48 Hours in Rome
Rome packs almost 3,000 years of history into a walkable centre, which is both its charm and its challenge. Two days will not let you see everything, but with an early start and a sensible route you can cover the essentials and still have time for long lunches and an evening stroll. The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, so pack comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven cobblestones.
Getting from the airport
Most visitors land at Rome Fiumicino (FCO), about 30 km southwest of the city. The Leonardo Express train runs direct to Termini station in around 32 minutes and is efficient if you are travelling light. With luggage, a family, or a late arrival, a taxi is often easier and drops you at your door; official taxis charge a fixed flat rate from the airport to the city centre, so check current airport taxi fares beforehand and only use the licensed white taxis at the official rank.
Day 1
Morning
Begin with ancient Rome. Book a timed ticket for the Colosseum in advance to skip the worst of the queue, and go as early as you can. The same ticket usually covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill next door, so allow the whole morning to wander through the ruins where the empire was governed.
Afternoon
Walk north toward the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved buildings of antiquity and free to enter, though a small ticket now applies at busy times. Have lunch at a nearby trattoria, then continue to the Trevi Fountain. It is always crowded, so manage your expectations, toss a coin and move on.
Evening
Head to the Spanish Steps and the surrounding streets for window shopping, then have dinner in the atmospheric lanes around Piazza Navona. Order simple, classic Roman pasta such as cacio e pepe or carbonara.
Day 2
Morning
Dedicate the morning to Vatican City. Pre-book tickets for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel; the queues without a reservation can swallow hours. Michelangelo's ceiling deserves an unhurried look. Afterwards, visit St Peter's Basilica, which is free, though there is a separate charge and a climb to reach the dome for a spectacular view.
Afternoon
Cross the river into Trastevere, a characterful neighbourhood of narrow lanes, ivy-covered houses and small squares. It is the perfect place for a long, relaxed lunch away from the main sights. Wander without a fixed plan and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Evening
Climb the Gianicolo (Janiculum) Hill above Trastevere at sunset for one of the finest panoramas over the city's rooftops and domes. Then settle in for a final dinner in Trastevere, which comes alive after dark.
Where to stay
Centro Storico, around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, puts you in the middle of everything but is pricier. Monti, near the Colosseum, is trendy, walkable and full of good restaurants and wine bars. Trastevere is charming and lively in the evenings, though it can be noisy at weekends. Areas near Termini station are cheaper and well connected but less scenic.
Practical tips
- Book the Colosseum and Vatican Museums online in advance; walk-up queues waste your limited time.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and use the free public fountains, or nasoni, found across the city.
- Avoid restaurants with photo menus and touts right beside major sights; walk a few streets away for better food and prices.
- Validate bus and metro tickets, and watch for pickpockets on crowded transport and around tourist landmarks.
- Dress modestly for churches and the Vatican; shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Many kitchens close between lunch and dinner, so plan meals around Roman hours.
Forty-eight hours is a taster rather than a deep dive, but a well-planned two days leaves you with the highlights and a good excuse to return. For more detailed neighbourhood notes, day-trip ideas and dining recommendations, read our full Rome travel guide.