How to Spend Two Days in Rome

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but if you’re strapped for time and own a decent pair of walking shoes, you can squeeze the highlights into just 48 hours. Here’s how.

Spend day one on the east side of the Tiber River with visits to the ancient grounds where one ticket (approximately $17) gives you access to the Colosseum, the ancient forum and the Palatine hill. At these sites, walk in the footsteps of gladiators, emperors and senators as you take yourself on a maze through history. Grab a slice of take-away pizza before heading a few blocks north to snap photos of the Trevi Fountain and then duck into the Pantheon for a gander at the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, followed by coffee and people-watching in Piazza Navona.

On day two, cross the Tiber to the other side where pre-purchased, pre-scheduled tickets get you into the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, followed by free entry into St. Peter’s Basilica. Catch sunset over Rome from the top of Giancolo Park and enjoy music from street musicians as you wander the corridors of Trastevere. End the day here with a filling pasta dinner, tiramisu and succulent Italian wine in the hip, vibrant neighborhood that stays up well into the wee hours of the morning.