I visited Rome for the first time and only had 48 hours to explore the city. Here are 8 reasons why that wasn't nearly enough time.

Joey HaddenNov 12, 2022, 17:52 IST

During the author's first trip to Italy, she visited Ancient Rome and Vatican City.Joey Hadden/Insider

I recently spent two days in Rome, Italy, during a train trip through Europe.
I explored Ancient Rome and stayed in a livable sculpture on the roof of a villa I found on Airbnb.

I recently visited Italy for the first time and had 48 hours to explore Rome. It impressed me so much, I already want to go back.

The author explores Rome for the first time.Joey Hadden/Insider

Located in the central portion of the country, Rome is the capital of Italy, and it's steeped in history.

A map of Italy shows were Rome is located.Joey Hadden/Insider

I traveled to Rome by train and stayed in an Airbnb 20 minutes from the city center. In central Rome, I could stroll alongside ancient and historical sites from the Colosseum to Vatican City. But I needed more time to do it.

A map shows where in Rome the author went.Google Maps

I traveled to Rome by train and stayed in an Airbnb 20 minutes from the city center. In central Rome, I could stroll alongside ancient and historical sites from the Colosseum to Vatican City. But I needed more time to do it.

I stayed in an Airbnb described as a "livable sculpture" for $100 a night. I thought it showcased Rome's artistic side and could have easily spent a whole week living here.

The outside (L) and inside (R) of the author's Airbnb in Rome.Joey Hadden/Insider

I stayed in an Airbnb described as a "livable sculpture" for $100 a night. I thought it showcased Rome's artistic side and could have easily spent a whole week living here.

In Rome's city center, I found so many pockets of history that have been preserved for thousands of years. I barely scratched the surface.

The author visits ancient Roman sites.Joey Hadden/Insider

I'm a fan of intricate architecture, and all around the city, I spotted historic Roman buildings in a mix of styles, from Renaissance to Gothic Revival. I longed to admire them from the inside, as well.

Rome's Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati (L) and Corte Supreme di Cassazione (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

I'm a fan of intricate architecture, and all around the city, I spotted historic Roman buildings in a mix of styles, from Renaissance to Gothic Revival. I longed to admire them from the inside, as well.

During my strolls, I spotted artists working in the streets. I found it inspiring to stop and watch them for a moment. I could have spent an entire day just admiring art.

Artists on the streets of Rome (L) and the author's sketch (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

During my strolls, I spotted artists working in the streets. I found it inspiring to stop and watch them for a moment. I could have spent an entire day just admiring art.

I was surprised to find that I could walk from Rome into another historic country entirely — Vatican City. I could have spent days just exploring here, as well.

Grand structures in Vatican City.Joey Hadden/Insider

I cooked a pasta dish using fresh ingredients that made me want to learn more about cooking and local cuisine.

Pasteria di Ludovia Rossi in Vatican City.Joey Hadden/Insider

I've always been a fan of cannolis and Regoli Pasticceria sold me the best cannoli I've ever had. I'm already craving more.

The author enjoys a cannoli from Regoli Pasticceria.Joey Hadden/Insider

I thought spending 48 hours in Rome felt like an introduction to the city, and I'll have to return for a more in-depth experience.

The author enjoys the views from her Airbnb in Rome.Joey Hadden/Insider

See inside the last-remaining 20th Century Limited train cars with panoramic windows, white-tablecloth dining, bedrooms, and a full kitchen

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I visited Rome for the first time and only had 48 hours to explore the city. Here are 8 reasons why that wasn't nearly enough time.

I recently visited Italy for the first time and had 48 hours to explore Rome. It impressed me so much, I already want to go back.

Located in the central portion of the country, Rome is the capital of Italy, and it's steeped in history.

I traveled to Rome by train and stayed in an Airbnb 20 minutes from the city center. In central Rome, I could stroll alongside ancient and historical sites from the Colosseum to Vatican City. But I needed more time to do it.

I stayed in an Airbnb described as a "livable sculpture" for $100 a night. I thought it showcased Rome's artistic side and could have easily spent a whole week living here.

In Rome's city center, I found so many pockets of history that have been preserved for thousands of years. I barely scratched the surface.

I'm a fan of intricate architecture, and all around the city, I spotted historic Roman buildings in a mix of styles, from Renaissance to Gothic Revival. I longed to admire them from the inside, as well.

During my strolls, I spotted artists working in the streets. I found it inspiring to stop and watch them for a moment. I could have spent an entire day just admiring art.

I was surprised to find that I could walk from Rome into another historic country entirely — Vatican City. I could have spent days just exploring here, as well.

I cooked a pasta dish using fresh ingredients that made me want to learn more about cooking and local cuisine.

I've always been a fan of cannolis and Regoli Pasticceria sold me the best cannoli I've ever had. I'm already craving more.

I thought spending 48 hours in Rome felt like an introduction to the city, and I'll have to return for a more in-depth experience.