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How To Spend a Perfect Weekend in Rome

Spend a weekend in Rome exploring historic villas, drinking wine and browsing flea markets
Spend a weekend in Rome exploring historic villas, drinking wine and browsing flea markets | © Gabriele Sciotto / Culture Trip

It may be known as the Eternal City, but if you have only two days to spend in Rome, here’s how to do it. From vegan delights to traditional Italian favourites, offbeat attractions and ancient wonders, this is how to fill a weekend eating and sightseeing your way through Rome.

Rome’s classical architecture, especially the Altare della Patria, is spectacular by night

There are two undeniable truths about Rome. The first is that you will never run out of things to do, see and eat; the second is that while it’s impossible to avoid the crowds entirely, you should punctuate the obligatory sightseeing with visiting some truly special and more secret spots. Culture Trip has put together an itinerary for a weekend Roman holiday that will show you the best of the city.

If you’re a fan of old statues and jaw-dropping buildings, head to Piazza Navona

Day one

Morning: A traditional Italian breakfast and a visit to the Colosseum

Start your morning early to beat the crowds by grabbing a typical Italian breakfast of coffee and biscuits at a café near your accommodation – in Rome, it’s traditional to grab a quick bite on the go. Caffeinate, enjoy a biscotti and make your way over to the Colosseum. Doors open at 8.30am, and you’ll be able to grab some great crowd-free photos of this ancient gladiatorial battleground early in the day. Commissioned in AD 70, the auditorium was the largest ever built at the time, and once held audiences of over 50,000 people. If you peep over the railings inside, you can still view the chambers that housed the gladiators (and the wild animals they fought against) all those centuries ago.

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most famous attractions, and for good reason

Pro tip: Buy your tickets to the Colosseum in advance to avoid disaster, as they often sell out.

Afternoon: View the Roman Forum and stop at a local favourite for lunch

Although you’re in one of the busiest tourist areas of the city, there are no shortage of great foodie spots around; one you can’t miss checking out is Li Rioni a Santiquattro. Their thin-crust wood-fired pizza is hard to resist; choose one with their famous buffalo mozzarella for the ultimate Roman lunch. After you’ve eaten your fill (and sipped a glass of wine or two) take a stroll to the next landmark, Santi Quattro Coronati. This fourth-century basilica is dedicated to four anonymous saints and martyrs, and in a city filled with churches, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful.

It’s then time to head to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It closes an hour before sunset, so be sure to keep an eye on the time. Luckily, it’s only a 10-minute walk from the basilica. You can take a lazy wander around the ruins or a guided tour, where you’ll learn all about the temples and ancient government buildings that once stood here. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking involved.

You can even sightsee at night at Rome’s well-lit ruins

Evening: Dine at a trendy bistro with cats

It’s impossible to see all the must-see sites of Rome in one day, and you’ll have doubtless built up an appetite walking around the city, so call it a night and head south for some seriously good food. The quirky Romeow Cat Bistro is a destination in itself – not only does it host a crew of furry felines who love nothing more than a good cuddle, it’s also unbeatable for great vegan cuisine that will whet the appetite of even the staunchest carnivore. Mains are designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the tiramisu is a firm favourite for dessert.

Night: A modern art masterpiece off the tourist trail

Finish off the first night of your Roman adventure with a unique local attraction. Far from the ancient wonders of the city and just a five-minute stroll from the bistro you’ll find Porto Fluviale Street Art. This open-air museum is really a collection of contemporary, colourful murals painted over buildings throughout the area. You can wander the streets for as long as your feet will carry you before stopping off at one of the local bars for one last glass of vino rosso or a traditional digestif of limoncello.

Day two

Morning: Grab a healthy breakfast and visit a local flea market

There’s plenty to cover today, so start your morning on the right foot with a healthy and filling breakfast. Tucked away from the regular tourist traps is the Foodie Freshmarket at Piazza Testaccio 35; try one of their delicious plant-based meals and a pressed juice for an energy boost you’re going to need. The beauty of this spot is that it’s frequented mainly by locals, and that’s reflected in the reasonable prices.

