How to See Rome in One Day: Itinerary + Self Guided Walking Tour

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Use this self guided walking tour and see the top sights of Rome in just one day.

Incredible architecture, remnants of an ancient world, unbelievable churches, and notorious landmarks. These are just some of the things you’ll stumble upon (sometimes without even trying) in Italy’s capital city of Rome.

We’ve all heard the saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” so how could you possibly see it in one day?

If you’re the type of person who appreciates a maximized itinerary on a tight schedule, you’ll be pleased to know how attainable a day in Rome can actually be.

Most importantly, this is a self guided tour and inclusive of a suggested walking route of Rome in order to see the top sights within one day.

In this guide, discover a recommended day trip itinerary along with many important things to know before you go.

❗️This post was 100% written by a human author based on real-life experiences without the use of AI-generated content or images.

Quick List: Self Guided Tour of Rome (In Visiting Order)

• Begin in Vatican City
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Spanish Steps
• Colosseum
• Trajan Forum
• Trevi Fountain
• Pantheon
• Piazza Navona
• End back in Vatican City
• Optional: dinner or night life in Trastavere

The Essentials for One Day in Rome

📸 You can see many of Rome’s most famous landmarks in just one day in Rome, as long as you do not enter any of the attractions and only experience sites from the outside.

🚶🏻‍♂️ The best way to get around Rome is on foot with some help from the metro. Keep reading to see the recommended walking route of Rome which passes by all of the city’s highlights.

🚉 Take the Leonardo Express to get to Rome from Fiumicino Airport. It’s cheap, quick, and tickets can be booked online in advance.

🥵 If you can help it, simply do not visit Rome from June – August. While the crowds in Rome truly never disappear, you can do your best to avoid stampedes by visiting in shoulder or off season.

🎒 You do not need to walk around the city with your luggage. Find a place to store your luggage for cheap while you explore Rome!

Is One Day in Rome Enough?

The historic centre of Rome isn’t particularly big, but the remainder of the city is massive. In fact, it’s the largest municipality in Italy. Fortunately, most tourists will want to focus on seeing the top sites in Rome, which are conveniently and centrally located within the same nook.

The close proximity of its most renowned landmarks to one another is one of the biggest factors that make one day in Rome actually palatable.

Compared to a city like NYC, where much of your time is spent traveling from one side of town to the other, you can surprisingly see a lot in Rome in a short amount of time.

As people who have now visited Rome multiple times, we can confidently say that each time we return, there’s been something new discovered. To genuinely experience Rome and maybe even see Rome like a local is not possible in one day.

With that being said, it is still feasible to see a handful of the most notable sights with just one day in Roma. Although one day in Rome isn’t quite enough, it shouldn’t deter you from visiting with the time you do have.

Who Can See Rome in One Day?

A fair warning though, this Rome itinerary is jam-packed and may not be for everyone. Who will love this itinerary?

1. Travelers who are set on checking out all the must-sees in Rome and have a little pep in their step.

2. Travelers who will be satisfied to merely visit landmarks from the outside and not actually enter.

This one-day itinerary in Rome is not best suited for people who want to actually go inside the Vatican, Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo and Pantheon. These activities take up a good chunk of time and aren’t practical for just a Rome day trip.

If you have more time in Rome, we highly recommend booking a tour or two to gain the most from your time there.

An Eventful One Day in Rome Itinerary

Morning in Rome

Vatican City

As the smallest sovereign state, Vatican City is home to the largest church in the world and exists as a country within the city of Rome. It is renowned for many of its components including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Gardens of Vatican City, and the Vatican Museums.

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most well-known reasons to visit Vatican City as it’s where you’ll find the celebrated Michelangelo’s ceiling.

Visiting the Vatican Museums takes a minimum of two hours. To include touring the actual interior of Vatican City during your one day in Rome, it’s recommended that you take the morning tour at 9am.

Alternatively, you can skip entering the Vatican and appreciate its exterior. To keep this Rome itinerary completely free of costs and to maximize on time, travelers can simply admire St. Peter’s Basilica from St. Peter’s Square.

🎭 Read More: Tips for Visiting the Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Steps away from Vatican City is the fortress of Castle Sant’Angelo, originally built during the 2nd century. It currently offers exhibits of medieval weapons, priceless paintings, and even a glimpse into Renaissance-era apartments.

