48 hours in Rome – Weekend Edition
Rome In Less Than 48 Words
Often called as the “Eternal City,” Rome was the epicenter of the legendary Roman Empire. A cosmopolitan feel has emerged side-by-side the ruins, the coliseums and the fountains. Rome belongs to the present as much as the past.
Rome's most famous historical remain, the Colosseum. (Photo by Brunswickian)
First 24 Hours
Touchdown is via the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, the city’s main tourist arrival hub. It is located 35 kilometers southeast from the city center. From there, an express train leads to the Termini station at the heart of the city. The journey lasts for around 30 minutes, and will set you back €11. However, you can just stop at the Valle Aurelia station for half the price and time, and is still located near hotels and attractions. Private taxis are available to take you to your hotel, although at a costlier price.
Rome’s modern amenities coexist with many of the monuments of ancient Rome, although some are located by the far south. To get a better feel of the cityscape, it is best to drop by the city’s main tourist office (Termini). It is open daily between 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and offers a handy street map.
CHECK IN: At Rome’s hotels and accommodations
A double room at the Welrome Hotel (Photo from the hotel's website)
Once in the heart of the city, you can settle at Rome’s excellent hotel and accommodations. Just near the main train terminal is the Welrome Hotel (Via Calatafimi 15-19, 00185; 06 4782 4343; website), which has a very helpful staff who will give you sightseeing and restaurant recommendations and free Internet access. Big spenders head to Spalletti Trivelli (Via Piacenza 4, 00184; 06 4890 7934; website) is a must. Amenities include a fitness center and excellent rooms, coupled with a friendly staff to guarantee a memorable stay. Those who have a strict budget try out the Residenza Cellini (Via Modena 5, 00184; +39 0647825204; website), offering a five-star treatment at an affordable price.
SPANISH STEPS: It begins with a walk
Kick off your 48 hour visit to Rome by heading to the Piazza di Spagna, located near the city center. Relax by the plaza’s benches, grab quick snacks from food stalls, and then continue on your journey by climbing up the famous Spanish Steps. It is a 200-year old monumental set of 138 steps regarded as the longest and widest staircase in Europe.
After the tiring trip to the top, you’ll reach the Trinità dei Monti, a beautiful Baroque church owned by the French State. Take a few photos, then head back down the piazza and walk south to Via Propaganda. You’ll see Via Mercede, after which take a left at Via Poli, where you’ll see the Trevi fountain made in an Early Baroque style. It is a popular place for marriage proposals, so don’t be surprised if you arrive on time to see one taking place. Continue walking right to Via del Corso, then left to the Piazza Colonio, where you’ll see the Column of Marcus Aurelius towering at 25 meters high.
PANTHEON: Rome’s popular landmark
From the column, you can take left turn to Piazza Montecitorio, and then another left down Via del Corso into Piazza de Rotunda, where you’ll find one of Rome’s most popular landmarks – the Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda, between Via del Corso and Piazza Navona, Rome 00186). It is a well-preserved temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome. Inside is the tomb of the famed artist Raphael, as well as sculptures, frescoes, and other works of art.
The Pantheon's ethereal glow at night (Photo by Kok Leng Yeo)
After taking in all the sights, proceed down to the Piazza Navona, the most picturesque square in the city. An array of fountains and obelisks dots the piazza. If you’re lucky, you’ll arrive in time for concerts and other events usually held at the site.
COLOSSEUM: Head to the arena of gladiators
One of the must-see attractions in Rome is the world-famous Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo 00184). It is considered as the epitome of Roman engineering and architecture, capable of seating 50,000 people during the ancient times. It is most known as the site of the gladiator battles, but executions and animal hunts were also conducted within its circle. Experts estimate that over 500,000 people and a million animals died at the site. Entrance is usually free for European Union citizens. Inside, the actual arena has been gutted by time, so you have to stroll across a walkway bisecting the building. Take a peek down its hypogeum, the underground network of tunnels from where the gladiators and wild animals used to emerge.
