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
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Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour
Discover the Vatican on a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Navigate the vast complex of rooms, artwork, and history with a guide, who brings the ancient collection to life. Skip all the entrance lines to explore halls such as the Gallery of the Maps and Raphael’s Rooms; step inside the Sistine Chapel to admire ‘The Creation of Adam’ by Michelangelo; and hear little-known tales about sacred St. Peter’s Basilica (when the option is selected). Choose from several departures, or upgrade to an evening experience or small-group tour with 10 people.
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From
$60.19
From
$60.19
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Skip the Line: Colosseum Small Group Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Skip the entrance line at the Colosseum so you won’t waste any time getting inside to marvel at this Roman icon. On this walking tour of Ancient Rome, you’ll explore the amphitheater’s first and second levels with a guide, who entertains you with tales of gruesome gladiator battles. Then visit the Roman Forum to see its ancient ruins like the Temple of Julius Caesar. This tour is limited to 25 people. If you want to enhance your experience, upgrade to a tour of the Colosseum’s restricted underground chambers, arena and upper tier.
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From
$60.19
From
$60.19
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour | Skip the Line Tickets
Take a guided tour of the Colosseum, including skip-the-line admission, to get the most out of your visit. By exploring the amphitheater’s first and second tiers with an official Colosseum guide, who has a background in history, art, and archaeology, learn about the origins of this iconic Rome landmark. Hear stories about gladiator battles and Roman emperors, and marvel at the engineering of the ancient structure. Then visit Palatine Hill and the ruins of the Roman Forum.
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From
$66.33
From
$66.33
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Vatican and Colosseum Combo Tour: Don’t Wait in Line to See the Best of Rome
Combine a trip to two of Rome’s greatest sites in one day. Take advantage of special no-wait entry at the Vatican and skip-the-line access to the Colosseum during this full-day tour. While others wait in line, you experience the majesty of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the ancient glory of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, all with an expert guide.
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From
$121.60
From
$121.60
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Early Access Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s
Tens of thousands of people visit the Vatican Museums each day to see St. Peter’s Basilica, masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo and Raphael, and the Sistine Chapel. Get inside the UNESCO-listed complex before it opens to the general public on this early access tour that’s limited to just 10 participants. Enter through a reserved doorway to skip the lines, and stay a step ahead of the large crowds on this carefully planned route that ensures you make the most of your time.
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From
$84.75
From
$84.75
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Take a Rome hop-on hop-off tour by open-top bus, and spend time city sightseeing as you travel past attractions such as the Colosseum and Vatican City. Relax aboard the double-decker Rome tour bus, listen to the audio commentary and hop on and off at any of the stops. Select a sightseeing ticket that’s valid for 24 or 48 hours, or pick an upgrade option to include entry to the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum and more.
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From
$29.48
From
$29.48
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Skip-the-Line Self-Guided Tour: Dedicated Access to St. Peter's Basilica
Enjoy the freedom to explore St Peter's Basilica at your own pace and on your own mobile device with this wifi audio guided tour. Use the access code and the Basilica's wifi to download the audio guide to your phone or tablet.
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From
$23.95
From
$23.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Rome Combo: Colosseum & Forum with Rome Must-See Walking Tour
Combine two of the bestselling tours in Rome into one comprehensive sightseeing experience with this Rome Super Saver. Start at the Colosseum for a skip-the-line tour of this ancient amphitheater, followed by a look at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Then spend the afternoon on a walking tour of Rome’s historic center to visit famous landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon.
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From
$108.09
From
$108.09
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Omnia Vatican and Rome Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off and Fast Track Entry
Make the most out of your trip to Rome and save time and money with the Roma Pass and Omnia Vatican Card. This sightseeing package grants you access to two top attractions, a 3-day hop-on hop-off open bus tour, and discounts at more than 30 attractions in the city. Receive fast-track admission to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Enjoy access to Rome's public transport system with a guidebook and map included.
Please note: Your card is valid for one year from time of purchase date and can be collected and used anytime within that period
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From
$138.80
From
$138.80
Semi Private Colosseum Tour with Special Access to the Arena Floor - Group of 10
Take advantage of skip-the-line access to the Colosseum in Rome during this small-group express tour in Rome. Walk past the long lines and through the Gladiator's Entrance, then explore the reconstructed Arena Floor with your guide—usually off-limits to the public. Head up to the second tier, where spectators once sat, and enjoy the views of the ancient arena. You can then use skip-the-line admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, included as part of your experience.
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From
$90.90
From
$90.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Rome by Night Tour
Rome is magical at night. Find out just how incredible the Eternal City is at night with this 2-hour guided sightseeing tour of Rome. Criss-cross the Italian capital via comfortable coach and, in the Centro Storico by foot. See the sites of Ancient Rome and visit Vatican City. See the Colosseum illuminated. Stroll through romantic Piazza Navona and toss a coin or two in the Trevi Fountain for good luck and to ensure you'll return.
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From
$66.33
From
$66.33
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Best of Rome Walking Tour and Authentic Italian Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner
See historic highlights of the Eternal City and learn secrets of Italian cooking on this decadent combo tour in Rome. After working up an appetite on a guided walking tour of landmarks like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, head to a local kitchen where you’ll learn to whip up an authentic 3-course meal under the guidance of a professional chef. Begin with bruschetta, make fresh fettuccine from scratch and end on a sweet note with creamy tiramisu. Choose from a lunch or dinner tour.
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From
$86.14
From
$86.14