Rome, nicknamed the ‘Eternal City’, is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it’s jam-packed full of fun and fascinating things to do – the reality is that if you want to see it all, you’ll need a good few days to explore. 

However, sometimes, due to other plans or timing issues, you might find yourself in Rome for just 24 hours, perhaps even less, and if that’s the case, it’s well worth knowing what to do in the limited time you have to ensure you make the most of being in the city. With that in mind, read on to find out how to spend one amazing day in Rome. 

Luggage Storage

Before you begin your adventure, one thing to consider is your comfort – you’ll be doing a lot of walking and a lot of sightseeing, and the last thing you want is to be dragging a heavy bag around with you. That’s why your first stop should be the luggage storage Roma Termini – leave your bags there and just take the essentials with you, and you’ll find it’s much easier to get around and more enjoyable too. Once you’ve done that, you can begin the rest of your amazing day. 

The Colosseum

If there’s one tourist attraction you’ll definitely want to see when you’re in Rome, it’s got to be the Colosseum, and because it can get busy and you’re on a tight schedule, it’s probably best to do this first so you definitely don’t miss out. 

Once you’ve had your fill of the Colosseum, you can head over to the Forum, as it’s quite close by. In ancient times, this was the center of Rome, and you can just imagine how it would have been when it was chock-full of market stalls, temples, and plenty of people! The truth is, it’s still full of people, and even if the buildings are ruins these days, you can still soak up the atmosphere. 

The Pantheon 

Your next stop could be the Pantheon, which is famous for being one of the best-preserved buildings in Rome from ancient times, and you can get there from the Forum, so it makes sense to make this the next thing on your sightseeing list. 

The Pantheon has a huge dome so you can’t miss it, and it’s a stunning piece of architecture, inside and out. Speaking of the inside, you’ll find lots of tombs – see if you can spot some famous names like Raphael the artist. What’s nice about stopping off at the Pantheon is that it’s peaceful and cool, and if you need a break from the crowds, you can do it here. 

Lunch

You won’t be able to make it through the day without a great lunch inside you, and since you’re in Rome, there are plenty of authentic Italian restaurants to choose from. Of course, since you don’t have a lot of time, sitting down somewhere with table service might not be possible – it’s just going to take too long – so if you want to make the most out of the day, street food is the best option for you. 

You will find stalls dotted all over the place, and you only have to start looking to find something you’ll love. Whether it’s a tasty slice (or two!) of pizza or a box of pasta with the freshest of ingredients, it’s going to taste delicious!

The Trevi Fountain

While you’re letting your lunch go down, why not wander over to the Trevi Fountain? This is a must-do while you’re in Rome, and it’s not just a pretty piece of sculpture to look at (although it is definitely stunning!) – there’s a legend linked to it as well. It’s thought that if you toss a coin into the fountain, it guarantees that you’ll be back in Rome, and since you’re only there for a day this time, that’s not a bad guarantee to have! 

You can also make a wish as you throw in a coin (the return visit is a bonus wish), and hope your luck stays. Snap a picture and enjoy the sights around you, and you can take some comfort in the fact that the money that ends up in the fountain (around one million euros a year!) goes to charity. 

Vatican City

There might not be a lot of time left, but it’s well worth making your way to Vatican City if you can – it’s the world’s smallest independent state, which is unique, and, of course, it’s where the Catholic Church calls home (and so does the Pope). 

Vatican City might be the smallest state in the world, but it has one of the biggest churches – St Peter’s Basilica – and even if that’s the only thing you see when you’re there, it’s worth it!