Rome was not built in a day, but you can see a lot of it in just one or two. Every traveler wishes for more vacation time, but if a quick two-day weekend is all you have, make the best of it! In just two days, you can hit the Italian streets and soak up enough culture to converse with your friends about it when you get back home.

On your first day in the ancient city, hit a popular tourist destination. First and foremost, you must see the Colosseum. Walk around the different levels to see where people sat during ancient battles. Look down into where the Romans kept lions and tigers before they fought to the death. There are also artifacts and busts of famous philosophers and warriors along the corridors. Make sure to get there early in the morning, since the line gets very long by the afternoon.

The Spanish Steps, also known as the Piazza di Spagna, is a beautiful open structure built in the 17th century. At the bottom of the 138 steps is the Barcaccia Fountain, translated as “Fountain of the Old Boat.” The sculpture depicts a sinking ship with water overflowing its edges. This scene represents the constant flooding of the Tiber River before walls were built, as well as a massive flood in the late 16th century when the Spanish Steps were filled with three feet of water. Pass the fountain to find a street lined with designer shops. Treat yourself to a souvenir! Italy is known for its fine handbags, so how about a Gucci purse or Prada tote to remember your Italian escapades? Don’t look at the price tag, just smile and sign on the dotted line.

Day two is all about food. A pizza dinner is a must-have. Go to Sforno, often called the best pizza around. Their pizzas typically have soft, thick crusts and thin centers for holding layers and layers of toppings. When in any restaurant, order the house wine and make sure to save room for dessert! Head to the San Crispino Gelaterie for delicious scoops of gelato, just like Julia Roberts did in “Eat, Pray, Love.” Do not call it ice cream; Italians will get offended!

Rome can definitely be explored in a day or two. Even in 48 hours, your camera can be full of exciting photos ready to upload and send to friends and family. See the sights and taste the treats that Rome has to offer in just a quick weekend getaway.