How to spend 3 days in Rome

3 days in Rome may not seem like enough time to explore such a big, historical city. However, with a little planning, you can truly get a feel for the culture, history, and atmosphere of the Eternal City. Of course, you won’t be able to explore every little alleyway and corner, but having an itinerary that sees all of the essential attractions will make you feel like you experienced all of the greatness that Rome has to offer.

This itinerary will make for a busy 3 days in Rome, so try to go at your own pace and don’t feel like you have to do everything I’ve mentioned if you don’t have the energy. Likewise, if I’ve listed something that doesn’t interest you, feel free to do your own research and switch this itinerary around to best suit your trip. Use this as an outline to your 3 days in Rome and add or subtract as you see fit!

Without further ado, here is your ultimate itinerary for 3 days in Rome!

Tips for Spending 3 Days in Rome

Before traveling to Rome, it’s important to know the following tips to ensure you have the best experience possible in the Eternal City.

Avoid Traveling to Rome in the Summertime

Just like many other popular European destinations, the summer months bring in the most crowds. Temperatures are at a yearly high with an average daily temperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit, and, perhaps most importantly, accommodation prices are also the highest during this time.

If you visit Rome during peak season, especially July and August, expect long lines, hoards of tourists, and miserably hot weather. Trust me when I say you will have a much better experience visiting at any other time of year!

The Best Time to Visit Rome

Shoulder season (April-May & September-October) is typically the best time to visit Rome. The weather is pleasant and the crowds are much smaller. If possible, I would suggest going in April or October as May and September can still have hot days and more crowds.

I have visited Rome in May and in early December, and I personally preferred it in early December. The weather in December is a little chilly but pleasant as long as you wear layers. Crowds were significantly smaller in December than when I went in May, and we found a really good deal on a lovely apartment just 5 minutes away from the Colosseum!

Rainy season in Rome is September-May, with the rainiest month being November, so you might have some rain during your visit if you come during this timeframe. Don’t let this deter you – as long as you bring an umbrella or rain jacket, you’ll be just fine exploring the city, even if it is a little wet outside. There was only one day where it rained (off and on) when I was there in late November-early December, and it didn’t bother me at all.

Get to the most popular attractions early in the morning

No matter what time of year, I strongly suggest getting to popular attractions like Trevi Fountain around sunrise for the most peaceful, least claustrophobic experience.  Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and the most famous locations in the city get incredibly busy during the day.

Be diligent and aware of your surroundings

While Rome is overall a safe city, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft occur regularly. Pickpockets target tourists, so be extra careful with your belongings – especially around busy tourist attractions like Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. I suggest purchasing a theft proof purse or a theft proof backpack to keep your belongings secure while you explore the city.

Bring good walking shoes

Rome is a very walkable city and trust me when I say you will be doing a lot of walking during these 3 days. Bring your most comfortable walking shoes to make sure your feet are as comfortable as possible while you explore the city.

If you have a physical disability or are unable to walk long distances, I suggest taking Ubers or utilizing Rome’s metro system when going to more distant attractions.

Watch out for Scammers

Scamming is another petty crime that is common throughout Rome. Check out this article from Hotel.com on the 10 most common scams to avoid in Rome.

Where to Stay During Your 3 Days in Rome

For this itinerary, I suggest staying in the historical center of Rome, so you will be within walking distance of pretty much everything. Rome has many fantastic lodging options available for every price point:

Ultra Luxury

• St. Regis Rome: Stunning hotel and spa with regal furnishings, offering luxurious rooms and suites, an exceptional restaurant, and personalized butler service.
• Hotel Hassler Roma: 
• Hotel De Russie: Tranquil hotel situated between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, blending classical architecture with contemporary design. Many celebrities have been known to stay here when visiting Rome.
• Fendi Private Suites: Exclusive designer hotel housing just 7 suites, perfect for a private experience exuding luxury.
• Bulgari Hotel Rome: Designer hotel steps from Piazza Augusto Imperatore, offering opulent rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a spa, and a fine dining restaurant.

Luxury

• Residenza Venti Settembre: Boutique hotel located in the Sallustiano district,offering a blend of modern design and classic Roman architecture.
• Umiltà 36: Situated in a historic building near the Trevi Fountain, Umiltà 36 combines vintage charm with contemporary comfort. The hotel features elegant rooms, a chic bar, and a prime location for exploring Rome’s attractions.
• Hotel Splendide Royal: Opulent hotel overlooking Villa Borghese, offering luxurious and spacious accommodations with classic decor, and a decadent fine dining restaurant.
• Palazzo Manfredi: Luxury hotel just steps away from the Colosseum, with many rooms offering a stunning view of the Colosseum, as well as a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• W Rome: Trendy 5-star hotel located close to the Spanish Steps, offering stylish rooms, a beautiful rooftop bar, and a lively atmosphere.

