Rome Itinerary for Two Days: Self-Guided Walking Tour

Rome is a city that needs no introduction. As the former capital of the Roman Empire and the current capital of a united Italy, Rome is a blend of ancient and cosmopolitan like you’ve never seen. Here, huge, crumbling ruins from 2000 years ago contrast against beeping Vespas zipping through the cobblestoned streets. With so much to offer, it can be difficult to squeeze all of Rome’s main sights into just two days. But that’s why I’m here. In this post, I’m sharing a step-by-step, self-guided Rome itinerary for two days.

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Where to Stay in Rome

If you are traveling on a budget, it would be helpful to stay within walking distance of the train station (Roma Termini). That way, you can save money on cabs to and from your hotel. If you have a larger budget or someone to split taxi costs with, then consider staying in Rome’s historic center instead. Either way, you will be walking distance from most (if not all) attractions!

Day One in Rome

Colosseum

Stop one in your two day Rome itinerary is perhaps the most famous landmark in Rome! Though it is now in ruins, back in its heyday, this thing sat 50,000 guests and even had retractable shades. Tickets to enter are €18 and include this plus the next two sites. You can purchase in advance online from the official site. Those 25 years and younger get discounted entry.

Roman Forum

This once bustling, central hub of ancient Rome is now just the remaining ruins of numerous important government buildings from the Roman Empire. Walking around, it’s amazing seeing how ginormous the ruins are and trying to imagine what it must have been like back then – almost 2000 years ago!

Palatine Hill

This is one of the most ancient parts of Rome. It’s where all the rich kids lived during the Roman Empire – the aristocrats and emperors and all that jazz. It’s connected to the Roman Forum.

Arch of Constantine

This arc was built in 302 AD and is the largest surviving one of its kind. It is right outside the Colosseum, so it’ll be hard to miss it!

Via dei Fori Imeriali

This street connects the Colosseum to the next attraction below. From here, you can look down on the Roman Forum from above on one side and view other incredible ruins (pictured below) on the other. This is my favorite area of Rome to walk through, especially during sunset when the lighting adds an extra bit of magic.

Vittoriano

This huge, white, marble building almost doesn’t fit in with its ancient surroundings. But I really like the look of it, nevertheless! It’s a memorial to Victor Emmanuel II, who was the first king of the united Italy as we know it today. If you go up to the building’s panoramic terrace, you get an amazing view over everything you’ve just been exploring today. Tickets will set you back €18 (with concessions for certain ages and groups), and you can buy them in advance online from the official site.

Day Two in Rome

Vatican City

Your first stop on day two of this Rome itinerary is Vatican City. Vatican City is actually its own country, so technically, you will be leaving and re-entering Italy today! It’s the smallest country in the world, ruled by the Catholic Pope. There are basically three things to see while in Vatican City; St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. Seeing Vatican City should take up the whole morning (or half a day).

St. Peter’s Square

Between its large size, its obelisk in the center, and the 140 statues of saints looking down on you from above, it’s hard not to be impressed by this square. At the end of the square is the basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica

This church was originally built in the 4th century. It is free to enter, but the dress code is strictly enforced. So make sure your shoulders and knees are covered! This goes for all genders and ages. If you forget, there will be some people selling shawls near the line, so you can buy one from them as a souvenir.

There is a slow moving-crowd-slash-line to get in, but I found it moved quickly enough when I went. You can book your entry in advance online for €7 if you would like to reserve a date and time, plus get a digital audio guide.

Once inside the basilica, you can climb up to the dome for iconic views. To the right from the entrance, there should be a “Cupola” sign. Follow the sign until you get to the ticket office. There you can buy a ticket to either climb the whole way up for €8 or one to take an elevator part way for €10. You can book in advance on the official site for €17 and €22, respectively, if you’d like to secure your date and time in advance.

Sistine Chapel

The world-famous Sistine Chapel, painted by Michaelangelo, is inside the Vatican Museums. Entry into the museums costs €20, plus a €5 online booking fee if you book in advance on the official site, which I highly recommend you do. The Museums are closed Sundays, except for the last Sunday of every month. On that Sunday, entry is free. However, you can only enter with a guide that day. So, you end up paying €20 for a guided tour, even though the actual entry fee itself is free.

Castel Sant’Angelo

As you leave Vatican City and head back towards the most central part of Rome, stop by Castel Sant’Angelo. This was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family, but it’s since been used as a fortress, castle, and nowadays a museum. I didn’t enter, and with just two days in Rome, you probably won’t have time to either. But it was nice to take in the castle and especially its beautiful bridge from outside.

Piazza Navona

Several cafes line the edges of this beautiful square with three impressive fountains, the center one being the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. This square is as popular as it is beautiful, so prepare for some crowds and waiters inviting you to eat at their establishments as you take your lap around it.

Pantheon

After leaving Piazza Navona, walk just 5 minutes to the Pantheon. It was built in 120 AD as a Roman (pagan) temple for all gods. Then, in 609 AD, it was transformed into a church. Even so, everyone still calls it the Pantheon, which means “honor all Gods” in Greek. The Pantheon is €5 to enter, plus an additional €2 if you purchase in advance online from the official site.

Largo di Torre Argentina

Next, walk a few minutes more until reaching Largo di Torre Argentina. This is the site where Roman senators assassinated Emperor Julius Caesar by stabbing him 23 times (dramatic much?) to death in 44 BC. (The stabbing did not take place at the senate, like in the play by William Shakespeare!) You used to only be able to look down on it from above, but now you can enter. Tickets cost €7 in person, or €8 if you book online at the official site.

Trevi Fountain

Now walk around 15 minutes to Rome’s largest and most famous fountain. As insanely crowded as this fountain is, I just can’t help but love it. Legend has it that if you stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin in, you guarantee a return trip to Rome. Pack quite a bit of patience here if you’re after a perfect pic!

Scalina Spagna

Your final stop of the day is just ten minutes’ walk north. There, you’ll find the beautiful staircase known as the Spanish Steps. This area gets busy in the evening as a popular hang-out spot.

Passeggiata del Pincio

Finally, it’s time to head a bit uphill for some (free) views of Rome’s historic center and the Vatican in the distance. I timed my visit around sunset, and the lighting was lovely! So that’s why I’m recommending this for the end of the day. Consider making a slight detour through Piazza del Popolo on your way up or down, but don’t accept any roses (or any other plants) from anyone offering them while there! And for those interested in art, the Galleria Borghese is in this same park.

What Do You Think of This Rome Two Day Itinerary?

Phew, that was a lot! But it’s tough to see Rome in two days. Do you have any questions about this Rome itinerary? If so, just leave your questions (or thoughts!) in the comments section at the bottom of this page. I respond.

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