Rome 3-Day Itinerary: How to Spend Three Days in Rome (By a Local!)

Need some help planning your Rome 3-day itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know about spending three days in Rome. From logistical tips like how to get around the city, where to stay, what to pack to insights on all the best places to visit in Rome in three days.

I’m originally from Milan, but spent some time living in Rome. As such, I have experienced Rome both as a tourist and as a local. I have included all my top tips and insights as a Rome local.

The Eternal City, capital of Italy, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and rightly so. The seat of ancient Rome, this city is imbued with history.

During three days in Rome you can explore the many ancient sites, discover the beautiful architecture, soak in the Roman vibe and taste all the delicious pasta dishes the local cuisine has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in an plan the perfect Rome 3-day itinerary!

Rome day 1 walking route map

Before we dive into the details of my Rome 3-day itinerary, I always like to include a map of what you will see on each day. So that you can see exactly how far places are from each other, and how long it takes to reach them.

As you can see below, the walking route for your first day in Rome takes just over an hour. Spread that across the full day, and you have yourself a great first day in Rome!

Rome itinerary: Day 1

There’s plenty of things that you could fit into a Rome itinerary for 3 days. 

Colosseum

The first place that you should head to, early in the morning on day one, has to be the Colosseum. Work on this ancient amphitheatre started all the way back in 72 AD, and was completed in 80 AD.

Over the years many additions have been made to the structure and enormous events like gladiator fights, animal battles, and even mock naval battles took place here. 

Visitors can choose from a range of different tickets – there’s even the option to do an after-hours night tour. Opening hours change depending on the season, but tickets are booked with allocated time slots. 

I’ve know I’ve said this before, but I can’t stress it enough. Make sure to purchase your entrance to the Colosseum online beforehand (preferably with skip-the-line privileges) or you’ll waste the whole day queueing.

When I lived in Rome I loved walking around the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and I was always shocked at the size of the long lines outside. Don’t be like them, book your tickets below!

Click here to book your Colosseum & Roman Forum skip the line entrance tickets!

Or check prices & availability below!

 

Roman Forum

Next, it’s time to stroll over to the Roman Forum. If you purchased a combined ticket to the Colosseum you’ll also have access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

The Roman Forum was where the ancient Roman government ruled. This is the place where trials would take place, as well as public addresses and gladiatorial fights.

Many important events occurred in the Forum over the centuries, and this was where Marc Antony delivered his legendary speech during Julius Caesar’s funeral: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears…” 

There’s a lot to see here including temples and shrines, so I recommend setting aside a couple of hours for exploring. Winter opening hours are 9AM to 4:30PM; spring and summer it closes at 8:30PM.

There’s also the option to reserve a guided tour, as opposed to just entrance tickets. That way you’ll have a knowledgeable local guide tell you more about the history that you’re seeing.

Click here to book your guided tour of the Colosseum & Roman Forum!

Altare della Patria

Next, your Rome 3-day itinerary takes you only a 5-minute walk from the Roman Forum to Piazza Venezia, where you can see the Altare della Patria (“Altar of the Fatherland”).

Although it dates back to 1885, it wasn’t completed until the 20th century.

Built in honour of the first king of a unified Italy, the large monument is steeped in symbolism. This is also the place where the tomb of the unknown soldier lies.

Over the years, the monument has been a controversial place with many Romans seeing it as ugly; they’ve even given it the nickname The Wedding Cake.

Nonetheless, it’s part of the history of the city and you can actually go inside and catch a great view of Rome from the upper tier. The monument is open from 9:30AM to 7:30PM; tickets cost €12 for adults.

Pantheon

After a 12-minute walk you will reach the Pantheon. This is totally a must see on a Rome in 3 days itinerary. This religious building originated as a temple that was built in 27 BC.

Today, amazingly still standing, it remains an impressive example of ancient architecture, with an iconic dome – the largest of its kind in the world. Best of all: entrance to the Pantheon is free!

It’s open from Monday to Saturday, 9AM to 7:15PM. 

Piazza Navona & Campo de’ Fiori

After seeing all of that history, make your way to the buzzing Piazza Navona. This is Rome’s most famous square and remains a busy place where locals and tourists spend time relaxing among the historic buildings.

Nearby is the historic piazza, Campo de Fiori (“Field of Flowers”), which, come evening, is a vibrant nightlife spot and a great place to stop off for an aperitivo. 

