Roman resident, co-author of various books like Tasting Rome, and food expert Katie Parla is an expert on what and where to eat in Rome. We tapped her for her thoughts on the best way to spend 24 hours in Rome.
If you haven’t been, Rome is a lot to wrap your head around. Sure, you have the Vatican City and the Colosseum, but, like New York City, it has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality. So, if you don’t have much time there, getting a feel for things can be hard. Katie shares an itinerary that hits up-and-coming places like Ostiense, Testaccio and classics like Villa Pamphili.

We’ll let Katie take it over from here.
I was obsessed with Rome before I ever visited. I loved history and languages, and when my high school Latin club planned a trip to Italy, I signed up. We only spent about 24 hours in Rome, but I was immediately hooked and wanted to know every square inch.
I moved to Rome in 2003 and realized the city’s complexities and peripheral neighborhoods—rather than the historic center’s superficial beauty— would hold my attention for a lifetime.
For me, Rome is a series of realities bound to the dozens of districts that populate the map. Each neighborhood and its markets and squares result from unique and constant evolution. There is no single Rome, and the city experiences changes-—often profoundly—from one district to the next.
The Insider’s 24 Hour Rome Itinerary
Here’s what I’d do over 24 hours in Rome:

10:00 AM – A Savory Start at Prelibato
Long before the ubiquitous cornetto (the Italian cousin to the croissant) descended on the Italian capital, the city’s denizens reached for savory strips of pizza bianca (a flat, dimpled, crisp-on-the-outside, slightly chewy bread) to satisfy their morning hunger.
I make like a mid-century Roman and order a slice of this savory flatbread at Prelibato, Stefano Preli’s bakery in Monteverde Vecchio. It’s just a short bike ride from my apartment, giving me the energy to go on this 24-hour Rome itinerary!
Prelibato Panificio Con Cucina, Viale di Villa Pamphili, 214, 00152 Roma RM, Italy

10:35 AM – Delve into industrial archeology at Centrale Montemartini Museum
Tourists may flock to Rome to see the city’s classically beautiful monuments, but I’m a sucker for urban decay and love strolling or biking through the Ostiense district to experience industrial “archeological” sites like abandoned and repurposed factories.
A fine example of the latter is Centrale Montemartini, a collection of ancient sculptures and mosaics set in the recovered ruins of a power station. The crisp white statues, many in an exquisite state of preservation, contrast with the black iron machinery that still populates the space.
Centrale Montemartini Museum, Via Ostiense, 106, 00154 Roma RM, Italy

11:50 AM – Shop at Nuovo Mercato Testaccio
One of the city’s most vibrant food markets opened in 2012 across the street from Rome’s former slaughterhouse. Dubbed the Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio, the relatively new space took some getting used to after the long-established Testaccio Market was moved to this modern building.
This marketplace perfectly adapts to local demands and offers takeaway foods catering to the area’s workers and students. Hearty, homemade food is sold from stalls along Via Beniamino Franklin, while stalls throughout the market sell produce, fish, meat, and clothing.
I never leave the market without snagging a pizzetta from Da Artemio, a bakery at Box 90, and at least some polpette di bollito (simmered meat, deep-fried) at Mordi e Vai. It’s also my go-to spot for products like this season’s carciofi romaneschi aka the local globe artichokes. Make sure to stop here on your 24-hour Rome itinerary to get a taste of Rome food right now.
Testaccio Market, Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

12:45 PM – Lunch at Roscioli
Part deli and part restaurant, Salumeria Roscioli is known for its vast menu of cheeses, cured meats, and pasta. At lunch, I focus on creamy burrata served with tart semi-sundried tomatoes, savory mortadella topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and Cantabrian anchovies served with French butter on toast.
If I’m ravenous, I follow this up with a plate of pasta—bombolotti all’amatriciana or rigatoni alla gricia (a Pecorino, guanciale, and pepper sauce) are a couple of my favorites. Snagging a table can be challenging at the last minute (though Team Salt & Wind Travel can help!), so if I don’t plan, I’ll grab a table at the counter; Roscioli is one of the few places in town with an actual bar for service. While Roscioli is not under-the-radar, it still warrants a stop on a 24-hour Rome itinerary.
Roscoli Salumeria Con Cucina, Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

