48 hours in Rome
Ancient Rome and the Baroque centre on day one, then the Vatican and an evening in Trastevere.
- Length: 48 hours
- Pace: balanced
- Rough cost: €110–€190 pp
- Best for: First-timers who want ancient Rome and the Vatican
The plan
Day 1 · Ancient Rome and the centre Colosseo, Monti, Centro Storico
- 08:30–10:00 ColosseumBook ahead
- 10:00–12:00 Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- 12:15–13:30 Lunch in Monti
- 13:50–14:40 Capitoline Hill and the Forum terrace
Michelangelo’s piazza; free view over the Forum from behind the town hall.
- 14:55–15:30 PantheonBook aheadIndoors
- 15:40–16:10 Trevi Fountain
- 16:25–17:00 Piazza Navona
- 18:30–20:00 Dinner around Campo de’ Fiori
Day 2 · Vatican and Trastevere Vatican, Prati, Trastevere
- 08:30–11:30 Vatican Museums and Sistine ChapelBook aheadIndoors
Named tickets; bring ID. Closed most Sundays.
- 11:45–13:00 St Peter’s BasilicaIndoors
Free; dress code applies. Dome climb is extra.
- 13:15–14:30 Lunch in Prati
Quieter and better value than the streets by the Vatican walls.
- 14:50–15:20 Castel Sant’Angelo and the bridge
Bernini’s angels on the bridge; the castle is ticketed.
- 15:50–17:30 Trastevere
Santa Maria in Trastevere and the ivy-covered lanes.
- 17:30–18:15 Gianicolo viewpoint
Uphill walk for the best free view of Rome’s domes.
- 18:45–20:15 Dinner in Trastevere
Rough cost
Per person. Colosseum, Pantheon and Vatican Museums tickets, transport, mid-range meals.
Prices checked November 2026 against official and widely published 2026 rates; they change, so confirm before you pay.
Book ahead
- Colosseum — Timed and named tickets.
- Vatican Museums — Named tickets with ID; book on the official site.
- Pantheon — Weekend slots.
If it rains
- Instead of Trastevere walk: Palazzo Altemps or Palazzo Massimo museums
- Instead of Gianicolo viewpoint: Villa Farnesina (Raphael frescoes) in Trastevere
Good to know
- The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of the month — and extremely crowded.
- Swap the days if day two falls on a Sunday.
Book it
- Tickets and tours in Rome (GetYourGuide)
- Hotels in Rome (Booking.com)
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Want some fresh air after the city? When to see nature’s big moments (Roamglade).
