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How to Spend 3 Days in Rome: The Best Rome Itinerary

How to Spend 3 Days in Rome: The Best Rome Itinerary

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Wondering how to maximize your three days in Rome? You’ve come to the right place!

This historic city is full of world-renowned sights, I can understand if you’re overwhelmed while planning your itinerary! Luckily, we’ve been here a handful of times and have crafted the perfect three days in Rome.

In this itinerary, we cover all of the must-see attractions, like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, to cute food markets and idyllic aperitif spots.

You can either follow this itinerary exactly or pick and choose your favorite activities. Regardless, I know you’ll have a memorable trip!

Getting Around Rome

Hope on Hop Off Bus in Rome, Italy
Hop-on Hop-Off Bus in Rome, Italy

Taxi/Uber

Both taxis and Ubers are a safe and reliable way of getting around Rome. We mostly use Uber here, but there are taxi stands throughout the city, especially close to popular tourist attractions. You can also use local taxi apps like ItTaxi and Freenow, as they can sometimes work out a little cheaper than Uber. 

Hop-on hop-off bus 

Rome’s hop-on hop-off bus is an affordable and convenient form of transport, so of course we had to test it out on one of our many trips here.

Tickets start from €22 for a one-day tour, but there are two and three-day options available. What we liked about this option was that we got the benefits of a guided tour, such as on-board commentary and a well-planned, comprehensive sightseeing route. Yet at the same time, we were able to take it all at our own pace and decide what we did and didn’t want to see. 

Walking 

We always try to stay in a nice, central area of Rome, such as Piazza Navona or Pantheon because it allows us to explore a lot of the city on foot. The city center is very walkable, and we’ve found this to be a great way to get to know the city’s character better. So if you enjoy walking lots, book a hotel downtown!

Tours

If you want the most value for your money with transportation, we suggest booking a tour! Leave the stressful logistics of getting around the city to the local guides and learn some history while you go. 

We went on this private golf cart tour and let me tell you – it was the most unique way to experience Rome! It was so much fun sitting back and enjoying the comfy ride through the city. I can see this tour being great for those who have trouble walking long distances or families. 

This is also a fantastic transportation option if you’re short on time because we covered a ton of ground in a few hours. We loved that it was a private tour and we could customize our itinerary to see our bucket list sights. Our guide suggested an itinerary, that visited the Spanish Steps, the Knights of Malta Keyhole, Piazza Navona, Caelin Hill, and more.

This specific tour is €153 for a group of two, but prices vary by group size. It has multiple departure times and can last 2-7 hours, so it’s really flexible and can easily fit into this itinerary!

Day 1 

Breakfast – La Biga Wine Food 

Enjoying breakfast at La Biga Wine Food in Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is right there!
A coffee and a juice at La Biga Wine Food with a view of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
What a view!

I’ll be real with you: La Big Wine Food doesn’t have the best reviews, and I don’t recommend ordering a cooked meal here. However, it’s right next to the Colosseum (next on our itinerary) and the views from here cannot be beaten. We just stopped in for a coffee and a croissant before our tour – don’t worry, it’s worth saving your appetite for lunchtime!

Morning – Visit the Colosseum

Bailey smiles and sttands in the colosseum in Rome Italy
People down in the arena of the colosseum in Rome Italy
Down in the arena where the gladiators fought

We aren’t beating around the bush with this 3-day itinerary so let’s start off with the most big-ticket item in Rome – the Colosseum! This iconic amphitheater was built to show Rome’s power and strength and was commonly used for performances, animal hunts, and the famous gladiator battles. 

With such a long and impressive history, we wanted to make sure we had the best experience here. So we booked this guided tour with special access which let us enter the arena where the gladiators once did! Plus, with over 3,000 5-star reviews, we knew this would be a great tour (spoiler: it certainly was!). 

It proved to be very helpful to have our guide, Diego, as the Colosseum is massive! Diego knew the can’t-miss spots and filled us in on the history. Without him, we wouldn’t have any idea of what we were looking at. 

After almost two hours at the Colosseum, Diego took us to the famous Palatine Hill. We got incredible views of the Roman Forum and learned what life was like in Ancient Rome. It was a jam-packed day but so fulfilling!

