As every Australian knows, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Nor can all of its sights be seen in 24 hours, but you can see a surprising amount, if by some quirk of fate a single day is all you have. You just have to set your mind to it!
By today’s standards, it’s a small city and most of the top sights are quite close together. In fact, many of the major ones are within walking distance (and sight) of one another. If possible, book a Rome hotel within walking distance too, and your day will be that much easier. Then make a check-list of personal “must-sees”, grab a map and plot your own path.
Here’s the kind of thing I’m talking about:
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After an early breakfast at your
Rome hotel, grab a cab or walk to the Circus Maximus. It’s a good starting point for the big sights of Ancient Rome, though there’s not much evidence these days of the chariot races that took place here. You’re right in the heart of the Imperial city now, with attractions all around you, including the Palatine Hill (one of the famous seven), the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the two Forums – Roman and Imperial – and Trajan’s Column.
Photo by grenade
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Your next destination could be the Pantheon (the best-preserved of all Roman buildings), followed by Bernini’s magnificent Trevi Fountain (of three-coins fame) and the glorious Piazza Navona; they’re within walking distance of one another. By this time, you'll need a break for lunch.
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Put down your coffee cup, consult your map and walk up to the River Tiber. Julius Caesar gazed on these banks! Cross over the water to see one of Rome's most famous landmarks, the ancient Castel Sant’Angelo.
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From here, all roads (and particularly the big via della Conciliazione) lead to the Vatican. You’ll probably want to spend the rest of your day here, seeing St Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel (a must, but be prepared to queue), the Pieta and a great deal more.
By this stage you'll be exhausted and seriously footsore - but what's a blister compared to the glories of ancient Rome? It will be worth every minute, believe me!
Photo by iessi
So, if you find yourself with the tiniest window of opportunity for Rome sightseeing, make the most of it! All you have to do is find flights to Rome, grab a hotel in the city centre, and get out your walking shoes. It’s something you’ll never regret.