Ciao! Thinking of doing a weekend city trip to Rome? Then, you have arrived at the right place. In this blog post, I will share with you the perfect itinerary for a weekend in Rome.
Rome has so much to offer: history, museums, amazing food, etc. Trying to fit as much as possible in your itinerary might seem daunting, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. All that you will have to worry about is having a wonderful time and enjoying La Dolce Vita. Are you ready? Then let’s dive into it.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ROME
Rome, also known as “The Eternal City”, is a very famous city that doesn’t need an introduction. Who doesn’t know the Colisseum or Fontana de Trevi? However, here are some interesting facts about Rome that maybe you didn’t know.
- Rome wasn’t always the capital of Italy. It only became its capital in 1870. Before the, the capital was Florence.
- Rome has more than 2000 fountains and 900 churches.
- Each year, approximately 700,000 euros are thrown into Fontana de Trevi. This money is donated to help those in need.
- Rome is very friendly with cats. In fact, cats have special rights in this city.
Getting to rome
Most people will get to Rome by plane, so the first thing you should know is Rome has two airports: Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). The most important one is Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (FCO) and most probably the one you will land at.
Getting to Rome from Fiumicino
There are many ways to get from Fiumicino to Rome but I recommend the train.
- By Taxi. Taxi will be expensive depending on which part of Rome you’re going to. It will start at 30 euros…
- By Train. The train will bring you to Rome in 30 minutes. You can either take the Leonardo Express that will bring you to Termini Station for 18 euros or if you’re staying at Trastevere, just take a regional train for 8 euros. Tickets can be easily bought at the train station or in advance here.
- By Bus Shuttle: Alternatively, you can take a bus shuttle from the Airport to either Rome center, Vatican city or Termini Station for 7 euros. The bus ride will take approximately 1 hour. You can buy your tickets in advance here.
I always search for my flights in Skyscanner.
Where to stay in Rome
There are many great areas to stay in Rome, it will all depend on what is your budget and what you are looking for.
- Centro Storico (Historic Center). Stay here if you want to be near the main sightseeing places.
- Trastevere. Stay in this area for great food and nightlife.
- Piazza de Spagna. Stay in this area if you want to be in the high-end part of the city.
best time of the year to visit rome
It is always a great moment to visit Rome, no matter in which month you visit.
However, I would recommend visiting in the winter months (January and February). The city will be less crowded (although you should not expect miracles either) and you can get some really good deals on flights within Europe since it is not high season. As for the weather, it was not as cold as you might think.
Itinerary for a weekend in rome
Before I start with my itinerary for a weekend in Rome, I would like to clarify that there is a lot to do and see in Rome. If you’re only here for a weekend, you will have to compromise on some things depending on what you like to do. This is what I did during my last visit for a weekend to Rome. My only intention is to show that even though it is not possible to see it all, you can definitely do and see a lot of things in just one weekend.
friday
Stop 1: Land in Rome and Get to Your Accommodation
The first thing you will have to do is get to your accommodation from the airport. In my case, I landed in Rome at 5 pm so I took the train from FCO to Trastevere where I had booked an apartment. Getting to the apartment was quite easy, the direct train ride to Trastevere took 30 minutes and from there, I took a bus for 3 or 4 stops to the apartment I was staying at.
Stop 2: Wander around Trastevere
Once you have settled in your accommodation of choice, it is time to get out and start exploring the city. Since I was a bit tired from work and the flight (which I almost lost due to a train strike), I decided to explore the Trastevere area.
The name Trastevere comes from the Latin words Trans Tiberim and could translate into English as “beyond the Tiber”. The main thing to do in Trastevere is to wander around its narrow cobbled streets lined by old houses. It is a very lively neighborhood (particularly during the weekends in the evening). It is full of cute restaurants with tables and chairs on the streets decorated with lights.
An absolute must during your visit to Trastevere is the Basilica Santa Maria di Trastevere, which is the most important church in this area. It was first built by Pope Calixtus I and it has large areas with mosaics dating from the 13th century by Pietro Cavallini. Access to the church is free and it is open until 9 pm.
Stop 3: Dinner at Tonnarello
After having a nice walk around the area, it is time for dinner. We decided to eat at the famous Tonnarello restaurant and it was amazing. You will most probably have to wait a little bit to be seated (this is one of the most famous restaurants in Trastevere) but it actually goes quite fast and it will be worth it! Make sure to try the delicious Carcioffi alla Romana (Roman Artichokes)!
Saturday
Rise and shine! Today we have many things to do! Put on your most comfortable shoes because you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.
Stop 1: Colosseum
The first stop of the day will be the magnificent Colosseum. It is an elliptical amphitheater that was used in Roman times for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of battles, etc. Construction began during the reign of emperor Vespasian and was completed during the ruling of his successor Titus.
