9 best things to do in Rome in a day

Only have 24 hours in the Eternal City for your Europe trip? Don’t worry—you can still experience the best of Rome in a day (just set that alarm a little earlier 😉). We promise, it’s worth it! You’ll still get to hit the city’s best-loved landmarks like the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps, with time for a gelato or two in between. We deep dive into our detailed Rome one-day itinerary below, so keep reading for more. 

You can start your Roman holiday at the Colosseum, one of the most iconic structures in the world. Arrive early (around 8:30 AM) to help you beat the crowds and the midday heat. You’ll need pre-booked tickets to enter the venue, and since this is a popular attraction, tickets can sell out fast! Skip the line at the Colosseum by securing your tickets in advance. If you’d like a deeper dive into Roman history, you can also opt for a guided tour experience that includes famous nearby attractions.

It’ll take about an hour to explore this massive amphitheater (or a bit more, if you decide to explore the underground area as well). Once you’ve gotten your ancient history fill, you can head on to the surrounding areas to complete your day in the life of a Roman citizen.

Just steps from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill offer a glimpse into ancient Roman life. Here, you’ll get to explore the ruins of temples, arches, and basilicas that were once the heart of the Roman Empire. Then climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views and a walk through what used to be the emperors' lavish residences. Together, these two sites are a must-see when exploring Rome in a day.

Next, stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center to reach the Pantheon. It’s just a little under 20 minutes away on foot. You’ll need tickets to enter, with some days requiring a timed reservation. 

This stunning temple-turned-church has stood for nearly two thousand years, and its massive dome is still one of the largest in the world. Be sure to take a moment to look up at the Oculus and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

If you still want some flexibility in choosing your schedule, you can secure tickets to attractions of your choice with the Klook Pass Rome, and lock in on the specific date you’ll visit later on.

Just a few minutes away is Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful and lively squares. Three of the city’s most famous fountains are all located here (Neptune Fountain, Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the Fontana del Moro), so get those cameras ready! Grab a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy traditional Roman dishes like pasta or tiramisu for dessert. There are plenty of eating spots nearby, so Piazza Navona and its surrounding areas are a must-visit.

Free public WiFi may not always work properly at major landmarks, so we recommend having an eSim in Italy on hand even before you touchdown at the airport! Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, these can be bought and installed on your phone online, and can do up to 500 GB of mobile data. ✨

After lunch, head to the Trevi Fountain, where you can join in the tradition of tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome. The fountain’s famous sculptures and lively energy make it a highlight of any "Rome in a day" journey. 

Just a short walk from the fountain, the Spanish Steps are another classic Roman spot. Climb to the top for a nice view of the city and a quick breather. It’s a great place to pause before heading to the final major site of the day. Just keep in mind that sitting on the steps is no longer allowed, so snap a few photos and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you want to take a break from traveling on foot or if you’re traveling with older folks, exploring Rome through a hop-on hop-off bus is another option! This will bring you to all the major destinations, and you have the opportunity to alight and explore — or just savor the sights onboard (with AC on full-blast 👀).

Now it’s time to visit the spiritual and artistic center of Rome: Vatican City. Take a quick metro ride (alight at Ottaviano-S. Pietro station) to reach the Vatican Museums. You may not see everything in one visit, but be sure not to miss the world-famous Sistine Chapel and take a look up at its ceiling. Afterwards, head to St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for sweeping views over the city.

Cross the Tiber River to reach Trastevere, a charming neighborhood filled with personality and delicious eateries. As the sun sets, this area comes alive with locals and travelers alike. Wander down the cobblestone streets and find a hole-in-the-wall for dinner.

Be on the lookout for Roman favorites like saltimbocca or gnocchi alla romana. Nothing like great food and drinks to set the scene for the perfect ending to your Rome one-day itinerary. 😌

After dinner, walk over to Piazza Santa Maria, located in the center of the Trastevere neighborhood. The square is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere (yes, that is its complete name), one of the oldest churches in Rome. You can sit by the central fountain or observe the local evening activity. Small groups often gather in the square, and street musicians sometimes perform nearby.

The church is usually open in the evening, and entry is free. Step inside for a quiet look at the interior before you end your day.

Even if you have only 24 hours here, you can explore the best of Rome in a day since most landmarks are clustered within the city center. With a hearty breakfast and an espresso (or two), the city is yours for the taking. 💪

Yes, it is possible to see many of Rome's major landmarks in one day with a well-planned itinerary. There will definitely be some leftover attractions, but you can still have a memorable and fulfilling visit — and have more reasons to come back. 😉

Get an early start and prioritize the key sights such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. We recommend using walking routes and looking up directions on Google Maps ahead of time to be more efficient when traveling between distant attractions.

Of course! Many of Rome’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the historic center. With comfortable shoes and a good map, exploring Rome on foot is one of the best ways to take in its charm and detail.