With only 4 days to spend in Naples, my husband and I had a jam-packed schedule planned ahead of our recent August trip. Our carefully planned itinerary included all of the area’s top attractions, such as Pompeii and a hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius. As someone who loves to spend time outdoors and hike, I was pretty pumped for this experience.
But every traveler knows hiccups can impact even the most meticulously planned schedules. Once I learned that Mt. Vesuvius was closed to tourists due to wildfires, it was time to make a fast schedule change to find something else to do with the day. With high-speed luxury trains available to Rome that take just one hour, a day trip to Rome seemed like the perfect way to make the most of an open day in Italy. Here’s how I transformed a last-minute travel hiccup into the perfect day trip to Rome.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is celebrated worldwide as a symbol that represents Rome, known as the largest Baroque fountain in the city. When you’re on a tight day schedule, it’s a must-visit, as it doesn’t take much time out of your plans (and is conveniently located nearby to many other attractions). You’ve probably seen this fountain in movies at one point or another, but standing in front of it is an entirely different experience.
This fountain is absolutely massive, standing at about 65 feet wide and 85 feet high. If you’re going during peak travel season (summer), be prepared for this area to be extremely crowded. Luckily, there are a ton of great cafes and shops nearby to take a break from the crowds and grab a bite. I took this as my opportunity to grab a quick snack and tried a delicious Maritozzo Con Panna (Italian cream-filled buns).
Colosseum
As Rome’s most globally famous landmark, a day trip to the city without visiting the Colosseum just wouldn’t feel right. This large ancient amphitheater is magnificent from the outside, but I recommend purchasing tickets to see the inside to truly appreciate this structure. I’d recommend allowing at least two hours to explore here, given that the narrow spaces can be crowded and tough to navigate. Guided walking tours are also a great way to learn more about the historical context of this structure, though I chose not to do one in an effort to save time.
Roman Forum
If you decide to purchase tickets to enter the Colosseum, you might as well also visit the Roman Forum, located just down the road. This historic area represents the central town square of ancient Rome, a place that had many purposes from the 7th century BCE onwards. This space was used as a marketplace, a political hub, a religious center, and a place for social gatherings for citizens. Today, it’s an open-air museum that has lots to explore. Depending on your interest level, you could spend anywhere from 1 to 4 hours here. For a short day trip, 1 to 2 hours is enough to see the most important sites at the Roman Forum.
Eating Roman cuisine
I’ve always believed that every great adventure comes with great food — and if you’re spending a day in Rome, pausing for lunch is a must. When in Rome, look for a local spot that serves an authentic Roman pasta called Cacio e pepe. This pasta is made with black pepper and pecorino romano cheese, using starchy pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Stopping for lunch does take some time out of a packed day, but it’s worthwhile for a pasta specialty like this one.
Visiting local Basilicas
Basilicas in Rome are large catholic churches that received special privileges from the Pope. The city of Rome has several Basilicas worth visiting, including Saint Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Mary Major Basilica, and St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica. Each of these grand churches has a lot of interesting history to explore, as well as stunning architectural features inside and out. I recommend visiting Basilica San Clemente while nearby to the Colosseum/Roman Forum area — not only can you explore the 12th century basilica, but there are two excavations underneath that you can discover — a fourth-century church and a 1st century Roman street that includes a Mithraic temple and an underground river.
Would I visit Rome in just one day again?
Rome is a top destination in Italy for a reason, and I believe it deserves more than just one day to explore. That being said, one day in Rome is better than no days in Rome. While a day trip to Rome can certainly feel a tad rushed, it gave me a little taste of how much there is to explore in this vibrant city (and a good reason to come back for longer in the future). After walking 38,000 steps in one day, it’s safe to say I slept well after arriving back in my hotel in Naples that evening. Even if you only have one day to explore Rome, it’s 100% worth exploring.
