Ah, Rome – the Eternal City, where ancient history and modern life intertwine in a captivating dance. As a first-time visitor, you’re in for a treat. Picture yourself wandering through the ruins of the Colosseum, marveling at the masterpieces in the Vatican Museums, and savoring the perfect scoop of gelato in a sun-drenched piazza.
😵 But with so much to see and do, planning your Roman adventure can feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in. I’ve crafted the ultimate 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
🎨 Get ready to immerse yourself in the art, history, and culture that make Rome so special. We’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, uncover hidden gems in charming neighborhoods like Trastevere, and indulge in the city’s legendary cuisine.
🌟 3 DAYS IN ROME ITINERARY: TOP TIPS
The main advice I can give is to book hotels and excursions in advance. Rome sees about 20 million tourists a year. And the best deals run out quickly.
🏡 Where to stay in Rome for 3 days
- 💎 Luxury: Umiltà 36
- 📍 In Eternal City center: Hotel Vilòn
- 🏛 Near the Colosseum: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
- 👀 Best views of the city: Hassler Roma
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Trastevere's Friends
👩🏻 Best guided tour
- The Best Colosseum Private Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill from €578 (⭐️ 4.7/5)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour from €78 (⭐️ 4.5/5)
- The Best Vatican City Private Tour from €598 (⭐️ 4.6/5)
- The Best Group Tour of the Vatican from €99 ⭐️ 4.5/5)
⛲ ROME IN THREE DAYS: ITINERARY OVERVIEW
- Day 1 🏟️ Ancient sites: covers the iconic ancient Roman sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Trevi Fountain. It includes vivid descriptions, tips for beating crowds, and suggestions for classic Roman meals.
- Day 2 ⛪ Vatican & Trastevere: focuses on the Vatican, with a step-by-step plan for the museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The afternoon is spent exploring the charming Trastevere neighborhood with its artisanal shops and lively piazzas.
- Day 3 🎨 Art & hidden gems: highlights art and hidden gems like the Borghese Gallery, the ancient Appian Way, and the eerie catacombs.
🗓 Day 1: Colosseum and Roman Forum + Historic center
The first day includes a visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, if you do not want to stand in line and lose a few hours in line I recommend taking the tour:
- The Best Colosseum Private Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill from €578 (⭐️ 4.7/5)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour from €78 (⭐️ 4.5/5)
🎫 And for independent tourists, book tickets in advance to skip the line:
1. Colosseum
Suggested visit time: 8:30 am / Visit duration: 1.5 hours
🏟️ Start your Roman adventure at the iconic Colosseum. This colossal amphitheater is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome. Undoubtedly it is a symbol of Rome that every tourist should see.
Insider Tip: For a unique perspective, consider a guided tour that grants access to the underground chambers and upper tiers.
Top Tips for Visiting the Colosseum Without a Guided Tour
- Buy a skip-the-line entry ticket — it costs an extra €3 but can save you hours of waiting in line, especially in peak and shoulder seasons.
- The best time to visit the Colosseum is at 8:30 am, right when it opens. Reserve your timeslot when you book your ticket (it’s mandatory) and arrive at least 30 mins before opening time to get through the entrance faster.
- You can get free entry to the Colosseum with the Roma Pass, the OMNIA Rotme Card, or the Best of Rome Pass. It’s still mandatory to reserve your timeslot online in advance. You can do so on the official website under the Roma Pass section.
- There’s a cap on the number of visitors allowed per day. If tickets on the official website are sold out for the day you want to visit, you can still buy your ticket via Tiqets here.
- You’ll see considerably fewer crowds at the Colosseum from November to March.
- Visiting with kids: Anyone under 18 gets free entry to the Colosseum, but their visit cannot be booked online. If you’re an adult who booked your ticket, your child will receive their free ticket when entering with you.
- If you’re under 18 and visiting without an adult, you can get your free ticket at the ticket office on-site (by standing in line).
