Rome is absolutely worth visiting - yes, even with all the scaffolding, selfie-stick battles, and traffic that moves slower than a mortally wounded Maximus (IYKYK).. Think of the construction as a sign that Rome is still a work in progress... after 2,000 years. The crowds? Just part of the authentic experience - Julius Caesar probably had to elbow his way through the Forum, too. And as for the traffic, well, if you can dodge a Vespa, you can dodge anything. But where else can you sip an espresso while staring at ruins older than most countries? Or toss a coin into a fountain that has a better wish-fulfillment rate than your horoscope? Rome isn’t just a city - it’s an open-air museum, a giant, chaotic, breathtaking masterpiece that proves some things only get better with age (except, of course, the cobblestone streets—your ankles have been warned).
Is two days enough in this spectacular, busy, bustling city? No, not even close. But will two days give you a feel for whether or not you’re up to the task of playing human frogger, dodging hustlers, and paying exorbitant prices for gelato? Absolutely. Read on for more.
Day 1: Chaos, Cacophony, Cocktails
CitizenM Isola Tiberina -> Altare della Patria -> Pantheon -> Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola -> Piazza Navona -> Ponte Garibaldi Bridge -> Trastevere Neighborhood -> Sant'Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant'Angelo -> Vatican City -> Retrobottega -> Drink Kong -> CitizenM Isola Tiberina
Have Your Cake
Start things off from basecamp at CitizenM Isola Tiberina - a hotel so well-placed it’s practically winking at history. Shake off your jet lag with a brisk walk across Ponte Garibaldi, dodging Vespas like a local. First stop: Altare della Patria, aka the “wedding cake” of Rome. Climb to the top for panoramic views that make you forget your calves are on fire.
The Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) is Rome’s massive, blindingly white monument that looks like a giant marble wedding cake—or a typewriter, depending on who you ask. Officially, it's a national monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.
Built between 1885 and 1935, this colossal structure is packed with symbolism: towering columns, bronze chariots, and Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded 24/7 by solemn-faced soldiers. You can climb to the terrace (or cheat with an elevator) for some of the best panoramic views of Rome.
It’s loved, hated, and impossible to miss. Romans think it's a bit much, but hey—when has Rome ever been subtle?
Embrace the Crowds
From here, strut over to the Pantheon, a 2,000-year-old architectural flex where Romans decided that domes should be extra. Stand in awe, pretend you understand how the oculus works, and resist the urge to lie on the floor for the best Instagram angle.
The Pantheon is basically Rome’s way of flexing on every architect in history. Built almost 2,000 years ago, it has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome—meaning the ancient Romans cracked the engineering code before modern builders even had measuring tape. The oculus (a fancy word for “giant hole in the ceiling”) is both a natural spotlight and the city’s most dramatic rain drain. It started as a temple to all gods, became a church, and now functions as a place where tourists stand in awe, pretending they understand physics. Bonus: It’s the final resting place of Raphael, proving that even legendary artists knew this was the place to spend eternity.
Next, pop into the Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, where the ceiling is an optical illusion. Stare up too long, and you might walk out bumping into things—it's worth it.
By now, you’re hungry, but, honestly, I didn’t leave any time for lunch, so… off to Piazza Navona, the city’s most dramatic square (and that’s saying something). Enjoy the fountains, pretend to be an 18th-century aristocrat, and resist overpriced tourist-trap gelato.
Head across the Sant’Angelo Bridge, flanked by angelic statues who’ve seen it all, and arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo, once a fortress, a papal hideout, and now a solid excuse for more stair-climbing.
Castel Sant’Angelo is special because it’s basically Rome’s ultimate multitasker—starting as Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, later becoming a medieval fortress, a papal escape route, a prison, and now, a museum with jaw-dropping views. Connected to the Vatican by a secret passage (because popes needed emergency exits too), it’s packed with history, intrigue, and a rooftop terrace where you can sip an espresso while pretending you’re guarding the city. Plus, any building that has housed emperors, popes, and unlucky prisoners—and still looks this good—is worth a visit.
Don’t Forget Your Passport
March onward to Vatican City—technically a whole other country, so congrats, you’re now an international traveler. Behold the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, admire Michelangelo’s genius, and soak in enough culture to justify an extra glass of wine later.
Spending two hours in Vatican City is like speed-running holiness—bless yourself, power-walk, and try not to lose your soul (or your patience) in the crowds. Start at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Michelangelo’s Pietà will make you emotional, and the sheer size of the place will make you question every tiny church you’ve ever seen. Then, climb to the dome for a view so breathtaking it doubles as cardio. Next, dash to the Vatican Museums, where you’ll pretend to appreciate a thousand years’ worth of art on your way to the grand finale: the Sistine Chapel. Brace yourself—after squeezing through your fellow sweaty visitors, you’ll finally gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, whisper “wow”, and then immediately be shushed by the guards. End your visit by mailing a postcard from the Vatican’s official post office because nothing says “I found inner peace” like bragging about it via snail mail.
