weekend trips rome

Discover the Best Weekend Trips from Rome: Unforgettable Getaways

Discover the best weekend trips from Rome with our detailed guide. From affordable escapes to historic landmarks, and countryside retreats near Rome.

Last Update: March 15, 2024

• Destination

Rome’s strategic position within Italy’s geography makes writing this intriguing guide to the best day trips easy. Taking you through a fantastic journey in Italy, we will showcase some of the best weekend trips from Rome . It might seem complicated to plan, but thanks to the fantastic train connections in Italy, you don’t need to rent a car, and within a one-hour train ride, you can be on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast or sipping wine in the charming Tuscany countryside.

Leave the bustling streets behind and step into a world of breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and cultural wonders. Whether you seek relaxation on the coast, immersion in history, or the delights of the Italian countryside, this guide will provide you with all the inspiration and practical tips you need. So prepare to create unforgettable memories with these fantastic day trips and weekend getaways from Rome!

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Tips for planning your fantastic weekend trip from Rome

As you embark on your weekend trips from Rome, keep in mind our suggestions to make the journey memorable. Check out some of our guides about Italy, and prepare for an incredible journey in the “Bel Paese”.

Embrace the train journey

Travelling by train is not only efficient but also offers stunning views of the Italian countryside. So sit back, relax, and let the rhythmic clatter of the tracks lull you into a state of serenity. The train journeys from Rome to your weekend destinations are authentic experiences, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the landscapes unfolding outside your window.

Thanks to the fast connection with Italo Treno , you can get to Naples or Florence in under one hour. Also, check their constantly running offers to save money on your train journey.

How to book your train ticket in Italy

Italo Treno is a fantastic option for a train journey in Italy. Go on Italotreno.it and check their current offers.

It is one of the most budget-friendly and sustainable ways to explore Italy, and you should take advantage of their discount. For your trips, choose eXtra Magic , Italo’s most convenient travel offer, with discounts of up to 75% (insert the promo code “ITALY” to receive a 5% discount on your next journey ). Choose between Smart and Prima and travel in Italy by train with style. Just to give you a highlight of what to expect, check our brief guide to Italo Treno options below.

Smart | You will benefit from reclining leather seats and a laptop-friendly table with power sockets and Free wi-fi on board.

Prima | This is an upgrade compared to Smart, which offers more comfort and outstanding service. You will get complimentary drinks and snacks and freshly baked products on long journeys. Also, in Smart, you will get more legroom and comfortable seats, with the same feature to work on the move from the train.

Plan Ahead: Book your guided tours in advance

To optimise your time and ensure a seamless experience, consider booking guided tours for your day trips from Rome . Expert guides will share their knowledge, taking you on a journey of discovery and providing valuable insights into the history and culture of each destination. Plus, with guided tours, you’ll have the convenience of transportation and skip-the-line access to attractions, saving you time and hassle. 

For example, think about getting to Florence and wanting to explore the Uffizi Gallery, but the queue for the ticket office is long, the day is hot, like every summer in Italy , and you don’t have much time. Well, book your entrance with skip the line and make memories.

Pack Essentials: Comfort and Style

Pack smartly as you embark on your weekend trips to ensure comfort and style. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary as you’ll explore cobblestone streets or archaeological sites.

 Layer your clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions, and remember a stylish hat to protect you from the sun. A sturdy backpack will be handy for carrying essentials such as water, snacks, and a camera to capture those precious moments.

Weekend Trips from Rome

Picture this: it’s Friday evening, you have already spent a few days exploring Rome, and you need a break. Or, you might be in Rome for a fantastic workcation , but want a change of scenery. 

The anticipation of a blissful weekend is building up. You’ve got your bags packed and a sense of adventure coursing through your veins. It’s time to say “arrivederci” to Rome and say hello to a whole new adventure in Italy just a train ride away. These weekend trips from Rome promise delightful experiences and cherished memories. So, let’s dive into the enchanting destinations that await us.

Popular weekend getaways from Rome

• Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
• Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Coast
• Cinque Terre
• Val d’Orcia

Rome to Naples Weekend Itinerary: A Slice of Southern Charm

Ah, Naples! Just a stone’s throw away from Rome, this vibrant city is a treasure trove of history, art, and mouthwatering cuisine. Hop on a train from Rome and immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Naples.

Stroll through the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site , and discover the rich tapestry of Baroque architecture. Read our itinerary of Naples in 2 days to fulfil your desire to explore. Indulge in the city’s culinary delights, from crispy Neapolitan pizza to scrumptious sfogliatella pastries. Don’t forget to explore the nearby ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum for an unforgettable journey back in time. It’s worth saying that Naples is on top of our list because it is the most affordable.

 In fact, if you are looking for a budget-friendly weekend trip from Rome , the southern city will definitely not break the bank.

Starting from a train ticket costing about £20 return (€10,90 | $11,50) to a very affordable cost of living . The train journey takes 50 minutes, with the high-speed route from Roma Termini Train Station taking Italo Treno. Check out their fantastic offer, which includes a 5% Discount on Smart and Prima, following this link .

Pompeii and Vesuvius

Visiting the Roman ruins of Pompeii is a totally different trip than visiting Naples, but it comes with the same advantage. As said before, you can reach Naples in about one hour from Rome. Then you must take an internal train, “Vesuviana”, to get to Pompeii or Mt. Vesuvius.

You can still use Naples as a base for your trips around, the same as the Amalfi and Sorrento Coast.

Pompeii is fascinating, and we highly suggest organising your weekend trip from Rome in advance, as train tickets get sold out really fast, and skip-the-line tickets as well. Also, consider visiting Pompeii and Vesuvius during the week. With the special offer Round Trip Magic, you can travel Monday through Thursday with a discount of up to -60% . Check the offer with Italo Treno .

The ancient Roman city is trendy, especially exploring Italy in summer or Spring ( Read our Guide ). Alternatively, you can stop by Herculaneum and have the same or even better experience. The second suggestion for your trip from Rome is hiking Mt. Vesuvius. We also include a fantastic experience under the belt of family-friendly day trips from Rome.

Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Coast for a romantic weekend from Rome

Imagine strolling hand in hand along the cliffside paths, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the picturesque towns of Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello with their colourful houses and charming cobblestone streets. Indulge in the region’s culinary delights, from fresh seafood to delicious limoncello. For a truly memorable experience, take a boat ride along the coast and soak in the mesmerising views. 

The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Coast offer a perfect blend of romance, natural beauty, and Italian hospitality, making it an ideal destination for a romantic weekend from Rome. Read also our guide on how to spend one day in Positano and have the best time exploring Sorrento.

Capri: Island Paradise in the Tyrrhenian Sea

If a two-day trip to Naples is not enough for you, spare a long weekend and indulge in Capri. If you’re seeking a taste of paradise, look no further than the captivating island of Capri for a romantic getaway from Rome. Situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the Sorrento Peninsula , Capri has natural beauty, glamorous boutiques, and stunning views.

To reach Capri from Rome , you must take a train to Naples and then a ferry or hydrofoil to the island. Once there, indulge in the island’s luxurious atmosphere by visiting the famous Blue Grotto, a sea cave known for its mesmerising azure waters. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Anacapri, visit the stunning Villa San Michele, or relax on one of the island’s pristine beaches.

Capri offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and its captivating beauty will leave you yearning for more.

Charming Coastal Towns near Rome: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

Continuing our journey seeking sea and sun at a short distance from Rome, it’s now time to show you some other fantastic destinations on the coast. Are you ready for some sun, sand, and breathtaking coastal views? 

Just a short train ride from Rome, a string of charming coastal towns beckon. From the pastel-hued houses of Cinque Terre to the glamorous shores of the Amalfi Coast, these destinations offer an idyllic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Dip your toes in the crystal-clear waters, savour fresh seafood delicacies, and wander through narrow cobblestone streets. Let the coastal breeze whisk your worries away as you immerse yourself in the tranquillity of these coastal gems.

Rome to Florence Train Journey: A Renaissance Affair

Art enthusiasts, rejoice! Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is calling your name. We love Florence, and this is not a secret. You can see how many guides we wrote about the city, and it is always a pleasure to spend some time there. 

Back in 2019, we were on tour through Italy by train, and Florence was the accessible location to spend a few days after our week in Rome. We must say that our train journey from Rome to Florence showed us some of the best landscapes in Italy. We suggest you embark on this journey, which is also budget-friendly. 

With Italo Friends, groups of 2 to 10 travelers can travel in Smart class and Prima class, with discounts of up to 60% off the ticket price! Check the offer!

Embark on a scenic train journey from Rome and be transported to a world of artistic marvels and architectural wonders. Explore the magnificent Florence Cathedral , stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, and lose yourself in the masterpiece-packed halls of the Uffizi Gallery. With its rich cultural heritage and romantic ambience, Florence is a weekend getaway that ignites your imagination and leaves you craving more.

Val D’Orcia: Tuscany’s Breathtaking Countryside Escape

Always dreamt about the fantastic Mediterranean cypress trees lined through fields and vineyards in the Tuscany countryside? It is not a secret that you can easily e scape the hustle and bustle of Rome for a weekend and immerse yourself in the beauty of Val D’Orcia. Picture rolling hills blanketed in vibrant green, dotted with charming mediaeval villages and cypress trees that seem to touch the sky. 

As you venture through this idyllic countryside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. Visit the enchanting village of Pienza, renowned for its pecorino cheese and captivating Renaissance architecture. Then, explore the ancient hilltop town of Montalcino, where you can savour the world-famous Brunello di Montalcino wine.

Grab your discount now!

With Italo Friends, groups of 2 to 10 travellers can travel in Smart class and Prima class, with discounts of up to 60% off the ticket price!

Cinque Terre: A Spectacular Coastal Escape

Yearning for a weekend trip from Rome that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty? Look no further than Cinque Terre, a breathtaking stretch of coastline nestled in the Italian Riviera. Picture vibrant, pastel-coloured houses perched on cliffs overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and avid hikers. Embark on the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail, which connects the five charming villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes, marvel at the terraced vineyards, and take in the panoramic views from high above. After a day of exploration, indulge in fresh seafood and local delicacies while watching the sunset over the horizon. Cinque Terre is a coastal gem that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Bologna in a weekend from Rome

One of the things we love most about Rome is that it is central to Italy and the benefit of fast-train links with the rest of the country. A perfect weekend escape from Rome includes Bologna, which might seem far away looking at the map, but taking Italo Treno is just 2 hours away.

Known as the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna offers a gastronomic journey like no other. From rich and hearty ragù alla bolognese to delectable mortadella, the local cuisine will leave you craving more. Taking the first train from Roma Termini at 5.40 am means you will be in Bologna at 8.03, in time to enjoy your fantastic breakfast in proper Italian style .

As you explore the city, marvel at its stunning architectural masterpieces, such as the iconic Two Towers, which lean in a precarious embrace.

Wander through the maze-like streets of the historic centre, where mediaeval and Renaissance buildings coexist harmoniously. Then, visit Piazza Maggiore, the city’s heart, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Bologna is a city that ignites the senses and captures the essence of Italy in every bite and every step.

Get on a gondola and explore Venice

Venice may seem too far away from Rome for a weekend trip. Well, the truth is that Italy’s train links and infrastructure is reticulate that can take you from Rome to Venice in just four hours.

Well, you can also organise a long weekend trip from Rome , exploring two of the most popular cities, Florence and Venice. We highlighted the second leg of the trip from Florence to Venice , and you should read it.

Arrived in the lagoon city, stepped onto a gondola and glided along the iconic canals, marvelling at the elegant bridges and exquisite architecture that grace every corner. Lose yourself in the narrow alleys, where hidden gems await discovery. Visit St. Mark’s Square, adorned with the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the grand Doge’s Palace. Indulge in authentic Venetian cuisine, savouring fresh seafood and delectable cicchetti. Venice is a city that captivates the soul, where every turn reveals a picturesque scene straight out of a fairy tale. Read our guide to Venice in 2 days .

Puglia weekend trip from Rome

We bet you didn’t see this coming. But, yes, Puglia is a fantastic weekend trip from Rome , thanks to the fast-train connection from Termini to Bari, the region’s capital.

Within four hours of directly connecting with Italo Treno , you can get to Bari centrale and enjoy the beaches of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli . Take advantage of the Smart and Prima Discount code “ITALY” and plan your weekend trip from Rome . In fact, Bari is one of the budget-friendly destinations for a weekend trip from Rome. We find Bari romantic and ideal for a few days by the seaside.

Stroll through the old town’s narrow streets, where whitewashed buildings and colourful shutters create a postcard-perfect scene. Discover the magnificent Basilica di San Nicola, home to the relics of Saint Nicholas. Indulge in the local cuisine, savouring freshly caught seafood and mouth-watering orecchiette pasta (Read our guide about the best food to try in Puglia ). Let the charm of Bari enchant you on your weekend escape from Rome.

Less popular weekend trips from Rome by train

• Porto Ercole

Saturnia hot springs

Explore siena on the weekend.

Just 40 minutes away by bus from Florence, there is Siena, often out of the tourist’s radar. Siena is a jewel nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Picture yourself strolling through narrow, winding streets, surrounded by mediaeval architecture and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

As a day trip from Rome , Siena is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in history and culture.

Among the many things to do in this little gem in the heart of Tuscany , you should wander around Piazza del Campo and marvel at the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico and its soaring Torre del Mangia. Then, climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops.

No visit to Siena is complete without a visit to its awe-inspiring cathedral, the Duomo di Siena . Admire the intricate Gothic façade adorned with statues and ornate details. Don’t forget to gaze in wonder at the Piccolomini Library, with its vividly painted frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II. We need an entire post about Siena, but consider it, as it is easy taking the fast train from Rome to Florence and then the bus, for a journey of about 2 hours and a half.

Promo Code “ITALY”

For your trips, choose eXtra Magic, Italo’s most convenient travel offer, with discounts of up to 75% (insert the promo code “ITALY” to receive a 5% discount on your next journey!

Assisi: A Spiritual Journey from Rome

Assisi is a place that will touch your heart and awaken your spirit. This picturesque town, the birthplace of St. Francis, exudes a serene and spiritual ambience that will captivate you. As you wander through its narrow streets, lined with ancient stone buildings and adorned with colourful flowers, you’ll feel a sense of tranquillity wash over you. 

Visit the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site , and marvel at its breathtaking frescoes. Then, explore the peaceful hermitage of Eremo delle Carceri, nestled amidst the lush forests on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Assisi is an easy weekend trip from Rome , taking approximately 2 hours by train.

Porto Ercole | Argentario Peninsula

Taking a single train from Rome might take you to the Paradise doors. Porto Ercole is just one piece of the fantastic depiction of Argentario promontory. Staying along the western side of Tuscany, facing the crystal-clear water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, you will also encounter small towns such as Porto Santo Stefano and Orbetello, along with Porto Ercole.

The train from Rome takes you to Capalbio in under two hours, and from there, you can use a mix of public buses and taxis to get to your desired location on the coast. We consider Porto Ercole a fantastic off the beaten path destination in Italy but strategic for island hopping. From Porto Santo Stefano, you can live another adventure within your day trip from Rome, taking a ferry to Isola del Giglio and enjoying the pristine beaches and colourful villages.

A little bit more challenging to get to this spot, but not less intriguing. Saturnia hot springs are located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside; these thermal springs offer a blissful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters and feel your cares melt away. 

The once upon a time hidden gem in Tuscany , well known just among locals, is now a thriving popular destination. Therefore, we found Saturnia quite pricey for the services and still difficult to get to. However, we still suggest it as an ideal escape from Rome for a few days .

The soothing properties of the springs are not only a treat for your body but also a feast for your senses. As you soak in the natural pools, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, you’ll be transported to a state of pure bliss. Treat yourself to a day of pampering, and let the healing powers of the Saturnia hot springs wash over you.

Best weekend getaways near Rome: Unveiling the Unmissable

As you plan your weekend trips from Rome, it’s essential to know the must-see attractions that await you. However, if you are not willing to travel far from Rome but still want to unwind in a less crowded place, these below are five places you should consider near the eternal city.

Ostia Antica: Rome’s Ancient Harbour

Step back in time at Ostia Antica, an archaeological site that was once Rome’s bustling seaport. Wander through the remarkably preserved ruins, including an amphitheatre, a forum, and ancient houses. As you explore this fascinating site, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the daily life of ancient Romans.

Tivoli: Gardens of Enchantment

Escape the city and venture into the lush gardens of Tivoli. Here, you’ll find two iconic gems: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Marvel at the intricate fountains and breathtaking terraces of Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, explore the vast ruins of Hadrian’s Villa, an imperial residence showcasing the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

Orvieto: A Medieval Marvel

Perched atop a volcanic rock, the charming town of Orvieto is a sight to behold. Its magnificent cathedral, Il Duomo, features a stunning façade adorned with intricate sculptures. Take a stroll through the town’s winding streets, savour local delicacies, and bask in the mediaeval atmosphere that permeates every corner.

Tarquinia: Ancient Etruscan Treasures

For history buffs, Tarquinia is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. Explore the UNESCO-listed Necropolis of Monterozzi, where you’ll find intricate tombs adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from Etruscan life. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of this enigmatic civilization that predates the Roman Empire.

10 Weekend trips from Rome by train

Just to summarise even further our fantastic guide, we will give you skimmable highlights about the best weekend trips from Rome by train.

• Amalfi Coast

Budget-Friendly Weekend Escapes from Rome: Adventure on a Shoestring

Who says memorable weekend getaways have to break the bank? If you’re a savvy traveller seeking affordable adventures, fear not! Rome offers a plethora of budget-friendly options for the intrepid explorer. Head to the picturesque town of Orvieto perched atop a volcanic rock and renowned for its stunning cathedral and charming streets. 

Alternatively, immerse yourself in the mediaeval atmosphere of Siena, where the iconic Palio horse race takes place. These wallet-friendly destinations prove that you don’t need a hefty budget to experience the wonders of Italy.

FAQ Rome weekend trips

How far is rome from florence.

Rome and Florence are approximately 280 kilometres (175 miles) apart.

What are some popular weekend trips from Rome?

Popular weekend trips from Rome include Florence, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Bologna, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Siena.

How long is the train journey from Rome to Venice?

The train journey from Rome to Venice takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Are there any budget-friendly weekend trips from Rome?

Yes, you can opt for budget-friendly weekend trips to destinations like Tivoli, Orvieto, Ostia Antica, and Frascati.

Can I visit Pompeii on a weekend trip from Rome?

Yes, you can visit Pompeii on a weekend trip from Rome. It takes about 2 hours to reach Pompeii by train from Rome.

Are there guided tours available for weekend trips from Rome?

Yes, guided tours are available for weekend trips from Rome to various destinations, including Florence, Pompeii , Tuscany , and the Vatican City .

Can I explore the Amalfi Coast on a weekend getaway from Rome?

Yes, you can explore the stunning Amalfi Coast on a weekend getaway from Rome. It’s easy to get a train to Naples and then a connection to the coast-side in about three hours.

Are there family-friendly weekend trips from Rome?

Yes, some of the popular weekend trips from Rome for families are Naples and Florence, as these are easy to reach in under two hours by train. However, for a family-friendly weekend away from Rome, you must also consider visiting the Bioparco Zoo, Explora Children’s Museum, Villa Borghese Gardens, and Rainbow MagicLand theme park, which are within Rome or nearby towns.

How can I plan a weekend trip from Rome on a tight schedule?

To plan a weekend trip from Rome on a tight schedule, prioritise nearby destinations such as Florence, Naples or the closest towns. Use efficient transportation like high-speed trains, and book your ticket in advance to avoid these going sold out before your trip. Pre-book attractions at your destination to save time.

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We're Toti and Ale, avid travellers, award-winning writers, and photographers  living life one stamp at a time. We have been in more than 35 countries, hand in hand, offering inspiring guides on Italian Trip Abroad and other award-winning travel blogs. We are London-based, but we travel the world as Digital Nomads with a purpose: to help you travel more and better in a sustainable way . You can find us here, offering tips for backpackers, itineraries or guides to cross Italy and get on the most insane adventures. Join us as we explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, savour the beauty of slow travel, and make a positive impact on the places we visit.

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Ponte Sant'Angelo arches over the Tiber River towards Castel Sant'Angelo, with the dome of St Peter’s Basilica as a backdrop © cge2010 / Shutterstock

It’s impossible to see all of Rome in a mere three days, but armed with the right itinerary you can take in the hot-tempered city’s A-list sites alongside a few quieter, but no less bewitching stops. Book tickets in advance (for the Musei Vaticani it’s a must) and stagger your jaunt of the capital with plenty of gelato and/or red wine. Here is our guide to a perfect weekend in Rome.

Discover Rome at your own pace with up to 60 days to visit 2 to 7 attractions of your choice with Go City's Explorer Pass. Access popular sights including the Colosseum, a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, the Vatican Museums and spectacular Sistine Chapel - the choice is yours!

Friday morning

Centro storico & borgo.

Start your weekend in Rome like a Roman with a dark jolt of espresso or a more mild-mannered cappuccino at Barnum Cafe . Breakfast pastry in hand, check last-minute details of your morning with the space’s free wi-fi. From here stroll towards Ponte Sant’Angelo. This dreamy bridge – flanked by ten marble angels designed by Baroque master Gianlorenzo Bernini – ushers pedestrians across the Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo . The stout yet mighty castle boasts quite the resume: it was originally constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, before later becoming the fortress of future popes; today, it’s a museum rich in paintings and sculpture. Climb to the top where the city unfolds before you, domes, rooftops and all.

Friday afternoon

Vatican city.

Make your way up Via della Conciliazione to St Peter’s Basilica . Consecrated in 1626, the most spectacular of basilicas flaunts priceless masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà . While most tourists go directly into the Vatican Museums , treat yourself to a hearty lunch first; you’ll be properly fueled and can shrug off the crowd, as the museums are at their most subdued around 3pm. Velavevodetto ai Quiriti shines in the art of hearty cucina romana, and the nearby Gelateria dei Gracchi scoops some of the best gelato in the city.

Post-lunch, tackle the museums, whose priceless tenants include Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronzes to works by old masters and modern painters. All tours of the Musei Vaticani conclude at the heart-stirring Sistine Chapel , keeper of Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgement .

Friday evening

Once the sun begins to dip, make for the Monti neighborhood. Awash with wine bars and restaurants, this slice of the city (within eyeshot of the Colosseum) goes giddy on the weekend; mix with the locals at Ai Tre Scalini for dinner and drinks, or snag a table at an outside bar in the warmer months off the neighborhood’s epicenter, Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.

Saturday morning

Ancient rome & testaccio.

Continue your weekend in Rome by setting out early for the Colosseum . This iconic amphitheatre is, unsurprisingly, on every visitor’s to-do list; book tickets ahead of time to forgo the queue. The Palatino and Roman Forum neighbour the Colosseum and can be visited with the same ticket. Afterwards, traipse past Circo Massimo towards the Testaccio neighborhood.

Saturday afternoon

Testaccio begs to be explored: it’s hemmed in by both the striking Egyptian pyramid Piramide di Caio Cestio and the Cimitero Acattolico per gli Stranieri (the non-Catholic cemetery). The latter serves as the final resting place of Romantic poet John Keats and houses the moving Angel of Grief tomb; it’s also a verdant sprawl of the city that proves a surprising oasis.

Farmers market Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio hums with a mix of old-school vendors and fresh-faced entrepreneurs. Browse the veg and cheese stalls and pick up a panino (filled bread roll) at Mordi e Vai from its undisputed panino master Sergio Esposito. Le Mani in Pasta prepares fresh ravioli-to-go, and Casa Manco hawks fragrant slabs of pizza-by-the-slice.

On your way out of the market, admire Monte Testaccio , a man-made hill composed entirely from the fragments of smashed terracotta amphorae ( testae in Latin, hence the area’s name, Testaccio). Think of it one of the world’s most ancient trash dumps.

Saturday evening

Centro storico & trastevere.

In the evening, uncork a bottle of red at wine-bar/restaurant Rimessa Roscioli – you can eat and drink a la carte or sign up for one of their wine tastings. Carry on at jazz bar Big Mama in adjacent Trastevere if you’re craving live music, or hit up the bars that dot the neighborhood.

Sunday morning

Tridente & trevi.

Devote your final day in the Citta Eternà to the historic centre. Luckily, many of Rome’s greatest hits are in close proximity to each other: begin at Piazza di Spagna , where the Trinita di Monti staircase rising from the square is a lovely spot to people watch. From here, roam towards the magnetic Trevi Fountain , immortalized in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita . Chuck a coin into the fontana’s waters, ensuring, or so legend says, a return trip for another weekend in Rome.

Sunday afternoon

Centro storico.

For lunch, tuck into a dish of carbonara – or if you’re feeling intrepid, tripe – at reliable trattoria Grappolo d’Oro . Piazza Navona , replete in baroque palazzos and Bernini’s flashy Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi , and the Pantheon , an arresting 2000-year-old temple-turned-Catholic Church, can be visited in quick succession.

Sunday evening

When your appetite gets fussy, hop into a cab and head for Seu Pizza Illuminati . Thick-rimmed pizzas shimmied out of brick ovens are showered with all manner of seasonal ingredients. For a nightcap, clink glasses at newcomer Jacopa ’s cocktail bar. It's the perfect way to cap off the perfect weekend in Rome.

More on Rome

• For a different take on a few days in Rome (and how much it cost), check out Sasha Brady's Spending diary: what I spent on a four-day trip to Rome .
• Another great read is Abigail Blasi's Insider Rome: discover four magical streets .

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20 Best Weekend Trips From Rome, Italy

By Josh Band. This guide to weekend getaways from Rome contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

There are so many unforgettable weekend trips from Rome , and if you’re interested in learning about them, you’ve come to the right place!

Visiting Rome is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions of travelers each year.

Personally, it’s one of my favorite cities to visit as it’s packed with rich history, culture, and famous attractions you’ve likely seen on postcards and in movies.

That being said, a trip to Rome should also take advantage of the equally as impressive surrounding towns, cities, and villages.

And to help you get perfectly planned out, here are some of the best weekend trips from Rome to take during your visit to the Italian capital!

💡 Quick Tips For Planning A Weekend Getaway From Rome: ✈️ Rome Airport Transfer: Book that here 🚅 Public Transportation: Omio can help you research and book the best train, bus, and ferry routes 🚗 Renting A Car: Discover Cars  can help you save up to 70% using their comparison tool ☔ Safety: While Italy is safe, it’s still smart to pack  travel safety essentials . One top pick is the  She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include  Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments  and  Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🏨  Accommodation: This map  can help you pinpoint top-rated and budget-friendly accommodation in the Italian cities you visit. It’s currently set to Roma Termini in Rome, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Italy. 🎉  Experiences: Viator  (tours),  GetYourGuide  (tours), and  EatWith  (cooking classes & dining in local homes) 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Plan A Weekend Trip From Rome With Confidence [Free Toolkit]

But first, before we go over our list of amazing Rome weekend trips , I invite you to grab Jessie’s free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit .

The kit comes with 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook and have more meaningful trips.

On that note, let’s dive into our Italy travel guide sharing weekend breaks from Rome.

How To Get Around Italy

The two main ways to get around Italy are by car or train.

Renting a car in Italy

Need to rent a car for your weekend away from Rome or for a longer Italy road trip ? Check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Taking the train in Italy

If you plan to get around Italy by train, Omio is a must!

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount. They even offer flight and car deals!

Where To Stay In Rome

The best area of Rome to stay is near the Roma Termini (central station) for a number of reasons, though the transport and travel options are one of the best selling points. It’ll make enjoying a few Italy weekend trips from Rome much easier.

Click here for a list of top-rated hotels near Roma Termini .

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals .

You can also use the map below to search for local stays:

Best Weekend Trips From Rome, Italy

If you spend more than 3 or 4 days in Rome, you’ll want to head outside the city and explore some nearby places. This is the right amount of days in Rome , so any extra can be used to see a bit more of Italy!

Whether you’re traveling solo in Rome or in a group, some of the top places to enjoy a weekend or day trip include:

Distance: about 2 hours from Rome via high speed train

One of the most popular weekend trips from Rome is without a doubt Pompeii. Not only is it close to Rome, but the ancient Roman city is famous around the world for its ruins and artifacts.

Pompeii was destroyed by an eruption from the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano in 79 A.D. Today, you can see the Pompeii Archaeological Site for yourself and spend hours walking through the ruins and seeing the old buildings — like the amphitheater, forum, houses, villas, and more.

It’s also possible to see some of the plaster casts of the citizens of Pompeii from when Vesuvius erupted.

Thankfully, it’s very easy to get to Pompeii, as there are numerous Pompeii tours from Rome , as well as the option of getting the train yourself.

There’s no debating that Pompeii is one of the most fascinating trips from Rome and it’s clear to see why it is so popular. It’s also a popular option for those traveling solo in Italy , as it’s easy to get to and very interesting.

Pompeii Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Pompeii . Pompeii Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Pompeii .

2. Florence

Distance: about 1.5 hours by high speed train and 3.5 hours by regional train

Florence is a beautiful and historic city that makes for a fantastic weekend or even day trip from Rome.

The journey from Rome to Florence is, like most weekend trips as you will come to find, easily accessible by train.

Once in Florence, you can discover the city’s rich cultural heritage by exploring world-class museums, stunning architecture, and beautiful art collections.

Additionally, there are a number of unique art experiences in Florence — like taking a fresco class !

Highlights of the city include the Uffizi Gallery , the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the Piazza della Signoria .

Additionally, Florence is known for its delicious food and wine, so make sure to eat as much as you can. A few Michelin star restaurants worth the splurge include Enoteca Pinchiorri , La Bottega del Buon Caffè , and Borgo San Jacopo .

Florence Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Florence . Florence Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Florence .

Distance: about an hour and 10 minutes by high speed train

Naples is one of the nearest big cities to Rome, and there is so much to do, see, and experience here. It’s also considered one of the top cheap breaks from Rome, so if you’re looking to travel on a budget this could be a good option.

When visiting Italy, you most likely want to enjoy a delicious pizza (or six) throughout your trip. Where better than in the birthplace of pizza itself? You are guaranteed to have one of the tastiest pies of your life in Naples!

For something more interactive than having a meal at a restaurant, you can also opt for a pizza cooking class or food tour with pizza tasting .

Aside from the cuisine, Naples also offers attractions like the beautiful Naples Cathedral , the underground Catacombs of San Gaudioso , and the fascinating Museo Cappella Sansevero art museum.

