48 Hours in Rome: What to See and Eat Like a Local (No Tourist Traps!)

Got just two days in the Eternal City? With the right plan, 48 hours in Rome is more than enough to soak up ancient history, eat like a local, and get lost in charming cobblestone streets. This guide skips the tourist traps and delivers a balanced itinerary you can actually enjoy — without rushing through it all.

🏛️ Day 1: Ancient Rome & Authentic Trastevere

Morning: Colosseum + Surroundings

Start your Roman adventure with the Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo, 1), an iconic symbol of ancient Rome. Pre-book skip-the-line tickets or a small group guided tour — it’s 100% worth it for both time and context.

Take your time exploring the Colosseum properly. Afterward, walk around the Arch of Constantine (Via di San Gregorio) and admire the exterior of the Roman Forum (Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6), saving the interior for another visit or the next morning.

📝 Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to beat the crowds and the sun.

Late Morning Break: Espresso with a View

Take a well-deserved coffee break at La Casetta a Monti(Via della Madonna dei Monti, 62) , a picturesque ivy-covered café just a short walk away in the charming Monti district.

🥐 Try a classic Roman espresso and a pistachio cornetto ( any pistachio lovers here?).

If you want to politely order a pistachio croissant in Italian, the best way to say it is:

👉 “Vorrei un cornetto al pistacchio, per favore.” (I’d like a pistachio croissant, please.)

Lunch: Monti’s Local Eats

For lunch, stay in Monti and eat at Trattoria al 19(Via Boschetto, 19), a cozy spot that serves homemade Roman pasta without the touristy vibe.

🍝 Must-try: Cacio e pepe or Rigatoni alla gricia
💰 Average price: €14–18 per dish

Afternoon: Stroll & Explore Trastevere

Hop on a bus or take a 20-minute walk across the Tiber River to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most authentic neighborhoods. Wander its medieval streets, pop into Santa Maria in Trastevere(Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches, and soak up the local life.

🎨 Bonus: Stop by Villa Farnesina (Via della Lungara, 230) for a lesser-known Renaissance gem with frescoes by Raphael.

Dinner: Trastevere by Night

Stay in Trastevere for dinner — the atmosphere in the evening is unbeatable. Head to Osteria Da Enzo al 29(Via dei Vascellari, 29) for traditional Roman fare.

🍷 Try the amatriciana and a glass of Lazio red wine.
📍 Reservations recommended or go early (before 7:30 PM).

🏛️ Day 2: Baroque Rome & Hidden Gems

Morning: Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Now that you’ve taken it slow, spend the morning properly exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill(Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6 – same entrance as the Colosseum combo ticket). This combo can easily take 2–3 hours if done right — and now you won’t feel rushed.

🏛️ Enjoy panoramic views of the ruins and let history sink in.

Lunch: Pizza al Taglio Like a Roman

After all that walking, grab lunch at Pizzarium Bonci (Via della Meloria, 43)near Vatican City — famous for Roman-style pizza by the slice.

🍕 Try the potato & rosemary or mortadella with pistachio.
💰 Budget-friendly: €4–6 per slice

Afternoon: Pantheon, Piazza Navona & Trevi Fountain

Take the metro or a bus to the Pantheon, then walk to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most photogenic squares. From there, it’s a short stroll to the Trevi Fountain — toss a coin and make a wish.

⛲ Tip: Visit Trevi late afternoon for better light and fewer crowds.

Dinner: Farewell in Monti

Return to Monti for a relaxed final meal. Ai Tre Scalini(Via Panisperna, 251), a local enoteca with great atmosphere, serves small plates and excellent wines.

🍷 Perfect spot for a casual yet authentic goodbye dinner.
🎶 Bonus: There’s often live music nearby in Piazza Madonna dei Monti.

✅ Essential Rome Travel Tips

🚇 Getting Around Rome

Rome is best explored on foot — many of the major sights are clustered within walkable neighborhoods. But when your feet need a break, here’s how to get around efficiently:

Metro & Buses: The ATAC public transport system covers most areas. A 48-hour transport pass (Biglietto 48h) costs around €12.50 and includes unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides.
Where to Buy: Tickets are available at metro stations, newsstands, and tobacco shops (look for the “T” sign).
Validate Your Ticket: Always stamp your ticket when entering a metro or boarding a bus/tram to avoid fines.
Best Metro Lines for Tourists:
- Line A (Orange): Vatican, Spanish Steps
- Line B (Blue): Colosseum, Termini Station
Taxis: Use official white taxis from designated ranks or apps like Free Now or It Taxi. Avoid unlicensed drivers.
Walking: Many charming alleys and piazzas in Rome are only accessible on foot — don’t miss the joy of getting a little lost!

📌 Smart Rome Travel Tips

Book in Advance: Skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and major attractions can save you hours.
Stay Central: Neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and Centro Storico offer easy access to most sights and great local vibes.
Mind the Dress Code: Churches (including St. Peter’s Basilica) require covered shoulders and knees — bring a scarf or light layer just in case.
Cash vs. Card: Cards are widely accepted, but small businesses and cafés might prefer cash. Keep some euros handy, especially for tips or public toilets.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for great service is appreciated.
Language: English is spoken in most tourist areas, but a few Italian phrases (like grazie, per favore, un caffè, per favore) go a long way.
Water Fountains: Rome has dozens of free public fountains called nasoni — clean, cold, and safe to drink.

🔐 Safety & Scams

Pickpockets: Be vigilant around crowded areas like the Trevi Fountain, Termini Station, and on buses.
Common Scams: Politely decline “free” friendship bracelets, “roses,” or people offering help at ticket machines.
Emergency Numbers:
- General emergency: 112
- Police: 113
- Ambulance: 118