The Perfect 3 Days in Rome Itinerary: An Insider’s Guide

In my ideal world, everyone would spend at least three days in Rome. It’s still not enough to see everything, but it’s just the right amount of time to explore the historic center without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one place to the next.

Rome is one of my favorite places in the world, and I keep coming back year after year. Over time, I’ve fine-tuned this 3-day itinerary, balancing must-see sights with some lesser-known gems and local favorites. I’ve also added in some amazing restaurants.

In this guide, you’ll visit all the major landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City, while also discovering quieter, hidden corners of Rome that make the city so special.

Before You Go

• Book in Advance: Reserve tickets for the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery several weeks in advance. Time slots for these popular attractions book up quickly, and it’s almost impossible to get same-day tickets.
• Reserve Restaurants: If you have a specific restaurant in mind, call ahead to reserve at least 2-3 weeks in advance. The good places fill up fast.
• Get Started Early: To get ahead of the crowds, book the earliest time slots available for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Not only will you beat the rush but you’ll also have more time to explore Rome at a relaxed pace rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
• Double-check Opening Hours: The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays (except for the last Sunday of the month). St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings because of the Papal audience. The Borghese Gallery is closed on Monday. Make sure you avoid these days when planning your itinerary and always double-check opening times.

3 Days in Rome Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Colosseum

Make your way to the Colosseum first thing in the morning. If you’re doing a self-guided tour, then I suggest booking the earliest time slot, which is at 8:30 AM. Plan on spending 1.5-2 hours here.

The Colosseum is Italy’s most famous landmark and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Completed in 80 AD, this nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater once held between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium at the time. People gathered to watch gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and other spectacles.

You have two main options for visiting the Colosseum:

• Self-Guided Visit: If you prefer to explore at your own pace, book an early morning entry slot at 8:30 AM to avoid the rush. For just a few euros more, you can upgrade your ticket to include access to the arena and underground levels where gladiators once prepared for battle – I highly recommend it.
• Guided Tour: This is a great way to dive deeper into the Colosseum’s history. Many tours are available, but I suggest booking the one that includes access to the underground levels and arena.

Alternatively, you can also book a combined guided tour, which includes the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Colosseum & Roman Forum Tours:

• 3-Hour Guided Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
• Small Group 3-Hour Guided Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine hill
• Underground Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Tip: Don’t miss the Arch of Constantine, located right next to the Colosseum. This impressive triumphal arch was built to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.

Tickets: You must purchase your tickets several weeks in advance. Purchase online at the official website or from Tiqets. Basic tickets cost €18 and include access to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Tickets that include access to the arena and underground levels cost €24.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

From the Colosseum, follow Via Sacra, an ancient road that leads to the Roman Forum.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, religious, and social heart of ancient Rome for over a thousand years. This historic area was once filled with grand temples, basilicas, and arches, visited by everyone from emperors and senators to merchants and peasants.

While much of it now lies in ruins, several structures remain remarkably well-preserved, including the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina, and the Arch of Septimius Severus. Plan on spending an hour here.

Palatine Hill

Just above the Roman Forum and Colosseum, Palatine Hill is one of Rome’s seven hills.

This area was historically the city’s most prestigious address, where emperors and aristocrats built their palaces and mansions.It provided a peaceful escape from the busy, often dusty city below.

Today, you can explore the remains of these opulent villas, including the home of Emperor Augustus and the massive palace built by Emperor Domitian.

Plan on spending one hour here.

Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the official website or from Tiqets well in advance. Basic tickets cost €18 and include access to Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. Tickets that also include access to the arena and underground levels of the Colosseum cost €24.

Read more: 30 Best Things to do in Rome

Lunch

The area around the Colosseum is quite touristy, so don’t expect the most authentic Italian food for lunch. That said, there are a couple of highly rated sit-down pizza places nearby that are good options.

• Li Rioni a Santiquattro (If you go here, make sure to stop by the Basilica of San Clemente nearby)
• Alle Carrette

Capitoline Hill & Museums

Capitoline Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills and once served as the city’s political center. It was also home to several temples, some dating back to the 5th century BC.

