What can you see in Rome in one day?
Only have one day to explore Rome? No worries, here is a full day itinerary planned out for you, hour by hour. Thank us later!
Ideally, you need more than one day to see the renowned city of Rome, bursting with world-famous historic sites. But unfortunately, your annual leave runs out quickly! Don’t distress, as with careful planning, you can see Rome’s best attractions in just one jam packed day!
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9:00 am – Colosseum
Check this off early in the morning and visit Colosseum, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Rome. Step back in time as you journey through this enormous landmark, which has withstood the passage of time. Renowned throughout the world for its violent historic past, it was once the stadium for ancient Roman entertainments like the gladiators. Book onto a guided tour to delve deep into the Colosseum’s past and find out exactly what the amphitheatre was use for, and why it was built. Our Ancient Rome and Colosseum tour includes a tour guide, headsets and skip the line tickets so you can make the most of your visit!
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10:00 am – Roman Forum
Included in this tour is the nearby Roman Forum, where, according to legend, the city was founded by Romulus. Sitting right next door to the Colosseum this ancient site is covered in ruins of what were once government buildings, including the Arch of Titus and the Temple of Vesta. As the area doesn’t have any signs or information listed, its best to go with a local guide that’ll bring the stories to life. Once the centre of Rome and a place of public events, the importance of the Forum can still be felt in the overgrown ruins which are now desperately preserved.
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11:00 am – Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is just a short, 10 minutes’ walk from the forum, and is well worth the taxi fee. Preserved ruins of the ancient buildings, frescoes, and artefacts of the ancient Romans. Enjoy the history with a view, as the hill overlooks a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. As the Forum is located just below Palatine Hill, the walk to the top may leave you short of breath, but nothing more than that, so make the climb and reward yourself with some spectacular views.
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12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch
Eat like a true Roman at Roscioli, a little deli restaurant on Via dei Guibbonari, just a few steps from Campo dei Fiori. This household name is a mix of deli counter, winery and restaurant. With 3,000 wines lining one side of the wall and a store length counter serving fresh meat and cheese on the other, this restaurant is a unique but charming encounter with Italian cuisine. Praised for its quality of food at a reasonable price, Roscioli has featured on many top food lists and articles as it continues to deliver with its fresh, inspiring food and intimate atmosphere, making it a must-visit when in Rome.
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2:00 pm – Trevi Fountain
After a delicious lunch, head over to the iconic Trevi Fountain. Make sure to grab some change, as throwing a coin over your left shoulder from your right hand is an honoured tradition that ensures your return to Rome. Two coins will ensure a new romance in your life, and three will guarantee marriage. This stunning water display is beautifully designed, with glistening water fountains amidst white sculptures symbolising the ‘taming of the waters.’ Designed in the popular baroque style of the time, the Trevi is one of the most famous fountains in the world with an interesting history. Re-designed in 1730 by Nicola Salvi, the fountain was a long-term project that demonstrated the city’s prestige and cultural finesse.
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3:00 pm – Pantheon
Pantheon, once a former Roman temple, is one of the top destinations in Rome. The most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome, with the iconic column structure famed throughout the world. Pantheon in Greek translates to “honour to all Gods” which had led to the belief that the monument was built for the Roman Gods. Unfortunately, due to a lack of records, much of the Pantheon’s history is shrouded in mystery. It is unclear who built it and when exactly it may have been built, but its influential nature and age makes it a landmark that can’t be missed.
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5:00 pm – Spanish Steps
About a 10-minute drive from the hill, make your way up the Spanish Steps to see the spectacular scenery. Exciting places sprinkle along the steps, simply grab a seat and soak in the atmosphere. At the bottom, you can spot local artists painting portraits of tourists. Find the iconic moment in A Roman Holiday that was done on these steps and recreate Audrey Hepburn’s eating of a chocolate gelato. Climb up further to see the Villa Medici, the breathtaking views of Centro Storico is well worth it. Or simply bring a bottle of wine at night, drinking on the steps a popular night-time activity.
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6:00 pm – Dinner in Trastevere
This full day of activity is sure to work up an appetite, so take a trip across the Tiber river to Trastevere – a small medieval neighbourhood that clings to its traditional roots. Offering beer pubs, artisan shops and a quiet buzz, this bohemian area is the perfect spot to end your day in Rome. To eat like a true Italian, head to Le Mani in Pasta, one of the best places to eat in Trastevere. This authentic style restaurant offers some deliciously simple pasta dishes, refreshing sea food and an array of locally-sourced meat. Or, if you’d rather throw caution to the wind, take a stroll around its charming streets and discover a dinner place of your own in one of Trastevere’s many lane-ways.