With world-famous cuisine, an abundance of cultural attractions and a stunning cityscape, Rome promises something for every type of traveller.
For anyone lucky enough to have two days in the Italian capital, you’ll want a to-the-point and fun-packed itinerary to make the most of your time. We decided to look beyond more obvious sights like the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel to give you a real taste of the city. Bringing you everything from delicious Italian coffee, pizza and pasta to climbing the Spanish Steps and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain – here is the best of Rome to cover in 48 hours.
Day 1
Caffè Ciamei
This traditional coffee shop ensures freshness by roasting their own beans for drinking in-store or for taking home. Ask for a glass of the coffee liqueur – delicious on its own or poured over vanilla ice-cream.
Nuovo Mercato Esquilino
A must-visit for the traveller after visually artistic edible goods to bring home from their trip, check out this lively and multicultural market with stalls arranged in rows in the open air. It’s a fragrant and colourful melting pot where vendors sell fruit, vegetables and spices that are normally difficult to come by in Rome. You’ll find everything from Italian delicatessen cured meats and a Bengali butcher to a Chinese fishmonger. And a separate section of household goods, clothes and fabrics, such as African wax print garments and fine sari material from an Indian tailor, perfect for the 68% of travellers that are considering bringing back “shelfie” souvenirs from their travels in 2026*. About memories as much as material goods, more than a quarter (26%) of travellers say food-first souvenirs evoke memories from their vacation, while 25% appreciate these cultural mementos for their local craft, sustainability, and traditional methods.
Mamertine Prison
This maximum-security, ancient Roman prison contains an eerie dungeon known as the Tullianum and sits underneath the San Giuseppe dei Falegnami church. Saints Peter and Paul are said to have been imprisoned here before they were killed. Book the Mamertine Prison Audio Guide for priority admission and a detailed history about the significance of this historic building.
Yotvata
Yotvata is the city’s only restaurant that’s certified dairy kosher. The cheese used here is produced in the best Italian dairies under Orthodox Union supervision. The chefs use it to make special dishes like ricotta and sour cherry tart.
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran
Renovations of the interior of the archbasilica under the direction of Francesco Borromini were commissioned by Pope Innocent X. The twelve niches created under his architectural plan were eventually filled in 1718 with statues of the Apostles, sculpted by the most prominent Roman Rococo sculptors.
Achilli al Parlamento
This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in a wine shop, and pairs deconstructed versions of Roman culinary classics with a wine menu offering thousands of different vintages. Enjoy your meal in the wood-panelled dining room, or ask for a table in the bistrot area for a more casual experience.
Day 2
Tram Depot
Housed in an old tram carriage, you’ll find this adorable speciality coffee bar. Grab a seat in the peaceful garden during the day and watch the world go by – or go in the evening for cocktails with friends. They also have snacks and small bites available.
Piazza di Spagna
Located in one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Rome, this spectacular square connects you to the French church Trinità dei Monti via the historic Spanish Steps. Take a photo in front of Bernini’s Baracaccia Fountain, and enjoy an ice cream on the famous steps while pretending you’re in the classic film, Roman Holiday.
Trevi Fountain
Legend claims that tossing a coin in this fountain will ensure your return to the Eternal City. This baroque landmark masterpiece by Nicola Salvi is one of the most popular spots in town, but you can see it in relative quiet and solitude by visiting early in the morning.
National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art
Masterpieces by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol are waiting for you inside the Palace of Fine Arts. Exhibits cover a wide range of art movements including Neoclassicism, Cubism and Futurism. There is also a cosy café here, so refuel with a cappuccino before you leave.
Ai Marmi
This busy spot churns out Roman-style pizzas from an open kitchen right next to the dining area. Seats at the white marble tables can be in high demand, but after a little wait, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with locals and enjoying thin, wood-fired oven-cooked pizza.
Angelico18
All plush velvet sofas and smooth jazz, this speakeasy is adorned with modern art and chandeliers. Some of the favourites on the menu include the mezcal-based ‘Fandango’ cocktail and a selection of Japanese whisky.
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
Rome’s reputation for putting on a show is no secret, and the beauty of its theatres and opera houses are a testament to the calibre of performances held within them. Take your seat and get ready to enjoy some of the biggest names in ballet and opera, as well as acclaimed orchestra conductors.
Where to stay
Stay at Ara di Marte Suites, a Booking.com Genius property, just around the corner from the Michelin-starred Achilli al Parlamento, and you’ll only have a 1-minute walk home after a delectable plate of pasta.
Located in Repubblica, home of the Teatro dell’Opera and just half a kilometre from the National Gallery of Ancient Art, Hotel Maximus is a charming boutique hotel with a newly renovated rooms, walk-in showers, a bar, terrace and garden. Free taxis from the airport are available to Booking.com Genius members that stay here as well.
Just a two-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, ARCAsuite Tritone Luxury, a Booking.com Travel Proud property, is a spacious four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment with excellent city views from the private balcony, a hot tub, and stylish, modern furnishings.
Methodology
*Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12–24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the U.K., 2,010 from the U.S., and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July–August.
