When In Rome…Roam!
Step into Italy, Rome, the iconic city known for iconic phrases like ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’. This is the city where ancient wonders, lively cultures, and delicious cuisine combine. Rome has always been at the top of my travel bucket list; it did not disappoint. It gave me everything I expected and more for a solo adventure and just 36 hours in Rome.
Rome is home to some iconic landmarks and jaw-dropping architecture. It’s a great-to-go city break, perfect for a weekend away. In this blog, I’ll explain how to do 36 hours in Rome on a solo getaway. Visiting Rome also means exploring the Vatican – two countries in one! Why not? It’s giving…catch flags, not feelings vibes! So, are you ready for Italy?
Also read: Is it safe to travel as a female solo traveller?
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Arriving In Italy, Rome
The journey to Rome involved a 30-minute transfer to the hotel from Fiumicino Airport (also known as Leonardo Da Vinci). Navigating to the hotel was pretty easy—I had a taxi pre-booked. But after a misunderstanding with the transfer company, I found myself at a coach station outside the airport instead—these things happen, guys. It’s good to have a backup plan when travelling solo.
I purchased a one-way ticket to Rome Central at the stand for 8 euros (£7.12). However, you can buy a ticket for around six euros online (around £5.28). If you prefer to be shown around Rome privately, consider hiring a personal driver.
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The journey proceeded smoothly, but I must admit, I found myself a bit shocked by the graffiti covering every wall and the abundance of homeless people on the streets. When you think of Italy, especially a popular area like Rome, you don’t think of…this – plus, not many people add this part to their blogs, so I didn’t expect it. Of course, homelessness is a severe problem anywhere, and Italy is no exception. However, don’t let it put you off; the centre improves!
Grafitti on the walls of Rome adds character
Places To Stay In Rome
Historic Centre (Centro Storico). The centre is the heart of Rome and is home to iconic attractions. Staying in this area lets you easily explore Rome’s historic sites, beautiful piazza and narrow cobblestone streets. You’ll find a range of accomodation here, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. This is ideal for a solo traveller being close to the main action.
Trastevere. This boasts a bohemian atmosphere, winding streets, and lively nightlife. It offers a more local and authentic experience. Although still close to the historic centre, Trastevere has its unique character, with charming squares, excellent restaurants, and street art. Accommodation options range from boutique hotels to cosy guesthouses.
Monti. Monti is one of Rome’s trendiest neighbourhoods near the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Its reputation is defined by its hipster vibe, vintage shops, and fashionable boutiques. Monti is a great choice if you prefer a mix of history and a modern, vibrant vibe, and it is ideal for solo travellers. Boutique hotels and plenty of gorgeous hotels are located here.
Diana Roof Garden Hotel is located in a central location
I stayed at the Diana Roof Garden Hotel in the heart of Rome. The hotel’s exterior was nice, the reception was simple and quick for check-in, and the rooms were clean. This hotel location was perfect for a solo traveller like me, offering easy access to restaurants, shops, and bus tour routes.
My Rome Hotel Picks:
Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus
Sightseeing HOHO Tours are my favourites—especially as a solo traveller! They are super convenient for getting to all the key attractions and operate numerous times daily, giving you enough time to hop off at different stops and explore everything. This is the best thing to do with 36 hours in Rome.
When I checked, the hop-on-hop-off tour was still operating for a few more hours, prompting me to purchase a two-day sightseeing bus tour online. I then walked to the nearest stop, less than a 10-minute walk away.
I remained on the HOHO Bus for the entire duration, eager to experience Italy and its bustling city while listening to the onboard commentary through the complimentary headphones provided. The audio was so good, including many facts and historical information about Rome. It was a completely different side of Italy from when I arrived.
HOHO bus and the Altare della Patria
Preparing For Day Tour In Rome
The following morning, I had an early start. If you’re wondering how much you can see in just 36 hours in Rome, I booked two tours for the day. So fuel up; it will be a long day! I went to the hotel’s rooftop for breakfast. The view was a lovely way to start my morning.
Rooftop views from the top of the hotel
Then, it was time for a taxi. So I grabbed a bottle of water, a small amount of cash (for food and tipping guides) and my phone battery pack charger – essential, as I dread running out of phone juice, especially in a foreign country. I then booked a cab from reception, which arrived within minutes.
