Rome has always been a popular destination for a European mini-break. But, with so many treasures crammed into the eternal city, how do you know where to start? Let me be your tour guide with this itinerary for how to spend the perfect two days in Rome.

Annie Scott

Castel Sant’Angelo towers over the famous Tiber river in Rome. Image © Annie Scott

Charming Roman streets in the daytime. Image © Annie Scott

How to Spend Two Days in Rome

Rome is one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s wildly romantic, has absurd quantities of ancient history casually lying around, and food so good you want to elope with it. The challenge is there’s too much to do.

You can barely walk five steps in Rome without encountering an intriguing ancient ruin, a jaw-dropping Caravaggio, a tempting museum, or just a fabulous piazza crying out to be explored.

Or you’ll sit down in a café so friendly and comfortable you just want to stay put and people-watch all day. I have never left Rome without wishing I had spent longer there.

The secret to creating a successful Rome itinerary is threefold;

Firstly, make peace with the fact you won’t have enough time to see everything. Two days in Rome is a short time to see this immense city but it’s a good excuse to come back.

Secondly, identify a couple of things you really want to see and build your time around that.

Thirdly, allow yourself plenty of time to just get lost. For all its tourist attractions, the best experiences I’ve had in this wonderful city were the unexpected ones.

The time I arrived late and hungry after a delayed flight and a tiny bar built a makeshift table out of crates so they could fit me in and feed me. The evening was spent in a little wine bar with a barman so entertaining it felt like we were sitting in someone’s kitchen.

Like most of Italy, it’s the people, the hospitality, the food, and the lifestyle that make this a magical city.

In the words of E. M. Forster, English author, and Italy enthusiast,  “…don’t, let me beg you, go with that awful tourist idea that Italy’s only a museum of antiquities and art. Love and understand the Italians, for the people are more marvelous than the land.”

When you visit you will find your own Rome – but here’s a suggested Rome itinerary to help you on your way with just two days in Rome.

The iconic Rome skyline features the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Image © Annie Scott

Where to Stay in Rome

The center of Rome is wonderfully walkable and by far the best way to explore is on foot.

If you only have two days in Rome I recommend staying at a Rome hotel that’s as central as possible so you’re already in the thick of things when you step out in the morning.

Palazzo Manfredi | Check Prices

Gladiatorial glamour right next to the Colosseum in Rome’s historic center (centro storico).

This is a great spot from which to explore Rome’s ancient ruins, and this intimate boutique luxury hotel will look after you well after a long day’s exploring.

The Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant will give you one of the best meals with one of the best views in Rome.

Hotel de Russie | Check Prices

With views out over the famous Piazza Del Popolo, this grand spa hotel is a sanctuary in bustling central Rome and even boasts a secret garden to retreat to.

A great location and starting point for your days spent sightseeing and shopping – everywhere is a short walk from here.

G Rough | Check Prices

For a more edgy, modern take on luxury, try G Rough near the beautiful Piazza Navona.

Located right in the thick of things, this hotel is high-end hipster chic – think bare plaster walls juxtaposed with classic Italian design.

What to do in Rome

Rome Two Day Itinerary: Day One

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Travel back in time and spend the morning exploring the extraordinary ruins of ancient Rome on the first day.

Entrance tickets give you access to all of this for a two-day period. It’s worth booking Colosseum tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

Book online or ask your hotel to arrange it.

It’s also worth investing in an audio guide or even booking a walking tour (like this one) to understand exactly what you’re looking at and the history behind it.

The first time I visited Rome I did not do this (I was young and trying to save money) and spent most of my time totally perplexed by what, I was quite sure, were fascinating piles of stone.

Despite being ransacked for stone over the centuries, there’s still a huge amount to see – and standing inside the Colosseum taking in its enormity and imagining its bloody history is well worth doing.

The forum teaches you more about this incredibly advanced civilization and Palatine Hill is worth a visit for its views over Rome.

Exploring inside the Colosseum in Rome. Image © Annie Scott

Caffe Propaganda

Snapback to the present with lunch at Caffe Propaganda, a five-minute walk from the Colosseum.

This has a modern bistro vibe with a snazzy bar, black and white tiled floor, leather banquettes, and a menu that gives an updated take on Italian classics.

Warm bread served from the oven in a paper bag, cannelloni, “melted” carbonara, and, perhaps, a glass of red wine should prepare you for a late afternoon spent exploring.