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Rome 3 Day Itinerary – Highlights & Travel Tips
Written by: Kate Zusmann
Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, home to an unparalleled number of monuments, squares, churches, attractions, and artworks. While three days isn’t enough to see everything the city has to offer, it is sufficient to explore the main highlights if you plan your time well.
Things to Know Before Planning a 3-Day Visit to Rome
Here is the best itinerary for travellers who have only three days in Rome:
Day 1
- 06:30 – 07:00: Breakfast
- 07:00 – 09:00: Visit Piazza Venezia and Il Vittoriano
- 09:00 – 11:00: Explore Capitoline Hill and Capitoline Museums
- 11:00 – 12:30: Visit Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli and Roman Forum
- 12:30 – 14:30: Lunch
- 14:30 – 16:00: Tour the Colosseum
- 16:00 – 17:00: Explore Palatine Hill
- 17:00 – 18:00: Visit Circus Maximus
- 18:00 – 19:00: Visit Aventine Hill and Orange Garden
- 19:00 – 20:00: Dinner
- 20:00 – 21:00: Visit the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere
We recommend starting your first day in Rome directly from the city centre: Piazza Venezia. The most famous monument is dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, and is called Il Vittoriano. It is also referred to as the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria), made from white marble in 1911.
Inside, there is a military museum and terrace with views of Rome.
Moreover, the monument is known as “The Wedding Cake” or “The Giant Typewriter” and features statues, frescoes, columns, and majestic staircases. The monument was highly criticised for clashing with the existing architecture surrounding it. Additionally, to create such a massive building, the government destroyed many ruins, mediaeval churches, and properties on the northern part of Capitoline Hill.
Turn to the right, and you will see the large white staircase. So, it’s time to visit one of the 7 ancient hills of Rome: Capitoline Hill. Michelangelo designed the famous Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitoline Square), and today, you can find the most ancient museums in the world: the Capitoline Museums. If you like art and history or want to see the famous statue of the Capitoline Wolf, you should visit the Capitoline Museums!
On the same hill, you can visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, one of the most beautiful Roman basilicas from the 17th century. Then, go down from another side of the hill, and you will appear on the Via dei Fori Imperiali.
The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) was the centre of civic and economic life in Republican times and the Imperial period. The Via Sacra crossed the site, which led to Capitoline Hill and served as the route of the triumphal parades of victorious generals laden with loot and accompanied by rows of prisoners.
According to historians, people first began public meetings in the open-air Forum around 500 BC.
Now you are so close to the world-famous Colosseum, which is the symbol of Rome. The Colosseum was created around A.D. 70–72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. Later, in A.D. 80, Vespasian’s son Titus opened this massive construction for 100 days of games with gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights. At that time, the Colosseum was known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. People actively used it for four centuries, but in the 18th century, the arena became a source of building materials.
Right in front of the Colosseum is Palatine Hill. The significance of Palatine Hill is that the Roman Empire was founded there under the direction of Romulus. It is the site of the Lupercal Cave, where, according to the legend, Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf Lupa, who raised them. Now, it is a symbol of Rome.
If you want to go inside the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, you should buy tickets in advance. Read instructions on how to buy tickets here.
If you continue along the hill, you will come to Circus Maximus. The Circus Maximus (in Italian Circo Massimo) is the largest racetrack of ancient Rome, situated on the left bank of the Tiber River, between the Palatine and Aventine hills, near the centre of the modern city.
The next stop is the Aventine Hill, which is also one of the 7 ancient hills of Rome. The legend recounts that Romulus planned to build a city on Palatine Hill, and his brother Remus thought Aventine Hill was a better place to construct a city. According to the myth, the brothers’ disagreement led Romulus to kill Remus. Then, he started to build Rome on Palatine Hill. Moreover, he did not include the Aventine Hill inside the wall of the Ancient City.
The hill is presently an exquisite private part of Rome with a wealth of architectural interest, including palaces, churches, and gardens, such as the Basilica of Santa Sabina and the Rome Rose Garden.
The Aventine Hill is one of the best places to enjoy beautiful views of Rome while being away from the noise of the city centre.
The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is considered one of the most romantic places in Rome. It has one of the most beautiful observation decks with views of the Eternal City and the Vatican. Moreover, local street musicians usually accompany the romantic atmosphere. Do not be surprised if someone proposes to their significant other during your visit to this charming park. The Orange Garden is like a magnet to all couples and groups of friends who want to enjoy their time in such a wonderful atmosphere without being in a hurry. This place is perfect for visiting during the early morning or sunset.