2. Roman Forum
5 min walk from Colosseum
Suggested visit time: 10 am / Visit duration: 1.5 hours
🏛️ Ancient ruins: Step back in time as you wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum. This sprawling complex was once the center of political, social, and religious life in ancient Rome. Marvel at the remnants of temples, basilicas, and public spaces that were once bustling with activity. Don’t miss the Temple of Julius Caesar, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
3. Palatine Hill
🌿 Legendary birthplace: Discover the birthplace of Rome on Palatine Hill. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded the city in 753 BC. Explore the ruins of imperial palaces, gardens, and stadiums that once housed Rome’s elite. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum from the hilltop.
4. Lunch
🍝 Traditional trattoria: Indulge in a classic Roman meal at a traditional trattoria. Savor dishes like cacio e pepe (spaghetti with pecorino cheese and black pepper), carbonara (pasta with eggs, cheese, and pancetta), or saltimbocca alla romana (veal scaloppine with prosciutto and sage). Pair your meal with a glass of local wine and soak in the lively atmosphere.
5. Trevi Fountain
⛲ Iconic landmark: Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the intricate Baroque sculptures and the cascading water illuminated at night. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City!
6. Pantheon
🏛️ Ancient temple: make a quick stop at the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple turned church. Marvel at the massive dome, which features an oculus that allows natural light to flood the interior.
🔥 Insider Tip: As of July 2023, entrance is no longer free and costs €5. While you can pay directly at the entrance, I highly recommend booking a skip-the-line entry ticket as this is one of the most popular and crowded places in Rome. This ticket costs just a few more euros but comes with an audio guide.
7. Piazza Navona
🌇 Beautiful square: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. Admire the Baroque architecture, the ornate fountains, and the lively atmosphere. Grab a gelato or a nightcap at one of the outdoor cafes and soak in the magic of Rome at night.
Money Saver: Piazza Navona is a great spot for people-watching and enjoying free street performances.
🕰️ Appreciate history: As you explore these ancient wonders, take moments to appreciate the rich history and culture that surround you. Rome’s streets are filled with hidden gems and stories waiting to be discovered. Embrace the city’s vibrant energy and let yourself be transported back in time.
🗓 Day 2: Explore the Vatican Museum and Trastevere’s Charms
On the second day I recommend visiting the Vatican Museums, if you do not want to stand in line and lose a few hours in line I recommend taking a tour:
- The Best Vatican City Private Tour from €598 (⭐️ 4.6/5)
- The Best Group Tour of the Vatican from €99 ⭐️ 4.5/5)
And for self-guided tourists, book tickets in advance to skip the line:
1. Vatican City:
Suggested visit time: 8:30 am / Visit duration: 2.5-3 hours
Vatican Museums: 🏛️ Awe-inspiring museums: Begin your day at the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most celebrated artworks and antiquities. As you wander through the lavishly decorated galleries, you’ll come face-to-face with Egyptian mummies, classical Greek sculptures, and Renaissance masterpieces by Raphael and da Vinci.
🕰️ Skip lines: Consider a VIP tour that allows you to skip the lines and enter the Vatican an hour before the general public. This way, you can explore the museums in relative peace before the crowds arrive.
Sistine Chapel: 🎨 Michelangelo’s masterpiece: No visit to the Vatican is complete without marveling at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Prepare to be awestruck by the divinely inspired frescoes that adorn the chapel’s ceiling and walls.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
2 min walk from Sistine Chapel through a restricted passageway
Suggested visit time: 11:30 am / Visit duration: 1.5-2 hours
⛪ Largest church: After the Sistine Chapel, make your way to the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Admire Michelangelo’s Renaissance genius in the form of the basilica’s iconic dome and the Pietà sculpture.
3. Lunch in Trastevere
🍝 Delizioso lunch: After your Vatican adventure head to the charming Trastevere neighborhood for a delizioso Roman lunch. Grab an outdoor table at a local osteria and indulge in classic dishes like pillowy gnocchi alla romana (semolina dumplings baked with butter and cheese) or a crispy pizza bianca (white pizza) fresh from a wood-fired oven.
4. Trastevere
🌇 Bohemian charms: Spend the afternoon getting delightfully lost in Trastevere’s labyrinth of narrow alleys and hidden piazzas. This bohemian enclave exudes an infectious, laidback vibe that’s utterly enchanting. Duck into artisanal shops selling handmade ceramics and leather goods, or simply wander aimlessly, soaking in the neighborhood’s rustic charms.
