Three Unforgettable Days in Rome Itinerary
Rome really is a dream. You'll be walking down a quaint little Italian street and literally stumble across an incredible building with Roman columns. With this guide, you will have an unforgettable three days in Italy's capital.
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Language: Italian
Population: 2.87 million
Currency: Euro €
Average price of a coffee: €1,50
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Tap the icons on the map to learn more about each point of interest. To save this map for later, click the star next to its title to add it to your Google account. Then, open the Google Maps app, go to ‘Saved’, and select ‘Maps’. You’ll now see this map listed under its title.​​
We have two different itineraries to explore Rome with. This three-day itinerary involves three full-days in Rome - Rome deserves it! If you're stuck for time and only have a weekend, then work your way through this itinerary and decide which of the attractions you could miss. For example, the key hole viewpoint is quite a walk to the south of the city, so that might be one you choose to emit. If you are blessed with more time in Italy, then our 7 Epic Days in Rome, Florence and Pisa, will give you extra time to explore the capital.
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Arriving in Rome: from the airport, you can get the RV train. See Google Maps for more information. We had four us with lots of luggage for a wedding so we grabbed an Uber!
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Rome is truly a magical place and for that reason, on your first night there, we strongly recommend you to just get lost. Sure, having an itinerary and checking off things on your to-do list has its place but in Rome, just do it. Walk down the tiny Italian streets, talk to locals, eat gelato and have an Aperol Spritz. Leave the sightseeing until tomorrow.
Day 1 - Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona.
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Good morning, Rome! First stop, coffee and an Italian pastry. You'll need your walking shoes on today. Let them take you to the Spanish Steps, where your first day in Rome begins.
Next up, head to the Trevi Fountain, that is if you haven't naively bumped into it already! Take a coin and throw it over your right shoulder and make a wish.​ Can you find the secret rooftop bar?
​Now is probably a good time to stop for some lunch or an ice cream. If you want some tips and tricks on where to eat and drink in Rome, check out our food and drinks guide.
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Head over to the Pantheon. You can enter the building if Church services aren't happening, which is worth it as the building is stunning. However, it is an active religious building and used for prayer by the Roman people so please be considerate as a tourist.
Your final stop of the day is the Piazza Navona. A gorgeous but very busy public square with fountains and stunning Roman architecture.
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Enjoy your evening meal and don't forget to try an Aperol or Limoncello Spritz!
Day 2 - Colosseum, Roman Forum, Altar of the Fatherland and the keyhole.
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First thing, you want to head to the Colosseum - the iconic image of Rome. You can get your tickets online (please verify the provider - some people are selling tours or fake tickets!) or from the official ticket office at the arena. Please note, the only place you can legitimately buy tickets is from the office. Be wary of those ticket sellers all around the Colosseum.
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You want to ensure your ticket includes the Roman Forum, where you will visit next.
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Either read up on the Colosseum before you visit, buy the audiotours with your tickets, or simply stick in Rick Steeves' podcast through your earphones. We did this and the guy is awesome! He will take you all around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in a few hours whilst telling you the history.
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Our favourite fact was that one of the uses of the Colosseum after the Roman Empire fell was a swimming pool! How that thing is still standing is beyond us.
Next up, visit the Roman Forum.
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You must be thirsty by now, so feel free to stop for a drink or some lunch if it is time.
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Your next stop is the Altar of the Fatherland, arguably Rome's biggest and noisiest monuments. There is a nice cafe at the top where you can get a nice cup of coffee or slush.
If time is on your side, head to the Marcellus Theatre. We didn't have the time so we skipped it.
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Take the walk, taxi, bus or even hire a Vespa (Rome is just that place!) to Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta. Here you can peak through the keyhole and view the Church of Santa Maria del Priorato. It's a little novel but super fun. Our picture is blurred on purpose! Don't want to spoil the experience for you.
​In the evening for dinner, go to Trastevere - a stylish modern part of the city with vibrant nightlife and locals.
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Day 3 - Vatican City
You're crossing borders! Don't worry, you don't need your passports. Head over to St Peter's Basilica where you can buy tickets and explore St Peter's Square, St Peter's Basilica and of course, the Sistine Chapel. Allow a good 3-4 hours here as there is so much to take in. Do check the Pope's calendar though as sometimes this area is closed for appearances and religious activities. For obvious reasons, you're not allowed to take photos within the chapel or basilica. We respected the rules, hence the outside picture beneath.
​After some lunch, head to Castel Sant'Angelo and explore how the castle was used to defend the Roman city.
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Let us know how you found Rome! We loved this city so much and it truly lived up to the hype.