At the top of the hill, you’ll find Piazza del Campidoglio, a beautiful square designed by Michelangelo with a large statue of Marcus Aurelius. The original statue is inside of the Capitoline Museums.

For one of the best views in Rome, walk past the piazza to the very back. There, you’ll find two balconies with an incredible view overlooking the Roman Forum.

The Capitoline Museums contain some of the most significant sculptures and artworks from ancient Rome. One of the highlights is the famous Lupa Capitolina, a life-sized sculpture of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.

In my opinion, these museums are some of the best in the city – well worth a visit.

Tickets: A ticket to the museums is €14 full price and can be purchased online in advance.

Tour Option: Private Tour of Capitoline Museums

Read more: 17 Best Museums in Rome

Victor Emmanuel II Monument

This stop is completely optional, but if you have the time, it’s worth it for the view alone. In fact, I’d argue that this might just be the best view in Rome.

Also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, the monument was completed in 1935 to honor King Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s first king after unification.

It’s free to walk up the steps to the café and first-level terrace, where you’ll get some pretty great views.

But if you want to take it up a notch, ride the elevator to the very top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Colosseum and the ancient city—one of the best things to do in Rome, in my opinion.

The cost to ride the elevator is €17 per person.

Pantheon

From Capitoline Hill, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Pantheon.

The Pantheon was originally built as a temple but was later converted into a Christian church in 609 AD. It is one of the most well-preserved buildings from ancient Rome.

Inside, take a moment to admire the massive dome. It is the largest unsupported dome in the world, a remarkable engineering feat, considering it’s around 2,000 years old.

The only source of natural light comes from the oculus, a circular opening at the dome’s apex.

Tickets: Entry to the Pantheon used to be free, but tickets are now required. Reserve your time slot online in advance at Musei Italiani to avoid long waits. Full price tickets cost €5.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most picturesque square, lined with restaurants and beautiful Baroque buildings.

The square is unique because of its long, oval shape, a remnant of the ancient Stadium of Domition, upon which the modern square was built. At its center is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini in the 1600s.

This is a great spot to grab a cocktail for aperitivo or simply people-watch. However, I don’t recommend eating here—there are far better restaurants elsewhere in the city.

Trevi Fountain

This baroque, 18th century fountain is the largest and most famous in Rome. You can’t leave without tossing a coin (or three!) into the water. According to legend: one coin ensure you’ll return to Rome. Two coins will help you find love. Three coins will lead to marriage.

The Trevi Fountain is always crowded, and getting close to the fountain can feel like an impossible task with all the people taking selfies.

To avoid the worst of the crowds, your best bet is to visit later in the evening or early in the morning.

Tip: Just steps from the Trevi Fountain, Galleria Sciarra is one of Rome’s hidden gems. This stunning courtyard, built in the late 1800s, is covered in intricate Art Nouveau-style frescoes painted by Gabriele Cellini.

Dinner

Rome is known for its four classic pasta dishes and you can’t leave without trying at least a couple of them.

• Carbonara – Made with eggs, pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper
• Cacio e Pepe – A simple yet delicious mix of pecorino cheese and black pepper
• Amatriciana – A tomato-based pasta with guanciale and pecorino
• Pasta alla Gricia – Made with pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper – sort of like carbonara but without the eggs.

I suggest making a reservation at La Matriciana for dinner. One of my top 3 restaurants in Rome! Check out my Rome Restaurant Guide for a full list of places to eat.

Day 2: Vatican City, Borghese Gallery, Spanish Steps

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house one of the finest art collections in the world, featuring everything from Egyptian mummies to ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces. With an estimated nine miles of art, the collection can feel overwhelming – but don’t worry, you can see the highlights in just a few hours.

Some pieces you shouldn’t miss include Giuseppe Momo’s spiral staircase, Caravaggio’s Deposition in the Pinacoteca, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo.

From my experience, the best way to explore the Vatican Museums is by booking a guided tour. Large museums can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing important works. A guide will take you directly to the must-sees, making the experience far more enjoyable.

Many tours also include St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing you to skip the long entry line – another huge perk.

