The Best of Rome in 36 Hours: Ultimate Itinerary + Map

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How to spend an amazing 36 hours in Rome

Rome is a gorgeous city, high on any bucket list, and full of love, life, and romance. With fabulous architecture bathed in the unique light of the Eternal City, incredible Roman ruins, and delicious Italian food, what’s not to love?

From historic and ancient architecture, fantastic cuisine, beautiful churches, cobbled streets perfect for strolling, and some of Europe’s most famous attractions, Rome is a quintessentially Italian experience.

Even if you only have a short time in Rome, our 36-hour itinerary will allow you to pack a lot in. It includes all the best things to see and do in this fabulous city.

Things to See & Do in Rome

Interactive Map

DAY 1 ROUTE: Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine – Tiber River Cruise

DAY 2 ROUTE: Viale Trinita Dei Monti – Villa Borghese – Centro Storico – Spanish Steps – Trevi Fountain – Pantheon – Vatican

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Rome Itinerary Notes

Day One Afternoon

Visit The Colosseum

Our first stop was the city of ancient Rome, where we visited the unmissable Colosseum, which is just one of the reasons why you should visit Rome. The sky was blue, and it was 2pm; we were in Rome!  

As we came along the Via Del Serpenti, the Colosseum rose in front of us, and words fail me; it was enormous, imposing, and really old. How was it still standing? The stonewashed in the late afternoon sunshine and glowed, beckoning us in.  

We bought small group Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine tickets in advance as we had read the queues were huge, and they were, even late in the afternoon. We wanted to see the Colosseum in full, so we chose tickets that gave us access to areas you can’t otherwise see, and we were in a small group. It was well worth the little bit extra as we observed large groups struggling to keep up with and hear their guide. 

The Colosseum is vast, and it is terrifying when you understand its history. As you walk through one of the entrance arches, the sheer scale of the ancient building becomes apparent. The Romans built such a civilized building and used it in the most uncivilized of ways.

The architecture is breathtaking, with huge blocks of stone and marble juxtaposed with delicate decorations and carvings. Imagine how the Colosseum must have felt full of bloodthirsty locals – like a modern-day football stadium with fans chanting and singing, but for death, not goals.  

Head for the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, once the bustling center of political, commercial, and social life in ancient Rome, is now a sprawling archaeological site filled with remnants of temples, basilicas, and public spaces.

Walking along the Via Sacra, the main street that once hosted grand processions, you can almost imagine the ancient Romans going about their daily lives.

Climb Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill, towering above the Forum, is equally fascinating. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded the city of Rome.

Exploring the remains of imperial palaces, such as the Domus Augustana, and wandering through lush gardens like the Farnese Gardens, you can see why this area was once the preferred residence of emperors and aristocrats.

Day One Evening

Cruise the River Tiber

The Tiber River wends its way through Rome, under at least five bridges, as it heads from the Apennine Mountains through Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Take a Tiber River Cruise and enjoy a glass of Italian wine while enjoying 360° panoramic views of the city at dusk!

Explore Rome’s Cuisine

If Italian food is calling, take this highly rated evening tour of Rome’s gastronomic neighborhoods. During the tour, you will enjoy 20 different tastings of Italian and Roman food and wine, and you will have the opportunity to meet chefs and food producers. 

More Italian Travel Inspiration

Day Two Morning

Admire the View from Viale Trinita Dei Monti

At the Monumento a Enrico e Giovanni Cairoli on the Viale Trinita Dei Monti, which sits above the city, you will find incredible views of Rome’s rooftops. We just had to go for the view and take some photos.

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic skylines in the world, the view is spectacular. All the domes of Rome, from the Vatican City to the Pantheon, shimmer in the distinctive Rome light, which makes everything look so Roman!!

If you’re up for a few stairs, you can walk up to this area from Piazza del Popolo! Head into the Piazza from the Porto del Popolo and take a left; you will see the stairs in front of you.  

Discover Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s most cherished treasures, watching over the Piazza del Popolo. The 80-hectare beautifully landscaped gardens are a haven of greenery dotted with elegant sculptures and fountains.

They were developed in 1606 by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who wanted to turn his former vineyard into the most extensive gardens built in Rome, and he did an excellent job!

The quintessentially Italian gardens are known as Rome’s green lung, and you could easily spend hours wandering them. At the heart of the gardens is the Galleria Borghese, a gallery housing an exquisite collection of masterpieces by renowned artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

The gardens are free and open to the public, but the museums and historic buildings require a ticket. You can also try our recommended small group tour with skip-the-line tickets and a knowledgeable guide.

Day Two Afternoon

Take a Walking Tour

This was absolutely the best thing we did in Rome. It’s a great way to see the city and appreciate its history, culture, and architecture.  

If you can, book a tour with Free Walking Tours Rome. Their guides live in the city, are immersed in the culture, and will be able to give you insider tips and recommendations for food, places to go, and other activities off the beaten tourist track. 

We started at the stunning Piazza del Popolo and moved on to the ancient and gravity-defying Pantheon, then the beautiful airy square of Piazza Navona.  

We wandered through Rome’s old town, with its traditional trattorias and bohemian atmosphere, before passing the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo and finishing at the fascinating Vatican and sublime Sistine Chapel.