5:30 PM – Cancel out the carb-load in Villa Pamphili
No one would ever accuse me of neglecting carbs. Some days, I only eat pizza and pasta. It’s a tough gig, but I power through. I go for long runs to offset the flour binge that is my life.
My favorite spot for a calorie-burning jog is the Villa Pamphili, Rome’s largest park. It sprawls through the Janiculum and Monteverde districts and is so gigantic with such varied vegetation that sometimes it feels like I’m running through an English meadow, a Tuscan garden, or a Roman pine grove.
Villa Doria Pamphili, Via di S. Pancrazio, 00152 Roma RM, Italy
Photo via Gerdy Ling from Flickr

7:30 PM – Hang with friends in Pigneto
Occupying a wedge of the city east of the Aurelian Walls—the bit flanked by the Via Prenestina and the Via Casilina—the Pigneto district is one of several Roman zones that has undergone a transformation recently.
Thanks to affordable rents, Pigneto has a vibrant art scene, both inside and outdoors. The area has become a palate for street artists whose murals (legal and otherwise) enliven dozens of building facades.

9:30 PM – Dine At The Perfect Tratorria: Cesare al Casaletto
Rome has hundreds of trattorias and casual eateries serving classic local dishes, but only a handful of these manage to serve well-sourced, flawlessly executed dishes. Cesare al Casaletto is one of these rare venues.
From start to finish, the menu is the greatest hits of the Cucina Romana: fried starters, guanciale fat-drenched pasta, and gently simmered meats. And as if all that wasn’t great enough, Cesare also has one of the most extensive—and affordable—natural wine lists in town!
P.S. Read on if you are trying to understand what an osteria is and the difference between it and a trattoria or enoteca.

11:45 PM – Nightcap at Caffè Propaganda
Rome’s nascent cocktail scene was born thanks, in part, to the creativity and dedication of Irish-Italian mixologist Patrick Pistolesi. At Caffè Propaganda, Patrick and his colleagues mix and shake drinks that celebrate Italian cocktail flavors, especially bitter, vinous, and herbal ones.
Cocktails like Bellissimo Aperitivo, a blend of vermouth, sherry, and Fernet-Branca, evoke flavors of the past while tasting delicious in the present
Frequently Asked Questions About 24 Hours in Rome
For those looking to maximize a brief visit to Rome, Katie Parla suggests:
- Plan Ahead: Research and book ahead for meals and any specific visits, especially to popular spots like Roscioli, to avoid long waits and ensure a spot.
- Use Public Transport: Take advantage of Rome's extensive public transport network to navigate between sites efficiently, or consider renting a bike for more flexibility.
- Stay Central: Choose accommodation centrally located or close to major transit lines to minimize travel time and maximize exploration.
- Keep it Light: Focus on a few key experiences rather than trying to see everything, to fully appreciate each moment without feeling rushed.
Navigating Rome efficiently requires some planning, especially when trying to see much in a short time:
- Public Transportation: Utilize Rome’s metro system, buses, and trams to quickly move between distant attractions.
- Walking: Rome's historic center is compact and many major sites are within walking distance of each other.
- Guided Tours: Consider booking a guided tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour to cover major landmarks quickly and gain insightful historical context.
- Skip-the-Line Tickets: Purchase these for popular attractions like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum to save time waiting in lines.
For those limited to 24 hours in Rome, focusing on the city’s iconic landmarks is key:
- Vatican City: Including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
- Colosseum and Roman Forum: No visit to Rome is complete without seeing these ancient sites.
- Pantheon: One of the best-preserved Roman buildings known for its stunning dome.
- Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps: Iconic spots perfect for photos and experiencing the local ambiance.
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary

Get The Tasting Rome Cookbook
To dive deeper into all that is Rome, check out Katie’s just-released book, Tasting Rome. To give you a taste of the book, she’s shared a recipe for Trattoria Da Cesare’s addictive Cacio e Pepe recipe.

Classic Rome Foods To Try
Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in Rome can make all the difference in your experience of the Eternal City. Whether you prefer the city center’s historic charm, Monti’s bohemian vibes, Prati’s elegance, or Trastevere’s lively atmosphere, each area offers something unique. And no matter where you stay, indulging in Rome’s iconic cuisine is a must.
Check out our guide to more than 15 classic Rome foods, from Amatriciana and Carbonara to lesser-known local favorites like Trapizzini, supplì, and Maritozzi. Let your stay in Rome be as flavorful as it is unforgettable.

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