How to visit Rome in 3 days? Itinerary tips to do
The city of Rome is one of the 10 capitals to visit in the world , at least once in your life. To visit it fully (or almost), you need at least 3 days. It is therefore during a road trip or a long weekend that you will discover this historic city with treasures – absolutely not hidden – which spread out in the four corners of the city we nickname “ the eternal city . From the Colosseum to the Vatican, via the Trevi Fountain, follow the step-by-step guide to fully discover the most emblematic city of Italy!
Day 1: Ancient Rome with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Capitoline Museums
Let's start there, because we know you're dying to discover the Colosseum and the other ancient wonders of the city! After all, if Rome is one of the 10 cities to visit in Italy , it is partly thanks to this major Roman monument.
Your first morning in Rome…
You're in shape ? Perfect, because there will be many visits during your stay!
-The Coliseum
Built in 72 AD. BC, the Colosseum is undoubtedly the flagship monument of Rome , if not of all of Italy. With its 188 meters long, it could once accommodate no less than 75,000 people! Although it has experienced many ups and downs over the centuries, it still sits majestically in Rome, thanks to the initiative of Pope Clement XI. The Colosseum is also an ideal visit if you are traveling with children , who like to imagine themselves in the shoes of gladiators and other characters who today only exist in books. It will be a unique adventure for them, even more so if you take this trip when gladiator shows take place in the arenas!
Please note: in season and on weekends, the queue to visit this monument can be very long! However, you only have 3 days to see as much as possible. We advise you to purchase a skip-the-line pass covering this monument, as well as the Forum and the Palatine Hill, here to save time. If skipping the line does not seem essential to you, know that you can still opt for the Rome Tourist Card , in order to pay less for your visits. Finally, don’t hesitate to discover our best tips for organizing your visit to the Colosseum : you will save time!
Your first ancient afternoon in Rome…
It's time to eat a good Italian dish in a trattoria , before starting your afternoon visits. While digesting, enjoy the Roman dolce vita by strolling through its historic streets and visiting its vestiges of the past. Among these, the Roman Forum is a must.
-The Roman Forum
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are only about 600 meters apart. This will therefore logically be step no. 2 of your little journey.
Although part of the forum is now in ruins (understandably after 2,000 years), there remain many vestiges of this ancient social lung of Rome. It was in this place that active life took place. The Romans met there to talk about important things, to meet, to trade, etc. The many remaining elements allow you to easily immerse yourself in this bustling ancient Rome . Pure wonder!
Depending on your pace, it takes 1 to 2 hours to visit the Roman Forum . Some tours, guided or not, also include Palatine Hill , which offers stunning views of the Forum.
- The Capitoline Museums
Come on, you still have plenty of time to visit the Capitoline Museums , in Piazza del Campidoglio . Their visit immerses you in the history of Rome, notably thanks to the possessions of the different popes who have succeeded one another. These different museums are located in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuevo . Their construction dates back to 1471, and they have continued to be improved over the centuries. You can admire superb sculptures there, among other works. For example, in the Palazzo dei Conservatori there is the sculpture of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. We advise you to book your entry ticket in advance right here .
Day 2: the historic center of Rome with the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Via del Corso and Piazza del Popolo
There you have it, your irrepressible desire to discover the most emblematic Roman monument is satisfied. It's time to stroll around the city! Finally, stroll but not too much, because the wonders that await you are numerous.
Your second morning in Rome…
After a hearty Italian breakfast, it's time for visits dedicated to the heart of the city of Rome!
- Trevi Fountain
Don't wait until the last minute to see the Trevi Fountain , as it is emptied every Monday to collect the coins people throw into it. The ideal is not to linger too long in front of breakfast, so that you can admire it between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Beyond that, the quantity of tourists present will prevent you both from admiring it properly, but also from taking pretty photos. Although this visit is quick, it is nonetheless essential, with its superb Neptune enthroned in its center!
Want to take your time to admire this architectural marvel? Enjoy one of the best rooftops in Rome , at La Terrazza del Cesàri.
- The pantheon
You still have enough time to visit the Pantheon , located about ten minutes from the Trevi Fountain! This visit, rich in lessons, lasts a maximum of half an hour. On a self-guided or guided tour , you can discover one of the pillars of Roman history. You can't miss its sublime dome, its marble floors, nor its superb period doors. We advise you to book your audio-guided entry ticket here which will save you from queuing at the entrance.
Are you visiting Rome in winter? The Pantheon is one of the must-see attractions during the Christmas holidays . As soon as night falls, you will be able to see its facades adorned with Christmas lights, offering a spectacle like no other.
- Piazza Navona
850 meters from the Pantheon is Piazza Navona , which will naturally be your next stop. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, and also one of the most visited. There are 3 fountains there, including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers and its obelisk . You can also visit the Sainte-Agnès-en-Agone church , then end your tour of this square at the terrace of a café.
- The Piazza di Spagna
A little over a kilometer further, go and admire the Piazza di Spagna , the most famous part of which is the staircase of the Trinity of the Mountains , leading to the church of the same name. Visiting the church is also possible, and free! The other highlight of this lively square is the Barcaccia Fountain , as beautiful up close as it is from the top of the stairs.
Come on, it's time to rest a little, enjoying a good pizza or real Bolognese pasta, before starting the afternoon visits!
Your second afternoon in Rome…
Take a breath, because you're not done yet! I promise, the next visits will also be worth it.
- Villa Borghese
You should know that to visit this famous villa, a reservation is necessary: go here to book your guided tour of the Borghese Gallery! We also advise you to read all the essential information about Villa Borghese before visiting it. You only have 3 days, it would be a shame to waste time! Certain passes encompassing several monuments also allow you to visit this must-see in Rome . You reserve a 2-hour slot, during which you can admire the superb Villa Borghese museum . The gardens are also worth a look, with their hydraulic clock, the Casina di Raffaello and their superb bodies of water.