You’ll also find a mausoleum for a former Roman emperor and have the opportunity to climb to the top for a stunning view.

Entrance to Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the more affordable major attractions in Rome at just €13. However, you would need to set aside at least one hour to tour it.

Budget travelers who are looking to complete this itinerary without spending can remain impressed by the castle’s sheer greatness from the outside.

Spanish Steps

After seeing the biggest sites in Rome located on the west side of the river, it’s time to venture to the other side. The stroll will take you along the Tiber and by a bonus site, the extraordinary Supreme Court building.

You’ll cross the historic Ponte Cavour to reach Via Tomacelli which then turns into Via dei Condotti, a street filled with high-end fashion shops. In total, it’s a 20 minute walk before you reach the Spanish Steps.

Known as Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian, the Spanish Steps were built in the 18th century in a grand and, at the time, unusual design. The striking staircase is the widest and longest in all of Europe and has become famous from movie appearances as well as the hosting location for cultural events.

Take the Metro from Spagna to Colosseo Station

It’d be a shame not to take advantage of the Spagna metro station located right at the Spanish Steps.

To avoid a 30-minute walk to the Colosseo, catch Line A from Spagna to Termini where you’ll transfer to Line B and get off at Colosseo. This 12-minute ride will be the rest you need after a busy morning.

An Afternoon in Rome

Colosseum

If there’s one thing you must see during your day trip to Rome, it’s the Colosseum. It’s one of the most famous monuments in Rome and even the world.

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the landmark is a true symbol of the greatness of old-world Roma and the Eternal City. The ancient arena was prominently famed for hosting lavish gladiator fights and combats, which also included exotic animals.

The surrounding area of the Colosseum is open to the public without any admission fees. As you gaze at the Colosseum’s walls from its perimeter, you’ll also see the astonishing Arch of Constantine.

For one of the best views and photo opportunities of the Colosseum, walk up the stairs from street level to reach Giardinetto del Monte Oppio.

Trajan Forum & Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

From the Colosseum, you’ll begin the trek down the stately Via dei Fori Imperiali, an avenue running in parallel to the Roman Forum and straight to the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II.

The Forum is a paid attraction, located on one side of the avenue, but on the opposing side is where you’ll find the Trajan Forum, the ruins of a Roman square that are free to visit.

Since you’re already in the area, the Trajan Forum is very quick detour to make along this one day Rome itinerary.

The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II is an enormous white building built out of marble, topped with imposing statues.

Built between 1885 and 1935, the building is practically new if you compare it to the long history of its neighboring landmarks. As the name implies, the site was created in honor of unified Italy’s very first king, Vittorio Emanuele II.

Trevi Fountain

The walk to the Trevi Fountain takes about 15 minutes and allows you to casually pass by the family home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother.

Or, you can take the path which passes by Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli, one of the most underrated churches in Rome. It’s beautifully filled with Renaissance frescoes, theatrical marble columns, and masterful architecture.

The Fontana di Trevi is a staple of any Rome itinerary and is also convenient to visit as it sits outdoors without any admission fee. The fountain is sculpted to replicate a scene of Neptune, the god of the sea, and his usual surroundings of a chariot and winged horses as he controls the waters.

Completed in the late 1700s, this gorgeous masterpiece is still fed by water from one of the city’s aqueducts. With massive recognition, the Trevi Fountain definitely knows how to attract a crowd at any time of the day.

The Evening in Rome

Pantheon

From the Trevi Fountain, it’s a brief ten-minute walk to the Pantheon. If you miraculously have some time to spare, make an impromptu detour at Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola. This church is famous for its extravagant ceiling, which is painted in the style of an optical illusion, making the objects look three-dimensional.

Arriving at the Pantheon is most magical at sunset. If you time your day just right, you can try to catch that golden hue which gives the Pantheon an extra touch of photogenic boost.

The iconic temple reigns supreme in a couple of aspects but is most known for being the best-preserved ancient Roman building.

Architecturally, it’s considered a marvel and somewhat of a miracle that it’s still intact today. Originally built as a temple for all the gods, the dome is now home to many important figures in Italian culture, including painters, composers, and architects.

