For those with limited hours, this 48-hour Rome highlights itinerary for a first-time visitor will offer insight into the best of Rome’s eras and a visit to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. See Day 1 for an introduction to Rome’s ancient sites and the historic center.
Tomorrow at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
The splendor of religious Rome is impressive in St. Peter’s Basilica and in the Vatican Museums. Technically located within the small country of Vatican City, these two attractions contain some of the best-known works of art in the world, including Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
Important travel tip: you should know that the Vatican Museums are not open on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month, at which time admission is free. Be aware, however, that the Vatican will be packed on Sundays, making it difficult to fully enjoy the artworks and exhibits. If you plan to do this 2-day itinerary over a weekend, consider changing days 1 and 2.
Lunch
Trastevere, an eclectic neighborhood on the Vatican side of the Tiber River, is an ideal place for lunch after visiting Vatican City. The heart of the neighborhood is Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, named for a medieval church whose interior is decorated with beautiful golden mosaics. There are a handful of nice restaurants and cafes on or near the square, and several supermarkets where you can buy sandwiches or ingredients for a picnic.
Afternoon at the Trevi Fountain, Plaza de España and Shopping.
Return to the historic center for an afternoon window shopping and people watching near the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna. First-time visitors won’t want to miss the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks. A relatively new fountain in the urban landscape, the 17th-century fountain is located several blocks south of Plaza de España.
Two of the main commercial areas of Rome are also in this district. Of particular note are Via del Corso, the long boulevard that runs between Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo, and Via dei Condotti, where you’ll find the boutiques of some of the biggest names in fashion.
At the end of a long day, the Romans, as well as many travelers, rest in the Plaza de España. For an incredible view of Rome at sunset, climb the stairs and walk left towards the Pincio Gardens, where there is a panorama of the city with St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.
Cena look for the Piazza del Popolo
Directly below the Pincio Gardens, Piazza del Popolo is another traffic-free square that is a popular spot for an evening stroll. If you want to dine out on your last night in Rome, both the Hotel de Russie and the Hotel Hassler, two of Rome’s most luxurious hotels, have quirky rooftop restaurants (with prices to match). For a more informal dinner, I recommend walking down Via Ripetta (accessible from Piazza del Popolo) to Buccone (Via Ripetta 19-20), an intimate wine bar with fantastic small plates of food, or towards Gusto (on Via Ripetta and Piazza Augusto Imperatore), a modern bistro with pizzas, pastas and creative dishes.
Return to Day 1 for information on how to visit ancient sites and the historic center of Rome.
