Wanderlust Chronicles’ 24 Hour Guide to Rome
Rome is one of our favourite cities in the whole wide world. Its amazing Roman architecture and design, walkability of its city center and attractions, its romantic sounding language, and delicious food, make it a true standout in Europe. Having visited the city three times in our short lifetimes, it’s no wonder that we had to write a 24 hour guide for you guys. Enjoy!
STAY
Luxe | Boscolo Exedra Roma
This former palace with balcony views over the Piazza della Republica is features hotel rooms with true Roman opulent architectural design in an extremely convenient location. From the hotel you are within walking distance of all the major sites and have a metro stop right at your door.
BOOK HERE | Booking.com
Modern | Starhotels Metropole
For a more affordable yet functional hotel option, the Starhotels Metropole is perfect. This hotel is located 5 minutes from the Roma Termini in a busy back street. The executive rooms and higher categories have all been refurbished and are modern and clean rooms to enjoy all that Rome has to offer.
BOOK HERE | Booking.com
ITINERARY
10AM | Enjoy coffee and a sweet pastry, the way the Italians do, for breakfast at a local café. A cheap and friendly alternative is the Eataly Patisserie located near the hotels listed above.
1030AM | Spanish steps
Catch the metro from Repubblica to the Spanish steps. Make sure to snap a few shots of the steps before exploring the back streets for a bite to eat or some retail therapy.
11AM | Villa Borghese
Stroll through the streets of Rome to make your way to the gardens around The Villa Borghese. On a sunny day, this is the perfect way to enjoy Rome and to mingle with the locals who are enjoying the fresh air. Leave some time to explore the Villa Borghese and its beautiful architecture.
12 Noon | Pantheon and lunch at Pietro al Pantheon
Make your way down the Via Veneto, one of Italy’s most exclusive and expensive streets, towards the Pantheon. On your way make sure to stop at Pietro al Pantheon for a delicious lunch that doesn’t feature the dreaded ‘Touristo menu”. Anything and everything is delicious here but they are famous for their Roman pasta with cheese and sausage. After your delicious lunch, make a stop at the gelato shop right before the Pantheon, Ci gusta!, for some of the most delicious gelato in Rome. Now that your stomach is stuffed and you are refueled, you have time to explore the Pantheon.
130PM | Trevi Fountain
A short walk from the Pantheon will lead you to The Trevi Fountain. Make sure to throw a coin from your right hand over your left shoulder as legend says that you will return to Rome in the future if you do it. It has worked for us three times already so there must be some truth to it!
2PM | St Peter’s Basilica
One day in Rome means that you will have to skip the expansive Vatican museum but you will still have time to see the real crown jewel, St Peter’s Basilica. Be prepared to wait in line and reject the numerous touts trying to sell you their guide services, but rest assured the wait is definitely worth it. Make sure to visit the dome to get a bird’s eye view over Rome.
330PM | The Colosseum
Catch the last light of the day, during winter, at The Colosseum. Try to book yourself into a guided tour if any are available as they are affordable, super informative, and give you access to many of the places you aren’t allowed to enter without a guide, such as the under arena area.
5PM | Campo dei Fiori for dinner and drinks
End your day with delicious food and a fun night out in the Campo dei Fiori area. Your choices are unlimited and you are guaranteed to meet a lot of fun people from around the world.
Extra time?
- Vatican museums – Extend your Vatican visit with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. This is a great way to explore the grandeur and art of the world’s richest country based on its size.
- Roman forum – Extend your Colosseum visit with a tour of the Roman Forum. Your ticket to the Colosseum includes it so it’s well worth a visit.
- Day trip to Firenze – In one and a half hours, you can be in our new favourite city in the whole of Italy, Firenze, or Florence as us Aussies say. This stunning city has heaps to see and do and is accessible by foot making for a great day trip.
Do you have any Italy tips or additions to this list? Leave them in the comments below.
Safe travels xx
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I find whenever I go to Italy, Rome is the most tricky in finding places to stay, avoiding crowds and where to eat. Thanks for sharing 🙂 I’ve done a review of Rome, as well as the Amalfi Coast, come check it out hun! Xo
Nikki | http://www.nikkibstyles.com
No worries. Thanks for exploring with us Nikki. xx