One Day in Rome (Itineraries + Tours)

There's no way to cover all Rome has to offer in one day, but there's definitely time to see the highlights and soak up the atmosphere. Sometimes, people have only one day - they just have layover in Rome or make port of call excursion while on a cruise.

On this page you'll find some ideas on how to see the best of Rome in a single day, whether on your own or on a tour. Itineraries for one day visit to Rome can be various depending on what is your priority.

Do you want to see the highlights such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, you want to just leisurely walk and soak up the atmosphere, do some shopping or you have been to Rome before and want to see something completely new.

We compiled a few itineraries for exploring Rome in one day and picked up a few organised tours you'll love to take (everything is organised for you).

Choose itinerary that best suits your interest and enjoy your time in Rome.

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1. Visiting the Colosseum and Vatican in one day

Visiting the Colosseum and the Vatican (St Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museum) in one day is possible, but you will skip many other great sights in Rome. 

So we suggest you to do either the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and St Peter's Basilica, or the Vatican Museums and only the Colosseum (without Roman Forum and Palatine Hill), and then continue to explore other Roman sights and soak up the atmosphere.

We suggest you to stay somewhere near the Vatican (we recommend Heart Hotel which is situated just opposite the entrance the Vatican Museum) so you can take this early morning tour of Vatican Museums. You'll have the rest of the day for exploring historic centre or the Colosseum. 

When near the Vatican be sure to visit Hedera Gelateria (Via Dei Coronari 141) and taste one of the best Roman artisanal gelato (so delicious!).

Once you finished the Vatican, head to the historic centre to explore and finally visit the Colosseum.

Cover the Colosseum (including Arena floor), Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in just a few hours on this guided tour (avoiding long lines) or book this private Colosseum.

If you decide to explore on your own, be sure to buy one of skip-the-line tickets. Visit our page dedicated to best ways to see the Colosseum!

Stay at Nerva Boutique Hotel if you want to be a short walk from the Colosseum!

If you love everything to be organised, just book this Rome in a day tour with Vatican and Colosseum (small-group tour that lasts 7-hours; skip-the-line tickets to sights are included) and explore completely hassle-free.

2. Visiting the Colosseum + Jewish Ghetto + Pantheon + Trevi Fountain + Spanish Steps

Start the day with visiting the Colosseum (opens at 8:30am) which is a must-see sights for the first time visitors. Whether you're exploring on your own or taking a guided tour, bring your camera to capture some amazing photos. As you walk around, you'll learn more about the history of Rome.

If you decide to visit on your own, be sure to buy one of skip-the-line tickets. A ticket to the Colosseum also includes access to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, the centre of political and social life in Ancient Rome. Both are worth visiting so you'll spend exploring these 3 sights at least 2-3 hours (or even more).

If you opt for a tour, we recommend this small-group tour, that will in only 3-hours show you the best of the Colosseum (including Arena floor), the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (choose one of early morning departures).

Once, you finish with the Colosseum, explore nearby Monti area, make a shopping for unique souvenirs and have a lunch in one local restaurants.

Take Via del Plebiscito then Corso Vittorio Emanuelle to reach Jewish Ghetto and further Piazza Navona. 

Explore the area and take a break in one of cafés (we recommend Dolci di Nonna Vincenza - for espresso and authentic cannoli).

Continue your walk toward the Pantheon and visit inside to admire stunning frescoes, sculptures and marble flooring (the highlight is the oculus, a circular opening at the top of the dome that allows natural light to food inside). Buy skip-the line tickets to save the time!

From Pantheon, you can easily walk to Fontana di Trevi, one of the most beautiful European fountains. It's always packed with tourists, but it's worth visiting and snapping a few photos. At night, the fountain is illuminated, making it all feel rather romantic.

A short walk from here, you'll find the Spanish Steps, another must-do when in Rome. At the top of the 138 steps, you can see across the whole city. It's the perfect location for sunset. Around the area, you’ll find some of Rome’s best shopping, with high-end boutiques and designer stores lining the streets.

It's great to spend evening around Spanish Steps (having a dinner or sipping cocktails or have a snack).

3. Visiting Borghese Park + Spanish Steps + Piazza del Popolo + St Peter's Basilica

This itinerary starts with spending time in Villa Borghese Park, which is a large park in the centre of the city. It's free to explore its landscape and sculptures.

You can reach it from Piazza Barberini (one of the central metro stops) - just walk up the Via Veneto. It can be a lovely way to spend time in a park, without the rush and sightseeing. Enjoy walking, biking or even visiting the Borghese Gallery.

If you get hungry while there, head towards Piazza Fiume and turn into Via Piave, where you'll find Al Forno della Sofita, a fabulous place for amazingly delicious pizza or a plate of authentic pasta (you'll love this place - affordable prices and great service).