This tour offers a few departure times from 8:30-10:30 am and lasts a little over 3 hours. Private tours are available for €400 or you can join the small group tour starting at €75. Prices tend to fluctuate based on the date, so be sure to reserve your tour in advance to get the best price possible!

Related Read: For more tour options, check out our blog on the 5 best Colosseum tours!

Lunch – La Nuova Piazzetta 

With one of Rome’s top attractions already ticked off, it’s time for a hearty lunch. La Nuova Piazzetta is a top-rated restaurant that’s just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum, and the food here is absolutely amazing. We feasted on seafood soup, ravioli, and a delicious pepperoni pizza, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Afternoon – Take a stroll around the Colosseum area

Ancient ruins along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome Italy
Altar of the Fatherland, Rome, Italy
Altar of the Fatherland, Rome, Italy

Once you’ve explored the Colosseum itself, it’s definitely worth taking some time to explore the surrounding neighborhood. We found a ton of cool historical sites and viewpoints around here, so we recommend that you visit the following:

Via dei Fori Imperiali

This ancient street runs between the Roman Forum, and connects multiple archaeological treasures, including the Roman Forum, the Forum of Augustus, and the Trajan Forum. We especially enjoyed seeing Trajan’s Column, which dates back to 113 AD! It took us about 15 minutes to stroll along this street until we reached the Altar of the Fatherland.

Altar of the Fatherland

Also known as “the wedding cake”, the Altar of the Fatherland is a monument to Victor Emmanuel II, and it’s one of Rome’s most famous landmarks! We paid €22 each to ride the glass elevator to the top, and it was so worth it because the views from up there were unparalleled. However, if you’re on a budget, you can always just climb the stairs to the upper terrace and cafe for free. 

Capitoline Hill

Capitoline Hill, Rome, Italy
Capitoline Hill, Rome, Italy

It’s a short walk from the Altar of the Fatherland to Capitoline Hill. Head along Via del Teatro di Marcello and up a series of steps to get to the hill’s main square, Campidoglio. This piazza was actually designed by none other than Michelangelo himself – how cool is that?

Here, we enjoyed stunning views of the Roman Forum from Terrazza sul Foro and the Capitoline Museums. These are a collection of museums that contain artistic masterpieces and archaeological artifacts from Ancient Rome, so we definitely think they’re worth visiting. 

The museums are open daily between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm, and it’s possible to pre-purchase tickets for only €15.50 per person, plus €1 booking fee. However, we just grabbed ours on the day from the ticket office.

Aperitif – Oro Bistrot

Oro Bistrot Rome
Photo credit: Oro Bistrot Rome
Oro Bistrot Rome, Italy
Photo credit: Oro Bistrot Rome, Italy

Late afternoon drinks are a must when in Rome, and Oro Bistrot is a 5-10 minute walk from Capitoline Hill. Better still, it’s a rooftop bar with amazing views of the Altar of the Fatherland!

We loved the romantic atmosphere here and their ‘Crave’ cocktail was the ultimate refreshing treat on a warm afternoon. Drinks here are pretty pricey at around €24 apiece, but we were more than happy to pay for such a fantastic view! 

Dinner – Enjoy a meal in Trastevere

Beautiful street in Trastevere in Rome, Italy
Beautiful street in Trastevere in Rome, Italy
Pasta meal at Otello in Rome
Gnocchi at Otello in Rome!

In the evening, head on over to Trastevere, which is a 20-minute walk from Oro Bistrot. This is a beautiful, Bohemian neighborhood that’s famed for its medieval architecture and picturesque streets, so it’s a very atmospheric place to spend an evening in Rome. Before you have dinner, we suggest heading to the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria, which is open until 8:30 pm. 

Our favorite place to eat in Trastevere is Otello, which is a cozy and authentic trattoria. However, we also love Tonarello, and think that it offers some of the best pasta in Rome! 

