Citytrip Rome
Weekend in Rome: Our itinerary
Day 1 – Friday: A Rainy Start
We flew into Rome in the afternoon and arrived just as it was starting to get dark. The rain was pouring down and since it was November, it quickly became night. Not quite the first impression we had hoped for!
We stayed close to Piazza del Popolo, a lively square with fountains and stunning buildings. Because of the rain, we kept it easy on the first evening – we explored the neighbourhood a bit, enjoyed a tasty pasta in a local restaurant and mainly hoped for better weather for the rest of the weekend.
Day 2 – Saturday: Sunshine, History and Lots of Walking
We woke up early to visit the Colosseum. Normally you need to book tickets about a month in advance, but exactly this weekend there was free entry – great for the wallet, less so for the waiting time. After standing in line for 1.5 hours (luckily in the sunshine!), we finally made it inside. It was truly impressive to see such an ancient stadium up close.
Afterwards, we continued to the Roman Forum (right across from the Colosseum and usually included in the same ticket), Capitoline Hill Square and the huge white Vittorio Emanuele Monument. We also went looking for the famous statue of the she-wolf with Romulus and Remus – much smaller than expected, but still fun to spot.
In the afternoon, we ticked off more famous sights: Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and even a church that’s gone viral on TikTok – at Saint Ignatius Church, people queue up to take a mirror photo (yes, that’s part of travelling in 2025 too!).
Of course, we couldn’t miss the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Both were crowded, but still must-sees.
And the evening? We still had energy to explore. We visited Castel Sant’Angelo, which looked magical with all the lights, and then had pizza nearby. Tired but happy, we ended the day.
Day 3 – Sunday: Running, Vatican City & a Sprained Ankle
We started the day actively with a run through the city. Yes, even in the rain! Honestly, it was warm enough and quite special to run through Rome while it was so quiet.
Later that morning, the weather cleared up and we headed for Vatican City. On Sunday afternoons there’s always plenty going on – from processions to the Pope giving a speech. We also visited the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica.
After that, we enjoyed the views from Janiculum Hill, wandered through the charming Trastevere neighbourhood and even took a bus to the Baths of Caracalla. Definitely worth a visit if you have the time and energy – though ours was running low by then, especially after Tessa sprained her ankle near the Vatican. Oops! We hobbled back to our Airbnb and had dinner around the corner.
Day 4 – Monday: Heading Home & Practical Tips
On Monday morning we packed our bags and flew back to the Netherlands. Tired, but so happy with everything we had managed to see in such a short time. Rome is the kind of city where you could walk around for days and still keep discovering new things.
For anyone planning a trip: getting to and from the airport is very easy. We flew into Rome Fiumicino Airport (the largest airport) and took the Leonardo Express, a direct train that gets you to Roma Termini central station in about 30 minutes. The train runs twice an hour, is reliable, comfortable and hassle-free – no need for buses or transfers. You can buy tickets online in advance or directly from the machines at the station.
From Termini, it’s easy to take the metro, buses or just walk to your accommodation. If you’re staying in the city centre, it’s the perfect base for your whole trip.
Takeaway - Weekend in Rome
What a city! Rome truly is an open-air museum – on every corner you’ll find something beautiful or historical. Despite the rainy start, we had an amazing time. You can easily get around by public transport or simply on foot, and we always felt safe and welcome.
If you’re planning your own trip to Rome, make sure to book tickets for the big attractions in advance – unless you’re lucky like us and go during a free weekend, in which case it’s all about early starts. Good walking shoes are an absolute must, because you’ll be covering serious kilometres. And don’t let the rain put you off: Rome is stunning in any weather.
Are you planning a trip to Rome yourself? Feel free to ask your questions – we’re happy to help!