Rome in 2 Days: A First-Timer’s Ultimate Guide

Start your second day in Rome at the iconic Colosseum,
a must-see symbol of the city’s rich history.

To avoid long lines, we recommend arriving early or
purchasing your tickets online in advance.

The Colosseum [Colosseo]

The Flavian Amphitheater, commonly known as the Colosseum, was constructed by
Emperor Vespasian in 71 AD and inaugurated in 80 AD. This magnificent structure hosted
gladiator combats and other grand spectacles.

On July 7, 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

To make the most of your visit and save time, it’s best to buy tickets online.

Experience the wonder of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
with an expert guide and skip-the-line tickets.

The Palatine Hill [Palatino]

The Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s legendary seven hills, is steeped in history and myth.

According to legend, it was here that the twins Romulus and Remus were found and
suckled by a she-wolf in a cave. As adults, they decided to build a city on Palatine Hill,
but Romulus ultimately killed Remus and became the first of Rome’s seven kings.

Today, the Palatine Hill is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, including temples and
the residences of Roman emperors. Among the most well-preserved structures
is the house of Augustus, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The Roman Forum [Foro Romano]

Located between Palatine Hill and Capitol Square, the Roman Forum was once the
epicenter of political and social life in ancient Rome. This priceless archaeological site,
built between 46 BC and 113 AD, features the ruins of markets, temples, and public buildings.

As you wander through this historic area, you’ll see the grandeur of Rome’s past and
the monumental structures that once shaped its vibrant heart.

Piazza Venezia and the Altar of the Fatherland [Altare della Patria]

Piazza Venezia stretches between Via del Corso and Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Here, you’ll find the Altar of the Fatherland, a grand monument built from 1885 onwards
to celebrate Italy’s unification and honor the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.

Don’t miss the chance to enter the monument and take the lift to the panoramic terrace.
The Quadrigas terrace offers stunning views of Rome, helping you appreciate
the city’s layout and landmarks.

Just across from the monument is Via del Corso, a renowned shopping street
bustling with stores and boutiques.

A bit further from the Altar of the Fatherland, you’ll find two staircases:

The first, a steep set of steps, leads to the Church of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.
The second staircase takes you to Capitol Square.

Capitol Square [Piazza del Campidoglio]

The Capitoline Hill is the smallest but most significant of Rome’s seven hills.
The entire square and its buildings were designed by Michelangelo, who created
the grand “Cordonata” staircase, allowing an easy ascent for riders.

The square is surrounded by three notable buildings:

The Senatorial Palace, which houses the town hall
The Palace of the Conservators
The New Palace, home to the Capitoline Museums(Buy tickets here)

At the center of the square stands the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius.

Don’t miss the terrace at the back of the Capitoline Hill, which offers a
stunning view over the Roman Forum.

Theater of Marcellus [Teatro Marcello]

From Capitol Square, head towards the Mouth of Truth and you’ll come across
the Theater of Marcellus.This ancient structure, located in Campo Marzio, stands where
the “Theatrum et proscenium ad Apollinis” once was, connected to the temple of Apollo.

It’s the only ancient theater still standing in Rome and
could originally accommodate around 15,000 spectators.

Continuing your walk, you’ll notice a brick bell tower on the left. This marks
the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin, famous for the Mouth of Truth located in its porch.

The mouth of truth [Bocca della Verità]

The Mouth of Truth gained fame from the film “Roman Holiday” by William Wyler.
According to legend, the mouth would bite the hand of anyone who didn’t tell the truth,
adding a touch of intrigue to this iconic site.

Circus Maximus [Circo Massimo]

The Circus Maximus, once a colossal stadium with a capacity of up to 300,000 spectators,
was famed for its thrilling chariot races, which involved seven laps around the track.

Today, the “Circo Maximo Experience” brings its history to life with a 40-minute tour,
using modern technology to help you envision the grandeur of this ancient arena.

Nearby the Circus Maximus, you’ll find Metro Line B, which connects directly to Termini Station.
From Termini, you can easily transfer to Metro Line A to continue your journey.

Rome Travel Tips

When visiting Rome, planning ahead can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
For seamless connectivity, consider purchasing an eSIM before you arrive.
This allows you to stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards,
ensuring you can easily access maps and travel apps.

If you’re exploring the city with your belongings, Rome offers convenient luggage storage
services throughout the city. These services allow you to drop off your bags at various locations,
so you can explore Rome light and make the most of your time.

Additionally, Rome’s central location makes it easy to take day trips to nearby destinations. Whether you want to visit the historic city of Florence, the charming town of Orvieto, or the
scenic coastline of the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find plenty of options for quick and
convenient trips just a short train or bus ride away.

In conclusion

I hope you found this guide to Rome both enjoyable and useful.

Rome is a city brimming with charm and history, and if you have more time, there’s
always something new to discover—whether it’s an overlooked church, a hidden museum,
or an iconic monument. Don’t forget to explore nearby cities and attractions, easily accessible
by train or bus, to make the most of your Italian adventure.