Two Days in Rome

Visiting the eternal Roma for only a day or two? A few simple tips to help you organize and enjoy a hassle-free holiday.

Colosseum, Rome

There are simply too many places to see in Rome: historical buildings, fountains, piazzas, museums, churches, palaces, etc. Rome is one of the must-see places in the world, that also means rubbing shoulders with the heavy tourist crowd from all over the world. A day or two is not enough to see all of Rome, not to mention the constant battle against the rush. But with a little effort, you can make the most of your stay in Rome.

Research Before You Go

Research about Rome -- guidebooks, travel websites, magazines -- whatever you can get access to. The iconic Colosseum, Pantheon and The Trevi Fountain are must-visit places. The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica cannot be missed. Feel free to add or remove anything else from your itinerary. There are numerous streets to walk in, hills to climb on, piazzas to relax in and fountains to drink from; the choice is yours.

Book the Tickets Online

Tickets can be booked online for some of the attractions. This saves time as you can avoid the queues and gain direct entry. The tickets for Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum can be purchased online. The Vatican Museums also offer guided tours and online tickets.

Stay in a Central Location

Plan your stay in Rome's modern centre. There are a plethora of hotels in Via Nazionale and Via Veneto. Most of the attractions are walkable for here; public transportation and taxis are also readily available. The central train station, Termini, is in the neighbourhood. While Trastevere is supposed to be more safe and culturally inspiring, the modern center is the best for a shorter stay. There are plenty of shopping options too.

Take a Walk

Walking is a great way to see Rome. You need a good map of Rome for this; your hotel might provide one, if not, you can get one from a tourist office. With fountains and statues at every step, this will be an interesting and informative experience. You might also bump into some hidden gems along your way.

Save Time

The ruins and historical buildings of Rome call for a strenuous walk. Its essential to wear comfortable shoes and keep oneself hydrated. Lunch times are relaxed affairs in Rome, throughout Italy for that matter; go for a quick bite at the fast-food joints. Save your gastronomic experiments for dinner. Early mornings are usually less crowded -- the lavish piazzas and fountains can be enjoyed peacefully in the mornings. The same goes for late evenings too. Monuments without specified opening hours are best visited during these times.

It is true that a lifetime is not enough to see this eternal city. But the more important thing is how satisfied you are after your vacation. Plan ahead and make your Roman vacation stress-free and memorable.