🕒 48 Hours in Rome: A Weekend Itinerary

⏱️ Introduction: Maximize 2 Days in the Eternal City

Only have a weekend in Rome? No problem. With smart planning, you can see the city’s biggest sights, eat amazing food, and even discover a few hidden gems. This fast-paced yet flexible itinerary will help you make the most of 48 hours in Rome.

🗓️ Day 1: Ancient Rome + Classic Icons

Morning

• Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill
  👉 Book a combo skip-the-line ticket
  🏛️ [AFFILIATE_LINK_COLOSSEUM_TOUR]

Midday

• Lunch in Monti – grab pizza al taglio or sit down at a cozy trattoria
  🍕 [AFFILIATE_LINK_LUNCH_SPOT]

Afternoon

• Visit the Pantheon, then toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
  • Stop for gelato at Giolitti or Venchi
    🍨 [AFFILIATE_LINK_GELATO_MAP_OR_RECOMMENDATION]

Evening

• Dinner in Trastevere + explore the nightlife
  🍷 [AFFILIATE_LINK_TRASTEVERE_DINNER_OR_BAR]
  📍 Internal Link: [Rome Nightlife Guide]

🗓️ Day 2: The Vatican + Local Life

Morning

• Visit Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica
  👉 Book early entry or skip-the-line
  🎟️ [AFFILIATE_LINK_VATICAN_PASS]

Midday

• Lunch in Prati (grab a sandwich from Panino Giusto or Pastasciutta)
  🥪 [AFFILIATE_LINK_LOCAL_SPOT]

Afternoon

• Climb Castel Sant’Angelo for city views
• Stroll the Tiber River or cross to Campo de’ Fiori

📸 [AFFILIATE_IMAGE_PRODUCT: Rome Weekend View Poster]

Evening

• Romantic aperitivo at a rooftop bar (suggestions: Zuma, Minerva, Terrazza Borromini)
• Sunset at Pincian Terrace or Gianicolo Hill

🌇 [AFFILIATE_LINK_ROOFTOP_BAR_OR_WALKING_TOUR]

🧳 Where to Stay for a 2-Day Trip

• Centro Storico – ideal for walking to all major sights
• Monti – charming, slightly quieter, close to Colosseum
• Prati – great for day 2 proximity to Vatican

🏨 [AFFILIATE_LINK_HOTEL_FOR_WEEKEND_STAY]

✨ Bonus Tips for a Weekend in Rome

• Pack light and use a carry-on
• Book major tickets in advance
• Avoid Termini late at night—use pre-booked transfers

🎒 [AFFILIATE_LINK_WEEKEND_PACKING_KIT]

🔗 Related Posts to Link:

• [Best Time to Visit Rome – Month-by-Month Guide]
• [Top 10 Attractions in Rome & How to Visit Them]
• [Rome on a Budget – Save While You Sightsee]

🏁 Wrap-Up: Your Roman Weekend, Done Right

With this 48-hour itinerary, you’ll check off the big sights, eat like a local, and still have time to pause for a sunset. Rome wasn’t built in a day—but you’ll see its best in two.