3-Day Rome Itinerary

Three days in Rome is enough to fall completely in love with the Eternal City. This carefully crafted itinerary ensures you experience Rome's greatest hits while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries and authentic local moments.

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Theme: Journey through 2,000 years of Roman history, from gladiators to emperors.

Morning (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Colosseum & Roman Forum

Start your Rome adventure at the Colosseum - arrive early to beat the crowds. With a skip-the-line tour, you'll enter the arena and potentially the underground chambers where gladiators once prepared for battle.

Your ticket includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Walk the Via Sacra, the ancient main street where triumphal processions passed. Stand where Julius Caesar was cremated. Climb Palatine Hill for stunning views over the Forum.

Time needed: 3-4 hours
Tip: Bring water and wear comfortable shoes - you'll walk a lot!

Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)

Head to the Monti neighborhood, Rome's trendy bohemian quarter just steps from the Colosseum. Try Alle Carrette for excellent Roman-style pizza or La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali for classic pasta dishes.

Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Capitoline Hill & Jewish Ghetto

Walk to Capitoline Hill, designed by Michelangelo. The Capitoline Museums house incredible ancient sculptures including the famous She-Wolf statue. Don't miss the panoramic terrace behind the Palazzo Senatorio.

Descend into the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome's most charming neighborhoods. Wander the narrow streets, see the Portico of Octavia, and consider a stop for Jewish-Roman cuisine - the fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia) are legendary.

Evening: Trastevere Dinner

Cross the Tiber to Trastevere, Rome's most romantic neighborhood. Get lost in the cobblestone streets, then enjoy dinner at a traditional trattoria. Try Da Enzo al 29 (arrive early or expect a wait) or Grazia & Graziella.

Day 2: Vatican City

Theme: Renaissance masterpieces and spiritual grandeur.

Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

An early morning tour is essential - the Vatican Museums see 25,000+ visitors daily. With a guide, you'll navigate the vast collections efficiently, hitting highlights like the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and of course, the Sistine Chapel.

Stand beneath Michelangelo's ceiling and take time to absorb every detail. The Last Judgment on the altar wall is equally breathtaking. Your guide will reveal the stories and symbolism hidden in every fresco.

Time needed: 3-4 hours
Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered

Midday: St. Peter's Basilica

Exit the Sistine Chapel directly into St. Peter's Basilica (a privilege of guided tours). Marvel at the world's largest church, Bernini's baldachin, and Michelangelo's Pieta. If energy permits, climb the dome for unbeatable Rome views.

Lunch (1:30 PM): Prati Neighborhood

Avoid tourist traps near the Vatican. Walk 10 minutes to Prati for authentic Roman lunch. Pizzarium (Bonci's famous pizza al taglio) or Osteria dell'Angelo for a proper sit-down meal.

Afternoon (3:30 PM - 6:30 PM): Castel Sant'Angelo & Piazza Navona

After lunch, stroll along the Tiber to Castel Sant'Angelo, the ancient mausoleum turned fortress with dramatic views. Cross the beautiful Ponte Sant'Angelo (bridge with Bernini's angels).

Continue to Piazza Navona, Rome's most theatrical baroque square. Admire Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers, watch street artists, and treat yourself to a tartufo (chocolate truffle ice cream) at Tre Scalini.

Evening: Pantheon at Sunset

The Pantheon is just steps away. Time your visit for late afternoon light streaming through the oculus. As evening falls, the piazza fills with life - perfect for an aperitivo at one of the surrounding bars.

Day 3: Renaissance Rome & La Dolce Vita

Theme: Art, fountains, and the sweet life.

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Borghese Gallery & Gardens

Start with the Borghese Gallery (reservations required, max 2-hour visits). This intimate museum houses Bernini's most dynamic sculptures and Caravaggio's dramatic paintings. Unlike the Vatican, you can take your time in relative tranquility.

After the gallery, stroll through Villa Borghese gardens. Rent a rowboat on the lake, visit the Pincio terrace for city views, or simply enjoy Rome's largest park.

Midday: Spanish Steps & Shopping

Descend from the Pincio to Piazza del Popolo, then walk the famous Via del Corso. Detour to the Spanish Steps - climb to the top for excellent people-watching. The surrounding streets (Via Condotti, Via Borgognona) are Rome's luxury shopping heart.

Lunch: Near Trevi Fountain

Before your final major attraction, grab lunch. Piccolo Arancio near Trevi offers excellent value, or venture to Il Chianti for Tuscan fare.

Afternoon: Trevi Fountain & Final Wandering

No Rome visit is complete without tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain (right hand over left shoulder, facing away). Legend says you'll return to Rome - and you'll want to.

Spend your final afternoon wandering. Get lost in the centro storico. Duck into churches (Rome has 900+), discover hidden piazzas, and simply absorb the city's rhythm.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

For your last night, splurge on a memorable meal. Roscioli for the ultimate carbonara, Armando al Pantheon for traditional Roman, or Pierluigi for seafood in a beautiful piazza setting.

Optional Add-Ons

If you have extra time or want to substitute activities:

• Food Tour: Replace one dinner with an evening food tour through Trastevere or Testaccio
• Day Trip: Pompeii, Tivoli (Hadrian's Villa), or the Amalfi Coast
• Cooking Class: Learn to make fresh pasta with a local chef
• Catacombs: Explore underground Rome on the Appian Way

Practical Tips

• Tickets: Book Vatican and Colosseum 2+ weeks ahead. Borghese Gallery requires reservations.
• Walking: This itinerary covers 6-8 miles daily. Comfortable shoes are essential.
• Water: Fill up at Rome's public fountains (nasoni) - the water is excellent.
• Pace yourself: Italian lunch is meant to be leisurely. Don't rush.
• Metro: Line A covers tourist sites. Line B reaches Colosseo.