24 hours in Rome

While Rome is known as the eternal city, most of us don’t have eternal holiday time – making the quick getaways an ever-growing popular option. And with the many holiday deals to Rome, there is no reason not to plan a “daytrip” at the Italian capital. Let’s see how you can plan your own 24 hours in Rome.

The first natural stop would obviously be the Colosseum. Located in the south-east part of the city, the 2000 year old structure strikes by both its grandeur and genius – at its most glorious moment, it could seat around 60,000 people! Nearby is the equally impressive Roman Forum, the plaza that used to host the marketplace and several government buildings back then. Even though most of the structures are ruins today, it’s always fun to stop for a minute and try to imagine the hustle of daily life back then.

The next destination on the itinerary is another grand structure: the Trevi Fountain. Ideally located between the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps (both worth the detour as well), the fountain holds a special place in Rome’s budget. Did you know that more than 4000 wishful euros are thrown in the fountain every day by visitors? Why do like all other tourists and add one of your own!

Now, being in the middle of the historic center offers many possibilities. You could go on a church or fountain tour, or you could opt for people watching over a nice glass of Italian wine – and you can definitely fit in gelato stops in both scenarios. Any holiday to Italy is not complete without gelato! As long as your steps take you towards the river…

Cross the Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge and admire the beautiful Castel Sant’Angelo on your right. Now a museum, it once was used by Popes as a fortress and castle (it’s also where the Angels and Demons was filmed). See if you can find the famous Passetto di Borgo to get to Saint Peter’s Basilica!

If you don’t find the passage, don’t worry – you can walk west on Via della Conciliazone and reach the Vatican in a few minutes by entering St. Peter’s Place. Do take the time to admire the many statues that surround the place and the magnificence of the basilica – of course, if you are patient enough to queue a few hours to visit inside, you will not regret it. Very few words actually do justice to the splendour of the indoor basilica, and entering such a significant building sure has its impact. From there, you can also pay a visit to the Vatican Museum and see the famous Michelangelo fresco in the Sistine Chapel.

I reckon this is a busy itinerary for only 24 hours in Rome, but if you walk quickly enough you will be able to fit it all in – especially if you booked into a central hotel in Rome. You might even have enough time to fit in a lasagne tasting… Buon appetito!

About the Author
Marie-Eve Vallieres, who is the editor and photographer behind Eurotrip Tips. Raised in Montreal, ex-Londoner and now located in France, she gives insiders tips and shares her road stories on her everlasting European wanderlust. Check out her Twitter and Facebook pages!