Planning on spending a weekend in Rome soon and wondering what to do? Look no further because I’m here to give you some travel inspiration and loads of helpful tips for your weekend trip to Rome.
Rome, the “Eternal City,” is a destination that captivates every single person who steps foot onto its ancient cobblestone streets. I studied abroad here during my junior year of college, and as a result, it will forever be one of my favorite places in the world.
While I do think you should try and spend more than a weekend in Rome, I’m here to help you plan your compact visit with some unique things to do, places to check out, awesome tours, accommodation recommendations and handy travel tips. After reading this, you’ll know exactly what to do in Rome for a weekend.
Weekend In Rome Itinerary Overview
There’s simply no other place like the Eternal City, and walking around Rome is reminiscent of exploring an enormous museum. At every turn, there is an ancient monument, church, landmark or statue that was built centuries ago. What you will want to see for yourself will really just depend on if this is your first visit to Rome or not, because you may have ticked off some of the more tourist-centric things before.
While only being in Rome for the weekend might not seem long, it will still be enough time to explore so many different parts of the city. As always, feel free to shoot me an email with any travel questions.
Where To Stay In Rome
There are so many different beautiful neighborhoods to explore when visiting Rome, but I believe the smartest move is to stay near the Termini train station. Not only can you access both of the main metro lines in Rome (so you can easily get around the Eternal City), but it’s also the start and end point for all the major bus routes within the city’s public transport.
Plus, if you’re only flying into Rome for a weekend, you’ll want a pretty easy check-in/check-out process, and you want to be able to get to and from the city’s airport with ease. Here are a few recommendation places to stay in Rome.
- The Hive Hotel: With its immaculately clean rooms and luxurious modern design, it’s no surprise that The Hive is consistently reviewed as a top 4-star luxury hotel in Rome. It boasts an enviable location and serves delicious meals to its guests. It’s definitely the perfect place to stay on your Roman weekend trip.
- Muzio 48 Private Suites: Enjoy your Rome weekend trip at this stunning guest house. You’ll find rooms decorated with blue and white furnishings, a soothing atmosphere and this accommodation is less than a mile from the Spanish Steps and other famous attractions.
- Plum Guide in Rome: If you’re looking for a top-rated apartment to call home, I’d recommend checking out some of the incredible apartments in Rome’s city center on Plum Guide. It’s one of my favorite Airbnb alternatives, and it provides an unforgettable place to stay while spending your weekend in Rome.
The Best Things To Do In Rome In 2 Days
The following Rome itinerary includes a range of exciting things to do in the city, but I thought it would help if first, I shortlisted a taste of what to see and do in the city. Most of these activities score a spot on my itinerary, and suit every kind of tourist – art and history lovers, food fiends, thirty visitors looking for a chic cocktail bar – and more. And all come with a personal recommendation!
- Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
- Tour the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums.
- Wander through the Borghese Gallery.
- Sample Rome’s best food at Mercato Centrale.
- Visit the city’s stunning churches and cathedrals.
- See the Colosseum for yourself.
- Take in a sunset on the River Tiber.
- Indulge in Italy’s best gelato.
- Enjoy aperitivo in Trastevere.
- Party up a storm in Campo di Fiori.
- Join a pasta making class.
Let’s dive into this Rome itinerary like you’ll be diving into bowls of pasta in the Italian capital! Also, stay tuned until the end of this itinerary for the answers to come Rome FAQ’s which will definitely aid in planning your visit.
Rome Itinerary Day 1: Ancient History, Great Food & Epic Sunsets
You’ve landed in Rome and I hope you’re well rested, because Rome is one of those cities that you will find yourself walking around until your legs hurt – for all the best reasons. Of course, you can jump on the Metro to get to further away attractions, but Rome is a joy to wander around, as there’s a famous landmark around every corner – and ample opportunities to stop off for gelato too! Let’s get into it.
The Trevi Fountain
Start your weekend in Rome at the historic Trevi Fountain, a site always teeming with tourists but nonetheless worth it to take in this beautiful sight. One of the things that surprised me about my first time in Rome is that there are no open-container laws in Rome. I’ll never forget my very first time drinking a bottle of delicious (and cheap) Italiano vino on the steps of the Trevi Fountain.
So, if your visit to the fountain falls after lunch or as the sun sets, taking a bottle of great Italian vino to the Trevi Fountain and enjoying a glass or two is a classic Roman experience! The fountain is particularly impressive at night, as the entire area lights up. But any time of day, this is a great place to people-watch.
