Racing Through Roma: How to Conquer Rome in a Day
Rome wasn’t built in a day, therefore it should come as no surprise that attempting to see all of Italy’s capital city in one day is, in a word, impossible. I recommend spending several days in Rome to be able to explore as much of this historic and glorious city as you can. However, if you can only visit for one day, Rome can still make for a pretty fantastic day trip.
Before You Go
Get a good night’s rest-Running around all day can be very tiring. You will be able to see much more if you are energized and ready to go.
Strategize and do your research-What landmarks/museums/sights are most important to you? Are they open on the day you visit? Are these stops within your budget? Figuring these out in advance will help you maximize your time and avoid any mishaps.
Wear comfortable shoes-You will be walking around a ton, and your feet will thank you later!
Accept the fact that you will not be able to see everything you would like to-This will save you from any disappointment if any of your plans go awry, and also give you something to look forward to returning to see.
Getting Around
Rome is a very walkable city, and oftentimes many of the sites you are trying to visit are en route to each other. I strongly recommend purchasing a one day subway pass (it only costs 7 Euro). It will not only save you time and energy, but will help you navigate as the subways stations tend to be very close to many famous sites.
What to See:
The Vatican City
Time: At least three hours
Cost: 16 €
The stunning interior of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican City receives over 25,000 visitors per day, and it is not hard to see why. Located in Rome, the Vatican City is actually the smallest country in the world! The Vatican City is home to famous sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
The Vatican Museum is not only filled with priceless art, but is filled with incredible frescoes, mosaics, and furniture.
The subway drops you off very close to the museum, making it easy to get there. I would leave yourself at least 3 hours to check out all three sites, and plan for more if you go during the busy season.
The Laocoon is one of my favorite classical statues, and it it was a dream come true the first time I saw it in person.
Beware: during high season, many tourists flock here and lines can be extremely long. Either purchase your tickets in advance or prepare to pay between 30 and 40 Euro for a guided tour that allows you to skip the ticket lines.
Shh! Don’t tell, but photography isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel.
That being said, in low season, companies will often prey on unsuspecting tourists, saying that lines hours long. Don’t fall for it! If you do not want a guided tour and would prefer to save your money, be sure to check out the line yourself. Last week, I was able to walk straight into the museum, despite being “warned” about long lines.
The Colosseum
Time: Allow at least 2 hours
Cost: 12 €
The colosseum is actually named the “Flavian Amphitheater” and held between 50,000 and 80,000 people!
A trip to the largest amphitheater in the world is a must. With your ticket, you gain access not just to the Colosseum itself, but also to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. If you go by subway, you will be greeted by the sight of the Colosseum as soon as you emerge from below ground. If you go during tourism season, be sure to get a ticket online a head of time.
The site itself is incredible, and the massive structure will have you marveling at the power of ancient Rome. After visiting the colosseum, head next door to the forum and Palatine hill to walk in the footsteps of gladiators, senators, and emperors, taking in the sights of ancient Rome.
The Pantheon
Time: 20-30 minutes
Cost: Free
You won’t want to miss out on seeing this “temple to all gods,” which, 2,000 years after its construction, still boasts the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. This incredible feat of architecture will leave you in wonder at the ingenuity of man. Unfortunately, there is not a metro stop super close to the Pantheon, so this stop will require some walking.
While you are on this side of town, a quick walk will take you to the Piazza Navona. I recommend stopping here for a meal and to enjoy the views of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and Egyptian obelisk, as well as Moor Fountain. At night, the piazza transforms into a cool market place filled with artists, vendors, and street musicians.
Bernini’s “Fountain of the Four Rivers” is the base of an Egyptian pyramid.
The Spanish Steps
Time: 20 minutes
Cost: Free
As you can see by the scaffolding in this photo I took last summer, the church above was being restored. When I returned to rome this Fall, there were still restorations in progress.
These iconic steps are currently under construction, however, they are still worth taking a peek at. Located closely to a metro stop, these marble steps connect the Piazza di Spagna with the Piazza Trinità dei Monti.
The Borghese Museum
Time: About 2 Hours
Cost: 11 Euro
The ceilings in the Borghese were my favorite yet!
Some may call me crazy, but I actually preferred the Borghese Museum to the Vatican! Perhaps it was the fact that the museum was a but smaller and had fewer crowds, but it is hands down one of my favorite museums in Italy. Though it may not make it on your itinerary if you only have a day in Rome, it is worth a visit if you can squeeze it in. Each room of the Villa is decorated with beautiful frescoes and priceless art. My favorite were the numerous sculptures by Bernini. A stroll around the gardens is quite pleasant, and when the weather is nice you can even rent a rowboat!
The Trevi Fountain
Time: 20-30 minutes
Cost: Free (or one coin if you plan on making a wish!)
“This is what dreams are made of!” Make a wish in this stunning (and newly restored) fountain by trowing a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. With an estimated 3,000 Euro being tossed into the fountain each day, its safe to say making a wish in the Trevi fountain is a favorite activity of tourists.
There you have it! With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy a stress-free and exciting day Rome-ing around! What are some of your favorite things to see in Roma?
Had to compliment you on the Lizzie McGuire reference ?? Lovely photos, thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you like the reference, Melissa! I simply couldn’t resist 😉 ! Thanks for stopping by!