The capital city of Italy, and a cultural and historical icon on its own accord, Rome is a treasure trove of memorable experiences. At each turn of the ancient city is a monument or a church from a time long past, which lends the city much of its grandeur, while also rooting it firmly in world history.
Within its city limits lies the revered Vatican City, making it a must-visit destination for people, specifically Catholics, around the world. If you're looking to explore the best of Rome in a day , our 24 hour itinerary should help you hit up all the prime spots in a timely fashion. Scroll down to know how!
1 Day in Rome - How To Spend Your Day
Rome In A Day - Detailed Itinerary
Morning - Discovering The Vatican City Jewels
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
- 54 museums form what we know as the Vatican Museum which includes the Sistine Chapel, the Chapel of Beato Angelico, the Raphael Rooms and Loggia, and the Borgia Apartment.
- Want to see all of the Vatican Museums’ collection? If you spend a minute looking at each painting in the Vatican museums, it would take you 4 years to see them all completely.
- The museum contains the largest collection of art in the world with 9 miles of pieces, which could wrap four and half times around the Vatican walls.
🔥 Hot Local Tip 🔥
Most people wish to see the famous spiral staircase right away. Keep in mind, this is at the very end of your visit- even after the Sistine Chapel!
- The Sistine Ceiling, featuring nine panels that depict passages from the Old Testament, including The Story of Noah, The Creation of the World, The Expulsion of Adam and Eve, and many others, are the showstoppers.
- Arguably the most popular fresco in the Sistine Chapel, The Creation of Adam is reason alone to visit the chapel.
- The Sistine Chapel is where the Papal Conclave is organized. The College of Cardinals comes together at the Sistine Chapel to hold an election and vote on a new pope.
- The chapel also features many other remarkable frescoes including The Last Judgement located above the altar, the South Wall which showcases scenes from the life of Moses, and the North Wall where you can witness the life of Christ.
Don't rush to the Sistine Chapel. It is the last part of your tour, so make sure you enjoy all the sights along the way.
- St. Peter's Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, designed by Michelangelo and Bernini.
- Built on the burial site of Saint Peter, the basilica is the center of the Roman Catholic Church, representing centuries of religious devotion.
- The basilica houses exceptional artworks by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Bernini, showcasing a rich collection of mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes.
- Climbing to the top of St. Peter's Basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rome and Vatican City, providing a unique and memorable experience.
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The Pope occasionally holds public audiences, usually on Wednesdays, where visitors can witness his presence and receive his blessings. Attending Mass celebrated by the Pope is also a special experience for those seeking a more spiritual connection.
Hack To Cover The Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in 3 hours
If you're in Rome for just one day and are looking to explore the underbelly of the Papal seat of power, we have just what you need. Voted a bestseller by past travelers, the Skip The Line Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is a true win. It allows you to skip the average 2 hour queue, entrusts you with an expert historian guide and takes you through the best of these Roman treasures in just 3 hours. Doesn't get better right? Or maybe it does!
If you're planning to cover the Vatican City attractions (Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica) & Ancient Rome (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palantine Hill) during your 24 hours in Rome, we have an Express Guided Rome Tour that is a complete money saver and a proven favourite amongst travelers. With an expert local guide and Skip the line entry to all 6 attractions, expect to cover the best of Rome in just 6 hours with the Express Guided Rome Tour!
Afternoon - Exploring The Ancient Ruins Of Rome
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
- Visiting this ancient amphitheater allows you to step back in time and experience the grandeur and history of the Roman Empire.
- Its massive structure, ingenious seating arrangement, and intricate underground system leave visitors in awe of the ancient world's ingenuity.
- As the largest amphitheater ever built, the Colosseum was the epicenter of Roman entertainment, hosting gladiatorial battles, animal hunts, and other spectacles
- Climbing to the upper levels of the Colosseum grants breathtaking views of Rome's cityscape. From this vantage point, visitors can admire iconic landmarks such as the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the surrounding ruins, providing a unique perspective on the city's history and beauty.
There are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and one for the Roman Forum + Palatine Hill. Once you're done with the Colosseum, you may take a break outside before entering the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. Keep in mind, once you exit, you may not re-enter. If you're visiting around lunch time, take your break immediately after visiting the Colosseum.
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Keep in mind that the entrance to both attractions is the same. If you wish to take a break after your Roman Forum visit outside, and wish to re-enter for the Palatine Hill part of your tour, this is not possible. You may not re-enter.
Hack To Cover The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine Hill in 3 hours
Now, you must be wondering how you're going to be able to cover the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill in just 3 hours? Don't worry, because it is completely doable and you don't even have to scurry! All you have to do is purchase the Skip The Line Guided Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine Hill for just EUR 39.9. Leave the rest to your expert local historian guide who take you through the best of these three historic monuments in 3 hours!
Once again, if you're planning to cover the Vatican City ( Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica) & Ancient Rome ( Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palantine Hill) during your 24 hours in Rome, we have an Express Guided Rome Tour that is a complete money saver and a proven favourite amongst travelers. With an expert local guide and Skip the line entry to all 6 attractions, expect to cover the best of Rome in just 6 hours with the Express Guided Rome Tour.
Evening - Strolling Through Central Rome
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
🔥 Hot Local Tip 🔥
Beware of pickpockets. Piazza Navona at any time of the day is known for being crowded. Keep an eye on your belongings!
🔥 Hot Local Tip 🔥
Want to know what the best time to visit the Pantheon is? Try anytime between 11 AM & 1 PM. Make sure you stand right under the Oculus and look up- you'll see the sunlight streaming in through the Oculus beautifully!
🔥 Hot Local Tip 🔥
Make sure you carry a coin along with you and follow through with the age-old tradition of tossing a coin into Trevi fountain.
Keep Your Trip To Rome Wallet-friendly!
- Free Attractions: Rome has several free attractions that allow you to experience the city without spending money. Visit iconic landmarks like the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, which are free to admire and enjoy.
- Explore Neighborhoods on Foot: Link Rome is a walkable city with charming neighborhoods waiting to be discovered. Instead of relying on transportation, explore the city on foot, which not only saves money but also allows you to experience the local atmosphere and stumble upon hidden gems.
- Affordable Eateries: Seek out local trattorias, pizzerias, and street food vendors to sample delicious Roman cuisine without breaking the bank. Avoid dining in touristy areas where prices tend to be higher and opt for more budget-friendly options.
- Picnic in Parks: Rome has beautiful parks and public spaces where you can enjoy a budget-friendly picnic. Grab some fresh produce from local markets and find a scenic spot in parks like Villa Borghese or along the Tiber River.
- Shop at Local Markets: Visit local markets like Campo de' Fiori or Mercato Testaccio to shop for fresh produce, local specialties, and souvenirs. These markets often offer better prices than touristy shops, allowing you to experience the local flavors and culture.
- Where to Stay in Rome: We'll leave you with our guide on where to stay in this wonderful city.
FAQs: Rome in 1 Day - Itinerary
The top things to do in Rome are visiting the museums, exploring the churches and basilicas, taking a tour of the monuments from ancient Rome, and so on.
For a trip to Rome, always pack a reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and a travel adaptor.
A bus or metro is the cheapest way to get around Rome.
If you want budget-friendly stay options in Rome, then Monti and San Lorenzo are the best places to check out. For those who want to stay close to Vatican City, then Prati is the best place to stay in Rome.
If you wish to avoid the crowds, then spring (March - May) and autumn (September - October) is the best time to visit Rome. For discounts and cheap deals, you can visit Rome in the winter season.