Enjoy some fresh fruit and veg from Rome’s markets

Next, jump on a bus and head north to the Porta Portese Sunday market. The enormous and eclectic market is crammed full of everything from antiques to leather shoes. It runs from 7am to 2pm every Sunday, and no matter what kind of souvenir you’re after, you’ll be sure to find it here.

Keep track of your time in Rome with a vintage watch from Porta Portese
You never know what treasures you might find at Porta Portese

Afternoon: Vatican City and a sweet treat (or a few)

Just a short stroll away is trendy Trastevere. Here, you’ll feast your eyes on the colourful laneways and slightly crumbling buildings of what was once a humble working-class Roman district. Now populated by craft-beer bars, artisan workshops and many a boutique hotel, the area should be at the top of your wish list on your Roman trip. Stop for lunch in one of the great local restaurants like La Tavernaccia da Bruno – their pappardelle is to die for. Before leaving the area, grab a cookie or a few at the gorgeous Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti. This traditional bakery is famous for its sweet cookies and is a favourite among the Trastevere residents. Make sure you try their brutti ma buoni (a type of cookie whose name means ‘ugly but good’).

Now that you’re fed and watered, it’s time to hit up Vatican City, just a short bus trip away. Take a guided tour around the smallest country in the world, or wander at your own pace. For such a relatively tiny area, there’s a lot to do, and you could spend much more than a single afternoon exploring the historical artworks in the Vatican Museums, gazing up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the famed Sistine Chapel and admiring the glittering mosaics in St Peter’s Basilica. Prioritise your time (and buy tickets in advance to avoid being stuck in queues for most of the day) to make sure you see your personal highlights. It’s about as touristy as a place can be, but you’ll soon see why.

Vatican City is a site of holy significance for Catholics

Pro tip: Buy a daily travel pass from any of the bus or train stations around the city and enjoy unlimited access to the metro, urban train lines, buses and trams until midnight. At just €6 it’s worth every cent.

Evening: Visit the Pantheon and indulge at the picturesque Piazza Navona

Just another short bus ride away is the unmissable Pantheon. This heavily visited spot is likely to be a little less busy in the evening, so time your visit for just before closing time at 7pm. Take a peek at Renaissance maestro Raphael’s tomb and marvel at this nearly 2,000-year-old temple before heading out for some dinner.

The Pantheon has been a site of worship for thousands of years
There’s lots to explore around the Pantheon

Near the Pantheon at Piazza Navona, you’ll find a wide range of options for dinner. Pick a piazza-facing seat at Ai Tre Tartufi for a great people watching experience; you’ll be serenaded by local street musicians while sampling famous pizza and pasta dishes. You can’t leave Rome without trying their rich, unctuous carbonara, and there are also wonderful vegetarian options available. However, it’s their gelato that steals the show.

There are awe-inspiring works of sculpture everywhere in Rome

Night: Try your luck at Trevi Fountain

To top off your Roman weekend, head over to the world-renowned Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that throwing three coins into the fountain (with the right hand, over the left shoulder) will guarantee your return to Rome, a new romance and a marriage in the future. It can be pretty difficult to get close enough to try your luck during the day, so the evening is the perfect time to see this Baroque masterpiece in all its glory. Head to one of the local bars, where Italian classics like the Aperol spritz and negroni offer a refreshing alternative to wine, and provide the perfect nightcap to end your visit to the Eternal City – until next time, that is.

10 Best Weekend Experiences to Book in Rome

Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour

Historical Landmark

View of Colosseum in Rome and morning sun, Italy, Europe.
prochasson frederic / shutterstock

Step back in time on a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, uncovering the heart of ancient Rome. Marvel at the grandeur of the Colosseum, learn about gladiator battles, and explore the political and social hub of the Forum. Walk up Palatine Hill to discover Rome’s legendary origins and enjoy panoramic views of the city. This immersive experience brings history to life in unforgettable ways.

Private Guided Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Historical Landmark

Famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo at summer time.
Taiga / Shutterstock

Embark on a private guided hike to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a must-see destination in the Dolomites. Traverse breathtaking alpine trails with stunning views of rugged peaks, emerald valleys, and serene mountain lakes. Your expert guide ensures a personalized experience, sharing insights about the area’s history, geology, and flora. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, this unforgettable journey showcases the unparalleled beauty of the Dolomites.

Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

Historical Landmark

Saint Peter Basilica in Rome during Christmas time. Italy.
essevu / Shutterstock

Enjoy priority access on a skip-the-line group tour of the Vatican, exploring its unparalleled treasures. Admire the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, and discover the masterpieces housed in the Vatican Museums. Conclude your experience at St. Peter’s Basilica, marveling at its magnificent architecture and spiritual significance. Guided by an expert, this tour provides a deeper understanding of art, history, and faith in one of the world’s most revered sites.

Celebrate Christmas in Rome - Small Group Walking Tour

Historical Landmark

christmas market
Song_about_summer / Shutterstock

Embrace the festive spirit on a small group walking tour through Rome at Christmas. Stroll along beautifully decorated streets, visit iconic landmarks illuminated with holiday lights, and explore charming Christmas markets. Experience the magic of the season with stories of Roman holiday traditions and stops at nativity scenes. Perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories, this tour captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas in the Eternal City.

Winner 2024 Rome Food Tour: Campo de' Fiori, Ghetto, Trastevere

Historical Landmark

Close-up of Marinara pizza in a restaurant
Andrei Antipov / Shutterstock

Savor the flavors of Rome on this award-winning 2024 food tour through Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere. Sample authentic Roman delicacies, from freshly baked pizza and creamy gelato to traditional Jewish-Roman dishes. Wander historic streets, visit bustling markets, and learn about the city’s culinary heritage from expert guides. Perfect for food lovers, this tour combines history, culture, and unforgettable tastes in Rome’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Serravalle Outlet Shopping Mall Shuttle Bus

Historical Landmark

Fashionable clothes in a boutique store
Creative Lab / Shutterstock

Enjoy a seamless shopping experience with a shuttle bus to Serravalle Outlet, one of Europe’s largest designer outlets. Explore a wide range of luxury and high-street brands at unbeatable prices. With convenient transportation, you’ll have ample time to shop, dine, and relax in this stylish setting. Perfect for fashion lovers and bargain hunters, this service ensures a hassle-free day of retail therapy near Milan.

Winemaker for a Day: Tour an Organic Winery

Historical Landmark

Woman pouring red wine from bottle
New Africa / Shutterstock

Step into the world of winemaking with this immersive tour of an organic winery. Learn about sustainable viticulture, explore lush vineyards, and discover the secrets behind crafting exceptional wines. Participate in hands-on activities like blending your own wine, guided by expert winemakers. Savor a curated tasting of organic wines paired with local delicacies. Perfect for wine enthusiasts, this unique experience celebrates the art and passion of winemaking.

Rome Highlights by Golf Cart: Private Tour

Historical Landmark

Rome, Italy view towards the Colosseum with archeological areas at sunset.
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Explore the best of Rome in style with a private golf cart tour, offering a comfortable and unique way to see the city’s most iconic sights. Glide through cobbled streets as your expert guide takes you to landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Enjoy personalized commentary and stop for photo opportunities at Rome’s historic treasures. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive experience, this tour combines convenience with unforgettable views.

Ticket to Piazza Navona Undergrounds Stadium of Domitian

Historical Landmark

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy. Rome Navona Square.
Vlas Telino studio / Shuttersock

Discover the hidden history beneath Piazza Navona with a ticket to the Stadium of Domitian. Explore the underground ruins of this ancient Roman stadium, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its fascinating past as a center for athletic events. Walk through well-preserved tunnels and exhibits showcasing artifacts and architectural details. Perfect for history enthusiasts, this experience offers a unique glimpse into Rome’s ancient sporting legacy.

Best of Rome Walking Tour with Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain

Historical Landmark

Fountain di Trevi - most famous Romes fountains in the world. Italy.
V_E / Shutterstock

Experience the highlights of the Eternal City on a Best of Rome walking tour, featuring iconic landmarks like Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. Stroll through historic streets as your guide shares fascinating stories and insights about Rome’s rich history and culture. Marvel at architectural masterpieces, vibrant piazzas, and timeless fountains. Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour captures the essence of Rome’s beauty and charm in an unforgettable way.

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