48 hours in Rome will never feel like enough, it’s a city that sweeps you up, heart first, appetite second. The sheer weight of history, the grandeur of its monuments, the intoxicating blend of art, culture, and food—it’s a city that doesn’t ask for your attention; it quietly demands it. And if you, like me, find yourself thinking about the Roman Empire more often than you’d care to admit, then it’s the perfect playground!
You could spend a lifetime in Rome and keep discovering new (and old) things—but if you only have 48 hours in Rome, this itinerary is my perfect balance. Filled with iconic landmarks, immersive cultural moments, and, naturally, unapologetic indulgence—because what is Rome if not a city where you eat your way through history?
Even with just 48 hours in Rome, it’s not a city to be rushed through—and sticking to a rigid schedule isn’t the vibe. Especially on holiday! So instead of mapping out every hour, I’ve grouped these stops by proximity so that you can move through the city at your own pace. Meaning that if you want to linger over an espresso a little longer, get lost down a side street, or stumble upon something unexpected along the way, you can. Without any pressure of having somewhere to be.
48 Hours in Rome: Day One
Vatican City
Even if you’re not a fan of crowds, there’s something about stepping into Vatican City that feels different. The first time I went, the Pope was visiting, and the queues wrapped around St Peter’s Square—a chaotic but oddly fitting introduction to a place that’s steeped in so much history and devotion!
To really take it in, go early. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are worth the early start to have the chance to stand beneath Michelangelo’s masterpiece without the constant hum of voices breaking the moment.
St. Peter’s Basilica isn’t just a landmark; it’s a space that demands you slow down, look up, and take it all in—and if you’re up for the climb, the dome offers a view that makes every step worth it—and if nothing else, there’s something undeniably cool about ticking off two countries in one trip!
Bonci Pizzarium
You can smell the freshly baked dough from across the street, long before you even see the entrance. And when you do, it’s exactly what you’d hope for—people huddled around tables, deep in conversation, slices in hand, fully caught up in the moment. Pizza at Bonci Pizzarium isn’t just food, it shows how good simple things can be. The base is light yet crispy, and the toppings are made from whatever’s fresh, whatever’s in season, whatever works. Maybe it’s delicate zucchini with ricotta or the kind of potato-and-rosemary combination that shouldn’t be exciting but somehow is. Every ingredient is carefully sourced, supporting local agriculture and championing quality without compromise. And the dough itself is a labour of love, left to rise for 72 hours—something I only learned after frantically Googling why it tasted so different. If you’re like me, and can spend way too long deciding before inevitably opting for a little bit of everything—good news! Each pizza is cut with scissors and priced by weight, meaning you can get exactly as much as you want.
Piazza Navona
If Rome is a museum, Piazza Navona is a stage. Mornings are quieter, and by afternoon, the square hums with life—but no matter the time of day, there’s something to see. The square is filled with life, as artists set up their easels and musicians play to the crowds. At the centre, fountains spill over marble masterpieces, with Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi stealing the show. Its sculpture is dramatic, almost theatrical, as if frozen mid-performance.
The Pantheon
No matter how many times I’ve seen the Pantheon in pictures, it’s a place that never gets old. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, it’s a masterpiece of engineering that still feels almost impossible. The weight of history is everywhere; in the worn stone beneath your feet and the quiet awe of everyone around you. And yet, despite its grandeur, it doesn’t feel distant. It’s quiet in a way that makes you stop—no matter how many people are around. And yet, when you step outside, Rome rushes back in. The voices, the Vespas, the clatter of cups from the cafés nearby.
Trevi Fountain
You’ll be walking through quiet, winding streets until suddenly, you turn a corner and find yourself in the middle of a crowd. Coins flying, cameras flashing, voices in a dozen different languages—and at the centre of it all, the Trevi Fountain. Touristy? Absolutely. Still magical? Without a doubt.
I’ve seen it multiple times (stay here if you want to be nearby!), and yet I love it every time. Maybe it’s the way the water catches the light, the ritual of tossing a coin over your shoulder, or the simple fact that people from all over the world come here for a wish and a small moment of hope in a city built on history. But I adore it. So much so, that last year, I even spent my 33rd birthday here, sitting in front of the fountain that morning, wrapped in the hum of the city, letting the weight of another year settle in. There’s something about this place that makes you pause, reflect, and feel part of something timeless. Some places are famous for a reason. Trevi Fountain is definitely one of them. Fun fact: you can even tour underneath it!
Via Condotti
Rome is a city of contrasts; ancient ruins one minute, high fashion the next. And nowhere is that more obvious than Via Condotti. At first glance, it’s just another elegant street, but look closer, and it’s a runway of its own. Designer boutiques line the road with immaculate window displays and doorways guarded by doormen. While the air carries an unmistakable mix of expensive perfume and freshly brewed espresso. It’s indulgence and tradition intertwined in a way that only Rome can pull off!
If you’re going to lose yourself in a little luxury, it might as well be here. But even if your bank balance says otherwise, don’t worry—it’s less about what’s inside the boutiques and more about the atmosphere. Elegance, history, that effortless Italian style that makes everything seem cooler. Walk through, take it in, and maybe stop for an espresso!
