How to Spend the Perfect Sunday in Rome
Spending a Sunday in Rome is like stepping into a living museum, with ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, world-class art, and irresistible food around every corner. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or planning your dream trip. This guide will help you experience Rome like a local. Relaxed, flavorful, and full of unforgettable moments. Let’s plan your perfect Roman Sunday from sunrise to sunset.
All roads lead to Rome.
— Ancient Proverb
Morning: Start Like a True Roman
Grab a Coffee & Cornetto
- Begin your day at a traditional Italian café.
- Order a cappuccino (but only in the morning!) and a cornetto filled with jam, cream, or chocolate.
Great cafés to visit :
- Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè near the Pantheon
- Tazza d’Oro, famous among locals and tourists alike
Late Morning: Explore Piazza Navona & the Pantheon
Stroll Through Piazza Navona
- A lively square full of street artists, fountains, and Baroque architecture.
- Snap photos of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and people-watch with a scoop of gelato in hand.
Visit the Pantheon
- Just a 5-minute walk away, the Pantheon is one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings.
- Step inside and look up, the open oculus in the dome is breathtaking in the morning light.
Midday: Visit the Colosseum – Rome’s Most Iconic Landmark
You simply can’t spend a Sunday in Rome without visiting the Colosseum. It’s the city’s most famous symbol and an unforgettable experience.
Why You Should Go:
- Walk through the ancient gladiator arena, where history comes alive.
- Take in the massive scale of this 2,000-year-old amphitheater.
- Learn about ancient Roman entertainment, emperors, and engineering.
Skip the line for a professional, hassle-free visit
Afternoon: Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Just next to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill complete the ancient trilogy.
- Wander among ancient temples, basilicas, and columns that once formed the political heart of the Roman Empire.
- Hike up Palatine Hill for incredible views over the Forum and the city skyline.
- A must-see for history lovers and photo enthusiasts alike.
Lunch: Eat Like a Local
By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Time to sit down for a classic Roman lunch.
Try Traditional Dishes Like:
- Cacio e pepe – simple pasta with cheese and pepper
- Carbonara – made the real Roman way, with egg, pecorino, and guanciale
- Saltimbocca alla Romana – veal with prosciutto and sage
Where to eat:
- Trattoria da Enzo in Trastevere
- Roscioli near Campo de’ Fiori
Mid-Afternoon: Relax in Villa Borghese Gardens
After lunch, slow down with a peaceful walk in Villa Borghese.
- Rent a bike or electric cart to explore the gardens
- Visit the Temple of Aesculapius or relax by the lake
Optional: Reserve tickets for Galleria Borghese if you’re an art lover (think Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael)
Early Evening: Sunset at St. Peter’s Basilica
Head over to Vatican City and enjoy the evening calm in St. Peter’s Square.
- Climb to the top of the dome for stunning 360° views of Rome at golden hour
- Take in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica from both inside and out
Even if you don’t go inside, the atmosphere at sunset is peaceful and moving
Evening: Dinner & Strolling in Trastevere
End your perfect Sunday with dinner in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming and authentic neighborhoods.
What to Expect:
What to Expect:
- Winding streets, glowing lanterns, and live music in the piazzas
- Lively restaurants serving everything from homemade pasta to wood-fired pizza
Great spots:
- Tonnarello
- Osteria Zi Umberto
Make your Sunday in Rome even smoother by booking your Colosseum tickets in advance.