Ciao and welcome to ARoadRetraveled! If touring the Colosseum and Vatican is on your “Rome bucket list” and you have just one day in Rome to do both, this blog is for you. I’ve lived in Rome for more than 10 years and worked in the tourism industry. If I wanted to spend one day in Rome with visits to the Colosseum and Vatican City, in this blog I will show you how I would do it.
Consider first the timeframe for visiting both of these attractions:
To visit the Colosseum: allow anywhere between 1-3 Hours depending on also if you will be visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, as well as security lines to enter the Colosseum as all visitors must first clear the security checkpoints like at the airport.
To visit the Vatican: generally, allow about 3 hours or so. This will also depend on whether you will “self-tour” on your own, or book a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica together. If you will self-tour on your own, you will not be able to access the Basilica through the Sistine Chapel. You will be required to exit the Museums, make your way around Vatican City to St Peter’s Square, and pray the security lines are not too long to visit the Basilica. This will add considerable time to your overall visit to the Vatican. For a more predictable experience, plan to book a Vatican Walking Tour and prepare your day accordingly
Insider Guide: One day in Rome at the Colosseum and Vatican City
Morning Tour of the Colosseum
Begin your day in Rome with the quintessential Italian experience: a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Rome. Indulge in freshly baked pastries paired with a robust Italian espresso (or a tasty cappuccino), setting the perfect tone for a day of exploration in the Eternal City.
For those traveling during the warmer months, particularly between June and September, it’s wise to plan your visit to the Colosseum early in the morning. This strategic timing ensures a more comfortable visit as the scorching sun can turn the ancient monument into an unbearable “oven” later in the day. Without ample shade or cool areas to rest, the midday and afternoon heat can quickly sap your energy and detract from the awe-inspiring surroundings.
Moreover, if you plan to explore the adjacent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, tackling these sites in the cooler morning hours is advisable as temperatures soar into the 90s to 100s Fahrenheit during peak summer months. Therefore, consider preserving your energy for sightseeing outdoors.
By visiting these historical landmarks in the morning, you can fully immerse yourself in their rich history and architectural splendor without succumbing to the sweltering heat of the mid-day and afternoon sun.
My Local Tip: Book an early morning Colosseum walking tour with tickets included and avoid the struggles of finding suitable tickets.
Securing entrance tickets for specific time slots can be challenging, so opting for a guided tour with tickets included not only guarantees access but also provides invaluable insights into the Colosseum’s storied past.
Avoid the street vendors promoting group tours and the uncertainty of their quality and duration of the wait times for a group to form. They can keep you waiting endlessly until they gather enough people for their “group”. Instead, research reputable Rome walking tour companies online that offer comprehensive Colosseum tours with tickets included.
Many of these tours typically span about three hours, including not only the Colosseum but also the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
While the Colosseum steals the spotlight with its grandeur and historical significance, the adjacent Roman Forum offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life and politics. While some tours may extend to include Palatine Hill, a visit to this site may not be as compelling for all travelers. If you’re short on time or prefer to focus on the most captivating attractions, skipping the guided tour of Palatine Hill is a viable option.
PRO TIP: If time is limited, skip Palatine Hill and prioritize the Colosseum and Roman Forum is advisable, as they are the highlights of any visit to ancient Rome.
Whether you opt for a guided tour or choose to explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum independently (if you are lucky to secure tickets), starting your day with a morning visit at the Colosseum you will avoid bigger crowds and midday/afternoon heat.
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What to do for lunch in Rome?
After immersing yourself in the rich history of the Colosseum, refueling your energy becomes essential. As the midday sun shines brightly overhead, satisfying your hunger becomes paramount before continuing your journey.
Consider taking a Taxi or Uber ride to Piazza del Risorgimento.
To summon an Uber, simply utilize the Uber app, while for a taxi, make your way to the taxi station located at the backside of the Colosseum, opposite the main entrance. Hop into the first available taxi and request to be taken to Piazza del Risorgimento near the Vatican.
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Why go for lunch in Piazza del Risorgimento?
Strategically positioning yourself close to the Vatican ensures you won’t risk missing your scheduled Vatican Museum tickets or guided tours early afternoon after lunch. This proximity allows you to enjoy a leisurely lunch without fretting over time constraints and risk missing your time slot tickets or tour.
