48 Hours in Rome

22 Sept

Rome is a city that rewards a little planning. With two days you can see headline sights without rushing, eat brilliantly and still find time to wander the lanes and piazzas that make the city so memorable. This guide gives you a relaxed, well‑paced weekend plan from the UK, plus practical tips people actually need on the ground. If you’d like it arranged for you (flights, hotel, transfers, timed tickets and tables), One Extra Night Travel can handle it end‑to‑end — or WhatsApp us for a quick chat.

At a Glance

Best for: First‑timers, culture lovers, keen walkers, foodies.
When to go: March–June, September–October (milder weather, lighter crowds).
Getting there from the UK: Frequent departures from major and regional airports into Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA). Private transfer into the city ~45–60 mins depending on traffic.
Getting around: Walk most of the centre; otherwise Metro A/B, trams, or taxis for bigger hops.
Where to stay (areas): Centro Storico (classic sights), Monti (local feel near the Forum), Trastevere (riverside charm and nightlife), Prati (smart, near the Vatican), Villa Borghese/Popolo (leafy, upscale).
Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered for major churches and the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel.
Essential bookings: Colosseum/Forum timed entry, Vatican Museums (or early‑access tour), popular restaurants.

Related: explore our City Breaks and recent Italy posts.

Map & Logistics

Pin your must‑sees on a single map (Colosseum, Forum/Palatine, Pantheon, Trevi, Spanish Steps, Capitoline, St Peter’s, Vatican Museums, Trastevere, Janiculum). Plan clusters rather than zig‑zagging.
Pre‑book timed tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican to lock down your morning entries; add restaurant reservations for dinners.
Carry a light scarf for churches, a refillable bottle (public fountains “nasoni” pour safe drinking water), and comfortable shoes—cobbles are no joke.
Public transport tickets are available at Metro stations, tabacchi (tobacconists) and some newsstands; validate bus/tram tickets on board.
Taxis are plentiful at stands and via official apps; Uber operates with higher categories, so metered white taxis are often the simpler choice.

One Extra Night Travel can arrange airport transfers, museum entries, private guiding, and dinner reservations so you spend more time enjoying Rome and less time queueing.

Day 1 — Ancient Rome to the Spanish Steps

Morning: Colosseum, Forum & Palatine

Colosseum (timed entry, arrive 15 minutes early). Give yourself 60–75 minutes. Context helps here; a good guide or an audio guide brings the site to life.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. The same combined ticket covers these. Walk up to the Palatine viewpoints for the best panoramic sweep over the Forum. Allow 90 minutes.

Coffee break (Monti). Stroll into Monti for an espresso at the bar and a short reset.

Lunch: Classic Roman Pastas

Choose a trattoria in Monti—look for cacio e pepe, amatriciana, or carbonara. Order house wine by the carafe and share a contorno (side) like cicoria ripassata (sautéed chicory).

Afternoon: Capitoline, Pantheon & a Proper Coffee

Capitoline Hill. Michelangelo’s piazza and the terrace offer textbook views over the Forum. The museums are superb if you’re keen (allow 60–90 minutes), but the terrace alone is worthwhile.
Pantheon. Now a ticketed entry; the interior is breathtaking and usually worth a short queue. Check last entry times.
Coffee at Sant’Eustachio or another nearby bar—stand at the counter for the best price.

Early Evening: Trevi to the Spanish Steps

Walk via the Trevi Fountain (expect crowds; go with the flow) and up to the Spanish Steps for golden‑hour people‑watching.

Dinner & Gelato

Book an osteria near Piazza Navona. Share a starter (supplì, artichokes in season), then mains. After dinner, a gelato walk around Navona and the surrounding lanes is the perfect finish.

Make it smooth with One Extra Night Travel: Skip‑the‑queue arrangements, a private guide for the archaeological sites, and a table waiting at a dependable local favourite.

Day 2 — St Peter’s, the Vatican & Trastevere

Morning: St Peter’s & (Optional) Vatican Museums

St Peter’s Basilica (free entry, security screening). Arrive soon after opening to avoid heavy queues; dress code enforced. Consider the dome climb for superb city views (paid, time‑dependent).
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (timed entry). If you want the full experience, book an early slot or a well‑run early‑access tour. The standard route is long; expect at least 2.5 hours.

Lunch: Prati or a Market Stop

Prati (just north of the Vatican) offers smart cafés and trattorias with lighter crowds. Alternatively, grab a market‑style lunch for speed.

Afternoon: Trastevere & Janiculum Views

Cross the Tiber to Trastevere. Pop into Santa Maria in Trastevere, then wander the cobbled lanes. Pause for a spritz or chinotto.
Walk or taxi up to the Janiculum (Gianicolo) Hill for a brilliant skyline view across Rome. If the climb feels a stretch, use a taxi—sunset is special here.

Aperitivo & Dinner

Back in Trastevere, settle into aperitivo in a piazza, then dinner at a contemporary Roman spot in Trastevere or nearby Testaccio (excellent for offal dishes and honest Roman cooking).

Night Option

An illuminated‑Rome stroll (via the river to the bridges and back to the centre) or a rooftop nightcap near Piazza Navona or around Via Veneto.

Upgrade with One Extra Night Travel: Early‑entry Vatican tour, driver from the Vatican to Trastevere to Janiculum, and a rooftop bar reservation timed for sunset.

