Rome is a city that beguiles and seduces, and you’ll fall in love with her on sight. Just like all great romances, you’ll want to spend every minute of your time with her. But don’t worry if you only have 48 hours to devote to the Eternal City. Our tours in Rome will introduce you to all the most iconic sights in the Italian capital, as well as some surprising new ones, like our Rome catacombs tour.
We provide a suggested itinerary here for you if you’ve got 48 hours to spend in Rome. Count yourself lucky to spend two days in such a magnificent city. Now get your shoes on and let’s go!
Begin at the Vatican Museums
Beginning your two-day sojourn in Rome at the Vatican Museums is always a good idea. This is one of the most iconic places in all of the Eternal City and will give you a great introduction to Rome.
Forget the horror stories you’ve heard about the lines snaking their way around the block outside trying to get into the Vatican. When you choose a Vatican experience from one of our many tours of the Vatican, you’ll bypass the lines and enter straight away.
This exclusive partnership with the Vatican gives you more time to view the amazing art and sculpture collections within the museums. Or stare in awe at the Sistine Chapel. Or spend time in contemplation if your trip to the Vatican holds pilgrimage meaning for you.
Touring 4.5 miles of art and history is hungry work. Once you come out of the Vatican Museums, you’ll be ready for a great meal. No matter whether you’re looking for a tasty lunch or dinner, the area around the Vatican will spoil you for choice.
Il Sorpasso, a very short walk from the exit of the Vatican Museums, is a highly recommended Italian bistro and one of Rome’s best-kept secret restaurants. You’ll be able to enjoy local Roman cheeses and wines here prior to ordering your main meal. Whatever you choose it will be delicious, but in particular the pasta dishes. Scrumptious!
Morning stop: The Colosseum
Assuming you visited the Vatican during the late afternoon or early evening the day before, begin your next day in Rome with a tour of the Colosseum.
One of the most iconic buildings in the whole world, and the structure that most symbolizes Rome, the Colosseum took ten years to be built during the Flavian Dynasty in 70-80 AD. During the time, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial battles, theater spectacles and state ceremonies, it was also known as the Flavian Amphitheater.
Take a look at our tours in Rome to explore the Colosseum exactly as you would like. We offer many exclusive deals where you can skip the lines waiting to access this ancient Roman structure and/or access parts of the Colosseum that are usually out of bounds to the public. Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll also have the option to visit the Roman Forum, another key location in the life of ancient Rome.
Midday: Center of Rome
Fuel up on some of Rome’s delicious street food to enjoy the next part of your full day in Rome. Then head over to the historic center of the city. Known as Centro Storico, you’ll see the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps in this location.
Also within walking distance of the historic center are two of Rome’s most famous piazzas. Piazza Navona and Campo de’Fiori are both worth a visit, for their lively atmosphere and their brilliant coffee shops and eateries. You’ve earned an espresso and a pastry for all the walking you’ve been doing exploring Rome.
Having experienced the delights Rome has on its surface, it’s time to go underground to explore the other side of this city. Our Rome catacombs tour takes you deep into Rome’s underbelly and brings you face to face with the skeletal remains of 4,000 Capuchin monks. You’ll also get to explore the Basilica of San Clemente, which was built in the 4th century.
Evening: Trastevere for Food and Fun
Tonight is your chance to explore Rome after dark as a local. The Trastevere district of the city, still pretty central, is fast becoming one of Rome’s hippest and most bohemian areas. However, it still holds on to its well-established working-class roots. The result is a highly creative urban area that is as popular with Romans as it is with tourists to the city.
A number of local trattorias line the streets here. These traditional eating establishments are often run with an iron fist by the matriarch of the family, and the food served is the very best of Roman ingredients and cooking.
Spending a few hours here as you enjoy a meal and some local Roman wine will be time well spent. Rumor has it that the best pizza in all of Rome is served in Trastevere!
Once you’re sufficiently fed and watered, make your way to Alcazar Live. This cultural hub in Trastevere is one of the most dynamic in all of the city. On any given night, you can enjoy live music, theater or cinema here. Plus, some pretty amazing craft beers.
Next morning: Take in some Art
After a leisurely start to your last morning in Rome, why not enjoy a tour of an art gallery? We highly recommend time spent at the Borghese Gallery. As always, when you tour with us, you gain extra benefits. On our Borghese Gallery tour, you’ll enjoy skip the line access, a guided tour and entry into the stunning Borghese Gallery Gardens. Feast your eyes on the masterpieces lining the walls by artists including Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and Bernini.
Two days to do as the Romans do
No matter where you travel to after you’ve spent two days in Rome, your time in the Eternal City will always be one of your travel highlights. Our itinerary above gives you a taste of everything Rome has to offer, and lets you get under the skin of the Italian capital. One thing is for sure though... you’ll be back!