The Spanish Steps
They’re just steps, and yet, they’re so much more than that. Built in the 18th century to connect Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church above, the Spanish Steps have long been a place where locals and travellers pause. Some admire the view, others simply catch their breath. But before you find your spot, take a short detour around the corner to Bar Pompi, home my favourite tiramisu in Rome. Grab a box to go (classic and strawberry are my favourites), then head back, choose a step to sit on, and dig in! The steps are full of life, making them perfect for people-watching, with tourists recovering from the climb, locals weaving through the crowds, and people recreating Audrey Hepburn’s iconic shots from Roman Holiday.
Come Il Latte
There’s good gelato, and then there’s Come Il Latte. Tucked away on a quiet street, this little shop serves some of the creamiest, most indulgent gelato in Rome. The kind that makes you pause after the first bite, just to appreciate how good it is. The flavours are rich and velvety, with high-quality ingredients you can taste in every scoop. Classic pistachio, deep dark chocolate, fresh strawberry—whatever you choose, it’s the kind of gelato that ruins all others for you. And the best part? They drizzle melted chocolate (white or dark) into the cone before filling it, so the last bite is just as perfect as the first!
Villa Borghese
Now that you’re sufficiently fuelled on sugar, it’s time to walk it off—and there’s no better place than Villa Borghese. A sprawling green escape in the heart of the city. Shaded paths wind past fountains and sculptures, cyclists and joggers move effortlessly through tree-lined avenues and hidden corners invite you to pause, breathe, and take it all in. Rent a bike, take a slow walk, or just find a quiet bench and watch the city move at a different pace. Or if you want to keep exploring, and you’ve got time, head to the Borghese Gallery!
CiPASSO
For a dinner that feels effortlessly special, CiPASSO is the place. Tucked away on Via Metastasio, this cosy yet stylish wine bistro strikes the perfect balance between intimate and lively—ideal for a long, leisurely evening. The menu is a thoughtful mix of Roman tradition and modern creativity, with dishes like rich black truffle pasta and perfectly cooked monkfish that showcase the kitchen’s attention to detail. The service is warm without being intrusive, the wine list is excellent, and the atmosphere makes you want to linger long after your plates are cleared. Whether you’re celebrating something or simply soaking up Rome at night, CiPASSO delivers the kind of dining experience you’ll be thinking about long after—especially if you order the Cacio e Pepe Crostini with walnut and pear!
48 Hours in Rome: Day Two
Colosseum
Rome always rewards those who rise before the crowds, and there’s no better place to start your day than with the Colosseum. One step inside, and suddenly, history doesn’t feel so distant. You get to stand where emperors once watched, where gladiators fought and where the roar of the crowd must have been deafening. If you really want to experience it, book a guided tour to access the underground hypogeum—the eerie, dimly lit tunnels where warriors and wild animals once waited for their turn in the arena. The knowledge of the tour guides helps bring the experience alive in a way that a self-guided tour can’t.
Roman Forum
It doesn’t take much imagination to picture what the Roman Forum once was—because even in ruins, it’s still magnificent. This was the heart of ancient Rome, a place where politics, religion, and daily life collided. Senators debated, merchants traded, and temples stood in grandeur. Now, time has softened its edges, but the weight of history lingers in every crumbling column and sun-worn stone. You can wander through at your own pace or take a guided tour to piece together the stories hidden amongst the ruins of the Temple of Saturn, the Via Sacra, and the sweeping view from the Palatine Hill. It’s a great reminder that even the greatest empires fade—but their stories remain.
Piazza Venezia
If Rome had a crossroads, it would be Piazza Venezia. Chaotic, grand, and always buzzing with life, it’s where history and modern Rome collide—both figuratively and, given the traffic, sometimes literally. Towering over it all is the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, an enormous white-marble tribute to Italy’s unification. From here, all roads seem to lead somewhere iconic—the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the winding streets of the historic centre. It’s a great place to stop and stand at the piazza’s edge to take it all in. Watching as Rome rushes past with traffic swirling around in organised chaos—cars, Vespas, and pedestrians all weaving through with an unspoken rhythm. Or you can climb to the top of the monument for a gorgeous view of the city!
Finish Your Day in Trastevere
End your 48 hours in Rome on the other side of the river, where Rome slows down and comes alive all at once. Trastevere is all cobbled streets, warm golden light, and the kind of charm that feels effortlessly authentic. Wander through its maze of alleyways, past ivy-covered buildings and buzzing piazzas, and let yourself get a little lost. As you wander, find a spot for dinner, somewhere cosy, where the pasta is homemade, and the wine keeps flowing. Maybe there’s live music in the square, maybe someone starts dancing, and maybe, just maybe, you join in. Because in Rome, the best nights are the ones that unfold without a plan.
Is 48 Hours in Rome Enough?
Enough to see it all? No.
Enough to fall in love with it? Absolutely.
Rome is the kind of city that could take a lifetime to fully unravel, but in 48 hours, you can still experience its magic. You won’t see everything, but that’s the point. It’s not a city to rush. It’s a city to savour. And if you do it right, 48 hours in Rome is more than enough to have you planning your return before you’ve even left!