Naples is also pretty near to the archeological parks of Pompeii and Herculaneum , so you can easily combine these into one Rome weekend trip if you wish.

Naples Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Naples . Naples Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Naples .

Distance: about 35-90 minutes dependingon the type of train you take

Tivoli, located just outside of the city, is one of the closest Rome day trips or weekend getaways.

This charming town features a rich history and beautiful landscapes, two of the best things you can ask for when visiting a place.

You can easily reach Tivoli by train or bus. Once there, make sure to explore the town’s stunning Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa.

Villa d’Este is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful fountains and gardens, while Hadrian’s Villa is a complex of ruins dating back to Roman times.

And yes, while you can find ancient ruins that make Rome worth visiting in the capital itself, it’s worth it to head to Tivoli to explore even more too.

Tivoli Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Tivoli . Tivoli Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Tivoli .

5. Ostia Antica

Distance: about 30 minutes by train

Weekend getaways from Rome don’t get much better than Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman port city located just a short distance from the capital.

It’s located near the modern day town of Ostia, hence the similar names. Within Ostia Antica, you can explore one of the best-preserved cities of Ancient Rome and see historic streets, public buildings, and even a theatre.

It’s the perfect weekend or day trip from Rome for those who don’t have time to go to Pompeii, though it also offers its own special highlights.

Spending a day here is a great way to step back in time and experience the wonders of the ancient world. If you’d like to learn more, check out the video above for a mini tour of Ostia Antica.

Ostia Antica Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Ostia Antica . Ostia Antica Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Ostia Antica .

6. Sperlonga

Distance: about 60-90 minutes by train

As you head down the western coast of Italy, pretty much every place you come to is absolutely breathtaking.

This is especially true of Sperlonga, a picturesque coastal town located just an hour and a half from Rome. Sperlonga features a charming old town center with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning sea views.

Here you can relax on beautiful beaches — including the Grotta di Tiberio , a stunning cave beach named after the Roman emperor Tiberius who once frequented the area. It’s one of the most attractive beaches in all of Italy!

Sperlonga also boasts the impressive Sperlonga Archaeological Museum , featuring a collection of ancient sculptures and artifacts.

Sperlonga Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Sperlonga . Sperlonga Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Sperlonga .

7. Positano

Distance: about 3 hours by car or 2.5-4.5 hours by train and ferry (you’d take a regional or high speed train to Salerno and then hop on a direct ferry)

The village of Positano is charming and visually stunning. Picture colorful buildings and narrow streets that beckon you with local restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and lush greenery.

It’s a place straight out of a fairy tale, making it one of the best Rome weekend breaks out there.

To reach Positano from Rome, you can take a combination of trains and ferries. It’s one of the further away weekend trips from Rome, but it’s definitely worth the journey — especially for the stunning views around every corner.

In Positano, the main attraction for most people is the beaches showcasing golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Spreading out on a towel with a good book and a spritz in hand is the perfect way to spend the day.

Positano is actually part of a gorgeous region known as the Amalfi Coast, which actually brings me to my next Rome weekend getaway…

Positano Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Positano . Positano Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Positano .

8. Amalfi Coast

Distance: it takes about 2-4 hours to reach Sorrento by regional or high speed train

The Amalfi Coast is so good that it deserves its own weekend trip!

The beauty of this stretch of Italian coastline sitting on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno is tough to put into words, though one thing is for sure: you won’t regret taking a trip here during your time in Rome.

The region is comprised of 13 coastal towns and villages featuring beautiful beaches, amazing mountains, and restaurants serving delicious seafood and local wine.

A few popular places to stay include:

• Sorrento – the beginning of the Amalfi Coast and the easiest to get to from Rome
• Positano – the most glamorous and bustling option (mentioned above)
• Amalfi – the largest town along the Amalfi Coast with beach access, historic sites, medieval architecture, and delicious food
• Ravello – which sits on a beautiful cliff overlooking the sea and is great for escaping the crowds as it doesn’t have direct beach access

Love the outdoors? Don’t miss the Path of the Gods hike , a gorgeous 5-mile trek that takes you from the small village of Bomerano to the hilltop village of Nocelle, just above Positano. It will show you some of the best views in the Amalfi Coast!

And if you’re looking for the best weekend tours from Rome, check out this 3-Day Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri excursion .

Amalfi Coast Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Amalfi Coast . Amalfi Coast Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Amalfi Coast .

Distance: 1-2 hours to get to Naples by train and then it’ll take about 45 minutes via ferry to reach Capri from there

Looking for an island getaway in Italy? Then Capri is the perfect choice for your long weekend from Rome!

The island — which is about 45 minutes off the coast of Naples via ferry — offers unreal sights in every direction.

One not-to-miss Capri attraction is the stunning Blue Grotto , a sea cave where the water is so blue it reflects onto the cave walls.

You can also take a scenic chairlift to the highest point of the island, Mount Solaro , where you can enjoy a postcard-worthy view.

Want something a little lesser-known? Nearby, you can explore the many things to do in Ischia , another island near Capri.

Capri Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Capri . Capri Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Capri .

10. Lake Bracciano

Distance: about 45-60 minutes by car

While Rome is rich in history, culture, and experiences, it can also be quite hectic. Luckily, taking a weekend trip to Lake Bracciano is the perfect way to escape the mayhem of city life and get close to nature.

This stunning volcanic lake provides the opportunity to relax and unwind, or get active and take part in water sports or fishing if you like.

In terms of local attractions, make sure to visit Castello Orsini-Odescalchi , a 15th-century castle found on the shore of Lake Bracciano. Stepping into the castle provides a wonderful view of the lake and surrounding area.

Plus, being only an hour away from the capital, you can’t go wrong with taking a day or weekend trip here. If you have a car, it’s also a great relaxing addition to a road trip from Rome.

Lake Bracciano Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Lake Bracciano . Lake Bracciano Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Lake Bracciano .

11. Tarquinia

Distance: about 75 minutes to 2 hours by train

The medieval city of Tarquinia is famous for its Necropolis of Tarquinia (also known as the Necropolis of Monterozzi). This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 7th century BC and features 6,000 graves cut into the rock as well as 200 painted tombs.

When it comes to weekend Rome trips, Tarquinia is a quick and easy train ride away.

Once in Tarquinia, the city’s historic center is easily walkable, and there are plenty of taxis available for those who want to visit the necropolis.

With so much history, it’s not surprising that Tarquinia is home to numerous other historic sites, like the:

• Palazzo Vitelleschi , an architectural masterpiece constructed between 1436 and 1439 for the cardinal of Corneto (the former name of Tarquinia)
• Tarquinia National Museum , which resides within the Palazzo Vitelleschi and showcases artifacts excavated from the local necropolis
• many historic churches like Cathedral of Santa Margherita and its amazing bell tower and the Church of Saint Mary in the Castle , which showcases gorgeous Romanesque architecture

Tarquinia also has several beaches — including the popular Lido di Tarquinia . Here, you can soak up the sun, swim in the Mediterranean sea, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Tarquinia Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Tarquinia . Tarquinia Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Tarquinia .

12. Orvieto

Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half by train

Looking for the best weekend and day trips from Rome that aren’t too far? Then you won’t want to miss Orvieto, a picturesque hilltop town in the region of Umbria that offers visitors a glimpse into Italy’s rich history and culture.

The town itself dates back to 9th century BC — when the Etruscan civilization experienced great prosperity — and it will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.

Within the historic center you’ll find several notable landmarks, including the impressive Orvieto Cathedral , which dates back to the 14th century. The cathedral boasts stunning Gothic architecture, intricate frescoes, and a beautiful rose window.

There are also many museums to explore in Orvieto, like the Claudio Faina Museum , which is focused on archaeology and showcases Etruscan artifacts.

Additionally, another highlight of visiting Umbria is visiting the local vineyards and enjoying samples of Umbrian wine and truffles. One of the most popular wineries and vineyards is the Madonna del Latte , where you can enjoy delicious certified organic wine along with cheeses and meats.

Many people claim it to be the highlight of their Umbria trip. It’s recommended to book in advance.

Orvieto Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Orvieto . Orvieto Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Orvieto .

Distance: about 2 hours by train

Known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, Assisi is a medieval hilltop town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also a popular weekend excursion from Rome.

In Assisi, one shouldn’t miss visiting the important Basilica of San Francesco and its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, an Italian painter from the 1300s.

You can also explore the town’s many churches and monasteries, with a few other notable ones including Santa Maria degli Angeli , Cathedral of San Rufino , and Santa Chiara — the latter of which has a piazza offering a beautiful view of the local countryside.

For those interested in museums, Assisi is also home to institutions like the Pinacoteca Comunale Palazzo Vallemani, a religious art museum, and the Museo Missionario Indios , which tells the story of the Franciscan missionars who traveled to the Amazon.

Assisi Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Assisi . Assisi Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Assisi .

Distance: 3 hours by train

One of Italy’s most beautiful medieval destinations is Siena. Located just a short ride from Rome, it’s yet another great option when it comes to weekend trips from Rome by train.

Once you’ve arrived, you can head to the Siena Cathedral to take in beautiful Gothic architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. While here, make sure to also check out the Piccolomini Library and its impressive frescos.

For more breathtaking views, climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia — a historic tower dating back to 1325 that reaches 290 feet high — or walk along the Fortezza Medicea , a giant red brick fortress built between 1561 and 1563 that looks out over the landscape.

While there are many other historic sites to enjoy in Siena, you should also make sure to enjoy the local food and wine. One suggestion: take a Tuscan cooking class or opt to dine in a local home .

Siena Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Siena . Siena Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Siena .

15. Perugia

Distance: about 3 hours by train

Perugia is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, and is yet another hilltop city near Rome.

There are many things to do in Perugia . For instance, you can visit the various local monuments and landmarks — like the Piazza IV Novembre , a lovely square known for its beautiful buildings.

Here you’ll also find the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria (National Art Gallery of Umbria), one of the city’s main attractions. Home to an impressive collection of Umbrian art spanning from the 13th to the 19th century as well as gorgeous frescoes, it’s another of the possible UNESCO World Heritage sites you can visit during a weekend getaway from Rome.

If you’re up for an interesting walk, you can stroll around the surviving sections of Perugia’s Etruscan city walls to take a step back in time.

Love sweets? Perugia is also known for its chocolate, so consider heading to the Perugina Chocolate House for a tour and tasting.

Perugia Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Perugia . Perugia Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Perugia .

Distance: about 2-3 hours by train

One of the best nature trips from Rome is Spello, a medieval hilltop town surrounded by Roman walls.

Located in Italy’s Umbria region, it’s known for its stunning scenery, rolling hills, medieval architecture, and narrow walkable streets full of history and attractions to explore.

Spello is worth visiting for anyone looking to take advantage of incredible hiking and cycling opportunities, like the Acquedotto Romano Trail that follows the ancient Roman route up to the gates of the Monte Subasio Regional Park .

Along the way, you get views of olive groves, woods, forests, and other features of the Italian countryside — which is Spello in a nutshell; an outdoor lover’s paradise.

That being said, there are other types of attractions and experiences too. One not-to-miss site is Porta Consolare , a massive archway dating back to the 1st century BC that was once one of the main entrances into the ancient Roman city. You’ll even see three original Roman statues attached to the top of it!

Walking through this entrance leads you into one of the prettiest parts of town, with a main street that features narrow stone lanes veering off. Take a fragrant stroll down Via Borgo San Sisto to see a lush array of flowers and potted plants. It’s definitely photo-worthy!

Also check out the Venus Gate , which is another one of Spello’s six Roman gates, and Villa dei Mosaici di Spello (Villa of Mosaics in Spello) — an archaeological discovery featuring a villa with stunning mosaic floors, among other things.

Umbria Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Umbria . Umbria Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Umbria .

17. San Gimignano

San Gimignano is famous because of its well-preserved medieval architecture, including its tower houses , which have earned it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan.”

These towers were built between the 11th and the 13th centuries by noble families and upper middle-class merchants as symbols of wealth and power . The tallest of these towers is Torre Grossa , which was built in 1310 and stretches up 54 meters (177 feet).

Standing tall over the other local buildings, the towers add to the town’s well-maintained feudal appearance.

Walking the city is a great way to take all of this in, particularly within San Gimignano’s Centro Storico . Every corner and every turn of this medieval center reveals another charming street.

Within the historic center, make sure to visit the Piazza della Cisterna , a town square that is home to a 13th century cistern, and the Piazza del Duomo , the town’s largest square that is full of churches, museums, and palaces.

One not-to-miss attraction within the Piazza del Duomo is the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral , Italy’s third-largest church. Along with its size, its ornate exterior and grand interior are sure to impress.

Additionally, if you enjoy a nice glass of wine you’ll fall in love with San Gimignano, which produces the popular Vernaccia di San Gimignano . As this crisp white wine is rarely seen outside of Tuscany, it’s best to have a glass or two during your visit.

San Gimignano Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in San Gimignano . San Gimignano Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in San Gimignano .

18. Maratea

Distance: 3.5-6 hours depending on what type of train you take

Fans of relaxing by the sea should consider Maratea, the only town of Basilicata on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Since it’s a bit farther away than many of the other options on this list, it’s best as an overnight trip from Rome.

Maratea is a beautiful example of where the mountains meet the sea, creating some incredible landscapes. The statue of Christ the Redeemer — yes, that’s the same name as the one in Rio — overlooks the town and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Of course, you can also enjoy the town’s many beaches, which offer crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty. One recommendation is Fiumicello Beach , a lovely stretch of swimmable rocky coastline surrounded by lush trees, hills, and small caves.

Another highlight of Maratea is its many churches and chapels . In fact, it holds the nickname “the town with 44 churches!”

Maratea Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Maratea . Basilicata Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Maratea .

19. Cinque Terre

Distance: Take a high speed train from Rome to La Spezia in about 4 hours then switch to the regional line to reach your Cinque Terre village of choice. You can reach Riomaggiore in about 30-45 minutes.

Cinque Terre is one of the most popular regions for tourists to visit in Italy. The colorful houses stacked on the cliffside are famous around the world, and are even more stunning to see in person than on a postcard.

The best part? This beautiful destination is close enough to justify it as a weekend trip from Rome.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre is to take photos of the five picturesque villages, which include (in order from closest to Rome to farthest):

• Riomaggiore

Each of these towns offers a slower place of life, with the highlights mainly including relaxation while enjoying good wine, delicious food, and beautiful views and beaches.

In terms of where to stay, it makes sense to base in Riomaggiore or Monterosso so that you can easily see all of the villages along a scenic coastal trail known as the Sentiero Azzurro or the “Blue Trail.” It takes you through all five villages and takes about five hours to walk, though make sure to add time to explore each destination.

You can find full trail information here .

Note that you do need a ticket to get access to the trail too, which you can buy onsite.

You can also relax at one of Cinque Terre’s many beaches — like the popular Fegina Beach in Monterosso, which is great for swimming.

One of Italy’s most famous restaurants is also found in Cinque Terre, Nessun Dorma . Located in Manarola, you’ll get 5-star food as well as a 5-star view! Having a meal at sunset is a moment not to be forgotten.

There are also no cars in much of Cinque Terre, making it a perfect contrast from city life, and the perfect Rome getaway destination.

Cinque Terre Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Cinque Terre . Cinque Terre Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Cinque Terre .

Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes by train

Gaeta is a charming coastal city located in the Lazio region. Fun fact: along with being the capital of Italy, Rome is also the capital of this region — making Gaeta a great day trip from Rome!

The city is known for its delicious cuisine, including fresh seafood and local specialities such as tiella , a savory pie made with rice, potatoes, and mussels. You should also try Oliva di Gaeta , a dish of olives grown in the area and served as an appetizer.

Italian cuisine often has up to eight courses, so make sure you go to local restaurants with a hungry stomach!

On top of trying some delicious food, you can also explore the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata — a chapel built into the side of a sea-faced cliff. This is pretty unique in itself, but combined with the stepped-trails, it’s more than worthy of a visit.

Gaeta Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Gaeta . Gaeta Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Gaeta .

Weekend Trips From Rome: FAQ

Below are answers to some frequently asking questions related to weekend trips from Rome to help you get perfectly planned out:

Q) Where can I go by train from Rome?

You can go pretty much anywhere in Italy and beyond from Rome. Roma Termini is one of the best transport hubs in all of Europe. Popular day trips and weekend trips from Rome by train include Naples, Pompeii, and Cinque Terre.

Q) What are good day trips out of Rome?

The most popular day trips from Rome are to Pompeii, Naples, and Florence. As they are only 2 hours or so away from Rome, you can easily have a great day trip to any of these places.

Q) Is a day trip from Rome to Florence worth it?

Yes, most definitely. A day trip from Rome to Florence is one of the most popular Rome day trips, as it only takes between an hour and a half to two hours by train. Florence offers some amazing cultural experiences with outstanding museums and galleries.

Italy Travel Insurance

When visiting Italy — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Final Thoughts On Enjoying A Weekend Trip From Rome

And there you have it, 20 of the best weekend trips from Rome. Each of these options will provide the perfect Rome weekend getaway, and whether you choose to spend a day in Pompeii or 3 days in Cinque Terre, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

Rome is in the perfect place for day and weekend trips, as the Roma Termini train station provides transport to quite literally anywhere in Italy. If you wish, you can even go as far as Milan for the weekend!

While Rome is incredible, if you have some spare days you should definitely consider taking a trip elsewhere. You won’t regret it!

What are your favorite weekend trips from Rome?

Enjoyed this guide to the best Rome weekend trips ? Pin it for later!

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About josh band.

Josh Band is the creator of A Backpacker’s World , where he shares his love of backpacking the globe. From Southeast Asia to Europe and everything in between, Josh loves to explore and spend as little as possible while doing so.

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A good read. The photo looks so tempting. It will help in planning a trip to Rome. Thank you for writing this blog. Which would be the must-visit place?

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How To Spend a Weekend in Rome | The Perfect Itinerary

Planning on spending a weekend in Rome soon and wondering what to do? Look no further because I’m here to give you some travel inspiration and loads of helpful tips for your weekend trip to Rome. 

Rome, the “Eternal City,” is a destination that captivates every single person who steps foot onto its ancient cobblestone streets. I studied abroad here during my junior year of college, and as a result, it will forever be one of my favorite places in the world.

While I do think you should try and spend more than a weekend in Rome, I’m here to help you plan your compact visit with some unique things to do, places to check out, awesome tours, accommodation recommendations and handy travel tips. After reading this, you’ll know exactly what to do in Rome for a weekend.

Weekend In Rome Itinerary Overview 

There’s simply no other place like the Eternal City, and walking around Rome is reminiscent of exploring an enormous museum. At every turn, there is an ancient monument, church, landmark or statue that was built centuries ago. What you will want to see for yourself will really just depend on if this is your first visit to Rome or not, because you may have ticked off some of the more tourist-centric things before. 

While only being in Rome for the weekend might not seem long, it will still be enough time to explore so many different parts of the city. As always, feel free to shoot me an email with any travel questions. 

Where To Stay In Rome

There are so many different beautiful neighborhoods to explore when visiting Rome, but I believe the smartest move is to stay near the Termini train station . Not only can you access both of the main metro lines in Rome (so you can easily get around the Eternal City), but it’s also the start and end point for all the major bus routes within the city’s public transport.

Plus, if you’re only flying into Rome for a weekend, you’ll want a pretty easy check-in/check-out process, and you want to be able to get to and from the city’s airport with ease. Here are a few recommendation places to stay in Rome. 

• The Hive Hotel : With its immaculately clean rooms and luxurious modern design, it’s no surprise that The Hive is consistently reviewed as a top 4-star luxury hotel in Rome. It boasts an enviable location and serves delicious meals to its guests. It’s definitely the perfect place to stay on your Roman weekend trip.
• Muzio 48 Private Suites : Enjoy your Rome weekend trip at this stunning guest house. You’ll find rooms decorated with blue and white furnishings, a soothing atmosphere and this accommodation is less than a mile from the Spanish Steps and other famous attractions. 
• Plum Guide in Rome : If you’re looking for a top-rated apartment to call home, I’d recommend checking out some of the incredible apartments in Rome’s city center on Plum Guide. It’s one of my favorite Airbnb alternatives, and it provides an unforgettable place to stay while spending your weekend in Rome.

The Best Things To Do In Rome In 2 Days

The following Rome itinerary includes a range of exciting things to do in the city, but I thought it would help if first, I shortlisted a taste of what to see and do in the city. Most of these activities score a spot on my itinerary, and suit every kind of tourist – art and history lovers, food fiends, thirty visitors looking for a chic cocktail bar – and more. And all come with a personal recommendation!

• Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. 
• Tour the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums. 
• Wander through the Borghese Gallery. 
• Sample Rome’s best food at Mercato Centrale. 
• Visit the city’s stunning churches and cathedrals. 
• See the Colosseum for yourself. 
• Take in a sunset on the River Tiber. 
• Indulge in Italy’s best gelato.
• Enjoy aperitivo in Trastevere. 
• Party up a storm in Campo di Fiori. 
• Join a pasta making class.

Let’s dive into this Rome itinerary like you’ll be diving into bowls of pasta in the Italian capital! Also, stay tuned until the end of this itinerary for the answers to come Rome FAQ’s which will definitely aid in planning your visit. 

Rome Itinerary Day 1: Ancient History, Great Food & Epic Sunsets

You’ve landed in Rome and I hope you’re well rested, because Rome is one of those cities that you will find yourself walking around until your legs hurt – for all the best reasons. Of course, you can jump on the Metro to get to further away attractions, but Rome is a joy to wander around, as there’s a famous landmark around every corner – and ample opportunities to stop off for gelato too! Let’s get into it. 

The Trevi Fountain

Start your weekend in Rome at the historic Trevi Fountain, a site always teeming with tourists but nonetheless worth it to take in this beautiful sight. One of the things that surprised me about my first time in Rome is that there are no open-container laws in Rome. I’ll never forget my very first time drinking a bottle of delicious (and cheap) Italiano vino on the steps of the Trevi Fountain.

So, if your visit to the fountain falls after lunch or as the sun sets, taking a bottle of great Italian vino to the Trevi Fountain and enjoying a glass or two is a classic Roman experience! The fountain is particularly impressive at night, as the entire area lights up. But any time of day, this is a great place to people-watch. 

Oh, and don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain for good luck (and a return to Rome). Worked for me. 

Mercato Centrale

It’s no doubt that Rome is a food lover’s paradise, and I’m sure that the majority of travelers coming to Italy want to try real, authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. While I could probably write dozens of articles on the best restaurants, cafes, and bars to check out, one of the few places you must visit while in Rome is this new project Mercato Centrale Roma .

Conveniently located inside the Roma Termini train station, it’s an easy and awesome place to visit while you’re spending a weekend in Rome and you’re seeking to enjoy an Italian meal or two.

So what is this place, and what makes it oh-so-special?

Well, it’s an exciting culinary endeavor that offers its visitors a wide range of traditional Roman dishes from a variety of artisan vendors. It’s similar to a food court in a mall (or a farmer’s market), but you’ll find top-rated cuisine from quality retailers who pour their heart and soul into their craft.

From delicious pizza, pasta, suppli, truffles, tiramisu, gelato, and loads more – they’ve got it all. Mercato Centrale is a one-stop shop for your Italian food bucket list. Check out my article on Italian dishes to feast on while in Rome. I’m guaranteed you’ll find mouthwatering ideas and recommendations on more of their culinary delights.

While here, you’ll discover that there’s weight to their claim that:

“The food artisans and their stores are the stars of Mercato Centrale Roma, presenting and talking about their produce. Mercato Centrale Roma is a unique experience made by people for people, where goodness is elementary because it speaks for itself.”

Talk about a commitment to culinary excellence.

Tour The Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palantine Hill 

There’s no doubt you’ve most likely wondered what past Rome was like, and a visit to the Colosseum and ancient relic of the city is a must. You need to do a tour of the sites to truly appreciate them, and I thoroughly recommend  this tour of Ancient Rome .

You’ll learn about the festivals the Romans held and marvel at the magnificent structure that is the Colosseum. Once you’ve taken in the grandeur of this ancient site, you’ll head over to the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was first a marketplace where Ancient Romans could shop, but as time went by, it became an area of social and political significance. It dates back to around 500 B.C. 

You’ll also visit Palatine Hill, which used to be an exclusive city neighborhood. Today, it is mostly an archeological site where you can explore the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian and the Flavian Palace.

Walk along the Tiber River

No Rome itinerary would be complete without a stroll in a gorgeous setting. Rome is a stunning city during the day, but it’s actually one of my favorite cities to explore when the sun goes down. Each of the monuments lights up in such a majestic way, and the reflections of the historic buildings glisten along the city’s river, The Tiber. 

There’s a really nice walk stretching a few kilometers along River Tiber that is a great way to work off those dinner calories (hey, no judgment here) and fall in love with all the Roman architecture and city at night. If you’re planning to do Rome in a weekend as a couple, this is the perfect way to cap off an evening. 

Gelato at Ciampini

I’ll honestly never forget when my cousin took me here for the first time. It’s seriously the best gelato I’ve ever tried , and I am always telling people if they visit Rome, they have to check out Ciampini Roma for the best gelato in town. My favorite flavors are Pistacchio, Crema, and Nocciola. The staff is also really great, and you can sample as many flavors as you’d like.

There’s a restaurant that has a sidewalk terrace for small meals and beverages, but you can just walk to the side entrance where the gelateria is located. If you make it here, I promise you’ll absolutely love it and return a few times in even two days. It’s located about 5-10 minutes from Piazza di Spagna, right in the heart of the city center.

Aperitivo in Trastevere

If you don’t know what an “aperitivo” is, it’s basically an offer where you can try a bunch of different appetizers that are buffet style as long as you purchase a drink (typically a glass of wine or beer). Aperitivo is popular all over Italy, and is one of my favorite ways to start the evening.

Trastevere is my favorite neighborhood in all of Rome, and it definitely needs to be a stop on your Rome itinerary. It’s one of the few parts of the city where you can forget you’re in the busy capital. You’ll fall in love with the charming alleyways, cobblestone streets and picturesque piazzas of Trastevere. This is a vibrant spot, and is filled with bars, cafes and restaurants, and you’ll find several different places that offer a delicious aperitivo to indulge in.

Drinks in Campo di Fiore

What would a weekend trip to Rome be without a little bit of nightlife? After you’ve enjoyed classic aperitivo in Trastevere, walk across the Ponte Sisto bridge. Once you’ve arrived at the bridge, continue straight, and you’ll find yourself in the nightlife hotspot of Campo Di Fiori.

This is one of the main squares in Rome and has a large selection of bars to grab a drink in and mingle with the locals. Naturally, it’s very lively at night, and a lot of people will just bring their own alcohol and hang out in the square.

While the younger crowd may prefer spots like The Drunken Ship or “Sloppy Sams”, there are several other more relaxed places for you to grab a drink (and a small bite) as well. You can pay a visit to the industrial-chic Chapter Roma or head to 1920s-inspired Jerry Thomas Speakeasy .

Rome Itinerary Day 2: Art, Architecture & Learning To Cook Like A Roman!

It’s your second day in Rome, and today, I’ve got some treats in store for you. Yesterday you got a dose of the city’s ancient history, and filled your stomach many times over as well. Today, you’ll visit one of the most iconic destinations in Europe, The Vatican, and take in some world class art. You’ll also learn to make your own Italian pasta, a skill you can take home with you and thrill dinner guests with! 

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican is the heart of the Catholic Church, and each year, millions visit this “country within a country” in Rome, whether for religious reasons or simply to see it for themselves. And there’s a lot to see. You can easily spend an entire day at the Vatican, however, most spend a few hours here, so try to arrive early.

Grab a taxi or rideshare or jump on the Rome Metro to get to Vatican City in just over 10 minutes. Be sure to take Metro Line A, as it’ll stop right outside the Vatican’s walls at the Ottaviano-S stop. Once you’ve arrived, it’s a short walk to the museum.

Referenced throughout pop culture, media, and literature, the Vatican Museums hold significant cultural and historical relevance. Not to geek out or anything, but you’ll be blown away by major attractions here, like the Sistine Chapel boasting Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling fresco and the masterful artwork in the galleries.  The Vatican, including Saint Peter’s Basilica, is jaw-dropping in its beauty and cultural significance. 

To make the most of your time here, and to learn about the history of the site and the collections within it, it’s definitely recommended to take a tour, and I recommend this  tour of the Vatican Museums . It includes skip-the-line entry and all the key sights including the Sistine Chapel, the Greek Cross Gallery, Cabinet of the Masks, Gallery of Maps and much more, all lead by an expert on Vatican history. 

The Borghese Gallery & Museum

From the Vatican, it’s onwards to take in even more art at the Borghese Gallery and Museum. As you can tell from the thousands of well-preserved artwork contained in the Vatican Museums, Italy is a powerhouse in the art world. And the Borghese Gallery and Museum houses some of these world-renowned pieces of art.

Located in the lush greenery of Villa Borghese Park, the Borghese Gallery and Museum is a relatively laidback but delightful place. Some people say that if you were to spend a minute admiring all the artwork in the Vatican Museums, it would take you about 12 years to do so. In contrast, you can take a 2.5 hour  tour at Borghese Gallery and Museum and comfortably see everything.

With twenty rooms across two floors, you’ll be able to explore the museum at your own pace. You’ll witness an impressive collection of sculptures by Bernini, one of which includes Apollo and Daphne. The painting room on the second floor is where you’ll find equally exquisite paintings.

Chiese Di Sant’Ignazio Di Loyola

Have you heard of this church before? Probably not, but it’s absolutely stunning and definitely worth the visit! Chiesa Di Sant’Ignazio Di Loyola (also known as the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola) is completely free to enter,  and I personally think it’s one of the most gorgeous churches I’ve ever stepped foot inside. And it has a lot of competition!

It’s just a few minutes walk away from the renowned Pantheon and should be added to your Rome weekend itinerary and sightseeing list. I’m sure there are hundreds of other churches like this in Rome I don’t even know about, but I always enjoy taking people here.

Learn To Make Pasta Like A Roman

Italy is world-renowned for its delicious cuisine, so why not take the opportunity to join a cooking class on your trip to Rome?

This Pasta and Tiramisu Workshop is the perfect place to meet new people in a laidback environment. An expert chef will help you out by demonstrating how to make fresh pasta, and you’ll even get to choose your own pasta shape. You’ll also get to make tiramisu once your pasta is ready and then enjoy a sit-down dinner with other students at the end of your cooking lesson. Choose your very own sauce to go with your pasta. This is a skill you’ll absolutely love taking back home with you, where you’ll thrill dinner party guests over and over with your newfound cooking skills!