Meanwhile, Bar San Calisto is perfect for lively al fresco dining, or if you feel like a lighter bite, stop into Trapizzino for one of their delicious half-sandwiches that have taken social media by storm! We’ve also had some fantastic meals at Nannarella, and trust us when we say that their tiramisu is very hard to beat. 

Unfortunately, none of these spots accept reservations but don’t be put off if there’s a long line out front. In our experience, the queues tend to move very quickly, so we’ve never had to wait for too long. 

Day 2 

Morning – Explore Rome

Daniel and Bailey at Trevi Fountain in Rome Italy
We got to see the famous Trevi Fountain!
The Spanish steps in Rome Italy
The Spanish Steps

This morning, it’s time to explore the heart of Rome. A lot of the city’s most famous attractions are very close to one another and easy to check out by yourself. With that said, we recommend booking a guided tour of the Pantheon if you can, as we learned so much more this way! 

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is probably the most famous fountain in the world, so it’s a must-see when in Rome! We made sure to bring some change with us, as it’s custom to throw some coins into the Trevi Fountain when you visit.

One coin means you’ll return to Rome, two means that you’ll find love here, and three means you’ll get married in the city. Plus, the change is collected weekly and given to a local charity, so it’s all for a good cause! 

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are just a 10-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, and they connect the Fountain of the Longboat at the bottom to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. These steps first became popular among tourists thanks to the 1953 film Roman Holiday, and they’ve been featured in several notable novels and TV shows. 

There are 135 steps to get to the top, and of course, we had to climb them! We’re glad we did because we were rewarded with a lovely view of Rome’s historic center.

One thing to note is that you cannot sit down on the Spanish Steps. If you do, you risk being fined up to €400! It’s just not worth it. 

Pantheon

Daniel at the Pantheon in Rome Italy
Outside of the Pantheon, it’s huge!
Pantheon internal in Rome Italy
How it looks on the inside

Next up on our itinerary is the Pantheon, aka one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. It was originally built as a temple dedicated to the Roman gods, and it’s still in use today as a Catholic church. 

The Pantheon is a 15-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, and you can either visit by yourself or book a tour. Entry costs €3 for adults aged 18 – 25, and €5 for those aged 26 and over. The first time we visited, we went by ourselves. However, we wanted to learn more, so the next time we visited Rome we booked this top-rated guided tour instead. And, happily, booking the 11 am time slot fits perfectly with this itinerary!

The tour was totally worth it because our guide, Franco, took us on a deep dive into Roman history. We learned about the story of Romulus and Remus and discovered so much about the Ancient Roman religion. This context really enriched our experience, so for history buffs like us, the €38 price tag is totally justified. After all, it’s not every day that you get to visit the Pantheon! 

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

Lunch – All’Antico Vinaio

A sandwich out the front of All'Antico Vinaio in Rome, Italy
How good does that look!?
Bailey with a sandwich at All'Antico Vinaio in Rome, Italy
Bailey was excited!

It just so happens that one of Rome’s most beloved sandwich shops is right near the Pantheon, so as far as we’re concerned, it simply makes sense to grab one for lunch today. Head to All’Antico Vinaio for one of the best sandwiches of your life – seriously I can’t stop thinking about it to this day!

The first All’Antico Vinaio was founded in Florence, but their Tuscan bread and fresh ingredients proved so popular that they now have shops in Milan, Rome, and even New York City! 

We were a little daunted by the long queues outside, but we decided to wait in line and we’re so glad that we did. These sandwiches are out of this world! There are a ton of choices, but I went for La Tricolore, which contains beef carpaccio, cream of pistachio, and stracciatella cheese. And yes, it was every bit as incredible as it sounds.

Afternoon – Enjoy Piazza Navona 

The church at Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
View of the fountain and church at Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
View of the fountain and church at Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

After a busy morning, nothing beats spending the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere in one of Rome’s most famous plazas – Piazza Navona. This beautiful Baroque square is home to three different fountains, and the Sant’Agnese in Agone Church, all of which are worth checking out. To be honest, though, our favorite thing to do here is to grab a coffee or an afternoon snack and just watch the world go by! 