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Vatican Museums, Gallery Of Maps, Sistine Chapel & St.
Peter’s Basilica
The first tour began at 9 a.m. I had booked the Vatican Museum, Gallery of Maps, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour beforehand. It included skipping the queues, as I had been advised about the long queues—I’m so grateful for the heads-up. Imagine standing in the queue alone – the only downfall of solo travelling.
The queue was never-ending, with at least 300 people queueing – book a tour to skip the queue
Guided tours are great fun and an excellent way to meet random people. Most of the time, people are extra nice to you if you attend solo, offering to take pictures and chat with you. Also, the additional information the guides relay is just fantastic.
The meeting point for this 3-hour tour was within walking distance of the Vatican Museums. Here, we explored the Rotunda, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Maps.
Vatican Museum
Did you know the Vatican is a whole different country from Italy? That’s right—it’s not part of Rome! That’s two countries in just 36 hours in Rome—pretty cool, huh (I only found this out a few years back!).
Founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II near the River Tiber, the Vatican Museums boast over 70,000 paintings and sculptures displayed across 54 galleries. It ranks among the top five most-visited artworks globally, featuring masterpieces from renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Bernini, and Michelangelo, who painted the famous Sistine Chapel.
Entrance to the Vatican Museum and the audio used for the tour
We were given an audio piece and fresh earpieces for the guide, which is actually the first time I have seen it – it was so beneficial! I was in a group of 25 and sometimes wandered off a bit, intrigued by different museum sections. I could still hear the guide and find the group again after, so it was a great addition to the tour.
Cortile Del Belvedere building and statues around the Museum
The ornate ceilings and the ancient status were the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. They are an art of no other kind in their own right. The design was so beautifully done and delicate, leaving me in awe. Then, it was time to head over to the Gallery of Maps.
Gorgeous detailed ceiling work and works of art
Gallery Of Maps
My favourite section was the ‘Gallery of Maps’, also known in Italian as ‘Galleria delle carte geografiche’. It is located in the Vatican Papal Palace within the Museums and was commissioned by the Pope. The Gallery of Maps is based on drawings by Ignazio Danti, a Dominican Italian born in 1536.
In 1583, a group of Mannerist artists, including Girolamo Muziano, completed the decorations for the Gallery of Maps, which took three years to finish. Of course, as in every room, the ceilings were my favourite. After the Gallery of Maps, we headed to the Sistine Chapel.
Stunning work in the Gallery of Maps
Sistine Chapel
After exploring the Gallery of Maps, we headed to the Sistine Chapel, which was painted by the one and only Michelangelo. We spent 10 minutes inside the Sistine Chapel in silence, admiring the work and saying our prayers—or, for me, repenting my sins. Seeing the famous Sistine Chapel was lovely, and I can finally tick it off my ‘to-see’ list.
No pictures can be taken inside the Sistine Chapel, but plenty of images of his work are online. Guards are present the whole duration, so I wouldn’t recommend trying to take pictures on the sly. You should also dress appropriately – as you would when attending church or a holy place. My guide asked me to zip my coat up before entering the Sistine Chapel, oops.
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Saint Peter’s Basilica
Our final stop was Saint Peter’s Basilica. Construction on this beautiful building started in 1506 and was completed in 1626. Michelangelo, Bramante, Bernini, Raphael, Maderna, and others in the Renaissance era were responsible for this stunning architectural work—it’s one of the most famous works of the Renaissance era. You can spot Saint Peter’s Basilica from far away; it’s huge!
Building of Saint Peter’s Basilica
You can tell the inside of Saint Peter’s Basilica would be as beautiful as the outside. The amount of detail and work that would have gone into these buildings is phenomenal. Again, I was in awe.
Inside the beautiful Saint Peter’s Basilica building
We were free to roam around and take pictures in the Saint Peter’s Basilica building. While we were there, we also witnessed a funeral. Many people were dressed in what I believe are called ‘Cassocks’. They were singing hymns, and the whole ceremony inside Saint Peter’s Basilica was just surreal!
More inside Saint Peter’s Basilica
The tour finished at Saint Peter’s Basilica. It was a great tour, very informative, and amazing. So yes, I recommend the guided skip-the-tour pass, especially if you are on a strict schedule on your solo trip, as the queues without the tour will restrict your time. This is a 36-hour in-Rome guide, so I highly recommend it!
