The Perfect 2-Day First-Timer's Guide to Rome: Ancient Marvels & The Vatican

00120, Vatican City

💡 Book tickets weeks in advance for a morning start, and keep in mind that this massive complex is typically closed on Sundays.

Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Admire Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers early in the day before the heavy crowds and street artists arrive.

Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Order the Gran Caffè Speciale standing at the bar for a truly legendary creamy Roman espresso.

Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Look up at the open oculus; the mid-day sunlight creates a dramatic beam across the marble interior.

Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder to ensure your return to Rome.

P.za del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Book the earliest 09:00 arena floor slot online to beat midday heat and tour groups.

Via di S. Gregorio, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Enter via the Via di San Gregorio gate—lines here are significantly shorter than near the Colosseum.

Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Walk behind the Palazzo Senatorio for the single best panoramic view over the Roman Forum ruins.

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

💡 After taking a late afternoon break at your hotel, head to this picturesque square during the golden hour to settle into a local trattoria for dinner.

Via Piave, 62, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

💡 Take a dedicated sit-down lunch break here to order the fresh Roman-style supplì and crispy thin-crust margherita pizza.