Terrazza del Gianicolo for sunset

Finish your first day in Rome perfectly by heading up the Janiculum Hill to the Terrazza del Gianicolo for a beautiful sunset. 

From here you get a beautiful view over the rooftops and domes of Rome. It’s a great place to sit, watch the sun go down and enjoy the Bella vita vibe.

Evening out in Trastevere

Terrazza del Gianicolo is very close to Trastevere, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Rome. Once the sun goes down, you can head over to Trastevere for a fun Roman evening.

Trastevere is known for its cobbled lanes, narrow streets and abundance of eateries. Here you’ll find loads of people, locals and tourists alike, enjoying the beautiful atmosphere that is Rome at night.

Head into one of the many trattorias, and enjoy a place of spaghetti carbonara! I ate at a trattoria in Trastevere called Cacio e Pepe, and loved it.

Rome day 2 walking route map

As you’ll see, there aren’t many stops on the itinerary of your second day in Rome. That’s because on day two you’ll be visiting the Vatican, and quite frankly, it takes ages to visit it properly.

Rome Itinerary: Day 2

Day two of your three days in Rome itinerary starts bright and early. You’re off to another country entirely! 

The Vatican

The Vatican, with its museums and world famous Sistine Chapel, are going to take more than a few hours to explore.

It takes at least half a day to explore all of the beautiful artwork and history of the Vatican, if not a full day of wandering the vast rooms and discovering its ancient history.

I know I sound like a broken record at this stage, but make sure you book your tickets in advance. It’s also a good idea to opt for a skip-the-line ticket, so you don’t waste time waiting in the queue.

There’s a long list of things to see here; from the central St. Peter’s Square with its ancient Egyptian obelisk, to the enormous collection of artwork on display at the Vatican Museums and, of course, Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling at the Sistine Chapel. 

Skip the line, and purchase your Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel entrance here!

Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!

 

Castel Sant’Angelo

After you’ve spent time marvelling at the incredible sights of the Vatican, it’s just a short walk to the Castel Sant’Angelo. This building started life in 134 AD as a mausoleum to Emperor Hadrian.

In later years it was used as a fortress and a castle; it’s even connected to the Papal Palace by a secret passage so the Pope could escape if any trouble arose!

Go inside to visit the museum here, and head up to the room for a beautiful view of Rome. Opening hours are 9AM to 7:30PM; tickets cost €12 for adults. 

Trevi Fountain

From the Castel Sant’Angelo, wander through the historic streets for about 20 minutes until you come across the Trevi Fountain.

The huge fountain was built between 1732 and 1762 and still stands today as an elaborate Baroque masterpiece, where it dominates the piazza.

It’s a super popular tourist site and will be busy with tourists no matter what time you visit. But don’t let that put you off!

Just enjoy the busy atmosphere and take your chance to toss your coins into the fountain and pretend you’re in the 1954 rom com, and popular travel movie, Three Coins in the Fountain.

Sunset from Ponte Umberto I

It’s time to wind up your busy day two of your three days in Rome by catching another amazing sunset. This time you’ll be making your way along the banks of the Tiber to watch the sunset from Ponte Umberto I.

Constructed between 1885 and 1895, the bridge is the work of architect Angelo Vescovali and was dedicated to Umberto I, King of Italy, from which it takes its name.

It’s possibly the most famous and photographed bridge in Rome. From here you can see the sun sink behind the Vatican, and the reflection of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica light up in the Tiber River is just magical.

Take your time watching the sun sink over the city, then head off to find somewhere suitably tasty for dinner.

Fairly close by you’ll find Osteria da Fortunata, one of the best restaurants in Rome, where you can eat delicious handmade pasta.

Rome day 3 walking route map

As you’ll see, also your final day in Rome isn’t super packed.

That’s because you’ve already seen all the major attractions, so on this final day I wanted to give you some free time to add in any extras you might want to explore.

Rome itinerary: Day 3

Seeing everything in Rome in 3 days isn’t possible, but having seen most of the key sights during the first two days, day three allows you some extra time to explore at your leisure and tick off the missing must-see sights. 

Villa Borghese & Terrazza del Pincio

The day begins with a visit to the opulent Villa Borghese, its gardens, and the Terrazza del Pincio. The Villa Borgese was built in the 17th-century by Scipione Borghese in the style of an ancient Roman villa.

