Weekend in Rome: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary (48 Hours)

A weekend in Rome is enough to see the city's greatest hits. In 48 hours you can walk through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, stand under the dome of the Pantheon, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, cross into Vatican City and still have time for carbonara in Trastevere.

Here is the complete 2-Days itinerary, hour by hour, from Friday night to Sunday evening.

Who wouldn't like to visit Rome at least once in a lifetime? And why not, maybe on a weekend? In this guide we accompany you on this fantastic adventure to discover what to do in Rome at the weekend, with a complete itinerary to experience the best of the city.

Although the time is limited, we promise that your weekend in Rome with us will give you so many emotions and beautiful memories to cherish forever; a magic that only the most beautiful capital in the world, the Italian one, is capable of performing. Let's set out right away, Rome awaits you!

Before leaving for the weekend in Rome, obviously, it is necessary to make the best organization for your travel itinerary to optimize the time available and be able to visit as many attractions as possible. Please note that this 2 days in Rome itinerary is built around real arrival and departure times.

Thanks to this guide on what to do in Rome at the weekend, you will be able to follow a truly complete tourist plan that will accompany you step by step discovering the most iconic places of the Eternal City. Let’s make the best of these 48 hours in Rome from your coming on Friday evening until Sunday.

For a truly complete tourist experience we suggest you take a look at the Visit Rome Pass, your key to an unforgettable trip to the Eternal City.

For the weekend, it’s recommended to purchase a 2-Days Pass: it includes skip-the-line and guides to the most important spots in Rome (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Mamertine Prison, Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica), unlimited public transportation across all ATAC lines, Hop-On Hop-Off panoramic buses, or round-trip Fiumicino Airport transfers, and access to a dedicated mobile app featuring interactive maps, itineraries, plus WhatsApp support. For further information, check out the button below.

If you want the full picture before you choose, browse all the things to do in Rome and build your own version of this weekend. Moreover, don't miss our guide on where to stay in Rome and find out which are the best hotels and best restaurants in the Italian capital.

Here we are, it's Friday night and it's finally time to come to the city, ready to start this weekend in Rome. What is the best way to immediately immerse yourself in the local spirit and culture and start your weekend in Rome with a bang? Well, we have the perfect solution for you.

We suggest you dedicate your first evening in the Eternal City to a fantastic experience in the iconic Trastevere district with an evening stroll through its suggestive alleys, the perfect setting for a happy hour and a typical Roman dinner.

Start with supplì (fried rice balls) from a street food counter, then sit down for a plate of cacio e pepe — Trastevere is where most Romans would send you for your first Roman dinner.

Day 1 is the heart of this weekend in Rome Italy itinerary and covers the two thousand years that made Rome: the Colosseum in the morning, the Baroque heart of the city in the afternoon, sunset from the Spanish Steps.

Let's start right away! Here's what to do in Rome at the weekend on Saturday:

- visit Colosseum, Roman Forum and the archaeological area of ancient Rome;

- visit Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), Piazza Venezia and Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland);

- visit Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona;

- visit Piazza del Popolo, Pincio terrace, Villa Borghese and Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square and Steps).

The first stage on Saturday morning, and the starting point of your weekend in Rome, is obviously the Colosseum, symbol of the city among the most famous and visited monuments in the world. It’s easy to get there by public transport, especially buses and the subway. Once there, let yourself be amazed by the magnificence of the most iconic arena in history, the scene of the legendary clashes between gladiators; a place which, now as then, is capable of arousing emotions in the gaze of those who admire this authentic architectural masterpiece.

A little further on, immerse yourself even more in the vivid atmosphere of imperial Rome by visiting the Roman Forum and the whole marvelous archaeological area: here you can walk along the streets that in the past were crossed by the men and women who founded the absolute center of international power, culture and art, and discover unique and stunning attractions such as the Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus and the ancient Roman temples.

To best enjoy your adventure in the ancient Rome, check out the button below!