Piazza Navona

Depending on the time of year you visit, your one day in Rome may conclude in the dark. Luckily, Rome is just as breathtaking at night as it is in the daylight. Like all other monuments, Piazza Navona is lit up after the sun sets, which makes its fountains arguably even more intriguing.

The square is closed off to traffic and is comprised of three fountains: the Fountain of the Moro, the Neptune Fountain, and the Fiumi Fountain, the largest one. Furthermore, the romantic scene is backed by the magnificent 17th-century church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.

Piazza Navona is the perfect place to bring your one day in Rome to an end with some drinks and dinner. The square is quintessential Rome and lined with one restaurant after another, all boasting dreamy views of the glowing fountains to admire.

Bonus: Nightlife in Trastavere

Although it’s definitely not a hidden gem, Rome’s best neighborhood goes by the name of Trastevere. The trendy, picturesque, and charming quarter is filled with idyllic outdoor restaurants, vintage shops, and enough bars to last you a lifetime.

Trastevere is generally quiet during the day and especially dead before noon. The neighborhood thrives after 9pm and is effortlessly the coolest place in Rome to ride into the night.

To add Trastevere as your last stop on this one day in Rome adventure, it’s recommended to take a cab or catch the tram from Arenula/Cairoli towards Trastevere.

Map of Self Guided Walking Tour for One Day in Rome

IMPORTANT NOTE: This self-guided walking tour of Rome begins in Vatican City and ends at Piazza Navona.

If you are driving to Rome, it’s recommended to park at Parking Piazza Cavour located near the Vatican. In this case, you’ll need to account for the walk from Piazza Navona back to the parking garage at the end of the day.

For travelers who are spending the night in Rome, it’s recommended to choose accommodation near the ending point of Piazza Navona.

The Best Time to Visit Rome for a Day

To provide our readers with honesty and thorough travel advice, we won’t sugarcoat this next part. Rome can be unbearable if you visit during the wrong time. The city welcomes over 10 million visitors each year, and there’s no sign of this slowing down.

As a visitor, it’s important to be aware of what you are walking into and have certain expectations in order to avoid disappointment. There will be crowds, there will be lines, and it likely won’t feel like you’re in a dream.

With that being said, a place can be all these things and still be 100% worth seeing. To ensure you’re visiting Rome during the most enjoyable time, there are two things to be aware of.

Avoid Rome from July – August

If it’s in your control, do not plan a visit to Roma in the summer. This isn’t even necessarily because of the crowds but because of the extreme heat.

Each time we’ve visited Rome in the summer months, our day ended in a puddle of our own sweat (and maybe tears). For this self-guided walking tour of Rome in particular, it’s not recommended to attempt it in 35°C / 95°F weather.

Travellers who are eager to attend at least one attraction should also know that tickets are sold out for 2-3 weeks ahead of time in the summer.

Get Up Early

One of the best things to do in Rome is to see it at sunrise. If you are not planning on entering any of the landmarks, try to schedule your one day in Rome to begin just before the sun comes up.

This will result in a couple of things such as getting the best photos at Rome’s hotspots and having to steer around fewer people while walking. The lighting is extraordinary, and there’s a sense of magic as you witness Rome waking up for the day.

How to See Rome in One Day

Hop On Hop Off Bus

We are some of the biggest advocates for self-guided trips, mostly because it came out of necessity. When you’re traveling with a large dog and a toddler, it’s sometimes best to do everything on your own time. *shrug*

However, if you are visiting Rome for a day without an entire circus, booking a Hop-On Hop-Off bus will save your feet the walking.

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus works particularly well for a Rome day trip because it will stop at all the major attractions. After purchasing your ticket, you’ll hop on the bus at the main departure location, which is usually at Termini station.

From there, you’ll receive a map of the stops throughout the city where you can get off and get on as you please during the day. Overall, this is hands down the best way to see Roma in a short amount of time if you’re just looking to get the gist of it.

On Foot

Pack some really comfortable shoes and come prepared to see Rome on the most personal level, by walking. For travelers who are physically able to, it’s highly recommended to complete this one-day tour of Rome on foot. It is the only way to truly appreciate Rome beyond the tourist hotspots.

As you’re walking from one site to another, you’ll come across narrow alleyways, secret courtyards, and hole-in-the-wall bars or restaurants that you otherwise wouldn’t have known about.To frequent travelers like us, it’s the unexpected finds like that which end up being the best part of a trip.

