3 Days in Rome:
The Ultimate Itinerary
Are you planning to spend 3 days in Rome? Well, you’re in the right place. Rome is like an open-air museum where the ancient meets the modern. You can walk for days and not get enough of its architecture. However, careful planning lets you experience the highlights in a few days.
So, let’s explore how you can spend your time wisely. In this guide, I included the must-see sights, local experiences, and some hidden corners during your three days in Rome.
3 Days in Rome
Day 1: Historic and Iconic Sights
I would suggest starting your trip by exploring the ancient Rome building Patheon. And then maybe have a free walking tour to see the Trevi fountain, Spanish steps, Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola and hear their stories.
Morning: Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda
Start your first morning with a visit to the Pantheon. It’s one of the most incredible buildings from ancient Rome, and it remains almost perfectly preserved. The Pantheon was built as a temple for all gods. Later, it was converted into a Christian church.
The Pantheon has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. At its centre is the oculus — a circular opening that lets in natural light and even rain, which drains away through a hidden system in the floor.
After visiting the Pantheon, enjoy a morning coffee at a cafe in Piazza della Rotonda, a square just outside the Pantheon. At its centre stands a fountain topped by an ancient Egyptian obelisk.
Lunch: Visit Campo de’ Fiori Market During Your 3 Days in Rome
Next, on your 3 days in Rome trip, head to Campo de’ Fiori for lunch. It’s one of the most vibrant markets in Rome. During the day, the square is filled with stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local products like cheeses and cured meats. You can grab a quick bite from one of the market vendors or sit down for a meal in the square. Here you will find plenty of restaurants, and enjoy a light lunch. By the way, a pizza bianca sandwich stuffed with mortadella is a local favourite.
Evening: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
My favourite way to start exploring a new city is by taking a free walking tour. I usually choose Sandeman’s New Europe Free Tours. Whenever I plan to visit a city, I check if they offer a tour there. So far, I’ve been on six of their tours, and every single one has been amazing.
So this time I chose the Rome city centre free tour. We started at the Spanish Steps, a beautiful 18th-century staircase linking the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinita dei Monti church. Then we made our way to the Trevi Fountain, where visitors traditionally toss a coin to ensure a return to the Eternal City.
We also wandered through the Galleria Alberto Sordi, a stunning shopping arcade blending historic elegance with modern luxury.
The tour continued with a stop at the Column of Marcus Aurelius. The statue contains detailed reliefs depicting the emperor’s military victories. Next to it, the guide showed us the ancient Temple of Hadrian, which has been incorporated into a building in modern days.
One of the tour highlights was visiting the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola. We admired the “fake dome” illusion on its painted ceiling there. We ended the tour at Largo di Torre Argentina, the site of ancient Roman ruins and the infamous location of Julius Caesar’s assassination.
After the tour ended, we just had to go back to look at the Trevi Fountain one more time. It looks different at nightlight but still as amazing as during the day.
Read this article with the best highlights of the Eternal City and tips, if you are planning to spend just 1 day in Rome.
3 Days in Rome
Day 2: Vatican City and Baroque Splendor
On the second day of your 3 days in Rome, explore the religious and architectural Vatican, the fortress by the Tiber River Castel Sant’Angelo, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, Piazza Navona, and the park for relaxation, Villa Borghese and Borghese Gallery.
Morning: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
Begin your day early, as the Vatican museums and Basilica are one of the most popular attractions in Rome. Entering St. Peter’s Basilica is free. But if you want to visit it with a tour, explore the Vatican Museums, or the Sistine Chapel, you should book the tickets in advance (at least two weeks).
Start your exploration with the Vatican Museums. There is a staggering collection of art. For some visitors, the highlight is the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo painted the Chapel’s ceiling in frescoes in the 15th century. The detailed frescoes depict scenes from the Book of Genesis.
After you’ve explored the Vatican Museums, head to St. Peter’s Basilica. It is the world’s largest church; inside, you will find Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s bronze Baldachin.
After exploring every corner of the church (and it will take some time, believe me), go straight to the dome. The dome dominates the skyline of Rome and offers one of the best views in the city.
There are two options to get to the dome:
– Climb the 551 steps all the way up.
– Take the elevator and climb the rest of the 320 steps by yourself.
The tickets to visit the dome are sold on-site.
TIP: According to some sources, St. Peter’s Basilica queues are shortest between 7 am and 9 am. Unfortunately, we only arrived in Vatican City at 11 am — with the sun pushing the temperature to 36°C. Still, we decided to give it a try. Most guides warn that the midday wait is at least 2–3 hours, but to our surprise, we only waited about 30 minutes. This might have been because many visitors came early or avoided the heat altogether.
So always be prepared – make sure to bring a water bottle (just not metallic or glass, as those will be taken away before entering), and cover your head or use a fan to avoid sunstroke.
Lunch: Pizza or Pasta Near Vatican City
After a morning of art and history, you deserve lunch. There are plenty of good options around Vatican City, but if you want a quick bite of excellent pasta, you should try Pastasciutta. They have several restaurants in Rome, and you should try them out at least once during your 3 days in Rome. One of the restaurants is just behind the Vatican wall.
Afternoon: Explore Castel Sant’Angelo on Your 3 Days in Rome
After lunch, take a 15-minute walk from Vatican City along the Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo. This round building was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family but later transformed into a fortress and castle. Today, it’s a museum that offers a look into Rome’s history.
Next, continue your walk to Piazza Navona. This lively square is home to Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. The fountain stands in front of the church of Sant’ Agnese in Agone. Take some time to explore the square and the baroque architecture and stop for an expresso or a quick snack in one of the cafes.
