Weekend in Rome: make the absolute most of your visit

Want to see Rome in a weekend? Here is the list of the most spectacular places to visit in Rome during your romantic getaway.

What to see in Rome in a weekend

Rome is one of Europe's great capitals. It's packed with details, historic buildings bursting with art, and hundreds of TOP things to do in Rome.

Every corner, every street, every staircase, every viewpoint… is unique. 

That's why discovering all the secrets this city hides in just one weekend in Rome is impossible. However, what you definitely will manage in 48 hours is to fall in love with Rome.

My advice? Don't try to see it all in so little time.

Put on some comfy sneakers, pick the must-see monuments or spots for you, and enjoy them at your own pace.

Between stops, take a relaxed stroll through the city. Eat, feel, listen, smell, take it all in, laugh, and raise a toast to being in the heart of the Great Roman Empire.

Heads up:

I've marked all the places mentioned below on the map at the end of this page. That way, you can sketch out the route that appeals to you most based on your preferences, and enjoy a wonderful weekend in Rome made just for you.

Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Admission to these sites is combined. It costs €12, is valid for 48 hours, but only allows you to enter each site once. I recommend buying your ticket at the Roman Forum entrance, where the tourist lines tend to be shorter.

The Forum and the Palatine are on the same grounds, and visiting them can easily take you half a day without breaking a sweat. Checking out the inside of the Colosseum takes less time. In fact, it's more beautiful from the outside.

It's totally worth the ticket if you want to admire the most famous Roman ruins in the Italian capital and, at the same time, take in the stunning views from Palatine Hill. It was right here that, according to legend, Romulus killed Remus and founded the city of Rome.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of Rome's most iconic and best-preserved buildings. Admission is free, which makes the lines at the entrance quite long.

Watch your neck—you could spend hours admiring its massive dome from the inside.

Il Vittoriano

It's also known as the Altar of the Fatherland or the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. It's an imposing white marble building visible from almost anywhere in Rome with a bit of elevation. You definitely won't miss it.

They say one of the best panoramic views of the city is from its Roma dal Cielo terrace, reached by an elevator that costs €7 per person. Visiting the rest of the monument is free.

Bocca della Verità

Legend has it that if you put your hand in its mouth and tell a lie, this stone will bite it right off. Rumor also has it that if you're an adulterer, you don't even need to lie to lose it.

Even though it's a huge tourist attraction, in my opinion, it's not worth going out of your way just to see it. That said, if you're walking right by, will you dare put it to the test?

The Trevi Fountain

The square where this world-famous fountain is almost wedged in is always packed to the brim. During the day, you won't manage to snap a photo without tourists, I promise you.

If you want to see it more peacefully, visit at night. But don't get your hopes up about having it all to yourself.

According to tradition, if you toss a coin into the water of the Trevi Fountain, you'll return to Rome.

Baths of Caracalla

These thermal baths are one of the city's best-preserved sets of ruins. If you're still craving more Roman ruins after your visit to the Forum, Palatine, and Colosseum, this is your next stop. Admission costs €6.

Basilica of San Clemente

Even though I don't usually gravitate toward churches—and Rome is brimming with them—many people recommended I stop by this temple.

The main feature of the Basilica of San Clemente is its four layers of history stacked on top of one another.

It's built on top of an earlier church, which sits on a pagan temple, and that in turn rests on a 1st-century Roman house. Thanks to underground excavations, you can visit all four levels for an entry fee of €10. A journey into the past across four stages. Up for the adventure?

The Vatican

St. Peter's Basilica and Square

Entering the largest and most spectacular church in Rome is free. However, if you want to avoid massive crowds and endless lines, avoid going to the Vatican on Sunday. This is the day the Pope addresses the public from one of the windows every week. And, as you can imagine, the influx of pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square is overwhelming.

If you want to enjoy the gorgeous views from its dome, you'll need to pay €8 or €6, depending on whether you want to climb all 551 steps on foot or just the last 320. Keep in mind, though, that climbing the dome of St. Peter's Basilica is definitely not for the claustrophobic—the stairways are super narrow!

The Vatican Museums

Visiting the stunning Vatican Museums will take you at least half a day, and you still won't manage to see everything. Even a full day wouldn't be enough! It's quite a demanding experience because of the crowds and the sheer length of the route (around 7 km in total).

Your best bet is to pick what you're most interested in seeing at the Vatican Museums in advance so you don't waste time and energy wandering aimlessly. Tickets cost €16 per person, or €20 if you book online, which is totally worth it if you want to skip the ticket lines (though you'll still have to go through security).

If your main goal is to admire the Sistine Chapel, it's probably worth waking up early, being among the first to enter, and heading straight for it (it's pretty far from the entrance). That way, you can see it when it's at its least crowded. Afterwards, you can backtrack to check out other artworks.

Another great option is to enter the Vatican Museums in the afternoon, when the crowds start to thin out a bit.

Want to take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Basilica without the hassle of huge groups? Maybe this tour for a maximum of 11 people is just what you're looking for!

Whatever you do, avoid Mondays, as other museums in the city are closed that day.

