Discover the best of Rome in 3 days with our carefully crafted Rome itinerary and tips for the Eternal City!
Experience top attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican with St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain during your short trip to Rome with our optimized travel plan and insider tips.
Our Rome sightseeing tips and insider advice will help you avoid crowds and enjoy the best experiences.
Perfect 3 Days In Rome Itinerary
Our 3-day Rome itinerary guides you through all the must-see places in Rome, day by day!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Rome, the capital of Italy, or a seasoned traveler, this travel guide covers all the highlights and hidden gems in Rome.
Plus, you’ll learn about essential rules and restrictions you should be aware of when planning your 3 days in Rome.
We want you to enjoy your stay.
Our Top 3 Things To Do In Rome
# 1 TOP-PICK
Special tour of the Lower Levels and Underground Area
This special tour was one of our favorite things to see in Rome. You visit the lower levels including the area where the gladiators and animals waited for their turn.
# 2 PICK
View from the Dome
Not only do you have a guide to help you enter St. Peter’s Church, but you can also climb up the impressive dome of the cathedral in Vatican City.
# 3 PICK
Underground Tour of the Ancient Water City
Vicus Caprarius, also known as the City of Water, reveals the remains of an ancient Roman house and a network of aqueducts that supply the city with water.
This lesser-known tour offers a fascinating insight into Rome’s ancient past and engineering.
Best Accommodations Near The Main Attractions
⭐️ Want to learn more about the best areas to stay? Read our guide about where to stay in Rome for 3 days.
Day 1: Exploring Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Hidden Gems
Total Distance: 3.75 miles (6 kilometers)
Walking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Start: Colosseum
End: Ponte Garibaldi and Trastevere
QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE DAY
Morning: Colosseo, Forum Romanum, and Palatine Hill
Afternoon: Capitoline Hill, Altar of The Fatherland, Mouth of Truth, Aventine Keyhole
Evening: Ponte Garibaldi, Trastevere neighborhood for dinner and nightlife
📍 1. Colosseum:
Start your first day in Rome with a visit to the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks of Roman history, and one of the best things to see in Italy.
This impressive ancient arena is a must-see for every visitor to Rome.
Here, you can delve deep into the history of Rome and its culture.
It’s the largest ancient amphitheater in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Speaking of superlatives, the Colosseum is also one of the World’s New Seven Wonders.
To see the Colosseum from the inside, you need to book tickets in advance.
🎟 Travel Tip: Book your tickets online in advance and avoid planning your trip during the worst time to visit Rome.
You can purchase tickets on the official website. Unfortunately, that option didn’t work out for us, so we booked our tickets, including a guided tour, here:
⭐ Tip: A guided tour is a great way to learn more about the fascinating, albeit brutal, history of gladiator fights and the architecture of the Colosseum.
For a truly special experience, book an underground tour.
This exclusive access lets you explore the lower levels of the Colosseum, where gladiators and wild animals once awaited their turn.
📍 2. Palatine Hill and Roman Forum:
Just a short walk from the Colosseum lies Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome and an important site in Rome’s history.
At Palatine Hill, you can see ruins of ancient palaces and enjoy fantastic views of the Roman Forum and parts of the Colosseum.
The view from Palatine Hill is by the way one of the best viewpoints in Rome.
The Roman Forum was the center of political, social, and religious life in ancient Rome. To explore these historic sites, you’ll need a ticket.
⭐ Our Tip: If you plan to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, including Palatine Hill, we recommend booking a combo ticket as we did.
> COMBO TICKET FOR ROMAN FORUM AND COLOSSEUM
💡 Good to Know: Allocate 3 hours for these three attractions.
📍 3. Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II and Capitoline Hill:
Continue along the Via dei Fori Imperiali from the Roman Forum to Piazza Venezia, where you’ll find the impressive Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as the “Altar of the Fatherland.”
Here, you can climb the stairs to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Capitoline Hill was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti.
This area is a great photo spot and a cultural highlight on any self-guided Rome walking tour.
📍 4. Bocca della Verità, the Mouth of Truth:
The next stop on your first day in Rome is the “Mouth of Truth” at the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
According to a legend, the stone sculpture bites off the hands of liars.
If you’re feeling brave enough, you can stick your hand in the mouth and take a photo.
📍 5. Knights of Malta Keyhole on Aventine Hill:
From Bocca della Verità, continue your walk to a unique view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
What makes this view special? You look through the ancient keyhole of the Knights of Malta.
It’s a popular photo spot on Aventine Hill, so be prepared to wait for your turn to peek through the keyhole.
