How to Spend 1 Day in Rome

Everyone knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day but with some forward planning, it is possible to take in the highlights in one. Maximize time with skip-the-line tickets for top attractions, travel between the sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and choose tours that combine multiple sights. Here’s how to see Rome in one day.
Morning: Visit the Vatican
Kick off your sightseeing in Rome with an early-access tour of the Vatican Museums. Making an early start not only saves time but also means you’ll get to enjoy the UNESCO-listed treasures before the crowds arrive. First, marvel at masterpieces by artists like Raphael, da Vinci, and Botticelli in the enormous museums, then step inside Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Finally, head into the grand St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can climb the dome for a stunning view of the city.
Afternoon: Journey to Ancient Rome
The Colosseum is on top of most must-see lists, so it’s best to prebook skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting hours waiting outside. Follow in the footsteps of fearless gladiators and Roman emperors as you explore the mighty amphitheater, then continue to the nearby Roman Forum, home to some of the city’s most impressive ancient ruins. Make a pit stop for some Italian gelato as you stroll into downtown Rome, where you won’t want to miss a photo by the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Night: Cruise Around Illuminated Rome
Rome’s scenic riverfront is most magical by night, and an evening cruise along the Tiber river affords stunning views. Opt for a dinner cruise and tuck into traditional Italian dishes such as lasagna or gnocchi as you sail past St. Angelo’s Castle and spot the distant spires of St. Peter’s Basilica. Or, continue sightseeing in the evening hours with a moonlit tour of the Colosseum or a night walking tour of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.
12 Tours and Activities | All Rome Tours

Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour

Skip the Line: Colosseum Small Group Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour | Skip the Line Tickets

Vatican and Colosseum Combo Tour: Don’t Wait in Line to See the Best of Rome

Early Access Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s

Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Skip-the-Line Self-Guided Tour: Dedicated Access to St. Peter's Basilica

Rome Combo: Colosseum & Forum with Rome Must-See Walking Tour

Omnia Vatican and Rome Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off and Fast Track Entry

Semi Private Colosseum Tour with Special Access to the Arena Floor - Group of 10

Rome by Night Tour
