24 hours in Rome 🇮🇹

Trying to see Rome in a Day? With a little advance planning, you'll be surprised at how many iconic buildings and monuments you can cover in just one day!

Rome has been on mine and my families bucket list for years now and just before my graduation, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to surprise them with a trip to Italy's capital. I managed to keep it all under wraps until we got to the gate and they saw the announcement on the screen. I can say that they were all over the moon and super excited for what was ahead. As we didn’t have much time between work and my graduation I was only able to book us a two night stay meaning that we only had one full day in this magical city! So here is how we managed to see the whole of Rome in just one day!

Start (bright and early) at the Colosseum

Can you name a better way to start your day than at the most recognisable structure in the city?

The Colosseum is the first thing you see whilst walking through the streets of Rome. I'll never forget the moment we were outside this amazing ancient structure and just being struck by its beauty.

Be sure to buy your skip-the-line ticket in advance to ensure that you don't waste a moment of your day in Rome standing in a line! The ticket covers not only your entrance to the Colosseum but also your entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill also.

Head over to the Roman Forum

Roman Forum still to this day impresses as much as it must have centuries ago when it was the centre of Roman public life.

During our tour, I was amused by its rich history and fascinating remaining structures.

Climb Palatine Hill

Within the Roman Forum sits Palatine Hill, where a short climb will reward you with even more ruins and a stunning view of the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and the city itself.

Once you've taken in this breathtaking view make your way to Altare della Patria

Truly a breathtaking monument!

Lunch at Piazza Venezia square

By this point you'll be hungry and ready for a glass of vino and a slice or pizza! We had a selection of pizza and pastas at Antico Cafee Castellino restaurant which also had an amazing bakery inside as well! As it was my mums birthday we celebrated whilst enjoying our food with a view of the square leading up to the Altar of the Fatherland.

We ended our day with a hop on-hop off bus which can take you from the square that you had your lunch. This took us around all the remaining sites including the Trevi fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon and St. Peters Square.

Once the bus tour was over we enjoyed a walk back to our apartment whilst taking in all the monuments and sites as they shine in the moonlight.

I hope this will be helpful for when you’re planning your short trip to Rome. It was honestly an unforgettable experience!