⭐ Tip: While many recommend bringing a telephoto lens for a great photo, we experienced that a cell phone with a good zoom lens is good enough.
📍 6. Trastevere:
Spend the rest of the day in one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods.
To get to Trastevere, cross one of the Tiber River bridges. Here, you can wander through narrow streets and explore Piazza di Santa Maria.
Trastevere is home to restaurants offering authentic Roman cuisine, as well as several bars.
Visiting Trastevere is one of the highlights of Rome in three days.
Here, you’ll also find the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches, featuring stunning mosaics.
⭐ Our Tip: Some of Rome’s best restaurants are in Trastevere. For authentic Italian cuisine, try a trattoria like Osteria Nannarella, Da Enzo Al 29, Tonnarello, or Trattoria da Augusto.
📍 7. Ponte Garibaldi at Sunset:
Before heading back to your accommodation, cross the Ponte Garibaldi for a lovely view of Isola Tiberina and Rome at night.
To enjoy the sunset from Ponte Garibaldi, walk over from Trastevere. After viewing the sunset you can head back for dinner.
⭐ Tip: The view of the Tiber Riverbank is particularly beautiful and a popular photo spot.
Day 2: Vatican City Highlight (St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel) and Castel Sant’Angelo
Total Distance: 2.49 miles (4 kilometers)
Walking Time: 1 hour
Start: St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
End: Piazza Venezia
QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE DAY
Morning: Campo dei Fiori, Vatican with St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square
Afternoon: Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant'Angelo
Evening: Ponte Umberto I at sunset for the best view and photo spot
📍 1. St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City (Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums):
No 3-day Rome itinerary is complete without visiting Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Church and the Vatican Museums, where you can see masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and the seat of the Pope.
It’s located within the Eternal City of Rome and is a top attraction for any Rome vacation.
A visit to the Vatican should be on your Rome bucket list, no matter if you’re visiting Rome in one day, Rome in two days, or more.
This attraction is popular with Christian pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, and among the reasons to visit Italy.
Start your second day early to make the most of your 3 days in Rome.
Highlights here include St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the St. Peter’s dome climb, the crypt, Raphael Rooms, and the Vatican Museums, featuring the Sistine Chapel with its world-famous frescoes like Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.
Tip: Consider adding Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Milan and Michelangelo’s David statue in Florence to your Italy itinerary, if you enjoy the work of famous artists.
Before visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, you should consider the question:
When is the best time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica? Early morning is the best time to avoid crowds.
Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but there’s usually a very long line.
To make the process of waiting in line at St. Peter’s Square less confusing and be able to enjoy the basilica and the view from the dome, book a ticket in advance.
We opted for a ticket with dome access, which also included an audio guide.
Plan at least two to three hours to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the dome and count in the waiting time.
> TICKET FOR THE ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL AND DOME
⭐ Good to Know: Appropriate clothing is required for entry. Shoulders and knees must be covered!
After visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, continue to the Vatican Museums.
⭐ Tip: If you book a ticket for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel as we did, leave at least an hour between the end of the first tour and the start of the second.
It takes time to walk from St. Peter’s Basilica to the entrance of the Vatican Museums.
We booked the morning visit for the Basilica with dome and crypt and the afternoon entrance for the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums.
> TICKET FOR VATICAN MUSEUMS AND SISTINE CHAPEL
📍 2. Castel Sant’Angelo:
A short walk along Via della Conciliazione from Vatican City takes you to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo now offers historical insights and a beautiful view over Vatican City and Rome.
If you want to explore Hadrian’s Mausoleum from the inside and enjoy views over Rome, you’ll also need a ticket, which we recommend you book before your trip.
> TICKET FOR CASTEL SANT’ANGELO
📍 3. Campo de’ Fiori:
Depending on your Vatican visit schedule, you can explore Campo de’ Fiori in the morning.
This bustling market offers fresh produce, local specialties, and souvenirs.
It’s open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tip: Try the fresh local cheeses and ham at the market stalls.
📍 4. Ponte Umberto at Sunset:
To conclude the day, cross the Tiber River on Ponte Umberto I and enjoy the view of Rome’s skyline with St. Peter’s Basilica in the background.
⭐ This is one of the most popular photo spots, especially at sunset or for a nighttime view of Rome.
Day 3: Rome’s Historic Center (Centro Storico)
Total Distance: 2.49 miles (4 kilometers)
Walking Time: 50 minutes
Start: Largo di Torre Argentina
End: Passeggiata del Pincio
QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE DAY
Morning: Largo di Torre Argentina, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
Afternoon: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps
Evening: Piazza Popolo, Pincio Garden at Villa Borghese
📍 1. Largo di Torre Argentina:
Start your last day in Rome at Largo di Torre Argentina, where you’ll find the remains of ancient temples.