Mid-Range

• Liberty Boutique Hotel: Offering a blend of Art Nouveau and contemporary design, Liberty Boutique Hotel provides comfortable and stylish accommodations. Located near Termini Station, it features well-appointed rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Colosseum Charme Apartments: These modern and well-equipped apartments offer a convenient and comfortable stay near the Colosseum. Perfect for families and groups, they provide spacious living areas, kitchen facilities, and easy access to Rome’s historic sites.
• Hotel Barrett: Situated in a central location near Campo de’ Fiori, Hotel Barrett offers cozy and uniquely decorated rooms. The hotel is known for its friendly service and convenient access to Rome’s main attractions.
• The Hoxton Rome: Located in the Parioli district, The Hoxton Rome combines mid-century modern design with a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel features stylish rooms, a lively bar, and a welcoming lobby, making it a great choice for a comfortable stay.

Budget

• Hotel Romano: Centrally located budget hotel near the Roman Forum, offering  affordable and comfortable accommodations.
• Dream Station: Budget-friendly guesthouse located near Termini Station, with comfortable rooms and a communal kitchen.
• Casa Cleo: Guesthouse near the Colosseum, offering basic yet comfortable accommodations with private external bathrooms and a communal kitchen.
• Hotel Canada: Budget Best Western hotel near Termini Station with classic Italian decor, comfortable rooms, a cozy bar, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Backpacker Budget

• YellowSquare Rome: Vibrant and trendy hostel located close to Termini Station, offering both dormitory-style and private rooms. It’s known for its lively social atmosphere and features amenities like organized events, a rooftop terrace, a bar, a nightclub, and a co-working space.
• The RomeHello Hostel: Modern hostel in the center of historical Rome, offering spacious dormitories and private rooms, a communal kitchen, a garden, and a social area with games and activities. It’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a social but relaxed environment.
• Free Hostels Roma: Contemporary hostel with chic dorms and private rooms. It’s located in the San Giovanni area and provides free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and common areas for socializing.
• Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo: Vibrant hostel located near the Colosseum, offering dorms and private rooms, along with amenities like a bar, garden, communal kitchen, and organized events.

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Rome

Points of interest: The Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Largo di Torre Argentina, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere

The Colosseum

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting Rome’s most iconic landmark, the Colosseum. The Colosseum is a trademark of Rome and is full of stories of glorious gladiators, heart-wrenching tragedies, and even some humor. It is located near the Roman Forums and Palatine Hill, so it is easy to see Rome’s most ancient attractions within a relatively short time frame. Make sure to also catch a glimpse of the Arch of Constantine while you are there, which is right outside of the Colosseum.

You can either purchase a self-guided ticket or go on a guided tour of the Colosseum. I recommend signing up for a guided tour that covers the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forums, especially if this is your first time visiting Rome. You’ll learn about the history and events that took place thousands of years ago, which makes the experience much more interesting than if you were to go on your own without any historical information. Signing up for a guided tour will also allow you to skip the line at the Colosseum, which can get wildly long – especially in the summertime!

Palatine Hill

Just steps from the Colosseum is Palatine Hill, which holds the ruins of the oldest settlement in Rome. Make sure to visit Palatine Stadium, Domus Augustana, and Domus Flavia, which are the most famous ruins of Palatine Hill.

Roman Forum

As you make your way down Palatine Hill, you will come across the Roman Forums. Here was the epicenter of ancient Rome, where many historical events took place thousands of years ago. You will see the ruins of ancient temples, the Basilica of Maxentius, and many other historical wonders!

Suggested Tour: Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour

Expect to spend 2.5 – 3 hours exploring ancient Rome. Afterwards, you’ll have worked up an appetite so you will be ready to stop by a restaurant for some delicious Italian food!!

Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular tourist areas in Rome, so there will be lots of touristy restaurants. Avoid these – the food will be overpriced and not nearly as tasty as some of the more authentic local spots.

Grab Lunch

Here are a few of the best places to eat in this area of Rome:

• La Nuova Piazzetta | $$: Casual local restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine like Roman-style pizza, pasta, and hearty meat dishes.
• Iari The Vino| $$: Cozy restaurant tucked in the corner of a quaint side street, offering traditional dishes and seafood.
• Taverna Romana | $$: Local restaurant located on the beautiful Via della Madonna dei Monti, serving traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
• al42 by Pasta Chef rione Monti | $: Delicious to-go pasta, perfect for those who want a quick but authentic lunch. This was honestly one of my favorite pasta places in Rome, and you will be shocked at the incredible quality of the pasta for such a low price.