From there you can easily reach the top of Spanish Steps (walk through several streets down the hill). Trinità dei Monti is the church you'll find there - it's has beautiful facade and very modest interior. 

From here you can snap amazing photos of the area and enjoy the scenery. Not far from here, you'll find Venchi, a place for chocolate lovers, offering amazing gelato and variety of chocolate truffles and other sweet goods (ideal opportunity to buy gifts to the dear ones).

From Piazza di Spagna you can easily walk to Piazza del Popolo and window shopping along the way. Once there, take a hike up the stairs to Il Pincio, a viewpoint ideal for another photo shooting of Rome. You can have a break here, while sitting on the benches and enjoying the park.

From Piazza del Popolo, take a walk across Ponte Regina Margheritta and you'll reach Via Cola di Rienzo, long street of Prati with many shops, cafés and gelaterias. Walk towards Piazza della Risorgimento and from there you can easily walk to St Peter's Square (entry to St Peter's Basilica is free).

Or just hop onto metro line A from Flaminio stop to Ottaviano - San Pietro and quickly reach Vatican area.

St Peter's Basilica can be explored for free, so if there are no long lines, you can take a quick tour of basilica (you can see it in only 30 minutes).

4. Visiting the Colosseum + taking food tour (historic centre) + Fontana di Trevi + Spanish Steps + Piazza del Popolo

Start the day with visiting the Colosseum (opens at 8:30am) and exploring it for 2-3 hours (together with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill). Be sure to buy one of skip-the-line tickets.

Now, it's time for food tour which is ideal for first-time visitors (combines food tastings, walking and meeting new people). For joining the group, you'll need to walk reach Campo de'Fiori where the guide will wait for you.

Discover more of the local cuisine by trying some of the ultimate locals’ favorites food treats. 

This tour is more than just food, it’s a cultural experience! In between food stops, discover city highlights for a well-rounded experience that will satisfy your appetite for Rome. From food, drinks, must-sees and local hot spots; this tour has everything on the menu!

After the tour, you can continue towards the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps to spend some time there. At the top of Spanish Steps, you'll find the Church of the Santissima Trinita dei Monti. At the bottom there is La Fontana Della Barcaccia, a baroque fountain of a boat.

Only 10 minutes from here, you'll find Piazza del Popolo, a beautiful square where you can spend a time. From here you can hike up the stairs to Il Pincio, the hill from where you can have panoramic view of Rome.

In the evening have a nice dinner at one of nice restaurants in the area.

5. Visiting the Colosseum + private golf cart tour of the city

Start in the morning with exploring the Colosseum (opens at 8:30am). A ticket to the Colosseum also include access to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, so don't skip these also.

For visiting all, you'll need at least 2-3 hours. If you decide to visit on your own, be sure to buy priority entrance tickets (to avoid waiting and go straight inside).

Once you done sightseeing, it's time to have a lunch nearby. In Monti district you'll find great restaurants offering delicious food.

The afternoon is reserved for guided tour by golf cart. You'll enjoy 3-hour ride around Rome and stop to see the most iconic sights including Aventine Hill for a great views. Be prepared to hear lots of great stories and interesting details about Roman history and culture! End your tour near Castel Sant'Angelo and snap a few photos there.

If you are looking for a true Italian meal, we recommend Alla Rampa dei Gracchi (Via dei Gracchi 86-92), which is only a short walk from there (delicious food, affordable prices and great service).

6. Exploring Rome by Vespa scooter + Vatican (St Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums)

One of the best ways to explore wonders of Rome is by Vespa scooter. It's fun and you travel fast and you can see a lot in 3 hours. You'll love this interesting Vespa tour of Rome (we recommend booking private option with departure at 10am).

You'll easily hop off from one sight to another, making stops for snapping photos. You'll see Rome's highlights as well as parts of the city that you wouldn't have noticed. You'll buzz through busy Piazza Venezia, near the Colosseum and Forum to the Circus Maximus.

Then you'll zip away from the bustling centre to ancient treasures, including Baths of Caracalla, Appian Way and Pyramic of Cestius before taking a break in the Testaccio (you'll have espresso or gelato here). Next, you'll go the Orange Garden to take in views over Rome, then ride through the Campo de'Fiori and finally to the Palatine Hill.

Once you finish the tour, it will be time for lunch. Let your driver drop you off somewhere near the Vatican. After the lunch, visit St Peter's Basilica (which is free) and the Vatican Museums (be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets). For this you'll need at least 3-4 hours.

7. Taking e-bike tour + visiting the Colosseum + evening walk

Start your day with true Italian breakfast at one of the cafés (espresso and cornetto) then leisurely head to the meeting point of your e-bike tour (near the Colosseum).

