Although you won’t have chance to breathe, you can still get a decent snapshot

Rome wasn’t built in a day. And you certainly can’t see all of it in one. But if a cruel twist of fate—or tight planning—has left you with just 24 hours in the Eternal City, don’t panic. You can still get a proper taste of Rome’s magic without feeling like you’ve been short-changed. The key? Smart planning, good shoes, and just the right amount of espresso.

In 2016, my wife and I did this exact itinerary, and I’ve recommended it many times before. So, it has been done, and although we were utterly exhausted by the end of the day, it was entirely worth it.

8:00 AM – Espresso and a Roman Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Skip the hotel buffet—nobody comes to Rome to eat a sad croissant under fluorescent lighting. Instead, start your day like a Roman at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, a legendary institution near the Pantheon. Order an espresso or, if you need something stronger, their famous Gran Caffè. If you end up visiting here in the afternoon, don’t ask for a cappuccino—Romans stop drinking those after 11 AM unless they want to be silently judged.

Grab a maritozzo, a sweet Roman bun filled with whipped cream, and lean against the counter like a local. It’s quick, it’s strong, and it’s the perfect jolt to power your morning.

8:30 AM – The Pantheon Before the Crowds

Pantheon cieling — **BERK OZDEMIR / Shutterstock**

From Sant’Eustachio, it’s a two-minute stroll to the Pantheon. This 2,000-year-old temple-turned-church is one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings, and it’s even better in the soft morning light. The oculus—a hole in the ceiling that lets in sunlight and rain alike—makes the place feel borderline mystical.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a few quiet moments before the tour groups start rolling in. It’s free to enter (for now), but that might change soon, so check ahead. Don’t rush this one—stand under the dome and let the sheer weight of history sink in.

9:00 AM – The Trevi Fountain (Before It’s a Human Soup)

It might be cliché, but there’s a reason people flock to the Trevi Fountain—it’s absurdly beautiful. But visit anytime after 10 AM, and you’ll be stuck in a mob of selfie sticks and suspiciously aggressive souvenir vendors. Get there early, toss a coin over your left shoulder (for luck, allegedly), and enjoy the moment before the crowds arrive.

9:30 AM – A Walk Down Via del Corso to Piazza Venezia

From the Trevi Fountain, meander down Via del Corso, Rome’s main shopping street. You won’t have time for much retail therapy, but you will get a sense of the city’s heartbeat—locals rushing to work, impeccably dressed Romans sipping macchiatos, the occasional street performer.

You’ll end up at Piazza Venezia, dominated by the over-the-top Altare della Patria (a.k.a. the Wedding Cake). It’s gaudy, it’s grand, and it’s worth a quick look before heading to something truly ancient.

10:00 AM – The Colosseum: Rome’s Heavyweight Champ

It’s impossible to visit Rome and not see the Colosseum. Book your tickets in advance to skip the line—because standing in line in the Roman sun is a rookie mistake.

Inside, it’s part breathtaking, part brutal. Gladiators fought for their lives here, and it’s hard not to imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators as you stand in the arena. If you have time, get the Underground and Belvedere tickets to see the hypogeum (where animals and gladiators awaited their fate) and the upper levels for an incredible view.

11:30 AM – The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Your Colosseum ticket includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so don’t skip them. The Forum was ancient Rome’s downtown, a chaotic sprawl of temples, markets, and political backstabbing. Walk down the Via Sacra and picture toga-clad senators plotting over power lunches.

Climb up to Palatine Hill for a panoramic view of Rome. Legend has it that this is where Romulus founded the city, and whether you buy into the mythology or not, the views alone make it worth the trek.

1:00 PM – A Proper Roman Lunch at Trattoria Pennestri

By now, you’ve earned a real Roman meal. Hop in a cab and head to Trattoria Pennestri in Testaccio, a neighborhood known for its authentic food scene. This is where you ditch tourist menus and eat like a Roman.

Start with carciofi alla romana (braised artichokes) or burrata drizzled with olive oil. For the main course, cacio e pepe or carbonara—both Roman classics—are non-negotiable. Pair it with a glass of house wine, because you’re in Rome, and that’s what people do.

2:30 PM – St. Peter’s Basilica: The Grande Finale

No time for the full Vatican tour (that’s a half-day job) but St. Peter’s Basilica is non-negotiable. It’s the grandest church on Earth, and even if you’re not religious, the sheer scale will leave you speechless.

Michelangelo’s Pietà, the intricate mosaics, and Bernini’s colossal baldachin make this a true showstopper. If you have the energy, climb to the dome for the best view of Rome.

Just remember that if you do want to (and have enough time to) see the incredible ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, you’ll need a Vatican Museums ticket and highly likely and advanced booking.

4:00 PM – Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro

Your legs are probably protesting, so reward yourself with some of the best gelato in town at Frigidarium. This isn’t just ice cream; it’s a decadent experience. Try their signature Frigidarium flavour, chocolate orange ice cream dipped in extra chocolate for an additional layer of indulgence. Or go for the rich tiramisu gelato. Expect a line—it’s worth the wait.

5:00 PM – Sunset Stroll Along the Tiber

Rome is at its most beautiful in the golden hour. Walk along the Tiber River, cross the Ponte Sant’Angelo (lined with Bernini’s angels), and soak in the atmosphere. If you’re feeling ambitious, swing by Campo de' Fiori for a spritz before dinner.

7:30 PM – Dinner at Roscioli

For your last meal in Rome, go big. Roscioli is an institution—part deli, part restaurant, fully dedicated to serving the best Italian food in the city. Their carbonara is legendary, but don’t overlook their burrata or cured meats.

Pair it with a deep, velvety glass of Barolo, and toast to a day well spent. Because even in just 24 hours, Rome has a way of getting under your skin.

9:30 PM – Nightcap at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy

If you have a bit left in the tank, end the night at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, a hidden cocktail bar with old-school vibes and expertly crafted drinks. It’s intimate, it’s moody, and it’s the perfect way to toast your whirlwind Roman adventure.

One Last Thing…

You’ll leave Rome exhausted, slightly sunburned, and absolutely smitten. And if you tossed that coin into the Trevi Fountain, there’s a good chance you’ll be back. Because Rome, no matter how much or little you see, always leaves you wanting more.