A Quick Guide to Spending 24 Hours in Rome
This and the next few posts are dedicated to the end of my Eurotrip in Rome, Italy. If you recall, I spent just over 24 hours in Rome, Italy, after an incredible time with family in London and a solo adventure in Paris. Two months before leaving, I arranged my flights: NYC to London on Virgin Atlantic and Rome back to NYC on Alitalia—all for under $400.
For anyone planning a romantic getaway, solo trip, or group adventure to Rome before heading to the Amalfi Coast or exploring Italy, this guide provides the perfect way to maximize your time in the Eternal City.

Traveling from Paris to Rome
If traveling from Paris to Rome, flying is the best way to save time. I purchased a nonstop flight from ORY to FCO on Vueling Airlines. Other budget options like Ryanair and EasyJet also connect European cities to Rome.
For those seeking a scenic route, traveling by train or car offers the chance to soak in the countryside of both France and Italy. However, it’s a longer journey, taking 11-13 hours. Consider additional costs such as gas, food, and tolls if driving.
Getting to Rome from the Airport
Public transport and private transfers are common ways to reach Rome from Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Shared rides are also available, but they are pretty expensive. The most cost-effective option is the train to Termini Station, a central transportation hub in the city center.
Alternatively, you can opt for shared rides, as I did, which cost around €16 and brought me directly to my hotel. Once in the heart of Rome, I relied on my hotel’s free shuttle service to the Vatican Museums and city center, along with taxis and trains.
Where to Stay in Rome
I stayed at the Grand Hotel Tiberio, a boutique hotel offering breakfast and daily shuttle service to major attractions. Passports and Grub provides boutique hotel recommendations for travelers seeking other options.
Staying near central attractions like the Vatican or Piazza Navona ensures you’ll have ample time to explore the highlights of Rome.
Use the interactive map below to find places to stay in Rome within your budget.
Rome Itinerary: 24 Hours in the Eternal City
When mentioning Rome, you may think of ancient Roman civilization, museums, or even the Catholic Church. For a limited-time trip, I recommend taking a hop-on, hop-off bus to see the popular sites. You can also look into free or discounted walking tours.
The times listed are estimated depending on transportation time, walking pace, and how long it will take you to retain information. To skip lines, I recommend booking tours in Rome in advance. Make sure to also account for meal times between sites.
Since my cousin is a super budget traveler and I’ll be visiting Rome and the Amalfi Coast for a girl’s trip, I skipped most of the long tours and took advantage of visiting some sites for free. I’ll invest in more traditional tours since I’ll have more than one day in Rome on our girl’s trip.
Below is a full one-day Rome itinerary, including time periods of ten different places to visit in Rome in 24 hours.

