Ah, Rome! This ancient city is on the top of many travelers’ bucket list and for good reason. This magical city has everything all in one place–amazing history, fantastic hotels, beautiful architecture, and of course… phenomenal food! But with so many other hot spots to hit in Italy, is it worth it to squeeze Rome into your Italy itinerary? One million times, yes. Even if you can only spare 1 day in Rome, there’s an argument to be made for a quick visit here. Though you may just get a small taste of what Rome has to offer, 24-36 hours will give you time to see some major tourist spots and stay at an amazing hotel. Are you convinced? Let’s jump into your 1 day Rome itinerary.
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Should you see Rome in 1 day?
As someone who doesn’t usually love major cities when I’m traveling, I totally understand the temptation to skip Rome altogether. Especially when there’s so many other places in Italy to see… the rolling hills in Tuscany, the Renaissance style in Florence, the beaches of Amalfi… Rome often gets cut from an Italy itinerary.
However, I’m here to make the argument that you should definitely add Rome to your Italy itinerary. While 2-3 days is ideal, if you can only squeeze in 1 day in Rome it’s still totally worth it! For starters, flying in and out of Rome is much cheaper than Naples or some of the other smaller airports if you’re visiting the southern regions of France. Rome airport can even be cheaper than Florence or Milan depending on the time of year! It’s easy to catch a train from Rome to your next destination. In addition, if you’re coming from the US, many flights will leave in the evening and you’ll get to Rome first thing in the AM. Book your trains out for the evening or next morning, and spend a day in Rome!
I didn’t think I would love Rome, but it’s one of my favorite cities in the world now! It is such a unique city with a mix of very, very old and new. You can saunter down the street and just wander upon ruins that are thousands of years old. There’s world class dining, amazing luxury and boutique hotels, and just a fun energy around the city that can’t be beat.
Using a travel advisor for Rome and Italy
Should you use a travel advisor for your trip to Rome, Italy? I’m a bit biased but…. Absolutely! Traveling to a foreign country, especially one as popular as Italy, can be very overwhelming. Expect to spend a minimum of 10 to 20 hours on a week-long Italian itinerary. Or, loop me in and spend zero hours planning your own vacation! We’ll take care of everything from hotels, tours, train transfers, and making sure your trip is customized exactly how you want it.
In addition, book through me, and you’ll get these amazing perks at any of these listed resorts along with 2,000 other properties worldwide:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Room upgrades (when available)
- Early & late checkout
- Resort credit for the spa or onsite restaurants
And you’ll be known as a VIP to the hotel… I’ve got the hookup for ya 😉
Where to stay in Rome
With such a short amount of time, location is going to be the most important factor to booking your 1 day stay in Rome. Staying near the Spanish steps or Piazza di Spagna will allow you to be within walking distance to most major sites and just a short taxi ride from Vatican City and the Colosseum.
Choosing accommodations in Rome can be overwhelming… there’s thousands of hotels to choose from! Whether you want a budget option or something more luxurious, there is a hotel for literally every type of traveler. Below are a few hotels I love and that I’ve sent clients to over and over again and they never miss! You’ll also get exclusive perks to increase the value of your stay at these partner hotels at no extra cost to you.
Hotel De’Ricci
The Hotel De’Ricci is a beautifully designed luxury hotel in the Regola Rione quarter of Rome. Perfect for wine lovers, this hotel stocks one of a kind wines and has a sommelier on staff. This boutique hotel is the best place for those looking for something a little different, but still elegant and luxurious.
Book with me to receive exclusive perks:
- A credit worth $50-$100 (USD) per room, per stay to be spent only on extras such as F&B or Spa, only on property and during the stay
- Daily Continental breakfast for two people
- Room upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at the time of check-in
- Early check-in, subject to availability at the time of check-in
- Late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary WIFI
Baglioni Hotel Regina
The Baglioni Hotel Regina is designed in a beautiful Art Nouveau style, perfect for those who love a boutique feel. The hotel is located in a perfect location on Via Veneto near a beautiful pedestrian area and walking distance to many of the city’s main attractions.
Book through me to receive exclusive perks:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Daily Breakfast for 2
• Food & Beverage or Spa Credit
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
Portrait Roma
In walking distance to the Spanish steps and Piazza di Spagna, this luxury hotel in Rome is the perfect location to see all the sights in just one day. Enjoy a beautiful suite with personalized touches and impeccable service.
Book through me to receive exclusive perks:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Daily Breakfast for 2
• Food & Beverage or Spa Credit
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
JK Place Roma
A unique hotel in the heart of Rome near the Spanish steps, JK Place Roma has just 30 rooms and is the perfect place to feel right at home in the bustling city. Each room is thoughtfully designed with interiors by Italians with luxury finishes and amenities.
Book with me to receive exclusive perks:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Daily Breakfast for 2
• Food & Beverage or Spa Credit
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
What to do with 1 day in Rome
Again, with just 1 day in Rome you’ll want to pack in as much as you can! There’s truly so much to see in this beautiful city, but I recommend hitting the main tourist spots on your first trip… you can always dive a little deeper on your next trip! Because many flights from the US land in the morning, I would recommend hitting the ground running. Drop your bags at your hotel, grab an espresso, and let’s go!