The Colosseum is open from 9 am – 7:15 pm and if you want to visit it inside, you should book your tickets in advance to be sure that you will be able to enter. You can buy the tickets at the official website: https://colosseo.it/en/area/the-colosseum/. Tickets will grant you entry to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Due to my limited time in Rome, I only visited the Colosseum and decided to skip the other two (I had already visited them on a previous trip). It is also possible to book a guided tour of the Colosseum that will also grant you access to the gladiator arena. This is not included in the general ticket.
Tip: Get there a little bit before opening time, to admire from outside and then go inside to visit it as soon as it opens.
Stop 2: Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
Once you’re done visiting the Colosseum, you can either get a bus (if you want to save some energy) or walk to Piazza Venezia to visit the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. On your way, on your right, you will see Trajan’s Forum with its column.
This monument commemorates the unification of Italy in 1861 and its first king, Vittorio Emanuele II. Even though this monument was built in his honor, he is not buried here but in the Pantheon.
On top of this building, there is a panoramic terrace that offers incredible views of Rome. The terrace is built on two levels:
- The first level is completely free to access and you can already get amazing views from here.
- If afterwards, you still want to go higher you can take a panoramic lift that will take you to the second level where you will get 360º views. You can find information about prices and opening hours at https://vive.cultura.gov.it/en/panoramic-terrace.
Stop 3: Basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli
For the third stop of the day, you will have to go up some more stairs but trust me, it will be worth it! Right next to the Vittorio Emanuele II monument, you will find the Basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli.
The exterior of this church doesn’t look very attractive since all the frescos that decorated its façade were lost. However, the interior clearly compensates with its central fresco, the beautiful wooden ceiling, and the byzantine icon Madonna Aracoeli (“Our Lady of the golden hands“).
Stop 4: Campidoglio Hill and views over the Roman Forum
Once you’re done visiting this beautiful church, it is time to go uphill for a third time to the Campidoglio. Here you will find the entrance to the Capitoline Museums. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit them but if you’re staying in Rome longer than a weekend, this is another thing you might want to consider including in your itinerary.
Even if you’re not going to enter the museums, you should still go to the Piazza Campidoglio (it was designed by Michelangelo) and right next to it, you can find the statue with a replica of the wolf that fed the Romulus and Remus, which founded the city of Rome according to the Roman Mythology.
From here, follow Via Campidogli until you reach the Terrace over the Forum where you will be able to get fantastic views over the Roman Forum. Even if you’re visiting the Roman Forum, you should not skip this terrace as the perspective from up here is so worth it.
Stop 5: Isola Tiberina and Tempio Maggiore di Roma
The next stop will be Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island), a small island in the middle of the Tiber. Legend says that this island was formed because Romans during a popular uprising against the tyrant Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, threw wheat and grain into ‘the Tiber, which led to the formation of the island. On this small island, you can find Basilica di San Bartolomeo All’Isola
Right in front of the island, you will find Tempio Maggiore di Roma, the synagogue of Rome. However, since it is Saturday, the of rest for the Jews, you will only be able to see from outside.
Stop 6: Pantheon
By this time you’re probably a bit hungry so you can search for a place to eat. We ate at Bottega Tredici and we really loved it but of course, you can choose whatever you like.
After lunch, it is time to head to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a former Roman Temple that was turned into a catholic church in the year 609 AD. Just on the outside, the building is really impressive.
Practical information: If you’re planning on visiting the Pantheon you should check its official website (https://www.pantheonroma.com/home-eng/) for opening hours and reservations. Visiting the Pantheon is free but if you want to visit it on a Saturday and on bank holidays, you have to make a reservation. As of July 1st, 2023 a ticket will be necessary to visit the Pantheon.
Stop 7: Piazza Navona
From the Pantheon, you will walk toward Piazza Navona. This is a square in Rome that is located where the on the former site of the Stadium of Domitian, where Romans came to see the games. However, with the fall of the western roman empire, the stadium fell into ruins and nothing remains today.
The square regain its popularity when the city market was transferred from Campidoglio to here. This square features 3 fountains, although the most famous one is Fontana dei Quatro Fuimi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). The other two fountains are Fontana del Moro and Fountain of Neptune.
The city market was moved again in 1869 to the nearby Campo de’ Fiori.
Stop 8: Via dei Condotti and Piazza di Spagna
Keep walking from Piazza Navona towards Via dei Condotti. On this street, you will be able to do some window shopping at the most exclusive shops in Rome.
At the end of Via dei Condotti, you will find the famous Piazza di Spagna and its stairs. This square is one of the most famous squares in Rome and it owes its name to the Palazzo di Spagna which hosts the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See. However, the Embassy of Spain in Italy is not in this building but in the Borghese Palace.
