{"id":3840,"date":"2020-05-12T14:56:54","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T14:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/devourromefoodtours.com\/?p=3840"},"modified":"2023-06-19T16:58:34","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T16:58:34","slug":"self-guided-walking-tour-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/self-guided-walking-tour-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Rome in a Day: Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rome is a city with thousands of years of history, all layered together and visible in its stunning monuments, buildings and neighborhoods. The historic center in particular is full of things to do and see, and luckily they’re all within walking distance of one another. And even if you’ve only got one free day to explore the Italian capital, we’ve got you covered. This self-guided walking tour of Rome will help you hit all the main monuments and areas in just a few hours.

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\"Colosseum
From the Colosseum to the Vatican, Rome some of the most famous sites in the world. Photo credit: David Libeert<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>

Of course, we think this city merits at least a few days of exploring. But in case you’re short on time, we’ve rounded up the top spots you simply can’t miss.<\/p>

On this self-guided walking tour of Rome, we’re taking you from the Colosseum to the Vatican, with many stops in between. But feel free to spend as much time as you’d like at each place, and adapt it to fit with any other tours you might have scheduled.<\/p>

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\"Follow\r\n
Check out the whole route on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>

8 Essential Stops on a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome<\/h2>

Colosseum and Roman Forum<\/h3>

Let’s start our day with one of Rome’s oldest monuments, the Colosseum<\/a>. Even if you don’t have time to go inside, the park around the monument gives you a good look at the exterior. If you walk down the road a bit, you’ll be able to look down into the Roman Forum at the ruins as well. <\/p>

\"Colosseum
The Roman Forum is an incredible site to see at any time of day, but we prefer it before it gets overrun with visitors!<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Piazza Venezia<\/h3>

Your next stop is the central hub of Rome, Piazza Venezia, where you’ll find the Vittorio Emanuele II monument—or as the Romans affectionately call it, “the wedding cake.” This multi-level, white marble monument was built to commemorate the unification of Italy under the reign of its first king, Vittorio Emanuele II.<\/p>

Trevi Fountain<\/h3>

Not far from Piazza Venezia is one of the most popular sites in Rome, the Fontana di Trevi<\/a><\/em>. Wandering along a small side street, you’ll hear the fountain before you see it. This stunning masterpiece is a must-see for any first-time visitors to Rome. Due to the popular tradition of throwing coins in the fountain, it earns about €3,000 a day to be given to the charity Caritas<\/a>.<\/p>

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\"Woman
Tossing a coin into Rome’s most famous fountain may seem touristy, but it’s for a good cause!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>

Insider’s tip:<\/strong> It’s best to visit as early (or late) as possible in the day to avoid the crowds. Think 5 or 6 a.m.!<\/p>

Spanish Steps<\/h3>

From the Trevi Fountain, you’ll make your way to the Spanish Steps<\/a> next (detour to Piazza Barberini if you’d like to see another of Bernini’s fountains along the way, the Fontana del Tritone<\/em>). Because recent restrictions prohibit any sitting or eating on the steps themselves, hold off until our next stop. In the meantime, you can take photos, grab a drink at the rooftop terrace above the steps, or do some shopping at the designer stores in the square. <\/p>

Pantheon<\/h3>

This iconic building is next on your self-guided walking tour of Rome. You may know that the Roman Pantheon is famous for being the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. But did you know that the building burned down twice?? Or that painter Raphael’s fiancée is buried here? Before gazing up at that awe-inspiring ceiling, make sure to brush up on some little-known facts about the Pantheon<\/a>!<\/p>

And of course, we have plenty of recommendations for where to eat near the Pantheon.<\/a> After you’ve admired the only source of light, a 7.8-meter oculus in the center of the dome, head outside to enjoy a refreshing gelato. <\/p>

\"Pantheon
You may have to wait in a line to enter the Pantheon, but the wait is definitely worth it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Piazza Navona<\/h3>

A short walk from the Pantheon will bring you to Piazza Navona<\/a>. Just like the Circus Maximus, this square was originally used for chariot racing and other events in Ancient Roman times, before being built over in later eras. In the center is yet another of Bernini’s fountains, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi<\/em>, which has inspired people with its beauty for centuries.<\/p>

Remember, it’s best to skip dining at any restaurants in this area (most of which will be overpriced). But if you do want to sit and enjoy the view, grab a cappuccino or glass of wine at one of the many bars nearby. <\/p>

\"Column
Perched on top of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi<\/em>, this obelisk is an unexpected sight in the center of Rome<\/figcaption><\/figure>

St. Peter’s and the Vatican<\/h3>

Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, the Vatican<\/a> can easily take up an entire morning or afternoon. Be prepared for long lines (even if you buy a ticket ahead of time). You’ll want to dedicate at least a couple of hours if you do decide to venture into the Vatican Museums <\/a>or the basilica. From the outside, however, you can see the entire square of St. Peter’s and enjoy the exterior architecture and sculptures.<\/p>

\"St
St. Peter’s Square is usually busy, but nothing compares to how packed the space becomes during Easter!<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Trastevere<\/h3>

After a long day spent exploring the center of Rome and its historic treasures, heading to the Trastevere neighborhood for dinner, a drink and maybe a gelato is the perfect way to end the evening. Join us on our Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour <\/a>or continue the DIY spirit of the day and choose from among Trastevere’s best restaurants<\/a>.<\/p>

Either way, you’ll end your tour of Rome in one of its most beautiful areas, where you’ll get to see a different side of this vibrant city.<\/p>

\"Reddish
With a Negroni or Spritz in hand, Trastevere is the perfect place to finish off a day of exploring! Photo credit: Patrick Langwallner<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Update notice: This article was updated on June 19, 2023.<\/em><\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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