Within and around Piazza del Risorgimento, you’ll discover an enticing array of restaurants and eateries awaiting your palate. Whether you’re craving a quick and delicious panino from the renowned 200 Gradi sandwich shop or prefer a more relaxed sit-down experience at establishments like Insalata Ricca, renowned for its delectable salads, pizzas, and pasta, the choice is yours.
Select a lunch spot based on your timeframe and culinary desires, ensuring a satisfying and convenient lunch break.
Don’t forget a gelato!
No visit to Rome is complete without savoring a scoop of Italian gelato. For a refreshing treat, venture around the corner of Piazza del Risorgimento along Viale dei Bastioni di Michelangelo to Old Bridge Gelato. Renowned for its generous portions of flavorful gelato at reasonable prices, it’s the perfect way to conclude your lunchtime escapade on a sweet note.
Afternoon Tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica
From there, walk along the walls around Vatican City, then turn left on Viale Vaticano to the Vatican Museums Entrance.
Step into a world of unparalleled artistry and cultural heritage as you explore the vast collection housed within the Vatican Museums. Marvel at timeless masterpieces by renowned artists such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, each painting and sculpture a testament to centuries of papal patronage and artistic excellence.
Of course, no visit to the Vatican Museums would be complete without beholding the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel. As you enter this sacred space, crane your neck to admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes adorning the ceiling and walls, including the iconic depiction of the Last Judgment.
How to visit the Vatican Museums if tickets Sold Out: For those unable to secure Vatican Museums tickets for approximately 1:30 – 2:00 PM time slots, consider booking a Vatican Walking Tour that includes tickets that cover the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica. Opting for a guided tour not only ensures seamless access to the museums but also grants exclusive entry to St. Peter’s Basilica via a special entrance reserved for guided visitors.
After immersing yourself in the splendor of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, it’s time to bid farewell to Vatican City.
Make your way back to St. Peter’s Square, where you can easily hail an Uber or taxi from the nearby taxi station. Alternatively, if your next destination aligns with a Metro route that passes near the Vatican, hop aboard the Metro for convenient transportation.
One Day in Rome: Colosseum and Vatican in reverse
For travelers seeking a unique and tranquil Vatican experience, an early morning Vatican tour offers a captivating alternative. Before the bustling crowds descend upon the Vatican, select walking tour companies provide exclusive access to the Vatican’s treasures before the museums open, allowing early risers to explore its treasure-filled halls in peaceful serenity. With the Vatican all to yourself, you can marvel at its art and architecture without the distractions of the daytime crowds.
After your morning Vatican tour, seize the opportunity to unwind and explore Rome at a leisurely pace. Wander through charming squares, soak in the city’s ambiance, and treat yourself to a leisurely lunch amidst Rome’s enchanting backdrop.
Consider venturing to Campo dei Fiori after your Vatican tour, where you can peruse the vibrant market stalls and sample local delicacies. Continue your leisurely stroll through picturesque Piazza Navona, making your way to Piazza della Rotonda, home to the majestic Pantheon. Along the way, relish in the sights and sounds of Rome’s bustling streets, pausing to savor the flavors of Italian cuisine at quaint eateries tucked away in hidden corners.
Refresh your spirits with a delectable gelato from Cremeria Monteforte for some of the best gelato in Rome, conveniently located next to the Pantheon. Indulge in a pick-me-up espresso at Cafe Tazza d’Oro or Sant’Eustachio Caffe, fueling yourself for your Vatican Museums visit ahead.
From Piazza della Rotonda, you can grab a taxi from the Taxi Station next to the Pantheon to take you to the Colosseum so you can save your feet for more sightseeing!
You may also consider this itinerary and book walking tours with tickets included, which is similar to our recommendation of visiting the Colosseum and Vatican Museums same day if tickets are sold out.
Who says you cannot spend one day in Rome at both the Colosseum and the Vatican? Sure, one day in Rome may seem fleeting, but with careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can experience the essence of this remarkable city in all its glory. From the ancient Roman Colosseum to the opulent Vatican Museums and sacred St Peter’s Basilica, immerse yourself in the richness of Roman history and culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime in the Eternal City.
Ciao from Rome!