After this fantastic dive into history, in the second part of the morning you can proceed to discover the city by walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali and thus reaching Piazza Venezia, one of the largest and most important in the city. Here you will find the famous Trajan's Column and the forum of Caesar, as well as the majestic Vittoriano (or Altare della Patria; Altar of the Fatherland), behind which are (going upwards following the steps) Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), the Capitoline Museums and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli.

In the surroundings of Piazza Venezia you can also visit the Basilica of San Marco al Campidoglio and some suggestive historical buildings such as Palazzo Grazioli, Palazzo Valentini and Palazzo Bonaparte; the latter is located at the beginning of Via del Corso, one of the main streets of Rome (one and a half kilometers long) full of shops and attractions to admire and photograph during your walk, in particular Palazzo Chigi (in Piazza Colonna) and the Basilica of Saints Ambrogio and Carlo.

In the early afternoon of Saturday, walking along some side streets of Via del Corso, you will be able to venture out discovering three iconic and absolutely unmissable places in the Italian capital: we are talking about Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, three spots that alone cover part of the top 10 places to visit in Rome.

Two practical notes before you go. The Pantheon is no longer free: entry costs 7 euros (2 euros for EU citizens aged 18-25, free under 18), and it is free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month. And the Trevi Fountain is at its worst between 11am and 6pm; come at sunrise or late at night, when the crowd thins out and the marble turns gold.

For checking out the guided tour to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, click the button below!

Over the afternoon, continuing on Via del Corso until the end of the road, in the evocative setting created by the majestic presence of the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli on your left and above all the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto on your right, you will arrive at Piazza del Popolo. From this huge square, dominated in the center by the Flaminio obelisk, you can go upwards along Viale D'Annunzio to the Pincio terrace, an extraordinary viewpoint over the Eternal City that will give you a breathtaking view of Rome, also watching in the distance the Dome of St. Peter and Castel Sant'Angelo.

Next to the Picio there is Villa Borghese, an immense city park full of gardens and monuments which houses the Bioparco (a zoo) and several museums, in particular Galleria Borghese which houses the works of artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, Canova and Titian. Galleria Borghese admits a fixed number of visitors per time slot, so book your ticket before anything else in this itinerary.

We are now at sunset time, the most evocative moment of the day with its magnificent colors and its magical atmosphere, in any season. It's the right time to reach another essential stage of your weekend in Rome: the beautiful Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square), famous for its imposing staircase at the foot of the majestic building called Trinità dei Monti.

To get there, just continue from Villa Borghese along Viale della Trinità dei Monti, where you can also admire Villa Medici, until you reach the solemn-looking namesake palace. Here you will find the Sallustian obelisk dominating the staircase, colored for the occasion by the mixture of the natural hues of the sunset with the first urban lights that light up the Roman evening. Once you get to the end of the most famous stairs in Rome, you will be able to admire the square in its liveliness among the historic buildings and the Barcaccia, the baroque fountain symbol of this place. Among the most evocative attractions to visit, don't forget the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association, a true historical and literary museum dedicated to these two important British poets.

How to spend a Saturday evening in the Eternal City? As the night time advances, our suggestion is to continue from Piazza di Spagna onto Via dei Condotti, another historic Roman street with luxury shops, and go straight up to the Tiber promenade. Here you can end this splendid day in the best possible way by treating yourself to a fascinating stroll along the banks of the river, enjoying a landscape that seems enchanted: it is the magic of Rome at night, a splendid postcard from the Capital!

Here we are, ready to start this second day of your weekend in Rome. Day 2 is slower and closer to the city's soul: a market square, a food tour, the largest church on Earth and a castle that started life as an emperor's tomb.

Here's what to do in Rome at the weekend on Sunday:

- visit Campo De' Fiori, Trastevere and Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden);

- visit St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica;

- visit Castel Sant'Angelo.

