2 Days in Rome Itinerary for Older Travellers

Rome is every bit as beautiful as you imagine - stunning architecture, rich history, and iconic landmarks at every turn. What surprised me most, however, was just how vast and physically demanding it can be. Landmarks that look close on a map can easily be a 30–45-minute walk apart.

For older travellers, or anyone wanting a more comfortable pace, a little planning makes all the difference. With the right approach, you can experience the very best of Rome in just two days without feeling exhausted.

Practical Tips Before You Go¶

Rome is not the easiest city to navigate on foot. Many streets are cobbled and uneven, so supportive trainers are essential. We also quickly learned to be cautious when crossing roads - cars don’t always stop at zebra crossings, even when pedestrian lights are green.

Distances between major sights can be longer than expected, so don’t hesitate to use buses or taxis. Both are easy to access and can save a lot of time and energy. Carrying your passport is also important, as it’s required for entry into key attractions like the Vatican and colosseum.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. On a short trip, staying central is key. It saves time, reduces walking distances, and allows you to return to your hotel easily for rest breaks.

We stayed at the NYX Leonardo Hotel Rome, which was ideal for this kind of trip - quiet, clean, comfortable, and perfectly located. The staff were welcoming and even recommended a fantastic family-run restaurant nearby, which turned out to be a highlight.

We flew from London Stansted to Rome Ciampino, landing at around 9:40am with hand luggage only. From the airport, we took a coach transfer to Rome Termini. Tickets were easy to buy at the airport, clearly signposted, and cost €14 for two adults. The journey took around 40 minutes, with a short wait before departure.

From Termini, we chose to walk to our hotel. It took around 45 minutes and gave us our first real feel for Rome. It’s a beautiful walk, but I’d only recommend it if you’re travelling light. If mobility is a concern, a taxi is the better option.

We arrived too early to check in, but the hotel stored our luggage securely. Having a smaller day bag packed inside your suitcase is a simple but very useful tip - we took ours out and headed straight back out to explore.

Lunch was at La Fraschetta Romanesca, a small, authentic local restaurant. The food was excellent and felt like a true introduction to Roman cuisine. As someone who is dairy-free, I was  well catered for - I had beef strips with potatoes, which were simple and delicious.

After lunch, we took a relaxed stroll to Castel Sant’Angelo and then on to Piazza Navona. Piazza Navona is particularly beautiful, with its fountains and surrounding restaurants, and we immediately decided we’d come back the next evening for dinner.

In the late afternoon, we visited the Vatican Museums, with tickets booked in advance for 5pm. This is essential - these tickets sell out quickly often a month ahead of time. The museums were busy but manageable, and the Sistine Chapel was every bit as impressive as expected. We took some time to sit and take it all in, which I would highly recommend.

By the evening, we were ready to stay close to the hotel. We ate at Tuillia, where I had lamb chops and potatoes. The meal was very good, not quite as memorable as lunch, but perfect after a long day. An early night was needed ahead of day two.

We started early with a 9am Colosseum & arena floor tour. We opted for a self-guided visit, which worked well. The Colosseum is an iconic experience, although I did feel that seeing it from the outside is almost just as impressive.

Accessibility-wise, there is a lift available, which I would advise using as an alternative to the steep stairs.

Afterwards, we made our way to a higher viewpoint for photos overlooking the Colosseum. It’s a bit of a climb, so something to consider depending on your mobility. 

We then continued to the Vittoriano monument, which was one of my favourite stops. The views from the top are stunning, stretching across Rome and even towards Vatican City. There’s a lift available, making it a great option for those wanting incredible views without the climb. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by 2 military personal 24/7 with a burning flame, adds a powerful historical element to the visit.

After stopping for another excellent Italian lunch nearby, we headed to the Trevi Fountain. It was far bigger than I expected and truly stunning in person. It does get busy, but it’s worth seeing.

Next, we headed to Suppli restaurant in Trastevere where we had been recommended some fantastic cheap local food. We ate lunch for €2 each – an incredible price for a delicious meal.

Later in the afternoon, we returned to the hotel to collect our bags before heading back out for one final meal at Piazza Navona. The atmosphere in the early evening was fantastic, and it was the perfect place to end the trip. My partner ordered a traditional spaghetti carbonara and was thoroughly impressed - an authentic Roman experience to finish on.

We then booked a coach back from Termini to Rome Ciampino airport. Worth noting that the toilets at Termini station cost €1.20 to use. The coach back was via a different company and cost €16 for 2 adults. Again we booked the tickets at the station at a ticket booth.

Visiting Rome as a couple with accommodation, colosseum tour and Vatican museums pre-paid for we took €320 for the 2 days. By the time we got on the plane for the flight home we had €5 left! We had our fair share of gelato and cake stops plus brought a few souvenirs back home.

Final thoughts¶

Rome is a beautiful city, we felt very safe. Taxis are readily available which is especially useful for older travellers or those with mobility needs. The distances, cobbled streets, and busy roads can be challenging.

With a central hotel, a realistic itinerary, and a willingness to use transport when needed, it becomes an incredibly rewarding destination. Even in just two days, we experienced so much without feeling completely worn out.

If you plan carefully and pace yourself, Rome offers an unforgettable short break - full of history, culture, and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere.

More from Maria, our Travel Expert ¶

If you’ve enjoyed this piece, there’s plenty more where it came from. As a dedicated travel expert, Maria shares practical insights, insider tips, and real-world experiences to help you make the most of every journey. Find out more here.