Make Friends at Dinner
Time to stroll back toward normal-sized Rome and reward yourself with a killer dinner at Retrobottega, where modern Italian cuisine slaps tradition on the wrist in the most delicious way. You won’t know what half the ingredients are but trust the chef—it’s all divine.
Enjoy one of Europe’s Best Bars
End the night at Drink Kong, a cyberpunk-style cocktail bar that feels like Blade Runner decided to go on vacation. Order something you can’t pronounce and toast to surviving a day of Rome’s glorious chaos.
Optional: Stumble back to Trastevere for a moonlit wander, contemplate how Rome is still standing despite centuries of madness, and vow to return—because you tossed a coin somewhere, right?
Day 2: Ruins, Skeletons & Spritzes
CitizenM Isola Tiberina Hotel -> Colosseum -> Roman Forum -> Palatine Hill -> Capitoline Museums -> Fontana di Trevi -> Spanish Steps -> Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars -> Mercato Monti -> Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore -> Sciue Sciue Cucina -> Domus Aurea -> The Court -> Glass Hostaria -> CitizenM Isola Tiberina Hotel
Sunrise at the Colosseum
Set that alarm (or don’t and just run there groggy) because the Colosseum at sunrise is pure magic. No crowds, no selfie-stick skirmishes—just you, the golden light, and the eerie feeling that thousands of toga-clad spectators once cheered for gladiators in the same spot. It’s the OG sports stadium, but with more lions and fewer overpriced hot dogs. But remember… skip the gelato.
Tips for Touring the Colosseum Like a Pro (or at Least Like a Gladiator-in-Training):
Get There Early (or Late): The Colosseum at midday is a gladiator match between you and a thousand selfie-stick-wielding tourists. Arrive early (sunrise photos are chef’s kiss) or later in the afternoon to avoid peak chaos.
Book Tickets in Advance: Unless you enjoy standing in line for eternity, grab your tickets online. Better yet, get a skip-the-line or guided tour ticket—because nothing ruins the excitement of an ancient arena like spending an hour waiting outside it.
Wear Sensible Shoes: The Colosseum wasn’t built with modern comfort in mind—think uneven stones and stairs galore. Unless you want to be humbled by a rogue cobblestone, ditch the fancy sandals.
Don’t Skip the Underground & Upper Levels: Regular entry is cool, but the real magic is in the restricted areas—like the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals had their pre-game pep talks.
Pair It with the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Your ticket includes these ancient gems, so don’t waste it! The Roman Forum is where Rome’s power players did their thing, and Palatine Hill is where the emperors built their fancy digs.
Bring Water & Sunscreen: Rome is hot, shade is minimal, and the only thing melting faster than your gelato will be you. Hydrate like a true champion.
Embrace Your Inner Gladiator: Stand in the arena, look around, and imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators. If no one’s watching, whisper "Are you not entertained?" for full effect.
Don’t Fall for the Gladiator Scammers: Those guys in plastic armor outside will charge you more for a photo than a Michelin-star meal. Admire from afar and keep your coins for gelato.
Follow these tips, and you’ll conquer the Colosseum like a true Roman (minus the whole fighting-for-your-life part).
Next, wander into the Roman Forum, aka ancient downtown Rome, where politicians, philosophers, and everyday Romans gossiped, debated, and occasionally got stabbed (looking at you, Julius). Every stone has a story, and every ruin is an excuse to dramatically whisper, "Et tu, Brute?"
Climb up to Palatine Hill, where Rome’s emperors lived large in their hilltop palaces. The views are incredible—on one side, the Forum; on the other, Circus Maximus, where Romans bet on chariot races long before Vegas made gambling cool.
Culture Break at the Capitoline Museums
Time for a dose of highbrow culture at the Capitoline Museums, where you can admire ancient statues, Renaissance masterpieces, and the iconic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, who’s been judging tourists from atop his horse for centuries. If you need a break, just pretend to ponder the meaning of a bust while secretly resting your feet.
Midday Fountain-Hopping
Next stop: the Trevi Fountain, where you toss a coin (right hand over left shoulder—don’t mess this up) to guarantee a return trip to Rome. It’s one of the most beautiful fountains in the world, and yes, everyone’s here trying to get the perfect Instagram shot, so good luck elbowing your way to the front. Fun fact: if it’s STILL undergoing restorations ahead of Rome’s jubilee, you’ll be wildly disappointed to find it sans water… and behind a wood and plastic barricade. But you’ll still visit.
From here, strut up the Spanish Steps, because what’s a European trip without voluntarily climbing a historic staircase? Sit at the top, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, and bask in the people-watching opportunities. There are some great little warrens atop the hill packed to bursting with chill cafes and wine bars.
A Crypt Full of Bones (Because, Why Not?)