Hidden Gem: 💎 Piazza gathering: Seek out the Piazza di Santa Maria, where locals and tourists alike gather on the steps of the 12th-century basilica for an impromptu happy hour. Grab a glass of crisp white wine or an Aperol spritz and join in the age-old tradition of watching the world go by.
Insider Tip: 🍦 Gelato treat: If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, stop by one of Trastevere’s famous gelaterias for a scoop (or two) of creamy, artisanal gelato.
🌆 Contrasting experiences: After a day of exploring the Vatican’s treasures and Trastevere’s bohemian charms, you’ll have experienced two vastly different sides of Rome – the spiritual and the secular, the grandiose and the intimate. Embrace the city’s contrasts and let them enrich your understanding of this multifaceted destination.
🗓 Day 3: Art, History, and Hidden Gems
On the third day, the magnificent Borghese Gallery and the unique Roman catacombs await you. Best Tours:
And for self-guided tourists, book tickets in advance to skip the line:
1. Borghese Gallery
🖼️ Stunning gallery: Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Borghese Gallery, housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. This world-renowned art museum is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces by artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Marvel at sculptures like Bernini’s “Apollo and Daphne” and paintings like Caravaggio’s “Boy with a Basket of Fruit.”
Insider Tip: 🎫 Advance reservations are required to visit the Borghese Gallery, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
2. Spanish Steps
🪜 Iconic steps: After the gallery, make your way to the iconic Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most popular gathering spots. Climb the 135 steps to the top for a stunning view of the city, or simply people-watch from the bottom and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Top Tip: 🍕 Enjoy gelato: Grab a gelato or a slice of pizza from one of the nearby shops and enjoy it on the steps for a quintessential Roman experience.
3. Appian Way
🛣️ Ancient road: In the afternoon, venture outside the city center to explore the ancient Appian Way, one of the oldest and most important roads in Rome. This historic road, lined with ancient tombs and monuments, offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past. Rent a bicycle or join a guided tour to fully appreciate the significance of this ancient thoroughfare.
Money Saver: 🧺 Pack lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the Appian Way, as dining options are limited in the area.
4. Catacombs of Rome
💀 Eerie burial sites: End your day with a visit to one of Rome’s eerie yet captivating catacombs, ancient underground burial sites that date back to the 2nd century. The most famous of these are the Catacombs of San Callisto and the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, both located along the Appian Way. Descend into the dark, labyrinthine tunnels and learn about the early Christian communities that used these sites for burial and worship.
Insider Tip: 🧥 Bring jacket: Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the catacombs can be cool and damp even on warm days.
Some possible additions to your itinerary, depending on your interests and available time:
- Baths of Caracalla: 🛁 Impressive baths: Explore the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, one of the largest and most impressive public bath complexes of ancient Rome. These sprawling ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and social customs of the Roman Empire.
- Piazza del Popolo: 🏛️ Stunning square: Visit the stunning Piazza del Popolo, a large urban square that was once the main northern entrance to Rome. Admire the Egyptian obelisk at the center of the square and the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.
- Villa Borghese Gardens: 🌳 Lush gardens: If you have extra time after visiting the Borghese Gallery, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens, one of Rome’s largest public parks. Enjoy the lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and elegant fountains, and take in the stunning views of the city from the Pincio Terrace.
- Janiculum Hill: 🌇 Panoramic views: For a panoramic view of Rome, head to Janiculum Hill, the second-highest hill in the city. This peaceful spot offers sweeping vistas of Rome’s rooftops, domes, and bell towers, and is particularly stunning at sunset.
🌟 Embrace spontaneity: Remember, Rome is a city that rewards both planning and spontaneity. While it’s important to have a rough itinerary in mind, don’t be afraid to deviate from your plans if something catches your eye or if you simply want to spend more time soaking in the atmosphere of a particular place. The beauty of Rome lies in its ability to surprise and delight at every turn, so embrace the unexpected and let the city work its magic on you.
I hope my itinerary for Rome in 3 days helped you plan the perfect vacation. If you still have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. And also share this article – this is the biggest thank you.