This site is also known as the place where Julius Caesar was betrayed and murdered.
Besides its historical connection to Caesar, this spot is famous for its cats.
A colony of cats lives here, though the cat shelter is outside the walls.
⭐ Tip: The excavation site is set lower than the street level, so you can get a good view of the archaeological area from above.
> TICKET FOR LARGO DI TORRE ARGENTINA
📍 2. Pantheon:
Continue your Rome adventure with a visit to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings.
The exterior is impressive, but the interior is even more so.
The Pantheon is renowned for its massive dome with a central opening, the oculus.
Fun Fact: The Pantheon’s dome was the largest in the world until the dome of the Florence Cathedral was completed.
Until recently, entry was free. Now, the entrance fee is €5, though it remains free on the first Sunday of the month.
This attraction is popular, so expect longer waiting times.
⭐ Good to Know: Tickets can be purchased on the official website or online. Be aware that tickets tend to be more expensive when bought online.
📍 3. Piazza Navona:
A short walk from the Pantheon brings you to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares.
Famous for its exquisite Baroque fountains, the highlights here are the Fontana del Nettuno, a marble fountain featuring Neptune and octopuses.
Don’t miss the Fontana del Moro and especially the 17th-century Fontana dei Fiumi.
While being at Navona Square, you can visit the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. The Baroque church was designed by Borromini and is a quiet space among the bustling square.
⭐ Tip: Have lunch at Restaurant Bernini, right on Piazza Navona. If you’re looking for more budget options walk into any side street where food is more affordable.
⭐ Good to Know: Piazza Navona is also a great stop when you want to explore Rome at night.
📍 4. Trevi Fountain:
No visit to Rome is complete without standing before the Trevi Fountain at least once.
The famous fountain is one of the top Rome tourist attractions and the must-see place in Rome.
Visiting this iconic site is recommended for any first-time visitor following our 3-day Rome itinerary.
You can toss a coin into the famous Fontana di Trevi and make a wish. According to legend, throwing a coin ensures your return to Rome. (It worked for me!)
⭐ Tip: To avoid the largest crowds (though it’s always busy here), visit the fountain early in the morning or late in the evening.
The Trevi Fountain is illuminated at night and looks particularly magical.
⭐ Our Hidden Gem and Secret Tip: The guided tour of the underground water city starts from the Trevi Fountain! We booked the guided tour online here:
> UNDERGROUND TOUR STARTING AT TREVI-FOUNTAIN
📍 5. Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti):
The Spanish Steps are another must-see attraction in Rome. From these broad steps, you have a lovely view to observe the city’s hustle and bustle.
From the base at Piazza di Spagna, you can stroll along the elegant shopping streets.
✋🏼 Warning! Note: One of the restrictions in Rome is not to sit on the steps. Violating this rule could result in fines of up to €450 (even though it seems no one cares).
📍 6. Piazza del Popolo:
Stroll to Piazza del Popolo, a historic square near the Villa Borghese gardens. This square is known for its symmetry and two Baroque churches.
📍 7. Passeggiata del Pincio (Pincio Terrace):
End your Rome trip with a walk through the Pincio Gardens around Villa Borghese and enjoy the sunset from one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Rome.
This is at least what most of the Rome travel guides state. We found there are better viewpoints in Rome.
Additional Helpful Tips for Your 3 Days In Rome
- Best Time to Visit Rome in Three Days: Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are ideal for experiencing Rome with mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Practical Tips for Sightseeing: Use our Google Maps to navigate. You can click on the star in the top right corner to save it to your maps.
Also, check opening times in advance. Some attractions are closed on Mondays or Sundays. - Budget Tips for 3 Days in Rome: Use public drinking fountains to refill your water bottle.
Have your espresso or cappuccino standing at the bar to save money.
Some attractions that require tickets can also be viewed from the outside.
Final Thoughts About 3 Day Rome Itinerary
These are our tips and our 3-day Rome travel itinerary for your stay in Rome. With our tips, you can enjoy an extended weekend in Rome while seeing the main attractions.
We have even more tips to ensure your three days in Rome are a success.
Are you looking for hidden gems, insider tips, accommodations in Rome, or the best restaurant recommendations and Italian food you must try?
Do you want to know what not to do as a tourist in Rome or how to best visit the attractions?
Need tips for getting into the city and using public transport?
Read our Rome travel guide and don’t forget to download our free Italy travel planning checklist!
Do you have any hidden gems or something we should add to our article? Share your experiences in the comments.
