The Perfect 4 Days in Rome Itinerary: First-Time Visitor’s Guide with insider tips

Spending 4 days in Rome is the perfect amount of time for a first-time visit. You’ll have enough time to see the must-visit attractions while also discovering some of the city’s hidden gems.

In this itinerary, you’ll visit Rome’s most iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon, dine at locally loved restaurants (no tourist traps here!), and even take a day trip to the Appian Way, one of the city’s oldest and most historic roads.

I’ve been to Rome many times, and I’ve designed this itinerary the way I’d want to explore the city for the first time. I like to see and experience it all, so this guide includes a mix of must-see sights, off-the-beaten-path spots, and local favorites. Read on to plan an amazing four days in Rome!

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.
• 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.

4 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.

Basilica of San Clemente

This 12th-century basilica is one of Rome’s hidden gems. At first glance, it may seem like any other church, but beneath it lies a fascinating layered history.

Underneath the basilica are two levels of excavations. The first level holds a 4th-century church decorated with frescoes, while the lower level unveils a 1st-century Mithraic temple, offering a rare look into the mysterious cult of Mithras.

The basilica is only a 7-minute walk from the Colosseum and I highly recommend making a stop here.

Tickets: The basilica is free to visit. To see the underground excavations, tickets cost €10. Pre-book online at the official website.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

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, 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.

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 
• 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 an incredible collection of 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

Altar of the Fatherland

This stop is completely optional, but if you have the time, it’s worth it for the view alone. In my opinion, the view from the terrace is the best in Rome.

This 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, but if you want the best view, ride the elevator to the very top. The views of the Colosseum and the ancient city below are unparalleled – one of the best things to do in Rome.

In 2024, the elevator ride cost $17 – a bit steep, but absolutely worth it! Find out more on the official website.

Read more: 15 Amazing Views in Rome

Optional Activities

This day is pretty packed, but if you find yourself with some extra time in the late afternoon, here are a few optional activities you can add into the itinerary.

• Galleria Doria Pamphilj – A privately owned art gallery featuring works by Bernini, Titian, and Raphael amongst beautiful decor. One of my favorite museums in Rome.
• Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola – A 17th-century church with a gorgeous frescoed ceiling.
• Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva – A medieval church with beautiful frescoes, the tomb of Florentine artist Fra Angelico, and a marble statue by Michelangelo.
• Largo di Torre Argentina – The infamous site of Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC.

Read more: 30 Best Things to do in Rome

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, I recommend climbing the dome. To get to the dome, wait in line to enter St. Peter’s 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.

Lunch

You have a couple of options for lunch. You can either find a place to eat near Vatican City or eat somewhere in the historic center.

Near the Vatican, I recommend L’Archetto for sit-down pizza or Sprizza for pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice).

Otherwise, make your way to Campo de’ Fiori and get a slice of pizza from one of my favorite bakeries in Rome – Forno Campo de ‘Fiori. My favorite is the spicy margherita. Across the street from the bakery, they also have another shop that sells sandwiches.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most picturesque squares, lined with restaurants and colorful 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. However, I don’t recommend eating here – there are far better restaurants elsewhere in the city.

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.

Read more: 3 Days in Rome Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

Pincio Terrace

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.

Afterward, head to the Flaminio metro stop and ride it to the Piramide stop to get to Testaccio. Use Google Maps to find the best route.

Testaccio Market

From the Piramide metro stop, it’s a 15-minute walk to Testaccio Market located in Testaccio neighborhood.

Testaccio Market is 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.

Tour option: 4-Hour Taste of Testaccio Food and Market Tour

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:

• 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 gelato shops in Rome.

Janiculum Hill

For one of my favorite views in Rome, make your way through Trastevere and up the stairs to Janiculum Hill. Surprisingly, this hill isn’t one of Rome’s original “seven hills,” as it technically sits outside the boundaries of the original ancient city. However, some now refer to it as the eighth hill of modern-day Rome.

Make your way to the terrace at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, near Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument. From here, you’ll have a beautiful view of of the ancient city.

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola

On your walk up to Janiculum Hill, you’ll pass this beautiful 17th-century fountain designed by Giavanni Fontana.

It was constructed with white marble repurposed from the ruins of the Roman Temple of Minerva. The fountain originally provided local residents with clean drinking water.

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.

Order the carbonara and meatballs in red sauce. The carbonara 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.

Day 4: Appian Way & More of Ancient Rome

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 that covers the bus and metro, or get a single-ride ticket at any metro stop. You can also pay with Tap & Go on the bus via 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 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 wish we had booked a tour – it would have been nice to have someone explain more about the history of the catacombs and other sights along the Appian 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.

Tour options:

• Rome EBike Tour: Appian Way, Catacombs & Roman Aqueducts: Enjoy a half-day guided tour, including the catacombs.
• Rome Catacomb & Appian Way Small-Group Tour by Golf Cart: A great option for those who’d like a break from walking!

Lunch

Lunch is a bit tricky today, as you’re not really close to many food options. I suggest packing your own lunch like a sandwich and snacks.

Otherwise, you can eat at Appia Antica Caffè inside of the park. You’ll pass it on your bike ride, so it’s a quick and convenient stop.

Baths of Caracalla

From the Appian Way, it’s a 30-minute bus ride to the Baths of Caracalla.

Built around 212 AD, this was the second-largest bath complex in Rome, after the Baths of Diocletian. A few hundred years later, the baths fell into disuse and were slowly buried under centuries of construction and time. Excavations in the late 19th century brought them back to light.

Many of the treasures found during those excavations are on display elsewhere, but you’ll still see spectacular mosaic floors in place and other decorative pieces scattered around.

The outer shell of the building remains well intact, making it one of the most complete examples of ancient Roman bath complexes.

During your visit, you’ll walk through the cold rooms, hot rooms, and open-air swimming pool. Try to imagine the baths in their prime, covered with brightly colored mosaics, frescoed walls, and elegant marble slabs.

Tour Option: Book a 1.5-hour guided tour of the baths here.

Circus Maximus

From the Baths of Caracalla, slowly make your way back to the historic center with a few stops along the way.

Circus Maximus was once ancient Rome’s largest stadium, hosting chariot races for over 150,000 people. Today, most of the original structure is gone, but it’s cool to be there and experience the sheer size of what the stadium once was.

It’s free to walk around the perimeter of the stadium.

Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)

Located in the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, just a 3-minute walk from Circus Maximus, the Mouth of Truth is a legendary marble mask. According to myth, the mask will bite off the hand of any liar who dares to place their hand in its mouth.

Made famous by Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, it was originally used as a sewage cover during Roman times.

The church is free to visit, though donations are appreciated.

Teatro di Marcello & Portico of Octavia

The Theatre of Marcellus is an open-air amphitheater completed around 13 BC – 100 years before the Colosseum. Commissioned by Julius Caesar (though completed after his death), it held 20,000 people, making it the largest amphitheater in Rome at the time.

The ruins are free to visit alongside the others in the area. Nearby the theater, you’ll also find the Portico di Octavio, an ancient gate built around 24 BC by Augustus.

Surprisingly, this area is never too busy, even though I think it’s one of the most unique spots in the city.

Jewish Ghetto

Rome’s Jewish Ghetto was established in 1555 by the decree of Pope Paul IV, confining the city’s Jewish population to live under oppressive conditions. They were restricted to certain jobs and forced to reside within the ghetto’s boundaries, among other limitations.

The ghetto persisted until the late 19th century, when the Jewish community was finally granted freedom. Tragically, during the Nazi Occupation, 1,000 Jews from the Jewish Quarter were deported to Auschwitz, with only a few survivors.

Today, the area, now more aptly referred to as the Jewish Quarter, is a vibrant neighborhood filled with restaurants and shops. It has also become one of Rome’s most expensive districts, due to its central location.

Tour Option: Rome Jewish Ghetto and Great Synagogue Small Group Walking Tour

Dinner

Al Pompiere is one of my favorite restaurants in the Jewish Quarter. Order the Tagliolini al Limone, a creamy pasta dish with a hint of lemon.

Refer to my Rome Restaurant Guide for more options.

4-Day Rome Itinerary Overview

Day 1

• Colosseum
• Basilica of San Clemente
• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Lunch
• Capitoline Hill & Museums
• Altar of the Fatherland
• Dinner

Day 2

• Vatican Museums
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Lunch
• Piazza Navona
• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Dinner

Day 3

• Borghese Gallery
• Pincio Terrace
• Testaccio Market
• Trastevere
• Janiculum Hill
• Dinner

Day 4

• Appian Way & Catacombs
• Lunch
• Baths of Caracalla
• Circus Maximus
• Mouth of Truth
• Teatro di Marcello
• Jewish Ghetto
• Dinner

Getting Around Rome

Overall, Rome is a very walkable city and many of the attractions are within walking distance. However, you will need to use the metro and bus to get to some of the places on this itinerary.

I suggest buying a weekly 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)
• Weekly Pass: €24 (unlimited rides for 7 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 al fresco dining, then spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Rome. September and October are my favorite months to visit.

January and February are the city’s quietest (and chilliest) months, but a great time to go to if you want to avoid the crowds.

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

Where to Stay in Rome

With just 4 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.

More Rome Articles

• Best Time to Visit Rome
• Hidden Gems in Rome
• Best Museums in Rome
• Rome Restaurant Guide
• One Day in Rome
• 2 Days in Rome
• 3 Days in Rome
• Day Trips from Rome
• Best Views of Rome