Stepping onto Rome to see everything in just one day is not an easy task. This city is enormous, deeply rooted with ancient history.
It is vast, multifaceted, and immensely complex. But, with a little forethought, you’ll be surprised at how many iconic highlights you can explore in just one day in Rome!
Rome is always on the favorite travel bucket list. Before embarking on a Rome journey we always have a good idea of when we’ll return.
And we’ve walked this tried-and-true course many times. From well-known attractions like the Trevi Fountain to lesser-known side streets, we need to see everything along the way.
On that note, we’ve put together this guide to ensure you will have the best one day in Rome.
Hopefully, you’ll leave thinking about how you’ll return, just like we did.
This one is not on any regular itinerary. It’s simply not an option with only one day in Rome.
From someone who appreciates the Rome tour, here’s how to see it in a day.
An Overview of the City of Rome
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Rome is one of most visited places in the world. Every step you turn will reveal beautiful architecture, meandering gorgeous streets, and a wealth of history.
It is a must-see for everyone who is planning a trip to Italy.
However, if you just have one day to see Rome. This guide takes you to every corner of the city and gives a taste of all it.
From ancient ruins and world-class galleries to stunning piazzas. Rome has so much to offer. And visiting here you’ll surely fall in love with its splendor and culture.
Despite the fact that it will be a long and action-packed day. But it will be one day full of memories that you don’t want to forget.
Start with Colosseum
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The best way to start your one day in Rome tour is from the Colosseum.
Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheater used for gladiator battles and animal fights. It was an entertainment option to bring all the Roman people under one roof.
Due to its significance, it was on the travel bucket list for so many tourists.
A journey to Rome would be incomplete without a visit to the Colosseum. It offers a great opportunity to learn about what life was like in Ancient Rome.
In a skip-the-Line tour, you will get the chance to delve into backstage areas that are generally off-limits to the public. You will get a unique gladiator’s eye view of the Colosseum while standing on the arena floor. Explore the Underground, where gladiators trained for fight. Follow in their footsteps on a partially rebuilt arena stage. All of this, plus the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, makes for a fascinating tour of Ancient Rome’s most important remaining relics.
Take a trip to the Roman Forum
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Roman Forum known as the epicenter of Roman political and social life. While visiting here you will get a glimpse of what it was like to be a Roman Emperor.
Once you are done browsing the Colosseum, it is a must to go to the Roman Forum. Here you will see the Arch of Titus, Temple of Saturn as well as the temple of Vesta.
Roman Forum is a fantastic immersive experience that should absolutely be included in your day trip to Rome.
Climb to the top of Palatine Hill
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Palatine Hill is located within the Roman Forum. So while you complete exploring the Roman Forum, don’t forget to pay a visit to Palatine Hill. Climbing to the hill will let you explore the ancient ruins and magnificent history. Not to forget the stunning 360 degree view of the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.
Make your way to the Trevi Fountain
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If you have time, take a short detour to Trevi Fountain. The walk from Palatine Hill to the Trevi Fountain takes little under half an hour. There is so much to see along the way. Altare della Patria in Piazza Venezia, which is hard to miss.
When in the Trevi Fountain, don’t forget to throw coins in the fountain. It’s a famous tradition among the tourists who pay a visit here. Throwing a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder means your return to this beautiful city.
Other gorgeousness to see in the one day tour at Rome is the splendid Vatican city.
Are you planning a trip to Vatican City and unsure how to plan your itinerary?
This one-day Rome City tour itinerary covers everything you need to know.
The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Castle Sant’Angelo are the top must-see attractions in Vatican City.
Vatican Museums
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Vatican Museums are made up of 26 museums. It spreads out about 5 miles of wall space. And the wall is filled with densely packed exhibits.
You can easily spend days or weeks viewing and learning about all of the displays here.
But we won’t make it long. We have prepared a list of things you can see here within your one day tour in Rome.
One is Vatican Pinacoteca. This painting gallery contains the most amazing masterpiece. Including, Giotton, Raphael, Leonardo da vincia nd so on. Here you will see a complete historic overview.
Another one is the Pio-Clementine Museum which is another oldest collection of paintings. There are Greek and Roman sculptures dating from the time of Pope Julius II.
Not to mention the ancient Egyptian Museum which was founded in 1837. It contains the masterpieces of Egyptian sculpture.
Sistine Chapel
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The most important gallery of Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel.
The Sistine Chapel houses one of the world’s most important art collections. Learn about the amazing history and information associated with these locations.
The Rotunda, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Maps are all located here. The Vatican Museums are filled with magnificent ceilings, old statues, and elaborate tapestries. An full ceiling and wall frescoed by Renaissance great Michelangelo Buonarroti will be a highlight.
See the Creation of Adam in person at the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Listen as your guide tells you about Michelangelo’s inside jokes and hidden meanings concealed within the painted frescoes on the chapel’s ceiling.
Walk over to Piazza Navona
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Piazza Navona, which dates back over 2,000 years and is dominated by three majestic fountains. It hosted hosted everything from marketplaces to public water parties throughout its long history. Today Piazza Navona recognized as the Rome’s most attractive and popular tourist destinations.
While taking the Rome one day tour, don’t forget to eating your gelato seated on the edge of one of the fountains!
Make your way to Castel Sant’Angelo
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Take the Via dei Coronari and the Ponte Sant’Angelo to Castel Sant’Angelo.
The lovely Via dei Coronari runs through the heart of Rome’s Centro Storico area.
The Ponte Sant’ Angelo, or Aelian Bridge, connects Castel Sant’Angelo to the other side of the Tiber. Five angels created by Bernini’s pupils line each side of the bridge. The angels are carrying items related to Jesus’ suffering.
Strolling down here while taking photos is certainly one of favorite things to do in Rome in one day.
Head over to St. Peter’s Square
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During your one day Rome tour, you may not cover all over St. Peter’s Basilica. But we recommend explore the square and the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Or, you can arrive here earlier, you can even manage climb to the top of the dome for an unforgettable perspective of St. Peter’s Square.
The basilica is free to visit, but there is a dress requirement that must be followed (no shoulders and no knees). The security queue at St. Peter’s Square moves remarkably quickly. If you want to climb the dome, you must purchase tickets within the basilica after passing through the main entrance.
We hope you’ll enjoy your one day tour at Rome city. One of the most important aspects of Rome city is, it looks even more fascinating at night.
We recommend visiting here in winter.
