What Can I Do in Rome During a 48-Hour Stopover?
What can you do in Rome for 48 hours? The short answer is - a lot! Having a short layover in a city doesn't have to be tedious. You can have your own mini-vacation in this beautiful and historic city in just 48 hours. Nicknamed The Eternal City, Rome is famous for its cathedrals, churches, art museums, statues, excellent dining, wines and intricate architecture. Famous landmarks include the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. You will also find the smallest country in the world here, The Vatican City. Most of the important landmarks and attractions are in close proximity to the city and there are some excellent beaches in Rome. Rome is also synonymous with love and romance so it's a perfect city for couples to enjoy. Some great attractions to visit during your short stay include:
Where should I go in Rome?
- A guided tour of the Colosseum
- Tour the historic city center
- Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
- The Vatican and Sistine Chapel
- The Spanish Steps
- Sunset from Castel Sant’Angelo
1. A guided tour of the Colosseum
Skip the heat and the queues and buy tickets for a guided tour of this famous Italian landmark. The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre located in the city center. It was once the site of gladiatorial games and other special events. Joining a guided tour saves time and you will be entertained with numerous historical facts.
2. Tour the historic city center
The Centro Storico, or historic center self or guided tours include a visit to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna. These famous Roman landmarks are all within walking distance of each other. Toss some coins into the baroque fountain and take photos of the famous statue of Neptune - one of the most famous fountains in the world. Have lunch at the famous restaurants on the piazza and sample the local gelato.
3. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
As the evening sets in treat yourself to a special opera performance at the theatre in Rome. This beautiful and historic building, dating back to 1880, hosts some of the world's most famous operas but you can also see ballet and other theatre performances as evening falls in Rome and top the night off with a cocktail or late dinner at the nearby Virgilio restaurant.
4. Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Start the day with a visit to the famous Vatican cathedral and see the catacombs, art relics like the splinters of the True Cross, a thorn from the Crown of Thorns, a splinter from the Last Supper, St Anthony's tooth and bone pieces from all of the Apostles. Then make your way to the Sistine Chapel and marvel at the truly glorious ceiling frescoes painted by Michaelangelo, the most famous part details God's creation of Adam.
5. The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are a set of 135 steps located between the di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti square in Rome. The Trinità dei Monti church greets those who brave the stairs. This is a great place to take photos, enjoy the baroque fountain at the base and see the home of the English Poet John Keats, which stands near the base of the steps.
6. Sunset from Castel Sant’Angelo
End your 48 hour trip with a view of the honey-gold sunset from Castel Sant’Angelo. The cylindrical castle is adorned with a statue of Michael the Archangel and flanked by statues of other angels. It was once a castle and fortress but is now a museum and tourist attraction. From here you can see the Tiber River and the Bridge of the Holy Angel. The buildings reflected in the river is a romantic and historic way to end your time in the city of Rome.
How to book a flight to Rome
Book early if you've going to be in Rome during the festive season, Easter or other busy periods and if you're planning to add a beach trip to your two day stay, get there early to avoid the crowds. The same goes for the monuments and churches. Morning hours are quieter and the weather is cooler. People are friendly and as this is a very tourist-oriented city there is plenty of signage and help available to get around. Banks are plentiful as are ATMs and restaurants. Public transport includes taxis, buses and rail systems. You can get affordable flight and accommodation packages from BudgetAir which helps you compare flights to destinations around the world.