Rome in one day: an hour-by-hour walking itinerary
Quick answer
In one day in Rome, walk this route: Colosseum, Forum and Palatine in the morning; lunch in Monti; the Pantheon and Piazza Navona in the afternoon; the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps at sunset. Book a timed Colosseum ticket and leave the Vatican for a second day.
Hours and prices checked on
Point your camera at any artwork
Try it free in Rome
AnyArt recognizes paintings, sculptures and monuments and tells you their story in seconds, like a personal audio guide. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android.
One-day itinerary through Rome
The Vatican doesn't fit in a single day: the Vatican Museums and St Peter's need a full morning, so they are in the 2-day itinerary. Times are approximate and include walking.
- 1
08:30 · Colosseum · metro B Colosseo
Colosseum
Arrive at the start of your slot with the combined ticket already bought. Give it 1 hour 15 minutes: the stands, the underground chambers if open, and the view over the arena from the upper level.
- 2
10:00 · Roman Forum · via Sacra entrance
Roman Forum and Palatine
Walk the Via Sacra to the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Septimius Severus. Then climb the Palatine for a view over the Forum and the Farnese Gardens. About 2 hours in total.
- 3
12:15 · Monti · 10 min walk
Lunch in Monti
Walk down Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Monti district. There are affordable trattorias and pizza al taglio stands around Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.
- 4
14:00 · Piazza del Campidoglio
Capitoline Hill and Forum view
Climb Michelangelo's staircase to the square. From the side terrace you get the best free panorama of the Forum. If you have energy left, see the statue of Marcus Aurelius in the Capitoline Museums.
- 5
15:00 · Piazza della Rotonda
Pantheon
Cross the centre (15 minutes) to the Pantheon. Look up at the oculus and find Raphael's tomb. Allow 30 minutes; with AnyArt you can point at the dome and hear how it was built.
- 6
16:00 · Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona
Take a break or an ice cream in the square, beneath Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and facing the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.
- 7
17:30 · Piazza di Trevi
Trevi Fountain
Arrive in the late-afternoon light before it gets packed. Remember that getting close to the basin costs €2; you can also view it from the square for free.
- 8
18:30 · Piazza di Spagna
Spanish Steps
Climb the 135 steps of the Trinità dei Monti staircase to watch the sunset over Rome's rooftops.
- 9
20:00 · Trastevere or centre
Dinner
Dine in the centre or cross the Tiber to Trastevere if you still have energy for an evening stroll.
Tips to make the most of the day
- Buy Colosseum, Forum and Palatine tickets on the official site weeks ahead in high season.
- Wear comfortable shoes and carry water: free drinking fountains, the "nasoni", are all over the city.
- In summer, do the Colosseum and Forum first thing to avoid the midday heat.
- If you only pay for one thing, make it the Colosseum; most of the rest of the route is free.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Rome in one day?
Yes, the essentials of the centre: Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. To add the Vatican you need a second day.
Where should I start?
At the Colosseum, first thing with a booked ticket. Then the Forum and Palatine, and from there walk into the historic centre.
Can I fit the Vatican into the same day?
It isn't advisable. The Vatican Museums need at least 2 to 3 hours and St Peter's another hour. With just one day, focus on ancient Rome and the centre.
How much walking is it?
About 8 to 10 kilometres, mostly flat. You can shorten it with one metro ride between Termini and Piazza di Spagna.