How to Spend 24 Hours in Rome

Visit the Colosseum

If you find yourself in Rome, even for just a few hours, this is a must. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the iconic Colosseum once served as a massive amphitheater used for public entertainment, sporting events, and exhibitions. Most famously, gladiator fights were held here. Today, you can tour the Colosseum, and learn more about how it was used in Ancient Rome, but if you’re tight on time, I recommend sipping a glass of wine at a nearby restaurant as the sun is setting on the arena. Trust me, this is a golden hour you won’t forget,

Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina is a large open space in the heart of Rome with four Roman Republican temples and the remains of Pompey’s Theatre. It is also the site in which Julius Caesar was betrayed and murdered by his peers in 44 BCE. Today, it is home to a famous, beloved stray cat sanctuary, which you can also visit. Tickets to walk through the ruins are optional, but you can also view the site (and see the cats) from street level.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. You can purchase tickets in advance for a guided tour through the ruins, or you can just stroll through and research the site’s history on your own if you have a plane (or train) to catch.

Trevi Fountain

Designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi in 1732, the Trevi Fountain is one of the newer attractions in this ancient city. The Trevi Fountain is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, deep connection to ancient Roman history, and prominent role in classic cinema. It became a globally recognized romantic landmark through the tradition of tossing coins into the water to guarantee a future return to the city. Today, you can view the fountain for free at a distance, or you can pay a small fee to see it up close.

St. Peter’s Square

Tours of the Vatican usually take at least half a day, so if you’re in Rome for just a little while but you’d like to get a taste of Vatican City, I highly recommend grabbing a cappuccino and strolling through St. Peter’s Square. When a new pope is elected, or when major Catholic holidays are celebrated, thousands of people gather in this sacred spot. Most Catholics consider St. Peter’s Square to be the beating heart of their faith.

Visit the Spanish Steps

This monumental 135-step Baroque staircase connects the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) at the bottom to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti and its French monastery church at the top. At the base of the steps lies the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Ugly Boat), a half-sunken ship fountain sculpted by Pietro Bernini and his famous son, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. If you visit in mid-April through early May, the stairs are lined with hundreds of blooming pots of pink and white azaleas.

Pop into the Pantheon

The Pantheon is a spectacular, nearly 2,000-year-old architectural marvel. Originally built as an ancient Roman temple, it features the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world and is famous for its “oculus”— a central opening at the top that acts as the building’s only light source.

Take a vespa tour

This is a great, exhilarating way to see the city’s sights in a short amount of time. While there are several companies that offer vespa tours, I have had great luck booking through Viator. If you want to channel main character energy, this is the best way to do it!

Osteria da Fortunata

This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend a few years ago, and it’s now one of my favorite places to eat in Rome. They specialize in handmade, authentic Roman pastas and are best known for their classic, local recipes like Carbonara, - Cacio de Pepe and Amatriciana. This family-owned restaurant was opened in 1921, and they utilize traditional family recipes, as well as high-quality local ingredients.

All’Antico Vinaio

This legendary Italian sandwich shop started in Florence, but has opened storefronts in Rome, Bologna, Verona, Milan, and Palermo. Grab one of their famous sandwiches as you explore the city, but be warned—they’re shareable! My favorites are La Numero 4 (cooked ham, roast-potato cream, cream of truffle, smoked scamorza cheese), the Mamma (cooked ham, burrata, roasted potato cream, and zucchini), La Dante (capocollo with stracchino, truffle cream, and arugula) and Tartufo 1 (truffle mortadella, stracchino, mushroom cream, and arugula).

Satiro Vino E Cucina

I stumbled upon this cozy spot during my most recent trip to Rome and it did not disappoint! The wine selection is representative of many different regions in the country, and they have a fantastic selection of appetizers and light bites. The tri-color gnocchi in a sage and brown butter sauce was a group favorite, and they offer vegetarian options as well.

Ristorio Della Salute

This highly-rated spot is located within walking distance and view of the Colosseum, so it’s a great option if you’re spending time in that area. The service is wonderful and the food is even better. I absolutely love the ravioli and highly recommend the pistachio pasta and the fettuccine as well.

Gelateria La Romana dal 1947

There are several locations, but I like the one near Torre Argentina best. This family-owned franchise serves the best pistachio, lemon, and hazelnut gelato, but they also serve homemade pastries, cakes, cannolis, tiramisu, and other delicious desserts.