Practical Information

When planning a one-day itinerary for Rome, this iconic amphitheater has to make the list (non-negotiable)! There are so many different options for tickets depending on your interests - to explore by yourself with an audio guide, take a guided tour, go on a tour that includes extra areas such as the underground of the Colosseum, etc.

If you forget to book a tour in advance, don’t worry! There are many tour operators that you can purchase last-minute tickets from right outside of the Colosseum entrance. If you stand around looking a little lost, a guide is bound to approach you (this is what we did LOL), or you can find what looks like a tour group and see if you're able to join.

When you get into the Colosseum, it is so much larger and more amazing than it seems in photos. For guided tours, once inside they'll give you an option to leave the group and explore on your own. Keep in mind that if you do this you won’t be able to access the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum since the guides have the groups tickets, so stick with it even if the talking gets a bit lengthy. Once inside the Roman Forum you're left to your own explorations.

History of the Colosseum

The Colosseums history is fucking insane. It is an amphitheater that began being built around 70 A.D. under the emperor Vespasian; he wanted to keep expanding his empire, so he had the Colosseum built as a distraction to keep the Roman people happy. It was built mainly by Jewish slaves, intended to be an entertainment venue to host bloodsports including gladiator fights, executions, and animal hunts.

Around 400,000 humans (gladiators, slaves, and prisoners) and 1 million animals were killed during the 350 years that it was used for these bloody spectacles. Animals used included everything from lions, tigers, and bears, to hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and elephants. Some animals were killed during hunts, others were slaughtered while being used as executioners to kill those condemned to death in the arena — this was a form of capital punishment known as “damnatio ad bestias”.

You can see in the photos that most of the arena platform has collapsed and the elaborate underground area, called the hypogeum, is exposed. The hypogeum is a network of tunnels that contains chambers that held the animals, gladiators, and prisoners before entering the arena - there were many vertical shafts that allowed access to the arena from the hypogeum. There were also many trap doors through which surprise animals and fighters could be deployed into the arena during the spectacles.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

10:05a.m.-11:05a.m. → Roman Forum

Practical Information

The Forum is just a 2-3 min walk from the Colosseums main exit (near the Arch of Constantine). It’s a natural next stop for a seamless ancient Rome itinerary. It'll take you around 30-min to 1-hour to wander the ruins and see the highlights. Without a guided tour you can download a free audio guide (e.g., Rick Steves’ Rome app) or grab a €5 map from the ticket office. Visiting right after the Colosseum (around 10am) will help beat the crowds! It is so fun to wander and explore here, picturing what would have been happening so long ago in the exact spot you’re walking. There is so much history, and you can definitely feel the ancient energy!

History of the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was once the center of the ancient city of Rome, now housing the ruins of many of the oldest and most important buildings. It is believed that Romans began utilizing the land around 500 B.C. (around the time the Roman Republic was founded), and it quickly became the center of day-to-day Roman life for centuries. Elections, speeches, gladiator matches, and criminal trials took place here.

In my opinion, the most interesting story is that of the House of the Vestal Virgins - one of the most important structures of the Forum. Six priestesses, called the Vestal Virgins, lived in the home behind the Temple of Vesta with the job of tending to the temple’s sacred flame. Selected as flame-keepers between the ages of 6 and 10, the girls were required to serve for 30 years, taking a series of vows including to keep the flame lit at all times.

It was believed that terrible things would occur in Rome upon a broken vow, so resulting punishments were live burial or banishment to an underground chamber that would be sealed forever. Tied to the fate of Rome, the girls would often be blamed for something awful occuring in the city - it would be said one of the six broke their vows and she would be condemned to death.

11:10a.m.-12:00p.m. → Palatine Hill

Practical Information

From the Roman Forum, head toward the Arch of Titus (near the Forum’s eastern end, close to the Colosseum). Follow signs for “Palatino” (Palatine Hill) to an uphill path or stairs nearby. There are quite a few steps to get to the top, but it’ll only take about 5–7 minutes. Once there, enjoy stunning views of Rome including of the Colosseum and Forum. If you have the Forum Pass SUPER ticket, you can enter exclusive Palatine Hill sites like the House of Livia or Temple of Romulus for a deeper dive into history.