Oh, and don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain for good luck (and a return to Rome). Worked for me.
Mercato Centrale
It’s no doubt that Rome is a food lover’s paradise, and I’m sure that the majority of travelers coming to Italy want to try real, authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. While I could probably write dozens of articles on the best restaurants, cafes, and bars to check out, one of the few places you must visit while in Rome is this new project Mercato Centrale Roma.
Conveniently located inside the Roma Termini train station, it’s an easy and awesome place to visit while you’re spending a weekend in Rome and you’re seeking to enjoy an Italian meal or two.
So what is this place, and what makes it oh-so-special?
Well, it’s an exciting culinary endeavor that offers its visitors a wide range of traditional Roman dishes from a variety of artisan vendors. It’s similar to a food court in a mall (or a farmer’s market), but you’ll find top-rated cuisine from quality retailers who pour their heart and soul into their craft.
From delicious pizza, pasta, suppli, truffles, tiramisu, gelato, and loads more – they’ve got it all. Mercato Centrale is a one-stop shop for your Italian food bucket list. Check out my article on Italian dishes to feast on while in Rome. I’m guaranteed you’ll find mouthwatering ideas and recommendations on more of their culinary delights.
While here, you’ll discover that there’s weight to their claim that:
“The food artisans and their stores are the stars of Mercato Centrale Roma, presenting and talking about their produce. Mercato Centrale Roma is a unique experience made by people for people, where goodness is elementary because it speaks for itself.”
Talk about a commitment to culinary excellence.
Tour The Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palantine Hill
There’s no doubt you’ve most likely wondered what past Rome was like, and a visit to the Colosseum and ancient relic of the city is a must. You need to do a tour of the sites to truly appreciate them, and I thoroughly recommend this tour of Ancient Rome.
You’ll learn about the festivals the Romans held and marvel at the magnificent structure that is the Colosseum. Once you’ve taken in the grandeur of this ancient site, you’ll head over to the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was first a marketplace where Ancient Romans could shop, but as time went by, it became an area of social and political significance. It dates back to around 500 B.C.
You’ll also visit Palatine Hill, which used to be an exclusive city neighborhood. Today, it is mostly an archeological site where you can explore the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian and the Flavian Palace.
Walk along the Tiber River
No Rome itinerary would be complete without a stroll in a gorgeous setting. Rome is a stunning city during the day, but it’s actually one of my favorite cities to explore when the sun goes down. Each of the monuments lights up in such a majestic way, and the reflections of the historic buildings glisten along the city’s river, The Tiber.
There’s a really nice walk stretching a few kilometers along River Tiber that is a great way to work off those dinner calories (hey, no judgment here) and fall in love with all the Roman architecture and city at night. If you’re planning to do Rome in a weekend as a couple, this is the perfect way to cap off an evening.
Gelato at Ciampini
I’ll honestly never forget when my cousin took me here for the first time. It’s seriously the best gelato I’ve ever tried, and I am always telling people if they visit Rome, they have to check out Ciampini Roma for the best gelato in town. My favorite flavors are Pistacchio, Crema, and Nocciola. The staff is also really great, and you can sample as many flavors as you’d like.
There’s a restaurant that has a sidewalk terrace for small meals and beverages, but you can just walk to the side entrance where the gelateria is located. If you make it here, I promise you’ll absolutely love it and return a few times in even two days. It’s located about 5-10 minutes from Piazza di Spagna, right in the heart of the city center.
Aperitivo in Trastevere
If you don’t know what an “aperitivo” is, it’s basically an offer where you can try a bunch of different appetizers that are buffet style as long as you purchase a drink (typically a glass of wine or beer). Aperitivo is popular all over Italy, and is one of my favorite ways to start the evening.
Trastevere is my favorite neighborhood in all of Rome, and it definitely needs to be a stop on your Rome itinerary. It’s one of the few parts of the city where you can forget you’re in the busy capital. You’ll fall in love with the charming alleyways, cobblestone streets and picturesque piazzas of Trastevere. This is a vibrant spot, and is filled with bars, cafes and restaurants, and you’ll find several different places that offer a delicious aperitivo to indulge in.
Drinks in Campo di Fiore
What would a weekend trip to Rome be without a little bit of nightlife? After you’ve enjoyed classic aperitivo in Trastevere, walk across the Ponte Sisto bridge. Once you’ve arrived at the bridge, continue straight, and you’ll find yourself in the nightlife hotspot of Campo Di Fiori.
This is one of the main squares in Rome and has a large selection of bars to grab a drink in and mingle with the locals. Naturally, it’s very lively at night, and a lot of people will just bring their own alcohol and hang out in the square.
While the younger crowd may prefer spots like The Drunken Ship or “Sloppy Sams”, there are several other more relaxed places for you to grab a drink (and a small bite) as well. You can pay a visit to the industrial-chic Chapter Roma or head to 1920s-inspired Jerry Thomas Speakeasy.
Rome Itinerary Day 2: Art, Architecture & Learning To Cook Like A Roman!
It’s your second day in Rome, and today, I’ve got some treats in store for you. Yesterday you got a dose of the city’s ancient history, and filled your stomach many times over as well. Today, you’ll visit one of the most iconic destinations in Europe, The Vatican, and take in some world class art. You’ll also learn to make your own Italian pasta, a skill you can take home with you and thrill dinner guests with!
The Vatican Museums
The Vatican is the heart of the Catholic Church, and each year, millions visit this “country within a country” in Rome, whether for religious reasons or simply to see it for themselves. And there’s a lot to see. You can easily spend an entire day at the Vatican, however, most spend a few hours here, so try to arrive early.
Grab a taxi or rideshare or jump on the Rome Metro to get to Vatican City in just over 10 minutes. Be sure to take Metro Line A, as it’ll stop right outside the Vatican’s walls at the Ottaviano-S stop. Once you’ve arrived, it’s a short walk to the museum.
Referenced throughout pop culture, media, and literature, the Vatican Museums hold significant cultural and historical relevance. Not to geek out or anything, but you’ll be blown away by major attractions here, like the Sistine Chapel boasting Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling fresco and the masterful artwork in the galleries. The Vatican, including Saint Peter’s Basilica, is jaw-dropping in its beauty and cultural significance.
To make the most of your time here, and to learn about the history of the site and the collections within it, it’s definitely recommended to take a tour, and I recommend this tour of the Vatican Museums. It includes skip-the-line entry and all the key sights including the Sistine Chapel, the Greek Cross Gallery, Cabinet of the Masks, Gallery of Maps and much more, all lead by an expert on Vatican history.
The Borghese Gallery & Museum
From the Vatican, it’s onwards to take in even more art at the Borghese Gallery and Museum. As you can tell from the thousands of well-preserved artwork contained in the Vatican Museums, Italy is a powerhouse in the art world. And the Borghese Gallery and Museum houses some of these world-renowned pieces of art.
Located in the lush greenery of Villa Borghese Park, the Borghese Gallery and Museum is a relatively laidback but delightful place. Some people say that if you were to spend a minute admiring all the artwork in the Vatican Museums, it would take you about 12 years to do so. In contrast, you can take a 2.5 hour tour at Borghese Gallery and Museum and comfortably see everything.
With twenty rooms across two floors, you’ll be able to explore the museum at your own pace. You’ll witness an impressive collection of sculptures by Bernini, one of which includes Apollo and Daphne. The painting room on the second floor is where you’ll find equally exquisite paintings.
Chiese Di Sant’Ignazio Di Loyola
Have you heard of this church before? Probably not, but it’s absolutely stunning and definitely worth the visit! Chiesa Di Sant’Ignazio Di Loyola (also known as the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola) is completely free to enter, and I personally think it’s one of the most gorgeous churches I’ve ever stepped foot inside. And it has a lot of competition!
It’s just a few minutes walk away from the renowned Pantheon and should be added to your Rome weekend itinerary and sightseeing list. I’m sure there are hundreds of other churches like this in Rome I don’t even know about, but I always enjoy taking people here.
Learn To Make Pasta Like A Roman
Italy is world-renowned for its delicious cuisine, so why not take the opportunity to join a cooking class on your trip to Rome?
This Pasta and Tiramisu Workshop is the perfect place to meet new people in a laidback environment. An expert chef will help you out by demonstrating how to make fresh pasta, and you’ll even get to choose your own pasta shape. You’ll also get to make tiramisu once your pasta is ready and then enjoy a sit-down dinner with other students at the end of your cooking lesson. Choose your very own sauce to go with your pasta. This is a skill you’ll absolutely love taking back home with you, where you’ll thrill dinner party guests over and over with your newfound cooking skills!
