A Day in Rome: The Ultimate Experience in the Italian Capital

Rome, the eternal city, offers a glimpse of its vibrant life without requiring an eternity. Every cobblestone and ancient wall brims with history. While it wasn’t built in a day, exploring it in just one is completely feasible. This itinerary begins with an early morning arrival.

What’s the best way to travel from the airport to the city?

Catch the Leonardo Express from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to Roma Termini (Stazione Termini). The journey takes 32 minutes and costs €14 one way. A taxi, on the other hand, will take nearly twice as long and cost five times more, making the train the smartest choice.

If you're carrying luggage, storage options are available at the airport for €10 per bag (and also at Termini). This is perfect for stashing a heavy suitcase for the day. From Termini, navigating to any part of Rome is a breeze—whether by taxi, bus, or Metro to your hotel or first destination.

Where’s the best place to stay?

If you're staying overnight in Rome, consider the centrally-located Hotel Locarno, just steps away from Piazza del Popolo. This charming boutique hotel features a lovely outdoor patio for dining and a rooftop terrace that’s open in the evenings. I eagerly seized the opportunity to spend a night here and found it to be the perfect retreat. Breakfast was included in my rate (though not on your check-in morning), so make sure to verify your rate on their website before booking. Staying in Centro Storico puts you near all the action, but budget-friendly options are limited. For a more vibrant atmosphere close to Stazione Termini, check out Monti for accommodation alternatives.

What activities should I consider?

The best time to experience Rome is early in the morning. The streets are relatively peaceful with fewer crowds, making it the perfect moment to visit the ancient Roman sites right after you’ve had your breakfast.

Morning:

Breakfast in Rome is a simple affair—just a cappuccino and a cornetto (the Italian version of a croissant). I enjoyed mine in the garden after checking into Hotel Locarno, but there are plenty of options for a quick grab-and-go. Be sure to stop by the nearest pasticceria (pastry shop) to kick off your day, or head straight to Roscioli Caffe, which opens at 7am Monday to Saturday and at 8am on Sunday, as you make your way to your first sights in Ancient Rome.

Insider Tip: Some shops and restaurants may be closed on Sundays and Mondays, so be sure to verify the hours of the places you want to visit before heading out.

Exploring Rome on foot is a delightful experience (if you're up for it). The city's charm, rich history, and vibrant street life are endlessly captivating. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you'll witness every facet of daily life. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as you’re likely to rack up over 10,000 steps on uneven terrain.

Highlights of Ancient Rome

Whether you’re starting from Termini or Hotel Locarno, take a 20 to 30-minute walk to the Colosseum, the grand gladiatorial arena of Rome. It tends to be bustling with tourists, but arriving early can help you avoid the crowds. I highly recommend booking a guided tour to explore the hypogeum, where gladiators and animals were prepared before their performances. This offers a completely different perspective on this iconic monument, especially enjoyable if you’ve visited before.

Afterward, you can wander over to the Palatine Hill to explore ancient ruins before making your way down into the Roman Forum. Be sure to purchase all your tickets in advance to avoid searching for ticket lines and kiosks.

Insider Tip: There are numerous tours available that will grant you access to all these remarkable sites.

Afternoon:

Before enjoying a well-deserved lunch, take a 10-minute stroll to the Area Sacra di Largo di Torre Argentina, the historic site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. These ancient ruins are among the oldest in Rome and can be accessed via a new footpath that opened in 2023. You’ll also find a thriving population of stray cats and a volunteer-run cat sanctuary here. It’s surprisingly quiet and quick to explore.

By now, your feet might be feeling a bit tired, so take it easy as you walk along Via del Corso, Rome’s fashion hub. In about 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the casual yet elegant La Buca di Ripetta, known for its charming dining room featuring a Vespa. Any pasta dish on the menu will satisfy your carb cravings (I tried the bucatini all'Amatriciana, a great deal at €11).

Take a Break

After lunch, I suggest one of two options: 1) if you’re at the hotel, head back for a nap, or 2) stroll over to Villa Borghese (just a 5-minute walk) to unwind and relax. I personally recommend the nap if you’re staying overnight—it’s a very Roman thing to do! If resting isn’t your style, take the opportunity to explore this beautiful park or simply find a bench under a tree for some people-watching.

Once you’re feeling refreshed, make your way to the Museo e Galleria Borghese, the acclaimed museum nestled within the park. It’s the perfect place to cool off and admire a stunning collection of sculptures, mosaics, and paintings. Remember to book your timed entry ticket in advance (aim for around 2pm or 3pm).

Insider Tip: The Casa del Cinema at Villa Borghese features outdoor films at their Ettore Scola open-air theater during summer nights from June to early September. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Evening

After visiting the museum, it’s the perfect time for an aperitivo, and the garden at the Hassler Hotel is a fantastic spot for it, just a 10 to 15-minute walk away. However, I opted for a negroni at Terrazza Locarno, the hotel’s rooftop bar.

In Rome, you don’t need to dress up unless you want to or are heading to a fine dining experience. Personally, I like to take a quick shower after my aperitivo before heading to dinner, but this is up to you, especially if you’re staying overnight.

The Last Supper

Dinner in Rome typically happens late, but I prefer to eat earlier. My favorite restaurant, Armando al Pantheon, opens for reservations at 7pm. It’s incredibly popular for good reason, so booking ahead is essential. This central gem, a true testament to Roman cuisine since 1961, consistently serves delicious dishes (I’m a fan of the lamb), and it’s just a quick 5-minute stroll to Giolitti for gelato afterward.

Insider Tip: At Giolitti, remember to pay for your gelato before placing your order.

Take a leisurely stroll to admire the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain while savoring your sweet treat.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be ready to call it a night, though there are plenty of great places to continue your evening in Centro Storico. Two fantastic options nearby are the speakeasy Club Derrière and the cocktail bar The Gin Corner.

Finally, just to be cautious, always stay aware of your surroundings. While Rome isn’t particularly dangerous, it’s a bustling city that does have its share of crime and pickpockets, so keep an eye on your belongings. As a woman who often travels solo, this is advice I always follow.