Even if you had lifetimes, it would be hard to put a dent in the unbelievable wealth of tourist attractions, architectural gems, works of art, beautiful sights, and curiosities that can be found in the Eternal City. With such a long and rich history and as such an important political, religious, and artistic centre, Rome is a city quite unlike any other. However, while Rome is definitely a must-see, it might not be the main stop of a holiday in Italy as the wider country of Italy also has a staggering list of things to see and do and of types of getaways. So, if you have browsed our Italy villas and you are planning say, a beach holiday in Italy or a vacation in the Lake District or a ski break or a shopping trip to some of the most chic cities in the world or some combination of all of the above, then you may only have a day or so to set aside to stop off in Rome.
If this is the case and you want to make the most of a day in Rome during your vacation in Italy, then read on as we have put together a perfect itinerary for getting a succinct and varied taste of the city and her highlights. Of course, feel free to adapt the plan to your needs but this is a suggested way for getting as much in as possible during a day in the city. Just be prepared to reserve a day for the outing, to get up a little bit earlier than you might normally do on a holiday, and to head to Rome to make some truly unforgettable memories...
8:00am – Arrive in the city and find a little café with outdoor seating to enjoy a typically Italian breakfast of a freshly made coffee and a pastry while people-watching.
Upon arriving in the city, let’s kick things off by enjoying a breakfast while sitting out, soaking up your surroundings, watching the locals go about their mornings, and having a bit of a breather before diving into Rome on holiday in Italy. If you want to do things as the Romans do, then you should order a coffee and pastry. Italians generally have milky coffees like a cappuccino in the morning as it is more filling and pairs perfectly with a fresh pastry. The two Roman pastries that come to mind as first choices to order while in the city are the Maritozzo con la Panna and Cornetto. Maritozzi were once a staple breakfast pastry in Rome but are less common now. If you spot one on sale, jump to try it as these delicious sweet, soft buns (with or without dried fruit in them) full of whipped cream are the perfect decadent breakfast before a long day of tourist activities. Cornetti are more common and are like a less buttery and less sweet croissant that have a crunchy bite and soft exterior. Many are still warm from the oven when bought in the morning and can be plain or filled with chocolate, custard, or jam.
9:00am – Kick things off with a big-hitter by heading right to the Colosseum!
If you want to try and beat the crowds and start with a bang, then we recommend heading first to the Colosseum once you have finished your breakfast. Getting there early in the morning will help you beat the worst of the crowds, though you will likely still encounter some level of crowd and perhaps some queues. Probably the most iconic Roman landmark and a must-see attraction when in Rome, it’s kind of hard to leave out of any itinerary of the city, especially if you only have the one day in town. Known as the Colosseum due to a colossal statue that once stood nearby, the structure was built in the 1st century AD for emperors of the Flavian dynasty. It hosted hugely popular entertainments of the time including hunts and gladiatorial games. The largest amphitheatre in the world, it is, in of itself, a spectacle and an extraordinary sight to behold. Visitors can join guided tours or explore on their own and tickets must be booked online ahead of your visit.
11:00 am – Stroll on over to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
When booking your visit to the Colosseum, it is possible to buy a specific ticket that includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, as well. If you go for this option then, upon finishing at the Colosseum, you can simply stroll on over to the Forum and Palatine Hill, which are adjacent to the Colosseum. The Roman Forum was the centre of political and social life in ancient Rome, while the Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and was the home of Roman emperors. For those on vacation in Italy interested in ancient Roman life and the origins of this great city, this rounds off a proper introduction to Rome.
1:00pm – Refuel at a local trattoria.
Once you have taken in all these sights and all of this information and wandered around such vast attractions for so long, you will likely have worked up quite an appetite and will need to refuel. Luckily, there are trattorie all over the city to choose from and you won’t need to go far. A trattoria is a small, family-run restaurant and generally serves authentic and delicious dishes at reasonable price points. Find one that calls to you and indulge in some typical Roman dishes like the beloved and world-famous Pasta alla Carbonara in its birthplace or other local favourites like Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe or Bucatini all'Amatriciana.
2:30 pm – Admire the Pantheon.
With its stunning soaring dome and dramatic light, the Pantheon is a magic sight to behold. Originally built as a temple to the gods of Ancient Rome, it became an important church at the core of Roman life. One of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings and definitely one of the most dazzling architectural gems in all of Italy, it is a must-see for those on holiday in Rome or who are visiting the city for a day.
4:00 pm – Swing by the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Not all of your stops will require going inside buildings or buying tickets or spending a long time at one particular spot. After the beauty of the Pantheon, you can head towards the famous Trevi Fountain, throw in your coin to ensure your return to Rome, people-watch at the nearby Spanish Steps, and take some commemorative photos. Take your time now and stroll about as you have already ticked off some major must-sees in the city and done so much in one day! Let’s also make sure we take the time to actually slow down and admire our surroundings and really absorb the city.
6:30 pm – Enjoy aperitivo time!
With this mentality in mind, let’s continue to do as the Romans do and to take things easy on a vacation in Italy by finding a local bar in which to enjoy an aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink that is a favourite tradition of Italians. Indulge in this local ritual by sipping on a Spritz or Negroni and snacking on some olives or chips (usually included for free with the drinks) while you ideally sit out in a picturesque piazza and watch the world go by.
8:00 pm – Indulge in a delicious dinner.
To cap off the day, finish up with a dinner in Rome. As we mentioned, there are lots of local delicacies that you may already know but are quite different (and usually better) in the place from which they originated. From delicious Roman pizza to more of those classic pasta dishes to seafood gems, Roman cuisine has so much to offer. Discuss all your adventures with your fellow travellers over a delicious meal and end the day in style and at your leisure.
10:00 pm – Grab a gelato to go.
As you say goodbye to Rome, be sure to grab a gelato from one of the endless incredible gelaterie in the city and end your brief taste of the Eternal City on a sweet note.
So, while we would all love those lifetimes it would need to see all the city has to offer, even if you only have one day to spend in Rome during a stay in a villa in Italy, you can still both see plenty of famous landmarks and enjoy a taste of the dolce vita at the same time.