48-HRS in Rome is a guide put together to help you prioritize places of interest you might want to visit. I personally would recommend these 5 must-visit places on your next Italian adventure of Rome. But bare in mind that, Rome has so much to be seen that one visit is not enough.
It is a city filled with over 2,000 years of Roman history, an era that still inspires today’s generation. There isn’t a place that Roman’s rule has not influenced or not heard of them. Places like the Colosseum and the Vatican City are high on the must-see list because of our schooling.
The 48-HRS in Rome guide aims to give you an idea of what can be done in such few hours. Whether you want a fast-paced tour of the city or a more relaxed one, Rome caters for all. Our recommendations of when to visit are between September and November months because it’s less crowded. The weather in September is warm enough to tour on foot and November its starting to get cooler.
48-HRS in Rome: 5 Must-Visit Places
Unless you’ve been to Rome before, most of the places you want to visit and the top tourist places. And many tourist companies have definitely capitalized on that because they know what’s popular with tourists. Everyone who visits Rome for the first time definitely has the Colosseum and the Vatican City on their list among other places. Our 48-HRS in Rome guide brings you the best 5 places you must visit as a first timer.
Being inside the #colosseum it takes your breath away, it’s been two weeks and I am still blown away by the beauty behind in this incredible landmark. 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 #rome #visitrome #visititaly #travel #travelling #traveling #traveller #travelgram #travels #instatravel #traveldiaries #travelblogger #travelblog #traveladdict #igtravel #neverstopexploring #wanderlust #liveauthentic #lifeofadventure #natgeotravel #welltravelled #iamtb #searchfinddiscover #inspiringtravelpics
Built during the reign of Emperor Vespasian as the largest amphitheater (which means theater in the round). It is made from concrete as well as stone and was built around in 72 and 80 A.D. This ancient sporting arena was open to the public, food was free but it was also home to brutal games. I can not even begin to imagine what it must have been like, we’ve all seen the gladiator movies. Not pretty and visiting it in person certainly brings things into perspective. Read more Facts about the Colosseum HERE.
Roman Forum
Once upon a time was a centre of Rome and considered the commercial hub of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Roman empire the forum fell into disrepair and was later used as a cow field. Those I can not remember much of my history lesson I do remember this was an important landmark.
Piazza Venezia Considered the central hub of Rome, Piazza Venezia was named by Cardinal Venezia. It is said he ordered a construction of his own palace (Palazzo Venezia) in 1455. At the foot of a monument to honour Victor Emanuel II and guarded by two soldiers is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Vatican City
It is known as the smallest country in the world and ruled by an absolute monarch, the Pope. Known as the headquarters of the Catholic church, with only a small population of a thousand. Apart from watching the movies, I had little to no knowledge about this independent city-state within the city of Rome. Read 10 things you many not know about the Vatican for insight HERE.
Trevi Fountain {Fontana Di Trevi}
Fontana Di Trevi is known across the globe to be most stunning, is located in Quirinale district of Rome. It is believed to be made from the same materials as the Colosseum and is the oldest water sources in Rome. There is a great belief that coins tossed into the fountain guarantee you will return to Rome. What’s more beautiful than the belief is that the coins are donated to a charity in Rome. You can read more facts about the Trevi Fountain HERE.
48-HRS in Rome: Getting from the Ciampino Airport to the city!
Italy is not known for having the best railway system, the best mode of transportation is buses. Most buses start at 4.30am in the morning, make note especially if you have an early flight. It’s recommended to buy return tickets because buses fill up pretty quickly and you don’t want to miss your flight.
Several companies operate from the airport to the city as well as to Leonardo da Vinci {Fiumicino}. You can purchase tickets online, I normally buy mine with Ryanair transfers to save money.
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
What great list! I sure wish I had time to kill in Rome!
Kara says
We had to squeeze Rome into a day and it was no easy task. We missed the Vatican but did manage the Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain
Kelly Hutchinson says
I have not been to Rome, although I have always wanted to. The Vatican City would be at the top of my list.
David E says
I still need to make my way into Rome. I am going to have to go sometime soon. I really would love to see all of these places. From the historical to the divine, I love it.
Ravmeet Oberoi says
Rome is on my bucket list of destinations to explore after my post graduation. This post has added to my impatience to get there. 😀
Little Pickle's Mom says
We genuinely did spend 48 hours in Rome a few years ago in November (a birthday treat) and it was a bit of a tense trip as everyone except me was ill! BUT I managed to visit the Colloseum which was top of my list to visit – and I LOVED the Roman forum.
