Are you looking to plan the best day in Rome? There is so much to see, do, and eat in Rome. But lucky for you, I’ve narrowed it down to the best so you can see Rome in one day!
From beautiful historical monuments to mouthwatering food, Rome has no shortage of sights to see and dishes to eat. Italy’s capital is a must-visit; if it’s your first time, there are some places you do not want to miss!
Make your way to famous monuments like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Enjoy mouthwatering Italian meals and roam the charming cobbled streets. Rome is very walkable, so you can easily do a lot in one day if you’re up to it.
Make sure you pack your comfiest shoes! Let’s take a look at the best Rome itinerary for spending one day in this lively, Italian city. Check out the map as well!
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of them. Read our affiliate disclosure. Thank you for your support!
One Day Rome Itinerary: Before You Go
Before you head to Italy’s capital there are some things you should know to make your trip the best possible…
Packing: Get ready for Rome with my fall packing list or summer packing list.
Accommodation: Browse the best places to stay in Rome and book your stay.
Learn History: Take a look at these fun facts about Rome before you go.
Transportation: Trains in Italy are the best and cheapest way to get around.
Ultimate 1-Day Rome Itinerary
Breakfast at TreCaffè
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Lunch & Gelato
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Dinner at Life Restaurant
Breakfast at TreCaffè - Monte d'Oro
Start your day off right with coffee and pastries from TreCaffe – Cafe Monte d’Oro. You must try a cappuccino or caffe latte when you’re in Rome; even if you’re not a big coffee fan. I arrived in Italy hating coffee and left drinking it every day. It’s that good. And don’t get me started on the pastries…
Colosseum
The ultimate Roman experience: the Colosseum! You cannot miss this incredible ancient Roman site when you’re here.
You can buy tickets for both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and see them both in one day, but you can also admire them both from the outside and still have your breath taken away.
Roman Forum
Along with the Colosseum, you should spend some time at the Roman Forum. Home of the original heart of Rome, these ancient ruins are incredible to see in person.
The best part is that it’s only a 2-minute walk from the Colosseum. Buying combo tickets is the best idea if you want to wander through both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Lunch and Gelato Break
After a busy morning, you’ll definitely want to fill up on food. Grab a delicious lunch from Ristorante Agrodolce Roma and a double-scoop gelato from Flor Gelato.
You simply have to get gelato when you’re in Italy, and Rome is home to some amazing gelaterias and delicious flavors. Our personal favorites are pistachio, coconut, lemon, and fior di latte (sweet cream).
Check out the 5 best foodie experiences in Rome!
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is located in a rather small piazza, but it is a must-see. While Rome is famous for its many beautiful, artistic fountains, the Trevi is hands down the best. Therefore, it gets super busy. But we found it so worth the crowds!
Remember to be patient if you want a photo; everyone else wants one too, so just be nice and wait your turn. Usually, other tourists will take your photo in return for a photo of them.
Read Next: 25 Fun Facts About Rome
Pantheon
Along with the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon is free to get into, but you will most likely have to wait in line. Don’t stress though! The line moves along quickly, it’s just to keep people more spaced out and crowd the inside.
The Pantheon was originally built to worship Roman gods and is still an active church. It’s a beautiful architectural feat that you don’t want to miss!
Dinner at Life Restaurant
Finally, end your busy day in Rome at Life Ristorante. All the food here is insanely delicious, the service is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable.
If they have outdoor seating available when you’re there, we recommend you go for it! Another bonus here is sitting outside and watching Roman life go on before your eyes. It’s a wonderful city, and this was a great way to end the day here.
Read Next: 5 Best Experiences in Rome for Foodies
How many days in Rome is enough?
While you can easily stay 3 or more days in Rome, having at least one full day will allow you to see some of the city’s most famous monuments and eat at a couple of incredible restaurants.
Rome is very walkable and public transportation is pretty reliable. You can easily check off some major attractions. I do recommend you buy tickets in advance for any tours you want to do. Often tickets for some monuments, like the Colosseum, sell out days or weeks in advance.
Is it worth going to Rome for a day?
Of course, it’s worth going to Rome for a day! Staying longer would be ideal, but if you can only stay for a day, it’s still worth the effort.
Rome is very easy to get around; most famous monuments are within walking distance of each other. If you follow this one day Rome itinerary, you’ll get to see some of the city’s best sights.
One Day Rome Itinerary Map
Recap: Ultimate 1-Day Rome Itinerary
Breakfast at Cafe Monte d’Oro
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Lunch at Ristorante Agrodolce Roma
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Dinner at Life Restaurant
I hope you have the best time in Rome with the help of this one day Rome itinerary. I fell in love with this city and hope I can help you do the same. It’s so charming and full of life, it keeps you wanting to come back for more! My parents (both in their 60s) met me here and were able to accomplish Rome in 1 day with me!
Now grab your bag, get packing, and have the best time in Rome! There’s so much to see in Italy’s capital that it would be impossible to see it all. But the best, most famous, and most beautiful monuments are included in this itinerary, as well as some amazing restaurants.
Read Next: How to Travel Italy by Train
Staying in Rome longer than one day, check out...
This itinerary is meant to be a helpful guideline, especially for those who are visiting Rome for the first time. There is so much Rome has to offer, but we highly recommend the above activities. Having an itinerary to follow, even if just loosely, will help you make the most of your time in this ancient city!
