Rome is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world, and it’s not hard to see how a person could spend days or even weeks exploring the winding cobblestone streets, breathtaking artwork, delicious restaurants, and ancient ruins. But how many days in Rome do you need, minimum, to really get a sense of what this amazing city has to offer?
My answer is: two full days, and I mean full days. So you’d arrive in the afternoon or evening, spend two 24-hour periods, and then depart the next morning. And, hey — if that’s what you have time for, it’s definitely better than not getting to see Rome at all. So let’s make the most of it!
As a Rome expert who specializes in custom-designed Italy itineraries for Rome, Florence, and Venice, let me give you an inside peek into what’s possible.
To give you a sense of timeframes and what you could see in that 48 hours, here’s a rundown of my must-see sights for a whirlwind tour. It’s fun, fast-paced, and packed full of wonder.
Disclosure: There are some tour affiliate links below and I may receive compensation if you book through them (at no additional cost to you). This did not influence inclusion – these are tours and tour operators that I’ve vetted and truly recommend.
Day 1: The Vatican
Even though Vatican City is just over 100 acres (less than ⅛ the size of Central Park!), a visit here could easily take up most or all of a day (see: Make the Most out of your Visit to the Vatican).
It’s small but mighty, filled with famous sites, some of the most celebrated art in the Western world, and arguably the most well-known church on the planet. So regardless of how many days in Rome are right for you, I highly recommend including Vatican City.
Almost every visitor to Rome will visit the Vatican Museums (with the Sistine Chapel) and St. Peter’s Basilica, and it’s possible to see both of these in one day.
Taking in the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel will take between 2.5 – 4 hours. To maximize your time and ensure the best experience, you could book an exclusive tour of the Vatican Museums in the morning before it officially opens to the public. It’s quiet, serene, expertly guided, and in my opinion, the best way to visit.
To really see St. Peter’s Basilica, you need at least 1 hour. People talk about how big it is, but the massive scale is difficult to convey. When you’re standing in the nave, near the entrance, the back of the church is two football fields away. And the ornate bronze canopy over the altar? It’s the height of a 7-story building. The Basilica isn’t something you cover with a quick pass-through!
If you have time, here are some additional optional activities I recommend:
- Climb the Dome of St Peter’s (1 hour)
- St. Peter’s Necropolis — I especially love this Scavi Tour (90 minutes)
- Vatican Gardens Tour (1.5 hours)
- Papal Audience, if you are in Rome on a Wednesday morning (1.5 hours)
Give yourself time for a scrumptious Roman meal to bring Day 1 to a close, get some rest, and then get ready for Day 2.
Day 2: Ancient Roman Sites
I think it’s almost impossible to say you’ve truly visited Rome without seeing the iconic, ancient Roman sites that make this city what it is. The ones you don’t want to miss are the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill — though there are plenty more to choose from — and the good news is that these sites are all located in close proximity to one another. So no matter how many days in Rome you decide on, it’s possible to visit these major historical sites in one of them.
Moving through the Colosseum takes 1-2 hours, depending on how busy it is. To skip lines and make the most of your time, a small group tour can be a rewarding way to go. And if you’re visiting Rome with kids, try this fantastic private tour designed specifically for families.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are right next to each other, and walking through both takes about 2 hours. The Forum is the very beating heart of the ancient city of Rome. This is where all the action happened — and you’ll feel the excitement and energy of the history there. Palatine Hill is where the emperors built their sprawling palaces. It’s considered part of the huge complex of the Forum, and can be accessed via the eastern end of the Forum.
If you’ve got extra time, here are some additional nearby Roman sites you can explore:
- Walk from the Colosseum to see Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) (30 minutes)
- Baths of Caracalla (1.5 hours)
- Trajan’s Market / Museum of the Imperial Forums (1 hour)
- Walk along Via dei Fori Imperiai — the road cuts through the Roman Forum, because Mussolini, in his disregard for history, laid the road and destroyed countless treasures of antiquity, so you’ll see Forum ruins on both sides. (1 hour)
- Largo di Argentina, where Julius Caesar was killed (10 minutes)
Cassie’s Tip: Don’t forget to put aside some time for a view down upon the Forum, Colosseum, and Via dei Fori Imperiali! Ascend the Vittorio Emanuele Monument (aka. Altar of the Fatherland) to the “Rome from the Sky” Panoramic Terrace. It’s especially lovely in the evening.
Evening activities (on these days or the day you arrive)
If you’re fortunate enough to have an evening or two, I think you can’t go wrong with a fabulous dinner and an evening passeggiata — the leisurely stroll that Italians have been taking during the golden hour for generations.
Rome is one of the most walkable cities in Europe, and there are delights around every corner.
Here are some evening activities I recommend:
- See Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps
- Visit the vibrant (and foodie) neighborhood, Trastevere
How many days in Rome do you need?
There’s much to do and see in Rome, and plenty of reasons to stay (did somebody say gelato?) in Rome longer than two full days.
There are excellent museums such as The Capitoline Museums and Borghese Museum. You can walk the many scenic streets and neighborhoods. Take a Food Tour (or this one), Cooking Class, Private Rome by Golf Cart Tour… not to mention the many day trip options you have from Rome…
But if two days is all you have, and you plan efficiently, you’ll be able to see the “must-see sights.” It’ll also be enough to fall in love with Rome and want to return to discover the many hidden and unexpected delights the city offers.
If you’re wondering how many days in Rome you should plan for to fully experience the city your way, contact me to inquire about a custom travel itinerary tailored to your specific interests and style. After learning what excites you, I’ll make a personalized recommendation for your ideal length of stay. And, if you’re considering a multi-city vacation, I can design a full Italian itinerary that encompasses not only Rome but also Florence, Venice, and beyond – turning your dream Italy vacation into an exciting reality!
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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