Trinità dei Monti church. It’s no longer allowed to sit on the steps, but there’s a great panorama of the rooftops from the top. This visit is free too and will make both the fountain and the steps very good options for the budget-conscious travelers.

Mid-Morning: Terrazza del Pincio & Borghese Gallery

Continue to the Terrazza del Pincio, a magical viewpoint just north of the Spanish Steps, offering great views over the Piazza del Popolo and St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance. At dawn, or in the late afternoon, one gets to see Rome in its golden hour with a different light.

From here, head to the Borghese Gallery set within the Villa Borghese park. This is a museum boasting a great collection of arts from the likes of Bernini, Caravaggio, and Botticelli, all well set in a magnificent house. Entry into the gallery will cost about 16 USD, and it will be good to book in advance to avoid the queues. The park and the gallery open from 9 am to 7 pm, and on Wednesdays, they are open till 10 pm.

Afternoon: Piazza del Popolo & Pantheon

Having spent enough time with art, head to Piazza del Popolo, which was admired from Terrazza del Pincio. Rich in history, this square hosts the oldest obelisk of Rome and major sculptures and fountains surrounding it. Time for lunch in one of the neighborhood’s hidden gems, such as Brillo Restaurant, where meals run between $15-$30 USD per person.

Afternoon, visit the Pantheon – an ex-Roman temple now serving as a church and one of the well-preserved Ancient Rome structures – featuring an impressive big dome and oculus opened to the sky, quite new for an architectural wonder in its time. Admission: free. Opening hours in the Pantheon are from 9 am up to 6:45 pm daily but on Sunday, it is earlier at 5:45 pm.

Evening: Piazza Navona & Campo de’ Fiori

Continue to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares, boasting of incredibly beautiful Bernini fountains and dynamic street life. Access to the square is completely free, and therefore one can access it at every hour to marvel at its beauty and rich history. From here, head toward Campo de’ Fiori, known for its marketplace held daily, where you’ll have the ability to browse for souvenirs amidst the boisterous local atmosphere.

Gourmet Tour & Ponte Umberto I

End your day by joining a food tour from Campo de’ Fiori at 5.15 pm. You can sample the various local street food: from supplì to fried zucchini flowers to gelato, for just around $30 per head. You can easily take an after-dinner stroll to the Ponte Umberto I-arguably one of the best places in Rome to see the sun set-perfectly wrapping up your two-day adventure.

Conclusion

You have seen everything from Rome’s monumental history and breathtaking art to its vibrant modern life and food in just 48 hours. Each site visited has added to the many tales of Rome, all its different stories put together in one tapestry. The moments spent at the Colosseum, making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, or watching the sunset along the Tiber-these are lifetime moments. Long but indeed an inspiring read to introduce one to Rome-the known and the unknown. When Rome wasn’t built in one night, surely this memory stays with one for life.