I could honestly go on and on when it comes to things to do in Rome, but if you’ve only got a weekend, I don’t want to add everything and completely overload you. If you’ve got more time to spare in Rome (and I highly recommend it!), I also have a 3 day Rome Itinerary on my blog, with lots more activities to fill your time!

Hankering for a little more information about how to streamline your weekend trip to Rome? Keep scrolling, as I’ve included the answers to some commonly asked questions about Rome!

How to get around Rome

Getting around Rome is relatively easy, and most visitors opt to walk or use to the city’s Metro system. In my experience, public transportation isn’t quite the easiest to understand for first-time visitors. There are only two metro lines, but they actually do get you to the majority of major attractions in the city. I always recommend choosing accommodation close to a metro line, as it definitely makes things easier for heading back home after a long day of walking around the city.

When it comes to the buses, I’d recommend checking out this article on “ How To Use Public Buses in Rome” To be honest, I very rarely take buses in the city because I find them overcrowded and rarely on time, but sometimes they can be helpful if you’re in a spot of bother. I find that hotel staff are always exceptionally helpful when it comes to getting tips on using public transport in Rome. 

Alternatively, Rome has a range of taxi companies you can flag down or call, however often they hike up their rates in touristy areas. Uber is also widely available across Rome. 

Alternatively, you could rent a bike, however traffic is Rome is notoriously crazy, so you’d want to be pretty confident! Rome has a range of bike share programs available across the city, including Lime Bike, Finally, one of the coolest ways to see the sights of Rome is on the back of a Vespa! This Rome Vespa Tour With Local Guide lasts three hours and takes you via many major landmarks. It’s exhilirating!

Am I missing anything from my Rome itinerary?

Rome is such a unique destination, and it’s a place I often dream of returning to live in all over again! There are so many more incredible things to do in Rome, that I hope you found this guide helpful. If you think I need to add anything to this itinerary, feel free to reach out and let me know! 

Have you been to Rome before? What was your experience like? Did you find a favorite hidden spot that you want to sing the praises of? Is there anything important I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below, but keep in mind I do have a larger Rome itinerary on my blog to check out too!

Planning a trip to Rome or Italy?

I love creating content about Italy for my blog, and if you’re spending more time in either Rome or Italy on the whole, be sure to check out a few of the following articles to help you plan your big Italian adventure. Keen on visiting another European country instead? That’s exciting! I’ve also got all you need for a fantastic trip no matter where in Europe you go. Here are just a few recommendations for guides to check out!

• The Ultimate 3 Days In Rome Itinerary
• The 10 Best Things to Do in Porto Ercole, Italy
• One Week “Intro To Italy” Travel Itinerary 
• 15 Best Beach Resorts In Italy
• 20 Best Music Festivals In Italy 
• 15 Best Castle Resorts In Italy For Your Bucket List
• 10 Awesome Things to Do in Florence, Italy
• 5 Must-Try Places to Eat in Florence, Italy
• 2 Days in London Itinerary | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring London
• Top 18 Music Festivals in Scotland to Experience Before You Die
• Two Days in Madrid | The Ultimate Madrid Travel Itinerary
• 2 Days in Copenhagen | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring Copenhagen
• 2 Days in Budapest | 48 Hours in Budapest Itinerary
• 2 Days in Berlin | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring Berlin
• 2 Days in Prague Itinerary: What to Do & See in Prague in 48 Hours
• 2 Days in Athens | How to Spend 48 Hours Exploring Athens

THANKS FOR READING MY WEEKEND IN ROME ITINERARY

Share this rome itinerary with your travel squad. .

Love the photos! I’ve visited a number of countries in Europe and find the architecture one of my favorite things. These images really give us the feel of Rome’s great buildings.

Rome is a really great city. Must surely visit anyone. Thanks.

I’m a tour leader in Italy and Roma is one of my favourite places in the world.

Just to leave my top 3 here if anybody is interested

1. Museum, mine would be Montemartini… arts of the antiquities set in an old power plant. The juxtaposition between marble busts and ‘modern’ machinery is quite something to behold.

2. Church- without a doubt is Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura. Home to Paul’s mortal remains, wonderful architecture and portraits of all the Popes that have ever served the Roman Catholic Church. Watch out for the empty spaces after Francis, there is a legend relating to these!

3. Restaurant- Flavio Al Velavevodetto. Ever wanted to eat authentic roman pastas in a mountain made of 2000 year old terracotta pots (basically an ancient Roman dumping ground)? Now is your chance. Food is great and the area of Testaccio is different and wonderful.

Thanks so much for this! More great tips for people visiting Rome :-)

I love rome

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Rome 2-Day Itinerary: How to Spend a Weekend in Rome

Posted on Last updated: April 21, 2024

Planning to spend two days in Rome, but not sure what to do? You’ve come to the right place!

Rome is one of my favourite cities ever. The Eternal City is the capital of Italy, and one of the most popular tourist destination in the world for all those interested in art, history and good food.  

From the ancient Colosseum to the majestic Vatican, or from the cobbled streets to Trastevere to the panoramic views of Villa Borghese, there is so much beauty and variety to discover in Rome.

There is so much to see that you could live in Rome for years, and still not see it all. I was lucky enough to spend a few months living in Rome, and want to share with you my insights as both a tourist and local.

Chilling by the Colosseum in Rome

Rome is a city that lends itself well to a weekend getaway.

You might not be able to see everything, but a weekend in Rome will be just enough time for you to easily see all the main landmarks, and get a feel for the city’s vibe.

This Rome 2-day itinerary will show you exactly how to spend two days in Rome, including all the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around Rome, where to eat and more.  

So what are you waiting for, let’s read on and discover how to make the most of your Roman weekend!

Before you read on, have you got everything you need for your Rome trip? Click here to see all my Italy travel essentials !

• 1 Rome 2-day itinerary – Day 1 walking route map
• 2.1 Piazza di Spagna & Trinità dei Monti
• 2.2 Villa Borghese
• 2.3 Piazza del Popolo
• 2.4 The Trevi Fountain
• 2.5 The Pantheon
• 2.6 Piazza Navona
• 2.7 Campo de’ Fiori
• 2.8 The Fori Romani
• 2.9 The Colosseum
• 2.10 Sunset & evening time
• 3 Rome 2-day itinerary – Day 2 walking route map
• 4.1 Trastevere
• 4.2 Castel Sant’Angelo
• 4.3 The Vatican
• 4.4 Sunset at Ponte Umberto I
• 5.1 How to get to Rome
• 5.2 How to get around Rome in a weekend
• 5.3 Best Rome weekend tours 
• 5.4 Where to stay for your weekend in Rome
• 5.5 Best time to visit Rome 
• 5.6 What to pack for two days in Rome
• 5.7 Do you need travel insurance for two days in Rome?
• 5.8 Where to eat during your 2 days in Rome

The Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Essentials to book before you read on!

Best tours in Rome

Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Priority Tickets

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Tour

Guided Food Tour in Trastevere

Best hotels in Rome

Budget: YellowSquare Rome

Mid-range: Albergo Abruzzi

Luxury: Giallo Colosseo  

Get 5% off your travel insurance here!

Rome 2-day itinerary – Day 1 walking route map

To make your Rome 2-day itinerary easier to visualise, I have created walking route maps for each day, so that you can see exactly which areas of Rome you will be exploring.

As you can see below, the route you will walk on your first day in Rome in theory only 1 hour 17 minutes, but trust me, when the streets you walk through are so beautiful, it easily takes much longer!

Plus if you want to go inside any attractions or do guided tours, it’s only normal that they’ll take up longer.

Rome 2-day itinerary – Day 1  

Piazza di spagna & trinità dei monti.

We started off our Rome weekend on Saturday meeting at Piazza di Spagna at 10am (admittedly not the earliest of starts, but I was travelling with an all Italian group, and we’re not early risers).

Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It gets its name to the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Spanish Embassy, and is famous for the iconic steps leading up to Trinità del Monti.

From Piazza di Spagna you can walk up the Trinità dei Monti staircase, from which you will find your first pretty viewpoint over Rome .

Trinità dei Monti is a beautiful late Renaissance church famous for its position over the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna.

Under the church you will often find street artists that will offer to draw your portrait or will try to sell you their landscape paintings of Rome.  

Wandering up the famous Spanish Steps towards Trinità dei Monti in Rome

Villa Borghese

From there you then walk towards Villa Borghese, a beautiful park with an awesome view over Piazza del Popolo (lots of viewpoints for your first day in Rome).

Inside the park there is also a famous art gallery called Galleria Borghese that you can visit. If you want to visit it, make sure to purchase entrance online beforehand and skip the queue !

We didn’t go inside as two days in Rome isn’t enough to see all its famous museums, but if you have a big interest in art, you can schedule some time to pop inside. The park is also very pretty to walk around.

If you’re visiting Rome in summer , you can enjoy an ice cream while chilling in the shade, or while taking in the view over the rooftops of Rome. It’s up to you how much time you want to spend relaxing here.  

From there you can then walk down to Piazza del Popolo.

Click here to book your Galleria Borghese skip-the-line entrance ticket!

Wandering around the gardens of Villa Borghese in Rome

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is a large square in Rome, famous for it’s symmetrical design and the Egyptian obelisk located in the middle.

Piazza del Popolo means “People’s Square” and historically was a location of public executions or demonstrations.

Today you will often find street performers there, and on big festivities, for example Carnival, you will find people dancing and celebrating there.

View of Piazza del Popolo from Villa Borghese

The Trevi Fountain

From Piazza del Popolo you can walk to the Trevi Fountain.

It would take you approximately 15 minutes if you walked straight there, but as these central streets of Rome are some of the most beautiful, I totally get it if you want to go on a detour.

Getting lost in the side streets of Rome is just as fun and interesting as seeing the main landmarks!

The Trevi Fountain is in my opinion one of the most beautiful attractions in Rome. With its 26 metres in height and 49 metres in width of baroque statues, it is a truly imposing sight.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Urban legend says that you have to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain if you want to come back to Rome one day.

I do it every time I visit Rome, and so far I keep going back, so I won’t be stopping this tradition any time soon! The Trevi Fountain is located in the side streets of Rome and access to it is free.

The Trevi Fountain will be busy. Be ready for that. Unless you change around this itinerary and go really early in the morning, there isn’t much you can do for the crowds. 

However you can usually still find a corner to throw your coin in the fountain and snap some iconic Rome Instagram pictures .

The beautiful Trevi fountain in Rome

The Pantheon

After the Trevi Fountain you can walk over to the Pantheon, another must see stop in Rome.

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that subsequently became a church and is known for its recognizable hole in the ceiling. The building is circular and the inside is decorated with beautiful statues.

Access to the Pantheon is free, however you might have to wait a little bit as there is often a queue and they sometimes check bags before letting you in.

The square just in front of the Pantheon is lively and there are lots of bars, if you haven’t taken a break yet I recommend grabbing an ice cream from Della Palma and taking a seat on the fountain steps.

It’s a very touristy area, but it’s a nice spot to grab a bite and give yourself sometime to soak in the Roman atmosphere.

Exploring the Pantheon in Rome

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is just round the corner from the Pantheon, and is a beautiful square to explore. If you’re looking for a beautiful square in Rome, this is it.

Piazza Navona is home to the beautiful church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, as well as stunning fountains and some delicious restaurants.

It’s centrally located, and is a must-see on any Rome weekend itinerary.

Exploring Piazza Navona in Rome

Campo de’ Fiori

Campo dei Fiori is where the cool kids hang out. With its homely restaurants, hipster bars, cobbled side streets and fun vibe it has become the area where all the students and young people hang out in evenings.

It’s a cool area to explore also during the day as the architecture around is very beautiful.

| READ MORE: HOW TO SPEND 2 EPIC WEEKS IN ITALY |

The market in Campo dei Fiori in Rome

The Fori Romani

From Campo dei Fiori you can then wrap up your first day in Rome by going to the Colosseum. Make sure to take the street that goes past the Altare della Patria and the Fori Romani along the way.

Located in the centre of Rome, the Fori Romani are a series of monumental “foro” or public squares. These were the heart of the Roman Empire, with every foro serving a different purpose to public life in ancient Rome.

The road leading up to the Colosseum, lined with ancient Roman ruins on each side, is the perfect build up to reaching the Colosseum.

Admiring the view over the Fori Romani in Rome

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is possibly the most famous and visited attraction in Rome.

Built back in 70 / 80 AD, the Colosseum is a huge oval amphitheatre that could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators for public spectacles, such as gladiator fights and dramas.

It is also one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World (confusing I know, considering how old it is).

If you want to visit the inside of the Colosseum make sure to book your ticket online beforehand, as queues on the day can be ridiculously long.

You’re only in Rome for two days, so you don’t want to waste any of that time queueing!

Click here to book your skip the queue Colosseum tour!

Enjoying the beauty of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Despite living in Rome for months I haven’t actually been inside the Colosseum, so if you want to find out more about visiting the inside, check out this Colosseum tour guide .

You can also combine your visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forums with a tour like this one .

This tour is great as it allows you to skip the queue at the Colosseum, explore the Roman Forum and learn about their history from a knowledgable local guide.

Click here to book your guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum!

Or click below to see prices & availability!

View over the Roman Forum and the Colosseum from the Campidoglio

Sunset & evening time

Depending on when in the year you’re visiting Rome, once you’re done with all the sightseeing and tours you might be just on time to catch the sunset over the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Alternatively, you can head to one of the many cool rooftop bars in Rome, and enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo while watching the sun set over the rooftops of Rome. Either option sounds good to me!

If you want to make the most of your weekend in Rome, you can head out to Trastevere, one of the most lively areas of Rome at night , regardless of the time of year.

Here you’ll find charming cobbled streets, plenty of traditional trattorias and lively bars filled with locals.

The Colosseum in Rome at sunset

Rome 2-day itinerary – Day 2 walking route map

As you can see, there isn’t much walking involved in this day of your Rome itinerary.

That’s because you will be visiting the Vatican, and if you choose to go inside to see the museums and Sistine Chapel, that will easily take up half a day, if not more.

Rome 2-day itinerary – Day 2

Rome is divided through the middle by the river Tiber, so it made sense to us to divide our Rome 2-day itinerary by doing one side of the river on day one, and the other on the second day.  

We started the second day of our Rome weekend in Trastevere, a beautiful neighbourhood where a lot of the roads are pedestrian, which makes it even more enjoyable to walk around.

The cobbled streets of Trastevere are also lined with bars and restaurants, so you can enjoy a croissant and coffee before properly setting off on your Rome weekend adventures.

If you made it here last night, it’s also fun to see the difference between day and night. You can also join a Trastevere guided walking tour , and have a local take you to the best hidden gems of this neighbourhood.

We wandered the streets of Trastevere for a bit, and then walked our way up the Tiber river to Castel Sant’Angelo and Vatican City.

Click here to book your Trastevere guided walking tour!

Wandering along the cute cobbled streets of Rome, Italy

Castel Sant’Angelo

This spectacular building in Rome was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, to act as a mausoleum for himself and his family.

Over time it was then taken over by the church, and used by the popes as a fortress and castle.

One of the unique beauties of this attraction is Ponte Sant’Angelo, the bridge that connects the two sides of the river just in front of it.

The bridge is pedestrian, and walking towards this impressive building with all the angel statues lined on both sides is a truly mystifying experience.

Walking along Ponte Sant’ Angelo in Rome, with Castel Sant’ Angelo in the background

The combination between the bridge, statues and imposing building is pretty impressive even just from outside, but if you have time, I highly recommend visiting the interior of Castel Sant’Angelo.

Besides being very interesting, it also offers one of the best viewpoints in Rome.

Make sure to purchase a skip-the-line entrance ticket online beforehand , you still have a busy day ahead, and you don’t want to waste too much time of your Rome itinerary waiting in line!

Click here to book your guided tour of Castel Sant’Angelo priority entrance!

Castel Sant’Angelo & Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy

The Vatican

From Castel Sant’Angelo you can then walk over to the Vatican, and prepare yourself to discover one of the most unique sights in the world.

The Vatican and the Cappella Sistina are considered must-sees on pretty much every Italy bucket list . Even if it will mean spending half of your second day in Rome indoors, you can’t really skip them.

Possibly one of the most famous attractions in Rome, the Vatican Museums attract more than six million people every year.

A lot of people (myself included) visit primarily to see the Cappella Sistina, Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

I recommend buying tickets online beforehand , and make sure to get a queue jump ticket for a small extra fee, which will ensure you don’t waste time waiting outside.

The museums are huge, and will easily take up a whole afternoon.

Click here to book your Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance ticket!

The Basilica di San Pietro and main square of the Vatican in Rome

Similarly to the Colosseum, you can either purchase just the skip-the-line entrance ticket, or join a guided tour .

I didn’t personally do a tour, but in hindsight, I wish I had. The Vatican Museums are huge, and having a local guide explain the historical and artistic significance of what you’re seeing is priceless.

Click here to book your Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour!

The road leading up to the Vatican in Rome at night – photo by Mike Vathis on Scopio

Sunset at Ponte Umberto I

After you leave the Vatican you will probably be a bit tired, but there’s one last sight you can’t miss. Simply walk down to the river and head to Ponte Umberto I.

This is one of the most famous bridges and sunset spots in Rome. From here you can watch the sun go down behind the huge dome of San Pietro, and the unique reflection in the river as the lights turn on.

It’s the perfect ending to your Rome 2-day itinerary.

| READ MORE: 7 AMAZING DAYS IN ITALY |

Watching the sunset over the Vatican and Ponte Sant’Angelo from Ponte Umberto in Rome

Logistical tips for two days in Rome

Having looked at the nitty gritty of this Rome 2-day itinerary, I now want to go over some logistical tips that will facilitate your time in the Eternal City.

Travel tips like how to get into Rome, the best time of year to visit, where to stay and how to get around the city.

It’s all information that you will need to know before planning the activities you will do during your weekend in Rome.

How to get to Rome

Rome has two international airports, Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). From there you can then take either a train or bus into central Rome.

Make sure to book your bus or train online beforehand, especially if you’re visiting in busy season, as they can get full pretty quickly and you then have to wait 20-30 minutes for the next one.

You’re only in Rome for two days, so you want to make the most of them! Not waste time before even getting into the city. You can book your airport bus transfers below.

Shuttle bus transfer to/from Fiumicino Airport

Shuttle bus transfer to/from Ciampino Airport

Private transfer to either Ciampino or Fiumicino Airport

Sunset over the rooftops of Rome

How to get around Rome in a weekend

Rome is huge city, but when it comes to the main attractions and historical sights, these are all located close to each other in the city centre.

I’m a big fan of walking as a mode of transport when I travel, as it allows you to see the side streets and true vibe of a city, way more than you would just driving from one attraction to the next, plus you also get a bit of exercise in (it’s a great way to stay fit while travelling )!

This Rome 2-day itinerary is designed to cover all the main highlights of Rome on foot, optimising what you see and when, so that you don’t end up walking back and forth all over the city.

If you want to go beyond the city centre, or don’t fancy walking for too long, don’t worry, as there are plenty of options.

The beautiful facade of the Trevi fountain in Rome

One of my favourite ways to get around Rome is to use e-scooters, such as Lime. These are good for short distances, and you’ll find loads parked all over Rome.

Just watch out for Rome’s cobbled lanes – you’ll be in for a pretty bumpy ride if you take a scooter along one of these!

There is also a Scooter (as in a moped) sharing service called eCooltra, which is a more comprehensive way to get around. If you can drive a scooter, that is. Again, it’s good for short distances.

Rome’s also has a good public transport system, which can take you almost everywhere you want to go, so you may think there’s no need to get around via scooter.

Don’t have two days in Rome? Check out my Rome 1-day itinerary instead!

Scootering around Rome – that’s the Colosseum behind us!

Best Rome weekend tours  

Having lived in Rome I can say it’s a fairly easy city to wander around on foot and discover alone. However, it can also be very chaotic and touristy, with locals trying to attract you into generic tourist traps.

If you want to relax during your Rome weekend trip, and have someone else take care of the planning hassle, plus have a local guide teach you about the beauties of Rome, here are some of the most popular Rome tours.

View over Rome and the Altar of the Fatherland from the rooftop bar of Hotel Minerva

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel: Tour – This popular tour is a must if you want to visit the Vatican Museum. Having a local guide explain what you’re seeing is key to understanding this unique place.

Click here to book your Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel tour!

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry   – While I think it would be better with a local guide, you can also just purchase entrance tickets. Make sure to buy them online as that way you can skip the queue (which can get pretty huge).

Skip the line, and purchase your Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel entrance here!

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Priority Tickets – You don’t want to spend hours queueing under the sun, so make sure to purchase priority tickets to the Colosseum!

Click here to book your Colosseum tickets and skip the line!

Rome: Street Food Tour with Local Guide – Italians take food very seriously, and the best way to discover true Roman cuisine is with a local! This is one of the best Rome by night tours .

Check out prices and availability for a Rome street food tour here!

The famous Altare della Patria in Rome

Where to stay for your weekend in Rome

Choosing where to stay in Rome can be challenging. Personally I would opt for a hotel near the Colosseum , or near the Pantheon , so that you’re close to all the main attractions of Rome.

You could also stay somewhere unique like these monastery and convent stays in Rome !

Having lived in Rome on and off, I tried my fair share of apartment rentals in Rome , and can confidently suggest some over others. I listed below some cool places to stay for every Italy trip budget .

Budget: YellowSquare Rome – If you’re looking for a budget Rome hostel in a great position, with clean and modern dorms and a lovely social atmosphere, this is the place!

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at YellowSquare Rome!

The views as you cross River Tiber in Rome

Mid-range: Albergo Abruzzi – This lovely boutique hotel in Rome is perfect if you want something nice that won’t break the bank. Located right next to the Pantheon, it’s in a winning position.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Albergo Abruzzi!

Luxury: Giallo Colosseo  –  If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. From this apartment you get amazing Colosseum views directly from your bed, what more can you ask for?!

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Giallo Colosseo here!

The bedroom with Colosseum view of Giallo Colosseo

The Colosseum view from the window of Giallo Colosseo in Rome

Best time to visit Rome 

In my opinion, you could visit Rome at any time of the year and have a great time. Being a city, pretty much all the attractions and main sights are visible every month, regardless of the season.

That said, there are some seasons which will make your two days in Rome more pleasant. Spring in Rome is my favourite time of year.

The days are getting warmer and longer, the flowers are blooming, and Rome isn’t inundated by tourists like in summer. If you visit Italy in summer , I wouldn’t personally go to Rome, as it gets extremely hot.

I also really like Rome in winter , as the weather is milder than other places in Italy in winter , and you can do pretty much everything you would do in spring or summer, minus the huge tourist crowds.

One of the best views over Rome from Villa Borghese

What to pack for two days in Rome

Being a city with loads of shops, as well as a super popular tourist destination, there isn’t really much you need to bring to Rome. If you forget anything, you can just buy it there.

That said, beyond the usual travel essentials , here are some things I recommend you don’t forget.

Camera – Given how stunning Rome is, you want to make sure you capture it in all its beauty!

Reusable water bottle – If you follow this Rome 2-day itinerary exactly you’ll end up walking loads, so make sure to stay hydrated! You can just refill it at the many free water fountains around Rome.

Walking shoes – Given how much you will be walking, make sure you have comfortable shoes!

International adapter – You can buy it in Rome if you forget it, but it’s always a pain having to head out to search for one with your phone battery dying on you.

Power bank – Regardless of if you have a charger or not, it’s always handy to bring one of these, so whether you need your phone for photos or mapping your way, you know it won’t abandon you when you most need it!

View over Rome from AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari

Do you need travel insurance for two days in Rome?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your Italy travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

The beautiful facade of Trinità dei Monti lined by the buildings of Via Condotti in Rome

Where to eat during your 2 days in Rome

In the country of good food, it just makes sense that its capital has some of the most amazing food choices.

Especially if you’re planning on exploring the Eternal City on foot, you will see just how many bars, restaurants, bakeries and lovely cafes there are in Rome .

While travelling I always like to eat lunch on the go, like a slice of pizza from a bakery, so that I don’t waste day light by sitting down at a restaurant and waiting for ages to be served. Plus it usually tends to be cheaper too.

When it comes to dinner however, I’m all for sitting down and discovering the local cuisine more in depth! After months of living in Rome, here are some of my favourite restaurants.

Cacio e Pepe is my favourite kind of restaurant as it’s an Osteria. These type of restaurants serve big portions for affordable prices. The pastas especially are homemade fresh and simply amazing.

A delicious plate of fresh pasta from Osteria da Fortunata in Rome, Italy

Roscioli is actually a “Salumeria” a shop that sells all sorts of cheese and cured meat, to which they’ve added a kitchen and dining area and serve all sorts of traditional Roman dishes. Here you have to have spaghetti carbonara, possibly the most Rome dish you can have!

Osteria da Fortunata – is there anything better than watching a local Roman lady make fresh pasta, and then eat that same pasta with typical Roman recipes like Carbonara? I don’t think so.

Mercato Centrale Roma –  Located inside Termini train station, this street food style market is perfect for on the go meals, without compromising on quality.

If you want a more in depth foodie experience, you could also join a street food tour or cooking class. These allow you to learn more about the local cuisine, while exploring the city and meeting new people along the way.

Click here to see prices and availability for your Rome street food tour or Rome cooking class !

A traditional spaghetti carbonara at Roscioli in Rome

Final thoughts on how to spend a weekend in Rome

There you have it, the ultimate Rome 2-day itinerary! Have you been to Rome before? Do you love it as much as me? Let me know in the comments below!  

Rome is a beautiful city and one of my favourite places to go back to, even if you only have a weekend. If you have more days in Rome , check out my Rome 3-day itinerary or this Rome 4-day itinerary !

As one of my favourite Italian quotes says, “For someone who has never seen Rome, it is hard to believe how beautiful life can be.”

Even if you’re not a fan of history and culture, there is something magical about Rome. Even just by walking through its cobbled streets, admiring its unique architecture, you can feel the history that permeates this city.

Enjoying the sunset over Rome from Giardino degli Aranci

The amazing sights and artistic heritage of Rome are breathtaking, and I know you’ll love them. The Rome 2-day walking itinerary I have outlined here is the exact one I followed on one of my first trips to Rome.

I hope you will find this Rome itinerary useful in planning your weekend in Rome! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

If you have more time in Rome and want to get out of the city, check out this guide to Tivoli , a lovely town near Rome.

Some travellers base themselves in Rome, and from there then go on a day trip to Pompeii or even Capri , but I wouldn’t recommend that. Amalfi Coast is quite far, so stay in Amalfi Coast instead, so that you can properly experience Positano , hike the Path of the Gods , go on boat trips and more! and its beautiful surroundings.

Looking for more Italy travel advice? Check out these guides:

• 2 epic days in Florence
• Pisa 1-day itinerary
• 10 things you need to know before travelling to Italy
• Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro hike guide
• The best villages to stay in Cinque Terre
• Milan 1-day itinerary
• Best of Tuscany in 4 days
• One epic day in Venice
• The best things to do in Matera
• When to visit Sardinia
• The best beaches in Italy?
• Visiting the Italian Alps in summer
• Sicily 7-day itinerary
• Skiing in the Italian Alps in winter
• Should you do a gondola ride in Venice?
• Where to stay in Milan

Enjoyed reading my 2-day walking itinerary to Rome in a weekend? Pin it!

4 Days In Tuscany: Best Of Pisa, Siena And Florence

Monday 17th of September 2018

[…] READ MORE: ROME IN A WEEKEND […]

Ozgenc Sert

Monday 30th of July 2018

Hi Greta,I’ve found your information really very useful!thank you. But,if it at all possible could you kindly add a street map of the walks you ve recommended Thank you very much

Thursday 20th of September 2018

Thanks, glad you found it useful! There is a rough map of the walks under the "walking itinerary" section :)

Milan In One Day: Best Things To Do & Places To See

Monday 4th of June 2018

[…] Rome In A Weekend: Best Things To Do & Walking Itinerary (With Map!) […]

Things to do in Rome for free

[…] on that day) while watching the rooftops of Rome turn golden. Check out Greta’s post on Rome in a weekend with Greta’s Travels […]

Where Jess Travels

The Ultimate Rome Weekend Itinerary: Where to Eat, Sleep & Visit

Visiting Rome should be on everyone’s bucket list. A weekend in this city feels like stepping back in time, and it’s incredible to be able to experience somewhere with so much history. After our first trip getting cancelled (thanks, covid), we finally made it there in February last year, and I fell in love with the city’s charm. But planning the perfect Rome weekend itinerary can feel overwhelming.

There’s so much to see you could easily spend a full week exploring. But a weekend visit is the perfect introduction, and to help you make the most of your trip, I’ve put together the ultimate travel guide. I did a LOT of research before we visited, so rest assured, my Rome weekend itinerary will leave no stone unturned. Read on for a day by day guide of what to see and where to eat, drink and sleep in the Eternal city.

The Ultimate Rome Weekend Itinerary – FAQs

Why’s it called the eternal city.

You’ll often hear Rome referred to as the “eternal city”. I did it in the introduction, and if you didn’t know that was its nickname, you were probably wondering what I was on about. It comes from the ancient Roman belief that no matter what happened in the world, Rome would go on forever.

Is a weekend long enough in Rome?

A weekend in Rome is long enough to see the main sights , eat lots of great pasta, and get a feel for the city. 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in the city for your first visit.

Is Rome a walkable city?

Rome’s a very walkable city . Most of the main sights are close to each other in a relatively small area. I actually found the public transport in Rome to be quite poor, so I wouldn’t rely on it to get around.

When’s the best time to visit Rome?

I’m a big fan of city breaks outside of peak season. There’s less people, hotels are cheaper, and who wants to be walking around in 40 degree heat? We visited Rome in February and it was perfect.

Rome Weekend Itinerary: Where we stayed

One of my favourite parts of planning a trip, is choosing where to stay. Luckily, Rome has good hotels in abundance, so you don’t have to look far to find the perfect place. We split our time in Rome between 2 hotels, Soho House and The Hoxton, and I loved them both for different reasons:

1. The Hoxton

Photos courtesy of The Hoxton

If there’s a Hoxton in a city I’m visiting, I’ll book it. The design-led hotels consistently deliver, with good food, beautiful rooms, and cool locations in abundance. And their Rome outpost is no different. With 192 bedrooms, ranging from “Shoebox” to “Biggy” there’s something for all budgets, whether you’re just checking in for the night or staying the week.

