48 Hours in Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, enthralls with its millennia of history, iconic landmarks, world-famous art, and coveted cuisine. For travelers with just a couple of days to spare, every moment counts in this trove of ancient wonders and modern delights. Here are some highlights of things to do in Rome, including a luxury stay in a palazzo; visits to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain; plus information on some of the best restaurants in Rome as well as where to find delicious street food and smooth-as-silk gelato.

Try these essential foods in Rome

A highlight of any Roman holiday is indulging in its gastronomic delights, and pasta is primo. Start your culinary journey with a plate of authentic cacio e pepe at Felice a Testaccio, where this classic dish shines in its purest form and is the specialty of the venerable house. Keep in mind that pasta is usually served before your main course, not as a main course, so servings are often smaller.

Next, savor supplì, Rome’s beloved street food cousin to arancini. These deep-fried rice balls filled with ragù and mozzarella offer a burst of comforting flavor in every bite. You can pick these up at almost any pizza shop or café window, and at street food haven Trapizzino, a 5-minute walk away.

If it’s still daytime, snag a shot of espresso at a café bar. Romans take their coffee seriously, and nowhere is this more evident than at Sant' Eustachio Il Caffè, revered for its rich, velvety brew using water still flowing from an ancient aqueduct. Any time of day, grab a cup or cone of gelato to take on your walk to your next destination. Gelato shops are abundant, but for look for one with fewer flavors presented in smaller tins if you’re hoping for handmade batches from quality ingredients.

Check out these top things to see in Rome

There are hundreds of eye-popping sights in Rome, so you’ll have to pick your very top choices with only two days to spend. These should include both the Colosseum and the sprawling Roman Forum, which are next to each other and can be visited with a single ticket that also includes the ruins atop the neighboring Palatine Hill. Venture to the iconic Trevi Fountain and toss a coin into its famous waters, ensuring your return to Rome. This baroque masterpiece only dates to the 18th Century, but is still older than the U.S. and was recently restored. Not too far from the Trevi, try not to miss the Pantheon, the only complete building remaining from antiquity worldwide, and a marvel of ancient engineering.

If you’re sightseeing like a pro and still have both time and energy, a visit to the Spanish Steps is a Roman favorite, but it’s at the end of Via dei Condotti, one of the world’s most famous luxury shopping streets, and not particularly convenient to many of the city’s other headliners. In the opposite direction, the medieval village of Trastevere, across the Tiber River, is a vine-clad stunner of cobblestone alleys, trendy outdoor dining, and the 4th-century Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in the city and still adorned with 12th-century mosaics.

Visit the Vatican

No visit to Rome is complete without exploring the magnificent collections of the Vatican Museums, sheltered behind the walls of the world’s smallest independent state. Start early to avoid the crowds, and be sure not to miss the highlights, including the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the Sistine Chapel.

Afterward, make your way to the soaring St. Peter’s Basilica, and try to comprehend its immense size by perusing the floor markings down the central nave to see how other world monuments stack up. Marvel at the grandeur of Bernini’s Baldacchino and Michelangelo’s Pietà, and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome. If interested, you can exit by way of the underground tombs of several popes. Otherwise, simply leave the way you came in.

Book a room at this memorable Rome Hotel

Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese offers a luxury stay in a former palazzo alongside the famed Borghese Gardens. Slightly removed from the city center but still convenient to major sights, it offers an easy escape from the commotion of the city with plush surroundings, modern amenities, and first-class service.

Take at least one meal at Settimo, the rooftop restaurant, to enjoy sweeping vistas of the park and city beyond, including an enchanting view of St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s worth waiting for an outdoor table by the wall if you have the option. All you need to do is ask and they’ll let you know if it’s possible.