Good to know: Since 2019 it is not allowed to seat in the Spanish steps of Piazza di Spagna. People who do so will get a fine that will start at 160 euros.
Stop 9: Piazza del Popolo
Next stop will be Piazza del Popolo, another of the most famous squares in Rome, located at the feet of Pincio Hill. Within this square you can find Basilica three different churches:
- Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo
- Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli
- Baslica di Santa Maria in Montesanto
Stop 10: Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Our final stop of the day is the world wide famous Fontana di Trevi. This fountain dating from the 18th century is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome (26 m tall and 49 m wide). The most popular thing to do at this fountain is to throw a coin with your left hand. The myth says people who do so, will return to Rome.
Did you know that there is a secret fountain in Trevi Fountain? Not so many people know that on the right of the Trevi fountain, there is a small basin with two spouts: the fountain of lovers. Young lovers that drink at the fountain, will stay in love and remain forever faithful to each other. This legend began when soldiers had to leave for war leaving their fiancees behind. The night before the departure, they would come to the fountain with a new glass and the officer would drink from it. Afterwards, they would break the glass to ensure that she wouldn’t lose her loved one.
Once you’re done admiring Trevi Fountain it is time to find a nice restaurant for dinner and relax!
Sunday
On Sunday, we will visit another city in Rome: Vatican City!
Stop 1: Vatican Museums (only the last Sunday of each month)
If you’re visiting on the last weekend of the month, then your first stop of the day will be the Vatican Museums. On the last Sunday of each month, the Vatican Museums are open and they can be visited for free. So wake up early to avoid a huge waiting line and be able to be impressed by the beauty of the Sistine Chapel and more!
In my case, I was not in Rome on the last Sunday of the month so I skipped this stop. However, I have visited the Vatican Museums already twice and if you have the opportunity to visit them, they are an absolute must-do!
Tip: The waiting line at the Vatican Museums can be huge, so arrive there before the opening hour to guarantee a spot and not waste too much time. If you’re visiting on another day that is not a Sunday, I recommend you book in advance and get the skip-the-line Vatican tickets to make the most of your day.
Stop 2: St Peter's Basilica
Once you’re done visiting the Vatican Museums (or in my case, for the first stop of your day) head to St Peter’s Basilica, the Papal enclave that is located within Vatican City. This impressive church is built as per the Reinassance architecture.
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus’s apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (the first Pope). Saint Peter’s tomb is supposedly directly below the high altar of the basilica. This makes St Peter’s a famous place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The Pope even presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year.
Tip: Remember that you are visiting a sacred place so dress accordingly. Your shoulders and knees need to be covered or you will not be allowed to enter.
Walk around the basilica and take your time to admire every detail inside like the altar with Bernini’s Baldachin or the Madonna della Pietá by Michelangelo, also informally known as The Pietà.
If you want, and you’re a practicing catholic, it is also possible to attend to Sunday mass here.
After you’ve explored the Basilica, it is time to go up to the Basilica’s dome to get impressive views of Rome. The dome can be visited daily from 8 am until 5 pm. I recommend that you book in advance you’re tickets to avoid the line.
Stop 3: Castel Sant Angelo
Approximately 10 to 15 minutes walking from Saint Peter’s Basilica, you will find Castel Sant Angelo or the Mausoleum of Hadrian, right next to the Tiber.
This building was commissioned by Roma Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family during his reign.
Later on, it was used by Popes as a castle and fortress. These days, it is a museum that is possible to visit.
I didn’t visit the castle’s museum but it is still pretty to see from the outside.
Stop 4: Forum Boarium
If you didn’t visit the Vatican Museum, then you can still fit in some last spot to visit before heading back to the airport. In my case, I went to visit the Forum Boarium which was the cattle market in ancient Roman times. It was located next to the Tiber and between the Capitoline, Palatine, and Aventine hills. In it, we can find the Temple of Hercules Victor and the Temple of Portunus
Stop 5: Bocca della Veritá
Right across from the Forum Boarium, you can find the Basilica de Santa Maria in Cosmedin and Bocca della Veritá (Mouth of Truth). Bocca della Veritá used to be a sewer cover with 1.8m of diameter during the Roman Age.
Its name dates from 1845 and is linked to the legend that the mouth will bite the hands of those who lied. However, it was due to the movie Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, that it became famous. Since then, thousands of tourists wait in line for their turn to put their hand inside the mouth.
Stop 6: Fly Back
Sadly, your time in Rome has come to an end. It is time to pick up your bags and head back to the airport.
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
In the following map, you can find all the locations mentioned in this blog. To make it easier for you, each day is marked with a different color.
And that’s it for my blog about a weekend in Rome. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you thought in the comments!
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