Alternatively, I would plan to stay in Rome on the end of your trip so that you can train back into Rome the night before, spend 2 nights in Rome, and then have a full 36ish hours to explore before leaving for the airport.
Here’s what I would do if I only had one full day in Rome:
Colosseum Private Tour
The Colosseum is an ancient wonder that you have to see to believe. Built in 70 BC, the Colosseum was held for Romans to observe gladiators fight in the huge arena. Everyone has seen pictures of the Colosseum but seeing it in person gives you a whole new appreciation for how much of it remains.
Queues are usually very long and reservations are required to visit the Colosseum. In addition, only certain parts of the Colosseum are open to general ticket holders. You’ll be able to see a view from the top, some of the hallways, and the Palatine Hill with a general ticket. However, with a private or small group tour, you can go underneath the Colosseum and down to the arena… which allows you to walk on the same ground the gladiators did!
Taking a private or small group tour will allow you to see more of the Colosseum and have a more private experience.
Inquire about a private or small group tour here.
The Vatican City
Another major landmark that is a must do in Rome is Vatican City. Vatican City is actually a micronation and is the seat of the Catholic church. The huge draw to this place is the famous Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museum. You can also see St. Peter’s Basilica, which has amazing architecture, and of course, amazing history.
Vatican City museum and Sistine Chapel require tickets for entry and it is best to purchase these as soon as they go on sale. Since the pandemic, entry has been timed and it can seriously throw off your busy day if your desired time is sold out! I recommend booking a private early morning tour so you can check this off before you head over to your next tour at the Colosseum. A bonus of this is not fighting the huge crowds to see significant pieces and the chapel.
Get in contact with me to book your private Vatican City museum tour.
Walk around to see the major sites
In between your tour of the Vatican City and touring the Colosseum, take a couple hours to see some of the other major areas in Rome. Vatican City is on one side of Rome and the Colosseum is on the other, so I recommend taking a taxi to the Vatican, then taking a taxi to the Palazzo Navona, walking around these sites, and then a taxi or 30 minute walk to the Colosseum.
Some sites you shouldn’t miss on your self-guided walking tour:
- Palazzo Navona
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazzi di Spagna
- The Spanish Steps
Dinner in Trastevere
After walking several thousands of steps, you’ll be ready to dive into an authentic Roman meal! Trastevere is not a restaurant, but an entire neighborhood known for it’s hip and trendy scene but also fantastic dining. The most famous restaurant in this area is Da Enzo al 29. Da Enzo al 29 does not provide reservations, though, so be prepared to stand in a long line! I recommend Sette Oche which is just up the block from Da Enzo al 29 and had some of the best pasta we had our entire trip.
Even if you don’t want to plan your meals, you can simply wander around this neighborhood and stumble upon one of the best meals of your life. I always find some of the best meals come from the small hole in the wall restaurants! Finding the crowds is usually a safe bet!
Alternatively, Pierluigi is an amazing upscale seafood and pasta restaurant if you’d like something more refined! It’s not in Trastevere but is in Piazza di Ricci. We loved dining here and then heading to The Court for drinks after.
Drinks at The Court
End your whirlwind day in Rome with craft cocktails at The Court. Voted one of the top 50 bars in the world, this bar is located within the Palazzo Manfredi hotel and is a must do before you leave Rome. From The Court, you can sip unique drinks made by a world renowned bartender and see the Colosseum lit up at night right from your seat.
Guided tours for 1 day in Rome
When you’re in a pinch, it can sometimes be easier and more efficient to just take a full day guided tour. Rome is such a popular tourist destination, there is no shortage of amazing tour companies that will take you to everything you need to see in Rome within just one day. Whether you want to do a group tour or a private tour, there’s one that will fit any budget and travel style! The benefits here are not having to worry about getting individual tickets, transportation, or timing.
Reach out to me if you’d like to arrange a private full day tour of Rome or a small group tour.
You can also check out these guided tours on Viator. Note, these are less personal and usually larger groups than can be booked through an advisor.
Final thoughts/recommendations for 1 day in Rome
Rome is a magical city that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Since the end of the pandemic, Italy has seemed to skyrocket to the top of everyone’s travel plans and Rome has become more and more popular. And for good reason! Even if you are dreaming of sun drenched days on the southern coast or sipping wine in the Tuscan hills, Rome should be added to the beginning or end of your Italy itinerary. While 1 day in Rome is not enough to truly see everything this city has to offer, you can see many of the major sites in just 24 or 36 hours! Plan to visit Rome in 1 day with a quick hotel stay at Hotel De’Ricci and then strap on your comfy shoes to check out the hottest spots in Rome.
Even though it’s only a day this time, you can always come back! Rome will be waiting for you.
Ready to plan your trip?
Get started with a travel advisor on your custom Rome and Italy trip here.
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