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Rome in two days: A detailed Hop-on Hop-off itinerary

If you find yourself on the road to Rome, even for just two days, here’s how you can make it an absolutely fulfilling one. While two days is an ambitiously short time to experience Rome, Hop-on Hop-off tours can help cover a lot of ground with much ease while retaining the flexibility to create your own itinerary. Below is an exploration of Rome for two days using the Hop-on Hop-off routes, and we are positive that this classic itinerary will leave you with a great impression of this historic city.

Day one in our itinerary covers some ancient ruins that will refresh your history and rekindle a sense of awe for the ancient Romans. Day two will expose you to the artistic heritage of Rome and the spiritual core of Christianity at the Vatican. All the while, great views, delicious Italian food, and people-watching will make your trip interesting, Roman style! So let’s dive right in!

Day one - Roman vibe check: Ruins, history lessons, nightlife, and food!

Check into a hotel near Rome Termini, (or near any major transit points) where you will find plenty of budget-friendly to more expensive stay options. Termini is a transport hub with connections to Leonardo Airport, making return journeys convenient. Additionally, most Hop-on Hop-off buses start their tour here. Let’s start the day on a calm note at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a walkable distance from the Termini station.

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)

An incredible piece of architecture with gilded mosaic interiors that will blow your mind and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's largest churches boasting the tallest bell tower in the city. The relic of Jesus’ manger and cross makes this Marian church a popular pilgrimage site. Entry is completely free, however, be sure to dress modestly!

Average time to spend: 45 minutes
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm

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While Hop-on Hop-off buses cover the longer stretches, our itinerary is a little walk-heavy, especially on day one which covers ancient sites like the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. So grab a hearty breakfast and pack a few pastries to nibble on if hunger pangs hit suddenly. Rome Termini and the vicinity of the Basilica have many cafes/bakeries to nourish for the day. You can try cornetto with coffee or other sweet and savory pastries from Bar Fondi, the food market Mercato Centrale, Panella, Rosemary terra e sapori, and Pan Bernardo. After breakfast, jump on the Hop-on Hop-off bus from Termini or the Basilica stop to reach 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)

Standing tall to tell the tale of 2000 years of history, the Colosseum needs no introduction. The pride of Rome, Colosseum is the world's largest amphitheater, which could house a whopping 50,000 to 80,000 people. To fully experience the Colosseum, get special access tickets that offer entry to the Arena, Underground, and levels 3-5.

Opening hours: 8:30am to 7:15pm (closing time varies with season)
Average time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Closed on: December 25th, January 1st
Pro-tip: Get guided tours to make your experience much more enjoyable. Book timed and skip-the-line tickets in advance to bypass the infamously long queues.

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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)

Walk through the ruins and imagine the bustling life of a bygone era at the Roman Forum, once a center of Roman political life. It hosted public speeches, elections, heated debates, and processions, and today, you can see the remains of the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Ceasar, and more.

Opening hours: 9am - 7:15pm (opening hours vary with season)
Average time to spend: 2 hours
Closed on: December 25th, January 1st
Pro-tip: Get a guided tour to fully experience the historical significance of the Roman Forum.

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Palatine Hill

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)

Complete the holy trinity of ancient Roman ruins at the Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome, where Romulus and Remus were said to be raised by a she-wolf. Not only are the ruins a history lesson, but the views from the hilltop are pretty sweet and include the Circus Maximus.

Opening hours: 8:30am - 7:15pm (closing time varies with season)
Average time to spend: 2 hours
Closed on: December 25th, January 1st
Pro-tip: Keep in mind that most Colosseum tickets include entry to the Palatine Hill.

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Away from the touristy spots, the small, family-run restaurants tucked away on quaint streets near the Baths of Caraculla, offer an authentic Roman food experience complete with pasta dishes and meat-heavy stews. You can try Lunch Music, Trattoria Perilli, Ristorante Romolo e Remo, or MASTO a Testaccio I Roma. Don’t rush through lunch, sit down and savor every bite.

Baths of Caracalla

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

A relatively quieter experience compared to the more crowded Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla are ancient Rome's grandest public baths that could host 1600 bathers in its heyday. Learn about the intimate life and bathing rituals of ancient Romans while admiring the magnificent mosaics and architecture.

Average time to spend: 1 hour
Opening hours: 9am to 7:15pm (opening hours vary with season)
Closed on: December 25, January 1
Pro-tip: If you are visiting in summer, visit the Baths in the evening to experience concerts, opera, theater, and more.

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Circus Maximus

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

Circus Maximus stands as a testimony to the cultural lives of the ancient Romans. At the ruins of Rome's largest chariot racetrack, you can envision thrilling races and immense crowds with the help of a little imagination, though very little remains of the glorious stadium that it once was. This race slash entertainment venue to this day hosts concerts and events, true to the communal nature of the historic monument, and is completely free to visit.

Average time to spend: 45 minutes
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Pro-tip: Buy VR experience tickets to witness the race track in its original function.