Where to Stay (by Neighbourhood)

Centro Storico (Historic Centre): Walk‑everywhere access to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi. Expect period buildings, characterful stays and lively evenings.
Monti: A lovely village feel five minutes from the Forum/Colosseum. Small boutiques, cafés and wine bars; great for couples and solo travellers who want central but not chaotic.
Trastevere: Riverside charm, cobbles, and a strong dining scene. Noisier at weekends; choose side streets for quieter nights.
Prati: Smart, residential, and handy for the Vatican. Wide boulevards, good shopping, and solid transport links.
Villa Borghese / Piazza del Popolo: Leafy, upscale and calm, with elegant hotels and green space—great for a quieter base while remaining central.

We’ll match your preferred vibe to a hotel that fits, securing practical perks where available and arranging private transfers from either airport.

Eat & Drink Cheatsheet

Coffee etiquette: Order and drink at the bar for a lower price; cappuccino is a morning drink—after lunch switch to espresso or macchiato.
Must‑try dishes: Cacio e pepe, amatriciana, carbonara, carciofi alla romana/giudia (artichokes in season), supplì (fried rice balls), saltimbocca, Roman‑style pizza.
Aperitivo: Late afternoon/early evening; you’ll often get a few snacks with your drink.
Water: Rome’s public fountains (“nasoni”) provide safe, cold drinking water—bring a refillable bottle.
Reservations: Essential for popular places, particularly Friday/Saturday. We can book reliable spots that aren’t tourist traps.

Tickets, Timing & Practicalities

Colosseum & Forum/Palatine: Choose a combined ticket with a timed Colosseum entry. Morning slots are calmer; bring ID if your ticket requires it. Security screening applies.
Pantheon: Now ticketed on most days; check timings and note occasional religious services.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Timed entry required; earlier the better. Shoulders and knees covered. The route is long—allow time.
St Peter’s Basilica: Free but expect airport‑style security and a dress code. Dome climb has separate fees and closing times.
Galleria Borghese (optional add‑on): Strict two‑hour slots; tickets sell out—book early if you want Caravaggio, Bernini and Canova highlights.
Closures: Many museums close on Mondays; some restaurants break mid‑afternoon. Check specific days and hours.
Cash & cards: Cards widely accepted; keep a bit of cash for small cafés and gelaterie.
Safety & scams: Keep bags zipped; decline unsolicited help at ticket machines; use official taxi ranks.

If You’ve Got a Little More Time

Galleria Borghese: A jewel box of Renaissance and Baroque art. Book ahead.
Appian Way (Via Appia Antica): Rent a bike and ride through history; catacombs nearby.
Testaccio food tour: Excellent for learning Rome’s culinary story.
Tivoli day trip: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este (fountains and gardens). Easy with a driver.

What to Pack (light and sensible)

Comfortable, broken‑in shoes; you’ll walk far on cobbles.
A light scarf or shawl for churches and cooler evenings.
Compact umbrella or packable raincoat in shoulder seasons.
Refillable water bottle; sun protection from spring onwards.

Sample 48‑Hour Flow (Quick Reference)

Day 1: Colosseum (timed) → Forum/Palatine → coffee in Monti → lunch (pasta) → Capitoline terrace → Pantheon → Trevi → Spanish Steps → dinner near Piazza Navona → gelato stroll.

Day 2: St Peter’s Basilica (early) → Vatican Museums & Sistine (timed) → lunch in Prati → Trastevere wander → Janiculum view → aperitivo → dinner in Trastevere/Testaccio → evening walk or rooftop drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 48 hours in Rome enough?
Enough to see the greatest hits without feeling rushed, yes. You’ll cover the Colosseum/Forum, the Pantheon, St Peter’s, and either the Vatican Museums or a neighbourhood like Trastevere. If you want more museums, add a third night.

Should I buy skip‑the‑line tickets?
“Skip‑the‑line” often means timed entry plus security queues you still must pass. Book official timed tickets and arrive early; for the Vatican, consider early‑access tours. We can secure the right format for your dates.

What’s the best area to stay for a first visit?
Centro Storico for walk‑everywhere convenience; Monti for charm close to ancient sights; Trastevere for evenings and character; Prati if you want the Vatican nearby and calmer streets.

How do I get from the airport to the centre?
A private transfer is the least hassle, especially with luggage or a late arrival. There’s also the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino to Termini, plus taxis at fixed city‑centre rates from both airports.

Are dress codes strictly enforced?
At St Peter’s and the Vatican Museums, yes—cover shoulders and knees. Many churches apply similar standards. Carry a light scarf to be safe.

Is tap water safe?
Yes. Rome’s nasoni fountains pour chilled, safe drinking water. Bring a bottle.

Do I need cash?
Cards are widely accepted, but keep small notes/coins for cafés, gelato and small purchases. Tipping is modest—round up or add a euro or two for great service.

Plan Your Rome City Break with One Extra Night Travel

Tell us how you like to travel and we’ll take care of the rest:

Return flights from your nearest UK airport (regional options available)
Hand‑picked hotel in the right neighbourhood for your style
Private airport transfers
Timed entries (Colosseum, Vatican, Pantheon) organised for the best crowd patterns
Excellent local guides where they add real value
Dinner reservations and smart lunch stops

Ready to start? WhatsApp us or send an enquiry. We’ll hold options and present a clear, no‑nonsense plan for a brilliant 48 hours in Rome.

Italy

Guy Downes