Now, let’s get weird. Head to the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, where the decorations are made of actual human bones. Skulls, femurs, and ribs all artfully arranged into chandeliers and altars because the monks had a very particular aesthetic. It’s creepy, fascinating, and guaranteed to make you reconsider minimalism.
Shopping & Lunch
Shake off the existential dread with a trip to Mercato Monti, a cool, indie market full of vintage finds and unique souvenirs that aren’t tacky Colosseum keychains. Then, grab lunch at Sciué Sciué Cucina, where the pasta is fresh, the portions are generous, and your taste buds will thank you.
Afternoon at Nero’s Party Palace
Walk off lunch with a visit to Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s extravagant golden palace. This place was extra before extra was a thing—massive halls, rotating ceilings, and walls covered in gold. Today, it’s an underground archaeological wonder, proving that Nero really knew how to throw a house party.
Sunset Cocktails With a View
For happy hour, head to The Court, one of the most stunning cocktail bars in Rome, with front-row seats to the Colosseum. Sip a Negroni, marvel at the ancient view, and revel in the fact that Romans built this 2,000 years ago without modern engineering or YouTube tutorials. Honestly, I found the cocktails solid if unspectacular (and ferociously overpriced), and the host and hotel staff on an entirely new level of rude… but the bartenders are fantastic and if you go off-menu they’ll treat you well. And the views are worth the headache.
Dinner in Trastevere
Cap off the day with a well-deserved feast at Glass Hostaria, a Michelin-starred gem in Trastevere. It’s modern, it’s creative, and it’s the perfect way to remind yourself that while ancient Rome was impressive, this is the kind of luxury you prefer.
Optional: Take a final, moonlit walk back to the hotel, soaking in the Eternal City’s glow, and promise yourself that tomorrow, you’ll take it easy. (Spoiler: You won’t.)
THE DETAILS
Currency: Euro (EUR)
- I used the digital wallet on my phone for most purchased but did use cash at several cafés and while visiting the market.
Best Time to Visit Rome
The best time to visit Rome is spring (April–June) or fall (September–October)—when the weather is perfect, the crowds are slightly less overwhelming, and you won’t melt into a puddle of regret on the cobblestones.
Spring (April–June): Rome is blooming, the temperatures are warm but not pizza-oven hot, and you can still get an espresso without fighting off a thousand tourists. Just watch out for Easter week—unless you love standing in Vatican-sized crowds.
Fall (September–October): The summer madness is gone, the weather is dreamy, and locals are back from vacation, meaning restaurants are fully stocked with delicious seasonal dishes (hello, truffle season!).
Summer (July–August): Unless you enjoy sightseeing in a sauna, avoid. Romans flee, tourists swarm, and the sun turns the Colosseum into an ancient air fryer.
Winter (November–March): Fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and a chance to see Rome without sweating through your clothes. Just bring a jacket and prepare for some rain.
Verdict: Late April to early June or late September to mid-October = peak Roman magic.
Three (other) awesome places to consider staying at when in Rome:
Hotel de Russie – A luxury oasis near Piazza del Popolo with a secret garden, a world-class spa, and a reputation for hosting A-list guests. Perfect if you like your Roman history with a side of VIP treatment.
JK Place Roma – A boutique gem near the Spanish Steps, offering impeccable design, ultra-personalized service, and a breakfast so good it might make you cancel sightseeing.
Palazzo Manfredi – If waking up to a Colosseum view sounds like your kind of morning, this is the place. Bonus: Their rooftop restaurant, Aroma, serves Michelin-starred meals with ancient Rome as your backdrop.
Which one speaks to your inner emperor?
Quick Travel Tips for Rome
Walk Like a Roman (and Watch for Vespas!) – Rome is best explored on foot, but crossing the street is an extreme sport. Traffic laws are more of a suggestion—walk confidently, make eye contact with drivers, and embrace the chaos.
Don’t Sit on the Spanish Steps – It may look like the perfect spot for a scenic break, but thanks to new rules, sitting here can get you a fine. So, admire, climb, but resist the urge to park yourself like a Renaissance statue.
Skip the Fancy Coffee Orders – If you try to order a caramel macchiato, a barista may just give you the look. Stick to the classics: espresso (un caffè), cappuccino (only before 11 AM), and caffè macchiato (a shot with a little milk).
Fountain Coins Are for Wishing, Not Fishing – Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain ensures you’ll return to Rome. Fishing coins out ensures the police will return you to the station.
Embrace the Late Dinners – Romans eat late—like, 8:30 PM minimum. Show up for dinner at 6 PM, and you’ll have the restaurant all to yourself (which might be nice, but also very touristy).
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day, and You Can’t See It in One Either – Don’t try to visit every single ruin, church, and museum in 48 hours. Prioritize, wander, and leave room for spontaneous detours—because the best moments in Rome aren’t always on the itinerary. Told ya!
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