I had just under two hours before my next tour began, so I hopped on the bus and used the sightseeing bus pass I had purchased the day before to visit other must-see attractions.
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The Spanish Steps
Despite their name, the Spanish Steps weren’t actually constructed by the Spanish. A French diplomat, Etienne Gueffier, and an Italian architect, Francesco de Sanctis, made the Spanish Steps after winning a competition to design them in 1717. Construction was completed in 1724, and the Spanish Steps instantly became a hit.
Spanish Steps Piazza and Della Trinita del Monti at the top of the steps
Given the popularity of this attraction, which shops and restaurants surround, visiting the Spanish Steps was as busy as expected. Listed as one of the most photographed places in the city, the Spanish steps appeared in artworks, poems, famous films, and many Instagram posts. Initially, local artists and wannabe models hoped to be captured on the Spanish Steps in a photograph or painting frequented this popular meeting place.
I then went to the Trevi Fountain, which was only a 8-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.
The Trevi Fountain
Remember to bring a penny for the Trevi fountain
Trevi Fountain’s name derives from ‘Tre Vie’, which means ‘Three Ways’ since the fountain was the meeting point of the three surrounding streets. Roughly a million euros worth of coins are annually taken from Trevi Fountain to support good causes. Of course, I forgot to bring a coin to toss in for luck, so I guess I will be unlucky…forever!
I recommend visiting the Trevi Fountain at night also as it’s quieter and more beautiful. However, you may feel a little nervous as a solo traveller, so I recommend going with someone if you stay in a hostel instead. After visiting the Trevi fountain, I stopped at a nearby cafe to indulge in a yummy panini loaded with cheese. A heart attack in Italy wouldn’t be cool, but it tasted so damn good!
Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
I arrived for the Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Day Tour with just 2 minutes to spare after getting distracted at the previous attraction! I was the only solo traveller in the group, so I eagerly stuck by the front with the guide. The group was friendly, offering to take my picture and involving me in their conversations.
We started the tour by visiting the Roman Colosseum; our guide was fantastic, sharing all her knowledge about this attraction.
Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see when visiting Rome. Constructed from travertine limestone, volcanic rock, and concrete, it was a popular social gathering space accommodating 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. The Roman Colosseum hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, public spectacles, executions, and theatrical shows.
Roman Colosseum – one of Rome’s main attractions
Despite being substantially ruined by the earthquakes, the Roman Colosseum is still an iconic symbol. Its image is also on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin.
Before entering the Roman Colosseum, we walked around a museum-type display, which was quite interesting. We walked the entire way around, taking pictures and selfies while our guide gave exciting facts through the audio piece for this tour.
Inside the Roman Colosseum
We spent about an hour exploring the Roman Colosseum. There are additional options to enter the centre with arena access. As this is one of the Wonders of the World, I recommend doing it if you have time. You can book a tour with arena access for this additional entry.
Once we finished exploring the Roman Colosseum, we went to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, a short distance away.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
En route to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
So why are the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill important? Ancient Romans believed that Romulus and Remus once lived on Palatine Hill, the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. The Palatine Hill is an extensive archaeological site where the Hut of Romulus, Flavian Palace and the Stadium of Domitian can still be seen. The walk to Palatine Hill took approximately 20-25 minutes and was slow to the top.
After Palatine Hill, see the Roman Forum area
The Roman Forum was formed to allow people to engage in open markets, hold public meetings, and discuss law court proceedings. Roman forums also became a part of religious ceremonies. They were wrecked by earthquakes, climate, and thieves of the stones and columns; however, they’re still a fantastic site to see and give you a great insight into what they once were.
That’s A Wrap For Rome!
The Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Day Tour were so worth it. After the tour, I got some food before returning to the hotel. I was knackered after a full day of exploring. I had seen everything I had set out to see on my solo trip and was so happy Rome had been explored thoroughly within the given time. The hotel arranged my transfer, and I was picked up early in the morning. It was an amazing, short, sweet 36 hours in Rome.
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So, this is how you can spend 36 hours in Rome wisely on a solo trip. Use this guide to make the most of it! With plenty to see and do, your days will be jam-packed with adventure.
Interested in visiting other parts of Italy? Check out some of the other cool locations to explore in Italy.