- If you explore Rome at the weekend, then after the hill, we recommend visiting one of the city’s best farmers’ markets: Campagna Amica.
The next stop is the famous monument of the Mouth of Truth. An ancient image is carved in a round Pavonazzo marble (Italian: Marmo pavonazzetto) slab. The sombre face of an unknown god is set in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. The church is located on the left bank of the Tiber River, a contemporary area of ancient Roman buildings. Scholars believe the site is around 2,200 years old, and Romans are convinced it is impossible to lie under the stern gaze of the mask!
Now let’s return closer to Piazza Venezia, where along the way you’ll encounter a structure that resembles the Colosseum but is much smaller. The Theatre of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello) is a structure that Julius Caesar began constructing. It was completed by Augustus and dedicated to his beloved nephew Marcellus. The building is one of the ancient examples of entertainment venues that were significant for Romans.
From the Theatre of Marcellus begins the next stop: the Jewish Ghetto. The Jewish Ghetto is one of Rome’s most beautiful yet lesser-known attractions. The neighbourhood has a rich and complex history. It is full of boutique shops and kosher restaurants alongside historic buildings.
The Ghetto was established in 1555 in the Rione Sant’Angelo, in the southern part of Campo de’ Fiori. It was Pope Paul IV who ordered the creation of the neighbourhood. It was confined by a Papal Bull and accompanied by various discriminatory laws regulating which professions Jews could or could not undertake. One common profession was selling fish, so the old fish market was located in the Ghetto. Today, the area is known for having some of the highest property prices in Rome. Due to historical restrictions, many Jews became traders of clothing and financiers in the loan business.
It is time for a break. Trastevere is one of the best neighbourhoods in Rome to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and desserts. For recommendations, we suggest reading the article on the best restaurants in Trastevere.
- Note: During your time in Trastevere, make sure to visit the Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere and the scenic viewpoint on Janiculum Hill (Piazzale Garibaldi).
Day 2
- 06:30 – 07:00: Breakfast
- 07:00 – 09:00: Walk through Villa Borghese Gardens
- 09:00 – 10:30: Visit Borghese Gallery
- 10:30 – 11:00: Explore Piazza del Popolo
- 11:00 – 12:30: Tour Spanish Steps
- 12:30 – 14:30: Lunch
- 14:30 – 15:30: Visit Trevi Fountain
- 15:30 – 17:00: Explore Pantheon and Via del Corso
- 17:00 – 18:00: Visit Piazza Navona
- 18:00 – 19:00: Explore Campo de’ Fiori
- 19:00 – 20:00: Dinner
- 20:00 – 21:00: Visit Largo di Torre Argentina
While the first day was focused mainly on monuments from the Roman Empire, the second day is primarily dedicated to sites from the Renaissance and later periods. We’ll begin at the Villa Borghese gardens. If you’re interested in art and history, don’t miss the Borghese Gallery, home to one of the most impressive private art collections. Here you can admire masterpieces by Raphael, Bernini, Titian, and Caravaggio.
- Note: Tickets to the gallery must be booked in advance.
If you are not interested in art, I suggest walking around one of Rome’s most beautiful and largest parks, Villa Borghese. Right near the park is Piazza del Popolo. Piazza del Popolo is where foreigners entered the city during the Empire era. The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo is on the left side of the square. It was rebuilt by Baccio Pontelli and Andrea Bregno between 1472 and 1477. The church contains works by Caravaggio, Pinturicchio, Carracci, Raffaello, Bernini, and Bramante.
Then, it will take less than 10 minutes to reach the Spanish Square. Next, you will see the Spanish Steps, an iconic architectural feature, considered one of Rome’s top attractions. These broad Baroque steps attract thousands of visitors and are a source of inspiration for filmmakers and artists. Many luxury fashion houses such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, and Dior have boutiques nearby.
The next stop is one of the most beautiful fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain. Visitors come to admire its spectacular design and take part in a well-known tradition: turning their back to the fountain and tossing coins over their shoulder. By casting coins to the feet of the goddesses, visitors hope to receive their favour.
