Often called the “Eternal City,” Rome was the epicenter of the legendary Roman Empire and one of the oldest and is one of the most recognizable cities in the world. With its history dating back to the Roman Empire nearly 3,000 years ago, it is no wonder that tourists keep flocking to the Italian capital.

Rome is home to the world’s most outstanding and historical monuments, but that’s not all. The capital also boasts beautiful parks, a bustling nightlife and world-class shopping and dining options.

Skyline of Rome

Day one: Ancient Rome

Kick off your 48-hour visit by heading to the Piazza di Spagna, located near the city centre. Relax by the plaza’s benches, grab a quick snack from one of the food stalls before continuing your journey by climbing up the famous Spanish Steps (of which there are 138) – the 200-year old ’monument’ is considered the longest and widest staircase in Europe.

Spanish steps

After the tiring trip to the top, you’ll reach the Trinità dei Monti. The beautiful Baroque church owned by the French State. Snap a few photos before heading back down to the piazza and making your way south to Via Propaganda. The walk will take you through Via Mercede, and Via Poli, where the early Baroque style Trevi fountain, a favourite local spot for marriage proposals, is located.

Trevi Fountain

Continue on to Via del Corso and Piazza Colonio, where you can admire the Column of Marcus Aurelius towering at 25 meters. From the column, turn left to Piazza Montecitorio, and make your way down Via del Corso into Piazza de Rotunda where you’ll find one of Rome’s most popular landmarks – the Pantheon, 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

After taking in all the sights, meander down to the Piazza Navona. Dotted with fountains and obelisks the square in the most picturesque in the city. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a concert.
One of the must-see attractions in Rome is the world-famous Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo). Considered the epitome of Roman engineering and architecture, the Colosseum could seat 50,000 people who would come to watch the famous gladiators battle it out for their lives. The Colosseum would additionally conduct executions and animal hunts.

The Colosseum

Day two: Vatican City

Your second day in Rome is a chance to explore the city’s other attractions, such as the Parco Villa Borghese, which you can reach by catching the 910 bus from Stazione Termini and getting off at Via Pinciana. The park offers some of the best views of Rome and is also home to historical museums and galleries, such as the very popular Galleria Borghese.

Galleria Borghese

While the Vatican is not officially part of the city – it is technically another country – the papal city is a must on any tourist’s itinerary. Take the Rome Metro Line A, which runs through the state at the Ottaviano and Cipro-Musei Vatican stations. Head directly to St Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world where you can marvel at various works of the Renaissance’s greatest artists, such as Bernini and Giotto, as well as Michaelangelo’s world-famous Pieta.

St. Peter’s Basilica

The Sistine Chapel inside the Apostolic Palace– the official residence of the Pope – is your next destination.  Covered in frescoes made by the greatest Renaissance artists, including Michaelangelo’s breathtaking 12,000-square foot “Creation of Adam”. Resulting in a truly artistically humble experience.  From the chapel, you can continue down towards the Vatican Museums. Widely regarded as some of the greatest collections in the world. It includes the Pinacoteca Art Gallery, Collection of Modern Religious Art, Sculpture Museums, to name a few.

The Sistine Chapel

Porta Portese: shopping at the flea-market

For souvenirs, you can shop at Porta Portese (Trastevere district). Here you’ll find a wide selection of shops where you can buy unique memorabilia and retro clothes. Avid buyers often swap the flea market, which usually opens at 11 am. Via Condotti, near the Spanish Steps, is one of Rome’s most expensive streets, with shops that include Prada, Gucci, etc…

Porta Portese Gate

Lunch on the run

Rome is a mecca for gastronomes, so why not round off your trip with one of the best meals ever? Pizza, pasta, tiramisu…Buon Appetito!

Authentic Italian food

About the Author

 Mahy Medhat

A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.