36 HOURS IN ROME — How To Explore Italy’s Main Attractions Solo

Step into Italy, Rome, the iconic city behind the phrase ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ This is where ancient wonders, lively surroundings, and mouthwatering cuisine come together. Rome has sat at the top of my bucket list for years, and I can now confirm, it did not disappoint. It gave me everything I expected and more for a solo adventure, even with just 36 hours to explore.

Home to jaw-dropping architecture, legendary landmarks, and those classic cinematic streets, Rome is the perfect quick city weekend break. In this blog, I’ll give all the tips on everything you need to know, and I’ll show you exactly how to spend 36 hours in Rome on a solo getaway. And of course, visiting Rome means you have to explore the Vatican too; two countries in one trip! It’s giving… catch flights, not feelings energy. So, are you ready for Italy?

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The iconic Colosseum. Credit: SCStock (Adobe)

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All You Need To Know About Rome

Language: The official language is Italian, but in central Rome, especially around tourist areas, many people speak basic English. Still, learning a few phrases like ‘ciao’ (hello & goodbye) and ‘per favore’ (please) goes a long way in Italy!

Currency: Rome uses the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s helpful to carry a little cash for gelato stands, markets, small cafes, or churches that require coin donations.

Getting Around: Rome is super walkable, especially around the historic centre. For longer distances, you can use the metro, buses, coaches, or trams, all of which are affordable and easy once you get the hang of it. Taxis and Uber (Uber Black only) are available but pricier. Tours are a great way to see much of Rome.

Duration: The best time to visit Rome is April–June and September–October, when temperatures are warm and comfortable. Summer (July–August) gets extremely hot and crowded, while winter is cooler but quieter. Note: 2025 will be exceptionally busy due to the Jubilee Year, so plan ahead. Although I saw a lot in 36 hours, I would recommend 2-4 days in Rome.

Customs & Norms: Shoulders and knees may need to be covered when entering churches, especially the Vatican. Eating or sitting on certain monuments (like the Spanish Steps) is prohibited and can result in fines. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. Always validate bus or train tickets; fines are strict if you don’t. Respect local quiet hours late at night, especially in residential areas.

Arriving In Italy, Rome

The journey to Rome included a 30-minute transfer 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). 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).

The journey proceeded smoothly, but I must admit I was 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!

Graffiti on the walls of Rome adds character

Places To Stay In Rome

Rooftop views from Diana Roof Garden Hotel

36 Hours In Rome

I began my first part of the trip with a sightseeing HOHO Bus, which is my favourite activity to do in any destination, 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 way to begin your 36 hours in Rome.

When I checked, the hop-on-hop-off tour was still operating for a few more hours, so I purchased a two-day Sightseeing Bus Tour online. I remained on the HOHO Bus for the entire duration, eager to experience Italy and its bustling cities 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

Vatican Museums, Gallery Of Maps, Sistine Chapel & St.
Peter’s Basilica

The following morning, I had an early start with my first tour beginning at 9 a.m. I had booked the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour the night before. It included skipping the queues, as I had been advised about the long queues by another traveller, for which I’m so grateful for the heads-up. Imagine standing in the queue alone!

Guided tours are great fun and an excellent way to meet random people. Most of the time, people are extra friendly to you if you attend solo, offering to take pictures and chat with you. Also, the additional information the guides share is just fantastic and, for me, a no-brainer for solo trips.

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.

The queue was never-ending, with at least 300 people queuing – book a tour to skip the queue

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, 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. The Vatican Museum 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 Vatican Museum tour, which was actually the first time I had seen it, it was so beneficial! I was in a group of 25 and sometimes wandered off a bit, intrigued by different sections of the Vatican Museum. 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 statues 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. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the tour; it’s gorgeous. You have to see it for yourself! Once we were finished here, 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 in silence inside the Sistine Chapel, 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 bucket 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 up my coat before entering the Sistine Chapel, oops.

Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Ebook has tips for planning a safe, confident, and unforgettable adventure.

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 enormous!

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.

We were free to roam and take pictures in Saint Peter’s Basilica. 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!

Inside the beautiful Saint Peter’s Basilica building

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!

More inside Saint Peter’s Basilica

I had just under two hours before my next tour began, so I hopped on the HOHO Bus and used the pass I had purchased the day before to visit other must-see attractions.

The Spanish Steps

Despite its name, the Spanish Steps weren’t actually constructed by the Spanish. A French diplomat, Etienne Gueffier, and an Italian architect, Francesco de Sanctis, designed the Spanish Steps after winning a competition in 1717. Construction was completed in 1724, and the Spanish Steps became an instant hit.

Given the area’s popularity, visiting the Spanish Steps was as busy as expected. Listed among the most photographed places in the city, the Spanish Steps have 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, as this popular meeting place was frequented.

Spanish Steps Piazza and Della Trinita del Monti at the top of the steps

I then went to the Trevi Fountain, which was only an 8-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.

The Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain’s name derives from ‘Tre Vie’, meaning ‘Three Ways’, since the fountain was the meeting point of the three surrounding streets. Roughly a million euros’ worth of coins are collected each year from the 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, 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 for a yummy panini loaded with cheese. A heart attack in Italy wouldn’t be cool, but it tasted so damn good!

Remember to bring a penny for the Trevi Fountain

Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

I arrived for the Roman Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided 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 her extensive knowledge of the 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.

Despite being severely damaged by the earthquakes, the Roman Colosseum remains an iconic symbol. Its image is also on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin.

Roman Colosseum – one of Rome’s main attractions

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.

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 a slightly higher rate.

Once we finished exploring the Roman Colosseum, we went to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, a short distance away.

Inside the Roman Colosseum

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

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, the 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.

En route to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

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 who stole the stones and columns; however, they’re still a fantastic site to see and offer a great insight into what they once were.

After Palatine Hill, see the Roman Forum area

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 set out to see on my solo trip, and I was so happy with how it turned out. It didn’t disappoint!

That’s A Wrap For Rome!

Exploring Rome in just 36 hours was nothing short of magical. From wandering ancient ruins to tasting authentic Italian flavours and soaking up the energy of this iconic city and the Vatican, every moment felt unforgettable. Rome has a way of sweeping you up in its charm and modern vibes into an experience that feels both timeless and exciting. Whether you’re travelling solo or with company, this city in Italy is to be explored!

As my whirlwind adventure came to an end, I left Rome feeling inspired, grateful, and already plotting my return to Italy. With its warm locals, incredible sights, and endless opportunities to explore, Rome delivers a travel experience like no other. If this city isn’t on your list yet, trust me, it belongs there. Pack your bags, embrace the chaos, and let Rome show you why it’s one of the most captivating destinations in the world.