Dinner – Learn to cook pasta and tiramisu

Bailey makes noodles during a cooking class in Rome Italy
Noodles-made-during-a-cooking-class-in-Rome-Italy
Noodles are so much fun to make by hand

It’s not really a trip to Italy unless you learn how to cook a few world-famous dishes, right?! We loved taking this cooking class with Chef Maria, as it let us dive into Rome’s delicious culinary culture and it was super fun! And with thousands of 5-star reviews, we aren’t the only ones who loved it. 

Chef Maria taught us to make the most delicious fettuccine and ravioli topped with butter and sage – completely from scratch! I’m not typically much of a cook, but I was impressed with the results. 

To top it off, we learned how to make tiramisu, which just so happens to be one of my favorite desserts! I was surprised by all the expert cooking tips Chef Maria taught us, which really took the flavor to the next level. It’s definitely a skill worth bragging about!

We finished the three-hour class by sitting down together to enjoy the feast, paired with a large glass of wine and some limoncello!

This class was a fantastic price at €79, which was way cheaper than we would have paid for this meal at a restaurant. To fit into this day’s schedule, you can book one of the afternoon or evening start times – there are multiple options from 3:30 to 7:30 pm!

Day 3 

Breakfast – Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922 

Bailey enjoys a coffee at Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922 in Rome, Italy
View of a coffee from Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922 in Rome, Italy
Such a cute spot!

We stopped at Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922 for coffee and breakfast before exploring the Campo de’ Fiori Market, but it was actually only afterward that we realized how historic it is! This restaurant has been here since 1922 and their Roman recipes have been handed down across 4 generations to date.

What’s even cooler is that this place was actually built on the ruins of the Theatre of Pompey, which was the first and largest permanent theatre that the Romans ever built. Pretty cool, right?

Morning – Campo de Fiori Market 

Campo de Fiori Market in Rome, Italy
Campo de Fiori Market in Rome, Italy
Campo de Fiori Market 
You can do some great shopping here!

The Campo de Fiori Market is the oldest market in Rome and without a doubt the cutest! We had so much fun shopping here, because there’s a huge range of products on offer, from fresh produce and juices to souvenirs, clothing, and so much more. And if you’re still hungry after breakfast, we definitely recommend heading to the Forno Campo de Fiori bakery to sample some freshly baked focaccia. 

The market is open from 7 am until 2 pm, every day except Sunday. If day 3 of your itinerary lands on a Sunday, you could always switch days 2 and 3 around to ensure that you don’t miss out on this iconic market.

Late morning – Castel Sant’Angelo 

Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy
Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy

Once you’ve had your fill of food and souvenirs, we recommend heading to Castel Sant’Angelo next. It’s a 15-minute walk from Campo de Fiori, and it’s another of Rome’s must-see landmarks. It was originally built as a mausoleum by Hadrian, but it later served as a fortress and papal residence. Just note that it’s closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. 

Thanks to its historic status and imposing structure, the lines for Castel Sant’ Angelo are notoriously long. However, we booked these skip-the-line tickets to save time and breezed straight past all of the queues! 

We downloaded a complimentary audio guide app on arrival and then we were free to enjoy the commentary as we explored the monument at our own pace.

We especially loved the rooftop terrace, as it offered sweeping views of Rome. The papal apartments and the ancient weapon collection were also super interesting. Bailey and I both agreed that we got so much more out of our visit thanks to the audio tour, so booking skip-the-line entry is definitely worth it. 

Lunch – Saltimbocca Ristorante 

Saltimbocca Ristorante is about a 10-minute walk from Castel Sant’Angelo, and we think it’s the perfect spot for lunch today! It’s possible to book a table online, although we didn’t have a reservation and were seated very quickly.

We both ordered pizzas and they were delicious, although we did look pretty enviously at our fellow diners’ pasta dishes. Our waiter also brought us a shot of cherry liqueur at the end, which finished off our meal perfectly. 

Afternoon – Tour the Vatican

Daniel poses for a photo at the Vatican in Rome, Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican!

I know, I know, by day 3 you’re probably very eager to visit Vatican City – but we saved the best for last! 

As one of Rome’s most popular areas, the lines can often be incredibly long. So to save some time, we booked this tour which included skip-the-line tickets to the top sights, such as the Sistine Chapel. This tour is so elite that we even got to bypass the “fast-track” lines!