Hox bikes are available to use for free during your stay, which makes up for it’s slightly out of town location.

Undeniably the best thing about The Hoxton and the reason I always recommend their hotels is ‘flexy time’. It’s an initiative they brought in back in 2019 to allow guests to choose their check-in and check-out times within a 24 hour period.

Let’s say you booked to stay on a Saturday night – if you really wanted to, you could check in at 12:01am Saturday morning and check out at 11:59pm Sunday night (I know, because I asked). 

So if you’re arriving in the morning, when other hotels wouldn’t let you check in yet, you’re free to dump your bags, freshen up, and get exploring! Make sure you book directly to take advantage of this.

2. Soho House Rome

The members-only hotel launched its Rome location in 2021, in a pastel-pink new build that certainly makes a statement. There’s 49 bedrooms, a rooftop pool, cinema, gym and 2 restaurants, and the exquisite Soho House design thats present in all of their hotels.

The biggest reason I love visiting their hotels is that the service is unrivalled, and our stay in Rome only solidified why I love it. From the moment we walked in staff couldn’t do enough for us, we’d landed much earlier than check-in, but our room was ready and they took our bags up straight away. And they were only too happy to help with restaurant recommendations – giving us a hand-scrawled list of their favourite spots in the city.

Located in lesser-known San Lorenzo, it’s a charming part of town, and feels very local, but location is what lets this hotel down in my opinion. You can’t walk to any of the main sights, and the transport system in Rome leaves a lot to be desired, so we found ourselves grabbing taxi’s most of the time. But, everything else more than made up for that small sacrifice.

Read my full review from my stay here

Rome Weekend Itinerary: Hotel recommendations

If those 2 hotels aren’t quite right for you, here’s some others I’d suggest:

Generator Rome

Photos courtesy of Generator

My sharing a dorm in a hostel days are long behind me, but I could be swayed by the private rooms at Generator . This design-led hostel is just a short walk from the train station, and around 20-minutes from The Colosseum. There’s a cafe, bar and even a rooftop, so whether you’re solo travelling or in a group, it’s a great place to meet people.

Photos courtesy of G-Rough

Locations don’t get much better than G-Rough , just 50m from buzzy Piazza Navona. Featuring pieces from Italian designers throughout, the 10-room boutique hotel is the coolest spot in the city. The price you pay for such a brilliant location is slightly less amenities – there’s a bar but no restaurant. But they offer something completely unique – insider tours of the city. Everything from vespa tours to experiencing a day in the life of a Gladiator.

Rhinoceros Rome

Photos courtesy of Rhinoceros Rome

Rhinoceros Rome is made up of 24 immaculately designed apartments in the ancient heart of the city. Original features are combined with modern touches to create one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve ever seen. It’s the perfect choice if you like your home comforts, every apartment has a mini kitchen, and plenty more room than the average hotel.

Rome weekend itinerary: Day #1

Welcome to rome immersive video.

Welcome to Rome is the perfect way to start off your weekend in the city. The interactive experience takes you through a series of exhibitions to learn about the history of Rome. It shows you how the city used to look, and the stories behind important buildings and monuments.

We did this on our first morning and it really helped us understand what we were looking at when we went exploring. I learnt so much I didn’t know before about the history of the city. The whole exhibition takes about 45-minutes, so it won’t take up too much of your day.

Visit the Pantheon

From the exhibition, you’re only a 10-minute walk to The Pantheon , so I’d recommend visiting there next. Built in 125 AD, it’s thought to have served as a temple, and is one of the best preserved buildings in Rome.

Reservations are required on weekends and bank holidays, but I’d recommend buying a ticket beforehand whenever you go. When we visited the queue was huge, and you don’t want to waste valuable exploring time stuck in a queue.

Ticket options:

• Audio guide – means you can explore The Pantheon in your own time
• Guided tour – learn more about The Pantheon with a knowledgeable guide

Stop for a drink at Piazza Navona

A short 4-minute walk from The Pantheon is Piazza Navona, one of the most famous squares in the centre of Rome. It was commissioned by emperor Domitian as a stadium for competitions, with stands for over 20,000 people. ‘Water games’ even took place here, where the whole square was submerged in water.

After the fall of the Roman empire, houses were built on the square, but the long centre space was left as it was and eventually became Piazza Navona.

Whatever you do, don’t eat in the restaurants here. You’ll pay a lot of money for average food. And whilst you’ll definitely pay over the odds for a drink too, it’s such a nice spot to people watch and soak up the atmosphere, so it’s worth it for one.

Grab lunch from Bread-in

By this point you’re probably starving, and luckily Rome has some of the best food in the world. From Piazza Navona, you’re less than 1 minute from Bread-in, an unassuming, but delicious sandwich shop perfect for lunch on the go.

Before moving on, you might want to pay a visit to Hotel Raphael (it’s only a 1-minute walk). Fans of the film Eat, Pray, Love will recognise this iconic building from Julia Roberts Italian adventure. I’d especially recommend the detour if you’re in Rome during the summer months, when the front of the building will be covered in plants.

Explore Trastevere

From Piazza Navona, take a leisurely stroll towards Trastevere. You can cross either Ponte Fabricio or Ponte Garibaldi to get there. Ponte Garibaldi is the more obvious choice, it was built specifically to ease the flow of traffic to Trastevere, but Ponte Fabricio is the oldest Roman bridge in the city, so I’d recommend visiting both.

Trastevere was my favourite part of Rome, full of charming, narrow streets, brilliant bars and restaurants, and a laid-back, bohemian vibe. Head there with no set agenda, just explore and see where you end up.

Dinner at Da Enzo el 29

You’ve probably seen Da Enzo all over social media – the popular trattoria serves up fresh pasta in the heart of Trastevere. There’s always a queue and they don’t accept reservations, but it’s worth the wait.

Other restaurants in Trastevere:

• Tonnarello 
• Glass Hostaria
• Pianostrada

Rome weekend itinerary: Day #2

Set your alarm early for your second day in Rome. We’re heading to The Trevi Fountain, and you’ll want to miss the crowds.

Plazza del Quirinale

The ancient city of Rome was built on 7 hills, and Plazza del Quirinale sits on the tallest one. So unsurprisingly, it offers incredible views over the city. We stumbled upon it by accident, and whilst you don’t need to spend long here, it’s a beautiful place to take in the sights.

Trevi fountain

From Plazza del Quirinale, it’s just a 5-minute walk down the steps to the Trevi Fountain. It’s pretty much impossible to avoid crowds here, but the earlier you go, the quieter it’ll be.

You don’t need to spend too long here, just enough time to throw in a coin and make a wish. Legend has it that throwing one coin in means you’ll return to Rome, throwing two means you’ll find love whilst you’re there, and if you throw three, you’ll marry them.

*the fountain is usually cleaned on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8-9am. During these times there’s temporary gates put up so you won’t be able to get close to the fountain. Try and avoid them if you can.

Visit the Spanish steps

The Spanish Steps are an 8-minute walk from the Trevi fountain, so head there next. The grand staircase provides amazing views over the city.

The 135 steps were built in 1723 to link the Trinità dei Monti church at the top of the steps, with the Spanish square below. They act as a meeting point in the city, a tradition that dates back to when they were first built, and the elegant design made them a popular place for artists, and creatives to gather.

Head to the Vatican City

From the Spanish Steps, it’s a 30-minute walk to the Vatican city. Cross over Ponte Sant’Angelo – probably Rome’s most photographed bridge, and you’ll arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo. The approach is stunning, and whilst we didn’t go inside the building ( you can if you’d like to ), the outside is one of the most beautiful sights in Rome.

Originally built as tomb of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, it’s since served as a fortress, home of the Pope, a prison, and today, a museum. As well as being able to see a mausoleum that’s almost 2000 years old, the roof of Castel Sant’Angelo offers incredible views over Rome.

Once you’ve crossed Ponte Sant’Angelo, you’re officially in another country . The Vatican City is actually the smallest country in the world, after being established as a independent city-state in 1929.

Visit the Vatican Museums

From Castel Sant’Angelo, it’s a 10-minute walk to The Vatican Museums and The Sistine Chapel.

I’d strongly advise getting skip the line tickets for The Vatican Museums. You have to go and collect them a short walk away from the entrance, and you’re then escorted in by a guide inside the museum, who collects your tickets for you from the desk, and then you’re free to explore on your own. If you don’t do this, you could end up waiting a really long time in the queue outside.

Now, in the spirit of transparency, The Vatican Museums are incredible, but I did find them quite boring towards the end. It’s a fascinating piece of history, but there’s over 8 miles of corridors you have to walk through to get to The Sistine Chapel and it feels endless. I’d still recommend seeing it, you can’t visit Rome and not go, but it wasn’t my favourite thing we did.

St. Peter’s Basilica

After the Vatican Museums, pay a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica – a renaissance-style church that’s free to enter. In front of it is St.Peter’s square – one of the largest squares in the world.

Eat Cacio e Pepe for a late lunch

Cacio e Pepe, meaning “cheese and pepper”, is a pasta dish that originated from Rome. So you can’t visit without having it AT LEAST once. And one of the best places to eat it in the city is just round the corner from the Vatican Museums. This unassuming restaurant ended up being our favourite meal of the trip.

We’d finished our tour of the Vatican Museum and were ready for lunch, when we stumbled upon Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale . It’s tiny and the line is always long, so be prepared to wait. I promise it’s worth it. The dishes are authentic and affordable, and the owner will always make you feel welcome.

Travel tip: Contact the owner and book a table in advance for this place.

Grab a drink overlooking the Trevi fountain

After lunch, head to the rooftop of Hotel Fontana for a drink overlooking the Trevi fountain. Given its location, its no surprise that the drinks aren’t cheap. But if you can grab the table with the best view, it’s worth it.

Take a stroll around Villa Borghese

You’ve had a hectic morning, so I’d recommend having a slow afternoon. Head towards Villa Borghese, with a slight detour to Come Il Latte , the best gelato we had in Rome. A gelato tip for you – if you can see it, avoid it. To get the gelato to stay upright without melting, and to give it those vibrant colours, requires preservatives, so it’s a sign that it’s not the good stuff.

Instead, you want the gelato to be in vats, with lids. And that’s exactly what you get at Come Il Latte. It’s fresh, and delicious. Ice cream secured, it’s just 5-minutes to Villa Borghese. The largest public park in Rome, its been open to the public since 1903 and is the perfect place to escape the business of the city for a few hours.

Dinner at Antico Arco

When in Rome, eat pasta for lunch and pasta for dinner. En route to Antico Arco , our taxi driver told us it was one of the best places in the city for food, and there’s no recommendation like one from a local. Choose from the tasting menu or a-la-carte offering at this Michelin guide restaurant, and prepare to be impressed.

Drinks at The Barber Shop

After dinner, head back to the city to The Barber Shop . This speakeasy style bar was one of our favourite things we did in Rome. Specialising in cocktails, they encourage you to be creative with your order. Tell them the flavours you like and they’ll make you something brilliant.

You do have to pay £5 for a “membership” but just look at it as an entry fee. We bought ours on the door.

Rome weekend itinerary: Day #3

Breakfast at marigold.

Start your day at Marigold , the coolest breakfast spot in the city. Using seasonal ingredients from independent businesses in Italy, the minimalist restaurant serves up classics such as omelettes, pastries and porridge. And obviously, good old avocado toast.

The Colosseum

It’s your final day in Rome, and we’re saving the best until last. The Colosseum is undoubtedly Rome’s most famous landmark, and it deserves that reputation. The amphitheatre sits in the centre of the city, and despite being nearly 2,000 years old, is the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today.

The Colosseum was built as an entertainment venue, with space for over 50,000 people to watch gladiatorial games. Over the years, earthquakes have destroyed parts of the structure, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. In 2007, it was announced as one of the New 7 Wonder’s of the World – you simply can’t have a Rome weekend itinerary without it.

What do the different Colosseum tickets include?

The Colosseum tickets are a bit confusing, so I’m going to break down exactly what’s included in each one. As with everything on this list, I’d strongly advise booking your tickets ahead of time. The Colosseum is the most popular landmark in Rome, so it gets VERY busy.

STANDARD: This ticket gives you skip-the-line entry to The Colosseum and one entry to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill.

ARENA ACCESS: Get everything you would with a standard ticket, as well as access to the arena where the Gladiators would fight. This is the ticket we got, and I’d strongly recommend seeing the arena. You really get a feel for what it would have been like for the Gladiators all those years ago.

UNDERGROUND ACCESS: The underground tunnels of The Colosseum are restricted unless you’re with a guide, but it’s one of the most fascinating parts of the building. You’ll be able to see the tunnels that connected The Colosseum with Ludus Magnus, where the Gladiators would train. And view the chambers where the wild animals were kept. This ticket also includes a guided tour of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, so you really do get a lot for your money.

CHOOSE YOUR TICKETS:

Roman forum

After The Colosseum, keep your afternoon free of plans, because you’ll want to stay at the Roman forum for hours. For me, nothing highlighted the city’s history like it. It runs between the Palatine and Capitoline hills (2 of the 7 hills we spoke about earlier), and was the centre of everyday life in Ancient Rome.

Beginning as a place for shopping and public meetings, it developed over time as the needs of the city changed – becoming a site of political and religious importance. Today, the ruins of the Forum exist alongside the modern city of Rome, and it’s truly incredible.

Things to look out for a the forum:

• Arch of Titus
• Basilica of Constantine
• Temple of Romulus
• Temple of Vesta & House of the Vestals
• Arch of Septimius Severus
• Temple of Saturn
• Temple of Castor and Pollux
• Temple of Antoninus Pius

I hope you found my ultimate Rome weekend itinerary helpful. It really is the most magical city, so whether you follow this plan or not you’ll have an amazing time.

Plan the ultimate Rome weekend itinerary

Everything you need to plan the perfect weekend in Rome FLIGHTS:  Find the cheapest flights to Rome using the  Skyscanner website. ACCOMMODATION:  Find the most affordable (+ beautiful) hotels in Rome on Booking.com . ACTIVITIES & TOURS: Book skip-the-line tickets to the best activities in Rome with Viator

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Hi, I'm Jess, the founder of Where Jess Travels. After studying Psychology at University, I pursued a career in Marketing for 7 years, whilst taking as many trips as my annual leave would allow. I now work full time on my blog, sharing destination guides and hotel reviews.

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Best Weekend Trips From Rome Italy (By a Local)

Are you looking for ideas for the best weekend trips from Rome, Italy ? You have landed in the right place. The author of this post about weekend getaways from Rome was born and raised in Rome and spends every spare moment exploring the city’s surroundings and nearby regions.

Rome’s location, right in the center of Italy, sets itself up perfectly as a base for further discovery, whether you travel by car or train.

In this blog, you will find inspiration for discovering other cities rich in art and history, such as Florence and Naples, as well as enchanting landscapes such as Bracciano Lake and the Umbrian hills.

I have also included many destinations off the usual tourist routes, interesting and authentic regions such as Val d’Orcia and Tuscia.

These weekend trips from Rome will satisfy your desire to explore in all seasons.

I will reveal the most beautiful seaside destinations near Rome and also where to find the best thermal baths.

Take it from here to start planning your Rome weekend breaks .

Best weekend trips from Rome Italy in Spring

1. florence.

Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, will be a true paradise for lovers of art, culture, and architectural beauty.

Renaissance architecture sought the most harmonious forms that created well-being for the people who lived within. You will feel this harmonic symphony while walking through the city streets.

The perfect way to recover from the traffic and noise of Rome!

During your weekend trip from Rome, admire the grandeur of the Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its impressive dome designed by Brunelleschi, and visit the Uffizi Gallery, which houses an extraordinary collection of masterpieces such as Botticelli’s “ The Birth of Venus .”

Don’t forget to stroll along the Ponte Vecchio. The bridge, centuries ago, used to host butcher shops. In the 16th century, the Medici family, who ruled Florence, moved those shops elsewhere. The bridge then became a passageway for nobles heading from the Palazzo Pitti residence to the Uffizi Gallery, where they had their “offices.” Piazza della Signoria is also magnificent, with the Palazzo Vecchio overlooking it.

Florence is also famous for its refined cuisine: not only the Florentine steak but also the vegetables and wines from the Tuscan countryside. Two simple yet exquisite dishes are pappa al pomodoro and ribollita soup.

If you’re vegetarian, I recommend having lunch at the bistro “ 5 e 5 ” in Piazza della Passera, where they prepare dishes made with vegetables from their own garden.

I also recommend grabbing a coffee or sitting down to eat at the beautiful café “ Ditta Artigianale Caffé .”

From Florence, you can also embark on a short tour of the Chianti countryside to admire the landscapes of vineyards and olive groves. In the village of “ Sant’Andrea in Percussina ,” besides the idyllic scenery, you can visit an incredible historical landmark. It is the Renaissance palace where Niccolò Machiavelli, one of the greatest Italian philosophers , lived. In addition to walking through the rooms and kitchens, you can also see the cellars, where there are centuries-old barrels.

Now, there is also a bistro that offers modern dishes and wines in one of the most beautiful settings in the Italian countryside.

For an easy weekend getaway from Rome, just 50 km north of the city, you’ll find the village of Calcata Vecchia . This hamlet perched on a flat tufa cliff in the southern part of Tuscia has exerted a special charm on Romans for over 50 years. Myself included. 

In fact, I allow myself to visit the “ village of artists near Rome ” at least a couple of times every month, as I live nearby. 

Calcata exudes a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other small villages in Italy.

Since the 1960s, the farmers who inhabited this ancient medieval town were invited by the government to relocate to another hill opposite Calcata Vecchia, in brand-new houses. The reason was that research had discovered that the cliff where the village still stands today was on the verge of collapse. Nothing could be further from the truth, as Calcata Vecchia is still standing, more vibrant than ever.

Abandoned by the locals, this picturesque village of stone houses has been repopulated over time by a rich and diverse community of Italian and international artists . 

Here, they have always felt free to create art, far from the constraints of industrialized cities. And above all, they are inspired by the powerful and lush nature that surrounds them.

The village is nestled in the center of a lush valley full of forests, the Treja Valley , which you can explore with walks starting from Calcata Vecchia. 

The first thing to see is undoubtedly the historic center, accessed through a scenic gateway that leads you through thick medieval defensive walls. Then you find yourself in the small piazza, where artists and travelers gather to chat and, during aperitif hour, to sing. Explore the narrow streets with artists’ workshops and breathtaking views of the valley. You can even hear the flowing of the river.

In the evening, treat yourself to a dinner of local dishes at one of the restaurants in the historic center, such as Gatto Nero or Osteria “Ai Tre Monti .”

Another delicacy you should not miss is the cookies baked in the wood-fired oven by Carmen, an “artist of sweets”. Next to the little piazza, look for the sign “ Dolci per i dolci ” (Sweets for the Sweets) and enter the bakery without delay. Try the blueberry and lemon cream tart. Then choose the cookies that inspire you most. My favorites are the coffee ones and the chocolate-cornflake ones.

If you love walking in nature, you absolutely must visit the most important museum in Calcata. Opera Bosco, Museum of Art in Nature , has been hosting contemporary art installations made entirely from materials found in the forest since the early 1990s: branches, leaves, stones, and sculpted rocks. 

This brilliant and revolutionary idea of creating a truly ecological museum was conceived by a Belgian artist and a Venetian artist. Every Sunday morning, the museum offers a two-hour guided tour through the path of 50 natural installations.

For more information, send a message to the Opera Bosco page here .

3. The “Cities of Tufa” in Southern Tuscany

It’s quite easy to reach Tuscany from Rome. And it’s worth it! With about a two-hour drive, you can reach Pitigliano , one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany . This part of Tuscany is just off the beaten path.

Here, the travel experience focuses on excellent cuisine, wine tasting, and exploring ancient villages.

The towns of Pitigliano , Sovana , and Sorano are part of the Archaeological Park of the Cities of Tufa , an area of great historical interest.

These medieval towns are built on ancient Etruscan settlements. Taking walks in the surrounding woods, you’ll discover Etruscan tombs carved into the tufa rock. The Tomb of the Siren and the Tomb of Ildebranda are spectacular.

If you don’t feel like walking, concentrate on the ancient historic centers of the towns. Pitigliano has hosted one of Europe’s oldest Jewish quarters since the 16th century, and there is also a synagogue.

From the heart of the historic center, Piazza della Repubblica, you can admire the Fountain of the Seven Spouts and the arches of the ancient aqueduct. Overlooking the square is the Renaissance Palazzo Orsini , which houses the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Sacred Art.

Take a stroll along Via Roma, a characteristic alley with food and souvenir shops, artist workshops, antique shops, and vintage shops.

Via Roma leads you to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul , which has a charming facade. Sit at one of the restaurants near the cathedral to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this ancient town. They are all excellent options:

• Locanda del Ceccottino
• Trattoria la chiave del Paradiso

The quality of the cuisine is guaranteed; you are in Tuscany. Taste the typical local first course, Pici all’agliata , accompanied by Pitigliano wine.

I know this region very well as I live in northern Lazio and can reach it with a short car trip.

When I come here, I prefer to eat at a farmhouse. For example, Agriturismo Aia del Tufo , near Sovana, offers food produced either by themselves or by nearby farms.

Indulge in mixed appetizers, homemade pasta (both pici and pappardelle), meat dishes, and desserts.

Southern Tuscany in fact is so rich in beautiful nature and cultural heritage that you’ll need to do at least three weekend trips from Rome to see most of it. Think also about the Saturnia hotspring and the Maremma Coast.

4. Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

A weekend is enough time to get lost among the rolling hills and villages of Val D’Orcia and fall in love with them. Ideally, you should travel by your own car from Rome, driving along the Via Cassia in the direction of Siena, keeping your camera handy at all times. Along the way, stop to photograph the famous Val d’Orcia cypresses at coordinates 43°03’45.6″N 11°33’31.86″E and the monumental tree “ Quercia delle Checche .” When we talk about Val d’Orcia we mean the countryside south of Siena with the towns of Pienza, Montalcino, Castiglione d’Orcia, Radicofani, and San Quirico d’Orcia. The region is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area preserves the conception of the Renaissance landscape (14th and 15th centuries). The architecture of the towns is realized with harmonious proportions communicating a sense of beauty to those who pass through them.

Pienza is also known as the “ ideal city “. Man, for the philosophy of the Renaissance, must be at the center of the cosmos, and for man’s well-being, it is necessary to conceive a harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature. This philosophy reflects also in the agricultural landscapes that surround the towns of Val d’Orcia. The historic centers of the villages are absolutely worth visiting. Start with Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia, which are home to viewpoints with breathtaking views of the countryside. Taste the typical products of the region: Brunello di Montalcino wine, extra virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese, and the typical homemade pasta “ pici ” at a restaurant such as “La Buca delle Fate” in Pienza. If you visit this part of Tuscany during the cold months, take a small detour west to Mount Amiata. At the village Bagni San Filippo you will find one of the most scenic and warmest natural hot springs near Rome , the “White Whale” or Fosso Bianco .

5. Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto, Umbria

To go from Rome to the hilltop town of Orvieto in Umbria, pass through Tuscia and make a stop at the fairy-tale village of Civita di Bagnoregio . 

This village is also perched on a tufa cliff like other villages in Tuscia, but the scenery here is even more spectacular. The cliff features two alternating colors that take on pink and golden hues at sunset time.

The village is accessed only by a 300-meter-long scenic bridge that you can only cross on foot. About 10 inhabitants live permanently in the old town. 

Explore the narrow streets lined with medieval houses and the church on the main square. Look for viewpoints that open your gaze to the Valley of the Ravines, which presents a wild, lunar landscape. In case you love hiking, there are trails that take you to explore the valley.

Take time to have lunch at a small restaurant like Alma Civita. As in other parts of Tuscia, here in Civita, you’ll have excellent homemade pasta, desserts, and meat courses. Look at me in the photo, I’m about to dive in that Tiramisù. I had lunch at the restaurant Alma Civita , which I loved.

There isn’t too much to see in Civita (actually Civita di Bagnoregio isn’t worth a trip on its own), so I suggest you match it with the stunning Orvieto.

Orvieto dates back to the late 10th century B.C. by Etruscan communities on the tufa cliff on which it still stands today. 

A day in Orvieto will enchant you: the majestic Duomo di Orvieto is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy . Its facade will leave you in awe. The St. Patrick’s Well dating back to 1500, is a monumental well that you can visit that will take you dozens of meters underground. It is the place where the saint himself took refuge.

6. Spello, Foligno and Rasiglia in Umbria

Spello is a charming medieval town famous for its picturesque alleyways and beautiful geranium blooms. 

The best time to visit is during the Infiorata festival . This festival happens every year during the week after Pentecost, usually towards the end of spring. On this occasion, locals try their hand at the most elaborate image creations on the streets, using tiny sheets of colored paper and flour.

Getting lost in Spello’s narrow streets will allow you to discover medieval frescoes, pretty squares and breathtaking panoramic views. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore to admire its fine frescoes by Pinturicchio and visit the Museo Civico to learn about the city’s history and art.

Foligno is a city rich in history and culture. Explore the historic center, admire the majestic Cathedral of San Feliciano, and visit the Trinci Palace, which houses a rich collection of artwork. Stroll the bustling streets of Foligno, discovering stores, cafes, and restaurants, and soak up the authentic atmosphere of Umbria.

Rasiglia is a unique village, known as “t he village of springs .” Explore its charming narrow streets and admire the many fountains that characterize the village. You can take a walk along the surrounding nature trails, enjoying the scenic beauty and the cool waters of the streams. Rasiglia offers an authentic experience away from the tourist crowds, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in nature.

These places are worth visiting because they offer an authentic experience of Umbria, with their thousand-year history, striking architecture, precious art, and natural beauty. You will experience the sweetness of living at a slow pace, savoring traditional Umbrian cuisine, and meeting the welcoming hospitality of the locals. 

These locations will offer you an immersion in the culture and beauty of this Italian region, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Best weekend getaways from Rome in summer

7. lake bracciano.

One of the hidden gems near Rome is the charming Lake Bracciano , a perfect destination for a two-day trip. Located just 35 kilometers north of Rome, Lake Bracciano offers a peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty that make it an ideal place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Its crystal-clear waters and hills rich in forests provide an enchanting experience.

If you find yourself in this area during the summer, you’ll fully appreciate the gifts that nature has to offer. Swimming in this lake is an absolute pleasure. The picturesque towns that overlook the lake have easily accessible beaches, both public and with beach clubs. My favorite is the beach of Trevignano Romano , which you can reach by walking along the beautiful lakeside promenade. Restaurants and cafes also line the promenade. A must-try is the gelato from Bar Sandro , as well as the pizzas or seafood dishes from Caratello .

One of your weekend days should start with a breakfast outing. The best options? The F orno Franchini Bakery , makes the best pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) of Lake Bracciano, as well as sandwiches with cheese and prosciutto. Their cookies, like the typical “ brutti ma buoni ” made with hazelnuts, are also mouthwatering. 

Then there’s the café in the main piazza, “ Caffetteria Ermete ,” which will delight you with cappuccinos, pastries, and cakes.

The main historical attraction around Lake Bracciano is the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, also known as the Bracciano Castle . This ancient castle overlooking the lake, dating back to the 15th century, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in medieval history and architecture. The castle’s exterior and interior are excellently preserved. You can explore its towers, richly decorated halls, and well-maintained gardens, which often host weddings .

Nature lovers will find pleasure in numerous outdoor activities. There are scenic trails that surround the lake, such as the one along V ia San Bernardino del Malpasso that leads to the paragliding field. 

For watersports enthusiasts, the lake offers opportunities to enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and rowing. You can rent a kayak to explore its tranquil waters or a wing foil if the waters are choppy.

For refined palates, Lake Bracciano offers a local cuisine rich in authentic flavors. Restaurants along its shores serve dishes made with fresh fish caught right from the lake, accompanied by fine local wines. One typical dish is fried “ lattarino ” fish, which I recommend trying at the bistro “ La Locanda ” in Trevignano Romano.

In conclusion, Lake Bracciano is an Italian lake that deserves to be discovered. With its combination of history, enchanting landscapes, and recreational activities, it makes an ideal two-day getaway from Rome, providing a rejuvenating break from urban life.

I grew up in Rome and visited Lake Bracciano when I was a teenager. After arranging many many weekend trips from Rome to this enchanting lake, I decided, during my thirties, to find a place near Bracciano as my stable home.

If you’re looking for an authentic nature experience, you can’t miss the enchanting region of Abruzzo. Abruzzo is one of the most underrated Italian regions by foreign travelers and is home to three national parks, as well as 150 kilometers of coastline.

One of the richest and less explored areas is the Majella National Park , a true oasis of wild beauty. This park hosts an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, along with spectacular mountain landscapes. You can take panoramic hikes along the trails that lead to mountain hermitages, such as the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo and Santo Spirito. You can walk in the lush Orfento River Valley or reach the summit of Mount Amaro through the gorges of Fara San Martino.

A constant will undoubtedly be good, inexpensive, and abundant food. Food is certainly one of the reasons that locals travel to Abruzzo. Among the typical dishes are arrosticini (skewered lamb) and sheep cheese. One restaurant we loved is Osteria del Belvedere in Roccamorice.

After enjoying the mountain atmosphere, head towards the Abruzzo coast and discover the wonder of the Trabocchi Coast . 

“Trabocchi” are ancient wooden fishing platforms built above the sea, a peculiar feature of the Abruzzo coastline. 

You can stroll along the coast from Ortona to Vasto and admire the Trabocchi, which seem to float on the turquoise sea. Some Trabocchi have been transformed into restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes made with freshly caught fish.

Delicious fish dishes like spaghetti alla chitarra can be found for a reasonable price in the town of Marina di San Vito Chietino in Trattoria di Mare La Piazzetta .

9. Tarquinia, Lazio

Another off-the-beaten-path destination for a weekend trip from Rome is the charming coastal town of Tarquinia. 

Located along the Tyrrhenian coast, this fascinating town is a true archaeological gem and a peaceful oasis. Tarquinia is famous for its extraordinary Etruscan sites, declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can visit the ancient necropolises and admire the incredible painted tombs dating back to the Etruscan era, a unique testament to the rich history of this region.

You can rent a bicycle and ride along the bike path that runs alongside the beach, admiring the spectacular scenery along the way.

Water sports enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities in Tarquinia to practice surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. If you’re traveling with family, there are other fun activities in Tarquinia . For example, visit the adventure park in the pine forest of Riva dei Tarquini . The park has 10 courses for children of all ages, starting from 2 years old.