DINNER: A hearty meal at Rome’s restaurants
Top off your first day in Rome by recharging at some of its finest restaurants. One of the most popular is the Hostaria Antica Roma (Appia Antica 87, 00179; 06-5132888; website), set in a historical location and promises a memorable and unique dining experience. Genuine Italian cooking is offered by Ristorante Crispi 19 (Via Francesco Crispi 19; 06-6785904; website), while combining a high class service, a cozy atmosphere, and a great location at the heart of Rome. Eat some of the best gelato in the city at Gelateria Della Palma (Via de San Simone 70; 06-68806752), and have dessert at Tre Scalini (Piazza Navona 30; 06-6879148), which is most known for its ice cream and tarfuro.
A fountain in the Parco Villa Borghese (Photo by Andrea Puggioni)
Next 24 Hours
Your second day in Rome can be treated as a chance to explore the city’s other attractions. One of them is the Parco Villa Borghese, which you can reach by catching the bus 910 from stazione Termini and getting off at Via Pinciana. The park offers some of the best views of Rome, with a large lush space for outdoor hobbies and relaxing activities. It is also home to historical museums and galleries, the most popular being Galleria Borghese. Works of various famous artists, such as Raphael and Bernini, decorate its august halls. Entrance fee is €8.50.
THE VATICAN: Exploring the city state in the heart of Rome
The St. Peter's Basilica on a calm, Sunday afternoon (Photo by Ed Yourdon)
While the Vatican is not officially a part of the city (it is technically another country), the sights and attractions inside are just too many and beautiful to just ignore. You can reach it by riding the Rome Metro Line A that passes through the state at the Ottaviano and Cipro-Musei Vatican stations. Once there, head directly to the St. Peter’s Basilica (Piazza San Pietro 00120), one of the world’s largest churches. Inside, you will see various works of the Renaissance’s greatest artists (such as Bernini and Giotto), as well as the world-famous Michaelangelo’s Pieta.
SISTINE CHAPEL: See the Creation of Adam
Highlight to any trip to the Vatican is the Sistine Chapel (Viale Vaticano 00120), located inside the Apostolic Palace (the official residence of the Pope) and covered in frescoes made by the greatest Renaissance artists. It represents Italy’s artistic leadership and the height of Roman papal power. A definite breath-taker is the 12,000-square foot “Creation of Adam” painted by Michaelangelo in a span of four years.
From the chapel, you can continue down the visitor route into the Vatican Museums, widely regarded as some of the greatest in the world. Inside, you can find a series of museums, such as the Pinacoteca Art Gallery, Collection of Modern Religious Art, Sculpture Museums, Museo Chiaramonti, Museo Gregoriano Etrusco and Museo Egiziano.
The Creation of Adam, one of the majestic ceiling paintings found in the Sistine Chapel (Photo by Sebastian Bergmann)
PORTA PORTESE: Go flea-market shopping
For souvenirs to take back home, you can shop at Porta Portese (Trastevere district). Next to the ancient city gate, you’ll find a diverse array of shops where you can buy unique stuffand retro clothes. The flea market usually opens at 11 a.m., and is often swamped with buyers. Via Condotti, near the Spanish Steps is one of Rome’s most chic and expensive streets, is lined with big name shops like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Bulgari.
NIGHTLIFE: End your Rome trip with a bang
For such a small city, Rome has a booming nightlife. The Piazza Navona area, in particular teems with bars and clubs. One of the city’s most popular hangouts is Gilda (Via Mario de’ Fiori 97; 066 784838; website), known as the club of the rich, glamorous, and powerful. Another glamorous option is the Supperclub (Via De’ Nari 14; 06-68807207; website), which plays competitive music by renowned DJs, and is frequented by college students, young businessmen, and expats. If you’re the outlandish type, you’ll feel right at home in Radio Londra (Via di Monte Testaccio 67; 06-5750041; website), known for its clients who dress up in out-of-this-world costumes.
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