You'll love exploring Rome on this small-group e-bike tour that combined top sights with a few lesser-known spots. With a knowledgeable guide, you'll pedal past ancient landmarks, explore bustling squares, beautiful churches plus you'll take in the views from the best viewing points. This tour is suitable for all ages, from seniors to kids. After 4 hours of exploring, you'll be back to the spot near the Colosseum.

Have a lunch at one of local restaurant in this area (we recommend to go to Monti district).

Now, it's time for the iconic Roman sight, the Colosseum. If you are visiting on your own, be sure to buy priority entrance tickets (to avoid waiting). Don't skip visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (included in the ticket with Colosseum). For this, you'll need at least 2-3 hours, depending what you want to explore.

Joining a guided tour can enrich your Roman adventure and you won't have to worry about tickets, bookings or navigating the Colosseum. There are various options available. Some of the most popular tours are following: Private Colosseum and Roman Forum tour and Colosseum Underground and Arena Guided Tour.

Standing on the arena floor, you can imagine the spectacles that once captivated thousands of spectators. Looking up at the towering seating areas gives a sense of the Colosseum's staggering scale and the atmosphere during ancient events.

In the evening, it's time to have a leisurely walk near the Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain, a nice dinner in one of the outdoor restaurants.

8. Explore Rome on one day tour

You could explore Rome for years, but seeing the most iconic sights in a day is surely possible. The best way to do that is by taking a whole day guided tour on which you'll explore Rome with experienced local guides who knows exactly what to see and how to get there quickly.

Tours like these include whole plan of sightseeing (you can even make your own itinerary), all tickets and easy transport in the city.

Guides will share with your stories about the ancient buildings, squares and monuments you'll pass. These tours are mostly private and you'll be picked up from your hotel or apartment in Rome. Some tours are ideal for cruise visitors on Mediterranean cruises and include free pick-up (and drop-off) from cruise port in Civitavecchia.

Here are the most popular one day tours of Rome:

1. Rome's 12 best highlights tour

Seeing Rome in one day can be challenging and this 7-hour tour makes it possible. The tour does the planning for you, covering the best of the city in full day sightseeing. Some of the highlights include: Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Pantheon, St Peter's Square, Spanish steps...

Guides on this tour are professional, attentive and fun and will even show you where to have a tasty lunch. The tour starts with pick-up from your hotel!

2. Best of Rome private excursion from Civitavecchia (for cruise visitors)

Make the most of your time in Rome with a full-day private shore excursion. Meet your English-speaking guide at Civitavecchia port (in front of the ship) and set off on a day of sightseeing in Rome. Explore the Colosseum, walk down Piazza Navona, climb the Spanish Steps, enjoy the views from the Janiculum Hill and admire St Peter's Square. 

Whether you want to see ancient highlights or hidden gems, your guide will help you make the most of your day in Rome. You'll see everything one could possibly see in one day in Rome and then taken back to your cruise ship.

3. Rome by golf cart private tour

You'll fall in love with Rome on this private full-day guided tour by golf cart. During the tour you'll see so many sights which you never would have seen on foot, plus you'll have a friendly guide with your.

Choose your own route and visit sights you most want to (Colosseum, Piazza Navona, Giardino degli Aranci, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps and much more). Your guide can pick you up from your Rome's hotel or you can meet in historic centre.

4. Rome in a day small-group tour (from Civitavecchia)

This tour is designated for cruise visitors as it picks you up from your cruise ship and takes you to Rome in comfortable 8-passenger minivan. You will see the most famous sights of Rome such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Circus Maximus, Teatro di Marcello, St Peter's Square and many others.

Your guide will take you to Janiculum Hill, one of the best spots in Rome for amazing panoramic views of the city. After spending 9 hours in Rome, you'll be taken back to your cruise ship.

5. Private Rome golf cart tour (with the Colosseum guided tour)

This is a fun private tour when you will be picked up at you hotel and ride around Rome by golf cart. Great way to see some of the city's highlights in one morning. You'll visit Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Plus, the visit to the Colosseum with guided tour is included in this tour (skip the line tickets are included).  Once the tour is finished, you'll be dropped-off at your hotel accommodation.

6. Best of Rome private tour (Civitavecchia shore excursion)

You'll love exploring Rome on this shore excursion from your cruise ship. Your guide will help you to make the most of your day in Rome (the tour will last around 9 hours).

Explore the highlights of Rome such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and much more. You'll go to the Janiculum Hill, one of the best locations for a panoramic view of the city. The guide will also show you where to eat delicious food for a low price.

7. Rome in a day tour with Vatican and Colosseum (small group)

If you choose this tour, you'll meet your guide and small group a few steps from the Vatican Museum (for staying choose Heart Hotel just across the meeting point), then skip the line to enter and explore the highlights of the galleries and Sistine Chapel. Next, you'll go to St Peter's Basilica and explore on your own.