Piazza Venezia & Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

After lunch, head towards Piazza Venezia, where you will see the incredible Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. This monument, dedicated to the first king of Italy, took 40 years to build and was finally completed in 1925.

You can either choose to gaze at the monument from the streets, or you can go inside and take the elevator to Terrace of the Quadrigas at the top of Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Here you can see some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Tickets cost 17 Euros per person, and anyone under the age of 18 can enter for free. EU citizens aged 18-24 are subject to a discounted ticket costing 4 Euros. Tickets to the Terrace of Quadrigas can be purchased here.

Largo di Torre Argentina

From Piazza Venezia, walk 10 minutes to Largo di Torre Argentina, which is, in my opinion, one of Rome’s best hidden gems. Here you will find ruins of various ancient Roman temples, and the Curia of Pompey, which was once the meeting place of the Roman Senate. It was also the exact location where Julius Caesar was assassinated thousands of years ago.

While the history behind Largo di Torre Argentina is fascinating, what even makes this location more special is that it is a present day cat sanctuary. You heard that right – an estimated 150 stray cats call these ruins home and are cared for by local volunteers! Whether you are a history buff or a cat lover like me, Largo di Torre Argentina is a must-visit spot during your time in Rome.

The Jewish Ghetto

Rome’s Jewish Ghetto is one of the oldest ghettos in Europe. Dating back to the year 1555, it was a walled establishment built to segregate Jews from Christians. Conditions at the time were harsh due to overcrowding, professional restrictions, and curfews. It wasn’t until the year 1870 when the walls were torn down and the Jewish Ghetto became interconnected with historical Rome again.

Nowadays, the Jewish Ghetto is still culturally Jewish and many of Rome’s Jews still call the neighborhood home. You’ll find restaurants specializing in Jewish-Italian cuisine, local musicians playing traditional Jewish folk music, and one of the largest synagogues in Europe that you can tour. The neighborhood is vibrant and charming, and definitely worth exploring for its history and culture.

Trastevere

Cross the Ponte Garibaldi bridge and head towards Trastevere, a charming local neighborhood separated from Rome’s historical center by the River Tiber. Trastevere is famous for having a local, less touristic feel, with charming streets and delicious authentic restaurants.

Take some time getting lost in the beautiful streets of Trastevere before stopping for dinner. Here are some of the best places to eat in Trastevere:

• Tonnarello | $$: One of the most famous restaurants in Rome – and for good reason. Tonnarello is a casual restaurant offering delicious authentic Italian dishes. It can get quite busy at dinner time, so try to avoid weekends, and be prepared to wait in line unless you go before 6pm on a weekday during off-season.
• Meridionale Restaurant | $$ : Hip local restaurant offering delicious pasta dishes in a trendy setting.
• Antica Osteria Rugantino | $: Authentic Italian restaurant located in a cozy historical square.
• Trapizzino Trastevere | $: Casual street food chain offering Trapizzino, which is also known as a “pizza pocket” that you can take with you on the go.

Day 2: Vatican City

Points of Interest: Vatican City, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona

Tour Vatican City

Many say that a trip to Rome isn’t complete without a visit to Vatican City. The smallest country in the world, Vatican City is where the Pope resides, and where you can find some of the most famous landmarks in the world, such as the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Make sure to purchase tickets or a tour in advance, unless you want to spend half a day waiting in line. I suggest booking a skip-the-line-ticket or taking a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica so you can avoid the long lines and learn about the Vatican’s history. To enjoy the Vatican without the crazy crowds, I strongly recommend splurging on an early access tour of the Vatican. This is a small group tour where you will be granted entry in the morning before the Vatican museums are open to the public. You won’t have it completely to yourself as there will be a few other small early entry tour groups there as well, but it will be significantly less crowded and you will truly be able to enjoy the experience more without the overwhelming crowds.

Grab Lunch

Where to eat near Vatican City

• Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale | $$: Cozy traditional Italian restaurant serving Pasta and hearty Italian cuisine.
• Pizza Zizza | $: Casual pizzeria offering wood-fired Roman-style pizza.
• Pastasciutta | $: Popular to-go pasta place right outside of Vatican City, offering fast and delicious pasta at a cheap price.
• Paninoteca Slurp | $: Casual Sandwhich shop serving traditional Italian Paninis (make sure to get the porchetta di ariccia!), baked lasagna, and salads.

