Rome isn’t just a place to visit – it’s a city to live and breathe. A single weekend is enough to feel it: between a sunset stroll along the Tiber, a coffee with a view of the Pantheon, and a plate of carbonara at a trattoria in Trastevere, the Eternal City captures your heart forever.
If you only have two or three days, don’t worry: with a little planning and the right tips, you can enjoy an authentic, intense, and unforgettable experience of Rome. Here’s a complete guide on what to see in Rome over a weekend, with smart itineraries and a few hidden gems off the beaten path.
Day One: Classical Rome Tour
Start your weekend in the heart of Rome, where it all began, with a Classical Rome tour. Here are the must-see stops in detail!
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the Colosseum and Imperial Forums. It’s best to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. After exploring the Flavian Amphitheatre, take a walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum and climb the Palatine Hill, home to the ancient imperial residences. Surrounded by columns and breathtaking views, it's easy to imagine the city as it was 2,000 years ago.
Piazza Venezia and the Altare della Patria
Coming down from Palatine Hill, you'll reach Piazza Venezia, dominated by the imposing Altare della Patria, also known as the Vittoriano. Ride the panoramic elevator to the top for one of the most spectacular views over Rome.
Trevi Fountain
From here, it’s just a short walk to the Trevi Fountain. Bring a coin: tradition says that tossing it into the fountain ensures your return to the Eternal City.
Pantheon and Piazza Navona
Continue on to the Pantheon, a masterpiece of Roman architecture, and then take a moment to soak up the elegant atmosphere of Piazza Navona. Its three fountains, including Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, are an open-air marvel.
Day Two: Vatican and Trastevere Tour
The second day is perfect for discovering the city’s more spiritual and picturesque side, perhaps with a guided Vatican tour that includes skip-the-line entry.
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums
Spend the morning in the Vatican. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s most iconic and awe-inspiring places, crowned by Michelangelo’s dome. If you have time, climb to the top for an unforgettable view of the city. Then head to the Vatican Museums and marvel at the Sistine Chapel – an experience that needs no introduction.
Castel Sant’Angelo
After lunch, a walk down Via della Conciliazione will lead you to Castel Sant’Angelo. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it later became a fortress, a papal residence, and now a museum. Its terrace offers one of the most romantic sunsets in Rome.
Trastevere
In the evening, cross the Tiber and get lost in the charming streets of Trastevere. This is one of the most vibrant and authentic districts of Rome: colorful houses, laundry hanging between buildings, trattorias, live music venues, and artisan shops. Enjoy dinner at a local osteria: cacio e pepe, carciofi alla giudia, and wine from the Castelli hills.
Day Three: Rome’s Hidden Gems and Scenic Walks
The last day is the perfect opportunity to discover some of Rome’s lesser-known but equally fascinating corners.
Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Farnese
Start your day with breakfast at one of the cafés in Campo de’ Fiori, maybe while exploring the local market, full of flowers, fruit, and spices. Just steps away, Piazza Farnese offers a peaceful and elegant setting, far from the usual crowds.
The Jewish Ghetto and Portico of Octavia
Stroll toward the Theatre of Marcellus to enter the Jewish Ghetto, one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Here, ancient history meets living culture: the Portico of Octavia, the Synagogue, historic shops, and kosher restaurants tell stories that span centuries.
Tiber Island and the Orange Garden
Crossing the Ponte Fabricio brings you to Tiber Island, a tiny gem in the middle of the river. From here, climb up the Aventine Hill: first stop at the Rose Garden (a springtime wonder), then visit the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for one of the most poetic views in Rome. Final hidden gem: the keyhole of the Knights of Malta gate, perfectly framing St. Peter’s dome.
Where to Eat in Rome During the Weekend
Rome is also a feast for the senses. Here are a few tips to enjoy local cuisine at just the right moments of the day:
- Breakfast: Start with a strong, creamy espresso at one of the city’s historic cafés, accompanied by a cream- or jam-filled croissant.
- Lunch: Stop by a bakery or traditional deli for a slice of stuffed pizza bianca or a sampling of local cured meats.
- Dinner: Choose a Roman trattoria in an authentic neighborhood like Trastevere or Testaccio and indulge in the classics: carbonara, amatriciana, or oxtail stew (coda alla vaccinara).
- Dessert: End with a handmade tiramisù or, in warmer months, a refreshing grattachecca (shaved ice with syrup) to enjoy on a walk.
How to Get Around Rome on a Weekend
Rome is big, but many of its iconic sights are within walking distance. Still, to save time and cover more ground, it’s smart to mix walking with rides on the metro (lines A and B), trams, or buses. But for those who want to see a lot without too much effort, there’s an even more charming option: a ride on an open-top tourist bus.
What’s the Best Way to See Rome in a Weekend?
If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss a thing, the most convenient and efficient way to explore Rome in a weekend is to hop on a Green Line Tours open-top bus.
With our hop-on hop-off service, you can get on and off near the city’s top landmarks, from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Colosseum, passing through Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Trinità dei Monti, Villa Borghese, and many more iconic spots.
Thanks to the included multilingual audio guide, each stop becomes an engaging story: learn fun facts, historical anecdotes, and city secrets without wasting time getting around or missing the right stop. Plus, from the panoramic upper deck of the bus, you’ll enjoy postcard-perfect views over Rome’s rooftops, domes, and palaces.
Buy your ticket online with Green Line Tours: whether you want to explore in depth or get a broad overview of the city, the tourist bus is the ideal way to make the most of your Roman weekend. And when you get tired of walking, just hop back on, sit back, and let Rome carry you... through Rome.