Sunday morning in Rome starts right away with a real dive into the city's culture, discovering places of great charm and beauty and all the goodness of its traditional food. Order supplì (fried rice balls with a molten mozzarella core), a slice of pizza al taglio sold by weight, and finish with a maritozzo — a cream-filled bun that Romans have eaten for breakfast for centuries.

Join this fantastic food tour through the city discovering Campo De' Fiori, historic and lively square of the city famous for its market and the nightlife thanks to the clubs, and Trastevere, one of the most evocative districts of Rome characterized by its picturesque alleys full of colors.

This guided tour to discover Rome through food is unmissable for all foodies. If you only try one Rome signature dish, make it cacio e pepe.

In the late morning, we also suggest you take a trip to the Aventine Hill to visit Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden), or Parco Savello, a quiet green area in the heart of the city characterized by the presence of numerous plants of a particular variety of orange: from this place, also known as the Aventine's Belvedere, you will be able to enjoy an astonishing view of the city.

What better occasion than Sunday to visit the wonderful St. Peter's Basilica? We are obviously talking about the most important and largest church in the world, overlooking the majestic St. Peter's Square, the undisputed symbol of the Christian religion as well as a place of enchanting artistic beauty due to the magnificence of its interiors and its immense collection of masterpieces, among which the famous Michelangelo's Pietà stands out.

St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter and open on Sundays, but the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not. See the dedicated section below before you lock in your weekend.

In the afternoon, to reach the Vatican City from Trastevere or the Aventine we recommend following the Tiber promenades up to the famous Via della Conciliazione, the large road that leads inside the papal city-state and into the grandeur of St. Peter's Square, dominated by the obelisk.

Here, by booking the guided tour of the Basilica by clicking the button below, you will meet your guide to begin a breathtaking adventure. Get ready to discover the Dome of St. Peter, the beautiful marble floor, the gilded ceilings and impressive mosaics; but above all, let yourself be overwhelmed by the unique emotions of those who admire for the first time the wonders of art kept in San Pietro, a true cultural treasure of inestimable value. The tour continues through the Vatican Caves in the basement of the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is kept; last stage is the outside of St. Peter's Square, for a guided journey through the history of its majestic architecture.

In the late afternoon of Sunday, when the sunset begins to accompany Rome towards the evening with its wonderful colours, it is time to reach the last stage of your weekend in Rome: the suggestive Castel Sant'Angelo, not far from the Vatican, reachable crossing the Tiber on the iconic Ponte Sant'Angelo (Sant’Angelo Bridge) where you can admire the beautiful angelic statues (ten angels divided into five pairs, in addition to the sculpture of the archangel Michael on the top of the castle).

Both original structures are very ancient, dating back to the second century AD. during the age of Hadrian. It was the emperor himself who ordered to build it as a majestic personal mausoleum in the heart of the city; subsequently, both the castle and the bridge were the subject of restorations and embellishments especially between the Renaissance and the Modern age.

Inside Castel Sant'Angelo you’ll be able to visit the ancient tomb of Hadrian and experience an exciting journey among the artistic treasures kept within these ancient walls, especially spectacular frescoes and sculptures that will make you see this symbolic place of the Eternal City with the eyes of the Romans of the past. For a fantastic last evening experience on your weekend in Rome, book the 2-hour guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo by clicking the button below!

Fitting the world-famous Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel into a weekend trip to Rome requires a smart strategy, since their opening hours differ completely from nearby sights. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but stay closed on Sundays - with the only exception of the last Sunday of the month (9:00 AM–2:00 PM, last entry at 12:30 PM) offering free admission, though it brings notoriously endless lines.

This could be the decision that shapes your whole weekend in Rome. To avoid missing it out on a standard Friday-to-Sunday getaway, you should be scheduling your visit for early Saturday morning right at 8:00 AM, just before heading over to the Colosseum. Mandatory online reservations ensure you secure entry to see legendary arts like the breathtaking Gallery of Maps, Raphael's Rooms, Caravaggio's Deposition, and the ultimate highlight: the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and Last Judgement.

