24 Hours in Rome - Travel Guide

They say Rome wasn't built in a day but you can still see all of the major attractions in 24 hours. Rome is Italy's capital, and some of its architecture dates back as far as 70 AD. It is a cultural playground for all things food, religion and design.

Things To Do

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is #iconic. It's an amazing amphitheatre from ancient Rome where gladiators used to battle it out. It's worth buying tickets online ahead of time to see the inside, and it's possible to buy tickets that cover entrance fees to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Which brings us to number 2.

2. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum was the centre of Rome in it's ancient times. It was a meeting place and hub for social and political activities. The forum now showcases the remains of the architecture of that time. According to legend, the forum was founded by brothers Romulus and Remus (we know how that story ends...). Walking through the forum is awe-inspiring and is a must-do for any visitor to Rome. Palatine Hill rises 40 metres above the Roman Forum and offers great views of the city.

3. Pantheon

The Pantheon used to be a Roman temple but is now a church. It is famous for its cylindrical structure and dome inside the church.

4. Vatican City

Fun fact: Vatican City is its own country! It is where the Pope resides and is the hub of the Roman Catholic Church. It's best to dedicate a few hours to exploring the city, as there are many attractions including the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's ceiling, St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Again, lines can be long and is well worth booking a tour in advance. Make sure to wear modest clothing covering your shoulders or you may not be allowed into any of the chapels.

5. The Trevi Fountain

Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of... Be like Lizzie McGuire and throw your coins into the Trevi Fountain. One coin means you'll return to Rome, two coins means you'll find romance and three ensures marriage.

6. Food

This just goes without saying. Gelato, coffee, pizza, pasta, you should try it all! Check out TripAdvisor for some recommended places. A good rule of thumb is to walk a few blocks away from any major attraction to find authentic, cheap eats.

Map of attractions

I recommend starting at the Colosseum as soon as it opens at 8:30am (after pre-booking tickets online), then working your way through Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, which are all within walking distance. From the forum, it's about a 15 minute walk to the Pantheon (entrance is free). After this, head on over to the Trevi Fountain and throw some coins over your shoulder. It's about an 8 minute walk. After the fountain, either catch public transport or a taxi/uber to Vatican City. This will take 20 to 40 minutes. Again buy tickets online, and expect some long lines, especially if visiting on a religious holiday or in the summer.

Note: This is a short list and there is so much to do in Rome. If you only have one day, these are my recommendations. If you have a bit more time, there is plenty of shopping, churches and museums to check out!

Want more? Listen to Episode 2 of the Travel Lust Podcast to hear other traveller's share their experiences in Italy and Greece: https://travellustpodcast.wixsite.com/mysite/podcast/episode/c245a17a/episode-2-italy-and-greece