We are stopping in Rome (coming from Sicily) and will have about 1.5 days - arriving mid-day, then leaving about 8 pm next day. I know - it's not enough time to do justice to the city, but that's what we have. Trying to decide between spending time in and around the Vatican or seeing some of the sights in the old city (Coliseum, Forum, etc.). Will be arriving at the airport, so would like to take the express train or airport bus into the city and find budget lodging nearby whichever neighborhood is best for either of those areas. Is it unrealistic to try and stay between the two areas and see one area the first day and the other the next day before heading back to the airport and home?

Recommendations and lodging suggestions most appreciated. Thanks, Terry.

The two extremes (Vatican and the Colosseum) are just over 4km apart. Not much more than an hour on foot. If you stay in between then yes it's very feasible to travel to both/either.

But hotel prices in general are higher in between. Cheaper hotels are near Termini. Which is sort of in between. Monti which is closer to the Colosseum. Or the Vatican outskirts. Which is only near the Vatican.

When? Time of year can make a big difference on prices.

Budget meaning? How many €.

If you are on a budget don't take the train. Take the bus. The train at €14 is more than twice the bus at €6.

The Sita bus actually has a stop not far from the Vatican.

https://www.sitbusshuttle.com/en/

If you're traveling light it might make sense to catch that bus. Visit the square.

But if you're loaded down with bags just head to your hotel first and drop everything.

Hi Nick. We are arriving at the very end of September on a Sunday night. So I think hotel prices are a bit lower for Sunday/Monday. Hoping to keep the price to less than 125 euros if possible.

Thanks, Terry.

This late I would just check booking.com. If you had booked earlier your budget likely would have been ample but its getting close to your dates.

Check if domus Helena has something in your range. It can be very good value but if they are full up prices go up

You would have time to see both areas, but I wouldn't think of going inside the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum. You can see a good deal of the ancient Roman area from the street, without waiting in lines or paying entrance fees. Start with the Colosseum, and walk around the outside. In my opinion, it's more impressive from the outside, anyway. Then walk along the Via dei Fori Imperiali. You can see part of the Roman Forum from the street, and after you pass the Forum, you can take a left on Via di San Pietro in Carcere, and walk up to the Piazza del Campidoglio. You'll get splendid views of the Roman Forum on the way up. The piazza was designed by Michelangelo. The central building is the Rome City Hall, and the two buildings on either side are the Capitoline Museums, which has one of the world's greatest collections of ancient sculpture.

As for the Vatican, I would advise you to go to St. Peter's Square either late on the Sunday or early on the Monday. The Basilica closes at 7 PM in September and opens in the morning at 7. There are usually long lines for security, but entrance is free. You must be modestly dressed to enter. No tank tops, minigowns, or short shorts. In theory, men must wear long trousers, but shorts below the knee are usually accepted. If you get there too late, or if the queue is too long, you can just admire the beautiful piazza.

Each of these two visits will take an hour or two, and you should have time also for a walk around the center of Rome: Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, and Piazza Farnese. P

Wow, thanks for the great travelogue and advice. Very helpful!