Castel Sant’Angelo

After enjoying lunch outside of Vatican city, head over to Castel Sant’Angelo, which is an incredible mausoleum situated along the River Tiber, with a rich historical significance. Built in the year 139 AD, Castel Sant’Angelo was used for a variety of reasons over the centuries, beginning as a fortress, converting into a residence for the Pope, and ultimately transforming into a beautiful renaissance residence adorned with frescos. It is now a museum, where you can explore the beautiful interior and take in amazing views of Rome and the River Tiber.

Again, I suggest purchasing a skip-the-line entry ticket to avoid wasting time waiting in line. Lines here won’t be as crazy as the Vatican, but can still get quite lengthy, especially in peak and shoulder season.

Piazza Navona

After visiting Castel Sant’Angelo, walk 10 minutes to Piazza Navona, which is a famous square filled with restaurants, shops, fountains, and museums. Piazza Navona is also home to the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, a 17th-century Baroque church. Spend some time relaxing here, getting a coffee or gelato as a pick me up, and taking in the sights.

While you are in the area, I suggest stopping by Mr. 100 Tiramisu, which is right outside of Piazza Navona. This is a tiramisu bakery that offers – (you guessed it) 100 different flavors of tiramisu! Sure, it’s a little gimmicky, but their tiramisu is delicious! I got the snickers flavor and I am just drooling thinking about it.

I also suggest stopping by the store Gran Cafè Marcel, which is a quirky souvenir shop owned by the kindest, most interesting man, Marcel. He is a local artist who sells prints of his work on posters, canvas bags, shirts, postcards, and more! He was so friendly and had such interesting stories to share. Gran Cafè Marcel is the perfect place to purchase gifts and souvenirs when in Rome and I definitely recommend stopping by when you are in this area of Rome.

This is a nice district to get lost in the streets and explore, so I suggest doing so – I spent time wandering the area and really lost track of time, letting a couple hours pass while I was transfixed in my exploration.

Dinner Time!

The area surrounding Piazza Navona has many incredible dining options to consider. You’ll find lots of traditional Italian restaurants with outdoor seating and an overall cozy ambiance. Below are my suggestions for where to eat after exploring Piazza Navona.

Where to eat near Piazza Navona:

• Cantina e Cucina | $$: Casual Rustic Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian pasta, pizza, and meat dishes.
• Saltimbocca ristorante | $$: Cozy traditional restaurant with elegant decor, specializing in saltimbocca alla Romana, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta.
• La Piccola Cuccagna | $$: Home-style restaurant offering handmade pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables
• Terra di Siena | $$ : Warm Tuscan restaurant serving traditional dishes from Tuscany, such as ibollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, and bistecca alla Fiorentina.
• CHE PASTA! Pasta Bar | $: Casual to-go pasta bar offering freshly made pasta dishes at an affordable price.

Day 3: Classic Rome

Points of Interest: The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Museums, and Churches

Trevi Fountain

Start your day off early in the morning and head to Trevi Fountain. One of Rome’s most famous and beautiful attractions, Trevi Fountain is known for being one of the most crowded spots in Rome. Trust me when I say you should get there as early as possible – the experience of Trevi Fountain is completely different when there aren’t hordes of tourists squeezing through to catch a glimpse of the fountain.

How early you get there depends on how early you are willing to wake up and if you want to get photos in front of the fountain without a ton of other people in it. If you are visiting in peak season, you will want to get there right at the crack of dawn – around 5:00 in the morning if you want to experience Trevi with as few crowds as possible. Trevi has become such a popular photo spot that even at 6 am it starts to get SUPER busy with people shooting photos.

However, if you are visiting outside of the summer months you can sleep in a little later and still experience Trevi with fewer crowds. I got to Trevi around 7:30 am in December, and while there were other people there, it really wasn’t that busy. It started to get more crowded around 9 am. If it had been peak season, it would have been absolutely flooded with tourists by 9 am.

Pantheon

A visit to the Pantheon is another must when in Rome. Once a temple dedicated to worshiping Pagan Gods, the Pantheon was converted into a Catholic church in the year 609 AD and all Pagan statues were removed and replaced with Christian ones. To this day it is still used as a Catholic church and holds masses. The building is absolutely beautiful and renowned for its domed room and open-air top providing natural light. The Pantheon, like many of Rome’s attractions, gets quite busy, so I strongly suggest getting there shortly before it opens at 9 am.

