It is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the best places to choose for an unforgettable vacation in Italy: Rome, with its 27 centuries of history, houses some of the most iconic monuments worldwide and is a place dreamed of visiting at least once in a lifetime. Rome, also known as the Eternal City, is famous for its immense cultural heritage, and locals often say that a lifetime is not enough to discover all the majestic sites that Rome can offer to its visitors.
If all you’ve got is not a lifetime but just one day in the Eternal City of wonders, don’t worry—you can still experience a beautiful blend of ancient ruins, vibrant neighborhoods, and unforgettable food. With some thoughtful planning and a will to walk and explore, 24 hours in Rome is more than enough to be conquered by the majesty of Rome. From the morning at the Vatican to the afternoon at the Colosseum, and evening in the Trastevere district, follow our ultimate guide about the 24-hour itinerary in Rome for first time visitors.
One day in Rome: how to make the most of 24 hours in the Eternal City
It’s not about seeing everything; it’s about feeling the essence of the city, the warmth of its streets, and the incredible history woven into every stone, the spirituality in every church you can visit, and of course the typical food experience to taste along the way. Rome is a city that’s meant long distances: its huge historic center allows you to hop between world-famous landmarks and charming local corners and using public transport is the key to do not waste time. So if you’re wondering whether one day is worth it, the answer is absolutely yes: you won’t do it all, but you’ll do enough to leave with that unmistakable Roman glow and with Rome Visit Pass the tourist pass that helps you explore Rome easily you can do it. Let’s find out our 24-hour itinerary with details about what to do in only one day without wasting time. Let’s go together.
Morning: discovery Rome’s iconic landmarks
The day in Rome for first time visitors can’t help but start in Vatican City, arriving at St. Peter’s Basilica before the crowds. Morning light filters through the columns made by Bernini and the square is still quiet, and a visit inside the basilica discovering the masterpieces kept inside is priceless: the bronze canopy made by Bernini and the two Michelangelo masterpieces: the Pietà statue and the stunning dome.
Before leaving the Vatican, stopping at a little bar for a quick Italian breakfast — a cappuccino with a maritozzo pastry (a fluffy bun, split open and overflowing with a mountain of whipped cream) — is a must to enjoy every moment of the one day in Rome.
From there, with a subway ride it is possible to arrive at the Colosseum, one of the most iconic monuments of Italy and Rome’s symbol in the world. This ancient arena, where gladiators once fought for their lives, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, an unmissable place to visit in Rome even if you have only a few hours to spend in the Eternal City.
Afternoon: wander, eat, discover
For lunch, skip the touristy spots and head to Monti, a neighborhood that still feels like a local secret. Full of narrow lanes, artisan shops, and trattorias, the Monti district is the best place to try a delicious traditional recipe like pasta cacio e pepe (pecorino cheese and pepper) or carbonara (a sauce made with eggs, bacon and pecorino cheese).
After lunch, head to the Pantheon for a visit to the largest ancient dome, built more than 2,000 years ago and still standing. The Pantheon is the kind of place that leaves people speechless: the perfect dome, the oculus open to the sky — it’s one of those unmissable spots during a day in Rome. After that, you can make your way — by bus or on foot — to the wonderful Trevi Fountain: it’s always a little crowded, but don’t let that stop you. It’s time for the tradition of tossing a coin and making a wish to come back soon to Rome.
Evening: sunset, spritz, and the last stroll through the eternal city
Before the sun starts to dip, it is possible to stroll through baroque Rome, discovering some of the most important squares like Piazza Navona with the beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers made by Bernini and the wonderful Church of Saint Agnes in Agone by Borromini, and Campo de’ Fiori, one of the most vibrant squares of Rome’s city center, the best place to enjoy the aperitivo ritual with an original spritz.
As evening settles, you can cross the Tiber River into Trastevere, one of Rome’s most soulful districts. There’s no checklist here, just explore or sit on a bench to watch life go by. For dinner, one of the traditional osterias that characterize Trastevere’s alleys is perfect to continue the journey through original Roman cuisine. A plate of carbonara or amatriciana while drinking a glass of red wine is the best way to conclude a day itinerary discovering Rome.
Tips for a perfect 24 hours in Rome
Trying to avoid long lines and crowded areas, it is essential to start the day in Rome early, before 9am. In addition, it is a must to book ahead for any must-see sites, especially the Vatican (Museums, the Sistine Chapel and the dome — the basilica has free entrance but there is a security check line), the Colosseum and the Pantheon. The Visit Rome Pass can help you to organize your time in Rome, with free entry, discounted tickets, skip-the-line access, and unlimited public transport, it is an unmissable travel companion for discovering the eternal city.
Wearing good shoes is more than a tip, it’s a necessity to handle the many hours of walking, most of it on cobblestones. Don’t forget to use public transports to save time moving from one site to another — in Rome’s historic city center there are many bus lines and the subway connects the most important and famous landmarks.
Last but not least, leave some moments free to fully enjoy the beauty of the Eternal City: in Rome, you will constantly brush up against history, turn a corner and suddenly find a hidden masterpiece waiting to be discovered. Let yourself be surprised by the majesty of Rome.