Castel and Ponte Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is a papal fortress. Admission is €10, and its terrace offers great views over Rome.

Together with the Ponte Sant’Angelo, guarded by angelic sculptures, it makes for one of the most iconic sunset photo spots among professional photographers.

Piazzas

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna and its famous Spanish Steps are among the busiest spots in Rome. However, in May 2016 when we visited, the steps and a large part of the square were closed for renovations, so we couldn't see them. I hope you have better luck!

Piazza del Popolo

This massive elliptical square once served as the northern gate to the city. It's located right next to the Pincian Hill and its viewpoint.

Piazza Navona

This is one of Rome's largest and most iconic squares. It's bordered by Baroque palaces, packed with lively bars and cafes, and dominated by three fountains running along its central axis: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, del Nettuno, and del Moro.

Campo de' Fiori

By day, it hosts a vibrant, photogenic market that locals adore. But once the sun goes down, the square transforms into an open-air hotspot for drinks.

Free Viewpoints

If you don't want to pay to see Rome from above, here are a couple of great free options!

Pincio Viewpoint

This terrace, perched on the Pincian Hill, offers great views of the city in the morning. I'd advise against dropping by in the afternoon, though—all your photos will be backlit (just like ours were!).

Gianicolo Terrace

The perfect spot to watch the sun set over the rooftops of Rome.

Trastevere Neighborhood

In my opinion, Trastevere is the most charming neighborhood in Rome. Cobblestone alleyways, blooming flowers, and mouthwatering restaurants. You definitely can't miss the vibe in this unique Roman corner!

The Tiber River

Tired of all the tourist crowds?

Take a breather and stroll along the Tiber River.

Next to almost every bridge crossing the river, you'll find stairs leading down to a much quieter, less crowded walkway right along the water. From here, you'll get a fresh perspective of the city and enjoy some much-needed peace.

As you can imagine, I couldn't possibly visit everything I just listed during a single weekend in Rome. And this list doesn't even cover all there is to see and do—there are dozens of other museums and churches to discover!

Personally, I picked out a few of my favorite spots and wandered the city, soaking in the sights, the vibe, the food, and, of course, the great company!

Remember, you're on vacation!

Don't stress about rushing through everything. Experience the city and head back home full of amazing memories.

Whether you toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain or not, I'm sure you'll be back in Rome if that's what your heart desires. And if not, isn't it much better to look back on it fondly rather than just remembering crowds, exhaustion, and stress?

Where to Eat

A single weekend in Rome isn't enough to sample food across the entire city.

But I can give you one golden piece of advice:

Run away from anywhere that looks even the slightest bit touristy!

Italian food—and Roman cuisine in particular—is downright delicious. If you stray just a little from the famous piazzas and tourist routes, you'll find hundreds of hidden gems serving up incredible meals at reasonable prices.

Here are the restaurants I tried and can personally recommend:

• Pizzeria Emma, near Campo de’ Fiori. Even if it doesn't look like it from outside, the interior is super spacious and bright. They make great pizzas and have plenty of mid-priced vegetarian options.
• Ai Bozzi, in the Trastevere neighborhood. The best risotto of my entire life was served right here. It's not a budget spot, but the quality of the ingredients and the culinary craft make it totally worth the splurge.
• Meridionale, also in Trastevere. They serve a delicious midday brunch at a great price (€15, drinks not included). It's a cozy, laid-back, and casual spot right in the heart of beautiful Trastevere.

Where to sleep

Before choosing accommodation in Rome, keep these points in mind:

• Arriving in the city with heavy luggage by train? Look for a hotel or B&B not too far from Roma Termini station, but not too close either. In big cities, train and bus stations aren't usually the most pleasant areas.
• Traveling by car? Before booking, check out the parking policy at your hotel and the surrounding area first. If you're not up for paying for parking, it's best to stay overnight on the outskirts of the city.
• Fancy going out for drinks at night? Look for a place near the liveliest squares, like Campo de’ Fiori, or in Trastevere.
• Planning to snap night photos of a specific landmark? Stay as close to it as possible. After a whole day pounding the pavement around Rome, you'll want to get back to rest as quickly as you can.

That last one was our case! My partner and favorite photographer was obsessed with taking night shots of the Colosseum, so we looked for a budget-friendly Airbnb nearby.

Specifically, we stayed at “B&B Maison de Didi”. The room was comfy and spacious. They provide breakfast at a nearby bar (coffee and a brioche).

One of the few downsides was that you could hear the street noise quite a bit from the room. Still, we went to bed so exhausted that it didn't keep us from sleeping.

Also, since the bathroom was shared, its cleanliness depended on the consideration of the other guests (3 or 4 rooms in total). In our case, we weren't so lucky with the neighbors.

Despite this, for the price we paid, it was great, and just steps away from the Colosseum. Perfect for our weekend in Rome.

How to get there

By plane

Rome has two airports:

Ciampino Airport

Ciampino is a secondary airport that only serves flights from the low-cost airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air.

To get from Ciampino Airport to Rome, you have two options:

• Take a Cotral/Schiaffini bus (a 5-minute ride, €1) to the Ciampino town train station. From there, trains leave for Roma Termini, Rome's central station (a 15-minute ride, €1.50).
• However, I recommend taking a direct Terravision or Sit bus to Roma Termini for €4–5. The ride takes around 45 minutes at most, but you'll avoid the hassle of waiting between the bus and train connection.

Fiumicino Airport

Fiumicino is Rome's main international airport, so it handles the vast majority of flights.

You can find some great deals on these search engines: Trabber, eDreams, and Momondo.

Personally, I love starting my flight search on Trabber because the price it shows is final (it includes card fees and other taxes). That said, I always compare the results with the other sites.

You never know who will have the best deals! 😉

Fiumicino is the easiest Rome airport to travel from, as it's connected by a direct train line to Roma Termini: the Leonardo Express. It runs every 15 minutes, takes half an hour to reach central Rome, and tickets cost €14 each. True, convenience comes at a price—and quite a price it is!

For just one euro more, meaning €15, you can book a one-way minibus transfer from Fiumicino to Rome (or even for the return trip) that will drop you off and pick you up right at your hotel door. It might just be more convenient for you—I'll let you decide! 🙂

By train

If you're traveling around Italy by public transport, you know what they say:

All roads lead to Rome.

And trains are no exception!

If you buy your tickets well in advance, you can snag super economy deals on the official Trenitalia website.

Private transport

In my opinion, this is the trickiest way to get to Rome, especially if your accommodation is in the city center.

• Finding free parking in Rome is practically a miracle.
• Parking garage spaces are pretty pricey.
• The few hotels that offer parking usually charge for it separately, and it costs a pretty penny.
• Traffic is heavy and stressful.

My advice:

Avoid driving into Rome with a car.

If you can't avoid it because you're exploring Italy on four wheels, you have two options:

• Pay for a central parking garage and try to drive as little as possible around Rome.
• Stay on the outskirts of the city, where parking isn't as expensive or restricted, and take a train or bus into the center.

When to go

Rome has a typical Mediterranean climate. Rainfall picks up from October to January and stays at an absolute minimum during June, July, and August. However, the scorching heat combined with the huge influx of tourists that Rome gets during these months can suffocate anyone.

My top recommendation is to avoid summer at all costs.

• If you enjoy wandering around in high heat (I definitely don't recommend it!), September is a solid month for you.
• If you prefer to enjoy Rome without breaking such a sweat, try to visit in April or early May.
• Are you the type who prefers rain and chilly weather over big crowds? Winter is your best friend—take advantage of it!

Either way, don't expect to have Rome all to yourself. The capital of the empire draws tourists all year round.

We spent a weekend in Rome during the second half of May 2016 and found it pretty hot. If you visit around this time, I suggest wearing light pants or shorts and short-sleeve t-shirts during the day. A long-sleeve layer and a light jacket will be plenty for the evening.

Either way, remember:

“Ne'er cast a clout 'til May be out” is definitely a saying that applies to Italy too.

Precautions

Although Rome is generally a safe city, petty theft is pretty common. And, as you might guess, tourists are the main target.

Here are a few tips to keep all your valuables safe:

• Stay always alert around the city's top tourist spots.
• Be careful on public transport, especially on the metro and the most crowded buses.
• It's best to wear a crossbody bag and keep it positioned so that no one can unzip or open it without you noticing.
• If you're carrying a backpack, flip it around and wear it on your chest whenever you're in a crowd.
• In packed areas, rest your hand over the zipper of your bag, backpack, or pocket. If anyone tries to open it, you'll feel it right away.

Budget

Keep in mind that your trip costs might look quite different from mine because of transport. Since I'm currently living in Italy, taking the train was the most practical choice for me.

However, if you're traveling from abroad, you'll probably arrive by plane. Or maybe you're even on a road trip through the country!

In any case, here's what we spent during a weekend in Rome:

• Transport: €96 train + €6 metro (€51/person)
• Accommodation: €131 (€33/person/night)
• Sights: €24 Forum-Colosseum-Palatine (€12/person)
• Food: €169 (€42/person/day)

In total, a weekend in Rome cost us €426: €213 per person, which works out to €106.50 per person per day.

Useful links

• Flight search engines: Trabber, eDreams, Momondo, and Vueling.
• Trenitalia website.
• Sit buses.
• Terravision buses.
• One-way minibus Fiumicino–Rome.
• Return minibus Rome–Fiumicino.
• Other organized activities in Rome.
• Hotel deals in Rome.
• 5% discount on your IATI travel insurance.

If you're traveling around Italy, don't miss these other blog posts:

• Discover the 5 Terre village by village.
• A one-week road trip through Umbria.
• A stroll through Florence.
• Tuscany road trip: Siena and Val d'Orcia.
• Venice in the low season.
• Lake Como road trip.
• Bologna, the city of porticoes.
• The wonders of the Amalfi Coast.
• Complete 7-day road trip through Sicily.

Remember, if you have any questions or doubts, drop me a comment below. I'll be more than happy to help you out!

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