History of Palatine Hill

In ancient Rome, the Palatine Hill was the posh neighborhood where emperors and aristocrats built their lavish homes — think of it as Rome’s Beverly Hills! After seeing the breathtaking views from the top I can easily see why emperors loved it there. It’s also home to the Lupercal, the legendary cave where a she-wolf nursed the twins Romulus and Remus.

According to Greek mythology the twins grandfather, King Amulius, felt threatened and ordered them killed, abandoning them on the Tiber River’s banks. The river carried them to safety (sometimes accredited to the god Tiberinus, Father of the River), where the she-wolf found them near what would become Rome. The twins later clashed over where to begin building their new city — Romulus chose Palatine Hill while Remus preferred Aventine Hill. When Remus was killed (by Romulus or his supporters), Romulus founded Rome and became its first king.

12:10p.m-12:55p.m. → Victor Emmanuel II National Monument

Practical Information

The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument is a quick 10-minute walk from Palatine Hill, offering a combo of history and free views of the city! The building is strikingly beautiful with large pillars and grand statues, definitely worth a stop on your one-day Rome itinerary. Enter through the left-side entryway (near Piazza Venezia) to access the panoramic terraces — perfect for photos without spending €10 on the elevator, which I found skippable. Keep some coins handy, especially in summer heat; vendors outside sell ice-cold water bottles for ~€2 each. We got three for €5 by haggling a bit, so give it a try!

History of the Victor Emmanuel Monument

Nicknamed “the Wedding Cake” for its bold, white-marble design, this grand monument honors Victor Emmanuel II, Italy’s first king after unification in 1871. It houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial for an unidentified World War I soldier and symbolizing all Italians lost in war. Built between 1885 and 1935, it’s also home to a small museum showcasing Italy’s unification history.

1:15p.m.-2:30p.m. → Lunch at Mariuccia

A 17 minute walk from the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, I highly recommend having lunch at Mariuccia, a popular trattoria with incredible Italian dishes. It's necessary to make reservations in advance unless you want to wait an hour for a table as there are often long lines. I had the best pistachio pizza in Rome (that I, in fact, did wait an hour to get a table for) and delicious tiramisu. Truly exquisite flavors; a perfect midday break on your Rome itinerary.

2:50p.m.-3:30p.m. → Pantheon

Practical Information

Just a 7-minute walk from Mariuccia, the Pantheon is a must-see gem in the heart of Rome. Entry used to be free, but as of 2023 you need a €5 ticket, though it remains free for Roman residents. You can book skip-the-line tickets online in advance — trust me, it’s worth it to avoid waiting. Allow 30–45 minutes to marvel at the massive dome and oculus, perfect for quick photos. No food or drinks inside, so finish that gelato nearby first. Check out the fountain in Piazza della Rotonda outside the church before heading in.

History of the Pantheon

The Pantheon started as a temple to all Roman gods and has been a church since 609 CE — hence its amazing preservation! Its name comes from the Greek words “pan” (all) and “theos” (gods). Built by Agrippa around 27 BCE after a big military win under emperor Augustus, it burned down twice (80 CE and ~110 CE) before Hadrian rebuilt it around 126 CE. It is said that Hadrian clashed with his architects over the iconic dome’s design so he banished and executed him — what a crazy time!

3:40p.m.-4:10p.m. → Trevi Fountain & Snack

Practical Information

A 10-minute walk from the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain is a free public attraction perfect for a 30-minute stop. Expect it to be madly crowded, a given with such a spectacular piece of history, unless you see it at like 5:00a.m. Nonetheless you can still find a great spot for viewing and photos. Bring €1 coins - legend says you're supposed to toss one over your left shoulder (using your left hand, eyes closed), and make a wish! Throw one coin to return to Rome, two coins to meet the love of your life, three coins to marry! Every day around €3,000 are thrown into the fountain; each week it's collected and most of the money is donated to charities!

Grab a pistachio croissant (truly the best) from L'Antico Forno Di Fontana Di Trevi It's quite popular as it's right near the fountain, so there's long lines for seated service - instead just visit their bakery to the left of the cafe & grab snacks to-go!

