So, you’re cruising the Mediterranean (lucky you!) and find yourself with a precious day or two in la dolce vita capital of the world — Rome! Whether you’re killing time before boarding or winding down after your sea adventure, let me just say: this city is not just a pit stop — it’s the cherry on top of your cruise gelato.
Rome is the kind of place that makes you want to toss your itinerary into the Trevi Fountain and just wander. But since you’re a time-crunched traveller, I’ve got you covered with a deliciously doable guide: where to sleep, what to eat, and how to see the Eternal City in 24-48 blissfully Roman hours.
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Where to Stay: Cruise-Friendly Hotels in Rome
First thing’s first: you’ll need a comfy crash pad — ideally close to either Termini Station (for easy airport/port transfers) or somewhere central enough to walk to the good stuff.
1. Hotel Artemide (Via Nazionale)
A four-star dream that feels like five. Comfy beds, a killer breakfast, and a rooftop bar that’ll make you forget about your sea legs. Super central, and they’ll even help with cruise transfers.
2. The Fifteen Keys Hotel (Monti)
This boutique gem in the Monti district is full of charm and quiet luxury. Plus, it’s a short walk to the Colosseum and forums — which means more sightseeing, less taxi-ing.
3. Hotel Santa Maria (Trastevere)
Tucked away in the cobbled lanes of Trastevere, this former convent-turned-hotel is peaceful, adorable, and right in one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.
Bonus: Need something near the port in Civitavecchia?
Book Hotel San Giorgio — it’s one of the few spots near the port with decent food, sea views, and a shuttle to your cruise ship.
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Let’s Eat! Your Roman Foodie Bucket List
You didn’t think I’d let you leave without a proper Roman feast or three, did you? Here are a few must-try spots whether you’ve got 2 hours or 2 days.
1. Roscioli (Campo de’ Fiori area)
A deli + wine bar + restaurant = heaven. Sit down for their carbonara — it will ruin all other carbonaras for you forever. (You’ve been warned.)
2. Tonnarello (Trastevere)
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, there’s often a wait. And YES, it’s absolutely worth it. Big portions of homemade pasta, lively piazza vibes, and prices that don’t make your wallet cry.
3. Trapizzino (Testaccio or Trastevere)
Rome’s genius take on street food — it’s like a pizza pocket, but gourmet. Fillings like eggplant parm or chicken cacciatore. Grab one, stroll, repeat.
4. Pasticceria Regoli (near Termini)
Even if you’re full, make room for their maritozzo — a sweet bun overflowing with whipped cream. Breakfast, dessert, second dessert — it’s always the right time.
for something different to do regarding food and drink in Rome, please click here. You may be very surprised.
Travel Tips for Pre/Post-Cruise Visitors in Rome
🧳 Luggage Storage: If you’re just popping in before embarkation, store your bags at Termini or one of the many luggage storage services like Stow Your Bags.
🚖 Getting to Civitavecchia Port: The port’s about 80 km (50 miles) from Rome. Easiest option? A private transfer (splurge-worthy for peace of mind). Cheapest? Train from Termini to Civitavecchia + port shuttle.
⏱️ Time-Saving Hack: Pre-book skip-the-line tickets for major sights. Rome queues have no chill.
📸 Don’t Try to Do It All: Seriously. You’ll enjoy Rome way more if you do less, but better. Slow walks > frantic tours. Espresso breaks > checklist stress.
What to Do with One or Two Days in Rome
Alright, let’s talk sightseeing. Rome is basically an open-air museum, but when you’ve got less than 48 hours, you’ve got to be a little strategic — and a little indulgent.
🚶 If you have just ONE day
Start early. Like, cappuccino-in-hand-by-8am early.
Morning:
- Head straight to the Colosseum (book your ticket ahead!).
- Walk through the Roman Forum and climb up Palatine Hill for some epic views.
- Wander to the Piazza Venezia, then past the Pantheon.
Lunch:
- Grab a sit-down plate of pasta at Armando al Pantheon or take a quick bite at Pane e Salame nearby.
Afternoon:
- Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain (yes, it’s cheesy — and yes, you have to).
- Make your way to Piazza di Spagna and climb the Spanish Steps.
- If you’ve got energy left, stroll Via del Corso for some light shopping.
Evening:
- Head to Trastevere for dinner and aperitivo. This area is all about wine bars, fairy lights, and that Roman “let’s just linger” vibe.
⛲ If you’ve got TWO glorious days
On Day 2, let’s slow things down and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Pope.
Morning:
- Cross the Tiber and head to Vatican City. If you want to see the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, get a skip-the-line ticket or join a small tour (trust me — saves hours).
- Don’t forget St. Peter’s Basilica — free to enter and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Lunch:
- Eat at Pastasciutta near the Vatican — fast, cheap, homemade pasta in takeaway form. Then sit on a bench and soak in that piazza magic.
Afternoon:
- Wander through Castel Sant’Angelo and cross the iconic Ponte Sant’Angelo with its moody statues.
- Swing by Piazza Navona — it’s baroque, it’s theatrical, it’s basically a stage set.
Evening:
- Want a last supper to remember? Try Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere again — I know, but it’s the heart of Rome for a reason). Book ahead or go early!
- Top off your night with a gelato from Frigidarium or Gelateria del Teatro. Or both. Live a little.
for even more suggestions please click here and get your tickets before the crowds.
One Last Thing…
Rome has this weird magic. Even if you only spend a day or two here, it leaves a mark. The food, the noise, the history, the chaos, the charm — it all just sticks with you.
So yeah, your cruise is gonna be amazing. But don’t be surprised if it’s the little Roman moments — that plate of pasta, that perfect fountain selfie, that random alleyway espresso — that stay with you the longest.
Buon viaggio, my cruising friend. And may your Rome layover be the start of a long love affair.