Travelers often confuse these art-filled halls with neighboring St. Peter's Basilica, but they are totally different experiences; while the museums are paid, closed on Sundays, and require bookings in advance, St. Peter's Basilica is completely free, open on Sundays, and requires no reservations at all. To make your planning entirely seamless and skip the dreadful ticket queues altogether, simply add skip-the-line access for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel as an extra option when securing your Visit Rome Pass!

If Rome has one signature dish, then it is cacio e pepe. This pasta dish is simple yet still delicious, including as ingredients just pecorino cheese and freshly ground pepper. But if you want to master your knowledge of food and taste the local cuisine, you should surely indulge also in a creamy plate of carbonara (egg, guanciale, pecorino), amatriciana (tomato sauce, cheese, guanciale), or gricia (cheese, guanciale, freshly ground pepper).

If you are on the move between sights, take iconic street food like a piping-hot supplì (a deep-fried rice ball oozing with mozzarella), a crispy slice of pizza al taglio sold by weight, or a soft maritozzo bun overflowing with whipped cream. In Rome you’ll also find authentic artisan gelato, just look for natural and subdued colors - like earthy green pistachio rather than neon green - and metal bins with lids instead of fluffy, artificial mountain displays.

While dining out, do not be surprised by the small coperto (cover charge) on your bill; this fixed fee per person is a standard Italian cultural practice for bread and table setup, not a tip or a scam. If you’re looking for where to eat in Rome, head to Testaccio for popular local dishes, Prati for quick slices, Rione Monti for trendy taverns, or Trastevere for charming and traditional trattorias. In fact, as highlighted before in the section “Sunday morning across picturesque traditional districts”, the ultimate way to dive into this feast is by joining a Campo de’ Fiori & Trastevere food tour!

Arriving in the Eternal City is easy and straightforward. From Fiumicino Airport, the direct Leonardo Express train reaches Roma Termini station in about 30 minutes, while Ciampino Airport connects via convenient shuttle buses taking about 45 minutes. If arriving by train, high-speed rail brings you directly into Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina.

Knowing how to get around Rome efficiently is essential to maximize your weekend. The historic centre is remarkably walkable (please, put on comfortable clothes and shoes especially), but you can also use Metro lines A, B, and C alongside the ATAC bus network to get everywhere.

Standard BIT tickets are available at metro stations and tobacconists - marked by large white "T" signs - alongside daily or multi-day passes that include transport options. Stay always well-hydrated by refilling your water bottle at the city's charming nasoni public drinking fountains. For a completely straightforward experience around Rome, consider all the advantages of the Visit Rome Pass, including also optional unlimited public transports across all ATAC lines for two days and round-trip Fiumicino Airport transfers.

Finding your right place where to stay in Rome largely depends on the vibe, budget, and convenience you prefer for your trip. If you want to step right into the magic and reach every city icon simply on foot, the Historic Centre is undeniably the best area to stay in Rome, making it ideal for a fast-paced 48-hour trip, but keep in mind it’s also the most expensive option.

For a charming compromise not far from the Colosseum, Rione Monti offers a nice and vibrant neighborhood, packed with cozy taverns and vintage boutiques. If you are visiting Rome primarily for the renowned local culinary scene, then it’s highly recommended to stay in Trastevere - the most suitable option for this weekend itinerary - which boasts an irresistible evening atmosphere and lively nightlife, though it can get a bit noisy at night.

Travelers seeking a peaceful and more residential stay near the Vatican, with slightly lower prices, will appreciate the refined streets of Prati. The most budget-conscious travelers will instead find the area around Termini Station to be the cheapest and best-connected one, even though this area loses a lot of Rome's romantic and brilliant historic charm.

