There’s something about Rome that makes you want to keep walking. You turn a corner and find a beautiful piazza, stumble upon a tiny restaurant, or pass a building that’s been standing for centuries.
The city center has a lively energy, with narrow cobblestone streets, little shops, cafés filled with people enjoying their espresso on outdoor terraces, artists sketching, and kids running around. That’s what makes Rome so special. Even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something you haven’t seen and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
© Getty Images/David SoanesAnd while you can’t go to The Eternal City without admiring landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Colosseum, there’s plenty to discover beyond the usual sightseeing stops.
With just 48 hours in Rome, you can enjoy some of the city’s most famous attractions while discovering a more local side through experiences booked on Airbnb. From making your own Italian leather accessory to sampling wines and regional specialities in Trastevere, here’s how to make the most of a short visit, with plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping, and a few surprises along the way.
Day 1: Italian Leather, Sightseeing, and a Special Dinner
Stay somewhere you can walk almost everywhere
If you’re only spending a couple of days in Rome, staying somewhere central makes things much easier. Palazzo 4 Fontane 12, a boutique hotel available through Airbnb, is just steps from Piazza Barberini.
© AirbnbThe hotel’s location is one of its biggest advantages. The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are about an eight- to ten-minute walk away, Via Veneto is even closer, and you can easily reach the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Via Condotti on foot.
© Enzo FigueresThe hotel has contemporary rooms, some overlooking the gardens of Palazzo Barberini, along with a lounge, a bar, and a terrace with neighborhood views, making it a comfortable place to return to after a long day outside.
Once you’ve checked in, grab a cappuccino in a nearby cafe (there are plenty), stroll through the surrounding streets, stop for gelato, and visit a few nearby landmarks. There’s quite a bit to see without needing a taxi or public transportation.
© Yulia Denisyuk/Bell CollectiveAlso, for those traveling with family or a group of friends, arranging an airport pickup in advance can also make arriving in Rome much easier. Through Airbnb Services, you can book a car service directly in through the app, with someone waiting to take you from the airport to your accommodations. You can arrange your return transfer as well, so you can enjoy your Roman getaway without worrying about getting to and from the airport.
Make your own Italian leather accessory
Italy is famous for its leather goods, and while there’s no shortage of beautiful handbags and accessories to buy, making one yourself is a fun alternative.
Near the Pantheon, Claudia, founder of weBag, hosts a 90-minute leatherworking experience through Airbnb, where visitors can create their own Italian leather pochette.
Claudia’s workshop is in the cutest little shop, which she shares with another artisan who makes beautiful handmade leather shoes. And to make the visit even more special, there’s Dora, an adorable puppy who’s happy to keep you company while you work.
During the session, you can choose your leather, including options such as calfskin and nappa, before learning how to turn it into a small accessory. Claudia walks guests through the process, from cutting and shaping the material to putting the final piece together.
Between the friendly artisans, the cozy little shop, and her four-legged companion keeping everyone entertained, it feels more like spending an afternoon with locals than taking a class.
We even ended up having coffee with Claudia at a nearby café afterwards, which made the experience feel even more personal. Plus, you get to leave with a leather accessory you made yourself, which is a pretty special souvenir from Rome.
Take the long way back, and leave time for shopping
Since the workshop is near the Pantheon, it’s a great opportunity to explore this part of the city.
Visit the Pantheon, continue toward Piazza Navona to admire its fountains, and browse the shops along the way. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants around here, so finding somewhere to stop for lunch won’t be difficult. Grab a slice of authentic pizza and find a bench to enjoy it, or sit outside at a little café and watch the city go by, just like the locals do.
© Corbis/VCG
© Andrea PistolesiIf shopping is on your agenda, head toward Via Condotti and the surrounding streets, where you’ll find some of the biggest names in Italian fashion alongside smaller boutiques.
For those who want to discover more independent shops, Airbnb also offers Hunt Rome’s Best Boutiques on a Tailored Trek, a two-hour shopping experience focused on discovering local boutiques.
A special dinner inside a private Roman palazzo
When it comes to dinner in Rome, there’s no shortage of options. You can find a little neighborhood trattoria, join a food tour, or even book a private chef through Airbnb if you’re looking for something more personal.
For this trip, we got to experience something a little different. Airbnb partnered with We Are Ona, a Paris-based creative culinary studio founded by Luca Pronzato, for an exclusive dinner inside a spectacular private Roman palazzo.
The experience started the moment we arrived. Behind the private entrance was a beautiful outdoor courtyard, and as we made our way inside, we were guided from one space to another, getting to see parts of the palazzo we probably never would have visited otherwise. We eventually made our way up to the rooftop for cocktails, with Rome as our backdrop.
One of the nicest parts of the evening was getting to know the other guests. There were locals, expats living in Rome, and fellow travelers, all sharing stories and recommendations. It’s always interesting to hear what people who actually live in a city love about it, and the conversations made the evening feel more like a gathering of friends than a formal dinner.