Recommended Vatican Tours:

• Book this 3.5-hour early morning group tour or private tour to visit the Vatican museums before they open to the public for a crowd-free experience.
• For a regular daytime tour, book this 3.5-hour guided experience of the museums.

I highly recommend booking the early morning tour that starts around 7:30 or 7:45 AM. You’ll beat the crowds and get a head start on your day.

If you opt to book a self-guided ticket, then try to get the earliest entry time – 8:00 AM. Otherwise, you can head to St. Peter’s Basilica first and then head to the Vatican afterwards – around 9:30/10:00 AM.

Tickets: A full price ticket which includes the Vatican Museums and The Sistine Chapel costs €20. Children 7-18 years old can get a ticket at a reduced fee of €8. There are also add-ons available to your ticket purchase including an audio guide for €7. Note that all tickets are timed and no re-entry is allowed. 

Book your fast track tickets in advance online to avoid the long wait times. I’ve heard that crowds are more manageable if you visit later in the afternoon instead of first thing in the morning.

For further information about the museums, opening hours, and to book your tickets direct, check the Vatican Museums official website.

Dress code: Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, or you won’t be allowed inside. The Vatican has a strict dress code, which means shoulders must be covered (no sleeveless tops or dresses), no shorts or skirts above the knee, and no flip-flops or beachwear. You can read through the official dress code here.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and took 120 years to build. The impressive dome was designed by Michelangelo, and inside the church, you’ll find masterpieces like Bernini’s Baldacchino and Michelangelo’s Pieta.

Admission to the basilica is free.

Papal Audience: If you hope to see the Pope, papal audiences are held in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday mornings, starting around 9:00 AM. For a good seat and view, arrive early. Note that the square and basilica are closed to regular visits on Wednesday mornings for this event. For more details, check the Vatican’s official site.

Dome: For one of the best views in Rome, climbing the cupola, or dome, is highly recommended. To get here, wait in line to enter the basilica and then follow signs to the cupola. You can either:

• Take the elevator + stairs combo (€10) – This lets you skip part of the climb and only have to climb 320 steps.
• Climb all the stairs (€8) – A more budget-friendly option but more strenuous (551 steps!).

I think the extra €2 for the elevator is worth it.

Read more: Hidden Gems in Rome

Lunch

Plan for a quick lunch today. If you’re craving Roman-style pizza, head to L’Archetto – their pizza is great, and the service was surprisingly fast (at least for us!).

If you’d rather grab something on the go, search “Pizza al taglio” on Google to find a nearby pizza-by-the-slice shop. Sprizza is a solid option.

Borghese Gallery

Make your way across Rome to the Borghese Gallery. To get there, you’ll need to take the metro—the closest station to Vatican City is Ottaviano. Use Google Maps to find the best route.

Located in the Villa Borghese Gardens on Pincian Hill, the Borghese Gallery is one of Rome’s must-see museums. The villa itself is a masterpiece, with stunning frescoes covering its walls and ceilings.

Inside, you’ll find sculptural masterpieces by Bernini and paintings by renowned Italian artists like Raphael, Titian, and Giovanni Bellini.

For me, the highlight is Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne – a breathtaking sculpture that left me completely awestruck. It captures the exact moment Daphne begins transforming from a nymph into a laurel tree – the details are unbelievable.

Visits are timed and limited to 2 hours, so be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your time slot to allow time for checking bags and picking up your tickets.

Tour: If you’re debating between a guided or self-guided tour, go for the guided option. I recently took a guided tour here, and it was one of my favorite museum experiences. The detailed explanations of the sculptures added so much to the visit.

Tickets: A full price ticket to the museum is €13, discounted tickets at just €2 are available for anyone ages 18 – 25 and entrance is free for all visitors under 18. Book tickets online at the official website several weeks before your visit.

Pincian Hill & Piazza del Popolo

From the Borghese Gallery, take a leisurely walk through the Borghese Gardens to Terrazza del Pincio, a scenic overlook with a great view of Piazza del Popolo.

From there, follow Viale della Trinità dei Monti until you reach the top of the Spanish Steps.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps have long been a meeting point for both locals and visitors, and from the top, you’ll get a lovely view overlooking the Piazza di Spagna.