Spanish Steps

After visiting the Pantheon, walk 15 minutes to the 18th-century Spanish Steps,  the widest stairway in Europe. Muster up some energy and climb the 135 steps to get some lovely views of the city. If you are lucky enough to be visiting in late April-early May, you will get the chance to see the beautiful azalea flowers that adorn the steps this time of year. The Spanish steps are steps away from Rome’s luxury shopping district along Via del Babuino and Via dei Condotti, so feel free to spend some time afterwards window shopping or treating yourself to something luxurious to bring home.

Via Margutta (Optional)

You’ll be close to Via Margutta, which is known to be Rome’s most beautiful street. It was made famous after being featured in the 1953 Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holidays, however the street is surprisingly quiet despite its fame. Take a stroll and take some photos, shop at the small boutiques that line the street, and stop by some of the local art galleries that can be found here.

Grab Lunch

After a morning filled with exploring some of Rome’s most iconic monuments, stop for lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby. This area is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Rome, so restaurants here will be fancier and pricier. You can also walk 10 minutes or less to find more casual, affordable dining options.

Where to eat near the Spanish Steps:

• Angie’s Restaurant | $$$: Swanky upscale restaurant just steps away from the Spanish Steps, offering a modern twist on classic Italian cuisine and seafood.
• Vladimiro | $$: Classic Italian restaurant that has been open for over 60 years, serving traditional dishes in a cozy setting.
• That’s Amore Restaurant – Via in Arcione | $$: Traditional Italian trattoria 8 minutes south of the Spanish steps, offering classic Italian dishes at a reasonable price.
• McDonald’s Piazza di Spagna | $: You might think I’m joking, but I’m including this because it is one of the only cheap and decent quick-bites restaurants near the Spanish steps. The interior is actually beautiful, decorated with Roman-style statues and tiles. I personally think it’s fun to visit McDonald’s in different countries because they typically have different food items on the menu that are fun to try. Even if you don’t want to eat here, it is a fun place to grab a photo!

Churches & Museums

Spend the remainder of your day walking around and stopping by any museums or churches that are of interest to you. Here are a few options I suggest that you consider visiting if you have time:

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola: Unique church famous for its elaborate ceiling frescos and illusion dome, and a mirror that allows you to gaze at the ceiling frescos from a unique perspective.

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli: Central historical church featuring Michaelangelos’ statue of Moses and the chains of St. Peter.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore: Elaborate basilica adorned with golden decorations and intricate mosaics.

Palazzo Barberini: Art museum located inside a Baroque Palace featuring the original artworks of renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and El Greco.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj: Private art gallery, known to many as “a mini Versailles”, featuring 18th-century furnishings and original works by Titian and Rubens.

Museo e Cripta dei Frati Cappuccini: Ominous 16th-century monastery decorated with the skulls and bones of Capuchin monks.

Where to Have Your Final Dinner in Rome

Your final dinner to conclude your 3 days in Rome should be a special one. I suggest looking at previous restaurants I’ve mentioned in this itinerary, as well as the following recommendations I haven’t listed yet:

• La Pergola | $$$: Rome’s only 3 Michelin Star restaurant located at the top of the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, offering divine food and incredible views. This restaurant books out months in advance so make sure to book your reservations as far in advance as possible.
• Trattoria Vecchia Roma | $$: Traditional Roman trattoria located in the Esquilino district, offering traditional Roman cuisine and generous portions.
• Nerone | $$: Authentic Italian restaurant located near the Colosseum, serving pasta dishes, seafood, and meat options, all prepared with fresh ingredients.
• Pane e Salame | $: Casual sandwich spot near Trevi Fountain, popular for sandwiches, charcuterie, and cheese platters.
• Pinsitaly Trevi | $: One of Rome’s best Pizzerias, serving mouth-watering Roman-style Pizza and pasta dishes.

Optional: Night Out in Rome

If you’re not completely exhausted and want to spend the last night of your 3 days in Rome out on the town, go for it. Here’s where to catch some of Rome’s best nightlife:

• Ice Club Roma: Unique bar in the center of Rome with furnishings made out of ice.
• Jerry Thomas Speakeasy: 1920’s themed speakeasy bar with required reservations you can book here.
• Scholars Lounge Irish Pub: Popular Irish-owned pub in the center of Rome
• The Sanctuary Eco Retreat: Trendy bar in a serene greenery-filled setting with live performances from acrobats, dancers, snake charmers, and more.

Conclusion

You could spend weeks in Rome and still just scratch the surface of everything that the city has to offer. However, if you have limited time and you want to make the most of your 3 days in Rome, you can see a lot of what the city has to offer in a very short time frame. With planning, dedication, and good walking shoes, you can really get a feel for the heart and culture of Rome in just 3 days.