Rome, Italy, is an absolute dream destination, filled with ancient history, breathtaking architecture, and incredible food. I was lucky enough to visit in April 2024 with my parents, and prior to that, I explored the city in the fall of 2016 with my study abroad group. Both visits were unforgettable, but experiencing Rome with my family gave me a new appreciation for its timeless beauty. With only one day to explore, I crafted the ultimate 1 day Rome itinerary to hit the highlights while still soaking in the magic of the Eternal City. If you’re short on time, follow this guide to make the most of your one-day adventure in Rome!

Overview of 1 Day Rome Itinerary

• Colosseum: 1-2 hours [MUST SEE]
• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: 1-1.5 hours
• Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria: 15-30 minutes
• Pantheon: 15-30 minutes
• Piazza Navona: 15-30 minutes
• Trevi Fountain: 15-30 minutes [MUST SEE]
• Spanish Steps: 15-30 minutes
• Vatican City (St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Museums): 2-3 hours [MUST SEE]
• Trastevere for Dinner: 1-2 hours

Morning: Ancient Rome & Historic Landmarks

Colosseum

We started our day early at the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Arriving right when it opened helped us beat the crowds and truly appreciate the grandeur of this ancient amphitheater. Standing inside where gladiators once fought was absolutely surreal! My parents were in awe, and it brought back memories of my 2016 visit when my study abroad group marveled at the sheer scale of the structure. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines. A 1 day Rome itinerary wouldn’t be complete without this legendary site!

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

From the Colosseum, we made our way to the nearby Roman Forum, which was once the heart of ancient Roman civilization. Walking through these ruins felt like stepping back in time. Palatine Hill offers amazing views of the city, and it’s worth the short climb! As we wandered through the crumbling arches and towering columns, I shared stories from my first visit with my parents, reminiscing about how our professor had painted vivid pictures of ancient Roman life. The Forum is an essential stop on any 1 day Rome itinerary for history lovers.

Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria

On our walk toward the next destination, we stopped at Piazza Venezia, home to the massive white marble monument, Altare della Patria. It’s a great photo spot and a good place to catch your breath before heading deeper into the city.

Midday: Iconic Squares & Fountains

Pantheon

Next up was the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. The dome’s oculus lets natural light pour in, creating a magical atmosphere. Best of all, it’s free to enter! My parents were blown away by the architecture, and I couldn’t help but remember how, during my study abroad trip, my friends and I had stood in awe, debating how the Romans managed to construct something so perfect. It’s a must-visit location in any 1 day Rome itinerary.

Piazza Navona

A short walk led us to Piazza Navona, a lively square known for its fountains, street performers, and beautiful architecture. We grabbed a quick espresso and took in the vibrant atmosphere. This square held a special place in my heart from my previous visit, as my study abroad group had spent an afternoon sketching the stunning Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi while listening to street musicians.

Trevi Fountain

One of the highlights of our 1 day Rome itinerary was the Trevi Fountain. Tossing a coin over our shoulder into the fountain guaranteed that we’d return to Rome one day (or so the legend says). It’s one of the busiest spots in the city, but it’s an absolute must-see! I had tossed a coin back in 2016, and standing here again in 2024, I realized the legend had worked its magic!

Spanish Steps

From Trevi, we made our way to the Spanish Steps. This grand staircase was bustling with people, but we took a moment to sit and admire the view from the top. I recalled how, during my study abroad trip, we had climbed these steps with gelato in hand, soaking in the sunset and chatting about our favorite parts of Rome. This time, my parents and I took a similar approach—though we swapped gelato for cappuccinos!

Afternoon: Vatican City

St. Peter’s Basilica

After a quick lunch (pizza and gelato, of course), we headed to Vatican City. First up was St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most awe-inspiring churches in the world. We climbed to the dome for a panoramic view of Rome—totally worth it! Seeing my parents’ reaction to the breathtaking view was priceless, and it made me appreciate how Rome continues to inspire awe, no matter how many times you visit. If you only have time for one stop in Vatican City, this should be it for your 1 day Rome itinerary.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

If you have time, visiting the Vatican Museums is a must. The highlight? Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. It’s breathtaking in person. Again, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long waits. As we stared up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, I thought back to my first visit and how my friends and I had craned our necks in absolute wonder, trying to take in every tiny detail of the frescoes. No 1 day Rome itinerary is complete without experiencing this masterpiece!

Evening: Dinner in Trastevere

After an action-packed day, we crossed the Tiber River to Trastevere, a charming neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and amazing food. We found a cozy trattoria and enjoyed classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara, paired with a glass of local wine.