Climb the Spanish Steps

We continued wandering and headed over to see the Spanish Steps via the immense and white Monumenta Vittorio Emanuele.

The Spanish Steps were hard to distinguish due to the number of people sitting on them, but hey, we went, saw, and took the obligatory photos—and even managed a selfie!

Visit the Trevi Fountain

Standing in the Piazza Trevi (where else?) is the magnificent Trevi Fountain. Standing over 26 meters (85 feet) tall and 49 meters (161 feet) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Be warned, though, it can get very busy, and you’ll have to be patient to get a good view.

By now, you’ll have walked for miles and tens of thousands of steps. It’s time to enjoy some of the best ice-cream in Rome (known as gelato in Italy), or perhaps a coffee and a bit of people watching. Both are such rewarding pastimes in this fascinating and vibrant city!

Day Two Evening

Take an Evening Tour of the Vatican

Even if you spend only 36 hours in Rome, you cannot miss exploring the Vatican Museums and the glorious Sistine Chapel.

Visiting this popular Rome attraction after hours means fewer crowds and more space and time to enjoy the historic masterpieces of art and architecture. 

Take this exclusive Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel evening walking tour, and you’ll marvel at the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Creation of Adam, and admire masterpieces by the Italian artists Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

Where to Eat in Rome

Pizzeria da Baffetto: Located near Piazza Navona, Pizzeria da Baffetto is a must-visit for pizza lovers. This unassuming, no-frills pizzeria is famous for its thin-crust Roman pizzas, baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The cozy, bustling atmosphere adds to the charm, and though you might have to wait for a table, the delicious pizza is well worth it.

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29: In the charming Trastevere neighborhood, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 is a classic Roman trattoria with a reputation for serving some of the best traditional dishes in the city. Here, you can indulge in hearty plates of cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana, all made with the finest ingredients. The homey ambiance and the trattoria’s commitment to authentic flavors make it a favorite with locals and tourists. Be prepared for a wait; reservations are not accepted, but the experience is worth it.

Roscioli Caffè: Situated near Campo de’ Fiori, Roscioli Caffè offers a delightful blend of a bakery, café, and wine bar. While their main restaurant, Salumeria Roscioli, is more formal, the caffè is perfect for a casual meal or snack. You can enjoy their renowned pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), sandwiches filled with top-quality cured meats, or pastries paired with a robust Italian espresso. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite or to linger over a glass of wine while soaking in the vibrant Roman atmosphere.

Supplizio: A casual dining, street food-inspired spot in the old town, Supplizio is known for serving some of the best traditional Roman street food in a casual yet refined setting. Make sure to try its famous supplì, a beloved Roman snack consisting of deep-fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella and ragù. Yummy!

Top Five Rome Travel Tips

More Than 36 Hours in Rome?

If you have a bit more time in Rome, add these attractions to your itinerary:

Castel Sant’Angelo

Also known as “The Mausoleum of Hadrian,” the Castel Sant’Angelo is a huge round fortress on the Tiber River. The emperor Hadrian commissioned it as the burial place of himself and his family, and it is now a museum.

Mausoleum of Augustus

The Mausoleum of Augustus is the resting place of some of Rome’s most iconic leaders. It opened to the public in 2021 for the first time in its 2,000-year history. 

Ostia Antica

Take a day trip from Rome to Ostia Antica, the harbor city of ancient Rome. The city was abandoned and buried for over ten centuries until it was rediscovered and became a vast and fascinating archeological site.

Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

If you take a one-day trip from Rome, head south on this highly-rated and well-organized trip.

Explore the intact remains of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that destroyed it.

With a professional guide to offer insights, our recommended Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius organized tour from Rome is the perfect opportunity to see more of Italy in less time!

Rome Practicalities

When to Visit Rome

Rome has a beautiful Mediterranean climate with hot, sticky summers and cool winters. Temperatures in July and August can easily exceed 30°C (86°F) with high humidity levels, but these are also the busiest times for tourists to visit.

Spring and fall are by far the best times to visit for kinder temperatures and quieter attractions. Try for April or May (avoiding Easter) or September and October, when the light is at its most luminescent. 

Visit Rome in winter, and you’ll get the best deals on places to stay and attractions, with cheaper flights, too.

Getting to Rome

When flying to Rome, you will land at Fiumicino Leonard da Vinci or Ciampino Airports. Fiumicino is the biggest of the two airports slightly further out of the city, both airports offer great transport links. You have several options to get into the city:

Where to Stay in Rome

Luxury: Palazzo Talìa is part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, known for offering unique, high-end stays with personalized service and an emphasis on luxury and comfort. Palazzo Talìa is a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities in the heart of Rome. It’s a perfect spot for a special occasion or just a splurge!

Mid-Range: Mario De’ Fiori 37 is a boutique hotel offering a blend of luxury, style, and comfort. It is perfect for travelers seeking a unique, personalized experience in Colonna, one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Budget: San Anselmo is a charming boutique hotel in the Aventine Hill area, one of the city’s most elegant neighborhoods. Known for its ambiance and stylish decor, Hotel San Anselmo offers a blend of Roman charm and modern comforts, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for a retreat in central Rome.

Hostel: JO&JOE Roma is known for its quirky blend of hostel and hotel with a fun and relaxed atmosphere and cool communal spaces. JO&JOE is an excellent choice for those visiting Rome on a budget.

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