To make your getaway smooth and unforgettable, learning local customs and unspoken cultural rules is essential to explore Rome at its best. Knowing what not to do in Rome will help you avoid all of the typical tourist pitfalls:

- don't show up for dinner at 6:00 PM: Romans dine late, typically 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, enjoying unhurried multi-course meals;

- don't wait for the bill to magically appear: Italian waiters do not push for it, so when you are ready to pay simply ask for “il conto, per favore”;

- don't leave a 20% tip: service charges are included into waiter salaries, leaving €1 or €2 in cash is strictly optional;

- don't panic over the coperto: this small fixed cover charge per person is a standard Italian service fee, not a scam;

- don't order a cappuccino after lunch: milk-heavy coffees are strictly morning drinks, stick to an espresso post-meal instead;

- don't enter St. Peter's with bare shoulders or knees: some religious sites need a strict dress code, otherwise the access will be denied;

- don't buy single-use plastic water bottles: carry a refillable bottle and drink for free from the iconic cast-iron nasoni public fountains across the city;

- don't sit on the Spanish Steps: it's strictly forbidden by law and carries heavy fines;

- don't wear new shoes: exploring Rome involves miles of walking (on cobblestones too), making comfortable and reliable footwear a non-negotiable must.

Saving time and making it easy on your weekend trip is key, that’s why you should know what to book in advance in Rome. Follow this ideal schedule to guarantee smooth entry to the city's highlights:

- Borghese Gallery: strict time-limited entry, so you must book this before anything else;

- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: online reservations are required, but remember they are closed on Sundays;

- Visit Rome Pass attractions: following the CTA at the beginning of this page you’ll be able to cover top Rome’s spots all in a single reservation, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Mamertine Prison, Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica (please reserve through the app at least 15 days before your visit);

- Pantheon: the most flexible stop, tickets can be purchased online even on the same day;

- Trastevere weekend’s dinner: reserve tables 2 or 3 days in advance, the most popular places to eat in Trastevere get extremely crowded quickly.

Yes. Rome is an incredible destination for a weekend getaway, packed with unmatched history, world-class cuisine, and vibrant energy. While short, a well-planned trip allows you to easily experience its most famous landmarks and immerse yourself in the magical Roman atmosphere over a memorable Friday-to-Sunday break.

The ultimate signature Roman dish is cacio e pepe, an iconic pasta crafted based on Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper. It belongs to the legendary quartet of Roman first courses, alongside carbonara, amatriciana, and gricia.

 Fixed entry costs include €7 for the Pantheon, or €69.90 per person for the Visit Rome Pass (2 Days option) covering the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine, Mamertine Prison, Pantheon, and St. Peter’s. For the whole weekend, expect around €150-€300 per person for mid-range accommodation and €100-€150 for traditional dining and street food.

Yes, two days are enough to see Rome's essential highlights, like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. However, it isn't enough to discover the entire city in depth. To explore hidden gems and vibrant neighborhoods, please take a look at longer multi-day guides.

No, they are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and closed on Sundays. The only exception is the last Sunday of the month (9:00 AM–2:00 PM, last entry 12:30 PM) with free admission. For complete details, check out our dedicated section above.

Spring and autumn offer the absolute best conditions, bringing pleasant weather, blooming views, and nice afternoons perfect for walking for hours in the city. Summer is not a good idea, as scorching heat waves and heavy tourist crowds can turn the pleasure of a holiday into a challenge.

Well, our fantastic adventure to discover the Eternal City ends here, a weekend trip full of emotions, unique experiences and beauty that only an extraordinary place like the Italian capital can convey!

Did you like our guide on what to do in Rome at the weekend? Therefore, discover all the other itineraries that we have prepared for you to discover this wonderful city:

- Rome in one day (or less!);

- Rome in two days (even during the week);

- Rome in three days;

- Rome in five days;

- Rome in a week.

Or start from the beginning and discover everything Rome has to offer, season by season.