Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica – All these well-known attractions are located in the Italian capital, Rome. Nearly 3,000 years of architecture, culture and art history can be found in Rome. Above all, the old town has a large density of archaeologically relevant sites. That’s why you can easily spend several days in Rome without getting bored. But also on 2 days in Rome, you can see the most important and famous sights. Check out the perfect itinerary for 2 days in Rome.
2 Days in Rome – Day 1
The starting point of your two days in Rome is the impressive Coliseum. In the 50,000-seat arena, gladiators competed for life and death. Continue to the Forum Romanum, the heart of ancient Rome, where you can find a collection of stunning ruins nowadays. To visit the Roman Forum, you need a ticket. But it’s not worth it. You can also see most of the ruins from Via dei Fori Imperiali, Via Sacra and Via di S. Pietro in Carcere.
Opposite the Forum Romanum are the Imperial Forums, which represented an important center of political and religious life in ancient Rome. Especially Tranjan’s Market, Trajan’s Column and the pillars of the Basilica Ulpia are a must see.
Just behind the Roman Forum is the imposing marble-white Vittoriano, which houses the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From the top you can enjoy a great view of the Coliseum and the Roman Forum.
Walk to the Piazza del Campidoglio, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. Designed by Michelangelo in 1538, the piazza is surrounded by the Palazzo Senatorio and the Capitoline Museums.
Now it’s time to visit the old town of Rome. First walk to the 2,000-year-old Pantheon. It is the best preserved ancient monument in Rome and magically attracts tourists with its large unreinforced concrete dome. About 200 meters west of the Pantheon is the pretty Piazza Navona, one of the most popular squares in Rome. The lively square has a few magnificent fountains and baroque palaces to offer. You can also watch many street performers singing and dancing here. Piazza Navona has a variety of restaurants to offer; so you can take a longer break here.
After the break, continue to the bridge Ponte Umberto I, from where you have a great view of the beautiful Palazzo di Giustizia. Cross the bridge and walk to Rome’s next landmark, the Castel Sant’Angelo. Before the Castel Sant’Angelo served as a defensive fortification and prison, it was a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.
Right next to Castel Sant’Angelo you can find the Via della Conciliazione, which leads you directly to the famous St Peter’s Square, the central square of the Vatican. On the square stands the St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest and most spectacular church in Italy. The central sanctuary of the Roman Catholic Church can accommodate about 20,000 people and has the world’s largest brick dome in the world.
Just behind St. Peter’s Basilica are the Vatican Museums, which houses one of the world’s most important art collections over a total length of 7 km. The highlight is of course the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. The Cortile della Pigna, the Cortile Ottagono and the Stanza die Raffaello are also worth a visit. To avoid wasting time at the entrance, you should buy your ticket online in advance.
The first day of your two-day city tour ends in Rome with the Vatican Museums. End the evening in the very nice and well-located Restaurant Il Mozzicone near St. Peter’s Square.
2 Days in Rome – Day 2
Your second day in Rome starts at the fabulous Piazza del Popolo, the city’s former execution place. In the middle of the square stands a 36 meter high Egyptian obelisk. At the southern end there are two beautiful 17th century churches, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto and the Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli.
East of the square you will find a road and a few steps that lead you to the great Piazzale Napoleone I and the beautiful Pincio Gardens. From the lookout you can enjoy a great view of Piazza del Popolo and St. Peter’s Basilica. Just behind the viewpoint you will find the Park Villa Borghese, the green lung of the city and popular with tourists, joggers and lovers. The park houses the unique art museum Museo e Galleria Borghese. The museum houses, among other things, great sculptures and paintings by Titian and Caravaggio. Tickets must be booked in advance!
Immediately near the museum, take Via Princina and follow it until you reach Via Sistina. This street leads you to the pretty church Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti. Just below the church is another landmark of Rome, called the Spanish Steps. The staircase is the perfect place to watch people and enjoy a great view of the Piazza di Spagna. It is also the perfect place for a longer break. You can have a snack in one of the many surrounding food stalls.
After the break, walk to the Trevi Fountain, Rome’s most famous fountain. The Fontana di Trevi was created in 1732 by Nicola Salvi and resembles a baroque setting. The legend says that throwing a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain will bring you good fortune. Therefore, each year around 1.5 million euros are cooped out of the stunning Baroque fountain.
Just south of the Trevi Fountain you will find the beautiful Piazza del Quirinale with its imposing Presidential Palace. From there it’s about 400 meters to Rome’s most popular shopping street, the Via del Corso. Numerous luxury boutiques, well-known fashion labels and souvenir shops line the street. You can spend the last hours of your two days in Rome with shopping. You can also find a wide selection of nice restaurants in this district, for a last delicious Italian dinner in the city.
