Rome in 48 Hours 

Rome is one of the oldest civilizations on Earth. To say it’s a romantic city is an understatement! While Rome is one of the biggest cities in Europe it’s possible to see many sights in 48 hours. While I would suggest spending as much time in Rome as possible, sometimes that’s not an option.

Outside the Roman Colosseum

First things first, find a place to stay. There are tons of Airbnbs within walking distance to the sights. Find one to your liking, and then make sure you pack some walking shoes. Rome is very easy to navigate by foot!

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Even though these sights are touristy, it is for good reason! I mean who comes to Rome and doesn’t want to see the Colosseum?

Purchase tickets to the main sights. If you want to go to the Colosseum you don’t have to buy tickets ahead of time. You can purchase tickets when you get there, but be prepared to wait in line. If you are wanting to visit the underground portion of the Colosseum where the gladiators and Lions were kept, buy your tickets ahead of time (click here to buy tickets now). We did the self guided audio tour and it was great! When you buy your tickets to the Colosseum that ticket will also give you access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. The amount of history in this small area really is incredible! Plan on spending at least a couple hours at these locations (not including waiting in line).

The Pantheon

First of all we didn’t know what or where the Pantheon was when we were in Rome. We were out for an evening walk and stumbled across some street performers (who were AMAZING) singing outside this incredible building that happened to be the Pantheon! Unfortunately it was too late for us to go inside, but the outside was super impressive and the street musicians made it absolutely magical.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and is possibly one of the most famous fountains in the world. Sadly for us it was being restored when we were there, and we couldn’t enjoy it like we wanted to. Luckily there are tons of other amazing fountains scattered all over the city that we enjoyed. Take a walk anywhere in the city and you are sure to come across one!

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and is considered one of the holiest shrines of Catholisism. We woke up very early in order to beat the crowds in Vatican City, and it was WELL worth it! We were the only people moving around the city except some shop keepers and a couple cafes. Since we were so early we were one of the first to get inside the Basilica, and it made for a very quiet contemplative time. I’m not sure if we happened to be at the right place at the right time, but as we were walking around enjoying the church we heard singing coming from below us. There are grates in the marble floors, and below the main level of the church was a choir singing and their beautiful voices drifted up through the floors like angels.

View from Saint Peter's Cathedral
Inside Saint Peter's Cathedral

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

If you don’t want to wait in REALLY long lines, buy your tickets ahead time. We did not, and we were lucky to only have waited in line for about 4 hours. Again we decided on the audio tour so we could go at our own pace. If you are very interested in the incredible amount of art and displays that the Vatican Museums hold you could honestly spend an entire week here and still not see it all. There is SO much to see! My husband and I are not that into art (he less than I) so we were on a “quick” trip through the museums. I really only had a couple things on my list, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel being number one!

Sistine Chapel

A couple things to note: Everyone must have their shoulders covered in order to enter the Sistine Chapel. There are guards making sure you are well enough covered, even in the heat of summer. You are not aloud to take pictures while inside the Chapel (I broke the rules and snuck a pic with my iPhone. Be prepared to get scolded if you do). If you are claustrophobic, you might thing twice about visiting the Chapel. It is the most popular single location in the museums. You are packed in shoulder to shoulder with tons of other tourists. We felt like a herd of cattle being pushed and prodded in one door and out the other. It was totally worth it!

Eat all the Food, and Drink all the Cappuccino

Finally, since you are in Rome after all, you have to eat as much pizza, pasta, and pesto as you are able. Please do yourself a favor and drink the best cappuccino you have ever imagined. It doesn’t even matter where you get one. ALL cappuccino in Rome is amazing! Remember you pay less for coffee if you stand and drink it at the bar like the locals. Once you decide to sit down, you will be charged more for taking up a seat.

Perfect Italian cappuccino