Itinerarly
One day in Rome: a walking route in the best order
Rome rewards walkers: the ancient city, the baroque centre and the Vatican are all within a few kilometres of each other. This plan follows the order of the Complete Rome audio tour in the Itinerarly app, split into a morning in ancient Rome and an afternoon in the baroque centre and across the river.
At a glance: 7 stops, about 5.3 km in straight lines between them (expect a bit more on foot), and about 2 h 20 of walking and listening, plus the time you spend inside the sights.
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill
- ColosseumWelcome to the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built and the absolute icon of Imperial Rome. Inaugurated in 80 AD under the reign of Titus, it could hold over 50,000 spectators who came to witness gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, and even mock naval battles.
- Roman ForumYou are gazing at the Roman Forum, the true political, religious, and commercial heart of ancient Rome for over a thousand years. Wandering through these majestic ruins, you walk in the footsteps of history's greatest figures, from Augustus to Cicero.
- Palatine HillYou are admiring the Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace and most exclusive district of ancient Rome. It is here that Romulus is said to have founded the city in 753 BC after being saved by the legendary she-wolf.
Afternoon: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, St. Peter's Square, Janiculum & Trastevere
- PantheonYou are entering the Pantheon, Rome's best-preserved ancient monument and one of history's most extraordinary architectural feats. Rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, it was dedicated to all gods.
- Piazza NavonaWelcome to Piazza Navona, the most elegant and lively square in Rome's historic center. Its unique elliptical shape stems from the Stadium of Domitian that stood here in ancient times, used for athletic games.
- St. Peter's SquareYou are standing in St. Peter's Square, the beating heart of world Catholicism and a masterpiece of Baroque urban design.
- Janiculum & TrastevereWelcome to the Janiculum Hill, which offers arguably the most spectacular and comprehensive panorama over Rome. From here, your gaze can encompass the entire Eternal City, from Baroque domes to ancient ruins, reaching as far as the distant Apennine peaks.
Only have an hour?
Take the Rome Express tour instead: 3 stops, about 1 h: Colosseum → Roman Forum → Trevi Fountain.
Practical tips
- The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill share one ticket with a timed entry to the Colosseum. Book it on the official site before you go, especially in high season.
- The Pantheon now has a small entry fee; the queue moves quickly.
- Churches, including St Peter's Basilica, ask for covered shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf.
- Rome's street fountains (nasoni) give free drinking water: refill a bottle instead of buying one.
- Go to the Trevi Fountain early in the morning or late in the evening if you want to see it without a crowd.
Do it with a story at every stop
This route is the Complete Rome tour in the free Itinerarly app. It walks you from stop to stop and plays a short narrated story when you arrive, in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. See all the audio tours of Rome.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you see Rome in one day?
- You can see the main sights from the outside and visit one or two of them inside. This route links 7 of them in an order that avoids backtracking.
- What is the best order to visit Rome's main sights?
- One efficient order is: Colosseum → Roman Forum → Palatine Hill → Pantheon → Piazza Navona → St. Peter's Square → Janiculum & Trastevere. It is the order used by the Itinerarly Complete Rome audio tour.
- Is there a free audio guide for Rome?
- Yes. The Itinerarly app has 3 free self-guided audio tours of Rome, narrated in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese.