What to do in Rome in 48 hours

Rome, the Eternal City, is an extraordinary destination overflowing with history, art, and culture. The capital is so vast and rich in treasures that one weekend is certainly not enough to see it all. However, with some careful planning, you can visit its most iconic landmarks and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Here’s a complete guide on what to do in Rome in 48 hours.

How to get around
The best way to explore the center of Rome is on foot. If walking feels too much, you can rely on buses and the metro, which are quick and convenient.

You can purchase Metrebus tickets at metro stations, newsstands, and tobacco shops. They cost €1.50, are valid for 100 minutes from validation, and allow unlimited bus rides and one metro trip.

Alternatively, opt for the Roma 48-hour pass, valid for unlimited travel within the city for 48 hours from the first use. You can also pay directly with your credit or debit card at metro turnstiles or on buses.

If time is short, focus on the main monuments — even without entering every museum, Rome itself is an open-air museum.

Day 1 – Historic squares and fountains

On your first day, explore the heart of the city on foot. Every street has its own beauty and history.

• Take the metro to Piazza di Spagna and admire the famous Spanish Steps — a breathtaking sight.
• From there, walk down Via Condotti, Rome’s luxury shopping street, and reach Via del Corso, full of shops and life. Turn left and continue until Piazza Colonna, home to the Column of Marcus Aurelius. Then follow Via delle Muratte.
• Just a few meters ahead, you’ll find the majestic Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic images. Take a moment to admire it — and if you believe in the legend, throw a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome.
• Return to Via del Corso and continue along Via di Pietra; within minutes, you’ll reach the Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient building in the city. Stop for a coffee in the square and take in the atmosphere.
• Next, follow Salita dei Crescenzi to reach Piazza Navona, famous for Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fountain of the Moor.
• At the southern end of the square, continue onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, a wide avenue leading to the imposing Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II — a tribute to Italy’s first king.

After this long stroll, relax at your hotel or enjoy a drink in lively Campo de’ Fiori, a favorite among both tourists and locals.

Fun fact – Trevi Fountain

Tradition says that throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain ensures your return to Rome. No visitor should miss the chance!

Fun fact – Piazza Navona

In ancient times, Piazza Navona was flooded during summer by blocking the fountains’ drains, turning it into a lake where Romans cooled off.

Day 2 – Morning: The Vatican

If your weekend includes a visit to the Vatican Museums, plan carefully: they’re closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free).

• Arrive early — by 9:00 a.m. — to avoid crowds. Take the metro to Ottaviano station, then follow Via Ottaviano to St. Peter’s Square.
• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s most important Catholic church, and climb the dome for panoramic views of the city.
• Afterward, walk down Via della Conciliazione to reach Castel Sant’Angelo, a stunning fortress with breathtaking views over the Tiber River.

Fun fact – St. Peter’s Square

Bernini’s colonnade consists of 284 columns arranged in four rows. If you stand on the small stone marker near the obelisk, the four rows appear as one — an illusion created by the columns’ gradually increasing diameter.

Day 2 – Afternoon: Imperial Rome

History lovers will find the perfect finale to their trip in Ancient Rome. Dedicate the afternoon to exploring the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum — three of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Take the metro to Colosseo station; as you emerge, the sight of the Colosseum will leave you speechless. If the line is long, start with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are included on the same ticket.

When you’re done, head north to the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) and see the famous statue of Romulus and Remus in the square.

From there, descend the stairs to Via del Teatro Marcello, and in about 10 minutes, you’ll reach Santa Maria in Cosmedin, home to the legendary Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità).

End your day across the river in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most authentic neighborhoods, filled with cozy restaurants, lively bars, and a local vibe.

Fun fact – The Roman Forum

At the heart of the Forum once stood the Miliarum Aureum, or Golden Milestone, from which all roads of the Empire were measured — the origin of the saying “All roads lead to Rome.”

Taste the flavors of Rome

Roman cuisine offers endless delights for every palate. Classic dishes include carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, oxtail stew (coda alla vaccinara), Jewish-style artichokes, and fried cod fillets — a Trastevere specialty.

For street food, try supplì (fried rice balls) or a slice of pizza al taglio. Don’t miss the pizza bianca with mortadella, a true Roman treat.

And of course, end every meal with a gelato — found on nearly every corner and enjoyed year-round.

Two days aren’t enough to see all that Rome has to offer, but they’re enough to fall in love with it. Choose the monuments and neighborhoods that inspire you most, walk through history, and let the Eternal City captivate you — one step, one flavor, and one breathtaking view at a time.