As the sun set over the cobblestone streets, we reflected on an unforgettable day in Rome. This 1 day Rome itinerary covers all the highlights, ensuring you experience the magic of the Eternal City in just one day. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for both of my experiences here—first as a wide-eyed student in 2016 and now as a traveler sharing the magic of Rome with my family.

Alternative One Day in Rome Itinerary

If you’ve been to Rome before or want a different experience, consider this alternative 1 day Rome itinerary:

• Castel Sant’Angelo – A fortress with great views of the city.
• Campo de’ Fiori – A lively marketplace by day, bustling with nightlife after sunset.
• Villa Borghese – A sprawling park with museums and scenic spots.
• Tiber Island – A charming island with great restaurants and history.
• Testaccio for a food tour – A lesser-known foodie district with authentic Roman cuisine.

This itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace with hidden gems, perfect if you’ve already seen the main attractions.

If your visit falls on a weekday and you want to avoid the busiest crowds, this alternative route is a fantastic option. Many of these spots offer a more laid-back experience while still immersing you in the beauty of Rome. A great addition to this itinerary is Gianicolo Hill, which provides some of the best panoramic views of the city. If you have time, head up just before sunset to witness Rome bathed in golden light—it’s truly breathtaking.

Extend Your Stay? One Activity to Add

If you have another day in Rome, I highly recommend booking an Airbnb cooking class experience! My parents and I took one during our trip, and it was a highlight of our visit. We learned to make fresh pasta from scratch, cooked traditional Roman dishes, and enjoyed a delicious homemade meal with a local chef. It was a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in Italian culture and take a piece of Rome home with us.

The experience started in a cozy Roman kitchen where our host, an enthusiastic local chef, welcomed us with a glass of prosecco. We spent the next few hours rolling out pasta, making cacio e pepe, and perfecting tiramisu. By the end, we were sitting around the table with new friends, enjoying our homemade feast with a glass of Italian wine.

This hands-on experience was not only fun but also gave us deeper insight into Roman cuisine and traditions. If you love food, this is an unforgettable way to spend an extra day in the Eternal City!

Where to Stay in Rome

If you only have one day in Rome, it’s best to stay in a centrally located area so you can maximize your sightseeing. I’ve personally stayed in a few different areas, and each one offers something unique. Here are my top recommendations:

Budget:

• Hostel Trastevere – When I studied abroad, this was a great budget-friendly option near the lively Trastevere district, known for its nightlife and local charm. The dorms were clean, and the staff was super helpful with recommendations.
• The Beehive – A cozy and stylish hostel that feels more like a boutique stay. The owners are incredibly welcoming, and it’s located just a short walk from Termini Station, making it a great base for exploring the city.

Mid-range:

• Hotel De Petris – I chose this hotel for my parents and me on our 2024 trip because of its central location and charming rooftop terrace. After a long day of sightseeing, it was the perfect place to unwind with a drink while admiring the view.
• Albergo del Senato – If you want to wake up to a view of the Pantheon, this is the place to stay. The location is unbeatable, and the rooms are beautifully decorated, giving that classic Roman feel. My friends stayed here during my study abroad trip, and I remember being envious of their incredible views!

Luxury:

• Hotel Eden – This 5-star hotel is pure elegance. We didn’t stay here, but we did stop by for a drink at their rooftop bar, and the views over Rome were breathtaking. If you’re looking for top-notch service and an exclusive experience, this is it.
• Hassler Roma – Sitting at the top of the Spanish Steps, Hassler Roma is an iconic luxury hotel with a rich history. It’s hosted celebrities and royalty, and it’s easy to see why. The location is perfect, and the rooms are stunning. If I ever splurge on a luxury stay in Rome, this would be my top choice!

For those who prefer a more local experience, Residenza Napoleone III is a hidden gem. It’s a historic apartment-turned-luxury-stay, offering a unique glimpse into aristocratic Rome. Staying here feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern comforts.

How to Get Around Rome

If you follow the itinerary suggested above, you’ll generally be able to get around to all the attractions simply by walking. That being said, you’ll be covering quite a bit of ground—so be sure to wear comfortable shoes, especially since Rome’s cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet!

In terms of getting to and from your hotel or any dinner spots you’d like to visit, I’d recommend using the metro when possible. Rome’s metro system is limited but efficient, with stops near major landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City. Buses and trams are also available, though they can be slow due to Rome’s traffic. If you’re in a hurry or traveling late at night, taxis or rideshare services like Uber can be a convenient option, but always ensure you’re using an official taxi to avoid overcharging.

For a fun and unique way to explore, you might also consider renting an e-scooter or bike—just be cautious of the traffic and narrow streets!

If you have any questions about this one day Rome itinerary, let me know in the comment section below. If you’re looking for other Italy guides, tips, and tricks, head over to my Italy page to see more!

Until next time, happy wanderings!