Evening: Villa Borghese and Borghese Gallery
After having a short break, head to the Villa Borghese Gardens. I love this park; it’s a beautiful place to relax. You can rent a bike, take a boat ride on the small lake, or simply stroll through the gardens.
While strolling in the park, make sure to visit the Borghese Gallery. The gallery is home to works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian, among others. The sculptures by Bernini, in particular, The Rape of Proserpina is a standout piece.
Remember to book the tickets for the Borghese Gallery in advance. The gallery limits the number of visitors per time slot.
If you have a little less than 3 days, check this article to learn how to spend perfect 2 days in Rome.
3 Days in Rome
Day 3: Exploring the Ancient Heart of Rome
Spend your last day of your 3 days in Rome trip by visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. In the afternoon, enjoy some authentic Roman cuisine. Enjoy your last minutes on a romantic walk through Trastevere and visit Capitoline and Aventine hills for sunset views.
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
No trip to Rome would be complete without visiting the Colosseum. This massive amphitheatre is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Although you probably already know, The Colosseum was the stage for gladiatorial battles and public spectacles. Today, it’s a key stop on any Rome itinerary.
You can buy tickets or book a guided tour in advance (recommended). There are several different types of tickets. Some of them include access to restricted areas like the underground chambers.
Once you’ve finished exploring the Colosseum, head to the Roman Forum. It’s just 2 minutes away outside the Colosseum. This area was the centre of public life in ancient Rome. Walking through the ruins, you’ll see the remnants of temples, basilicas, and monuments that once stood here. The highlights are the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
Next, make your way to Palatine Hill. It’s the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. According to legend, this is where Rome’s founder, Romulus, established the city. The hill is home to several ancient imperial palaces and gardens. You can enjoy views of the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus from the hill.
Lunch: Authentic Roman Dining
After a morning of exploring the ancient sites, it’s time for you to take a break. Head to a nearby trattoria to sample classic dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, or cacio e pepe. A great recommendation for this area is La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, a short walk from the Roman Forum.
Make sure to order a glass of local wine or a refreshing Italian spritz. If you’re in the mood for something light, try a bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil. The key to dining in Rome is taking your time and enjoying the food and the company. Embrace this thought during all your 3 days in Rome time.
Afternoon: Visit Capitoline Hill and Piazza Venezia on Your 3 Days in Rome
After lunch, visit Capitoline Hill, another of Rome’s seven hills. This hill is important historically and architecturally. Michelangelo designed the piazza on the hill in the 16th century. Now it’s home to the Capitoline Museums. The museum has an impressive collection of art and artefacts from ancient Rome.
Inside the Capitoline Museums, you can see famous works such as The Dying Gaul, the Capitoline Wolf, and a statue of Marcus Aurelius. If time is tight, a quick visit to the square is still worth it for the views alone.
From Capitoline Hill, head down to Piazza Venezia. There, you’ll find the imposing Victor Emmanuel II Monument. This grand white marble building, also known as the Altare della Patria, was built to honour the first king of unified Italy. For a small fee, you can take the elevator to the top of the monument and enjoy panoramic views of Rome.
Evening: Trastevere, Aventine Hill, and Sunset Views
For your evening meal, cross the river to Trastevere. It’s a charming neighbourhood known for its narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife. Trastevere is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Roman dinner. One of the most popular restaurants in this area is Tratoria Da Enzo al 29. There, you can sample local favourites like saltimbocca or rigatoni alla pajata.
After dinner, take a stroll through Trastevere’s streets. The neighbourhood is full of bars, restaurants, and gelaterias. Its relaxed yet lively atmosphere is a nice contrast to the more touristic parts of the city.
For your final evening in Rome, head to Aventine Hill. It’s a quieter part of the city with stunning views. This less-known area is home to the Knights of Malta Keyhole. There, you can peek through a small hole in a gate and see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica. This is a hidden gem that many tourists miss.
As the day ends, watch the sunset at the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill. This peaceful garden offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Yes, I do like my panoramic views.
If you have more time, read this article to find the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Rome.
Rome is a city you will never forget. But in just three days, you can experience ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Pantheon, the treasures of Vatican City, and the vibrant neighbourhoods.
So pack your bags, get ready to explore the Eternal City, and enjoy your 3 days in Rome. There’s no doubt that you’ll be planning your return trip as soon as you toss that coin into the Trevi Fountain. I know I am!
Practical Tips For Your 3 Days in Rome
Visit major sites early or late:
To avoid crowds, visit popular spots early in the morning or later in the evening.
Carry a refillable water bottle:
Rome has numerous free drinking fountains called “nasoni”. They are scattered around the city and provide fresh, clean water. Carry a refillable bottle to save money and stay hydrated.
Be mindful of pickpockets:
Popular tourist spots can attract pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure and close to your body, avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Plan for sundays:
Some sites may have different hours on Sundays. Plan your visit around these times.
Wear comfortable shoes:
Rome is best explored on foot, and the city’s cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet. Make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Use public transport wisely:
Rome’s metro and buses are efficient for longer distances. Consider getting a 3-day travel pass if you plan to use public transport frequently. Otherwise, Rome is very walkable.
Enjoy local food at trattorias:
Skip touristy restaurants and opt for authentic Roman dishes at smaller trattorias, especially in neighbourhoods like Testaccio or Trastevere.
While there’s plenty to see in the city, consider taking a day trip from Rome and explore other towns.
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