The best time to travel to Italy:

The best time to visit Rome is from April to June and from September to October. These months offer you pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a vibrant city atmosphere. Experience the charm of Rome in the soft spring light or the bright autumn colors.

Where to stay in Rome:

Centro Storico, Rome’s historic center, is the ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the city’s remarkable landmarks. Hotel prices here range between $150 and $300. If you’re planning to stay outside the traditional areas, neighborhoods like Esquilino, Testaccio, and Trastevere tend to be more affordable.

If you prefer to stay near the Colosseum, the Monti area could be a good option for you, where hotel costs are around $200 to $400.

Getting around in Rome: Rome’s public transport system is extensive. You can purchase a Roma Pass, which costs about $40 for 72 hours.

Day 1: Start your journey in the heart of Rome.

• Colosseum: This massive amphitheater was built between 72-80 AD. The ticket price is around $17.
• Arch of Constantine: Located near the Colosseum, and visiting it is free.
• Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: Keep your Colosseum ticket with you, as it also grants access to the Forum and Palatine Hill.

Lunch: Nearby Piazza Venezia, where you can enjoy a meal with a view for about $20 to $30.

Afternoon:

• Piazza Venezia: The city’s heart, where historic roads and buildings converge.
• Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria): Located in central Rome, you can climb it for a stunning city view. The ticket costs about $8.
• Capitoline Hill: A short walk away, climb the steps designed by Michelangelo.

On this journey, you can experience Rome’s rich history and culture, with masterpieces from the Renaissance that may leave you mesmerized.

Caracalla Baths:

Dive into the ancient world of Rome at the Baths of Caracalla, one of the largest Roman public baths. Emperor Septimius Severus began construction in 206 AD, and his son Emperor Caracalla completed it. The bath complex had three main areas: Frigidarium, Caldarium, and Tepidarium. The entry fee is about $11, which includes a video guide. The baths are open daily from 9 AM until one hour before sunset.

Bocca della Verità (The Mouth of Truth)

The Bocca della Verità, or the Mouth of Truth, is not just a piece of marble; it is a famous part of Roman legend and mystery. It depicts a river god with wide-open eyes and flowing hair. Legend has it that it can bite the hand of a liar. For about $2.20, you can place your hand in the Mouth of Truth and see how truthful you are! It’s a fun experience you wouldn’t want to miss while in Rome.

Giardino degli Aranci

To end your first day in Rome, head to Giardino degli Aranci Park, atop the Aventine Hill. This beautiful park is filled with orange trees and ancient churches, with one built in 422 AD. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the beauty of the sunset from the park. One of the park’s highlights is the “Magic Keyhole,” through which you can see a perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Dinner in Rome on Day 1

For dinner, choose either the Trastevere or Centro Storico areas. In Trastevere, you’ll enjoy a delightful Italian dining experience, while in Centro Storico, you can taste classic Roman cuisine. Dinner generally costs between $20 to $30, and for dessert, try the traditional or innovative tiramisu from “Two Sizes.”

 Rome Hidden Gems

Start your morning by admiring the beauty of the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous fountains. It’s a tradition to toss a coin and make a wish here. Arriving around 8 AM will help you avoid the crowds and peacefully enjoy its beauty.
Next, visit the Spanish Steps, an iconic spot with 138 steps that lead up to a stunning view. Rich in history, it’s a must-see location.
From there, head to Terrazza del Pincio, where you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of St. Peter’s Basilica. Nearby, Villa Borghese is a wonderful place to explore, featuring art galleries, museums, statues, temples, a zoo, a boating lake, and even a theater. The Borghese Gallery is a special highlight, housing masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Bellini within an extraordinary palace. The Villa Borghese is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM, with extended hours until 10 PM on Wednesday. Tickets to the gallery cost about $16, and booking in advance can save you from long lines.

Insider Tip:

For an enriched experience, consider a guided tour of the gallery and gardens. You will skip the lines, and an expert guide will provide valuable insights.

In the afternoon, visit Piazza del Popolo, the northern gateway to Rome, where you’ll find the city’s oldest obelisk. Enjoy a coffee and take in the rich cultural heritage of the area. Nearby restaurants offer excellent lunch options, with places like Bro Restaurant and the hidden gem Zelda Restaurant, renowned for their Italian cuisine. Meals usually cost between $15 to $30.

After lunch, head to the Pantheon, once a temple dedicated to Roman gods. Its massive dome is the largest unreinforced concrete structure in the world, and its oculus is open to the sky. The Pantheon is free to enter and open daily from 9 AM to 6:45 PM.

Piazza Navona is another lively place to visit, where you’ll see Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi). There are also remnants of an ancient stadium and the beautiful 17th-century Sant’Agnese in Agone Church.

Campo de Fiori is the final public square to visit, home to a bustling market where you can buy fresh fruit, flowers, and souvenirs.

Dinner and Evening Tour:

To explore Rome’s culinary scene, consider taking a food tour. We joined a Rome Street Food Tour, where you can taste delicious Italian treats. It typically starts at 5:15 PM and lasts for 2.5 hours.

After enjoying your meal, walk to Ponte Umberto, where you can take in the magical sunset views from the bridge.

This concludes your 2-day Rome itinerary, where ancient traditions, delicious food, and hidden treasures’ll enchant you.