Rome Itinerary: 3 Days

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Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world, and one of our favorite tourist destinations. Often called an “open air museum,” Rome is like nothing you’ve seen before. On the same stroll, you can walk by an ancient theater, a renaissance palazzo, and a brand new gelato shop. In addition to the stunning ancient structures, it boasts some of the world’s best artwork. On top of all that, you will also find some of the best food you’ve ever eaten.

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Table Of Contents – Rome Itinerary For 3 Days

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Day 1: Rome Itinerary For 3 Days

Colosseum ^_★★★

This ancient amphitheater is one of the most famous icons in the world. It was opened to hold gladiator contests in the year A.D. 80, and has stood here ever since. This is an absolute can’t miss in Rome. Make sure to walk around the entire exterior at some point during your visit. For the interior, you can visit on your own, but you will learn much more with a guided tour.

Consider taking this tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum, which includes entry onto the arena floor. (there are several options for this tour, we recommend springing for the small group version if you can). This tour (as with most Colosseum tours) also covers the Roman Forum, for which it is imperative to have a tour guide. If you decide to visit the Colosseum without a guide, it is essential that you reserve your timed-entry ticket in advance online at the official website.

Cost and Hours: €16 per person. Ticket includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. First Sunday of the month free (avoid this day if you can, as crowds can be overwhelming). Opening hours vary, check official website for details.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Website: www.parcocolosseo.it/en/

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill ^_★★★

The Roman Forum was the center of ancient Roman civilization. It held importance as a civic, social, and spiritual gathering place. This is arguably the most important site in all of Rome. Unfortunately, without a guide, it’s just a ruin without much meaning. The second time we visited, we tried using an audio guide instead of a live one, but got lost and didn’t get anything out of it.

We strongly recommend getting a live guided tour of this site, if you can. Consider taking this tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum, which includes entry onto the arena floor. (there are several options for this tour, we recommend springing for the small group version if you can).

Cost and Hours: €16 per person. Ticket includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. First Sunday of the month free (avoid this day if you can, as crowds can be overwhelming). Opening hours vary, check official website for details.
Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Website: www.parcocolosseo.it/en/

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Explore Trastevere and The Jewish Ghetto ^_★★

Trastevere is one of the most important neighborhoods in Rome to see. What was once a blue-collar area has been gentrified, and is now bursting with cute shops, cafes, and gelato stands. Foodies love this neighborhood, as it has some of the best street food and restaurants. In fact, there are a number of food-based tours you can take in this neighborhood, like this recommended street food tour of Trastevere.

Another foodie spot is the old Jewish ghetto. This is where all of Rome’s Jews were forced to live in medieval times. This practice was abolished in the 1800s, but the Jewish culture of the neighborhood remains even today.

To learn the most about these neighborhoods, consider taking a guided tour of both areas, such as this 3-hour guided tour of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto. If this one is booked, you can search for another one on GetYourGuide.

Trastevere

Jewish Ghetto

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Day 2: Rome Itinerary For 3 Days

Vatican Museums ^_★★★

The Vatican Museums house perhaps the best collection of art in the entire world. This is definitely our favorite museum of art. The artwork here was collected by the Roman Catholic Church establishment over the course of centuries, and includes works by some of the greatest Renaissance masters, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The most important thing to see is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

This collection is so vast that there is no way to cover it all in one trip. We recommend taking a guided tour to get the most out of your visit (this is also the only way to skip the insanely long line to get into St. Peter’s Basilica). We recommend this Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica tour. There are several options for this tour, we recommend springing for the one with the smallest number of people. Most importantly, be sure the option you choose includes the Basilica.

If you choose to visit without a guided tour, it is crucial that you buy your ticket online in advance, as this can save you over an hour in line.

Be aware that sleeveless shirts, low-cut shirts, shorts/skirts above the knee, and hats are not allowed.

Cost and Hours: €22 per person. Free admission last Sunday of every month. Open Mon-Sat 9:00am-6:00pm. From Apr 14-Oct 28, Fri and Sat will have extended opening hours until 10:30pm. Also open the last Sunday of every month 9:00am-2:00pm. Last entry 2 hours prior to close.
Address: 00120 Vatican City
Website: www.m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en.html

St. Peter’s Basilica ^_★★★

St. Peter’s Basilica is perhaps the most important church in the world. It is said to be located at the spot where the apostle Peter was buried after the Romans crucified him nearby. Though there has been a church here since the 4th century, the current building was built during the Renaissance. It boasts work by some of the greatest artists of all time, including Raphael and Michelangelo. This is a must-see on this 3-day Rome itinerary.

The huge problem with visiting St. Peter’s Basilica is the insanely long line. The only way to skip this is to go on a combined guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Basilica. This can literally save you hours of waiting in line. We recommend this Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica tour. There are several options for this tour, we recommend springing for the one with the smallest number of people. Most importantly, be sure the option you choose includes the Basilica.

Be aware that sleeveless shirts, low-cut shirts, shorts/skirts above the knee, and hats are not allowed.

Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open daily 7:00am-6:30pm (closes 7:00pm Apr-Sep).
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Website: www.vatican.va/

Explore the Centro Storico ^_★★★

Rome’s Centro Storico (historic center) is the old heart of Rome. This area (including nearby neighborhoods, such as Tridente) is where many of the city’s famous landmarks are found, such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. These are a delight to admire at night, when many of the tourists are gone, and the monuments are all lit up.

This area is best explored with a guided tour, such as this walking tour by Enjoy Rome. If that tour isn’t available, consider this 3-hour tour by Rome Your Way. If you do decide to take a guided tour, make sure you see at least the four most important sights mentioned above. If the tour you choose doesn’t include them all, just stop by any monuments you missed afterwards.

Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps

Pantheon

Piazza Navona

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Day 3: Rome Itinerary For 3 Days

Galleria Borghese ^_★★★

The Galleria Borghese is one of our favorite museums to tour. Not only does it have fantastic artwork inside, it is housed in a beautiful early renaissance villa. Most importantly, only a set number of people are allowed inside at once, so this avoids the crowds that you have to wade through at other museums. The sculptures are the main attraction here, and include masterpieces from the likes of Canova and Bernini. The museum also houses paintings by masters Caravaggio and Raphael.

Signage is minimal, so make sure to get an audio guide, or opt for a guided tour of the gallery by museum staff (only available at certain times, see Borghese museum website for details).

Reservations are required to visit the gallery. Reserve your ticket here. If you cannot get a reservation on the day you want to visit, consider purchasing a guided tour of the Galleria Borghese that includes pre-reserved admission.

Cost and Hours: €15 per adult. Open Tue-Sun 9:00am-7:00pm. Closed Mondays.
Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
Website: www.galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/

Capuchin Crypt (Cripta dei Frati Cappuccini) ^_★★

A visit to the Capuchin crypt is probably one of the most unusual experiences you will ever have. This crypt houses the bones of over 3000 Capuchin friars, which are arranged into decor for several tiny underground chapels. This is a sacred place, and the experience is both creepy and spiritual. There is a museum attached, which you can just breeze through unless you have a particular interest.

Be aware that pants/skirts must be below the knee and no sleeveless or low cut shirts are allowed. This should be a relatively quick stop on your 3-day Rome itinerary, with the visit taking no more than an hour.

Cost and Hours: €8.5 per person. Open daily from 10:00am-7:00pm.
Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Website: www.museoecriptacappuccini.it/en/

Catacombe di Domitilla ^_★

The Roman catacombs are ancient underground tunnels that were used by early Christians to bury their dead. The Catacombe di Domitilla is the oldest of the Roman catacombs you can visit, dating back to the 2nd century A.D. It is also the only one with an underground basilica attached to it.

As with all Roman catacombs, your ticket includes a required guided tour of the site.

Pro Tip: It gets cold underground, so bring a sweater.
Cost and Hours: €10 per person. Open Wed-Mon 9:00am-12:00pm, and 2:00pm-5:00pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147 Roma RM, Italy
Website: www.catacombedomitilla.it/en

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If You Have Time, Add To Your Rome Itinerary

Villa Borghese (park) ^_★★

The Villa Borghese is actually not a villa at all – it is the huge public park in which the Galleria Borghese is found. Its paths are lined with trees that provide enough shade even on the hottest of days. This beautiful green space is a delightful place to exercise, stroll, or just sit on a bench and relax.

Address: 00197 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

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Practical Info – Rome Itinerary For 3 Days

How To Get Around Rome

Don’t bring a car to Rome. Most everything can be reached on foot or by metro. There are also plenty of taxis for those who don’t want to walk much. Driving in Rome can be a nightmare, so avoid it if you can.

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Day Trips From Rome – Rome Itinerary

Tivoli Day Trip From Rome ^_★★

Tivoli is home to the famous Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) and the gorgeous Villa d’Este estate. The town is set on a hill outside Rome, and was the wealthy person’s getaway from the city both in ancient times and during the Renaissance.

Hadrian’s Villa is the ruins of the lavish estate built here by Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century A.D.

The Villa d’Este is the estate built by a cardinal in the 1500s, and boasts one of the most spectacular Renaissance gardens anywhere.

While you can see these sites on your own, getting to them can be a hassle, and you will get more out of the visit with a guided tour. We recommend doing your day trip to Tivoli with this tour of Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este.

Villa d’Este

Tivoli

Pompeii Day Trip From Rome ^_★★★

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was a prosperous town until the morning of August 24th, AD 79. This is the day that Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried Pompeii in over 10 feet of ash, preserving it for hundreds of years. Today, it is the most popular archeological site in the world. A visit here gives you a glimpse into the layout of an ancient Roman town, with its central gathering spaces, organized side streets, water delivery system, sewage system, baths, and more. Best of all, with some careful planning, you can visit it as a day trip from Rome.

Check out our Pompeii Day Trip post for more information.

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