Lauretta says
The Trevi Fountain is just so amazing! I’ve always been curious about Vatican too.
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
Oh wow, how exciting. I’d love to visit all of these places. Rome is really high up on my bucket list and your post will come in handy when I make it there.
Lauren Porter says
I’ve just written an Italian bucket list & Rome crops up numerous times! Would love to go x
jennifuchs says
I visited Rome before, but it’s been quite a while. At least ten years. Would love to go back.
mail4rosey says
We went and the one thing I missed was seeing the Sistine Chapel. I’d like to go back and get to see it then.
Jennifer L. | Modern Chic Mag says
Oh this gives me nostalgia feels for Rome. There is so much to see and discover there. I personally love the coliseum and the vatican.
Stephanie says
Wow that looks amazing, I’ve never visited Rome but it looks a really nice place to vidit. Add to my list!
Kira says
Wow Rome looks amazing . It is on mine and Scotts list of places to go and see 🙂
rachbblogs says
I so want to go to Rome! It was going to go for my Honeymoon a few years back but was told not to go as it would have been in August. The one place I want to visit is the Vatican City!
Farrah Less Gomez says
I love this trip of yours, Rome is on my bucket list. I enjoy browsing all your photos makes me wanna visit this beautiful city very soon. Thanks for the great tips as well very helpful.
Katy Stevens says
I love that it is still warm in September – ideal for a trip without kids once everyone is back to school in the UK!
Clairejustineo says
I have never been to Rome before but I would love to visit. So much to see here. Beautiful pictures 🙂
Newcastle Family Life says
I have never been to Rome but I am dying to visit someday. Such a useful list of places to visit for those of us who have never been x
Rhian Westbury says
I’ve been to Rome twice now but I’m still keen to go back and explore more of what the city has to offer. I feel the Big Bus hop on hop off buses are the best way to get a feel for the city x
Tracy Morgan says
What a helpful guide! I’ve never been to Rome but really intend to one day and it is more than likely I will only be there for a short time, so knowing where to head to and what not to miss is invaluable!
Vicky says
Thanks for this! Rome is one of my places to visit so this is quite useful!
Claudia Krusch says
Rome is one of my dream travel destinations. Vatican City is at the top of my must see list.
Ana De Jesus says
Rome is on my list of places to go to and I always found the Vatican city fascinating so I would love to visit if I get a chance to go!
Kittys Lifesyle says
We are planning for a trip next year… and these are some great places to visit 😀 Those pics are great 🙂
Susie says
Oh how i miss Rome! I remember being blown away by the stunning architecture in the Vatican. I really want to go back one day!
Laura @dearbearandbeany says
I adore Rome its one of my favourite places to visit. Seeing this makes me want to go back!
Dian says
Rome is in our list so this article was bookmarked for future listing 🙂
Megan says
We did 48 hours in Rome and one day in Florence when we went back in 2008. It was amazing! We were able to see the Coliseum, Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain. I LOVED the Trevi Fountain.
Laura Dove says
WOW!! Rome is at the top of my list of places to visit! How gorgeous!!!
Tatjana says
With a short trip like a 2-day trip, I agree, you should hit these must-see top places. But do veer off into side streets and discover something else, something unique.
Fi Ni Neachtain says
You are so lucky to travel as much as you do. I’ve never been to Rome before but all of these places look amazing – I definitely want to see the Colosseum in real life one day.
Justine Robson says
Rome is on my bucket list. The Husband has been before, but I don’t think he used the buses. Great suggestion.
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
OMG YOU DID THE SAME TRIP AS ME!! My girlfriend and I did 48 hours in Rome and we did that HOP ON, HOP OFF bus, which was SOOOOOO helpful because otherwise Rome is an insane maze! I remember it took me 3 hours to find the damn Trevi Fountain! LOL!
Nadene van der Linden says
Rome is a truly wonderful place to visit. thanks for the memories
Talya Stone says
We did 48 hours in Rome pre kids and it is amazing how much you can fit in – it truly is a must visit city!
Amber says
I love all your places here. I really need to make it to Rome one day. I just love history.
Sonia Cave says
Rome is on my wish list so this post will be very helpful in the future, thankyou
Sayantani Ghosh says
Rome is on my travel bucket list! These must visit places recommendation is very helpful for planning an upcoming trip!
Mary Abbott says
I have been to Rome twice and recommend all these places too!
Diana Williams says
Lovely places…especially Vatican city
Adel Massyn says
Your photos are lovely. I have Vatican City on my bucket list already but now I have added the Roman Forum.