We eventually sat down for a four-course meal prepared by Chefs Gabriele Giura and Emin Haziri, with plenty more conversation around the table and the opportunity to connect with the chefs behind the menu.
The company behind these pop-up dinners and special dining experiences, We Are Ona, hosts events in cities around the world. This particular dinner in Rome was invitation-only, and while the setting and food were wonderful, it was a reminder that sometimes the people you meet along the way are just as memorable as the places you visit. Guests exchanged travel stories, shared recommendations, and even swapped phone numbers to stay in touch.
Day 2: Ancient Rome, historic palazzos, and a night in Trastevere
Spend the morning exploring Rome’s history
With the food tour planned for the evening, there’s plenty of time to visit some of Rome’s historic sites before heading across the Tiber.
Start at Palatine Hill, one of the oldest parts of the city. Overlooking the Roman Forum, the hill was once home to emperors and aristocratic families. Today, visitors can walk among the remains of imperial palaces while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding ruins. Set aside a couple of hours, particularly if you’re planning to explore the Roman Forum as well.
© Faraj Hamdan / 500pxFrom there, head toward Piazza del Campidoglio, one of Rome's most beautiful squares, designed by Michelangelo. It's also home to the Capitoline Museums, with an impressive collection of ancient Roman sculptures and artwork. Even if you don't have time to visit the museums, the square is worth a stop for its architecture and views of the Roman Forum.
If you're more interested in paintings, Palazzo Barberini, just steps from the hotel, is another great option. Home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art, it features works by Caravaggio and Raphael, along with beautiful frescoed ceilings.
© Michael LeeThere’s no need to fit every stop into one morning. Choose what interests you most and leave a little time to enjoy the city along the way.
Make your way toward Trastevere
From Piazza Venezia, continue through Rome’s historic center toward Campo de’ Fiori, a bustling square known for its market, cafés, and surrounding streets. From there, you can cross the Tiber via Ponte Sisto, a pedestrian bridge that leads toward Trastevere.
© Education ImagesIf you’ve already done enough walking, hop on a local bus instead. You can pay directly onboard with a contactless credit or debit card, which makes public transportation easy for visitors.
© Alexander SpatariOnce in Trastevere, there’s still plenty to explore before the evening food tour.
Art lovers can also visit Villa Farnesina, a beautiful Renaissance villa famous for its frescoes housed inside a historic palace with an impressive collection of Italian paintings. Check visiting hours in advance, particularly for Villa Farnesina, which generally closes in the early afternoon.
© Alexander SpatariIf museums aren’t on your agenda, head to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, visit its beautiful basilica, browse the small shops, or find a café and enjoy the neighborhood before your evening plans.
© Gary YeowellCome hungry for an evening food and wine tour
Save your appetite for the evening. The Rome Trastevere Luxury Food & Wine Tour, a four-hour Airbnb Experience organized by Cooking Italy, is definitely one to arrive hungry for.
The tour takes guests to several neighborhood spots, including Trapizzino, known for its Roman street food, and Essenza Wine Bar, where Italian cheeses, cured meats, and wines are part of the experience.
Some of the menu highlights include Prosciutto di Parma, Jamón Ibérico, and Parmigiano Reggiano served with aged balsamic vinegar. There are also interesting combinations you might not think to order yourself, like pecorino with truffle-infused honey or gorgonzola with dark chocolate.
And there’s plenty more to taste, including pizza, pasta, truffle oils, and supplì al telefono, a Roman specialty made with fried rice, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. The name comes from the way the cheese stretches into a long string when you pull it apart, resembling an old-fashioned telephone cord.
Between stops, your local guide shares stories about the city and its food traditions. You'll hear about the different regions where the cheeses and wines come from, and even the history behind familiar customs, like how the tradition of saying cin cin when raising a glass began.
It’s also a chance to ask questions about everyday life in Rome, get recommendations, and hear what it’s really like to live in a city that attracts millions of visitors every year. Those conversations are part of what makes the tour so enjoyable.
By the end, you’ll have eaten enough for dinner, so there’s no need to make another reservation. If you still have some energy, take a walk through Trastevere, where the streets and piazzas are especially vibrant and romantic after dark.
Until next time, Rome
Two days in Rome go by quickly, especially when there’s so much you want to see, eat, and do. But staying in a central location and booking a couple of experiences with local hosts makes it possible to fit quite a bit into a short visit without spending the entire time running between attractions.
During this trip, hosted by Airbnb, we had the opportunity to connect with locals and experience the city in a more personal way, from learning traditional crafts to sharing food, stories, and conversations.
And if you leave wishing you'd had another day or two, there's always a good excuse to come back.
Plan your 48 hours in Rome
- Where to stay: Palazzo 4 Fontane 12
- Fashion and craftsmanship: Italian Leather Workshop with Claudia
- Food and wine: Rome Trastevere Luxury Food & Wine Tour
- Optional shopping: Hunt Rome’s Best Boutiques on a Tailored Trek