During your visit to Tarquinia, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge your taste buds with the local cuisine. The city’s restaurants and trattorias offer traditional dishes based on fresh fish, such as the famous spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). For seafood specialties, head to the beachfront restaurant Tamurè Mediterraneo . For meat dishes, cured meats, and cheeses, I recommend the Osteria Therra .

Tarquinia is a city near Rome off the beaten path, and you could venture even further. 

With a short car trip from Tarquinia, you can reach the Giardino dei Tarocchi (Tarot Garden), an artistic park just across the border with Tuscany. The park was created by the Franco-American artist Nikki de Saint Phalle, who designed it with a team of artists and opened it in the 1990s. The park features 22 colorful monumental sculptures representing the major arcana of the Tarot cards. A stroll through the park will delight both adults and children.

10. Argentario Peninsula, Tuscany

Traveling along the western side of Tuscany, we move south and reach the Argentario promontory, surrounded by a crystal-clear and fairly deep sea.

The main towns in the area are Orbetello, Porto Santo Stefano, and P orto Ercole , with the latest being the smallest and most quaint.

The coves are the real pearls of these seaside destinations that can be enjoyed all year round thanks to the mild temperatures. Lovers of sandy beaches will prefer the long white Feniglia Beach with its dense pine forest, one of the most beautiful beaches north of Rome . During a walk in this forest, it is not uncommon to spot wildlife including friendly deer. 

Several ferries leave daily from Porto Santo Stefano to Isola Del Giglio , a destination not to be missed if you love colorful villages and lunches or dinners of freshly caught fish. 

Argentario is, as mentioned before, a promontory, so it isn’t only suitable for those who love swimming and beach life, but also perfect for those who enjoy hiking or mountain biking. 

For an excursion with a unique and unforgettable view, the routes arriving or departing from Punta Ala are best. 

Getting to Argentario from Roma Termini takes less than two hours, and the cost of the ticket is really cheap. The station where it is recommended to get off is Orbetello – Monte Argentario, and then from there move to the various villages by public transportation, which is very efficient both in winter and summer. If you prefer to be autonomous and use a car, the time is about the same (approx. two hours) via the E80.

11. Lake Bolsena

About an hour’s drive north of Rome lies a region that is a hidden gem of central Italy: the Tuscia region. Not to be confused with neighboring Tuscany, this place is completely off the tourist radar. It is called Tuscia because a couple of millennia ago, these lands were strongly influenced by the Etruscan civilization . You’ll find traces of these ancient and advanced people throughout the territory.

Tuscia is one of the most enchanting countryside areas near Rome , and Lake Bolsena is its most precious jewel. 

This lake is of volcanic origin and is the largest in Europe. Swimming in the lake during the summer is recommended. 

The scenery is tranquil beyond measure, and you can spend hours admiring the two islets in the middle of the lake: Isola Martana and Isola Bisentina . History and legends envelop these two islands.

It is possible to visit Isola Bisentina, which belonged to the wealthy Farnese family, by making a reservation via email at [email protected] . 

On the island, you can explore paths through the woods, Renaissance churches, and mysterious remains from ancient times.

The beauty of the lake also extends to its shores. The town of Bolsena is worth a visit. Its historic center is built on a hill, and medieval architecture is magnificently preserved, offering a journey back in time. The Bolsena Castle is one of the most interesting castles near Rome , housing an Etruscan museum. You can stroll along its walls to enjoy the view of the lake.

The town of Marta extends right along the lake’s shore, it was a fishermen’s village until the half of the last century. 

At the restaurant Il Pirata in Marta, you’ll have some of the best food in the area, including fresh catch.

The village of Capodimonte , located on the promontory overlooking the lake, is also worth a visit. It boasts the best views of the lake.

12. Ponza Island

If you’re looking for a hidden paradise just a short distance from Rome, the Island of Ponza is the perfect destination for a two-day trip. This jewel of the Pontine Archipelago offers a unique combination of natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Start your adventure by exploring the marvelous beaches and coves of Ponza . 

You can spend your days on beaches like Chiaia di Luna , a bay framed by high cliffs, or Frontone , a pebble beach with transparent waters ideal for snorkeling. Take advantage of the numerous boat rentals and embark on an unforgettable boat excursion along the coast, discovering sea caves and islets.

Renting a motorboat or a rubber boat is the only satisfactory way to visit the island’s many coves.

During your visit to Ponza Island, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the small town of Ponza , with its characteristic colorful houses and picturesque alleys. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy a romantic dinner in restaurants that offer specialties based on locally caught fresh fish. Savor the island’s typical dishes, such as fish soup or linguine with seafood, accompanied by a glass of local white wine. A great place to savor the local cuisine is Ristorante Punta Incenso da Anna .

If you’re passionate about underwater adventures, Ponza also offers incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The island’s transparent waters are rich in marine life, corals, and ancient shipwrecks. Rent the equipment and dive into the depths of the sea to discover a fascinating underwater world.

Don’t forget to set aside some time to explore the other islands of the Pontine Archipelago as well. Ponza is the ideal starting point to visit nearby islands such as Zannone , Palmarola , and Ventotene , or to take an unforgettable boat trip around the entire archipelago.

There is plenty of stunning places to see on and around Ponza Island. This part of the Tyrrhenian see will bless you with some of the best long weekend trips from Rome in summer.

13. Cilento Coast

Some of the best weekend trips from Rome can be arranged in Campania.

One of Lazio’s neighboring regions, it offers an endless variety of experiences to enjoy. The beaches and hamlets of the Cilento Coast , for example, will be able to amaze you with the boundless nature that still dominates the area.

Beaches alternate between rocky and sandy and small coves that can only be reached by sea. The crystal-clear blue that distinguishes the waters of Cilento won the Legambiente “ Most Beautiful Beach in Italy ” award for the Cala Bianca Beach , near the town of Marina di Camerota. 

The stunning medieval village of Castellabate looks out over the Cilento Sea from 289 mt above sea level. This small town is in fact perched on a promontory, full of narrow streets and alleys that are home to artisans’ stores and restaurants where you can let the traditional delicacies captivate you (absolutely try the local mozzarella!). A path of stairs will take you to the top of the village, where you can enjoy priceless views. 

You can get to Cilento via trains and buses from the capital, with stops at Vallo Lucania-Castel, and from there you can then use the public buses that will take you to the various villages or beaches. Having a variety of villages and sites to visit the car is also a good option, passing through the Salerno Reggio Calabria highway will take about a 3-hour drive.

14. Lake Albano and Castelli Romani

Lake Albano is one of the most beautiful lakes near Rome . If you want to discover Italy off the beaten path, add this lake and the villages that surround it to your list.

With a whole weekend to spare, you can take a stroll around the old towns that stand on the slopes of the Albani Hills, also known as the “ Castelli Romani .”

The towns of Albano Laziale, Nemi, Castel Gandolfo, Frascati, and Rocca Priora are well worth a visit.

Castel Gandolfo can be the starting point for exploring the region. You can reach it in 40 minutes by train from Roma Termini. If you purchase a train ticket marked “ Castel Gandolfo Ville Pontificie ,” it also includes the cost of the Schiaffini bus that takes you to the entrance of the popes’ summer residences and their gardens.

From the historic center of Castel Gandolfo, you can also set off on a walking tour of Lake Albano. The loop route of about 10 km is very easy because it is almost all flat.

The lake is surrounded by forests and it will be pleasant to visit it in spring, autumn or even summer for a nice swim. There are ancient ruins to visit as well, like the Roman Villa of Domitianus .

Adding to the charm is the fact that it is the mouth of an ancient volcanic crater and seems to be the place where the legendary Aeneas founded Albalonga, from which Romulus and Remus moved to found Rome.

Best weekend trips from Rome in Fall

15. bologna.

Bologna, known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One), is a city that boasts a rich culinary tradition but also offers splendid historical and cultural attractions.

Italians who travel here from the rest of Italy do so primarily to delight their taste buds and immerse themselves in the youthful, student-friendly, and vibrant atmosphere of the city. In Bologna, you can savor the typical dishes of Emilia Romagna , which have made Italian cuisine known worldwide:

• Tagliatelle with ragù
• Prosciutto di Parma
• Parmigiano cheese

You can taste all these wonders at the “ Sfoglia Rina ” restaurant.

Take a walk through the historic center. Admire the two medieval towers of Asinelli and Garisenda , which dominate the cityscape, the ancient porticoes that envelop the streets, and the bustling squares. Visit the famous Piazza Maggiore , with its imposing Palazzo Comunale, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Fountain of Neptune.

Don’t forget to conclude your visit with a glass of red wine from the region, such as the famous Lambrusco.

Bologna is the perfect destination to enjoy a long weekend in Italy in both fall and spring.

One of the hidden gems of Lazio and definitely one of the best weekend getaways from Rome is the city of Viterbo. 

Located in the heart of Tuscia, this medieval city will captivate you with its history and architecture, taking you back to the Middle Ages. 

It was during that era, precisely in the 13th century, that Viterbo hosted the papacy for about 60 years. It is from that time that the elegant Palazzo dei Papi dates back, with its neo-Gothic style, overlooking Piazza San Lorenzo. Together with the Cathedral of San Lorenzo , the palace is the monument from which your stroll in the San Pellegrino Neighborhood should start. 

This area, with its medieval architecture, features cobblestone streets lined with buildings made of pepper stone, the dark stone on which the city is built. You’ll enjoy discovering small piazzas adorned with sculpted fountains, and the alleys that open up to the majestic Piazza del Plebiscito . There you will find the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo dei Priori. From there, Via Roma also starts, with its boutiques and clothing and souvenir shops.

Romans who spend a weekend in Viterbo do so primarily to relax.

In the surroundings of Viterbo, there are several thermal baths where you can immerse yourself in hot healing waters. Start with the monumental pool of Terme dei Papi and then treat yourself to a dip in the exclusive pool of Hotel Salus Terme . If you enjoy free thermal baths, there are Piscine Carletti and Bullicame Spring .

After spending the day soaking in thermal waters, replenish yourself with the excellent and affordable cuisine of Viterbo. The pizza from Restaurant-pizzeria Il Labirinto is the best in town, while you can find typical local dishes at the trattoria “ I tre Re .”

17. Pisa and Pistoia

Tuscany borders Latium to the northwest and should be on every Italy bucket list.

In addition to the better-known and splendid Florence, also Pisa and Pistoia are worth exploring. You can visit both cities in 2 days. I recommend you stay in Pistoia, a hidden gem located only 70 km away from Pisa. In this way, you’ll save on accommodation costs.

Let’s explore Pisa first. In addition to its distinctive 56-meter-tall leaning tower , visit the other monuments in the Cathedral Square, also known locally as the Piazza dei Miracoli because of the uniqueness of the buildings therein: the Baptistery, the Cathedral, and the Old Cemetery.

In particular, delve into the Baptistery , which every day becomes a stage for nonprofessional singers who challenge its particular acoustics. A day will be more than enough to visit the historic center of Pisa. With just a few hours in Pisa, you will see some of Italy’s most famous historical landmarks .

Pistoia is a gorgeous, lesser-known city in northern Tuscany. Every corner of it is characterized by unique architecture, but for a different and engaging experience visit the underground part of the city. With more than 650 meters of tunnels, the Pistoia underground museum guides you to discover the history and people who have passed through the area since the 12th century. 

Reaching Pisa or Pistoia from Rome is very easy and it is recommended to do so by train so that you don’t have to find parking (often paid or otherwise occupied). From Roma Termini you’ll reach Pisa in about 3 hours by regional train, Freccia Bianca, or Italo. If from Pisa then, you want to reach Pistoia, a convenient regional train will take you there at a very low price and with only an hour’s journey. 

18. Pompeii and Herculaneum

If you’re passionate about archaeology and want to immerse yourself in the history of ancient Rome , a two-day itinerary to Pompeii and Herculaneum is an unmissable experience during a trip from Rome. 

These important archaeological sites are located near Naples, but from experience, I recommend visiting Naples and Pompeii on separate trips. A weekend is not enough to see both places, especially if you also want to visit Herculaneum.

Start your adventure by exploring the ruins of Pompeii, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. As you walk along the ancient streets, you can admire the frescoes, buildings, and paved roads, getting an authentic snapshot of daily life in ancient Rome. Don’t miss the famous site of the Teatro Grande , the Roman Forum, and the Villa of the Mysteries , with their incredible archaeological details that unfold like a window into the past.

Next, head to Herculaneum, another ancient city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. 

This archaeological site offers a different perspective compared to Pompeii. You can admire the well-preserved buildings, mosaics, and artworks that testify to the wealth and elegance of the ancient Roman city. 

Herculaneum is also famous for its villas, including the Villa of the Papyri , which houses a rich collection of artwork and a library.

During your visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum, you can also enjoy the local culinary delights. Sip an authentic Italian espresso in a traditional café and delight your taste buds with local cuisine. Savor dishes made with fresh seafood, such as “ fritto misto ” or “ linguine alle vongole ,” accompanied by a glass of local wine, such as Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio .

Additionally, you may dedicate some time to visit the Vesuvius National Park , which surrounds these ancient cities. You can hike on the slopes of the volcano and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding countryside.

In summary, a two-day itinerary to Pompeii and Herculaneum is a unique immersion into Roman history. Explore the well-preserved ruins, admire the frescoes and mosaics, and savor the local cuisine. Don’t forget to dedicate time to visit the Vesuvius National Park to complete your experience in this extraordinary region.

Visiting the ruins in summer can be quite exhausting. You’ll need to walk for many hours to see everything, and you won’t want to do it in the scorching heat that characterizes the region during the summer months. Even though you’ll be by the sea, it’s better to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum during the milder or cooler seasons.

19. Cinque Terre

Italy is famous, among many other aspects, for its beautiful beaches. The small and wild ones in the northwestern part of the peninsula are not to be underestimated. 

To get away from the city for a while, think of a walk by the sea and in colorful villages standing among rocks, maritime pines, and flowers. Yes, you got it right, you are heading to Liguria, more specifically to Cinque Terre .

This place of fishing hamlets and coastal vineyards takes its name from the five villages that characterize it: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

In each town, you find irresistible coves and beaches, but if you prefer to go at a quieter time, not in high season, there are many excursions to do, more or less challenging. 

Among the most impressive we recommend visiting the village of Monesteroli , which can be reached either by sea or via a long stone staircase. From Campiglia, take trail 4b, and after a walk through the vineyards, you’ll reach the first of more than 1,000 steps of a staircase overlooking the deep blue sea. This is truly one of northern Italy’s hidden gems .

To get to Cinque Terre from Rome it is advisable to use the train. Reach the train station in La Spezia (in just under 4 hours) and then get a two-day ticket for the “ Cinque Terre Express “, a regional train line connecting all the villages of interest in the area.

20. Amalfi Coast

Another corner of paradise in Campania, the Amalfi Coast , can be definitely visited with a weekend trip from Rome.

With its white beaches and its picturesque villages, it certainly knows how to offer unforgettable weekend getaways from Rome to anyone.

Among the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast , those in the small town of Positano are absolutely worth visiting. In addition to the lidos where the friendly and welcoming service will make you feel truly on vacation, the more adventurous traveler can go in search of two hidden and less frequented beaches: Torre di Clavel and Remmese Beach . 

Reachable by sea and land, both beaches will amaze you with boundless nature and marine wildlife. 

The Amalfi Coast is brimming with colorful little towns and villages full of life. Vietri earns a place among the most picturesque and characteristic, with its narrow alleys decorated with colorful ceramics and the scent of restaurants that rush to delight your palate with fish-based traditional dishes. 

Vietri ceramics have origins to be traced back to the 17th century, and traditional methods of creation and firing are still retained today. The artisan workshops around the city are a great way to admire the colorful works that are produced, as well as the murals created from tiles of infinite shades of color and with typical depictions of the area.

Reaching the Amalfi Coast from Rome is easy by train. With only two hours, a Trenitalia Freccia Argento train will get you to Vietri sul Mare , where you can then move by transport to the various beaches and hamlets.

It is very inadvisable to use a car, because of the heavy traffic (especially in the morning) and the narrow roads that run all along the coast, suitable only for experienced drivers in the area. 

Great weekend trips from Rome in winter

A two-day trip from Rome to Naples is an experience that will immerse you in the vibrant culture of southern Italy . The city offers a unique mix of history, art, and, of course, delicious gastronomy.

We Romans go to Naples when we want to feel a different vibe. Naples is the hometown of famous Italian musicians, poets, philosophers, and fantastic pizza makers. 

The people here are warm and fervently creative, and it’s no coincidence that the city is located near the Vesuvius volcano .

You can start your Neapolitan adventure with a breakfast of coffee and sfogliatelle , typical pastries filled with ricotta. 

It is said that the coffee in Naples is the best in Italy. Until the 1970s, it was common for Romans to go to Naples just to have a coffee and then return. 

But the food that makes it worth visiting Naples is Neapolitan pizza , a UNESCO heritage .

In Naples, you will eat the most delicious pizza in Italy, marveling at how affordable pizza is here .

Key places to taste Neapolitan pizza are Pizzeria da Michele (featured in the movie Eat Pray Love) and Gino e Toto Sorbillo .

The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum , which houses a vast collection of Roman and Pompeian artifacts. 

Then head to the heart of the city to admire the magnificence of the Naples Cathedral and the treasure of San Gennaro. 

Take a stroll through “ Spaccanapoli ” and Via San Gregorio Armeno with its artisanal nativity scene workshops. 

Castel dell’Ovo , overlooking the sea, is the stage for one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in Italy on December 31st.

You should also see the splendid interiors of the Royal Palace , overlooking Piazza del Plebiscito.

You will need at least two days to explore the city’s most important historical monuments and enjoy its unique vibe that will charm you. If you’re looking for the best destinations for weekend trips from Rome during Christmas, look no further, Naples is the way.

22. Assisi and Perugia, Umbria

About 90 km east of Orvieto is Assisi . Here, too, historic art takes the spotlight. In the Basilica named after the famous Saint Francis of Assisi, there are frescoes dating from the 1200s that have been attributed to Giotto, among many others. The hill town of Assisi is a fairy-tale village with its pink and white stone houses.

This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also has a distant history, to be found in ancient Corinthian times. Witnesses are the remains in the town, such as the Temple of Minerva with its six columns. 

Here, too, the “ underground ” version of the town can amaze you with the remains of the Roman forum and two Roman houses still rich with precious details.

It only takes a few hours to visit Assisi. The rest of the day, devote it to Perugia, the capital of Umbria.

For art lovers, the National Gallery of Umbria houses a vast collection of Renaissance and medieval artwork. Perugia is also famous for its chocolate , so be sure to sample the delicious local chocolates. Explore the ancient medieval streets, such as Corso Vannucci, with its quaint stores and cozy cafes. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Rocca Paolina and discover the fascinating system of underground arches. Perugia is a vibrant city with cultural events and festivals year-round, such as the Umbria Jazz Festival . 

A trip to Assisi and Perugia is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Umbrian culture and discover the charm of this enchanting city.

These places are at their best during the Christmas period. Actually, Assisi is one of the best Christmas towns in Italy . The reasons for this primacy include cozy taverns, wonderful churches to visit (St. Francis and St. Clare), and Christmas lights.

23. Anagni and Fontana Liri, southern Lazio

If you are after an authentic Lazio experience I recommend exploring Anagni, a charming city south of Rome, and the picturesque village of Fontana Liri. 

Begin your itinerary by immersing yourself in the medieval history of Anagni, known for hosting pontiffs.

Walk through its ancient streets and admire the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria , an example of Romanesque architecture with extraordinary frescoes. Don’t miss a visit to the Boniface VIII Palace , where the famous Pope Boniface VIII was born and resided. 

Feel the historic atmosphere that permeates this city, letting you be enchanted by the charm of its monuments.

On the second day, head to the pretty village of Fontana Liri , situated in an enchanting natural setting. This picturesque village is crossed by the Liri River , which creates an evocative setting with its waterfalls and ancient mills. 

You can stroll along its cobblestone streets, discover local traditions and enjoy the tranquility of the place. 

In the area, another site of great archaeological interest is the remains of the ancient acropolis of Alatri , which features cyclopean walls of mysterious origin.

Both locations also offer gastronomic delights. Savor the traditional cuisine of Lazio, such as pasta all’amatriciana , a typical dish with tomato sauce, guanciale, and pecorino romano, or delight in local cheeses, such as ricotta romana. Complete your dining experience with a glass of local wine, such as Cesanese del Piglio, a fine red wine from the region.

Conclusions

Rome lends itself as an ideal base for exploring central Italy and taking short trips to Italy. Using the train you can plan cheap and unforgettable weekend trips from Rome. Other UNESCO heritage cities are within easy reach: Naples, Florence, Bologna, and Pisa. If you rent a car instead, devote yourself to discovering areas off the beaten path such as Tuscia and Val d’Orcia.

FAQS Weekend getaways from Rome

(q) what other cities can i visit from rome.

From Rome, with a short train ride, you will be able to reach interesting cities in Lazio, Tuscany and other regions, for example: 

• Viterbo – 2h with Trenitalia regional train 
• Naples – 1:12h with Trenitalia and Italo
• Florence – 1:40h with Trenitalia and Italo
• Siena – 2:30h with Trenitalia
• Perugia – 2:50h with Trenitalia
• Bologna – 2:15h with Trenitalia and Italo
• Venice – 4h with Trenitalia and Italo

(Q) How do I get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?

There are several ways to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Here are the quickest and cheapest:

Take a train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. In summer and until October 31 there is a hydrofoil that takes you from Naples to Amalfi and Positano for about €30.

In winter, from Naples Piazza Garibaldi take the Circumvesuviana train and arrive in Sorrento (about 1h). From Sorrento take a Sita bus to the towns on the Amalfi Coast: Amalfi, Positano, Praiano.

(Q) Can you do a day trip to Positano from Rome?

Yes, it is possible during the period when there are hydrofoils connecting Naples and Positano. The time you will have to spend in Positano will be somewhat limited, about 4 hours. I recommend that you spend at least 3 days on the Amalfi Coast to ” buffer” your travel time.

If you are determined to do a day trip from Rome to Positano, do this:

Take an early morning train from Rome to Naples and then a hydrofoil from Positano to Naples. You will arrive at your destination by 11-12 AM. Enjoy a few hours in Positano and then take the ferry back to Naples at about 4:40 PM.

The schedule of this day trip is tight. Positano and Amalfi Coast in general aren’t the best coastal getaways from Rome if you have just one or two days on your hands.

(Q) Which city to combine with Rome?

Naples and Florence are easily reached from Rome either by train or by plane.

(Q) Where do people from Rome go on holiday?

Contemporary Romans, to enjoy an easy vacation on the coast, go to these locations:

• Argentario Peninsula
• Cilento Coast

If they want to cool off in the mountains, they go to Monti Simbruini Regional Park or Abruzzo National Park.

(Q) Is Naples worth a day trip from Rome?

Naples is perfect as a day trip from Rome. You can easily reach it by train. Leaving from Roma Termini, after about an hour’s ride you will be in Napoli Centrale. From there, take a subway to Toledo Station and then explore the historic center on foot.

There are many historical landmarks to see in Naples. Consider the city as one of the best overnight trips from Rome as well.

(Q) Is Tivoli worth a visit?

Tivoli is an interesting destination for an easy day trip from Rome. The best time to visit is spring and fall. 

Tivoli can be reached by a half-hour train ride from Rome. In one day you manage to visit the Roman Villa Adriana, the most important historical landmark, and the Renaissance Villa d’Este (UNESCO heritage site). 

(Q) Can you do a day trip from Rome to Tuscany?

It is easy to make a day trip from Rome to Tuscan cities that connect well by train: Siena, Florence, Grosseto, and even Pisa. Tuscany offers some of the best Rome getaways that you’ll enjoy during every season.

By car, in about two hours you can reach southern Tuscany, the towns of Pitigliano and Sovana, or the Argentario peninsula, which has fabulous beaches.

By car you can also easily reach the Val D’Orcia : Castiglione d’Orcia, Pienza, and Monticchiello. 

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Home » Europe » Italy » Rome

WEEKEND in Rome – 48 Hour Guide (2024)

Rome has got to be one of the world’s favorite travel destinations! Between the incredibly rich ancient history, the stunning architecture, the countless sites and attractions, and, of course, the world-famous food, Italy’s capital will have any visitor smitten!

While there’s an endless list of attractions in The Eternal City, it’s also kind of possible to organize your Rome travel itinerary over a weekend  – or at least, a long weekend! A  weekend in Rome  should give you enough time to see most of the major hotspots, soak up the electric buzz of this city, and indulge in some of the unbeatable local food!

If you’re planning a 2-day Rome itinerary, then this guide can show you exactly how to do it. Experience some of the greatest sites in the city, as well as some hidden gems and local favorites, all within the span of a weekend!

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Insider Tips for an Amazing Weekend in Rome

Rome nightlife guide, rome food guide, sporting events in rome, weekend cultural entertainment in rome – music/concerts/theatre, 10 other awesome things to do in rome this weekend, rome weekend travel faqs, final thoughts on a great weekend in rome.

Rome can be daunting for first-timers. The eternal city is huge, and it moves at a fast, vibrant pace! With so many must-visit destinations within the city, planning your trip here can be tricky – especially if you have very limited time! This is why I have put together this Rome itinerary to make sure you have a completely fulfilling stay.

Know Where to Stay in Rome

As your time in the eternal city will be limited, it’s important to base yourself in a central area. This makes getting around quick and easy, saving you time to see more things. Speaking of saving, check out the

Generator Hostel

Only a 5 minute walk away from Termini, Generator Hostel is a dream base for your stay in Rome! This hostel is well loved for its modern design and clean comforts.

• Located in Rome’s Esquilino District (known for it’s traditional old school vibe).

If you want to check out a few more hostel options, check out our Rome Hostel Guide for some real hidden gems!

There are hundreds of where to stay in Rome options and many are within close distance to most of the city’s main attractions! The area around Termini (as in Terminal) is a central transport hub and will be your gateway to the city – perfect for a weekend in Rome!

Most visitors will end up at Termini Station anyway since there are buses and trains that come directly from the airport. Again, staying close to Termini would definitely be your best location for easy access to the city. If you want a Roman Airbnb, there are some great ones in both the central areas as well as the suburbs.

For the broke backpackers, I’ve created a top list with the best hostels in the city for more inspiration. No need to empty your pockets completely during your weekend in Rome!

Our Favorite Hostel – Generator Hostel

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• Located in the ancient and convenient district of Esquilino – the ideal area to stay
• Modern, clean, and comfortable with large rooms
• Stylish bar with great meals available

Only a 5 minute walk away from Termini, Generator Hostel is a dream base for your stay in Rome! This hostel is well loved for its modern design and clean comforts. You have loads of space and privacy in shared rooms here. The bar is lots of fun – the perfect place for your aperitivo spritz! Enjoy the affordable prices and luxury that Generator Hostel has to offer – amazing, considering Rome can be quite expensive .

Best Airbnb in Rome: Modern Compound with basic amenities

For 2 to 4 people visiting for the first time, there is nowhere better to stay than in the heart of ancient Rome. The 35sqm, second-floor apartment is within a walking distance from the Angelo Castle, Vatican Museum, and the Colosseum. With basic amenities like a mini-fridge, stove, you can prepare meals in the apartment or walk to the open-air market nearby. This is one of the best Airbnbs in Rome for its location and convenience.

Our Favorite Budget Hotel – Meininger Roma Termini

• Incredible value hotel
• Located in the heart of central Rome
• Buffet breakfast, a stylish bar, and a lounge are available

The Meininger Roma Termini is the smart choice for a budget hotel. While this place is affordable, it still offers all of the comforts and luxuries that a tired traveler desires. You can choose between shared or private rooms here. The rooms are equipped with flat screen TV’s, private bathrooms, and free wifi throughout the hotel!

Our Favorite Splurge Hotel – Hotel Artemide

• A luxury hotel set in a 19th-century building on the vibrant Via Nazionale
• The hotel features a spa, a rooftop restaurant, bar, and fitness center
• Good value considering the amazing location and level of luxury

For the ultimate in comfort and style, I recommend Hotel Armide! This conveniently located hotel offers guests a fabulous experience in Italian hospitality. Expect spacious and comfortable rooms, friendly service, and many amenities. The free mini bar in each room is a treat, while the rooftop Ambrosia restaurant is highly recommended. This is the ultimate place to experience Rome from, and one of the best hotels in Rome !

There is also a huge selection of VRBOs in Rome for when you want to try something a bit different!

With a Rome City Pass , you can experience the best of Rome at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

How to Get Around in Rome

While Rome is a massive city, it’s also very easy, and mostly quick, to get around. Rome has a pretty efficient public transport system, and many of the city’s main attractions are within close proximity of each other. Therefore, you can really see a lot in one day in Rome. 

Walking in Rome is probably the best way to get around. Not only are a lot of the major attractions within walking distance of each other, but enjoying the various scenes, smells and sights along these ancient cobbled streets are what will really make you appreciate the city!

Of course, if you’re not into walking, you can always hop on the closest metro or bus. You can buy a transport ticket that will give you access to pretty much all transport options. Between these, accessing any corner of the city is a breeze!

Tickets cost 1.50€ for one metro ride or 100 minutes on all busses. 7€ will get you a 24-hour ticket that is valid for unlimited metro, bus and train travel within Rome during its time period. If you want to travel long distances in 1 day, this ticket is useful and I’d highly recommend it for your weekend in Rome.

Another option is to use the hop on-hop off big red, open top tour busses that loop around the major tourist sites.

Rome does have a busy and trustworthy taxi service. However, catching taxis can be expensive. With such an efficient metro and bus system, one does not really need to use them except maybe at night.

Many people don’t realize just how busy the nightlife scene in Rome is! This city comes alive pretty late, so don’t let empty bars fool you, as they’ll be sure to fill up later!

With a large number of tourists, students and young people in this city, there’s always something going on at night in Rome. Whether you want to drink wine until late at night in a local Enoteca, or dance until sunrise at a busy nightclub, it will be happening somewhere in Rome!

Campo de’ Fiori

• Multiple bars around the square, all with similar prices
• Centrally located and easy to reach
• Popular with locals and tourists – this is a great place to meet new people

Campo de’ Fiori offers a uniquely Italian nightlife experience. This large square is surrounded by a wide range of bars and restaurants, all of which come alive at night. People flock to Campo de’ Fiori after hours to grab drinks and meet in the square.