A walking tour of Rome also does not mean it has to be a sprint. Although it’s a lot of steps and distance to cover, it can be leisurely. Get an early start, do not rush it and always stop for a caffè or gelato when the opportunity presents itself.

Luckily, there are also many park benches and marble structures around Roma where you can sit down and take a breather.

Electric Scooters

If you’ve been to any major city lately, you may have noticed the use of electric scooters as a method of transportation. Personally, we think they’re really fun to use and can be a huge time-saver if you know what you’re doing.

As a solo traveler or even a couple, using the electric scooters will get you through a Rome itinerary efficiently.

Most recently, we noticed around three different electric scooter companies (there are likely more) in the city center of Rome: Bird, Lime, and Helbiz. Each of these works similarly in terms of how to use them. If you already have the app for any of these, then simply scan and get moving.

If not, you’ll need to download the app and complete a brief signup before scooting away. Prices are on average around €1 for the initial startup and then €.25/minute thereafter. 

The one thing to keep top of mind before renting an electric scooter in Roma is your confidence level and experience. For first timers, it can be nerve racking to manuever through cars, taxis and even mobs of people.

Public Transportation

The public transportation system in Rome is comprised of the underground metro, above-ground trams, and buses.

Similar to many popular tourist destinations in Europe, it’s possible to purchase a 24-hour pass which costs €7 in Rome. This pass is valid on all types of public transportation.

Metro

Out three metro lines, tourists will be most interested in knowing about Line A and B. Line A easily connects the west side of River Tiber (Vatican City) with the east side, where a majority of the attractions are.

Line B is then helpful for getting to the Colosseum. For reaching the heart of the historic quarter (Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and more), do not rely on taking the metro as there is zero metro coverage in that area.

Tram

Using the above-ground tram is mostly useful for getting to the Trastevere neighborhood (line 3) on the west side of the River Tiber. Navigating your way throughout Rome’s major sites using the tram is not recommended to be your primary form of transportation.

The majority of the trams have “tap to pay” systems, which allow you to tap your credit card (or Apple Pay) and pay for a single-use ride on the spot.

Bus

Rome’s bus system is the most vast and covers the entirety of its suburbs including the historic centre. If you bought the 24-hour transportation pass, you can use this on the bus.

Or, you can simply tap your credit card or phone at the front of the bus as you get on and the €2 ticket is valid for 100 minutes. You cannot purchase a bus ride in cash with the driver.

Surprisingly, Google Maps is accurate when it comes to bus directions in Rome based on the destination landmark you enter. To find the bus stop, simply keep a lookout for the yellow signs which say fermata on them.

🗺 HOW TO MASTER PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN ROME:

Download the maps for the metro lines, tram stops and bus routes available here before arriving.

FAQs for Seeing Rome in One Day

How Much Does a Day in Rome Cost?

The best part about this one-day itinerary in Rome is that it can be completely free. Without factoring in the cost of either parking or public transportation to get into Rome center from the airport, you don’t have to spend anything.

Firstly, it is possible to spend one day in Rome for free by walking the route instead of taking the metro, bus, or taxi.

Secondly, you’ll need to make the choice to not enter any of the sites and simply admire them from the outside instead.

Alternatively, the amount you spend on one day in Rome can vary depending on how you choose to get around and what you see. If you opt for taking a Hop On Hop Off bus instead of walking, expect to pay around €25 per person for transportation.

On the other hand, one metro ride in Rome only costs €1.50. Visitors who are set on entering one or two attractions should budget for admission costs. You can expect to pay around €30 for entrance to the Vatican and €40 for the Colosseum.

Dining in Rome is another aspect of your daily budget to keep in mind. If you’re on the go and don’t want to stop for a sit-down meal, you can find sandwiches and similar “hand” food for €5.

A traditional experience at a trattoria or ristorante will cost anywhere from €15 – €40 per person depending on how fancy you get.

What Should You Not Do During One Day in Rome?

Your one day in Rome should be considered precious, assuming you are on a mission to make the most of it. The one activity that isn’t worth the time and doesn’t provide an authentic experience of Rome is shopping for souvenirs.

Rome has no shortage of small shops and even curb side tents where products are literally dumped on tables and priced at low prices. Aside from wasting time, sifting through the plastic figurines and low-quality bracelets is not what Rome is about.

