Rome is everything but simple to define: we challenge anyone to claim they know everything about it.
There’s always something hiding behind the most famous façades, among the well-known alleys, and even in the most familiar dishes. Here’s the perfect itinerary for two days of wandering between famous landmarks and unexpected corners, crossing through all the eras that have left their mark on this timeless city.

Walking Through History: Via dei Fori Imperiali

Stepping out of the metro and finding yourself face-to-face with the Colosseum, the ultimate symbol of ancient history is always an overwhelming emotion. Starting our tour here is practical because the Flavian Amphitheater is a short walk from major tourist attractions. It’s also close to lively neighborhoods outside the city center.

Let’s walk down Via dei Fori Imperiali, which showcases centuries of history in just a few steps. This road cuts through what was once the heart of the Roman world: the Roman Forum and the Imperial Fora. What was once a grand complex of temples, basilicas, and bustling public spaces has become a collection of imposing ruins. You can now admire these remnants from above. Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, they still offer a powerful glimpse into the past.

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Capitoline Hill: Ancient Temples and Renaissance Splendor

Looking up from Via dei Fori Imperiali, you’ll spot the profile of Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills that founded the city of Rome.
On its summit stood the two most important temples of the city:
– The Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus
–The Temple of Juno Moneta.
Today, as in ancient times, this hill retains its prestige, housing the offices of the Mayor.  Michelangelo designed the square, which stands as one of the most beautiful in Rome. Here, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the Renaissance. You’ll also be ready to enter the oldest public museum in the world. Alongside the Capitoline Museum, the Capitoline Picture Gallery holds one of Italy’s finest collections of classical art, featuring masterpieces such as:
The Fortune Teller and Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio 
The Rape of the Sabine Women by Pietro da Cortona.
With the Roma Pass 48-hour card, entry to the first museum is complimentary. In contrast, they discount subsequent entries, allowing you to enjoy all this beauty without worry.

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Exploring Santa Maria in Ara Coeli and Beyond

If museums aren’t your preference or happen to be closed, continue your tour into the Middle Ages by visiting the nearby 14th-century staircase of Santa Maria in Ara Coe. This 6th-century Romanesque church stands both majestic and secluded. Its lavish interior houses priceless treasures, including a magnificent Cosmatesque mosaic floor and a cycle of frescoes by Pinturicchio from the 15th century.
But its fame has a pagan twist, as it’s linked to the veneration of a miraculous wooden statue of the Infant Jesus.

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Discovering Hidden Roman Ruins and the Vittoriano

Descending the steps from Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, you’ll find the remains of a block of ancient Roman apartments or an insula. It’s thought the ground floor housed a tavern, while the four upper floors were the living quarters. Looking skyward, you’ll see the neoclassicism of the Vittoriano, towering with all its symbolism, reminding you of the eternal greatness of this city. You can appreciate this by taking the elevators to the Terrace of the Quadrigas, offering one of the best views of the Capital.

Our time machine brings us back to the grandeur of the Roman era when we encounter the Theatre of Marcellus just a few hundred meters away. Resembling a miniature Colosseum with a capacity of 20,000 seats, it’s already a spectacular sight.
However, its location also makes it the majestic gateway to another world.

From the Capitoline Hill to the Jewish Ghetto

 Welcome to the vibrant Jewish Ghetto.
In this neighborhood, centered around the lively Via del Portico d’Ottavia, you’ll find: 
artisan workshops,
vintage shops,
kosher bakeries,
trattorias with unmistakable aromas.
They say the passion for fried Roman dishes started right here. Due to harsh living conditions, the population began frying food to preserve it for longer. Visit the Jewish Museum to learn about this community’s history. It has been present in Rome since the 2nd century BC and is the oldest in Europe. Enjoy the district’s atmosphere and get lost in the alleys with a slice of ricotta and sour cherry tart bought from one of the many bakeries. Stop to admire the Turtle Fountain (which, according to legend, was built in just one night), or peek into the precious 17th-century courtyard of the State Discotheque at Palazzo Mattei di Giove, a real local secret.

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Towards the Aventine Hill

If the Ghetto has satisfied your appetite, it’s time to move again: destination Aventine Hill. As you walk along Via Luigi Petroselli, look to your left. The shy beauty of the Arch of Janus guides the way to the small church of San Giorgio in Velabro. This medieval church is near the legendary spot where legend says the she-wolf discovered Romulus and Remus. Now, retrace your steps and continue past the famous Mouth of Truth, and finally, leave behind the chaos of Rome as you climb the Clivio di Rocca Savella.

Once you reach the Aventine, get ready to explore a mix of famous and hidden gems. The Orange Garden is a peaceful oasis filled with citrus scents, offering a breathtaking city view. Just beyond, you’ll find one of Rome’s most photographed spots: the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta, where you can perfectly frame St. Peter’s Dome through a small keyhole in the gate. Here, looking through the keyhole of the entrance gate, you can perfectly frame the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica at the end of a tree-lined avenue, a perspective trick that will leave you speechless. Recover from this emotion and look around to avoid missing the beautiful Basilica of Santa Sabina, a well-preserved 5th-century paleochristian church.

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Inside Campo de’ Fiori

With a short walk, we move to Campo de Fiori, one of the nerve centers of Roman life. By day, it’s home to one of the most famous markets in the Capital. By night, it’s a vibrant scene with many outdoor seating areasFor centuries, Campo de’ Fiori was the site of public executions. It was here in 1600 that the philosopher Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for heresy, as reminded by the hooded monk statue towering over the square.

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Continuing to Piazza Navona: A Baroque Marvel

If you need a refreshing break, try some Roman dishes at one of the typical taverns. Or, continue across Piazza Navona, where you’ll find the grand Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, baroque palaces, and outdoor cafés.
Here, baroque art reaches its highest peaks, with undisputed stars and lesser-known yet equally precious masterpieces. For example, the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone is a must-see, with its imposing façade and sumptuous interiors crowned by a dome typical of Francesco Borromini’s style. 

 
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Hidden Gems: Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and the Pantheon

But don’t stop here. Just outside the square, facing Corso Rinascimento, you’ll find the lesser-known Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza. It stands within the courtyard of Palazzo della Sapienza, the former seat of the University of Rome from the 15th century until 1935, also designed by Borromini. Its highly innovative spiral-shaped dome is a worthy alternative to that of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Now make one final effort and head towards the Pantheon: a grand view awaits you, along with some well-deserved relaxation in one of the many welcoming cafés of the Capital.

Hidden treasures of Rome

Practical Tips for Your Visit

If you enjoy discovering cities step by step, you can easily explore this itinerary on foot. However, public transport is also an option, and the Roma Pass offers unlimited access. For the best way to experience the city, consider one of our guided tours on a Golf Cart or Dolce Vita E-Fiat500 vintage cars, which allow you to enjoy Rome’s landmarks in style and comfort.