If you’re looking to hit up a dancefloor during your weekend in Rome, head to I Giganti on the square. This is a great spot to end your night off. Sloppy Sam’s is a fun choice for drinks beforehand.

• Many different piazzas in this area, each with their own special charms and drawcards
• An outdoor focused area, where the nightlife spills out onto the cobbled streets
• A popular place to meet students and young people

Trastevere is one of the best nightlife areas in Rome. There are a variety of different side streets and piazzas, each with their own fun bars and clubs.

By day this area is a sleepy, romantic residential suburb, but by night the party really starts! Full Moon Club is a legendary late-night bar here, and always promises a good time. If you’re after live music, Alcazar Live is the place to go.

San Lorenzo

• Located very close to the university, so this area is full of young people and students
• One of Rome’s most lively and trendy districts
• Due to the majority of students, the prices here are more affordable

San Lorenzo may be a fun and trendy area by day, but at night it really takes off. This student-packed part of Rome is the ideal destination for a big night out!

If you’re looking for a unique experience (and a great way to meet new friends), stop off at The Victorian Monkey – a board game pub. If you want to dance the night away, though, then visit Ex Dogana – one of the city’s most popular nightclubs.

One of the main reasons that so many people visit Rome is because of the food! Romans live to eat, and there is nothing they love more than their local dishes.

Italian specialties like carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, pizza, gelato, and so many more are known across the world. However, there is no better place to eat them than in the Eternal City itself!

Wherever you go in Rome, there will be busy cafes and restaurants. This can make choosing where to eat pretty difficult. Here are some of the top places to eat for your two-day itinerary in Rome.

• This family-run business has a variety of locations around Rome
• Arguably the best place to grab a slice of pizza, cornetti or maritozzo in Rome
• Roscioli offers wine tasting, a traditional Roman restaurant, bakery, deli and coffee shop

Roscioli is a well-known name across Rome. Their signature long rectangular pizzas disappear almost as soon as they come out of the oven – this place has a constant hungry following!

You can taste the amazing wines of Italy in one shop, pop over to the bakery a few doors down for an espresso and sweet treat, or sample some cured deli meats in another location. Roscioli is one of the best places to experience Roman food in all of its forms.

• A massive foodie heaven offering all aspects of Italian food
• You can either eat here or take food home from their extensive shop
• An Italian food experience that offers a cafe, bar, restaurant, workshops, events and more

Eataly is a brand that can be found in different areas of the world, but there’s definitely no better location than in Roma itself! This is one of the best places to learn all about Italian food and discover the different ingredients used.

The restaurant shows off some of the finest local food, while the shop allows you to take home quality produce. If you’re curious about cooking, try one of the fun and informative workshops held here!

Campagna Amica

• A brand offering an authentic farmers market in urban Rome
• The Circo Massimo market is one of the best places to learn about real Italian produce and to connect directly with farmers and producers
• All the food available is completely locally produced and seasonally grown

Like all over Europe, supermarkets have taken over, and finding authentic local produce can be tricky. This is why Campagna Amica started a farmers market in Rome!

Offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, freshly baked goods, cured meats, seafood, olive oil, coffee and so much more, this is an incredible place to connect with the ingredients of Italian food! Every Saturday and Sunday there is lunch on offer cooked by the Agrichef.

If you want to learn more about Italian food, I strongly recommend you add a street food tour to your Rome weekend itinerary, which will take you to some of the best eateries in the capital.

Since ancient times, Romans have had a deep love for watching sport. Today, football (or soccer), is the most popular sport in this city and Gladiatorial fights to the death are few and far between. However, there are all kinds of locals sports and activities that Romans love. Here are some top destinations in Rome for sports and fitness lovers.

The Colosseum

• The world’s most famous sporting arena
• So much of the world’s modern-day sports and athletics have their roots here during ancient times
• A fascinating place to learn about ancient Roman sports and experience the history of stadiums and arenas

A trip to the Colosseum is high up on the to-do list for any visitor to Rome. For sports lovers, though, this place is a must! The Colosseum has a fascinating ancient history as being the largest amphitheater in the world.

Ancient Romans loved watching sports, and this was where it all went down. From chariot racing to wrestling, gladiator fights and so much more, the Colosseum has seen it all. This is one of the most important, if not the most important, sports venues in the world!

Note that queues to enter the Colosseum are long and slow-moving. If you want to go inside, expect to lose half a day which on a weekend break is a lot. Your alternatives are to pay to skip the line or simply to admire it from the outside.

For the ones that are more interested in the history and hidden details of the Colosseum, you should check out this VIP tour ! There’s way more to the monument than you’d think (or see). 

Lungotevere

• The Lungotevere is a waterfront boulevard along the River Tiber – a popular place for jogging or taking a romantic stroll
• This path offers some of the best city views while you run along the Tiber riverbank
• The perfect way to fit some exercise into your Rome itinerary

If you love exercising and staying fit, then join in on the many joggers along the Lungotevere! This popular running path is a great way to see some amazing views of the city while still fitting in a good bit of exercise. Locals love to run along here, and it is one of the best ways to get outside and exercise in this busy city.

Stadio Olimpico

• The main and largest sports facility in Rome
• Mostly used for Serie A association football
• Rebuilt for the 1990 FIFA World Cup where it hosted the final

Italians LOVE their football, and this has to be one of the best places in the country to watch a game! Home of the Lazio and Roma football clubs, any match here attracts thousands of cheering fans. If you want to feel the energy and passion of a European football match, then Stadio Olimpico is a brilliant place to go. Italian matches are usually played on a Sunday. The action tends to be a bit slower-paced and more defensive than other European styles.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Rome is considered one of Europe’s cultural capitals. This ancient city is full of arts and entertainment wherever you go. If it’s live music, theatre, opera, or other kinds of performance, you’ll be sure to find it happening somewhere in Rome!

Teatro dell’ Opera

• A world-famous opera house inaugurated in 1890
• Shows ballet, opera, musicals, concerts, and drama
• The theatre can hold up to 1600 people

Italian is the definitive language of Opera and Italy produced several of the greats (Verdi, Puccini) . The Teatro dell’ Opera is a classic, world-renowned opera house in Rome. A Night atthe Opera is a definite bucket-list experience which you have to try at least once. The horseshoe shape of the theatre offers incredible acoustics, while the decor and murals are showstoppers themselves!

• Located in the lively San Lorenzo district
• Live music every night
• A great bar with a wide selection of cocktails

Le Mura is a well-known bar in San Lorenzo that specializes in live music. This laid back hangout is always alive, with something new happening every night. A wide variety of musical genres can be heard here. If you are looking for a fun place to watch excellent live music in Rome, then Le Mura is it!

Auditorium Parco Della Musica

• A multifunctional complex with 3 massive concert halls, and a 3000 seat open-air arena
• This complex holds all kinds of major concerts and cultural events
• The location is also known for its cutting edge modern architecture

For a serious cultural experience, try to catch a show at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica . Hopefully, there will be something big happening here during your Rome itinerary. This complex hosts major musical concerts, from pop stars to its resident world-class orchestra. There are also film festivals and other important cultural events held here.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Looking for the best Rome attractions to experience during your weekend? Here are some of the most highly recommended things to do to get the most out of your trip. It will not be possible to do them all in 36 hours so choose the ones which most appeal to you!

#1 – The Vatican City

A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Vatican City! This independent city-state offers visitors an unbeatable historical experience.

Not only do you get to visit a whole different country, but the Vatican is one of Rome’s most iconic and famous attractions.

One of the top things to do Rome is visit the Vatican City. In the Vatican City, you must visit the St Peter’s Basilica , a Renaissance-style church and the papal enclave of Rome. St Peter’s Basilica was built in the 1500s and the inside is ornately decorated with stunning fresco paintings and murals.

You should also make sure to check out the Vatican Museums. The museums are massive and could easily take a whole day if you wanted to, but the main reason to visit is to see the Sistine Chapel , where the world-famous fresco paintings by Michelangelo dorn the walls and ceiling. It is also where the famous “Hand of God” painting is located.

Reaching the Vatican is really easy, and a full tour of the place can take you about half a day . If you are serious about culture, history, and witnessing world-famous sites, then a trip to the Vatican City is a definite.

Again, I appreciate that half a day is a lot of time in a weekend itinerary and you may well have to decide between doing the Vatican or Colosseum. However, admiring Vatican Square from the outside is very do-able however much time you have as the metro brings you up very near to it.

#2 – The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is tucked away in the heart of Rome and is a must-see landmark for any visitor! It was designed by the architect Nicola Salvi and is recognized as one of the most famous fountains in the world.

Far from a hidden gem in Rome , crowds gather here to throw coins into the water over their shoulder, which is said to bring your good luck. The Trevi Fountain is a beautiful monument that you simply have to see – and don’t forget to throw a coin yourself!

Also near The Trevi Fountain, are the Spanish Steps, which is another one of the Italian capital’s most famous attractions, which makes this the perfect spot to base yourself in for a few days.

#3 – Victor Emmanuel Monument

This enormous white building in Piazza Venezia is a monument to pay respect to King Victor Emmanuel  II. Besides the historical significance of the building, it has got to be one of the greatest architectural splendors of Rome!

You can walk up the massive white stairs to reach some of the best views of the city from this monument. There are many different statues and points of interest around this building, making it a fun place to explore.

#4 – The Pantheon

This famous church in Rome was originally built as a temple to the Roman gods. The temple was built around 125 AD, making it one of the oldest and most interesting sites in the city!

The massive domed roof has a central opening to the sky. The building is really well preserved, and it offers one of the best examples of ancient Roman architecture. As it is a church, visiting is free, but I highly recommend getting an audio guide so you know what you’re looking at!

Just behind the Pantheon is the Piazza Navona, which is an ideal spot to sit and drink an espresso or dine on delicious pizza and watch the world go by.

#5- The Spanish Steps

This monumental stairway, called the Spanish Steps, connects the Piazza di Spagna with the Piazza Trinità dei Monti. At the top lies the stunning Trinita dei Monti church.

The steps are a landmark attraction in the city with an interesting history. Tourists flock here to take a photo and witness one of Rome’s most recognizable places, so make sure you bring your camera ! There are also some fantastic restaurants and shops in Piazza di Spagna here.

#6 – Roman Forum

A tour of the Roman Forum is such an amazing experience for history lovers wanting to discover more about Ancient Rome! This rectangular forum, surrounded by ruins, is steeped in important history.

Take the time to stroll around these ruins and imagine what life looked like in ancient times. This is a truly fascinating attraction!

The Roman forum is far less busy than the Colosseum and I got in, around, and out in under an hour even in August.

#7 – Borghese Gallery and Museum

A visit to this art gallery is a top attraction to fit into a few days in Rome. Housed in the old Villa Borghese Pinciana , this gallery has some rare and valuable artworks on display.

Featuring 15th to 18th-century pieces by various famous artists, this gallery is a must-visit destination for any art enthusiast! 

If you love museums and galleries, I also recommend taking a trip to the Leonardo di Vinci museum near Piazza del Popolo if you have time. The museum is very small and showcases the works of Da Vinci and also his earliest inventions.

#8 – Campo de’ Fiori Market

This square found just south of Piazza Navona is home to a bustling daily market. It is so easy to lose yourself here amongst all of the various local produce and some of the best street food in the city is available here. This is also a brilliant place to buy a souvenir from your trip.

The centre piece of Campo de’ Fiori is a sombre statue of 16th century philosopher Giordano Bruno who was burned to death by the Church for suggesting that the universe is infinite…something I now generally hold to be true.

Surrounding the square are various cafes and bars. The market here is a lively foodies paradise!

#9 – San Giovanni in Laterano

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the scale, beauty and sheer splendor of Roman churches! In such a busy city, these magnificent churches can offer a tranquil oasis of peace and calm. San Giovanni in Laterano is one of the finest examples in Rome.

This is the Episcopal Church of the Pope, and it is one of the most fantastic buildings in the city. The architecture, historical and religious significance of this building make it well worth a visit during your perfect weekend in Rome?.

#10 – The Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano

The extensive underground burial sites in the Via Appia Antica are a truly interesting place to visit. These are the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano and date from the 2nd to 5th centuries. Between them, there are all kinds of passages, multi-layered networks, tombs, and sacramental chapels.

If you want to see a different side of Rome and learn about history in a new way, then exploring these catacombs comes highly recommended!

Before setting off on your Roman adventure, there are a few things you may need to clarify first. Here are some common questions to consider before diving into your vacation in Rome.

What should I pack for a perfect weekend in Rome?

When  backpacking in Europe , pack light and pack smart! Here are some of  our essentials for a Roman adventure . – Comfortable shoes  – If you plan on visiting as many of the above attractions in one perfect weekend, then you will certainly be doing a lot of walking! As mentioned earlier, walking is one of the best ways to get around and experience Rome. Therefore, make sure that your shoes are up for the job! – A hat and sunblock  – In the summer  Rome can get hot ! As the days here are long, and you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure to protect yourself from the sun. Avoiding sunburn will make your weekend in Rome a lot more enjoyable. – A secure backpack – Pickpockets are common in Rome. If you plan on visiting the busy touristy areas, you need to be vigilant about your belongings in the crowds. This is where a good secure backpack with locks and slash-proof material will come in handy. Your belongings will be safer, and you will have more room to carry things!

Can I get an apartment in Rome for the weekend?

Absolutely! Rome, and Italy as a whole, is a hotspot for tourists and travelers of all kinds, and there are accommodation options to suit everyone. Renting an apartment for the weekend is a great way to let you step into the authentic Roman lifestyle. Having a kitchen available is also always a bonus when traveling. Airbnb is probably the best platform for finding an apartment in Rome. There is a wide range of options out there.

Is Rome safe for a weekend trip?

Like any major city in the world, Rome has its dangers and crimes. However, the city is definitely safe for all visitors on a weekend trip. Be vigilant in Rome, as petty theft such as pickpocketing and scamming can be common in certain areas.  Petty theft is one of the  most common crimes in Italy  and some people are pretty crafty about it.

Don’t Forget Your Rome Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Rome is an incredibly fun and fast-paced city with a whole lot to offer! The Eternal City combines ancient history and tradition with a modern flair, creating the perfect destination for all kinds of tourists to escape to.

Due to its easy accessibility, you can fit a lot into a short visit. This city is simply perfect for a weekend in Rome , and there is something here for any visitor. If you got more time – even better! Check out our Rome Itinerary for more inspiration if you’re on a longer trip!

Fall in love with the food, the history, the culture, the architecture and the general unique vibe of Italy’s capital. A weekend will be enough time to experience all that you need to in Rome. I hope that this guide helps you to enjoy and make the most out of this exciting city!

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The Borghese Gallery is one of the highlights of a trip to Rome, if you love art and sculpture. And the frescoes on the ceilings are also amazing!

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3 Days in Rome: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary 

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Rome is just one of those places that you absolutely have to visit at some point in your life. Wandering around its ancient cobblestone streets is as if your history textbook from school came to life, and you’re now in it! Even if you know absolutely nothing about Roman history, the city’s impressive landmarks are so iconic and well-published around the world that you’re guaranteed to recognize a handful of things during your weekend in Rome. 

Summer in Italy may sound like a dream come true. But when you find out that temperatures can reach up to 90°F in July and August in Rome, it’s a smart choice to visit at another time of year. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Rome when the weather is wonderfully warm and sunny without being overly hot and exhausting.

To help you make the absolute most of your weekend in Rome, we’ve compiled a handy itinerary for you. Take a look, and you’ll find the best ways to get around the city to save you time, as well as the top attractions you’ve simply got to check out. We’ve also added some of the most popular places to eat and a few extra recommendations if you find yourself with some spare time. Enjoy!

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the  best boutique hotels in Rome !

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

How to Spend a Weekend in Rome, Italy

Getting around rome.

There are two airports in Rome – Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). Fiumicino Airport is the largest and is the one your flight will most likely be landing at. This airport has excellent connections to the whole city, and you can easily hop on a train, metro, or bus to get to your accommodation. If you want to avoid the hassle of public transport, you’ll find plenty of taxis available.

You don’t need to worry about renting a car for your 3-day trip to Rome. Despite there being so many things to see and do in the city, Rome is surprisingly compact. You can easily get around on foot. But as you’ve only got a short time, you may want to save time by using the metro and bus services. 

The only rideshare company that operates in Rome is Uber – but they only offer their higher-end, more expensive services. You’ll save a lot of money if you download the ITTAXI or FREENOW app. Both apps are really similar to Uber and let you hail an ordinary cab or book one in advance and pay online. 

Rome Weekend Itinerary – Day 1

Start the first day of your Rome itinerary with a classic Italian breakfast at Er Baretto . This cute expresso bar is hidden away in a back street and dishes up some of the best coffees and cappuccinos you’ll have in your life! They offer an incredible selection of homemade pastries and sweet treats, as well as savory sandwiches and paninis.

If you visit Er Baretto in summer, you’ll have the chance to see it at its best. At this time of year, the small outdoor terrace is decorated with a rainbow of vibrant, sweet-smelling flowers. 

Next up is Rome’s most famous attraction – the Colosseum . Just a short walk away from Er Baretto, this iconic landmark was built almost 2,000 years ago and was the Roman Empire’s main entertainment hub. Today, it’s a fascinating tourist attraction with countless shocking and enthralling stories to tell.

You can’t visit the Colosseum on your own – you need to go with a guide. Thankfully, all the official ticket options include a guide. For a 3-day trip, we suggest buying the 24h ticket to get the best value for money. If you visit on the first Sunday of the month, you’ll get to explore the Colosseum for free!

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Close to the Colosseum, you’ll find the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill . Both of these attractions are conveniently included in the 24h ticket. The Roman forum used to be the center of the city, and you can still see the places of worship, administrative buildings, and centuries-old markets today. 

Nearby you’ll find Palatine Hill. One of the seven hills of Rome, this place is said to have been founded by Remus and Romulus. According to ancient mythology, they are two twins who were found and kept alive in a cave by a wolf.

Mouth of Truth

If you’re a fan of fun, quirky attractions, you’ll like what’s next on your 3-day Rome vacation. The Mouth of Truth (known as Bocca della Verità in Italy) is a giant marble face that represents the God of the Sea. According to the legend, the ancient carving is said to bite the hands off liars. So make sure you only think truthful thoughts when you place your hand in its mouth for your picture!

Osteria Circo

After hours of engrossing sightseeing, it’s time for a late lunch at Osteria Circo . This beautiful, rustic restaurant serves classic Italian dishes for very reasonable prices, especially considering the popular location. 

The restaurant has a unique decor. The back seating section has been carved out of ancient bricks, making you feel like you’re dining in a cave.

The menu is loaded with all kinds of delicious options, from burrata, prosciutto, and focaccia to Caesar salad, ravioli, and rigatoni. You won’t find any pizzas on the menu, but the pasta dishes are absolutely sublime. There’s also a wonderful wine menu with bottles from all over Italy to choose from.

Giardino degli Aranci 

Giardino degli Aranci is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day. This stunning green space, also known as Savello Park and Orange Garden, dates back to the 10th century and is free to enter throughout the year. 

Thanks to its lofty location, Giardino degli Aranci boasts spectacular views. St. Peter’s Basilica is the focal point, surrounded by the city’s mesmerizing rooftops, domes, and bell towers.

If you visit the park around sunset, you’ll be in for a real treat. There’s nothing like seeing the city skyline illuminated in stunning shades of red and orange. 

Rome Weekend Itinerary – Day 2

Piazza navona.

Start the next part of your 3-day Rome itinerary with a visit to Piazza Navona. This gorgeous square is located in the heart of the historic part of the city and always has a lively, buzzing vibe. The highlight of the square is the collection of three fountains – Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Nettuno, and Fontana del Moro. 

If you want to take pictures of the fountains without crowds of tourists, try and get there as early as possible. We suggest avoiding the cafes and restaurants in this area. Because it’s such a big tourist attraction, the prices are incredibly high, and the service is often rushed.

For a sweet treat, we suggest walking outside the square to Cremì . This small shop serves a staggering range of homemade gelatos and fruit sorbets, as well as creamy milkshakes, fluffy waffles, and wonderfully smelling crepes.

You can sit inside – if you’re lucky enough to find a spare table. But if the weather’s fine, we recommend ordering your treat of choice and enjoying it while you wander around. Aside from its reasonable prices, one of the best things about Cremì is that you can top your gelato or sorbet with fresh whipped cream and chocolate sauce for free!

Just steps away from Piazza Navona and Cremì, you’ll find the Pantheon . This iconic building is the best-preserved temple in Rome and boasts the largest brick dome the world has ever seen. It’s the most replicated of all the ancient works and was declared by Michelangelo to be the work of angels, not men. 

When you step inside the Pantheon, you’ll be left speechless. The huge, vacant dome is designed to make you feel tiny, just like how the original architects imagined it would feel to stand before the gods. You can enter the Pantheon for free during the week, but on the weekend, there’s a small fee.

Trevi Fountain

Take a short walk into the center of the city, and you’ll come across another one of Rome’s most famous attractions – the Trevi Fountain. Hidden away in one of the bustling city’s back streets, this fountain was built in 19 BC when it originally marked the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct.

Despite its practical use, the fountain is visually spellbinding, with countless intricate details you could spend hours looking at. The story goes that if you toss one coin in the fountain, you’ll return to Rome. Toss two coins in, and you’ll fall in love. Toss a third one in, and you’ll marry the person you fall in love with!

Spanish Steps

Continue on through the romantic back streets of Rome, and you’ll come across the Spanish Steps. This part of the city is also known as Piazza di Spagna and is a wonderful place to relax after a hectic day. Just don’t expect any peace and quiet. This square is always packed with people jostling around the fountain and others lounging on the steps.

Climb up the steps, and you’ll find yourself in front of the Trinità dei Monti Church. This area is popular with local artists who you’ll see painting portraits and beautiful scenes. From up here, you’ve also got a great view of Via dei Condotti, one of the city’s best shopping streets.

For a romantic dinner for two, head to Il Gabriello . This gorgeous restaurant features wooden tables with white linen tablecloths, sparkling chandeliers, and impeccable service. It’s set inside a brick-vaulted space and is conveniently located just a short walk from the Spanish Steps.

Take a look at the menu, and you’ll find an excellent selection of Roman-style pasta dishes, alongside delicious wines from the Lazio region. There’s also a small choice of desserts which are freshly prepared each day.

Rome Weekend Itinerary – Day 3

Vatican museums and sistine chapel.

The final day of your weekend trip to Rome begins with some of the most famous museums in the world. The Vatican Museums are made up of 13 individual museums spread out over a huge area that stands almost 5 miles long. There are various different routes you can choose between, ranging from 1.5 hours to 5 hours.

Whichever route you choose, your journey will end at the Sistine Chapel. This magnificent building doesn’t look much from the outside. But step through the entrance, look up, and you’ll be amazed at the brightly colored frescoes painted by Michelangelo.

St. Peter’s Basilica

If you’ve still got some energy left, head to St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the top. This activity definitely isn’t one for you if you’re not a fan of heights or enclosed spaces. The spiral staircase that leads to the top gets incredibly narrow.

But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in all of Rome. From the top of the basilica, you’ve got a bird’s-eye view of St. Peter’s Square. 

For something a little tamer, climb the 231 stairs or ride the elevator to the first level and admire the inside of Michelangelo’s dome. From here, you can also see the Jesus and apostles statues.

Pizza & Sandwich Da Pasquale

Now it’s time to reenergize with some pizza! Pizza & Sandwich Da Pasquale is one of the best pizza places in the area. Don’t let its unassuming façade fool you. This simple dining spot dishes up freshly made pizzas (available whole or by the slice), delicious sandwiches, mouthwatering pasta dishes, and all kinds of Italian antipasti. 

Order a pizza to share and some mozzarella cheese, prosciutto ham, and salami for a true taste of Italy. There’s also a fantastic selection of local wines and beers to choose from.

Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo doesn’t look like your typical castle, with turrets and towers. This is because it wasn’t initially designed to be a fortress. The castle was originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum. It wasn’t until years later that it began to play an important military role. 

For a short while, the Castel Sant’Angelo was a place where popes could go to seek refuge during invasions. There’s even a secret tunnel between it and the Vatican!

Today, you can explore the castle and check out the ancient pope apartments, as well as the tombs. Make sure you visit the rampart walk and admire the view during your visit, too.  

Lungotevere & Ponte Umberto I

When you’re finished exploring the Castel Sant’Angelo, you’re in the perfect position to watch a gorgeous sunset. The large bridge in front of the castle that crosses the river (Lungotevere) is ideally located to enjoy a relaxing stroll while the sun slowly dips into the horizon. You can also see the dramatic sight of reflections of the castle dancing in the water.

When you’ve crossed the bridge, continue walking and you’ll come across Ponte Umberto I. Another gorgeous bridge in Rome, this crossover is also beautifully positioned at this time of day. From here, you can see reflections of St. Peter’s Basilica as the city becomes bathed in golden light.

Drink Art Gallery

Take a short walk to Drink Art Gallery and reflect on your fabulous day. This trendy cocktail bar opens in the early evening and is decorated to look like an American bar from the 1930s. Here you can choose from a top selection of creative cocktails, fine liquors, excellent Belgian beer, and vintage wines. The place is full of original works of art and retro knickknacks, giving you plenty to look at.  

Drink Art Gallery sometimes hosts live entertainment, so check the website before you go to see if anything is happening during your visit. 

More Places to Eat & Drink in Rome 

Palazzo del Freddo di Giovanni Fassi

Palazzo del Freddo di Giovanni Fassi is the oldest gelateria in the world! This gelato shop has been churning up delicious gelato since 1880 and serves approximately 2,200 pounds of the stuff every day.

Although the shop doesn’t offer any unusual flavors, the classics taste divine. Whether you choose strawberry, chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut, or chestnut, there’s no way you’ll be disappointed. 

Club Derrière

For a unique evening out, spend some time at Club Derrière . This bar is as close to a speakeasy as you’ll get in the 21st century. To enter, you need to know the password and find the entrance, which is hidden behind a wardrobe in the back of Osteria delle Coppelle.

When you’ve been granted entrance, you can treat yourself to one of the delicious cocktails from the constantly-changing menus. The cocktails always follow a theme, and you can never be quite sure what you’re going to get. 

What to do if you have more than 3 days in Rome

Villa borghese gardens.

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Rome, the Villa Borghese Gardens is the place to go. The most loved park in the city, this beautiful green space is hidden away from Pincian Hill and provides a much-needed escape.

A wonderful place to walk around any time of year, the park was designed in 1606 by a cardinal who wanted to transform his vineyard into a spectacular garden. He certainly achieved his goal, and today the park is home to countless walking trails, shimmering lakes, art galleries, museums, cafes, and even a zoo.

Gallerie Borghese

If you haven’t satisfied your appetite for art, make plans to visit Gallerie Borghese . This incredible art museum is home to one of the finest collections of art in Rome, with dramatic pieces created by the likes of Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. 

The museum is tiny compared to the other art galleries in Rome, with just two floors and 20 rooms. But don’t let its size fool you. Because it’s so small, everything you see is an amazing work of art, and you’re not surrounded by the crowds that fill the other galleries.

Capuchin Crypt

To see the spookier side of Rome, head for the Capuchin Crypt . Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, this one-of-a-kind attraction is home to the skeletal remains of 3,700 Capuchin monks that were buried there hundreds of years ago.

The crypt is hidden below the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, and the bones aren’t locked away from prying eyes. Instead, they’re put on display and used to make all sorts of weird and wonderful things. Take a look around, and you’ll find skulls and bones used to make walls, doorways, arches, chairs, and lampshades.

Aventine Keyhole

If you find yourself at the top of Aventine Hill, you’ve got to seek out the Aventine Keyhole. Located within the Santa Maria del Priorato Church (the exact spot will be given away by the crowds of people), the keyhole provides you with a unique viewpoint.

When you press your eye up against the keyhole, you’ll be able to see two nation-states, with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica proudly standing in the center. It’s the perfect way to end your 3 days Rome!

We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Rome, Italy! Should we add something else to our 3-day Rome itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

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Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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Rome in a Weekend—How to See All of the Top Sites

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If you want to see the top highlights of Rome in a weekend, it’s going to be a jam-packed weekend. Plan to do a lot of walking on this tour! You’ll be rewarded with an itinerary that checks off the boxes of the top highlights in this historic and beautiful city.

Even with a city as large as Rome and with so many amazing things to do, it’s very possible to see the very best this incredible city has to offer in just a weekend. Here’s how in this detailed two-day Rome itinerary.

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2-Day Rome in a Weekend Itinerary

If you’re going to see Rome in a weekend, you need to make your time count. There’s a lot of amazing things to do in the Eternal City. This 2-day Rome itinerary is a “best of” list of the top attractions.

If you somehow find yourself with extra time and energy, there are some other places in the area worth seeing. Those will be included at the end of day two as extras . (Hint: click this link to jump down to this section to see what’s included.)

You can swap out sites that are more interesting to you, fit more in, or ideally, add a day! You can easily fill it, creating an incredible long weekend in Rome.

If you’re trying to maximize two days in Rome, here’s how to do it.

• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatican Museum
• Piazza Navonna
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Roman Forum

Jewish Ghetto

Day 1: vatican and nearby highlights.

On your first day in Rome, you’ll visit the famed Vatican City. Though it’s often considered part of Rome (and geographically, it is), it’s actually a separate city-state ruled by the Holy See.

It’s a highlight of day 1 in Rome, but not the only amazing thing you’ll see.

St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano)

The magnificent dome of St. Peter’s Basilica towers over Rome and is a highlight of any visit. St. Peter’s Basilica is a Baroque church built during much of the 1500s and completed in 1626. It’s the largest church in the world.

This is actually the second church built on this site. The first was built by Constantine in the 4th century over the site of St. Peter’s tomb, one of Jesus’ apostles.

It’s considered one of the holiest Catholic shrines and is viewed as “the greatest of all churches of Christendom.” At the entrance, you will see the apostles Paul and Peter depicted with a sword and keys respectively. Jesus is positioned above the door in the center, blessing all who enter.

The construction of this building includes stones from ancient Roman buildings (like the Colosseum). Look for the Jubilee Door, which is only opened every 25 years. Notice the brightly garbed Swiss Guard, that protects the Pope. This is a special place you won’t want to miss.

St. Peter’s Basilica Artworks

There is a magnificent gate where you enter, with one of the images representing St. Peter handing over the keys to the Pope. There are many magnificent artworks inside, and even the walls and floors are magnificent works of art.

