Three Days in Rome, Italy: The Ultimate First-Timer's Itinerary
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If it's your first time visiting Rome, you're about to dive into an extraordinary adventure. Rome is an epicenter of history and culture, and is where you can find some of the best-tasting food you’ll ever have! I’ve visited Rome twice and fall increasingly in love with it each time I’m there.
In this detailed three-day guide, we’ll dive into frequented landmarks as well as hidden local gems to give you an immersive Roman experience. We’ll also discuss when the best time to visit Rome is, what neighborhoods you should stay in, and can’t-miss places to eat, along with hotel options for every budget. This three day Rome itinerary and guide is all you’ll need for visiting the Eternal City!
Is Three Days Enough to Visit Rome?
Rome is known as the Eternal City for a good reason - with over 2,000 years of history and architecture spanning Roman ruins, medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, and more, it could take weeks to see everything. That said, it is possible to see the major highlights in just 3 days if you plan your time carefully. Both times I visited Rome had a duration of three days or less and each time I felt like I got a good grasp of the city and what it has to offer.
In a quick 3-day trip, you should focus on Rome's most iconic sights:
* The Colosseum
* Roman Forum
* Pantheon
* Trevi Fountain
* Spanish Steps
* St. Peter's Basilica & the Vatican
* Piazza Navona
Visiting these 7 major attractions could take 1-2 days and you'll also want to spend time wandering Rome's charming cobblestone streets and piazzas. Eating delicious Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato is a must too! With efficient planning, 3 days allows you to experience the essence of Rome and you'll likely leave eager to return to Rome someday soon! The city has so much depth that even lifetime residents continue discovering new things.
However, having extra time means you could see more of Rome at a more relaxed pace. There are many additional museums, churches, and ruins that you could visit. Spending more time in Rome also allows you to take day trips like visiting Pompeii, which I highly recommend. If you want to explore Italy more, you could also take the train to Venice or Florence and spend a few days there as well.
Inside the Colosseum in Rome
3-Day Rome Itinerary
Rome is a city packed with historic sights and world-famous landmarks. Trying to see it all in just 3 days can feel rushed, but it's possible to see the major landmarks and a few local gems if you plan ahead. Here's a recommended itinerary to maximize your three days in Rome!
Day 1
Colosseum
Arrive early to beat the crowds and tour the interior of this iconic Roman amphitheater. This is an attraction that you’ll want to buy your ticket in advance, even if it’s off-season, especially if you want to visit the underground area that only select tours have access to.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Just a short walk from the Colosseum, explore the ancient ruins and visualize life in ancient Rome. You could easily spend an entire day wandering the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, but since you only have a limited number of days in Rome, I’d recommend only spending 2-3 hours here. The remains of temples, government buildings, and houses show the grandeur of Imperial Rome, and the House of Augustus and the House of Livia on Palatine Hill are not to be missed.
Pantheon
Marvel at the domed interior of this nearly 2,000-year-old architectural wonder. Entry is free and you can stay as long as you’d like. Visiting the Pantheon is a quick attraction to see but it’s definitely worth seeing. There’s also a fantastic restaurant nearby called Da Armando al Pantheon where you can grab lunch. This area is full of winding cobblestone streets so you’ll want to take your time wandering around exploring this neighborhood.
Piazza Navona
Walk over to Piazza Navona and soak up the atmosphere in this beautiful Baroque square. Here, you can watch street performers, visit shops, and bars, and admire the beautiful Neptune Fountain. This large square dates back to the 1st century and it’s a great place to rest your feet and people-watch with a scoop of gelato in hand. For dinner in this area, head over to La Campana for one of the most delicious meals in Rome. This restaurant has been around for over 500 years and you’ll understand why after your first bite!
Day 2
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
Start your day in Vatican City by visiting the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Allow at least 2-3 hours to experience Michelangelo's masterpieces here properly and I’d recommend buying your tickets in advance online to skip the lines. This is another attraction that is always popular regardless of the time of year. Be awestruck by the size and splendor of this magnificent church, home to Michelangelo's Pietà sculpture. Afterward, have authentic Roman pizza for lunch at La Pratolina Cipro before heading to your next destination.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Walk to Castel Sant’Angelo to tour this castle that overlooks the Tiber River. The castle was built in the 2nd century and the grounds are in a unique star shape. The guided tour of the castle lasts about 2 hours or you can opt for a self-guided tour if you want to explore on your own.
Spanish Steps
From Castel Sant’Angelo, take the Ponte Cavour bridge toward the Mausoleum of Augustus and make your way to the Spanish Steps. Climb up this iconic staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church. If you want a less crowded experience at the Spanish Steps and one with a view, head up to Cielo Terrace at Hotel de la Ville for lunch or a drink at the rooftop bar.
Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin into this Baroque fountain to ensure your return to Rome… or so the story goes. And I guess that proves true as I tossed a coin in during my first visit to Rome and I returned a few years later! The Trevi Fountain is a must-see in Rome and it’s also pretty crowded during peak hours of the day. Visit first thing in the morning or right after sunset for a more private experience.
Small-Group Pasta Making Class
End your day by taking a cooking class for a fun way to experience Roman culinary traditions. You'll learn to make fresh pasta, tiramisu, or other Italian fare from expert local chefs. I took a pasta-making class the last time I was in Rome and absolutely loved it! We learned how to make three different types of pasta and took home the recipes.
Day 3
Catacombs of Priscilla
Underneath Rome lie miles of catacombs, ancient underground burial grounds where early Christians buried their dead. The catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian are remarkably well-preserved and give you a sobering look into ancient Roman funeral practices. These are the more popular catacombs, but I opted to visit the less visited site, the Catacombs of Priscilla, and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Guided tours take you below ground to see the hand-carved tombs and burial chambers, as well as handpainted scenes on the walls and ceilings.
Borghese Gallery
Plan to spend 2-3 hours admiring Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings at Borghese Gallery. The gallery also sits on the edge of Villa Borghese, an almost 200-acre park, which also is home to a zoo, zoology museum, and temples. Needless to say, you’ll want to spend even more time exploring the grounds of the park.
Testaccio Market
Head to Testaccio Market for lunch and while you’re there, do some shopping from local vendors. This glass-roofed market is home to over 100 local vendors and sits on an archeological site. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to snack your way through the market and try food from as many vendors as possible while picking up some locally crafted souvenirs along the way.
Baths of Caracalla
One of the many great things about Rome is that there are ancient ruins just minutes away, no matter where you are in the city. End your day by stepping into the ruins of the second-largest ancient Roman baths in the city at Baths of Caracalla. You can opt for an audio guide tour or, what’s really neat, is that they offer a virtual tour that comes with a headset that allows you to actually see what these thermae baths were like when they were operating.
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If You Have Extra Time in Rome
If you find yourself with more than 3 days to explore the Eternal City, there are plenty of incredible sights and experiences beyond the main tourist attractions to fill your time. Here are some top options to consider:
Explore Beyond the City Center
Most first-time visitors stick to seeing the main sites in Rome's historic city center. But if you have extra time, head outside this core area to neighborhoods like Trastevere, Testaccio, and Monti. These charming districts give you a better sense of daily Roman life, with quaint piazzas, local trattorias, and interesting shops.
Trastevere, just across the Tiber River, has cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings full of character. Testaccio was historically a working-class neighborhood and is now known for its authentic Roman restaurants. Monti has many hidden gems between the ruins, boutiques, wine bars, and street art. Janiculum Hill and Villa Doria Pamphili are both gorgeous parks with stunning views that are well worth visiting, especially in the warmer months.
Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli
An easy day trip from Rome takes you to Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This sprawling 2nd-century AD estate served as a retreat for Emperor Hadrian. The ruins showcase intricate architecture, gorgeous gardens, and impressive pools - a glimpse into lavish imperial country living.
Pompeii
Pompeii is another easy day trip from Rome which you can get to in 2 hours by driving. You can also take the train to Naples and transfer to the bus which will also take about two hours. Or, the easiest option would be to book a group tour that will shuttle you between the two cities. Pompeii is located to the south of Naples and is one of the most popular historic sites to see in Italy. The ancient city of Pompeii was buried when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.
What Area is the Best to Stay in Rome for First-Time Visitors?
Rome is divided into several districts, each with its own ambiance and attractions. Choosing where to stay depends on your interests and budget. Here are some top areas for first-time visitors:
Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain Area
This central area is perfect for sightseeing and it has easy access to major landmarks. You'll be steps away from the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, high-end shopping streets, and restaurants. Accommodations range from luxurious five-star hotels to more affordable boutique hotels. The major downsides of staying in this area are higher prices and crowds.
Pantheon and Piazza Navona Area
Also very central, this area allows you to walk to attractions like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori market, and the Vatican. It feels less touristy than near the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona has a lively nightlife scene.
Colosseum and Roman Forum Area
Staying here puts you next to ancient Roman sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It's conveniently close to transportation like the metro and you most likely will be taking public transportation to get to the city center instead of walking. While very central, the area is less upscale than others and hotels near the Colosseum itself tend to be pricier but come with an unbeatable view.
Trastevere
This charming district across the Tiber River feels like a quaint village within the city. Its cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings make for great photo ops. Trastevere has trendy boutiques, bars, and restaurants away from the crowds. It requires some walking or public transit to reach major landmarks.
All of these areas have easy access to public transportation like metro, bus, and tram lines. Having a central location is ideal for minimizing transit time between top sights in Rome's compact and walkable historic core. With just three days, you'll want to prioritize convenience.
Favorite Rome Hotels
Rome offers a wide variety of hotel options to suit any budget or style. Here are some of my top picks:
Budget
Boutique Hotel Galatea - from $115 per night and a short walk from the Colosseum.
Salotto Monti - from $150 per night and has an adorable rooftop terrace where you can eat breakfast!
Moderate
The Hoxton - from $240 per night. Mid-century-inspired rooms and some even have private patios.
The Corner Townhouse - from $260 per night and within walking distance of Circus Maximus & Palatine Hill.
Luxury
Palm Suite - from $400 per night. Highlights include views of the Roman Forum!
Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese - from $600 per night and rooftop views of the Eternal City.
Favorite Places to Eat in Rome
And now to the good part - food! I find that every time I’m in Italy, I end up eating my way through a city. Rome is a food lover's paradise, with no shortage of incredible restaurants, cafes, and street food options. Here are some of my favorite places to eat in the Eternal City:
Cafés
Antico Caffè Greco - located just minutes away from the Spanish Steps, this cafe is more like a museum that serves delicious coffee and pastries. It’s a little bit on the more expensive side, but the experience is well worth it.
Antico Forno Roscioli - this bakery doubles as a lunch option as well. They offer delicious pastries and coffee in the morning and then you can choose from a selection of fresh pizza or suppli for lunch. This bakery is on some food tours in Rome and sometimes there is a line, but you won’t be disappointed.
Barnum Rome - for a more traditional breakfast option, head over to Barnum Rome located not far from Piazza Navona. Here, you can find pancakes, avocado toast, scrambled eggs, and more.
Lunch & Dinner
La Pratolina - hands down the best pizza I’ve had in my entire life (and I lived in NYC for 9 years!) Make a reservation ahead if you can, otherwise make sure you get there early and they’ll do their best to find a table for you. This is where we had dinner on our first night in Rome.
Da Armando al Pantheon - keep in mind the limited hours & make sure to make a reservation. We ate lunch here towards the end of their lunch hours & the food was amazing and the chef is world-renowned.
La Campana - This place has been around 500 years… need I say more? I highly recommend making a reservation as the locals love this place. We got there as soon as they opened & they were able to seat us but it filled up quickly. The food is beyond amazing here!
Trapizzino – this establishment serves up very delicious triangular pizza pockets which have popped up on the street food scene. We went to the location near Mercato Testaccio.
Dessert
Gelateria dei Gracchi - there are a couple of locations throughout the city and worth a visit for some of the most authentic, flavorful gelato I’ve tasted. They’re known for using very fresh ingredients.
Quetzalcoatl Chocolatier - if you love chocolate, stop by this chocolate shop near the Spanish Steps for mouthwatering combinations and the most beautiful chocolate creations.
Pasticceria 5 Lune - this pastry shop is open all day from 7 am to 9 pm, making it the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth! They serve almost every type of Italian pastry and some even say they have the best pastries in Rome - I’ll let you be the judge!
When is the Best Time to Visit Rome
Rome has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This makes it a year-round destination, but some times are better than others for visiting. I’ve visited Rome in both January and June and I prefer visiting popular destinations like this in the off-season to avoid overly crowded attractions resulting in a more authentic experience.
Spring (March to May) - Spring is a fantastic time to visit Rome, with average temperatures around 60-70°F. There are fewer crowds and lower prices compared to summer. Popular spring events include Easter celebrations and the Rome Marathon in April.
Summer (June to August) - The summer months bring hot and dry weather, with temperatures frequently reaching up to the 90s. While summer is peak tourist season, many Romans leave the city to escape the heat. Hotel rates are higher during this period and crowds flock to popular sights. Early June and September are good shoulder season months if you’re looking for a summer vacation to Rome.
Fall (September to November) - Fall sees fewer tourists and cooler temperatures in the 60s-70s°F range. October is a great time to visit with mild weather and fun events like the Rome Film Festival. The tourist crowds begin to thin out in September and become thinner as winter approaches.
Winter (December to February) - Winter is the low season due to cold damp weather with brief rain showers. Temperatures range from 40-55°F, but if you don’t mind the cooler weather, this may be a great time for you to visit. You'll find fewer crowds, lower prices, and festive Christmas markets.
How to Get Around in Rome
Rome has an extensive public transportation system that makes getting around the city efficient and affordable. The main options for getting around central Rome are the metro, buses, taxis, walking, and hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.
One of the best ways to experience Rome is on foot! The historic center is very walkable, especially around major landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Colosseum. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes. This is my preferred method of transportation, but if your hotel is a little outside of the city, you may want to opt to take a taxi or bus into the city center.
The metro system has 3 lines - A, B, and C. Line A runs through major tourist sites like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Colosseum, and Line B connects to the Basilica of St. John Lateran. You can easily purchase tickets at metro stations, bodegas, or newsstands, and you’ll need to validate your ticket before entering the metro platform.
Buses are another convenient and budget-friendly transportation option. Major bus hubs like Termini Station connect to popular tourist destinations. When taking the bus, you’ll validate your bus ticket once on board. Routes and schedules are available on the ATAC website or app.
For a flexible way to see top sites, hop-on-hop-off buses allow you to create your agenda for the day. As touristy as they are, I personally love utilizing these tours in the early days of my stay in major cities and treat them as a mode of transportation - they also help you get a lay of the land without getting tired! You can hop on and off at different stops around the city and ticket options usually include 24 or 48-hour tickets.
Things to Know Before Visiting Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit, but there are some tips to know that will make your visit go smoother.
Avoid the lines - Some of Rome's most famous sites like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums tend to have incredibly long lines. Purchase a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time so you don't waste precious time in line. The lines at the Trevi Fountain are also notoriously long - go early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds.
Watch out for scams - Pickpockets and taxi scams are common in Rome, so always be alert and use caution around crowded tourist sites. Only take official taxis and ignore people approaching you about "deals." Keep valuables secured with an anti-theft bag like this one which I personally love traveling with.
Make restaurant reservations - No matter what time of year you’re visiting, it's a good idea to make reservations at restaurants in advance since seating is limited. Use sites like TheFork to book tables. Eating later around 9 or 10 pm is also more common in Italy.
Try the classic foods - When in Rome, eat as the Romans do. Be sure to try favorites like cacio e pepe, carbonara, supplì, fried artichokes, and gelato. Pizza al taglio (by the slice) is also popular for a quick meal. Trastevere has excellent restaurants and food tours so if you’re a foodie, be sure to check out that neighborhood.
Ceiling at St Peters Basilica
How to Save Money in Rome
Rome can be an expensive city to visit, but with some planning and insider knowledge, you can save money and still have an amazing time. Here are some tips for stretching your budget in the Eternal City:
Take Advantage of Free Sights
Many of Rome's most iconic sights offer free entry or discounts on certain days. For example, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are all free on the first Sunday of every month. The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of the month.
Other free sights include the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and St. Peter's Basilica. Be sure to take advantage of these free opportunities to save some euros.
Use Public Transit
The metro, bus, and tram system in Rome is relatively cheap compared to other major European cities. A single ticket costs 1.50 euros and is valid for 100 minutes.
Even cheaper is buying a day pass for less than 10 euros, which allows unlimited travel for 24 hours. This can save you a lot if you plan on taking multiple rides per day.
Validate your ticket each time you board a bus or enter a metro station to avoid steep fines.
Avoid Overpriced Tourist Traps
Steer clear of overpriced restaurants and cafes situated right near major tourist sights. A rule of mine when traveling abroad is that if someone is standing outside of a restaurant holding a menu and trying to get you to dine there - it’s not authentic. The same goes for souvenir shops - walk a block or two off the main drag for lower prices.
Avoid taking expensive taxi rides when you can take transit or even just walk. With some savvy planning, you can enjoy Rome's beauty and history without blowing your budget.
As we wrap up our three-day itinerary for exploring Rome as first-time visitors, it's clear that this vibrant city is a treasure trove of ancient history, delicious cuisine, and stunning art. From marveling at the architectural wonders of the Colosseum to tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, Rome offers a perfect blend of past and present. Whether you spend your days wandering the charming streets of Trastevere or admiring the awe-inspiring Vatican City, each corner of Rome exudes a unique charm. Remember, this guide is just a starting point - so go ahead and create your own Roman adventure, seeking out hidden gems and making memories to last a lifetime. Grazie Roma, until we meet again!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