Important Note: Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited, and if caught, you could face a fine of up to €400

Wander & Shop

There are a lot of high-end designer stores like Dior and Prada around the Spanish Steps, but you’ll also find some wonderful local boutiques worth exploring.

One of my favorites is Schostal Originals, a chic pajama shop with the friendliest owner. The last time I visited, we ended up chatting for two hours – it’s that kind of place!

Dinner

For dinner, I recommend Rocco Ristorante or Da Gina Al Parlamento. Both are great options and reservations are a must.

For more options, check out my Rome Restaurant Guide.

Day 3: Appian Way, Testaccio, Trastevere

Appian Way

The Appian Way is one of the coolest things to experience in Rome. Built around 312 BC, it’s one of the oldest Roman roads and once stretched from Rome all the way to Puglia. Travelers, traders, and emperors walked this very path, and parts of the original road still exist today.

To get to the Appian Way from the city center, you can take a combination of metro and bus – we used Google Maps to find the best route. Just be sure to have your bus ticket ready (you can buy a day pass or a single ticket at the metro), or use Tap & Go with Apple Pay or a contactless credit/debit card. Taxis are also an option if you prefer a more direct route.

The best way to explore the Parco dell’Appia Antica is by bike. We rented bikes from Eco Bike Roma. Be sure to reserve online in advance, especially if you want an e-bike. We waited until we arrived, and there weren’t any e-bikes available.

They bike rental shop will provide you with a map of all the sights, including key landmarks to visit along the road. Refer to the park’s official website for more details about your visit.

We arrived to the bike rental shop around 9:00 Am and practically had the park to ourselves before the crowds arrived. I highly recommend doing the same!

Catacombs

A couple of highlights along the Appian Way include the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano, which are both worth a visit. In hindsight, I kind of wish we had done a tour – it would have been nice to have someone explain more about the history of the catacombs and other sights along the way.

Double check opening hours before your visit! The San Sebastiano Catacombs are closed on Monday and the San Callisto Catacombs are closed on Wednesday. Online reservations are highly recommended, as space is limited.

Testaccio Market for Lunch

By the time you’re done exploring the Appian Way, it’ll be time for a late lunch. Take the bus to Testaccio Market, one of the best indoor food markets in Rome. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, so you won’t find too many tourists here.

Eat your way through the market, trying bites from different stalls. I highly recommend grabbing pizza al taglio from Casa Manco—it’s some of the best pizza by the slice in Rome. Just a heads-up: they close at 3 PM, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

After lunch, wander through Testaccio, a very local and authentic Roman neighborhood, then cross the river and make your way to Trastevere.

Trastevere

Although it has become more popular in recent years, Trastevere is still one of my favorite quieter neighborhoods to explore in Rome. Wandering its cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways, you’ll find greenery draping over buildings, colorful facades, and quaint trattorias. It’s quintessentially Italian.

Here are some of my favorite spots in the neighborhood:

• Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
• Janiculum Hill
• Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
• Ponte Fabricio
• Villa Farnesina
• Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden of Rome)

For a local treat, stop by Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti and pick up a selection of Italian biscotti. This family-run bakery, now in its third generation, is as authentic as it gets – the owner speaks only Italian, and the cookies are absolutely delicious.

If you’re in the mood for gelato, head to Otaleg, one of the best spots in the neighborhood.

Dinner

Trastevere is packed full of fantastic places to eat, and with so many great restaurants, choosing one place can be tough. But if I had to pick, I’d go with Da Enzo al 29.

It’s no longer a hidden gem, but it’s famous for a reason – the carbonara here is still the best I’ve ever had. They don’t take reservations, so I recommend arriving 15-30 minutes before they open to get a spot in line.

Ai Marmi is a good spot for Roman-style pizza. Trattoria Da Teo is another good choice for traditional Roman pasta dishes.

For more recommendations, refer to my Rome Restaurant Guide.