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Vittoriano Monument

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)

Take the Hop-on Hop-off bus from Circus Maximus and get down at Piazza Venezia, where you can enjoy the charm of this bustling square. Dubbed the “Wedding Cake”, Vittoriano Monument or the Altare della Patria is the highlight of this square. The glass elevator ride to the terrace is a must-do for grand views which include the Trajan’s Market ruins.

Average time to spend: 1 hour
Opening hours: 9:30am to 7:30pm

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As the day draws to a close, unwind with a Tiber River sightseeing cruise. You can board a cruise from multiple places, but the closest boarding points would be Isola Tiberina or Castel Sant’Angelo. Evening cruises generally last about an hour and you can witness Rome from a new perspective as the twinkling lights come on.

Trastevere - the nightlife capital of Rome

After the relaxing cruise, walk across the Tiber to Trastevere - the mecca of Roman nightlife. You can start your exploration of this bohemian neighborhood at the Piazza Santa Maria and from there, your heart will guide you along Trastevere’s pretty alleys, quaint shops, and restaurants.

You must have worked up a big appetite after your long day of exploration and dinner at Trastevere is guaranteed to be a great gastronomic experience. Be prepared to be spoilt for choice and avoid tourist traps. Try pizzas, pasta carbonara, tiramisu, gelato, and more. You can try places like Mimi e Coco Trast, Carlo Menta, Dar Poeta, Taverna 51, Suppli Roma, Roma Sparita, and more. After dinner, stroll down the streets, hunt for desserts, and try the gelato at Fiordiluna. You should also check out Ponte Sisto for street artists’ performances as you make your way back to central Rome to hit the bed.

Day two - of wandering the halls of great art and faith

Grab breakfast, pack some eatables and water for day two, and hit up the Hop-on Hop-off bus from the nearest stop to reach the heart of Christendom - Vatican City. We want to reach Vatican Museums as and when they open to avoid crowds and save time.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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)

The Vatican Museum houses one of the world's greatest art collections amassed by the Catholic Church over centuries. From the Raphael Rooms to the Gallery of Maps, culminating in the Sistine Chapel (famed for Micheangleo’s ceiling art depicting the Book of Genesis), the Vatican Museum is a labyrinth of 54 galleries that will leave you awestruck!

Average time to spend: 2-3 hours
Opening hours: 8am to 7pm (opening hours vary with season)
Closed on: Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month), 1 and 6 January, 19 March, 1 April, 1 May, 29 June, 14 and 15 August, 1 November, 25 and 26 December
Pro-tip: We highly recommend skip-the-line tickets and guided tours to better gauge the relevance of the artifacts and to save time.

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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)

St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most important churches in the world. Famed artists like Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael have played a crucial role in the design of this Renaissance masterpiece which also houses Michelangelo’s Pieta. While admissions are free, visits to the Dome and the Necropolis require special tickets.

Average time to spend: 2 hours
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (opening hours vary with season)
Pro-tip: You can attend the free Papal audience that occurs on Wednesdays in St Peter’s Square. The basilica reopens at 12:30 on Wednesdays.

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We are sure that after this lengthy exploration, hunger pangs will have hit you hard. Take the Hop-on Hop-off bus from the Vatican stop and get down at Spanish Steps to check out the lunch scene there, which though touristy, has some great joints. You can try places like Pastificio Guerra (for a cheap pasta meal), Ginger (Sapori e Saluti), Tartufi&Friends (for truffle lovers), and Mercato Monte D’oro (food market).

Borghese Gallery

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

Nestled in a large green oasis, Villa Borghese housing the Borghese Gallery has an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini. After checking out the gallery, you can take a stroll and relax in the adjoining landscaped gardens.

Average time to spend: 1.5 - 2 hours
Opening hours: 9am to 7pm
Closed on: Mondays, 25 December, 1 January

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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)

The area around the Spanish Steps is a high-end shopping destination. Stroll the area, window-shop, and catch the Roman bug at this much-loved hangout spot. If you are a literature lover, you can also check out the Keats Museum, where the Romantic poet died.

Average time to spend: 1.5 hours
Opening hours: Open 24/7
Pro-tip: Sunset from the top of Spanish Steps is divine!

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)

Another iconic sculpture in Rome, the Trevi Fountain sustains the tradition of throwing coins into the fountain once to ensure a return to Rome. Admire the intricate artistry and learn about the historical and cultural significance of this Baroque masterpiece.

Average time to spend: 30 minutes
Opening hours: Open 24 hours

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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)

One of the best squares to end your day in Rome is the Piazza Navona, where you can catch street performers belting out songs and stellar fountains. Given that it is a tourist hotspot, the prices might be slightly on the higher side but the food is still great. You can try places like Taverna Agape, La Pace Del Palato, and I Pizzicaroli for dinner.

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

And here, we end our two days in Rome, having covered all the top attractions of the city in detail and tried some of the best food out there. Time to head back home with a treasure bag of memories and if the Trevi Fountain legend works, you'll be back in Rome with more time to spare!