One Day in Rome and the Vatican

If you only have one day in Rome and the Vatican, you can still see and do a lot. We suggest you spend the morning at the Vatican and then, depending on your energy level and how much you want to see, you can take in ancient Rome in the afternoon and go to Mass in the evening to round out your Jubilee experience.

Pro tip: Our ItaliaPass Primo membership is an amazing advantage if you only have one day in Rome and the Vatican, because you get a $100 credit on any tour at ItaliaTours. Taking one or more guided tours is essential if you only have one day, because you’ll have an expert guiding you to the most important sights, which optimizes your time so you won’t miss a thing!

Morning: Vatican City

St. Peter’s Basilica: Begin your day with a visit to the heart of Vatican City. Marvel at the intricate architecture, Michelangelo’s Pietà, and the magnificent dome. (See below for information about how to take part in the religious ritual of passing through the Holy Door).

Vatican Museums: Explore the vast collection of art and artifacts, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling.

Holy Door: Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024 and it will remain open during Jubilee 2025 until January 6, 2026. As a religious pilgrim, you can have the unique experience of passing through the Holy Door. This is a ritual act that symbolizes passing into the presence of God and is an important part of the religious pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica. To organize a religious pilgrimage to the Holy Door you have to get the Vatican’s free digital pass for Jubilee pilgrims, the Pilgrim’s Card, which you can register for at this page.

Pro tip: ItaliaTours Best of the Vatican: Fast Track Highlights is the perfect choice if you only have one day in Rome and the Vatican. At just $99 per person, if you get an ItaliaPass Primo membership you’ll receive a $100 ItaliaTours credit, so this tour pays for itself!

Afternoon: Ancient Rome

Colosseum: Visit this iconic amphitheater, a symbol of ancient Rome. Consider booking a guided tour to learn more about its history and gladiator battles.

Pro tip: ItaliaPass Primo members get a free entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, a $22 value that’s included as part of membership. Click here to learn more

Roman Forum: Walk through the ruins of this once-bustling marketplace and political center, imagining the life of ancient Romans.

Palatine Hill: Climb this hill for panoramic views of the Forum and the city.

Evening: Spiritual Reflection and Celebration

Evening Mass: Attend Mass at a nearby church, or visit one of the special Jubilee sites. You could visit one of the other Major Papal Basilicas (there are four, including St. Peter’s): St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major. Each of these basilicas has its own Holy Door.

Concert or Event: Check to see if there will be any special concerts or events on the day that you’re visiting. A good resource for local events is Wanted in Rome.

Pro tip: If you’ll be visiting on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you can visit Borgia Gallery as part of your ItaliaPass Primo membership. This unique underground ancient and Renaissance Rome experience is one of a kind and many Primo members say it was the best part of their entire time in Rome! Read Borgia Gallery reviews here

Dinner in Trastevere: Enjoy a delicious Italian meal in the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional cuisine. Neighborhood favorites include Da Enzo al 29, Ristorante daLù, Osteria Corsetti 1921, and Pizzeria Ai Marmi. You could also opt for a pre-dinner aperitivo in one of the neighorhood’s iconic piazze, such as Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. Read Italy Magazine’s The Italian Aperitivo to learn about this Italian custom.

Pro tip: ItaliaPass Primo members get a free premium membership to Italy Magazine, a $99 value. Learn more