What to see in Rome in one day. Is it possible to visit it in such a short time?
Rome is a huge city, with countless places to visit, so it is very difficult to get to know Rome in one day. But, unfortunately, many times you don’t have more time, because it’s a quick visit or you’re just passing through.
Some of those who are most interested in knowing what to see in Rome in one day may also be those who arrive in the city by cruise ship, since it is usually the usual time, even half a day, that they have to see this city.
With this one-day tour of Rome you will be able to get to know the most important things in the city, although you will have to go quickly and not delve into anything.
What to see in Rome in one day
The arrival in Rome
Our tour with the best things to visit in Rome in one day can start at Termini Station, the entry point to the city if you arrive by cruise ship, by train from anywhere else in Italy or from the airport.
The first thing is to walk along Via Cavour towards the Colosseum, finding on our way the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the first place or the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli almost at the end of the street and where we can find the famous Moses by Michelangelo.
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
Finally we arrive at the Colosseum, the most visited and perhaps the most famous monument to see in Rome. There are usually quite a few queues but if you can do it, don’t miss the opportunity to enter. You will go back 2000 years in history in a place that will surprise you.
The next destination is the Roman Forum, located very close and where you can see the main point of the Roman Empire. It is best to take a guided tour since almost everything is in ruins, of course, and it can be very difficult for you to understand what you are seeing. Next to it is the Palatine but we recommend you leave it for another occasion as you have little time.
In any case you can save time with this guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine.
The Piazza of Venice and the Trevi Fountain
The Piazza de Venecia is our next destination. But first, don’t forget to go to Trajan’s Forum where the Market and Trajan’s Column are located, two of the great places to visit in Rome.
In Piazza de Venecia, which marks a border between modern Rome and ancient Rome, we find the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, a colossal monument that is highly controversial due to the contrast of its white color with the rest of the buildings and palaces in the square.
From here we can begin to visit the spectacular squares and streets of the center of Rome starting with the Trevi Fountain, another of the most important places to visit in Rome in one day and where you will always find people. Simply impressive. A fountain that will leave you speechless, the maximum exponent of the baroque.
Spain Square
Strolling through the wonderful streets of Rome, some of the most commercial, we can reach another of those squares that we have seen in thousands of movies and photos, such as the Spanish Steps, where we can admire its famous staircase, the Fontana de la Barcaccia in its lower part and the Church of Trinita dei Monti in its upper part, forming a set that you will not be able to forget.
From there starts Via Condotti, the most exclusive shopping street in Rome, which leads to Via del Corso, with shops more within reach of any pocket. Going north along this street we arrive at Piazza del Popolo, another of the interesting squares to visit in Rome in one day. In it there are two churches, two fountains and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo.
Piazza Navona and the Pantheon of Agrippa
From there we can return to the south along the Via di Ripetta, leaving aside the Mausoleum of Augustus or the Borghese Palace until we reach another of the impressive squares of Rome, Piazza Navona.
In Piazza Navona we must stop at each of the 3 fountains that are in it, all spectacular, baroque in style, and of extraordinary beauty. The Church of Sant Agnese in Agone completes the set of a square that you will not want to leave.
But you must do it, because in addition to the fact that you will have little time, very close is the Pantheon of Agrippa, a circular temple of almost 2000 years that is the best preserved building built during the Roman Empire. Without a doubt, wonderful. Nearby, the Church of Santa María Sopra Minerva.
The Church of the Gesu
The end of this day tour of Rome can be in the Church of the Gesu, the main church of the Society of Jesus, whose austere facade that follows the style of the Jesuit temples contrasts with an impressive interior that you should not miss.
With this you will have visited the best things to see in Rome in one day, although you will leave with the feeling of wanting to return because you will have left many other places in the inkwell, such as its numerous churches and basilicas, the Vatican, more Roman ruins or incredible museums.
You can find more information about what to see in Rome on the official Rome tourism page.