We learned so much from our guide, Cosimo, as he took us around the Vatican Museum and told us all of its history. In addition to Cosimo’s commentary, we had headsets so we could learn even more. The highlights of the day were the guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and seeing the famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel with our own eyes! 

Visiting the Vatican was a total bucket-list activity, there’s a reason this tour has over 25,000 5-star reviews! Prices start at €79 but vary by date. 

You can book this tour as a private or shared tour and there are departure times every 30 minutes, so it can easily fit into your last day in Rome!

Sunset/Dinner – Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma 

Tapas at Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma 
Tapas at Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma 
Bailey enjoys sunset at Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma  with views of the Vatican
What a view!

If you ask us, there’s no better way to end a trip to Rome than by enjoying a sunset aperitif overlooking the Vatican. Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma rooftop bar offers amazing views of St. Peter’s dome, so watching the sunset here truly feels like something out of a movie.

This is a popular spot, so we strongly suggest that you reserve a table in advance. During the summer, it’s best to book for around 7:30 pm to enjoy the sunset here. We just checked the sunset time before we went and booked our table for 1.5 hours beforehand so that we had plenty of time to enjoy the entire spectacle. It was 100% worth it, because this place is absolutely amazing, and we can’t wait to go back.

Bookings cost €45 per person, and that includes one cocktail each as well as some snacks, such as olives and potato chips. Honestly, this was enough food for us, especially after a big lunch at Saltimbocca Ristorante, so we just got a gelato afterward to finish off our night. 

If you’re still hungry, though, you could always head to Rione XIV Bistrot nearby. It’s an authentic family-owned restaurant that’s only a 2-minute walk from the rooftop bar! 

Where to Stay in Rome

FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino
FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino

Now that you have the perfect 3-day Rome itinerary, it’s time to find a great hotel! We won’t lie, Rome is an expensive city … but there are still some good deals on hotels. We’ll share our picks for a variety of budgets, including the hotel we stayed at!

FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino – $$$

If you can afford to go all out on a hotel in Rome, the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino is luxurious with an unreal location! It’s literally around the corner from the Colosseum (5 min walk) and only 15-20 minutes to walk to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

The hotel itself is top quality with rooms that look brand new and have super comfy beds and fluffy pillows. The staff treats all the guests like royalty too!

Rooms here typically start around €200-€250 but more expensive suites and family rooms are available. Book a luxury getaway to Rome by reserving your room here!

Domus Maggiore – $$ (Where we stayed!)

We stayed at Domus Maggiore in Rome and highly recommend it! It’s a bit more of a walk from the main tourist area of Rome, but we didn’t mind that. It was still in a beautiful and safe part of the city in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.

One of the main perks we loved here was the fantastic breakfast. There’s a little cafe downstairs and as hotel guests, we received a free (and yummy!) meal every morning. We also loved having an espresso on our balcony, so our tip is to request a room with a balcony!

Rooms here generally start around €120 and can book up, so reserve in advance here.

B&B la piazzetta delle regine – $

For budget accommodations in Rome, B&B la piazzetta delle regine is a lovely little spot. This B&B is cozy and clean in a safe area of Rome near Sapienza University. It’s really close to a Metro station and a supermarket and restaurants.

Because it’s a B&B, there’s a delicious breakfast offered every day. Rooms have garden and inner courtyard views and all the rooms have private bathrooms.

Guests rave about this place and with rooms starting at only €70, it’s a fantastic deal! Limited rooms are available, so reserve one here.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey smile for a selfie in the colosseum of Rome Italy
Thanks for reading!

We thought three days was the perfect amount of time in Rome. It gave us a chance to see the top sights and also find some hidden gems! This itinerary includes it all, so just follow our recommendations and you’ll fall in love with Rome – just as we did.

Before you go, check out our other travel guides! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few more blogs that will be helpful as you plan your Roman holiday!

10 BEST Things to do in Rome, Italy

10 Best Things to do in Venice, Italy

10 BEST Things to do in Milan, Italy