History of the Trevi Fountain

Named after the Latin “Trivium” (three-street intersection), the fountain sits at the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct and was built in 19 BCE to supply Rome’s water for over 400 years. Legend says a young virgin led Agrippa to a fresh spring for it! The current baroque fountain, Rome’s largest, started with Renaissance designs under Pope Nicholas V, evolved with Bernini’s sketches in 1629, and was completed from 1732–1762 after Pope Clement XII’s design contest by Nicola Salvi (contest winner), Giuseppe Pannini, and others. Now it's one of the most famous fountains in the world & is featured in several films including Roman Holiday (1953), Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) and La Dolce Vita (1960).

What are the Statues on the Trevi Fountain? [Show]

4:20p.m.-5:00p.m. → Spanish Steps

Practical Information

A 5-minute walk from the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps are a must for your Rome itinerary. Climb the 135 steps (Europe’s widest staircase) to Trinità dei Monti church, admire the views from the top and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza di Spagna (Spanish square) below — plan 30–40 minutes. They're free to access and open 24/7, but note: as of 2025 you're no longer allowed to sit on the steps, in the name of conservation, so make sure to respect the rules!

History of the Spanish Steps

The staircase, which used to be a dirt-covered hill, was commissioned by the French under Louis XII and built from 1723–1725 in Roman baroque style. The Spanish Steps connected the French Trinità dei Monti church to Piazza di Spagna, named for the nearby Spanish Embassy in the 17th century. Its 135 steps, with three terraces symbolizing the Holy Trinity, drew artists, painters, and poets who were inspired by the beauty. Among them was John Keats, a poet who came to Rome during the Romantic movement to escape the cold of Britain, as he was suffering from tuberculosis. While he was hoping the warmth of the city would cure him, he passed away not long after moving there — his former house next to the staircase is now a Romantic-era museum.

In the Spanish square, there is a fountain made by Pietro Bernini that he titled ‘Fontana della Barcaccia’, which translates to ‘Fountain of the Ugly Boat’. But, is it ugly? No! The story goes that in 1598, the Tiber river flooded and left an ugly boat stranded in that exact spot, which is where Bernini got his inspiration from.

5:10p.m.-6:10p.m. → Aperitivo at Terrazza Borromini

New to aperitivo? A beloved Italian tradition, apertivo is a pre-dinner ritual where you gather to unwind with drinks and light snacks, typically between 6:00p.m. and 8:00p.m. Think of it as a happy hour with an Italian twist, designed to stimulate your appetite (the word "aperitivo" comes from Latin, meaning "to open"). For a single price (usually €8–15 in Rome), you get a cocktail - like an Aperol Spritz, Negroni, or prosecco — paired with a spread of snacks, from olives and cheeses to bruschetta or small sandwiches.

Following your visit to the Spanish steps, I recommend going for aperitivo at Terrazza Borromini. It's a rooftop with stunning views toward Piazza Navona about an 8 min walk from the steps. It's a bit more expensive and you'll most likely need reservations to get a spot on the roof, but once you catch the views of ancient Rome you won't care how much you spend!

8:30p.m.-10:00p.m. → Dinner at Osteria da Zi’ Umberto

After having aperitivo somewhere more touristy - honestly for most travel destinations it's either a great view with decent quality or no view with excellent quality - it's time to explore the traditional trattorias. For an authentic Roman dining experience I recommend visiting Osteria da Zi’ Umberto, tucked away in a quieter corner of Trastevere. While it's small, it's frequented by locals and their dishes have locally-sources ingredients. You'll hear more Italian here which is always a good sign when it comes to finding delicious cuisine in Rome. Around dinner hours (typically between 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m. in Italy) there may be a line to get in, but the cacio e pepe is worth it.

Map of Rome One-Day Itinerary

I hope this one-day guide to Rome, mixed with a little historical background, inspires your next adventure through Italy! Let Rome’s timeless charm capture your heart as it did mine. Share your favorite moments from Rome and tag me on Instagram @blondevelvet_travel — I’d love to hear about your journey!

If you're headed to Venice on your Italian vacation, check out my guides Top 4 Things to do in Venice and The Venetian Islands: Murano and Burano.

If instead you're headed down to the Amalfi Coast, read my posts before you go —— Exploring Amalfi & Positano by Sea and Fiordo di Furore: Amalfi Coast’s Hidden Gem!

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