Early Morning: Explore the Vatican City Attractions
- Sistine Chapel (9:00 AM)Begin your day with a visit to the Sistine Chapel, home to some of the most horrifying images of the Last Judgment and amazing art by Michelangelo. Arrive early to avoid crowds and truly savor this masterpiece.
- St. Peter’s Square and Basilica (10:40 AM – 11:15 AM)From the chapel, head to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most iconic religious buildings in the world. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the dome, which require an extra cost but are entirely worth it. Take a moment to admire the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square as you exit.
Early Afternoon: Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori
- Piazza Navona (1:05 PM) Next, visit Piazza Navona, a lively square featuring fountains, street performers, and cafes. It’s a great place for people-watching and soaking up the vibrant public life of Rome.
- Campo de’ Fiori (Short Walk from Piazza Navona)Stroll to Campo de’ Fiori, a historic market square, and enjoy some retail therapy or a bite from the daily specials offered by vendors.
Mid Afternoon: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
- Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna (2:55 PM) Nearby, the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna are bustling hubs where you can enjoy a frothy cappuccino at a nearby coffee shop or indulge in some gelato.
- Trevi Fountain (3:50 PM): Toss a coin into this world-famous fountain to ensure your return to the city of Rome. It’s a perfect place to snap photos and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
Evening: Ancient Rome
- Roman Forum (4:50 PM) Dive into the history of ancient Rome with visits to the Roman Forum.
- Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill (6:00 PM) As the day winds down, visit Piazza Venezia, surrounded by government buildings, and make your way to Capitoline Hill for more spectacular views of the modern city blended with the ancient buildings of Rome.
- The Colosseum: (7:05 PM) A true Roman icon, the Colosseum is next on your list. If you have enough time, consider a guided tour to delve into its history as an amphitheater for gladiatorial combat.
- Palatine Hill (8:45 PM) View the city’s imperial past and see spectacular views and ancient buildings.
Tips for Maximizing Your Time in Rome
- Book Tickets in Advance: Skip-the-line tickets are a big deal for avoiding long queues at popular tourist attractions.
- Use Public Transport: Buses, trains, and the metro are cost-effective and connect all major sites.
- Stay Hydrated: Especially during the summer months, when exploring can lead to a bit of wear.
- Plan for Downtime: With so much to see, take breaks at piazzas or gardens to recharge.
Best Foods to Try in Rome
Rome is a culinary paradise, offering some of the best foods in Italy. Don’t miss these local specialties:
- Cacio e Pepe: A Roman classic made with pasta, cheese, and black pepper.
- Pizza al Taglio: Grab a slice of this Roman-style pizza sold by weight.
- Gelato: Perfect for a sweet treat during your busy day.
For early risers, breakfast at a coffee shop featuring a cornetto and cappuccino is a must. For lunch, head to a trattoria for daily specials like pasta or Roman-style artichokes.
Recommendations for First-Time Visitors
- Villa Borghese Gardens: A favorite place for a peaceful stroll and spectacular city views.
- Piazza del Popolo: Located near the River Tiber, this square offers a mix of history and live music performances.
- Piazza della Rotonda: Admire the Pantheon’s grandeur and the historic building dedicated to Roman Emperor Hadrian.
- Capuchin Crypt: For those interested in the macabre, the Capuchin Crype is worth visiting.
- Ostia Antica: If you have ample time, consider visiting these ancient ruins outside the city for a glimpse of Roman life beyond the city center.
Rome is a city that blends the ancient with the modern, offering many opportunities for exploration. By following this guide to 24 hours in Rome, Italy, you’ll have many memories to take home.
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Read More European Travel Guides
A First-Timer’s Guide to Spending 4 Days in Lisbon
3 Days in Barcelona: Things to Do & See
How to Spend 3 Days in Athens, Greece

Great photos and write-up JoAnna! You made me want to go back to Rome ASAP. To me it felt like a big city (kind of like New York) but then BAM… amazing ancient architecture and history! I just found out about your blog on Flipboard and I flipped this to my Travel Inspiration magazine. 🙂
Thanks so much Scott. I definitely can’t wait to go back with my friends. It can be a little overwhelming like NYC
All of these places are on my European travel wish list, but just carving out the time to get there is important to me. Thanks for sharing, I bookmarked this page for later.
You made the very best of your time there. Rome is definitely on my bucket list!
Great ‘When In Rome’ Guide. You covered a lot to do within 24 hours in the city.
Beautiful Trip and way to maximize all your time in Rome! It’s definitely a place that I would like to visit!
I honestly can’t wait to visit Rome.its such a beautiful City with alot of history. It’s obvious you had a great time.
I have not been to Rome yet and I stress yet. Our goal is to get to Tuscany and roam around some and probably hit Rome.
Rome is on my bucket list for travel. I’m hoping to take a 2 week trip to Europe next fall so I’m definitely going to come back to this post.
My goodness you were on such a tight schedule! But you managed to get a lot done. Rome is absolutely gorgeous. And the FOOD…oh! Best vacation ever.
Yessss the food was everything. I seriously cannot wait to go back.
I’ve never been overseas but I a dream of spending a month getting to know some of these countries in Europe. Rome certainly looks beautiful and is definitely on my list of places to see.
Oooh a month is Europe sounds fab!
I had about 18 hours in Rome after flying from Morocco. I think we stayed at Hotel Secci. We flew on Alitalia as well. It is probably one of the worst airlines we’ve flown. I can’t wait to read your upcoming posts.