Often, visitors throw more than one coin to ensure a return to Rome and to find love. It is said that around €1,500 is collected daily from the Trevi Fountain – a contribution that adds up to over a million euros annually!
Now let’s visit one of the most famous buildings from ancient Rome, the Pantheon. On the way, you will pass one of Rome’s main shopping streets: Via del Corso.
- Note: We recommend staying in the Pantheon area as it is the most central and convenient. Read about the best hotels near the Pantheon.
The Pantheon was originally a temple dedicated to all Roman gods and symbolises the grandeur of the Roman Empire. It is believed to have been built around AD 126 on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC. Today, it stands on Piazza della Rotonda and remains one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome.
A ten-minute walk from the Pantheon brings you to the famous Piazza Navona. It is undoubtedly one of the most elegant squares and lively spots in Rome. In ancient times, the site was a stadium used for athletic contests, known as the “Circus Agonalis” or “competition arena.” Today, visitors can admire the grand Baroque fountains and historic churches that frame the piazza.
Feeling ready for a break? Just nearby is Campo de’ Fiori, a lively square filled with charming bars and restaurants – the perfect place to pause for a drink.
A daily market operates here, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers. By evening, Campo de’ Fiori transforms into one of Rome’s nightlife hotspots, popular for pre-dinner drinks, lively restaurants, and shisha bars. The square and surrounding streets come alive with energy and are also home to some of the city’s most famous gelaterias.
Near Campo de’ Fiori, more than 200 cats roam freely! It’s time to visit Largo di Torre Argentina, an ancient Roman site that now houses a cat sanctuary. This is also the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated.
From Largo Argentina, you can easily return to Trastevere – an excellent area for dinner.
Day 3
- 06:30 – 07:00: Breakfast
- 07:00 – 09:00: Visit St Peter’s Basilica
- 09:00 – 10:00: Climb St Peter’s Dome
- 10:00 – 11:30: Tour Vatican Museums
- 11:30 – 12:30: Visit Sistine Chapel
- 12:30 – 14:30: Lunch
- 14:30 – 15:30: Explore St Peter’s Square
- 15:30 – 17:00: Visit Castel Sant’Angelo
- 17:00 – 18:00: Walk across the Bridge of Angels
- 18:00 – 19:00: Free time for souvenirs or relaxing
- 19:00 – 20:00: Dinner
Of course, no visit to Rome is complete without seeing the Vatican. To make the most of your day, start early. The best time to arrive at St Peter’s Basilica is at 07:00, when it opens.
We also recommend you watch our video about visiting St Peter’s Basilica.
Moreover, climbing to the top of the cupola (dome) of Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the highlights of any Roman holiday, as it is the highest point in Rome, located within the Vatican territory. The dome opens at 07:30, and you must first pass through security at St Peter’s Basilica. After the security check, look to your right, where a sign will direct you to the ticket kiosk for the dome.
It typically takes 3–4 hours to visit Saint Peter’s Square, the basilica, and the dome. At the top, you can enjoy a break with coffee at the rooftop café. Afterwards, we continue to the renowned Vatican Museums!
The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) are among the most important Christian art museums in the world, located inside Vatican City. Over the centuries, popes assembled a vast and extraordinary collection that includes Roman sculptures and globally renowned Renaissance masterpieces.
The museums contain nearly 70,000 works of art, with around 20,000 pieces on display.
Entry to the Vatican Museums costs €17 (+€4 if booking online). It is highly recommended to plan ahead and book your tickets online, as queues are often very long. The museums employ around 640 people across 40 administrative, scholarly, and restoration departments.
The museum includes 54 galleries (sale), culminating in the Sistine Chapel, and is one of the largest museum complexes in the world.
- Note: Read more on how to buy tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
After the Vatican Museums, visit the Castel Sant’Angelo and the iconic Bridge of Angels. The Mausoleum of Hadrian, better known as Castel Sant’Angelo, boasts panoramic views and a dramatic history. Built during the early days of Christianity along the Tiber, this circular mausoleum later served as a refuge for emperors, a papal residence, fortress, prison, and eventually a museum and treasury.
According to legend, the Archangel Michael appeared above the mausoleum and sheathed his sword to signal the end of the plague in AD 590. This vision inspired the Pope to give the structure its current name.
If you have only 1 or 2 days in Rome, we recommend you watch this video on the top 30 must-see attractions in the city:
