Rome is an open-air museum, let's talk clear. You cannot fail to be struck by the beauty of the eternal city. Every corner tells a story, and every stone is carved by great masters. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited cities in Italy and of the World. You googled: “Rome self-guided walking tour” (or something similar) and luckily you found me.
I say fortunately because I will be honest with you, telling you that you can see many things in one day. See them yes, from the outside, but don't visit them unless you choose only one attraction. That's why we travel bloggers exist, to give you options.
Rome in a day I would define it as “exploratory tour”. Surely it is a city to dedicate at least 3 full days (3 nights). In one day you can visit (if you get up early) “at least” a main attraction. 2 hours is the average to visit (with a guide) one of the main attractions of Rome.
This is why I tell you that you could visit a maximum of one, and then walk around the center the rest of the time. Let's not get lost in small talk, also because I want to show you the photos I took. At the end of the article, I will leave you some useful links on tickets and guided tours (free or not) of Rome and other useful info.
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Where to start to visit Rome?
A question for which there is an answer that will save you time. From Roma Termini station to start. I go for the idea that anyone who comes to Rome for a day prefers to avoid traffic. Train and Bus are a great option and both stop at Roma Termini.
Above you will find a map created by me for a total of 7 km (1 hour and 20 minutes on foot). Yes guys, because Rome in one day must be visited on foot. What you have to do is just reach the Colosseum (first stop) with the metro. If you reach Rome by car, however, I recommend starting from the surroundings of the Colosseum.
Rome self-guided walking tour: Colosseum
“At my signal, unleash hell”. The iconic phrase was recited by the great Russel Crowe in the film "Gladiator". Because the Colosseum, at the time, hosted gladiator fights, games and much more. It is an iconic attraction here in Rome and it is also one of the most visited in the whole World.
The Colosseum will be the first attraction on your way if you decide to follow the map. Even if seen "only" from the outside, its beauty is enough to make you fall in love with Rome right away. Near the Colosseum there is a very nice spot where you can snap of the photos, I put it in the map.
Rome self-guided walking tour: the Imperial Fora
I think the first thing I did once at the Fora was to open my mouth. I had to open it because it seemed to be in the ancient Rome , the one seen in the movies. The Imperial Forums is an open-air architectural museum that shows the Rome of the past.
You can admire them both from a higher point (which you always find on the initial map) and up close. Continuing along the route, in fact, you will walk alongside them to better appreciate them.
Altar of the Fatherland
It is one of the largest works in Rome and Italy and also very symbolic. Access to the Altare della Patria is partially free and you can go all the way to the top. It's located in piazza Venezia and It's a stop of the path I have taken.
Rome self-guided walking tour: Trevi Fountain
One of the World's most famous fountains is located in Rome and is of unheard-of beauty. The Trevi Fountain is something you need to see also because here there is something to do. If you go to Rome you have to stop at the Trevi fountain to make the famous coin toss.
Take a coin from your pockets, turn your back to the fountain, and toss it. As you do so remember to make a wish, maybe it's your lucky day. In Piazza di Trevi you will find a lot of people, I think it is one of the busiest places. If you can, try to get there very early.
Rome self-guided walking tour: Piazza di Spagna
One thing that squares of Rome have in common is that are all huge. They must be for all the fountains and monuments that host and Piazza di Spagna isn't different. Here to be famous is its staircase of the Trinità dei Monti.
Piazza di Spagna also takes its name from the presence of the Spanish embassy here. This area is also famous for shopping streets such as via Condotti, Frattina and del Babuino.
Pantheon rome
Maximum expression of the glory of Rome and inspiration of many Renaissance architects. It was Marco Vipsanio Agrippa who ordered its construction, dedicating it to the 7 divinities. And it is precisely to these divinities that we owe its name.
Pantheon, in the Greek language, means “of all Gods”. A (free) attraction to see (at least from the outside) on this tour of Rome.
Piazza Navona and its beautiful fountains
Another huge square here in Rome that houses fountains and churches of extraordinary beauty. Why piazza Navona is so big it's because it was a stadium. To be more precise, Domitian's stadium ready to host about 30,000 spectators.
The square was built following the shape of the stadium and which gives it a rectangular shape. Another place to stop 100% to admire (for free) the architectural beauties.
Rome self-guided walking tour: Castel Sant Angelo
Castle-sized elegance that was even born as a sepulcher. It was in fact the Emperor Adriano who commissioned its construction as a mausoleum. Over time it has become a fortress, prison, and seat of papal quarters.
It is definitely worth seeing (at least from the outside) and you can reach your last stop from here. I'm talking about Vatican City with its beautiful Piazza San Pietro.
Rome self-guided walking tour: Vatican City
What to say? This place has given me so much in so many ways… Between things to visit and the beautiful photos I took. The first thing you will be amazed by is the sight of San Pietro and its dome. From Castel Sant Angelo you can already see Basilica di San Pietro standing out in the background.
The road that takes you to Piazza San Pietro has columns on the sides giving an almost sense of protection. Once there you can admire the magnificent colonnade ai its sides. 284 columns of the Doric order that create an immense harmony.
Why Vatican City is famous?
- Among many things is that St. Peter (as well as the first Pope in history) rests under the Basilica.
- Basilica di San Pietro itself is the largest Church in the World .
- Vatican City is a state in its own right (population of 1000) and is the smallest in the World.
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel by master Michelangelo.
Well…many firsts for this tiny State. It is no coincidence that Vatican City attracts pilgrims (visiting the Pope and much more) from every corner of the world.
Vatican City helps to make Rome, already wonderful in its own right, practically perfect. Perfect as a destination where art, architecture, and culture come together in the word Roma. A word read backwards reads “Amor” and there will be a reason.
How many attractions could we realistically visit in one day in Rome?
I told you from the beginning of the article that I would be honest with you. The answer to this question is ONLY ONE. I also told you that visiting an attraction takes about 2 hours on average. In addition to that remember that we have to stop and eat at some point.
And when you're in Rome, guys, stopping to eat means: carbonara, amatriciana, or cacio e pepe. 3 of the many Roman specialties and the restaurants are always crowded. Now… it's up to you to decide what you like more. I always say that each of us has our own preferences and I, for example, love painting.
As a landscape photographer I tell you that they are two very related worlds. I also take "long exposure" photos. A technique that creates photos that look like real paintings. That's why I love paintings and why I would choose to visit Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Where to stay in Rome
Getting around Rome in a day can be really tiring and I recommend staying at least one night. This way you can also better enjoy the day without stress:
- The best b&b's in Rome
- The best hotels in Rome (To celebrate a special occasion)
Useful links
Here are some links where you can book tickets online for tours of Rome (with or without a guide).
Guided tours with skip-the-line ticket to the main attractions in Rome
- Tour with guide of the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill (recommended)
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (recommended)
- Tour with guide of Castel Sant'Angelo with access to the terrace (recommended)
Self-guided tour with skip-the-line ticket to the main attractions in Rome
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with priority entrance
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line ticket
- Castel Sant'Angelo ticket with skip-the-line access
FREE GUIDED tours of Rome
- FREE tour with guide of the historic center of Rome
- Evening guided tour FOR FREE of Rome and its mysteries
How to get to Rome
To get to Rome you have a couple of options:
- Own transport (not recommended due to how busy it is)
- Public transport (preferably train). I also leave you the link to buy your ticket to Rome by train (or bus) from your starting point.
How to get to the center of Rome from the airport
If you arrive in Rome by plane and you will stay there for a day and then go elsewhere, you can get to the center by train/bus.
- Train/bus tickets from Roma Fiumicino airport to Roma Termini station
- Train/bus ticket from Roma Ciampino airport to Roma Termini station
From Rome airports to the center with private transfer
Long flight or are you simply tired and have heavy luggage? You can book a private transfer from Rome airports to your desired point.
Conclusions
What to say more? You just have to decide when to go to Rome. A destination that certainly can't be missed in a traveler's palmares. See you next trip and remember: who travels lives twice…
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