24 hours in Rome: a perfect day in the Italian capitol

25.07.2024 - 08:52 / lonelyplanet.com / Leonardo Da-Vinci

Jul 24, 2024 • 6 min read

Rome is the eternal city – but you do not need an eternity to get a real taste for Roman life. In a place where history teams from every cobblestone, edifice and dilapidated wall, Rome may not have been built in a day, but it is entirely doable in one. This itinerary assumes an early morning arrival. 

Take the Leonardo Express from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to Roma Termini (Stazione Termini). The train takes 32 minutes and costs €14 each way. A taxi will take nearly twice that long and cost five times as much, so it’s by far the best choice.

If you have bags, there are luggage storage options at the airport for €10 per bag (and also at Termini) – ideal if you’ve got a heavy suitcase and need to ditch it for the day. From Termini, you can get to any part of Rome fairly easily. Take a taxi, a bus or the Metro to your hotel or your first stop.

If you’re in Rome overnight, Hotel Locarno is a centrally-located boutique hotel (a stone's throw from Piazza del Popolo) with a charming outdoor patio where you can take all meals and a rooftop terrace that’s open in the evenings. I jumped at the chance to stay here, if only for a night, and I can’t think of a better place to hang your hat. Breakfast was included with the rate I booked (though not on the morning you check in). Be sure to check your rate on their website before booking. Accommodation in Centro Storico is close to everything, but there are few budget options. For a more vibey area near Stazione Termini, check out options in Monti.

Rome is best viewed early in the morning. It’s relatively quiet with fewer crowds, so I'd advocate for heading to the ancient Roman sites as soon as you fuel up. 

Breakfast in Rome is not a big affair – just a cappuccino and a cornetto  (an Italian croissant). I chose to do this in the garden after checking in to Hotel Locarno, but there’s no shortage of places to grab and go. Hit up the nearest pasticceria (cake shop) once you are ready to start your day – or make a beeline for Roscioli Caffe (it opens at 7am Monday through Saturday; 8am on Sunday) on your ramble to your first stops in Ancient Rome. 

Pro tip: Some shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so check out all the spots you’re hoping to visit before you head on out.

Rome is a wonderful city to explore on foot (if you are able). The charm, history and street life you encounter are ceaselessly fascinating. Every aspect of life is on display if you open your eyes and ears to it. Wear comfortable shoes as well over 10,000 steps, over uneven terrain, are in your future.

Whether you're starting from Termini or Locarno, walk (20 to 30 minutes) to the Colosseum, Rome’s huge gladiatorial arena, which is