- Via del Corso and Piazza del Popolo
You can already admire Piazza del Popolo from the heights of the Villa Borghese gardens . Then you go down to admire it to continue your afternoon. Superb old buildings await you there, including the Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo .
After admiring this superb People's Square, head to Via del Corso , one of the pedestrian streets most popular with shopping enthusiasts!
Day 3: The Vatican and other must-see places in Rome with the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo and the Trastevere district
Whether you are a believer or not, admiring the Vatican is a pleasure that you cannot miss when visiting Rome. Added to this are many other visits to monuments and neighborhoods that it would be a shame not to see before your departure.
Your third morning in Rome…
Ah! The end of these 3 days is fast approaching, but don't despair: there are still many wonders to discover! And if you have the chance to stay longer we advise you to read our article "What to do, what to visit in Rome? The 21 must-sees" .
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
Some people sometimes think that it is not possible to visit the Vatican . However, part of it is open to the public. So how to visit the Vatican and the famous Sistine Chapel?
Allow between two and three hours for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums which you can book right here . It will include, among other things, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica . This city-state includes no less than 13 museums... You may not be able to do them all, but a small selection will already allow you to admire hundreds of superb works. We advise you to book your tickets online well in advance of the day, to avoid long queues. Better to save your precious time for the last essential visits to do before your departure.
Please note: The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays!
- Saint Peter's Basilica
Unsurprisingly, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the 21 must-sees to visit in Rome during a short or long stay. Still unsurprisingly, it is on Saint-Pierre Square that you will find the basilica of the same name.
Its construction, begun in 324, experienced some hazards. Architects and a certain Michelangelo (yes, yes, we are sure you have heard of him!), nevertheless took over the reins of its construction. Impossible to miss its famous dome ! Although the visit is free, it is nevertheless advisable to opt for a guided tour so as not to wait in line for two hours…
It's time to sit on the terrace of a good restaurant, like Angelo's, and taste the best Italian specialties !
Your last afternoon in Rome…
! You are now ready to tackle the home stretch of these wonderful discoveries
- Castel Sant’Angelo
Less than 3 km from the Vatican, you'll find Castel Sant'Angelo , another ancient architectural treasure . Initially designed as a mausoleum , it later became a fortress , which served as a hiding place for Christian treasures. Its history even dictated that for a time, this castle was used as a prison! With its history, particularly religious, it is a superb building to visit without restraint!
Little important information: Castel Sainte-Angelo is closed on Mondays. You can book your skip-the-line ticket for an audio-guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo right here .
- The Trastevere district
Finally, it's impossible to visit Rome without spending at least a little time in its charming Trastevere district ! With its cobbled streets nestled between flowered period buildings, it is simply sublime. This is the friendliest neighborhood in Rome. Its shops, bars and alleys will be a perfect way to end this short trip to Rome. Take the time to enjoy the Italian Dolce Vita by strolling through its adorable picturesque streets…
From the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere , the atmosphere is decidedly relaxed. If time permits, we advise you to climb to the top of Gianicolo hill . The view of the city is simply sublime from up there!
Do you have a little time left before departure? Treat yourself to a little visit to the Giardino degli Aranci . It’s one of the most magical places to propose!
Rome is one of the 27 most beautiful places to visit in Italy . You have certainly experienced a small marathon, but you leave with the most beautiful memories of this emblematic city of our dear Italy. It is very pleasant to visit Rome in mid-season, around May , to avoid the extreme heat. Likewise, visiting Rome in October , after the summer rush, has many advantages. Something tells us that you're likely to want to come back for a short week's vacation...
?When is the best time to go to Rome
In Rome, the climate is generally pleasant with mild winters and mild weather. However, summer can be very hot, especially in August, when many Roman residents leave in search of cooler temperatures, leaving the city rather deserted. This period can make visiting the city less pleasant and give the impression of a ghost town. As spring can be quite rainy, the best time to visit Rome is autumn , especially during the Roman Ottobrate in October, where the climate is similar to that of an Indian summer.
?How to get around Rome
It is unnecessary and expensive to rent a car in the center of Rome. Tourist places, even the most remote, are easily accessible by bus or metro. The Rome metro is made up of 3 lines (A, B, C) and operates every day from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It closes at 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. When it comes to public transport prices in Rome, tickets are accepted for all means of transport in the city, such as buses, trams and the metro. Costs vary from €1.50 for a single ticket to €6 for a one-day ticket (€16.50 for 3 days) or €24 for a weekly pass. To avoid multiple transportation costs, or long hours of walking, you can also choose to reserve an electric bike right here by taking advantage of our partner’s offers.
Where to sleep in Rome? Our selection of the best hotels
Rome is a popular tourist city, offering an abundance of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Most hotels in Rome are located in central, touristy areas such as the historic center, the Vatican and Trastevere. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak periods, to ensure the best deals and optimal availability. Here are our top 3 best hotels in Rome!
- The cheapest
The Garda Hotel enjoys a peaceful location just minutes from all Rome's attractions and a short walk from the famous Via Veneto. The Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are a 5-minute walk away and prices are reasonable. Go here to book your hotel stay!
- The best quality/price ratio
The Dei Borgognoni hotel is a very good address for a charming stay in one of the most sought-after areas of Rome. It is in fact located near the Trevi Fountain and the historic center. Everything is within walking distance and it is quiet and well isolated. To see prices and availability, click here!
- For history buffs
Built in the 17th century , the Voi Donna Camilla Savelli hotel is one of the most historic in Rome. It is a former convent which was restructured by the architect Borromini himself. Big plus for ceilings with exposed beams. To see prices and availability
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