Rome, the Cultured Italian love City, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture. While 10 hours is a short time to experience the magic, a well-planned day trip from London did help me to see its most iconic landmarks, explore for the day, and still make it back to London on time for bed Let’s explore Romee!
8:00 AM – Start at the Colosseum (1.5 Hours)
Begin your day at the legendary Colosseum, Rome’s most famous landmark. Arrive early to avoid long queues. Always remember to buy tickets from the Official website and avoid anyone offering a cheaper ticket, as these are usually scams! Take a quick walk around the Roman Forum and Palatine hill.
9:30 AM – Stroll to Piazza Venezia and the Pantheon (1 Hour)
From the Colosseum, walk to Piazza Venezia, where you’ll see the imposing Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland). Continue to the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple with a stunning dome.
10:30 AM – Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain (30 Minutes)
A short walk from the Pantheon leads to the Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. Toss a coin over your left shoulder into the water – legend says it guarantees your return to Rome 😉
Photo by Michele Bitetto
11:00 AM – Climb the Spanish Steps (30 Minutes)
Head to Piazza di Spagna and climb the famous Spanish Steps. Enjoy the view from the top and take a moment to soak in the atmosphere.
11:30 AM – Lunch Break (1 Hour)
Enjoy a traditional Roman lunch at a trattoria. Try cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and black pepper) and have some Napoletana pizza😉
12:30 PM – Vatican City (3 Hours)
Take a taxi or metro to Vatican City. Start with St. Peter’s Basilica, home to Michelangelo’s Pietà and the stunning dome. If time allows, visit the Vatican Museums.
Photo by Alejandro Esposito
3:00 – Cafeteria (30 Min)
One of the best things about Italy is its coffee culture. Stop by a local café (known as a caffetteria) taste of the Italian café only for 2euros!
3:30 PM – Castel Sant’Angelo (30 Minutes)
Walk along the Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress with breathtaking views of the city. Even if you don’t enter, the exterior is worth a visit.
4:00 PM – Trastevere and Aperitivo (1.5 Hours)
End your day in Trastevere, a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets and lively piazzas. Grab a classic Italian aperitivo.
5:30 PM – Departure
Now it’s time to return to the airport and fly back to London on Sunday night, ready for work on Monday morning! While a single day isn’t enough to fully experience Rome’s magic. Buon viaggio! Forza Roma!
Featured Photo by Mathew Schwartz