Need better ideas for souvenirs from Rome? Consider the Italian staple candy “Pocket Coffee” or a small vintage item from an antique store like Bruschini Tanca Antichità. Additionally, activities and experiences are a much better alternative to traditional souvenirs!

How Many Steps Will You Take During One Day in Rome?

This self-guided walking route for one day in Rome is roughly 9 km (5.6 miles) long. However, this doesn’t take into consideration the walking you’ll do around the attractions and any detours made to find a bite to eat or a gelato cone.

It is effortlessly possible to end up walking as much as 16 km (10 miles) during your one day in Rome. This means the number of steps you’ll take can range from 12,000 steps to 22,000 steps in just one day.

Where to Park for a Day in Rome?

We have multiple experiences with parking in Rome. Somehow, they were all different from one another which just goes to show you how unpredictable the city can be.

One time, we stayed about 5 km south of the city center and ended up parking our car on a curb for four days with zero questions asked and no tickets.

Unfortunately, the closer you are to the city center, the tougher everything is for travelers with a car.

Street Parking

If you are lucky, you can attempt to find street parking, but remember, it must be outside of ZTL zones. In Italy, you’ll see signs for ZTL zones, which are limited traffic zones and essentially mean you cannot drive there as a non resident. Hefty fines are handed out for disobeying these zones during the posted times.

Street parking in Italy is fairly simple to understand. White lines mean it’s free. Do not plan on finding free parking as your plan A. Blue lines mean you must pay hourly or for up to 8 hours at a time (either at the meter or with the EasyPark app).

Street parking fees vary by location but will typically cost around €1.50 per hour. Parking spots marked with yellow lines are a no-go for regular cars.

Parking Garages

There are very few large parking garages in the centre of Rome, especially on the east side of the Tiber River.

Near the historic quarter of Rome, you’ll only find small garages that are tricky to enter and may not even fit your vehicle if you’re driving anything larger than a Fiat.

We’ve parked near the Colosseum where the cost ended up being around €20 for just 4 hours. This is comparatively normal for Rome but otherwise, not very affordable.

For tourists visiting Rome for the day, the best parking garage is behind the Supreme Court. You’ll find it as Parking Piazza Cavour on Google Maps and the cost is just under €3 per hour. The garage is enormous with many spots, secure and easy to get in and out of.

Where Can You Store Luggage in Rome?

There are many reasons why travelers may need to store luggage during their day in Rome. Whether you’re in the city for a long layover, checking in/out at an odd time, or only spending a few hours in Rome before catching a train, ditch your luggage for a less stressful experience.

Trust us, you don’t want to be the person dragging around luggage on the noisy cobblestone roads around the Colosseum.

Thankfully, it’s a common problem, which means there are many solutions in a tourist destination like Rome. You can simply search for “luggage storage” on Google Maps and you’ll see a number of luggage storage points, with a ton located near Termini train station.

Additionally, you can even walk into any hotel, whether you’re staying there or not. Most hotels will be happy to hold onto your luggage for a fee.

What Is the Best Way to Get From and to Rome Airport?

Leonardo da Vinci Airport is Rome’s international airport that’s located 30 km west of the city centre. There is an amazing designated train service that takes passengers from FCO Airport to Termini Station in just 30 minutes.

Unless you’re travelling in the middle of the night, the train is even quicker than driving to Rome.

The cost for the Leonardo Express train is €14 one-way and can be booked either on site or online.

If you’re the type who likes to be prepared and don’t want to waste time in the ticket line, book tickets for the Leonardo Express in advance.

Where to Stay in Rome for One Night

V-Accommodation IV Fontane (Near the Trevi Fountain) – CHECK PRICES

Erreggi Luxury Rooms (Near Vatican City) – CHECK PRICES

Rome To Stay (Near Termini Station) – CHECK PRICES

Dopodomani Suite (Near Spanish Steps) – CHECK PRICES

More Destinations to Explore Near Rome:

• A Day Trip to Villa d’Este
• Visiting the Monster Park (Sacro Bosco) in Bomarzo
• How to Visit Calcata Vecchia
• Gaeta: A Beach Destination Near Rome
• How to Get to Abruzzo
• 20 Hidden Gem Towns in Italy

Travel Resources for One Day in Rome

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator