Rome in 24 Hours or Less

by Maria Freeman

Perhaps you’re a business traveler in town for an important meeting or maybe a wayward traveler just passing through – but you only have 24 hours or less in this ancient city and don’t know where to go. While Rome certainly wasn’t built in one day, you may find there are still many things you can see in the Eternal City within a short amount of time. Whether you find yourself in Rome as a business traveler or a backpacker, everyone can amuse themselves with Rome’s many sites and, though there is no need to mention it, great food.

Morning In Rome

Why not stop at any café and go for a real Italian breakfast? Grab an espresso and a cornetto (their version of the croissant) and do it like the locals – stand at the bar while chatting with the bartender, or smile and nod, if your Italian isn’t up to par. This is a great way to start the day and it’s cheaper than sitting at a table where you’ll be charged a coperto (cover fee)!

It’s best to start your whirlwind tour at Vatican City for a view of the vast Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square). If you’re there on a Wednesday, you may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Pope. Entering St. Peter’s Basilica is free, so the lines may be long. It’s worth the wait though, especially since you’ll be able to glimpse Michaelangelo’s masterpiece the Pieta, which depicts Mary holding Jesus in her arms after the crucifixion. If you have a bit more time, a visit to the Sistine Chapel to see the ceiling fresco is a must!

Afternoon in the Eternal City

If the morning’s activities made you hungry, then stop by a typical Italian pizzeria – the light and crispy dough, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and cheese will be forever embedded in your memory and never make you want to eat another Domino’s or Pizza Hut pie again.

Walk, bike or take the Metro to Rome’s most colossal monument – the Colosseum. Over 2000 years old, this ancient engineering wonder seated over 50,000 spectators who came to watch such sights as dramas, animal hunts, battle recreations, sea battles and, of course, gladiator matches. Today, most of this structure still stands and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.

Now, it’s time for something a little more “modern”. Well, compared to 70 BC, anything, even from 1629, seems modern. Another of Rome’s top tourist spots is the Trevi Fountain, a massive water fountain filled with columns, tritons and seahorses in a wild parade. Make sure you toss in a coin to ensure your return to Rome, then make your way to the Spanish Steps, which, ironically enough, were built by funds from the French. Sit on the steps with a cool drink as you sit and watch the tourists rush around.

If it’s still light, take a peek inside the Pantheon to look at the large dome, which has an occulus (opening) to the sky. The Pantheon was built as a temple to the gods, then was later turned into a church, and even a tomb which holds the bodies of Raphael and composer Corelli. Dozens of restaurants, cafes, shops and gelaterias turn the area into one of the liveliest in the city. Sit at an outdoor café table and enjoy an apertif, some fresh pasta, and dig into some rich tiramisu as you celebrate your, albeit brief, stay in this wonderful city.

Maria Freeman is based in Manila, Philippines and works for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers luxury www.briefcasesdirect.com  direct from the manufacturer. All photos property of Maria Freeman.