What to do in Rome for a weekend?

The Eternal City, the legendary cradle of our Western civilization continues to dream. A tour of a route to discover what to do in Rome for a weekend.

Myths, ancient vestiges, grandiose religious monuments, Dolce Vita , pizza and pasta : Rome is as captivating as delicious. The number of travellers who, each year, crowds the Italian capital does not defuse. It must be said that few cities compete in terms of architectural wealth, photogenic places, atmosphere, cuisine and history.

With so many opportunities and major points of interest, not always easy to find themselves there. This is why we advise you to segment your weekend in Rome in two, three or four parts depending on your desires and the time spent on site. Indeed, it is necessary to count about one day to enjoy each part without running and leaving itself carried by the hazards of the journey.

Day 1: Antique Rome

Antique Rome, that of history books and which sits in all imaginaries, is obviously the uncontourable of a stay in the capital. You will necessarily start this dive in Antiquity with a visit to the Colosseum . It is in Italy what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris . Located in the heart of the city, you may have seen it many times in the movies and in the photo, a true face-to-face is without the same. Imagine the games in the arena, a crowd of more than fifty thousand spectators and the Emperor’s galleries.

Link your circuit in Ancient Rome by Mount Palatin , one of the oldest ancient sites, homeland of Romulus and Rémus (the founders of Rome) by praise. The ruins are in the middle of nature despite its proximity to the city center. Mount Palatin also offers superb openings on the .

Moreover, it is also part of our route in the Antique Rome. This site, former epicentre of Roman political life, houses many ruins.

For this first part of your weekend in Rome, we recommend you to opt for a ticket cut-file including the three sites raised to save time (and money).

Day 2: Historical Center

This time, the historic centre of Rome immerses you at the height of the Italian baroque. Here you will find the utilizing palaces, finely crafted fountains, monumental squares, rich houses, enveloping domes and sumptuous green spaces. The second day of your weekend in Rome is as intense as it is dazzling.

From Monday to Saturday, you can start your day in the historic centre with a gourmet stroll at the market Campo de’Fiori .

Then, forced passage to the Trévi fountain . Stop throwing one, two or three pieces. According to legend, a room in the fountain assures you to return to Rome, two to find love and three to get married. Cliché or not, it is a nice gesture at the foot of one of the most beautiful fountains and classics in the world. The sculptures and imposing and worked scenes are a decorative postcard.

Close to the Trévi fountain, enjoy a famous Italian ice cream or drink an espresso before leaving on the assault of Eternal City. Then walk, nose in the air towards the constructions, towards the Pantheon. Quiet and free, the visit to this historic monument is most pleasant after a small crowd bath.

Borrow it via Giustiniani towards the Piazza Navona , one of the most beautiful of your weekend in Rome. This is the ideal place to take the pulse of the city. Fully pedestrian, the place overflows with life. In terms of monuments, it houses the fountain Des Quatre – Fleuves, decorated with statues representing the major rivers of four continents and found by an obelisk. At the outskirts, the church of Sainte-Agnès in Agone, a baroque style surmounted by a monumental dome... To admire outside as in it.

Piazza di Spagna , nearby, also marks a must-see detour. It is home to the Trinity Church of the Monts, whose staircases slip on the square and welcome many passers-by in search of rest and a remarkable view of the city. This square, flanked by beautiful buildings of warm colours, is highly photogenic.

Then take the direction of the Borghese villa which actually designates a park and gardens, the Borghese villa, the Borghese gallery, the Medici Villa and other splendors. The whole form a sumptuous set. The Borghese gallery is located within the villa. Outside, the gardens are a true masterpiece of plant and architectural design. They consist of carefully carved trees, but also of fountains, sculptures and baroque monuments.

Piazza Venezia and the monument to Victor Emmanuel II dazzle visitors and mark the final point of your second part of itinerary in Rome. The sparkling white marble of the monument, in honour of the King of Italy Victor Emmanuel II who unified the country following the wars with the Austria , is dressed in many sculptures, fountains, a commemorative column and a terrace from which it makes good to appreciate the view.

In the evening, why not discover Rome in music ? Ballets, concerts and operas are held regularly. These performances as breathtaking as romantic, are an integral part of the city's cultural scene.

Day 3: The Vatican and its surroundings

For the third stage of your weekend in Rome, wake up early and go to visit Vatican City , seat of the papacy and symbol of the Catholic Church. One of the smallest States in the world, of course, but perhaps the most densely populated in terms of tourists in view of its size of lilliputian. So, you really have to arrive early to save yourself long hours of waiting. The point of pride of the Vatican visit is of course marked by a tower at the Saint-Pierre Basilica with the Sistine Chapel and its mythical dome.

This visit is over, let us discover Château Saint-Ange and the bridge of the same name. It imposes itself in the landscape, close to the Vatican. All dressed in ochre stone, circular shape, it is just after the fortified corridor of the Passetto di Borgo . Many things are to be seen inside and these often pass under tourist radar. More reason to go there.

Day 4: art and Dolce Vita

If you have the chance to extend your weekend in Rome, get out more of the beaten paths east of Eternal City and stroll long hours in the authentic Trastevere district. Note, however, that you can also visit the latter during your visit to the Vatican, as it is right next door.

Dolce Vita in Trastevere

The district Trastevere can be proud to be the most authentic of Rome. Its paved alleys, lined with colourful facades, where the sheets sing to the balconies, embody the Dolce Vita . Trastevere invite to slow down, lift the nose of the phone, contemplate with delectation. Its little veils will lead you to the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Dell’Acqua Paola Fountain or the Basilica of Santa Maria Piazza di Santa Maria .

It is also the ideal area to have a drink in the evening. Trastevere also houses ancestral bakeries offering Italian pastries to fall on the ground. Speaking of greedy, during your weekend in Rome, you can’t pass through a fulgurating desire for local flavours. The authentic Roman squares reserve the best addresses, under the name of Trattoria . Most of the most traditional are located in Trastevere .

Street-art of Pigneto and San Lorenzo

The new trendy and alternative neighbourhood is not only known for its nightlife. His appeal also lies in his works of street art, his popular atmosphere and counter-current. The artists and creators made their nest and dressed the walls somewhat decircuited with graffiti and captivating paintings.

San Lorenzo, a great brother of the Pigneto, also drains Roman youth and great Italian graffiti. Façades bigarrées, committed murals, faces and broken bodies, San Lorenzo is a real open-air museum. In addition to its artistic assets, the district offers pleasant shaded walks and some historical monuments.

Weekend in Rome in practice

When and how to go?

Rome in summer is sometimes difficult to live in terms of heat and frequentation. Ancient sites are very exposed to the sun, while shaded alleys are often flooded from the world. So if you have a choice, we recommend spring and autumn for your weekend in Rome. And even better, out of school holidays.

Rome is served by two airports: Fiumicino (to the south-west of the city) and Ciampino (to the southeast). The latter hosts low-cost and direct flights from several French airports. Do not hesitate to visit a Compare flights to find your ticket.

Once on the Italian floor, several options are available to you to reach the city centre of Rome. Bus companies make the journey a little less than an hour for a handful of euros. Another faster and more economical option is to take the metro. Otherwise, the taxis will take you to destination.

Where to stay in Rome?

You don't know where to sleep during your weekend in Rome for a couple of days or more? Limited budgets can opt for rental accommodation or a hotel in the slightly overcrowded area of Termini. Otherwise, downtown and Colosseum are clearly the best options to see a maximum of things in a minimum of time. In these neighborhoods, in high season, prices rise fast.

Other options exist in the Trastevere district, dynamic, or that of the Vatican City, more excited. The most important thing is to choose accommodation close to major sites of interest, close to the metro if you do not intend to walk much (attention, Rome is great) and whose atmosphere will meet your expectations.

You can find the accommodation that suits you on a hotel comparison such as Booking or on the platform Airbnb .

La Roma Pass : useful or not for a weekend in Rome?

The tourists play elbows in Rome, which is why the cut-line tickets are rigorous. As for the Roma Pass, everything depends on your desires and the duration of your stay. If you intend to use public transport several times, the Roma Pass includes them. Moreover, if you intend to visit many monuments, the Roma Pass will allow you to make great savings.

If you walk around and visit few monuments, you better take the cut-file tickets in advance (or on-site directly) and pay very occasionally a trip in public transport.