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Exploring Rome in one day - A detailed Hop-on Hop-off itinerary

Are you in Rome for just a day and looking to make it unforgettable? Our detailed 24-hour Rome itinerary covers all the classic highlights of the Eternal City. Although it might seem ambitious, with Rome Hop-on Hop-off tours, it's completely doable if you're up for the adventure! And don't worry—you can customize your journey with our ‘Mix it up!’ section, or let spontaneity guide you. Discover that charming little café or unique shop that captures your curiosity along the way and enjoy a fabulous 24 hours in Rome.

Morning 7:30am to 1pm

When you have one day in Rome, time is of the essence. So start your day bright and early, especially while traveling in high seasons because earlier means fewer crowds and better pictures!

Our adventure begins at Rome Termini, assuming you have arrived in Rome via trains from the airport or elsewhere. Grab the famous Italian cornetti, maritozzi, and biscotti to pair with your coffee from the many bakeries/cafes near Termini, and walk over to our first stop - Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Big Bus), S.Maria Maggiore (City Sightseeing), Santa Maria Maggiore (Green Line), Santa Maria Maggiore (I Love Rome), Isola Tiberina (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

Get your first dose of ancient Rome's architectural and artistic genius at this 5th-century Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Find beautiful religious mosaics and a grand altar and visit in time for the mass to experience the wonderful acoustics.

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm
Average time to spend: 45 minutes
Pro-tip: Dress modestly covering your knees and shoulders

Book Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore tickets

After exploring the Basilica, board the Hop-on Hop-off bus at the Basilica stop and deboard at the Colosseum.

Colosseum

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Colosseum (Big Bus), Colosseo (City Sightseeing), Colosseum (Green Line), Colosseum Archaeological Area (I Love Rome), Isola Tiberina (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

The world’s largest amphitheater, a world wonder - Colosseum has many distinctions but none will prepare you for the colossal brilliance you will experience as you stand in front of it. With a guided tour, 2000 years of history come alive at the Colosseum.

Opening hours: 8:30am - 7:15pm (closing time varies with season)
Average time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Closed on: December 25th, January 1st
Pro-tip: Grab your tickets early and online. Additionally, invest in skip-the-line tickets or express-guided tour tickets for quick entry.

Book Colosseum tickets

Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Colosseum (Big Bus), Colosseo (City Sightseeing), Colosseum (Green Line), Colosseum Archaeological Area (I Love Rome), Isola Tiberina (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

Climb the Palatine Hill, 40 meters above the Roman Forum, and enjoy views of ancient ruins on one side and Circus Maximus on the other at this legendary birthplace of Rome, rife with myth. The Roman Forum was once the center of Roman public life. You will find ruins of temples, markets, and imperial palaces.

Opening hours: Roman Forum: 9am - 7:15pm; Palatine Hill: 8:30am - 7:15pm (closing time varies with season)
Average time to spend: 2 hours
Closed on: December 25th, January 1st
Pro-tip: Most Colosseum tickets give you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Afternoon 1pm to 6pm

If you are tired you could take the Hop-on Hop-off bus from the Colosseum stop to Piazza Venezia. This journey will take you along the Circus Maximus. If not, you can walk within the Forum to reach Piazza Venezia for the much-needed sustenance.

You can try places like Antica Birreria Peroni, Ristorante il Buco Roma, and BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar for some authentic Italian food.

Piazza Venezia

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Piazza Venezia (Big Bus), Piazza Venezia (City Sightseeing), Piazza Venezia (Green Line), Piazza Venezia (I Love Rome), Isola Tiberina (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

A happening square right in the heart of Rome, Piazza Venezia is most renowned for the towering Vittoriano monument. Save the views from its terrace for a longer trip, instead admire the neoclassical monument from the outside, and wander along Via del Corso for some window-shopping and people-watching.

Average time to spend: 30 minutes

After lunch and some rest stop at Piazza Venezia, take the Hop-on Hop-off bus, and get down at the Vatican stop in front of Castel Sant’Angelo. Make your way across the Tiber to the heart of Christendom - Vatican City. Our itinerary takes you just to St Peter’s Basilica. You could opt for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel if you wish by moving around some other activities for the day in this schedule.

St Peter’s Basilica

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Vatican (Big Bus), Vatican (City Sightseeing), Vatican City (Green Line), Vatican City Sistine Chapel & Castel Sant'Angelo (I Love Rome), Castel Sant’Angelo (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

With a towering facade, St Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s largest churches and a Renaissance masterpiece, housing Michelangelo’s Pieta. Visit this core of the Catholic Church for history, art, and spirituality.

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (closing time varies with season)
Average time to spend: 2.5 hours
Pro-tip: While general entry is free, pay a small fee to access the dome for one of the best views of Rome. Try to visit the Necropolis as well.

Book St Peter's Basilica tickets

Spanish Steps

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Ludovisi/Spanish Steps (Big Bus), Piazza di Spagna (City Sightseeing), Villa Borghese (Green Line), Spanish Steps (I Love Rome), Popolo Square (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

Spanish Steps is a beloved landmark connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church. It is a great place to catch the Roman vibes but do not sit, eat, or drink on the stairs.

Average time to spend: 1 hour
Pro-tip: Try to catch the sunset from the top of the Spanish Steps

Don't just take pictures of the stairs and leave. Catch an evening break by popping into Pompi for the best Tiramisu in Rome, and stroll Via Condotti - the most sought-after address for high-end fashion brands. Literature lovers should seek out the Keats Shelley Museum and the Antico Caffé Greco, frequented by the Romantics.

Evening 6pm to 9pm

Trevi Fountain

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Piazza Barberini/Spanish Steps (Big Bus), Piazza Barberini (City Sightseeing), Barberini Square (Green Line), Piazza Barberini and Trevi Fountain (I Love Rome), Popolo Square (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

Made of the same stone as that of the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain is a stunning example of Baroque art - an absolute must-visit. Partake in the ritual of tossing a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome, hopefully, a longer trip!

Average time to spend: 30 minutes
Pro-tip: If you reach Rome early in the morning, visit the Trevi Fountain around 6:30 am, the only time when the small square will not be crowded. You could also visit after dark when the sculpture is all lit up!

Book Trevi Fountain tickets

Pantheon

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Vatican (Big Bus), Vatican (City Sightseeing), Vatican City (Green Line), Vatican City Sistine Chapel & Castel Sant'Angelo (I Love Rome), Castel Sant’Angelo (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

Situated at walking distance from the Trevi Fountain is the Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple, now a church, with an iconic dome and oculus. Our short trip will cover just the impressive exterior facade and the square in front of the Pantheon.

Opening hours: 9am to 7pm
Average time to spend: 30 minutes
Closed on: January 1, August 15, and December 25
Pro-tip: Visit at night to admire the huge columns and the historic square dazzling with lights

Book Pantheon tickets

Piazza Navona

Nearest Hop-on Hop-off bus stop: Vatican (Big Bus), Vatican (City Sightseeing), Vatican City (Green Line), Vatican City Sistine Chapel & Castel Sant'Angelo (I Love Rome), Castel Sant’Angelo (Rome Hop-on Hop-off Boat)

Grab a delicious Italian dinner and stroll Piazza Navona, a vibrant square known for its beautiful fountains, street artists, good restaurants and bars, and lively atmosphere. The place is incredibly pretty at night when the fountains dazzle with lights.

Average time to spend: 1.5 hours
Pro-tip: After dinner, grab some fine Gelato from Gelateria La Romana

And thus, with a heart full of memories and a happy tummy cooled with some gelato, we conclude our day in Rome. You know you have had a good day when the legs are tired but the heart is satisfied. Now, go rest those legs and come back to Rome with more time to spare!

Mix it up!

Here are some alternatives to add to your day in Rome:

Circus Maximus: Relive the thrill of ancient chariot races at Circus Maximus, Rome's historic stadium.
Castel Sant'Angelo: En route to the Vatican, explore Castel Sant'Angelo, a historic fortress with stunning views, intriguing exhibits, and talented street artists showcasing Rome's vibrant cultural scene.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: You could move things around in the above itinerary to marvel at the Vatican Museum's vast art collection and Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel.
Villa Borghese: Discover Villa Borghese, Rome's enchanting park, featuring lush gardens, historic fountains, and world-renowned art at the Borghese Gallery.
Palazzo Barberini: Club your visit to Villa Borghese with Palazzo Barberini, a stunning Baroque palace housing masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael.
Trastevere Streets: Wander Trastevere’s charming cobblestone streets, alive with vibrant trattorias and unique shops, offering authentic Roman dining and lively nightlife. You could end your day here with great dinner options.