What to see in Rome in 2 days: itinerary through antiquity, baroque and secret districts
Discover what to see in Rome in 2 days: from the Colosseum to the Vatican, from Trastevere to the hidden alleys of the Eternal City with walking routes.
Why Rome in 2 days
Two days in Rome is an ambitious challenge: the Eternal City has over 2,700 years of layered history. This itinerary selects the best of ancient and Baroque Rome, integrating it with less-visited places that reveal the authentic soul of the capital.
Day 1: Ancient Rome and the central districts
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Start early at the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built, capable of holding 50,000 spectators. The combined ticket includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: dedicate at least three hours to walk along the Via Sacra, see the Temple of Vesta, the Curia and the remains of the Domus Augustana from the Palatine. The view from the Palatine over the Forums is among the most evocative in Rome.
Hidden gem: the Basilica of San Clemente, just steps from the Colosseum. Descending three underground levels, you travel through two thousand years of history: the medieval church, a 4th-century basilica and a 1st-century Mithraic temple.
Afternoon: Baroque squares and the Pantheon
From the Colosseum, walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali to Piazza Venezia, then plunge into the maze of alleys towards the Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient temple with its coffered dome and open oculus. Entry is free.
From there, reach Piazza Navona with Bernini's fountains, then Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, a Borromini masterpiece often closed but whose spiral facade is visible from the courtyard. End at Piazza di Spagna with the Spanish Steps of Trinita dei Monti.
Evening: Trastevere
Cross the Tiber and lose yourself in the streets of Trastevere, Rome's most characteristic district. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, with its golden 12th-century mosaics, is one of the city's most beautiful churches. The surrounding lanes are full of trattorias, wine bars and artisan shops.
Day 2: The Vatican and secret Rome
Morning: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Dedicate the morning to the Vatican Museums: book online and arrive at opening time to avoid the crowds. The Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes are the culmination of the visit. From the Museums exit, reach St Peter's Basilica to admire the Pieta and climb the dome for Rome's most complete panorama.
Afternoon: Castel Sant'Angelo and hidden Rome
Visit Castel Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's ancient mausoleum transformed into a papal fortress. The Angel's Terrace offers a spectacular view over the city.
Then head towards the Regola district and the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome's oldest neighbourhoods. The Turtle Fountain, the Portico of Octavia and the Synagogue tell centuries of history. Continue to the Tiber Island, linked to the legend of Aesculapius.
Hidden gem: the Coppede quarter
If you have time, take the metro to the Coppede quarter, near Piazza Buenos Aires. A complex of Art Nouveau buildings with fantastic decorations, arches and fountains that seem to come from a dream. Very few tourists know about it.
Recommended walking routes
- **Imperial route** (5 km): Colosseum - Imperial Forums - Capitoline Hill - Theatre of Marcellus - Mouth of Truth
- **Baroque route** (4 km): Pantheon - Piazza Navona - Sant'Ivo - Piazza di Spagna - Trevi Fountain - Quirinal
- **Hidden route** (3.5 km): San Clemente - Caelian Hill - Aventine (keyhole of the Priory of Malta) - Testaccio
Practical tips
- Book the Colosseum and Vatican Museums online well in advance
- Rome is best visited on foot but distances are deceiving: wear comfortable shoes
- Avoid restaurants on Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori: tourist prices
- For an authentic lunch, try the Testaccio, Trastevere or Pigneto districts
- Water from the nasoni (public drinking fountains) is drinkable and free
- The Roma Pass (48 hours) includes transport and discounted entry
What not to miss
- The Colosseum at dawn, before the crowds arrive
- The Pantheon on a rainy day (water comes through the oculus)
- The mosaics of Santa Maria in Trastevere
- The Aventine keyhole (a view of St Peter's framed by greenery)
- A supplì al telefono from a Testaccio friggitoria
