One Day in Rome

It might have been better to post this question in the Italian section. Lot of discussion there on nearly the same question. Are you off a cruise ship for the day? If it was my first time to Rome, we would do as we normally do when we arrival in a sight for the first time. We want an orientation and a quick overview so we know what we would like to see and do in depth. We will already have done some homework as to what we think we should see and do. Looking for a little confirmation of the list.

Also, it will depend on the day of the week that you are there. Some sites will be closed on Monday which is fairly typical in Europe. The hop on/off buses could be a good option for you. It can serve as both your transportation and the overview. Any of the above suggestions are good but the probability of long entrance lines will eat into your time.

Morning at Colosseum & Forum, Afternoon at St. Peter's - you could do the church, but not really do the museum unless you run through it just to see the Sistine Chapel. We spent a whole day at the Vatican & loved it. If you are an art history buff, you could easily spend a whole day between the museum & St. Peter's.

Take the HOHO city tour bus #110. It covers over 80 sightseeing destinations in a 2.5 hr loop. Audio guide. Sit on top in front for the best views. Take the loop then take it again and get off at the places that interest you. Ticket good for 24 hrs.

An on-off bus tour might be good. The Colloseum was a must see for us, and the forum, though it's good not to get too bogged down.

Also really enjoyed the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.

The Vatican is a one-only site, but the hordes made it a mixed bag for us. I'd still recommend seeing it, but by the time we went, it was overwhelming. Be rested and patient -- I couldn't even take a picture of the Pieta because of being jostled constantly.

It's also a little like Paris, in that you don't want to pass up the opportunity to set at a side-walk cafe, or go to an espresso or gelato bar. Often, it's those little pleasures that stick with you.

I'd do the Vatican and its museum in the morning with tickets reserved in advance to assure getting in. The Vatican is a must-see in Rome. Then I'd head places of historical interest: the colosseum and forum. Some would say the Trevi Fountain is a "must-see" along with the Spanish steps. You can do them at night. And, of course, I'd indulge in gelato.

Can you define "day"? Starting in Rome, or arriving in the morning? Staying the night?

Assuming you'd have time... If it were me I'd do similar to several other recommendations.

Start at the Vatican -- dash through the museum so you can see the Sistine Chapel, then finish the morning in St. Peter's. Have a gelato.

Take a taxi / metro to the Colosseum area to have lunch and spend the afternoon -- Colosseum / Roman Forum / St. Peter In Chains. Have a gelato.

Dinner near Piazza Navona for the few sights near there that are good at night -- Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, possibly do Rick's Dolce Vita stroll to end at the Spanish Steps. Have a gelato.

Killer of a day -- to make it more tolerable use taxis to cut travel time -- do-able, and tastes the 3 essential parts of Rome.

I concur with Jim. Exactly. Ciao.

I also concur with Jim but I would start your day at the Colosseum, Palantine Hill, Roman Forum and then do the Vatican as late as you can since it is not as crazy as it is in the morning. No matter what you do enjoy and soak it all in!

We essentially did what Todd described--the forum/coliseum in the morning and st. peters (with angel tours) in teh afternoon and then an evening of dining and catching the other sites mentioned. It makes for a killer day, but we certainly slept well on the plane the next day. I highly recommend a bottle of wine sitting on the plaza at St. Peters Square. Relaxing, good people watching and nice break after pushing through the day.

Personally, the Colesseum, Forum and the Catacombs would be at the top of my 'must see' list. I enjoyed the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel far more than the Basilica. Try to find some time to enjoy lunch or a coffee in one of the many Palazzos.

I'm not huge on the Vatican and would save it for another trip because it's hectic and you really need to be able to take your time (I actually LOVED the museum, wasn't so into St. Peters, and the Sistine Chapel though beautiful was crowded and loud and made me dizzy lol). If I only had a day, I'd to the Colosseum/Forum, head to the Pantheon (it's amazingly beautiful but you don't need a lot of time for it) and then have lunch nearby and continue to the Vatican if you do want to do that or do the underground catacombs and spend some time people-watching at a café (and shopping, but maybe that's just me lol). Oh, and just wandering around the historic area, past the Trevi Fountain, Trajan's column, etc.