Michelangelo’s “La Piet à,” which he did at only 23 years of age, represents accepting the will of God. The Papal Altar, designed by Bernini, and the accents above it, designed for Francesco Borromini, is a central point in the church. And there are many magnificent paintings and sculptures around this massive hall.

You’ll also see a large statue of St. Peter by artist Arnolfo di Cambio, built over 800 years ago. One of his feet is shiny and word down by visitors touching it offering prayers and asking for blessings from St. Peter.

St. Peter’s Square

Many people head directly to the Vatican Museum, and skipping St. Peter’s Basilica and Square would be a mistake. Take time to wander around the square to take in the incredible views. The 284 travertine columns and statues perched above are striking. They form a perfect ellipse around the square.

In the center of the square is a 3,000-year-old obelisk, one of the oldest items in Rome from Egypt. On top, the triumph of Christianity over history is depicted.

There’s a large, dark statue near one set of columns called “Angels Unaware,” by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmarz. This monument was commissioned by Pope Francis. It depicts migrants fleeing situations like the Syrian civil war and Nazi Germany.

Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)

Take a short 10-minute walk to the Vatican Museum, which is actually a group of museums. They hold an extensive collection of art gathered by Popes over the centuries.

There are some incredible works of art housed in these museums. Some of the most amazing sculptures you’ll see are in the Palace of the Belvedere.

You’ll find some incredible sculptures like Perseus holding the head of Medusa and the Apollo of Belvedere statue. One of the most magnificent is of Laocoön and His Sons. He was a Trojan priest being attacked by sea serpents after attempting to expose the lie of the Trojan Horse.

There is a magnificent map room filled with painted maps of what the world was believed to look like at the time. And there’s a tapestry room with exquisite hangings depicting scenes from the Bible and history. Look for the tapestry where Jesus’ eyes seem to follow you as you walk, shifting in both directions.

You’ll see a magnificent statue of Hercules and some incredible objects from around Rome. You’ll also see items from Egypt including statues and a sarcophagus. And look up, as many of the hallways have incredibly ornate ceilings. Before you leave, check out the Momo Staircase.

But, the highlight, and what you will not want to miss is the incredible Sistine Chapel.

Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina)

Named after Pope Sisto, the Sistine Chapel was actually built to be a private chapel for the Popes of Rome. It was never intended for the people. Famed artist Michelangelo painted the ceiling in his mid-30s at the request of Pope Julius, from 1508 to 1512. As the story goes, he didn’t want to take this project, but how do you say no to a Pope?

There are 300 figures painted on the ceiling. They look like they are fighting for space and almost appear three-dimensional. The images were intended to capture the inner restlessness of creation, and that’s the impression you get while viewing it. There are many biblical characters from the old testament as well as the new.

This magnificent ceiling was painted from 1508 to 1512. Unfortunately, pictures and video are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel, and it’s thoroughly policed.

The walls are covered with Renaissance art from Sandro Botticelli and others. Botticelli contributed 3 large frescoes, including the life of Moses and Jesus. There are also portraits of some of the Popes on the walls, which were done before the ceiling.

Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaelo)

Another popular place to visit is the four Raphael Rooms, a suite of rooms with frescoes painted by the artist, Rafael. The rooms, also called Stanze, were originally designed as a suite of apartments for Pope Julius II.

Only two rooms were completed when Pope Julius died. But his successor, Pope Leo X, continued with the construction. Rafael actually died before they were completed, and his assistants completed the work.

These rooms are stunning and well worth seeing. However, it does take around 45 minutes. I saw these on a previous visit and chose to skip them on my limited weekend in Rome.

If you’d rather tour on your own, consider skip-the-line tickets for quicker access. You’ll be grateful you did!

The Vatican Museums are located at 00120 Città del Vaticano . It costs 17 Euros to visit (around $19.25 USD). There is often a free day to visit on the last Sunday of every month. the Vatican Museums are open from 8:30 to 6:30 Monday to Thursday and from 8:30 to 10:30 on Friday and Saturday.

Piazza Navona

Cross the Tiber River to see the next spot on this tour. Piazza Navona is a large square in Rome and a popular visit for a number of reasons. You’ll notice it’s built in an elongated oval and it’s the shape of an Olympic stadium.

In fact, it was an Olympic stadium, and the only one by the Romans called the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD. You can actually see a piece of the original wall remaining.

What this square is probably best known for are the stunning fountains designed. Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the Fountain of Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), which stands in the center of the piazza. It’s topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, which consists of materials from Egypt. However, it was not made there.

Our guide told us an interesting story about the rivalry of Bernini and Francesco Borromini, who designed the church, Sant’Agnese in Agone, facing this fountain. If you look at the fountain, you’ll see a man raising his hand at the church—perhaps portraying what Bernini thought of his rival. (On the right of the image below).

 There are also other fountains including the Fontana del Moro by Giacomo della Porta. The Fountain of Neptune was also created by della Porta.

Piazza Navona is located here on a map.

The Pantheon is one of the iconic Roman buildings on most must-see lists. It’s one of the best-preserved of all ancient Roman buildings and worth visiting. It is popular, and if you want to go inside, plan to wait in line for quite a while, even with an online booking. Even the outside is worth seeing, though.

It was first built in 27 BC by Agrippa and it was later rebuilt in 125 AD by Hadrian after it burned down. You can see the dedication to Agrippa at the top. It was originally dedicated to the “pagan gods” and was rededicated and transformed into a church.

An interesting fact about the Pantheon is that there’s a hole in the top to let rain through. The rain then drains through the 22 holes in the floor.

In the square in front of the Pantheon is an obelisk from Egypt. Another point of interest on a wall just outside the Pantheon is that it marks the flood level from 1870. The Tiber River occasionally flooded and would drain into this area, leaving several meters of water (10+ feet).

If you have the time to spend, check out this Pantheon tour .

The Pantheon is located at Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy . It’s open from 9 to 7, though the last admittance is at 6:30.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

The Spanish Steps, and the Trinità dei Monti Church at the top of the steps, are another popular place to visit. In truth, I’m honestly not sure why this is a top spot, though it’s very close to many of the other must-see attractions so it’s worth a quick stop.

There are 135 steps to the top. It’s a popular spot for tourists to congregate and some locals as well. At the base of the steps, you’ll find the Fountain of the Longboat. It’s attributed to Pietro Bernini, the father of famed Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Though, they may have collaborated.

The Spanish Steps are located here on a map.

Trevi Fountain (Antica Fontana di Trevi)

One of the most famous, and certainly the most beautiful, places to visit in all of Rome is the Trevi Fountain. Designed by Nicola Salvi, this is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous in the entire world. You cannot do Rome in a weekend and skip this magnificent place.

The fountain of the Aqueduct of the Virgin, as it’s sometimes known, is located at the junction of three roads (tre vie). It was the location of one of the ancient Roman aqueducts that supplied water to the city.

The central figure is the divinity of water, Oceanus, riding a chariot. It’s not Poseidon, the god of water, as it’s sometimes believed.

As tradition goes, if you throw a coin in the fountain, you’ll return to Rome someday. But, there’s a proper way to do it. With your back to the fountain, take the coin in your right hand and toss it over your left shoulder. Perhaps I’m living proof that this works? 🙂

Though this is a touristy area, there are a lot of great restaurants. My favorite gelato shop, Il Gelato di San Crispino, is just a couple of blocks away. I remembered their signature flavor from my last trip over a decade ago, and sure enough, it’s still amazing. (I believe it’s called San Crispino and it’s honey-flavored.)

The Trevi Fountain is located in Piazza Trevi .

Day 2: Colosseum, Forum, Jewish Ghetto, & Trastevere

If you think nothing could possibly outshine the itinerary from day one, you may just be surprised. Day two certainly won’t be lacking when it comes to the top things to do in Rome in a weekend. Day two starts strong and continues strong all day long.

Possibly the most iconic and recognizable structure in all of Rome is the Colosseum. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest standing amphitheater in the world. If you only have time for one thing in Rome, this should be it!

The Colosseum got its name from the Colossus of Nero, a statue housed inside. Though there are many amphitheaters, there is only one Colosseum.

It was built in the 1st century AD, started by Emporer Vespasian, and completed by Titus. The Colosseum was built to show benevolence after Nero and the “terrible years.” Somewhat of an irony, as it was initially used for animal hunts, public executions, and gladiatorial contests.

It was constructed from travertine limestone, brick-faced concrete, and volcanic rock. There is also marble in some areas including the “expensive” seats where the wealthy lived. The Colosseum was massive and could hold up to 80,000 spectators.

There were 60 elevators that led to the arena using a pulley system. They were used for animals and gladiators.

Gladiators were a mix of slaves, prisoners of war, and some freed men who pursued this to make money. They fought 3 to 5 times a year ad could buy their freedom from their winnings—if they made it far enough.

In 523 AD, the “games” were abolished by the Christians. The Colosseum then was used to shelter the homeless and animals. It fell into ruin and was pilfered for its stone for other building projects, like St. Peter’s Basilica.

Take a tour to learn about the history of this magnificent structure. And make sure you visit the Underground , which was opened in 2020 after years of excavation.

The Colosseum is located at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. It’s open daily from 9 to 4:30.

Ticket Purchase Tip

Be very careful to read the fine print when purchasing your ticket to the Colosseum. This is true whether you purchase directly from the Colosseum, or a tour.

If your ticket doesn’t mention the Arena or the Underground, they likely aren’t included with your ticket. You may want to see both, and I do recommend the full ticket. Here is a small group tour that includes the Arena and the Underground .

If you want to save cost and don’t care, you can do so by just purchasing a ticket to the Colosseum that does not include these areas.

Roman Forum (Fori Romani)

Head through the arch of Constantine to the Roman Forum. It was built 250 years after the Colosseum in around 320 AD to commemorate a military victory of sorts. (This was for the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which pre-dated the arch).

There are some interesting historical carvings on the inside of the arch worth seeing. There is a parade led through the arch on the anniversary. The arch is the main entrance to the forum. Upon the hill to the left is Palatine Hill, the site of the Emporer’s Palace of Caligula. If you have time, this is also worth seeing.

Follow the “Sacred Way,” the main Roman road to enter the main squares of the ancient city. It was the area where people gathered. There are many different temples, government buildings, and public squares.

It was largely buried by mud by the 1500s and became a swamp, later used as a cow pasture as the city moved towards the area with the Pantheon. When it was later excavated, they found the majesty of this area and it’s now a beloved treasure.

It’s worth getting a guide to visit the Forum if you can. I visited a decade ago and, though it’s impressive, it’s not as amazing when you don’t know what you’re looking at!

Structures in the Forum

There are a number of temples including the Temple of Romulus with its stunning green bronze gate and the Temple of Antonino and Faustina. The Vesta Temple is here as well, where the Vestal Virgins lived as priestesses.

Towards the back of the forum, you’ll see a large piazza which is now a grassy space. There are remnants of a stage near the Senate, where Senators vied for power. And behind, is Capitaline Bill, one of the great hills of Rome.

Cesar was not actually killed on the steps of the Senate, as the story is told, but by the Theater of Pompeii. There’s an area remaining where his body was laid in state after nor far from the Senate.

The Roman Forum is located here on a map. It’s open from 9 to 4:30 daily.

Go out the back way of the Forum through the gate (to the left of the Senate) and cross the street. Pass by the Theater of Marcellus, a smaller amphitheater that pre-dates the Colosseum. Head past the Portico of Octavia, named after Julius Cesar’s sister, into the area of the Jewish Ghetto.

Most of the ghetto is gone, but the area still remembers. Though this isn’t one of the most heavily touristed areas of Rome, it’s important historically to remember. And, you’re passing through to get to the next stop so take a few minutes here to learn.

Jewish Ghetto History

The first Jews entered Rome in the 2nd century BC. They were protected by the Pope at that time. In 1555, they were confined to a small area by the Tiber. This lasted until 1870, though many stayed.

Much of the area was destroyed and rebuilt, so most of the buildings there now were not there at the time of the Ghetto. You can still walk down two narrow alleyways that once were part of the original.

The Auschwitz Deportation was on October 16, 1943, just after the Germans took control of the city. You’ll see several plaques on the buildings commemorating this date. There’s also a project to remember the victims with a gold block on the path in front of the doorway where they once lived with their name and information.

You’ll see one Jewish temple still standing in this area, the Great Synagogue of Rome. There is still a thriving Jewish population in this area and it’s an active temple. If you’re looking for a great place to eat, there are many fantastic options.

The Jewish Ghetto is located here on a map.

Cross over the Tiber River and Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina) to Trastevere. You’ll cross over the oldest bridge in Rome, Ponte Fabricio, built around 62 BC.

On the left not far after you cross the bridge, you’ll see the Church of St. Bartholomew. This saint is depicted on the Sistene Chapel ceiling after meeting a horrific fate. (For those curious, he was skinned alive). Then, cross over another ancient (and reconstructed bridge) to Trastevere.

Trastevere means “Beyond the Tiber.” Our guide shared that this is also translated as “the other side of the tracks.” The Trasteverini don’t consider themselves Roman, and through much of history, this is the area where the immigrants settled. It was a Jewish area and also where Christianity started in Rome.

The heart of the area and the oldest part is Piazza Santa Maria. It has a striking church, inside and outside, that was originally built in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 1100s. The floor is made of marble and mosaics and there’s a stunning stone from as far as Egypt.

Trastevere is a quaint and beautiful historic area of Rome, popular with locals and tourists. You’ll find some great small shops and lots of great bars and restaurants.

Trastevere is located here on a map.

Other Nearby Places to Visit

If you have time and still have the energy, there are a number of other places to check out in the area. They are very close to your day one visits and would be easy to add in if time allows. They also aren’t too far from where you’ll be on day 2 (within a 30-minute walk). So, you have the option to add them in on day two if possible. Or even better, plan them for a day three!

• Piazza del Popolo —”People’s Square” was once the first place travelers saw when arriving from the north. There’s a massive Egyptian obelisk of Ranses II in the center of the piazza. It’s a great place to sit and take in Roman city life.
• Campo De Fiori —One of the main squares in Rome, this is where the cool kids hang. By day, you’ll find flower and vegetable markets. You’ll find a thriving and popular nightlife in this area. This is a great place to find yourself after day one.
• Italian Parliament Building —This structure, designed by Boromini, is stunning and worth a quick walk through. You may also pass by the House on Congress, another impressive building.
• Column of Marcus Aurelius —Ancient Roman victory column located in Piazza Colonna. It’s a Doric column crafted in the 2nd c century AD, carved with the story of the victory. It’s believed to have been once painted as well.
• Temple of Hadrian —A wall and 11 columns from the original structure, dating to the 2nd century AD, survived. There is an interesting digital video if you have the time to go inside.

If You Have Time for Longer Visits

Doing Rome in a weekend is tough as there’s so much to see! If you have a little more time, even an extra day, there are a few other places in this area worth checking out.

• Villa Borghese —Villa Borghese was once the private home of the wealthy and influential Borghese family. It houses the Galleria Borghese, and another draw to visit is the stunning Borghese Garden. This one’s a bit further off and you’d need a few hours, so it would be great if you have an extra day.
• Castel Sant’ Angelo —If you have time after visiting the Vatican, this museum is worth seeing before you cross the river. The Mausoleum of Hadrian was built in the 2nd century AD and is a striking round building with an interesting history. At a minimum, it makes a great photo op.

Rome Tour Guide Recommendation

I have mentioned a few times that it’s a great idea to have a guide to see some of the most important places in Rome. We hired a guide for a couple of hours on day one, to visit the Vatican.

On day two, we were back with her to see the Forum, Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere. We did do small group guided tours of the Colosseum and some of the other sites.

Hiring a guide for a private tour can be costly. But if you have even a small group, it can be quite reasonable. And there’s no better way to get a personalized tour that will cover what you are most interested in.

The guide we used was Carla Zaia. We found her in the Rick Steeves guidebook and she was incredible. She customized the tours to our interests and patiently answered our questions.

Carla also gave us great restaurant recommendations and city recommendations. When she wasn’t able to get Colosseum tickets with the Underground, she recommended a small group tour (not affiliated with her). We were really impressed that she would do that.

Carla is one of the best guides I’ve had. I haven’t often done private tours and perhaps there isn’t a good comparison with a group tour. But, she is responsive, incredibly knowledgeable, personable, flexible, and interesting. We couldn’t have asked for more.

Reach out to Carla at [email protected] . You won’t be disappointed.

How Much Time Do I Need in Rome?

If you’re asking how many days in Rome you need to see the city, the answer really is: the more the better. There’s a lot to see and do in Rome. You could easily fill a week or more—I did just that on my first trip to Rome!

But if you want to see the highlights and the top spots, you can see them in a weekend. It’ll be a busy weekend where you’ll see a lot and will cover a lot of ground. And, you can’t really go deep and spend hours in any of the places you’ll see.

So, can you see Rome in a weekend? Absolutely with some trade-offs. If you use this itinerary for Rome, you can maximize your time.

How to Get to Rome

There are two airports near Rome. The Rome-Ciampino Airport (CIA) is the closest to the city. However, it’s small and flights are limited. Many of the low-cost European airlines fly to this airport.

Most people fly into the large, international airport, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). There are a lot of flight options and the major, larger carriers fly here.

The Fiumicino airport is well connected to the city with the Leonardo Express Train . It runs very frequently during the day, often twice or more an hour, depending on the time. It takes 30-45 minutes, depending on where in Rome you’re going. There are a number of stops, including Trastevere and the main Termini train station in the historic center.

Rome is also on the train route and the main Termini station sees trains from all around Europe and Italy. It’s a large station centrally located in the city center and within a 30-minute walk of most of the major sites.

How to Get Around Rome

Rome is a great walking city and in fact, it’s the best way to get around. You’ll find many of the top attractions are clustered, making it really easy to walk for this itinerary. It’s such a beautiful and historic city as well. So, walking will give you the opportunity to find those quieter neighborhoods to explore if you have the time.

There is public transportation in Rome, for those who want it. You can get tickets for buses, trams, the metro, and urban trains by the trip, for a day, three days, and a week.

Taxis are prevalent as well, however, they are expensive. And make sure they will run the meter or get a price quote before getting in. And there is also one of those hop-on-hop-off buses to get you around the main sites.

Another great way to get around is by purchasing the Rome All-Access Pass . It covers public transportation as well as timed access to the top sites. This includes the Colosseum, Forum, Vatican Museum, and more.

When to Visit Rome

Rome is a very heavily touristed city. Large as it is, it can get quite crowded in the summertime around the most popular tourist attractions.

The spring and fall are the best times to visit Rome to take advantage of great weather with fewer crowds. Even visiting Rome in the winter is great. You’ll need a warm coat, but crowds are at their lowest and the weather doesn’t usually dip below freezing. Room rates often tend to drop in the winter months as well.

Where to Stay in Rome

As you might expect from a city as large as Rome, there are lots of options for accommodations. If you’re trying to do Rome in a weekend, you’ll want to stay in the city center to maximize your time.

• Budget : For a budget stay in the city center, look no further than The Republic Hotel . It’s only an 8 minute walk from a metro station and just over a mile (2 km) to the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Go for a basic room or an upgraded room for an extra bed and a sitting room. Wi-Fi and breakfast are included.
• Mid-Range : Hotel Accademia is only a 2 minute walk to the Trevi fountain and a 9 minute walk to the Pantheon Church. A metro station is only 6 minutes away on foot. All the rooms offer free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth sound systems, whirlpool tubs, and minibars.
• Luxury : For a luxury stay in the middle of Rome, Palazzo Dama is a great hotel with dining options, a nightclub, and a pool right on the premises. The rooms are elegant with high ceilings and marble bathrooms. Take advantage of the free hot breakfast equpped with Italian and American classics.

Where to Eat in Rome

Rome is a foodies’ paradise. There are some of the most incredible places to eat in Rome offering what many would consider “traditional” Italian food. There are a lot of amazing places to eat your way through Rome in a weekend. Here are some of the top spots in my book!

• Restaurants Il Chianti Vineria —A couple of blocks from the Trevi Fountain, this place is a great find recommended by our guide. Sit outside to enjoy some people-watching. Their house wine was great, and everything we had was as well. The eggplant parm-style dish and wild boar ragout pasta were favorites.
• Armandos is a must when visiting Rome. They feature authentic Roman food with traditonal recipes by chef and sommelier Armando Gargioli. Try the meatballs or the garlic and red pepper pasta. Make sure to ask the waiters for wine pairings to make the most out of your meal.
• Osteria della Suburra —Our guide Carla recommended this restaurant, though we didn’t have time to get to it . The inside is cozy and wood paneled with an extensive meny featuring Italian and Roman specialities. All the noodles are hand made and the menu changes according to seasonal ingredients.
• Romeow Cat Bistro is an amazing place where you can dine with cats. They have a restaurant and a bistro where you can try typical Italian food right next to some beautiful cats. The restaurant has a fixed course menu for 50 euros, while the bistro has more relaxed food including smoothies, salads, and sandwiches.
• Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant and Bar – A high-end luxurious place to eat if you feel like being fancy for a meal or two. The best part of the restaurant is the large terrace where you can get breathtaking views of the city. They also have some of the best cocktails in the city.

Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere

• La Taverna del Ghetto —This incredible place in the Jewish Ghetto was the first Kosher restaurant in Rome. It features Judeo-Roman dishes. Do not visit without trying their Jewish artichokes (tip: order two!). Their carbonara was lick-your-plate-clean worthy.
• Nonna Betta —Another great place in the Jewish ghetto, this family-run restaurant has been an institution for generations. Frescoes depict life inside the ghetto and the food is incredible.
• Essenza Wine Bar Trastevere – Has a laid back and industrial vibe. They have a huge menu full of cocktails, wine, and handcrafted Italian beer. They also feature classic Italian eats including large meat and cheese boards.

Pastries and Sweets

• Pasticceria Regoli — You’ll see a line out the door for this popular pastry shop. This family-owned gem has been around for over a century, so you know it’s good. The smell from the doorway is intoxicating! And the pastries are mouth-wateringly good.
• Antico Forno Roscioli – Around since 1972, this bakery is a neighborhood favorite. Not only is it a wonderful bakery, but they also have famous Roman thin crust pizza and some of the best fresh bread in Rome.
• Il Gelato di San Crispino —Just steps from the Trevi Fountain, this gelateria has been around for over 20 years. It was made famous by the movie, Eat, Pray, Love, though that’s not how we ended up there. I happened to stumble upon it on my first trip to Rome and retraced my steps back there. Try their signature gelato (honey flavored) or the chocolate fondant.
• Gelateria del Teatro – This gelato place is small and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s definitely worth stopping in. They have every flavor you can think of, including some specialty gelatos infused with fruits and herbs. They also have homemade chocolate.
• Bar San Calisto —Stanley Tucci visited in his series so, of course, I had to go. It’s in Trastevere and it’s a hopping spot. I went for breakfast, and had a croissant and coffee. It’s a great spot for people-watching with the locals. It’s also a popular spot for drinks and food as well. Nothing fancy, but good.
• Argot Mixology Bar – This is a unique experience in Campo de Fiori. They have all different kinds of crafted cocktails and speciality drinks. They also have live music almost every night, so sit back and relax with your drink right in the center of Rome.
• La Botticella- This a classic Italian pub. They have 8 Italian craft beers on tap, amazing cocktails, and traditional Italian wine. They also have extremely rare and hard to find liquor. It’s a perfect place to end the night or catch a sports game or two.

Now You’re Ready to See the Best of Rome in a Weekend

You can see a lot of the top spots in Rome in a weekend. It’s a busy weekend, but what else would you expect from a city like Rome? From incredible historic structures dating back thousands of years to iconic religious spots, Rome truly has it all.

So, what are you waiting for?

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5 easy must-do weekend trips from Rome

The Italian capital of Rome has been at the center of European and world history for thousands of years. As a result, Rome is absolutely packed with ancient ruins of the Roman Empire along with stunning churches, sunny piazzas, and everything else you might hope to find in such a historic place. Walking through central Rome, it can feel like there's a UNESCO World Heritage site on every street corner and probably a delicious restaurant only steps away, too.

You could spend a lifetime in the Eternal City and never really get to the bottom of everything it has to offer. In fact, you would hardly be the first person to do so. But Rome, surrounded by its rolling hills, is also one of the central transportation hubs of the highly efficient and affordable Italian train network. And, thanks to its location in the geographical center of Italy, Rome also makes the ideal base for weekend getaways and day trips. In fact, day trips from Rome can show you some truly incredible locations and also help you get away from the tourist crowds that flock to the city at any time of year. Plus, a longer weekend trip gives you even more options when it comes to exploring what central Italy has to offer.

Step out of the shadow of the Colosseum and see more of the country on a weekend getaway from Rome. Whether you want to see a beautiful hilltop village, a gorgeous medieval town, a seaside resort town, or some beautiful natural scenery, it's all just a short journey away from this ancient city.

And don't forget to drop off your bags at a luggage storage in Rome before you go. Pack only what you need for a day trip or weekend trip and leave the rest behind, knowing it will be waiting for you safely when you return from your weekend getaway.

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For all its impressive ancient architecture, Rome isn't the only ancient town in the Lazio region. Just a short journey from Rome itself, the charming town of Tivoli lets you step back in time and explore several different periods of Italian history, along with the picturesque villages of the surrounding countryside.

Distance from Rome:

Located just 40 km east of Italy's capital city, Tivoli can be reached from Rome by car in around 45 minutes. If you don't want to drive in Rome, that's understandable. Luckily, a regional train runs from Roma Termini to Tivoli train station in just over half an hour.

Our activity recommendations:

Villa d'Este: One of the main tourist destinations in Tivoli, Villa d'Este is a 16th-century palace that once belonged to a powerful cardinal. Check out the beautiful rooms to see the opulence of the Catholic Church during the height of its political power. And don't forget to visit the palace gardens, which are often regarded as some of the most beautiful in all of Italy.

Villa Adriana: If you travel to Tivoli on a weekend getaway from Rome, you'll be in good historical company. The most powerful man in the world used to also enjoy weekend getaways from the city to Tivoli, and the Roman emperor Hadrian built a colossal villa here in the second century A.D. Now, these ancient ruins are a fascinating place to explore and the highlight of many day trips from Rome as well as weekend trips to this small town.

Rocca Pia: This 15th-century castle is the perfect place to explore more about the medieval and Renaissance history of Tivoli. Remarkably well preserved, the castle tells the story of the famous conflict between Italian nobility, the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, and is a great place to visit to enjoy the long history of this region.

Best season to visit:

Thanks to its centuries-old status as one of the best day trips from Rome, Tivoli gets extremely crowded during the summer season. For that reason, it might be better to visit in the spring or fall when the weather is still usually quite pleasant, but the crowds are more manageable.

Located in northern Lazio, the old town of Viterbo was once the heart of the Catholic Church during the 13th century. Nowadays, this beautiful medieval town is a lovely place to explore not just for its rich history but also for its incredible food and a more laid-back experience of Italian life.

Around 80 km north of Rome, Viterbo can be reached with a drive of around 1.5 hours. You can also reach it by train, which will take around the same amount of time.

Papal Palace: One of the top attractions in town, Viterbo's Papal Palace is located right next to the city's Cathedral and is a witness to the period when the papacy had to move from its ancient home in Rome due to political violence. Dating back to 1266, the palace was home to the popes for 24 years, and even after the papacy returned to the Vatican, it remained a getaway for a succession of powerful popes. Now it's a great place to learn more about this complex history.

Terme dei Papa: Another legacy of the presence of the popes in town is these magnificent thermal baths. The pools here are filled with rich mineral water and seem carved out of the rock itself, making this an extraordinarily beautiful place to relax. The on-site bar offers a range of beauty and health treatments, so it's the perfect place to pamper yourself and live like a medieval pope on a day trip.

Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia: Dating back to the seventh century BC, these ancient burial grounds prove that the Roman Empire didn't invent civilization in Italy. Any history buff will want to visit these atmospheric ruins and explore the Etruscan culture that had a stronghold in this area before it became absorbed by the growing Roman Empire to the south.

Viterbo is a year-round destination. Thanks to its proximity to Rome, it gets lots of tourism in the summer, with many urban residents heading here for a quick day trip. If you'd rather avoid that, consider visiting in spring or fall. However, even in winter, this is a great place for a weekend trip.

Known for its stunning medieval castle, Bracciano is a small town on the shores of a volcanic lake that offers the rich history you'd expect from this part of the world, but also a chance to experience the incredible scenery and more natural side of Italy.

Bracciano lies around 45 km north of Rome. Expect the drive to take just an hour. You can also get there by public transport in about an hour and a half.

Centro Storico: Bracciano's historic center is a maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings where there is always something new to discover. Part of the appeal here is just letting yourself wander and soak up the atmosphere. As well as some great restaurants and bars, you'll stumble across historic landmarks like the local cathedral and be treated to incredible views of Lake Bracciano from the viewpoint at the top of town.

Orsini-Odescalchi Castle: When this impressive Renaissance castle was first built in the 1470s, it may not have been with the express intention of hosting the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2006. Instead, the castle was built as a fortification to defend the lands of the local noble family from their enemies. However, this beautiful castle is an indisputably romantic destination.

Lake Bracciano: The crystalline waters of the lake are almost unbearably appealing during the hot summer months. Lake Bracciano offers plenty of beaches where you can lie out in the sun and work on your tan, and you can swim in the waters or go for a boat ride to enjoy the impressive scenery.

If you want to swim in the lake, the hot days of summer are your best bet. This town has enough historic interest, along with its great restaurants, to justify a visit at any time of year.

Formia-Gaeta

Although not particularly well-known to international visitors, the seaside resort towns of Formia and Gaeta are hugely popular with Italians who want to spend their summer holidays by the beach. Spending some time in these Mediterranean towns lets you feel like a local as you soak up the sun.

170 km south of Rome, Gaeta can be reached with a drive of just over two hours. Alternatively, you can reach Formia via a high-speed train from Rome in just one hour or a slower regional train in an hour and a half.

Gaeta: Arguably the more charming of the two towns, Gaeta is an old fishing village with a beautiful medieval center packed full of historic churches. This was once a refuge for popes, and now the town makes a lovely place to wander for a while and soak up the atmosphere.

Santuario della Montagna Spaccata and Grotta del Turco : Located in Gaeta, this striking mountain can be easily reached by public transport and provides incredible views over the many beaches of the area and the glittering Tyrrhenian sea. Wrapped in local legends, this gorgeous place is a must-visit while you're in this underrated part of Italy.

Formia: Formia is quite young by Italian standards, having formed out of the joining of four separate villages back in the 19th century. However, the town is home to endless kilometers of sandy beaches, along with some historical places to explore, like one of the largest Roman cisterns remaining in the world and the house of famous Roman statesman Cicero. Above all, the town is a great place to relax and enjoy a traditional Italian seaside getaway.

Summer in Formia and Gaeta is extremely busy, and the price for accommodation goes stratospheric. The weather is still perfectly warm here in spring and fall, so these make great times to visit.

Cilento Coast

The Amalfi coast is one of the most famous and most beautiful regions of Italy and the world, and this legendary location is reachable on weekend getaways from Rome. But you don't want to do what everyone else does, do you? After all, the Cilento Coast , though far less well-known, is every bit as stunning as the famous Campanian location.

Located south of Salerno, this underrated region takes just over three and a half hours to drive to from Rome, making it a little far for a day trip. However, it's just about the right distance for weekend trips from Rome, and the distance means it won't be as crowded as its beauty deserves.

Explore the towns: The Cilento Coast, like the more famous Amalfi, is home to a variety of small towns and quaint fishing villages that make fascinating places to explore. Check out the medieval village of Castellabate perched 300 m above the sea or the tiny town of Agropoli with its beautiful beaches. Wherever you go, you'll find incredible food, exceptional scenery, and a slower pace of life.

Hit the beach: This stretch of coastline is home to some spectacular beaches, including Cala Bianca, which was once recognized as the most beautiful beach in Italy. That's some tough competition. But wherever you go along this gorgeous coastline, you'll find a great mix of sandy beaches perfect for laying out on, combined with rocky coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

If you plan to take advantage of the beaches in this area, summer is the best time to visit. Because it's not as well-known as some other coastal locations, you can avoid the crowds and still enjoy this gorgeous region.

Rome is absolutely packed with things to do, and if you only have a short time in the city - for instance, three days in Rome - you should definitely focus on what the city itself has to offer. But if you have a little more time, it would be a shame not to explore some of these fantastic destinations. Whether you're looking for great day trips from Rome or truly excellent weekend getaways, you'll be spoiled for choice in this central region of Italy.

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Spectacular & Historical Locations For Day Trips From Rome

The best day trips and weekend getaways from Rome

From medieval towns and castles to beaches and lakes , the Lazio region and surrounding environs have it all. Rome is the perfect starting point for touring some of the best Italy has to offer, only a couple of hours from the city. Whether your idea of a perfect weekend is hiking with panoramic views, visiting historic sites, and churches, enjoying a leisurely meal in a typical osteria or getting lost wandering through quaint cobblestone streets, one of these weekend getaways  and day trips from Rome is sure to inspire a relaxing escape.

Castel Gandolfo

Lago di bolsena, lago di martignano, lago di bracciano, lago di vico, civita di bagnoregio, best beaches, santa severa, ostia antica, bomarzo’s park of the monsters, fiuggi and anagni, giardino di ninfa, santo stefano in sassano, montepulciano and pienza.

 Click on the photos below and discover a detailed post for each location

DAY TRIPS IN LAZIO

A day trip to Europe’s Largest Volcanic Lake

A Hidden Gem near Rome

A day trip to a Magical Town Famous for Strawberries

A volcanic lake an hour from Rome provides a refreshing respite

Tranquility in a Natural Reserve

Borgos – Small Villages

The city of the popes

Take a day trip to Lazio’s Boho Borgo

Charm and Olive Oil in the Hills of Sabina

A Fairytale Come to Life

A day trip to a Medieval Jewel with a Mighty Castle

Nature and beautiful monasteries

A trip back in Time

Beaches near Rome

A day trip to the magical island near Rome

Visit the Castel and the Medieval Village

Archaeological Sites

Fascinating Insight into Ancient Burial Practices

A day trip to A Smaller Version of Pompeii

A day trip to the Pearl of Etruria

Explore the enchanting villa

 The oldest sculpture park in the modern world

A visit to Fiuggi’s thermal baths is a must

A day trip to the enchanting Garden of the Nymphs

DAY TRIPS IN UMBRIA

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world

Medieval Elegance in Southern Umbria

DAY TRIPS IN ABRUZZO

Mountain Air and the Great Outdoors

Escape to Abruzzo

DAY TRIPS IN TOSCANA

How to spend 24 hours in Florence

A peek behind the  Mura Urbane

Lunch and Wine Tasting in Tuscany

DAY TRIPS IN CAMPANIA

Weekend Getaway to Naples

The City Frozen in Time

The Best Things To Do In Lazio

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Another easy day trip to Rome is Frascati. Frascati is famous for their white wine and is an easy 25 minute train ride from Roma Termini and costs only 2.10 euro. The town is charming and if you’d like to go on a great laid-back tour I recommend The Old Frascati Wine Tour http://www.oldfrascati.com The tour is run by an American woman who lives in Frascati and is part of one of the wine making families on the tour. Buon Viaggio!

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12 of the Best Day Trips From Rome

Roam away from Rome with these day trips to beaches, hill towns, and famous archaeological sites.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

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It can take a lifetime to thoroughly see Rome, with all its archaeological sites, historic landmarks, and ruins. If you’re interested in breaking up your time in the Eternal City with a day trip or two, you’re in luck: Rome is within easy reach of an array of day trip destinations, including major archaeological landmarks, charming hill towns, and pleasant seasides.

Below are the best day trips from Rome — most of which are conveniently accessible by public transport. While many of these destinations can be longer trips, they’re still worthy journeys to make when you want to step away from crowds of Italy’s biggest city.

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Full disclosure: A day trip to Pompeii will barely allow you to scratch the surface of this vast and fascinating archaeological site, where ash from the 79 C.E. eruption of Mount Vesuvius sealed the city in a 2,000-year-old time capsule. But you can cover a lot of ground in a day if you get an early start.

Take a morning high-speed train (either Trenitalia or Italo) to Naples’ Central station, then the Circumvesuviana regional line to the Pompei Scavi stop. Allow at least four to five hours to walk around the ruins. There’s also a daily shuttle bus from central Rome straight to the ruins.

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A vacation destination since the days of the Roman Empire, Tivoli is about an hour east of Rome. It’s the site of Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), the splendid ruins of the pleasure palace inspired by Roman emperor Hadrian’s far-flung travels. Tivoli is also home to 16th-century Villa d’Este and its magnificent gardens filled with fountains (including a musical one), waterfalls, streams, and other engineering wonders.

Since Villa d’Este is within walking distance of the train station, we recommend seeing Hadrian’s Villa in the morning, grabbing the bus back into town for lunch, and then touring Villa d’Este before taking an evening train back to Rome.

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To experience a slice of medieval Italy, catch a train to Orvieto , an Umbrian hill town about 1.5 hours north of Rome. A quick funicular ride from the train station takes you to the top of the tufa cliffs, which was first settled by the Etruscans , then destroyed by the Romans, and later rebuilt in the 12th century. Spend a pleasant day admiring its magnificent duomo, wandering its narrow streets, exploring its underground remains, and enjoying Orvieto Classico (the region’s white wine) and some hearty local cuisine. There’s plenty here to keep you for a night or two, if you have the time

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If you don’t have the time to schlep to Pompeii, don’t overlook Ostia Antica, an archeological site located roughly an hour from central Rome via commuter train. Though it didn’t have the same dramatic climax as Pompeii, Ostia was once the main port city of Rome and now offers a similar step back into a well-preserved Roman city. Highlights include a theater, multistory apartment buildings, and a bathhouse, and a latrine.

There’s also the fascinating Piazzale delle Corporazioni, a former open-air market where the inscriptions on the mosaic floors indicate the merchants that once inhabited the space. Trains to Ostia depart from Rome’s Ostiense train station.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

While a day or two is not enough to see Florence, an early start and a high-speed train to Santa Maria Novella station can get you to the cradle of the Italian Renaissance in less than two hours. It’ll leave you with a full day to explore and still be back in Rome by evening. Florence’s historic center is compact and walkable, making it possible to take in most of its major attractions in a few hours. This includes the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the bustling San Lorenzo Market, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge. Reserve timed entry in advance if you want to visit the Uffizi Gallery or see Michelangelo’s "David" in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze .

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Fast trains from Rome will get you to Napoli Centrale, the city’s main station, in just over an hour. We suggest spending the morning along the Spaccanapoli, a narrow street that cuts through the historical part of town. Be sure to take detours into its side streets , duck into churches, visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum , and sample the street food, including pastries and delicious fried pizza. In the afternoon, head to the seaside via taxi or subway — Naples' elaborately designed Metro stations are not to be missed — and spend a few hours strolling the waterfront, visiting the Castel dell'Ovo, and having a sunset aperitivo or dinner before catching a train back to Rome.

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If you’re interested in the complicated history of southern Italy, or you simply want to immerse yourself in Baroque architecture, the Royal Palace of Caserta is a long (but doable) day trip from Rome. The 18th-century palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the largest palace in Europe — even bigger than Versailles, on which it was modeled. The grand interiors vie for attention with the spectacular gardens, which include a two-mile canal, cascades, fountains, and a dreamy English garden. The palace entrance is just across the train station, which is approximately an hour ride from Rome.

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With a couple of direct trains to and from Rome each day, Assisi can be reached in a little more than two hours. While this majestic city is a pilgrimage destination, it's equally fascinating for anyone curious to learn more about the life of St. Francis and the history of the Franciscan order. (St. Francis is known for helping the poor and underprivileged, caring for animals, and founding the Franciscan order.) The basilica that houses his tomb, as well as frescoes by Italian painters Giotto and Cimabue, is a must-visit. Other worthy spots to check out: the Basilica di Santa Chiara, a Roman temple in the heart of the old town, and an ancient forum several feet underground. Assisi’s narrow streets are filled with cute shops, wine bars, and traditional trattorias.

Castelli Romani

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A short distance from Rome, the hill towns of the Castelli Romani region were the summer retreat for wealthy Roman nobles and, later, for even wealthier popes. Today, it’s a popular destination for sampling local food and wines. For those without a rental car, the two best options are Frascati and Castel Gandolfo — both towns are less than an hour away by train. At Frascati, you can visit the art-filled villas of the faded Roman aristocracy and enjoy glasses (or bottles!) of wine with lunch in one of its characteristic fraschette , or taverns. In Castel Gandolfo, visit the pope's summer palace and gardens, take in views of Lake Albano, or arrange for a tour and tasting at a nearby winery.

Santa Marinella

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If the sea calls to you, Santa Marinella is one of the best places to spend a beach day close to the city. About an hour from Rome by train, it’s not quite as convenient as other popular spots like Ostia’s waterfront or Fregenae, but the beaches are better and there are some nice spots for outdoor dining in the small town. If you spring for a lounge chair and umbrella at a stabilimenti (private beach), you’ll likely have access to a bathroom, showers, and a locker. Or, seek out a sandy spot on the spiaggia libera (free beach) — just expect to have lots of company on the weekends.

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Sperlonga is a bit of a haul from Rome, but it's worth it for its Blue Flag beach — a designation of cleanliness and water quality — and the picturesque town itself. To get there, take the roughly 90-minute train from the Roma Termini station to the Fondi Sperlonga stop, then grab a shuttle bus or taxi down to the seaside. There are several beaches along the 3.5-mile seafront, and most have clear, shallow water and excellent swimming conditions. A free beach area near the Villa di Tiberio offers a good excuse to explore the seaside retreat of first-century Roman emperor Tiberius.

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This is the only destination on our list that isn’t super-convenient for train travelers, but Cerveteri makes the cut for its Etruscan cemetery, the Necropoli della Banditaccia. This so-called "city of the dead" — laid out in a pattern similar to city blocks — is largely filled with above-ground dome- or square-shaped tombs, many of which contain several rooms. As one of the most important archaeological sites in the Etruscan realm, the necropolis has yielded a trove of artifacts and information about these enigmatic predecessors to the Romans. To get there without a car, take the train from Roma Termini to Ladispoli-Cerveteri, from where it's a 10-minute taxi ride to the site.

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4 Best Day Trips from Rome

By Arlene Gibbs and Laura Itzkowitz

Forget the old adage “all roads lead to Rome.” Sometimes, you just wanna get out of the Eternal City, with its blistering summers and maddening traffic jams. Luckily, Lazio and the surrounding region of Umbria contain a wealth of artistic and culinary treasures worthy of a day trip or long weekend. From exploring the Renaissance villas and gardens of Tivoli—an essential stop on the Grand Tour—to visiting the wineries of Umbria's picturesque Orvieto, and living la dolce vita in the countryside of the Castelli Romani, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this guide to the best day trips from Rome.

Click the link to read our complete Rome city guide .

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Tivoli is a beautiful mountain town filled with historical sites and gardens. Located in the Monti Tiburtini hills, Tivoli was a resort town for wealthy Romans who were fleeing the notoriously hot Roman summers. It was also a must-see destination during The Grand Tour for its two UNESCO heritage sites, Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. Your best bet is to take the train to get there; buses are a bit unreliable and can be packed to the gills during the summer.

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The Roman emperor Hadrian built this villa as his country estate outside Rome. Its ruins are recognized as his greatest artistic achievement and bear UNESCO World Heritage status. Archeology lovers and history buffs will be drawn to this historically charged site, but it's also nice if you just want a stroll in the fresh air; it's a great spot for those who've already seen Rome's major sights and want to dig deeper. The Maritime Theater—an artificial island built as the emperor's private residence—is worth seeking out. Just be aware that it's all outside, so don't come if the weather is lousy.

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The palace was built in the 16th century for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, son of Lucrezia Borgia. While the gardens with their fountains are the main draw, the Villa itself shouldn’t be missed. It’s filled with stunning frescos and history, some of it controversial. Cardinal d’Este “took” almost all the statues and marble from the nearby Villa Adriana to furnish his own home. This Renaissance villa is best known for its massive, elaborately landscaped gardens. Wandering around the grounds, with its beautiful flowers and elaborate fountains, might inspire you to ditch your life back home and buy a crumbling old villa to fix up. You don't have to be a history buff to see the beauty here.

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As you approach this former castle, the medieval stone architecture makes quite an impression. The décor is a little dated, but the pool, gardens, and views of Tivoli more than make up for it. The location—a five-minute drive outside of town—is ideal for travelers who want a convenient, upscale stay from which to explore the hilltop village of Tivoli, the former summer retreat for ancient Romans and Renaissance-era moneyed folk.

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This imposing castle built by Pope Pius II in 1461 was used as a prison until the 1960s. The inside is closed to the public, so most people just stop by to snap some photos on their way to the Villa d'Este or Villa Adriana . Seeing this medieval landmark is a good reminder that Tivoli—like Rome—is a potpourri of architectural styles due to its long history.

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This restaurant, poised on top of the acropolis overlooking the Temple of Vesta , has been around since 1720—you can feel its historic character as soon as you walk through the door. The vibe inside is elegant, with parquet floors and white-napped tables, but the outdoor terrace with views of the Aniene River is the place to be. Everyone from Princess Margaret to Yoko Ono has dined here, so the restaurant's reputation precedes it. (Reservations are definitely recommended.)

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This picturesque park maintained by F.A.I. (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) offers a manicured version of wild nature that drew artists and writers away from the sights of Rome in the 19th century. It's definitely a feast for the eyes but is a decent workout too, with a trail leading you past a waterfall (don't miss!), caves, grottos, and up and down lots of stairs. FAI recommends one-and-a-half to two hours to do the full loop around the park.

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Ristorante Villa Esedra falls somewhere between casual and elegant, featuring rustic tables and chairs, leather banquettes, and fresh flowers. If you're craving pizza, you'll be happy to know this place serves it (unlike most trattorias in Rome ), but the pastas and seafood dishes, like spaghetti with anchovies and garlic oil or gnocchi with lobster, are the true crowd pleasers. If the weather is nice, request a table outside in the charming garden.

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This is a pint-sized, no-frills all-day café with a handful of tables outside on the piazza. Stick to the basics here—an Aperol Spritz, gin and tonic, beer or wine—anything with three ingredients or less. Like your typical Italian caffetterias, it has an espresso machine, pastries displayed displayed in a glass case, and aperitivo. It's a dependable spot to relax after exploring Tivoli's big sights. For a more robust meal, try Ristorante Sibella .

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The ruins of a circular temple from the first century B.C. is one of Italy's most famous archeological landmarks—or rather, it was in the 19th century, when Americans and Brits flocked here on the Grand Tour. Of all of the country's ancient ruins, including the Colosseum , this temple is one of the most painted. Turner and Claude Lorraine were just two of many artists who came here to make it the subject of their work.

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Built in the second century B.C., this rectangular ancient Roman temple is located on the acropolis of Tivoli near the Temple of Vesta . Unless you're an archeology history buff, don't seek out this small temple on its own. Just admire it while exploring the acropolis overlooking Villa Gregoriana . Seeing it, along with the nearby ruins, will remind how incredibly advanced the Roman Empire was.

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This is a serious pub but with Italian food on par with the best restaurants in Rome . It has a great vibe and is warm and dark inside with plenty of outdoor seating. A great spot if you want to eat and drink somewhere casual. This is a beer joint, all the way, but you'll find very good Italian bar food, like bruschetta. There are also panini, fries, and more classics that work well with the drinks menu. Bonus: the staff is attentive by Roman standards.

CASTELLI ROMANI

The Castelli Romani are located in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome. There are seventeen of these small, delightful towns and they have drawn wealthy and notable Romans to these hills for centuries.  Each town has its own flavor, but all are known for their awe-inspiring views, delicious food and wine, art, and architecture. 

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If you thought the Vatican was grand, wait until you see the Papal Summer Palace on Lake Albano. About an hour southeast of Rome in the region known as the Castelli Romani, the palace sprawls over 55 hectares of gardens, including Pope Benedict's organic farm. Pope Francis first allowed visitors to access the gardens in 2014; in 2016, he opened 20 rooms in the palace. Tickets cost 11 Euros and can be bought online.

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Surrounded by gardens and rolling hills, this charming agriturismo is just 40 minutes outside of Rome but feels a world away. Out here, you're surrounded by the olive groves and vineyards of Frascati, whose wines have D.O.C.G. status (the highest designation for Italian wines). A farmhouse built in the early 20th century lies at the heart of the property, and on a clear day, you can see the Cupola of St. Peter's in the distance.

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This casual restaurant in Albano has a sort of shabby-chic homegrown vibe. It's an intimate space with black-and-white checked floors, wood-beamed ceilings, shelves stacked with wine bottles, and paintings on the walls. In the evening, low lighting gives it an ambient glow. Come here for simple plates based around local, fresh ingredients from Lazio and wines from Frascati.

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This impressive baroque palazzo renovated by Gian Lorenzo Bernini was once home to the powerful Chigi family, one of the most important Italian Papal dynasties. The sybaritic Cardinal Flavio Chigi amassed an impressive collection of 17th-century baroque paintings and furnishings, which remain on display. Famed director Luchino Visconti filmed scenes from The Leopard here in 1963, and the place looks the same now as it did then.

Barrique at Poggio le Volpi Arrow

German chef Oliver Glowig has spent his 20-year career in Italian kitchens, including the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa and the Hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese , where he earned two Michelin stars. This intimate restaurant of his is set inside the barrel room of Poggio Le Volpi winery. Aside from fruity white Frascati, the wine list features a variety of French Champagne, Tuscan reds by Antinori, and bottles from as far away as New Zealand. The food emphasizes creative takes on Italian classics, like a scampi crudo with artichoke hearts and burrata, cacio e pepe pasta with sea urchin, and pork with celery and cherries soaked in Armagnac.

Museo delle Navi Romane Arrow

The first-century Roman emperor Caligula—known for insane behavior like trying to appoint his horse to the senate—created two massive pleasure ships laden with marble, ivory, and mosaics that floated in the Lake of Nemi. No one knows how or why exactly they sunk, but people tried unsuccessfully to recover them since the 15th century. Ultimately, it was Mussolini who ordered the lake drained and had the ships pulled out of the mud before they were destroyed in a fire during WWII. The museum, a great one to add after you see the best in Rome , is dedicated to these curious relics, with artifacts and documentation about them.

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This place has a rustic-chic vibe, with an eclectic mix of mismatched chairs and tables, a birdcage hanging from the ceiling, vintage signs, and other retro memorabilia. There are two dining options—the full-service restaurant Nando or the more casual cafe Peppa; the former has an extensive wine list while the latter has a variety of aperitivi. Both focus on Italian comfort with a twist; whatever you do, save room for Peppa's mouth-watering fruit tarts, cakes, and cannoli.

Tour of the Catacombs of San Senatore and the Roman Cistern, Imago Artis Arrow

Imago Artist founder Fulvio De Bonis is an art historian by training and is extremely passionate about Lazio, where he was born and raised. He knows all the best under-the-radar and off-limits sites to visit in Rome and the surrounding area, like the Catacombs of San Senatore under the Church of Santa Maria della Stella and the Roman Cistern, an underground series of tunnels and aqueducts that still functions today.

Hotel Flora Arrow

Hotel Flora is housed in an elegant Liberty-style villa surrounded by a charming garden. It's conveniently located a short walk from the train station and ten minutes from the center of town. Rooms are clean and serviceable with parquet floors, traditional decor, and marble bathrooms. It's a nice, tranqil base in the Castelli Romani, but don't expect the kind of five-star accommodations you'd find in Rome .

Fondi dal 1936 Arrow

This casual café is a typical cafeteria-style spot that serves espresso throughout the day, aperitivi in the evening, and a selection of sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes. The food and drink isn't fancy, but it's simple and dependable. Try the mouthwatering pizza al taglio, sliced as large or small as you please. It can get quite crowded so you might have to vie for a spot at the bar if you can't snag a table.

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This parish church is named for St. Thomas of Villanova. It's notable because it was designed by the one and only Gian Lorenzo Bernini and inside there's a painting by Pietro da Cortona. Entry is free. Whether you're an art lover or history lover, this is a great spot for reflection and to appreciate the genius that is Bernini. If you have limited time, this Catholic Church is worth a quick peek. It's doable as the town Castel Gandolfo itself is rather small.

Frascati Arrow

Like many towns in the Castelli Romani, Frascati was a popular summer escape for Roman nobility. The town has a pretty Centro Storico and views of Rome. It's also know for its porchetta and wines. There were many villas built here, but unfortunately, many were destroyed during World War II. The impressive Villa Aldobrandini overlooks the town. It's a private villa still owned by the Aldobrandini family, but the gardens are open to the public. The views from the garden alone are worth the visit, while the villa has seen better days. However, it's easy to imagine how it was back in the day. The garden is open only on weekdays and is closed at lunch time (1-3 p.m.) All said and done, a trip to this tiny town is a great (and easy) activity to escape the summer heat of Rome.

Ariccia Arrow

For centuries, Ariccia has been a refuge for artists who came to these hills for inspiration. Its natural beauty captivated many Romans during the Renaissance. Quite a few of these Romans happened to be from very powerful and wealthy families. They were patrons to artists and architects such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini. As a result, this small town is filled with architectural gems such as Palazzo Savelli Chigi, the church Santa Maria Assunta, and the Ponte di Ariccia. The Palazzo was the location for many famous films, including the Visconti masterpiece The Leopard . Santa Maria Assunta, also designed by Bernini, was inspired by the Pantheon . Ponte di Ariccia is a must see for its architecture and its incredible valley and sea views.

Lido Rocco Arrow

Sperlonga's miles of beach is partitioned off by several different beach clubs identifiable by their different colored umbrellas—Lido Rocco's are blue and white. It's a full-service affair typical of Italy's beach club culture, featuring plentiful Aperol Spritzes , pasta, and lounge chairs. Italians come to Sperlonga's beaches because the water is a gorgeous shade of aquamarine. It's warmest and most pleasant for swimming during the high season months of July and August, when Romans are seeking an escape from the city's oppressive heat, but the beach is still nice in June and September. The waves don't get high enough for surfing, but you can rent stand-up paddle boards. Most people just relax on the sand and dip in the water to cool down.

Sperlonga is a small beach town between Rome and Naples. Its beach is Blue Flag status, meaning the water is noted for its clarity and cleanliness. In fact, the beach is so wonderful that sometimes all else is overlooked. Sperlonga, like many Italian hill towns, has an Old Town, the Centro Storico. The Centro Storico is on a cliff and dates back to medieval times. Its white buildings, punctuated with bright pink bougainvillea, are redolent of a Greek fishing village. It’s definitely worth a stroll and is a perfect spot to have an aperitivo as you wait for the bus to the train station.

Ristorante Gli Archi Arrow

Tucked away on a quiet street in the center of town, this intimate restaurant has a quintessential Old World vibe. Inside, there are brick arches and decor that references the town's ancient history, but the terrace is the place to be on a warm evening. As you'd expect in a beach town, seafood is the star of the menu here. (Even restaurant critic Ruth Reichl can't resist Sperlonga's seafood .) The dishes are fairly traditional, featuring classics like spaghetti alle vongole, risotto alla pescatora, and the catch of the day. For the best meal, ask the waiter what's fresh and trust their recommendation.

The Villa of Tiberius Arrow

The archeological ruins of the Villa of Tiberius, the Roman emperor who ruled from 17 to 42 CE, were long rumored to lie somewhere between Rome and Naples . Finally discovered in 1957, they testify to this importance of this whitewashed seaside town that's been all but forgotten since its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. Legend has it, Sperlonga was a stop on Odysseus's journey, and a group of ancient sculptures depicting scenes from the Odyssey were found in the grotto adjacent to the villa. Anyone can wander the ruins of the villa, but you have to pay a 5 Euro admission fee to enter the museum where the statues are now kept.

Torre Truglia Arrow

This 17th-century tower stands out like a strange, geometric sentinel atop a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. After the town was sacked by pirates in the 16th century, it was erected to protect the area from further attacks. There's not much to do in the tower, but its breathtaking views are worth a quick stop. You can just walk up to it via a path in town or from the beach below.

Grotte di Pastena Arrow

These ancient caves are believed to date back to the mesozoic era, though they weren't opened to tourists until the 1980s. Now, you can see them on an hour-long guided tour. Just be warned, not all the guides speak English. The caves are in a pretty remote part of Lazio, about a 50-minute drive inland from Sperlonga, so the people who go are pretty committed to seeking them out (and not afraid of bats).

The Gardens of Ninfa Arrow

This tranquil garden is beautifully manicured and tightly controlled by the Roffredo Caetani Foundation—Caetani was the godson of composer Franz Liszt and married a wealthy English woman who cultivated the garden. It's a feast for the eyes with several types of roses, magnolias, wisteria, and other flowers blooming in spring and summer. Don't miss the man-made lake, where divers discovered the foundations of a Roman temple.

Pasticceria Fiorelli Arrow

This small café and gelateria is a typical, no-frills affair with a big glass case full of pastries, a nice selection of gelato ( as good as any in you'll find in Rome !), an espresso machine, and some liquor for aperitivo. There's no room to sit inside, but there are plenty of tables outside on the piazza. Locals and visitors come here throughout the day for breakfast—cappuccino and cornetto is typical in these parts—gelato, and aperitivo in the evening.

Virgilio Grand Hotel Arrow

This is a clean, modern hotel conveniently located a short walk from Sperlonga's beaches and ideal for a short, one-to-two-night stay. Rooms feature simple, modern furnishings, air conditioning (which isn't guaranteed at hotels in this area), a TV, and a minibar with complimentary soft drinks. The cheapest rooms have sloping mansard roofs that could be problematic for tall guests; the nicest rooms have a small terrace. The property has an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and a buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.

Antico Caffè Trani Arrow

Antico Caffè Trani is exactly the kind of carefree sidewalk café that makes you want to linger over an aperitivo or espresso. It's located in a prime people-watching spot on the main piazza in Sperlonga's historic center. Snag one of the director's chairs and enjoy the view. The cafe serves a lunch and dinner menu of pastas, seafood, grilled veggies, and caprese salad. The food is best for when you want an easy, no-fuss meal.

Levante Beach Arrow

The water is glorious at this Blue Flag beach, warm enough to swim during the spring, summer, and early fall. It does get very crowded during the summer. Non-summer weekdays are fantastic, though. It can be a bit of a hike to get to this beach, but it's worth it. This is one of the nicest beaches on the Italian west coast . It's a perfect place to come for a break from hectic and hot Rome. Inside tip: be on the lookout for jellyfish. Some may pop up when the water is very warm.

Orvieto is a small hill town in Umbria.  It’s a perfect and easy day trip from Rome. Set on a cliff of tufa rock (no worries there’s a funicular), this charming town offers specular views, excellent food, and incredible art. Orvieto is known for its local white wine, known as Orvieto Classico, and its olive oil. This is the place to get lost in the pretty side streets—and underneath the streets. There are more than 1,200 caves and tunnels that wind below the town that were built by the Etruscans during the third century BC. But the major attraction is the Duomo, built in 1290. 

Torre del Moro Arrow

This grand watchtower has 250 steps that lead to an incredible 360-degree view of the city. It's a must-see for the panoramic views and the surrounding countryside. This is perfect for people who love a good climb, with a lookout that makes it worth it.

Il Duomo di Orvieto Arrow

The Duomo was started in 1290. But it took three centuries, 33 architects, 152 sculptors, 68 painters, and 90 mosaic masters to complete. It's a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. There is no fee to enter the Duomo, but visitors should get there early during high season as it is a popular attraction. Once inside, look for the San Brizio Chapel. Within, Luca Signorelli's nudes became famous for the subject matter and the form. His breathtaking frescos are considered some of the most important works of the Renaissance. They inspired Michelangelo’s own Last Judgment for the Sistine Chapel . 

Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini Arrow

This renovated 16th century palazzo still retains its charm and history and is located right in the center of town. Once owned by the powerful papal Piccolomini family, it still has many original features, like arches and wooden ceilings. Often renovations of older palazzos strip the space of all character. That was not the case with this hotel. There is a fun bar in the lobby but no restaurant on site. Breakfast (included) is the standard European style and consists of lots of pastries, fruit, cheeses, scrambled eggs, and coffee. The central location makes it a cinch to get to all the sites. 

L'Oste del Re Arrow

Immediately, there is a relaxed atmosphere at L'Oste del Re. People come here for their pork dishes, reasonable prices, and overall good food. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists; it's not a pretentious place. They have a solid selection of local wine—it is Italy, after all! And when it comes to the food, your best bet is anything and everything made with cinghiale (wild boar).

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