I could honestly go on and on when it comes to things to do in Rome, but if you’ve only got a weekend, I don’t want to add everything and completely overload you. If you’ve got more time to spare in Rome (and I highly recommend it!), I also have a 3 day Rome Itinerary on my blog, with lots more activities to fill your time!
Hankering for a little more information about how to streamline your weekend trip to Rome? Keep scrolling, as I’ve included the answers to some commonly asked questions about Rome!
How to get around Rome
Getting around Rome is relatively easy, and most visitors opt to walk or use to the city’s Metro system. In my experience, public transportation isn’t quite the easiest to understand for first-time visitors. There are only two metro lines, but they actually do get you to the majority of major attractions in the city. I always recommend choosing accommodation close to a metro line, as it definitely makes things easier for heading back home after a long day of walking around the city.
When it comes to the buses, I’d recommend checking out this article on “How To Use Public Buses in Rome” To be honest, I very rarely take buses in the city because I find them overcrowded and rarely on time, but sometimes they can be helpful if you’re in a spot of bother. I find that hotel staff are always exceptionally helpful when it comes to getting tips on using public transport in Rome.
Alternatively, Rome has a range of taxi companies you can flag down or call, however often they hike up their rates in touristy areas. Uber is also widely available across Rome.
Alternatively, you could rent a bike, however traffic is Rome is notoriously crazy, so you’d want to be pretty confident! Rome has a range of bike share programs available across the city, including Lime Bike, Finally, one of the coolest ways to see the sights of Rome is on the back of a Vespa! This Rome Vespa Tour With Local Guide lasts three hours and takes you via many major landmarks. It’s exhilirating!
Am I missing anything from my Rome itinerary?
Rome is such a unique destination, and it’s a place I often dream of returning to live in all over again! There are so many more incredible things to do in Rome, that I hope you found this guide helpful. If you think I need to add anything to this itinerary, feel free to reach out and let me know!
Have you been to Rome before? What was your experience like? Did you find a favorite hidden spot that you want to sing the praises of? Is there anything important I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below, but keep in mind I do have a larger Rome itinerary on my blog to check out too!
Planning a trip to Rome or Italy?
I love creating content about Italy for my blog, and if you’re spending more time in either Rome or Italy on the whole, be sure to check out a few of the following articles to help you plan your big Italian adventure. Keen on visiting another European country instead? That’s exciting! I’ve also got all you need for a fantastic trip no matter where in Europe you go. Here are just a few recommendations for guides to check out!
- The Ultimate 3 Days In Rome Itinerary
- The 10 Best Things to Do in Porto Ercole, Italy
- One Week “Intro To Italy” Travel Itinerary
- 15 Best Beach Resorts In Italy
- 20 Best Music Festivals In Italy
- 15 Best Castle Resorts In Italy For Your Bucket List
- 10 Awesome Things to Do in Florence, Italy
- 5 Must-Try Places to Eat in Florence, Italy
- 2 Days in London Itinerary | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring London
- Top 18 Music Festivals in Scotland to Experience Before You Die
- Two Days in Madrid | The Ultimate Madrid Travel Itinerary
- 2 Days in Copenhagen | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring Copenhagen
- 2 Days in Budapest | 48 Hours in Budapest Itinerary
- 2 Days in Berlin | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring Berlin
- 2 Days in Prague Itinerary: What to Do & See in Prague in 48 Hours
- 2 Days in Athens | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring Athens
Love the photos! I’ve visited a number of countries in Europe and find the architecture one of my favorite things. These images really give us the feel of Rome’s great buildings.
Rome is a really great city. Must surely visit anyone. Thanks.
I’m a tour leader in Italy and Roma is one of my favourite places in the world.
Just to leave my top 3 here if anybody is interested
1. Museum, mine would be Montemartini… arts of the antiquities set in an old power plant. The juxtaposition between marble busts and ‘modern’ machinery is quite something to behold.
2. Church- without a doubt is Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura. Home to Paul’s mortal remains, wonderful architecture and portraits of all the Popes that have ever served the Roman Catholic Church. Watch out for the empty spaces after Francis, there is a legend relating to these!
3. Restaurant- Flavio Al Velavevodetto. Ever wanted to eat authentic roman pastas in a mountain made of 2000 year old terracotta pots (basically an ancient Roman dumping ground)? Now is your chance. Food is great and the area of Testaccio is different and wonderful.
Thanks so much for this! More great tips for people visiting Rome :-)
I love rome