So you’re going to Rome, and your time is limited? Well, you’re in luck! This Rome in 3 days itinerary is just what you need to get the most out of Rome in your limited time.
Overview: Rome in 3 Days Itinerary
Rome is a city filled with history, art, and delicious cuisine. This itinerary offers the opportunity to see the top highlights, enjoy amazing cuisine, walk through the streets of a picturesque neighborhood, Trastevere (one of my favorites), visit one of the most famous and celebrated chapels in the world….and much more.
Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill and Capitoline Museums
Day 2: Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
Day 3: Art and Culture
Rome In 3 Days – Day One: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, and Capitoline Museums
Dive into the heart of ancient Rome on day one with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, a marvel of engineering and history. Then, explore the Roman Forum and journey through the ruins on Palatine Hill; you will be immersed in the grandeur of the Roman Empire. After this, savor authentic Italian cuisine at a local trattoria near the Colosseum.
Morning:
Today, we’ll explore iconic sites – the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – a journey through time. A tour guide enhances the experience; I regretted not having one on my first visit. So, I booked a tour on my return, and it was a game-changer. Consider a “skip the line” tour, especially during peak travel seasons like summer. It’s a 3-hour history-packed experience worth every moment. These tours fill up quickly, but there’s an almost identical option if it’s sold out. Don’t miss out on this enriching adventure!
Afternoon:
What better a great time for some amazing Italian cuisine? Rome is not shy about it’s amazing food. Around the touristy locations, it is easy to get jostled into a restaurant that is catered for tourists. From my personal experience, go off the beaten path a bit. There is a great little restaurant by the name of Ai Tre Scalini. It’s an 11-minute walk from the Colosseum. Great prices and great wine! To me, that’s a win-win! You can find it at Via Panisperna, 251.
After lunch, visit the iconic Trevi Fountain, just a 13-minute walk from Ai Tre Scalini. It gets crowded, but it’s a must-see. Bring a few coins for the traditional toss – one for a return to Rome, two for romance, and three for marriage. Choose your wish wisely; it’s been lucky for me every time!
After ensuring another trip back to Rome, head down to the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. It is probably one of the most significant buildings I have ever seen. You can access the monument’s rooftop, where there is a terrace offering panoramic views of Rome. It provides a stunning vantage point for taking in the city’s historic landmarks. I would spend about an hour taking advantage of the views from here and roaming the entire area.
Evening:
For the evening, start with having a drink at one of the local bars. La Botticella, is a great place. (Located at Via di Tor Millina 32) Join the locals here for an aperitivo or some other pre-dinner drinks and appetizers. Take in the sounds and cultures of Rome all around you as you take this time to relax before dinner. (Aperitivo is a favorite Italian tradition, particularly in cities like Rome.)
For dinner, I suggest going to an authentic family-run restaurant and staying away from the tourist restaurants in Piazza Navona. I recommend Ponte e Parione. It is located at Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 62.
Rome In 3 Days – Day Two: Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
Embark on a fantastic journey through Vatican City, where you’ll admire the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, then proceed to the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a visit to the remarkable Pantheon, and finally, immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of Piazza Navona.
Morning:
Explore Vatican City’s cultural treasures, featuring the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Admire the Vatican Museums’ breathtaking art collection, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece. Don’t miss climbing the basilica’s dome for panoramic views. Dive into the rich history and spirituality of these iconic landmarks. For the best experience, consider a guided tour – it’s worth it. Make the most of your three days with a tour like the one I recommend below, lasting 3 hours.
Afternoon:
After spending your morning in Vatican City, it’s time to grab lunch. La Zanzara is highly recommended. It’s close by, so not far to walk. They have a great menu and are not expensive. It’s located at Via Crescenzio, 84. I do advise making reservations. From here, you’ll head to the Pantheon. It is a long walk, but there are shops along the way that you can pop into. It may also be a great time to stop for an espresso.
Once at the Pantheon, you’ll see how remarkable it truly is. Once again, I strongly suggest a guided tour (40 minutes) or at least an audio-guided tour. Remember, your time is short, and there is a lot to cover, so tours give you the best information. As I mentioned, on my first trip to Rome I passed on all the tours and was disappointed having not done them my first time.
Click Here To Book Your Audio Guided Tour!
From the Pantheon, it’s a quick 4-minute walk to Piazza Navona. Spend time here, people, watching, shopping, and sitting by the fountains. There is a ton of activity in this Piazza. Artists like to paint there as well.
Evening:
If you liked Trestavere, I would make a trip back for a wine and dine. Trastevere has a very lively nightlife and a thriving cocktail scene at night. Visit Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. This central square is a hub of activity at night. It’s surrounded by bars, restaurants, and cafes with outdoor seating. You can enjoy a drink or meal while taking in the beautiful view of the Basilica of Santa Maria, which is lit up at night.
Rome In 3 Days – Day Three: Art and Culture
Let’s spend the day wrapping up your itinerary with more amazing great things to do and see
Morning:
Start the day off at Galleria Borghese. This is an art museum located in the Villa Borghese Gardens. If you are into art, this will be your heaven! You will have access to art collections, paintings, and sculptures. You must, however, make reservations, usually well in advance. Please use the link below to book your spot for this must-see art museum. (Approximate tour time is 2.5 hours)
Afternoon:
After your art museum tour, head to the Spanish Steps (“Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti”). It’s a 24-minute walk from Galleria Borghese. Enjoy espresso and lunch at nearby cafes. The Spanish Steps are a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists. At the top, visit Trinità dei Monti Church, also known as the Church of the Most Holy Trinity. Remember to dress modestly when visiting Rome’s churches – cover your shoulders and knees. Some churches provide cover-ups if needed. Also note that the area around the Spanish Steps (Via ei Condotti) is home to numerous luxury shops, boutiques, and high-end designer stores, making it a popular shopping district and some serious window shopping.
Evening:
After spending some time in the area of the Spanish Steps, make your way north to Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square in Italian). It is a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps. Enjoy spending time here taking in its beauty and history. This square has a rich historical significance and was often the starting point for travelers arriving in Rome during the ancient and Renaissance periods. You can also access the Pincio Gardens (Pincian Hill), a fantastic park with panoramic views of the city.
Rome in 3 Days: Where To Stay In Rome
Great locations to stay are near the Spanish Steps, Trastevere, and Piazza Navona.
Budget Option: If you are looking for budget stays, these two are great:
- Trestavere Inn, Vicolo Del Cinque 16, Trastevere, 00153 Rome, Italy (Booking.com)
- Arch Rome Suites, Via dell’Arco della Ciambella, 19 00186 Rome, Italy (Booking.com)
Mid-Range Option: If you are looking for mid-range stays, these two are great:
- Hotel Damaso, Piazza della Cancelleria, 62, Navona, 00186 Rome, Italy (Booking.com)
- I Tre Moschettieri – D’Artagnan, Vicolo Sciarra 61 (angolo Via del Corso, 241), Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy (Booking.com)
Luxury Option: Looking to step it up and spoil yourself? Here are two amazing options:
- NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali, 19 Via di S. Eufemia, Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy (Booking.com)
- Terrace Pantheon Relais, Via di Torre Argentina 18, Pantheon, 00186 Rome, Italy (Booking.com)
Getting Around Rome
Getting around Rome is relatively easy, and there are several transportation options to choose from.
Walking, public transportation, taxis, Hop-On and Hop-Off buses, bike rentals, electric scooters, trains, and ride-sharing apps. These are all relatively easy to use.
You can use the metro or buses and trams for public transportation. The metro is quick and convenient. It runs from early morning until 11:30 pm. Buses, you can purchase tickets at newsstands or vending machines and validate them on board. The buses run until late in the evening.
FAQs
Is 3 days enough to see Rome?
Three days in Rome can provide a wonderful introduction to the city’s iconic attractions. It’s essential to acknowledge that Rome is teeming with history, art, and culture. To fully immerse yourself and explore the city’s treasures more leisurely, consider extending your stay to make the most of everything this amazing city offers.
How much money do you need to take to Rome for 3 days?
This depends on your travel styles and preferences. Your average three-day Rome trip could run anywhere between $450 and $500, not including airfare. It’s always best to book items such as hotels and tours ahead of time because you can usually save money this way.
Is Rome a walkable city?
Rome is extremely walkable. I have never taken a bus, train, or taxi in my visits to Rome. Just make sure to wear appropriate Walking shoes, and you’re all set. Just an insider tip for fashion…never wear flip-flops. You will get eyes on you from the locals. Flip flops are for the beach, as they say!
Is everything closed in Rome on Sundays?
While smaller towns may see more closures on Sundays, Rome keeps many major attractions, restaurants, and larger stores open. Sundays can offer a quieter experience at famous sites compared to busier weekdays. Ensure you check specific places’ hours, as there might be variations.
Want More Information on Rome?
To read more on Rome and whether or not it’s worth visiting, check out my post, Is Rome Worth Visting?
So, in conclusion:
If you use the advice above, you really should have a fantastic Rome in 3 days trip. Having been to Rome so often allows me to give you insight into what I feel one should conquer in 3 days in Rome…and remember if you threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, you’ll probably be back to Rome again soon.