3-Day Rome Itinerary Overview

Day 1

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Lunch
• Capitoline Hill & Museums
• Victor Emmanuel II Monument
• Pantheon
• Piazza Navona
• Trevi Fountain
• Dinner

Day 2

• Vatican Museums
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Lunch
• Borghese Gallery
• Pincian Hill & Piazza del Popolo
• Spanish Steps
• Wander & Shop
• Dinner

Day 3

• Appian Way
• Catacombs
• Testaccio Market
• Trastevere
• Dinner

Getting Around Rome

Overall, Rome is a very walkable city and many of the attractions are within walking distance. I also use the metro to get around – it’s easy to use and affordable – just beware of pickpockets.

I suggest buying a 72-hour transportation pass, which gives you unlimited access to buses, trams, and the metro for the day. If you’re only planning to use the metro a couple of times, you can simply tap your credit card or use Apple Pay at the turnstiles instead of buying a physical ticket.

• Single Ride Ticket: €1.50 (valid for 100 minutes, including transfers)
• 72-Hour Pass: €18 (unlimited rides for 3 days)
• Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased at any metro station.

For taxis, download this taxi app to easily book rides across the city.

Best Time to Visit Rome

If you’re looking for nice weather and the al fresco dining experience, then spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Rome. I particularly love Rome in late October when it’s still warm yet not nearly as crowded as summer.

I’ve also visited in early spring, around the end of March, which is another beautiful time to go without the crowds, though you do risk rainy weather.

January and February are the city’s quietest and chilliest months, but a great time to go to avoid the crowds!

Overall, April, May, October, and November are the best months for a trip. Check out my seasonal guide to Rome for more information.

Where to Stay in Rome

With just 3 days in Rome, I recommend booking a hotel or accommodation in the historic center, particularly near Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori.

Here are a few options:

• Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Talia
• Boutique Hotel: Boutique Hotel Atelier ‘800
• Mid-Range: Palazzo Olivia & 59 Steps Trevi
• Apartment: The Old Town Inn

How to Get to Rome

By Train

Already traveling in Italy? The best way to get to Rome is by train. The city’s main station is called Roma Termini. From this station, you can catch the metro or a taxi to your accommodation.

A few train tips:

• Book your tickets on Trenitalia.com, the official train site.
• High-speed trains (like Frecciarossa or Italo) should be booked at least three weeks in advance for the best prices.
• Local trains are more flexible and can typically be purchased on the day of travel for the same price.

Popular train routes:

• Venice to Rome: ~4-4.5 hours via high-speed train.
• Milan to Rome: ~3-3.5 hours via high-speed train.
• Florence to Rome: ~1.5 hours via high-speed train.
• Naples to Rome: ~1 hour via high-speed train.
• Bari to Rome: ~ 4 hours via high-speed train

By Plane

Rome has two main airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). To get from the airport to the city center, you have a few options.

Fiumicino Airport

FCO is Rome’s primary airport, where you’ll likely land if you’re arriving by air.

• Taxi from FCO: A taxi ride from FCO to Rome’s center takes between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. As of 2025, there is a €55 flat rate for taxis to the historic center. Do note that rates may vary depending on your exact destination within the city.
• Train from FCO: The Leonardo Express offers a convenient direct train service from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Termini Station. The journey takes just 32 minutes and costs €14 each way. Trains depart every 15 minutes.

Ciampino Airport

• Taxi from CIA: Taxi to the center of Rome costs around €31 euros from CIA airport to the city center.
• Bus from CIA: From Ciampino Airport, you can catch an airport bus that departs every 1-2 hours. The journey to the city center takes about 35 minutes. The cost is €6 for a one-way ticket or €11 for a round trip

By Car

Do not rent a car in Rome. Although I’ve driven all over Italy, including Sicily, navigating Rome by car is a whole different challenge. The parking situation is chaotic, and the driving behavior is reckless. It often seems as though traffic rules are merely suggestions, plus the roads are narrow.

From personal experience, save yourself the stress and consider renting a car only after you’ve finished exploring Rome.

On one of my trips, we stayed outside the city and attempted to drive into Rome for the day, which I also do not recommend. However, if you do this, you can park at a train station on the outskirts and then either take a bus or local train into the center. This is my best advice if you do have a car.

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• Hidden Gems in Rome
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• Rome Restaurant Guide
• One Day in Rome
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