Grab coffee and a cornetto close to your Airbnb so you can start the day fresh; try Caffè Aroma or a nearby bar for classic Italian breakfast. Both typically open early (around 7:00–8:00).
Explore the Colosseum (book timed entry) and then walk through the adjacent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to see the heart of ancient Rome—iconic ruins and fantastic views. Check official hours (often ~8:30am to late afternoon in November) and buy tickets in advance to skip lines.
Finish the Forum walk with the Palatine terraces and then climb toward the Capitoline for panoramic views of the Forum—great photo spot and quick orientation to the city’s layers.
Lunch in Monti, the neighborhood behind the Forum; La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali or a nearby trattoria offers classic Roman dishes in a cosy setting. Monti is walkable from the Forum and convenient for midday rest.
Walk through Piazza Venezia and up toward the Trevi Fountain—enjoy the baroque spectacle and toss a coin. The area is busy, so late afternoon is a good time for photos as light softens.
Stroll the Spanish Steps and the elegant Via Condotti for an upscale Roman experience and a short rest on the steps with a view toward the city rooftops.
Walk to the Pantheon to admire its exterior and, if open to tourists, step inside to see the dome and airy interior; check current visiting hours as the Pantheon also functions as a church with services.
Dine at a trusted Roman trattoria (e.g., Hostaria Romana or similar in the Monti/Colosseum area) for cacio e pepe, carbonara or saltimbocca. Reservations recommended for a Saturday night.
Arrive early to Porta Portese in Trastevere, Rome’s famous Sunday flea market (best 7:00am–11:00am) for antiques, clothes, and curiosities; market typically runs until early afternoon (approx. 6:00–14:00 depending on stalls).
After the market, have a relaxed café breakfast in Trastevere—Bar San Calisto is a beloved local spot offering cheap coffee and people-watching; many cafes open early on Sundays.
Visit the beautiful medieval church of Santa Maria in Trastevere and wander the charming lanes of Trastevere—great atmosphere, artisan shops and photogenic corners.
Lunch at a popular restaurant such as Da Enzo al 29 (classic Roman cuisine) — it's small and often busy, so book ahead or be prepared for a wait (opens for lunch around 12:30).
Walk or take a short bus up to the Gianicolo hill for sweeping city views, and if you like plants, visit the Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden) which is a calm oasis (check afternoon opening times).
Head back across the river to Piazza Navona to admire Bernini’s fountains and then stroll to the Pantheon area; Sunday afternoons are lively and perfect for people-watching and gelato.
Dinner at Roscioli (near Campo de' Fiori) for excellent cured meats, pasta and a refined Roman experience; reservations strongly recommended for Sunday night.
Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel—book timed entry in advance (typical hours ~9:00am–6:00pm); avoid the busiest midday slots by going early. Note: museums are closed on Sundays (except some special last-Sunday openings).
Enter St. Peter’s Basilica (usually free) and consider climbing the dome for spectacular views over St. Peter’s Square and Rome—dome climb has a fee and limited hours (check elevator/stair options).
Quick lunch in Prati — try Pizzarium (pizza al taglio by the slice) or a nearby trattoria for a fast and delicious meal before heading to Villa Borghese.
Spend the afternoon in Villa Borghese gardens: stroll to the Pincio terrace for gorgeous city views, rent a bike or row a small boat (seasonal), and enjoy the peaceful green spaces. The gardens are open broadly from early morning until dusk (check seasonal closing times).
Dinner at a restaurant near the Spanish Steps (e.g., Ristorante Alla Rampa or a nearby trattoria) to close the day; make reservations for dinner service.
Start the morning with coffee at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè or a nearby pastry shop in the Pantheon area; they open early and are perfect for a last wandering breakfast.
Visit the Pantheon—one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings; check current visiting rules and possible admission fees as opening policies can change (church services may affect visiting times).
Stroll the elegant Piazza Navona and admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and surrounding Baroque architecture—great area for photos and last-minute souvenirs.
Visit the Capitoline Museums for classical sculpture and sweeping Forum views (museums generally open on Tuesdays; check exact times and book tickets if you want to enter).
Collect your things from the Airbnb, take a final stroll if time allows, and arrange transport to the station/airport. Allow extra time for traffic and security checks.