Next, you'll catch a private transfer to the historic centre for a walking tour that visit Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain... Finally, you'll arrive to the Colosseum, where you'll explore it with your guide. Note that Vatican and Colosseum skip-the-line tickets are included in the price!

8. Private guided tour of Rome (top sights in 4 hour)

Ideal for travellers short on time, this tour covers the best of Rome in just 4 hours while travelling in a luxury minivan. The tour includes top sights such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain while making room for intriguing off-the-beaten-path gems.

The tour guide/driver will listen to your wishes and visit the places you may want to visit. Meeting point is Piazza Venezia or you can be picked-up from your hotel! Stay at Nerva Boutique Hotel, and you'll easily reach the meeting point!

9. Rome day tour with private driver

This day tour of Rome is ideal for travellers short on time. The tour covers all of Rome's top sights such as the Pantheon, St Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum... (note that tickets for sights are not included in the price) with driver riding you around. Drivers/guides are professional, knowledgeable and friendly and will help you to make the most of your sightseeing.

10. Villa Borghese and city centre by segway

Discover Rome without leaving a big carbon footprint with this segway tour of the city center, led by a professional guide! You'll have your choice of all sorts of tour options long and short, with stops at some of the Eternal City's most fantastic piazzas, fountains, and buildings along with off-the-beaten sights not seen by the average tourist. Great for seeing a lot in a short time!

Where to stay in Rome for a day

If you are staying in Rome for a night, we have great suggestions for the best places.

If you are landing to Fiumicino Airport and taking Leonardo Express train to Termini Station, we would recommend staying somewhere not far away. In the text below you'll find a few great hotels that can be reached on foot or by metro (1-2 stops) from Termini.

Great Rome hotels for overnight stay:

Sophie Terrace Hotel

This great hotel can be found literally 5 minutes on foot from Termini and you'll love it. The staff will help you with everything you may need and rooms are comfortable and super clean. Take the elevator to the roof terrace, where you can chill or have a drink and snacks while enjoying the views of Rome.

Radical Hotel Rome

Modernly designed 4-star hotel, situated only 5 minutes from Barberini Metro stop and within walking distance from Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Hotel has fantastic rooms with comfy beds. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Great breakfast is served to your room.

Nerva Boutique Hotel

This is small boutique hotel on a quiet street in historic centre (short walk from the Colosseum) with homely atmosphere and helpful and warm staff. It has great selection of room types. The breakfast is super delicious! This hotel offers excellent value for money! You'll love staying here!

Monti Palace Hotel

Lovely hotel with nice amenities and a rooftop terrace where you can have a breakfast or a drink. Rooms are spacious and beautiful and the service is fantastic. Location is great with close walking distance of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Altare della Patria. There are also lots of restaurants and cafés nearby.

Heart Hotel

This hotel has great location literally steps away from the entrance to the Vatican Museums and within walking distance of St Peter's Basilica. Hotel offers cosy atmosphere and spacious modern rooms (and one suite). Breakfast is included in the room prices. Around the hotel, you'll find a range of restaurants and shops. This hotel is ideal if you plan to visit the Vatican!

Getting from/to Fiumicino Airport

The easiest way to get from and to Fiumicino Airport is by taking Leonardo Express train, which runs frequently between Termini Station and the airport.

The journey takes only 32 minutes and the ride is pleasant, comfortable with lots of space for luggage. The prices is €14 (children under 14 rides for free). 👉 Book easily online!

Once you arrive to Termini, you can take a taxi or use metro to reach your hotel or apartment. Some parts of Rome are not served by metro, so you'll need to take taxi (such as Trastevere). From Termini you can catch a metro to Spanish Steps, the Vatican or the Colosseum area. 

If you want to travel directly from Fiumicino Airport to your hotel, we recommend taking Welcome Pickups transfers, reliable and safe transfer option (your driver will meet you at arrival terminal).

Facilities for luggage storage in Rome

Rome offers luggage storage services at key locations such as train stations as well as at numerous cafés, hotels, rental agencies and other places. The best way to store your suitcases is to book with Radical Storage. At reasonable price, you can store bags of any size or weight, including strollers and other large items. 

Storing your bags is very simple. Just find the luggage storage that meets your needs, book online (pay by credit card) and discover the actual address. Head to the location and drop off your bags!

This allows you to explore the city freely without carrying your luggage around.

More info you may like:

Where to stay in Rome

Things to do in Florence

Best cooking classes in Rome

Best ways to see the Colosseum

Getting from Rome to Croatia

Leonardo Express train guide

Rome to Florence trains

Fun
Italian Activities