Scipione was a keen art collector and his enormous collection of masterpieces is still on display today at the Borghese Gallery.

Tickets to the gallery cost €13. The surrounding Villa Borghese gardens are open to the public free of charge; spend some time taking a pleasant walk around the meandering pathways alongside fountains and statues. 

Since it’s located on the slopes of the Pincio Hill, the manicured gardens offer some fantastic city views from Terrazza del Pincio.

Stop here to take in views of the Piazza del Popolo below, St. Peter’s Basilica, and further afield. 

Via del Corso

As you’ve got ample time to enjoy the city sights, there’s the chance to make your way to Via del Corso for a spot of shopping. This main street was used as a racetrack during Rome’s Carnival in the 15th century.

It was here where horses would run the course called Corsa dei Barberi.

The street takes its name from the horse racing, but today is a busy shopping hub where you can shop high-end brands, discover boutique shops, and stop off for coffee in one of the eateries along the way.

On weekends it becomes a pedestrianised street from 2PM to 6PM.

Piazza di Spagna

Once you have enjoyed a bit of retail therapy, it’s time to soak up a bit more history. This time you’ll make your way to the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous squares in the city.

Piazza di Spagna, or “Spanish Square”, is where you’ll find the equally as famous Spanish Steps. 

This is a busy city site with plenty to see and do in the area, and the square itself is edged by historic buildings with elaborate facades.

At the centre you’ll find the famous Baroque Fontana della Barcaccia, created by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 

Right on the corner of the Spanish Steps is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, a popular destination for literary fans to see the home of English poet John Keats alongside many items from notable writers. 

Trinità dei Monti

From here, head up the Spanish Steps to Trinità dei Monti. This 16th-century Gothic building overlooks all of the action in the square.

Make your way inside to see some examples of famous religious artwork and a gilded altar. There’s free entry, and the opening hours are 10AM to 8PM.

Learn more about the local cuisine!

By now, the sun will be starting to set. It’s coming to the end of your three days in Rome, and what better way to spend your last evening in the Eternal City than seeing the sunset while sipping on an aperitivo from a rooftop. 

There’s plenty of places to choose from, some of my personal favourites are Up Sunset Bar, the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Minerva and the AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari.

All offer fairly well priced drinks (considering you’re sat on a rooftop in Rome), delicious nibbles as aperitivo and stunning views over Rome.

Or, if you want to keep on exploring the long list of never-ending sights, you could book yourself on an evening food tour.

This tour will lead you around the Prati district’s hottest eateries where you can sample some delicious local cuisine. 

Click here to book a food tour for your final evening in Rome!

Or how about becoming a chef yourself and learning how to make authentic pasta at a cooking class? That’s a pretty cool souvenir to bring home!

Click here to book your cooking class in Rome!

 

Logistical tips for three days in Rome

Now that we’ve looked at my step-by-step detailed Rome itinerary, I want to give you some logistical information to help you plan your time in Rome.

How to get to Rome

If you’re travelling from abroad, you can fly into one of the two main airports in Rome, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport – Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA).

From there you can then take either a train or bus into central Rome.

Trains can be booked online beforehand on the Italian rail website; Trenitalia, or directly at the station from the kiosk. Bus tickets can be bought directly at the bus, or online beforehand. 

Personally, I always suggest booking your airport transfer beforehand, especially if you’re visiting in busy season, as they can get full pretty quickly, and if you miss it you then have to wait for the next one.

You’re only in Rome for three days, so you want to make the most of them! Not waste time waiting around before you even get into the city. You can book your airport bus transfers below.

Shuttle bus transfer to/from Fiumicino Airport

Shuttle bus transfer to/from Ciampino Airport

Private transfer to either Ciampino or Fiumicino Airport

If you’re travelling from somewhere else in Italy, I personally recommend taking the train. It obviously depends where in Italy you’re travelling from, but the train is usually comfier and quicker than flying.

For example, if you’re travelling from Milan, the flight might be only 1 hour vs almost 4 hours by train, but train travel doesn’t require you to get to the train station hours before.

Plus the train stations in Milan and Rome are right in the centre of the city, so you don’t have to waste time travelling out from the airport. If you add up total travel time, the train works out cheaper.

For long distances, make sure to book trains online beforehand, so that you can ensure you have a seat for the journey.

How to get around Rome for three days

Rome is pretty big city, but when it comes to the main attractions and historical sights, these are all located fairly close to each other in the city centre, within walking distance.

I’m a big fan of walking as a mode of transport when I travel, as it allows you to see the side streets and true vibe of a city, way more than you would just driving from one attraction to the next.

I planned this Rome 3-day itinerary by area, so that you can see all the attractions in one part of Rome on foot one day, and then travel to a different part of Rome the second day and explore that area on foot.

That way you optimise your walking route, so that you don’t end up marching back and forth all over the city. If you don’t fancy walking for too long, don’t worry, as Rome offers plenty of other transport options.

My personal favourite way to get around Rome is to use e-scooters, such as Lime. I lived in Rome for months and used them all the time. You’ll find loads parked all over the city centre and they’re great for short distances.

Just watch out for Rome’s cobbled lanes – you’ll be in for a pretty bumpy ride if you take a scooter along one of these!

If you can drive a motorbike, there is also a scooter sharing service called eCooltra, which is a more “serious” way to get around, and you can also go further than with e-scooters.

Just check your destination on the eCooltra app before driving there, as you can’t park them everywhere.

Rome’s also has a good public transport system, which takes you pretty everywhere around the city. You’ll also find taxis parked all over central Rome.

Best tours for 3 days in Rome

I refer to these as tours, as you can buy them on GetYourGuide (my favourite online tour booking platform, since it offers free cancellation up until 24 hours before), but they’re not technically tours (not all of them at least).

They’re entrance tickets to the main attractions in Rome, and if you’re planning on going inside any of the famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City or Roman Forum, you’ll need them.

I can’t stress enough just how much you need to book skip-the-queue tickets online beforehand. Rome features on everyone’s Italy itinerary or Italy bucket list, and as such, it’s incredibly busy.

Regardless of whether you visit Rome in winter or summer, the famous sights will always have a queue. If you want to avoid wasting your three days in Rome, I suggest booking online the tickets listed below.

Check out these popular Rome tours!

 

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry – This is your priority entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, so that you can skip the giant queue outside.

Skip the line, and purchase your Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel entrance here!

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel: Tour – Personally, I would go beyond the skip-the-line entrance and choose a guided tour, as having a local guide explain to you what you’re seeing is key to understanding this unique place.

Click here to book your Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel tour!

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Priority Tickets – You don’t want to spend hours queueing under the sun, so make sure to purchase priority tickets to the Colosseum!

Click here to book your Colosseum tickets and skip the line!

Besides entrance tickets to the main attractions, there are also many fun tours to discover the city. Even is Rome is a fairly easy city to wander around on foot and discover alone, tours can help you make the most of it.

Rome can be very chaotic and touristy, with local vendors trying to attract you into generic tourist traps.

If you want to relax during your three days in Rome, and have someone else take care of the planning hassle, plus have a local guide teach you about the beauties of Rome, here are some of the most popular Rome tours.

Rome: Street Food Tour with Local Guide – Italians take food very seriously, and the best way to discover true Roman cuisine is with a local!

Check out prices and availability for a Rome street food tour here!

Rome Highlights Vespa Tour with Coffee & Gelato – Is there a more iconic way to discover Rome than with a Vespa scooter? This tour takes you to all the must-see sights in Rome, and is a great way to discover the city.

Click here to book your tour of Rome highlights with a vespa scooter!

Rome City Centre Highlights Tour by E-Bike – If scooters aren’t your thing, worry not, as you can also join this popular bike tour to discover Rome.

Click here to book your tour of Rome by e-bike!

Colosseum by Night Tour with Underground & Arena Floor Tour – Another cool way to avoid the crowds at the Colosseum is to visit it by night! This unique tour is one of the most popular Rome by night tours.

Check out prices and availability for a night tour of the Colosseum here!

Where to stay for three days in Rome

Choosing the best place to stay in Rome can be challenging. Personally I would opt for a hotel near the Colosseum, or near the Pantheon, so that you’re super central and close to all the main attractions of Rome.

Having lived in Rome on and off, I tried my fair share of apartment rentals in Rome, and can confidently suggest some over others. I listed below some cool places to stay for every budget.

Budget: YellowSquare Rome – If you’re looking for a budget Rome hostel in a great position, with clean and modern dorms and a lovely social atmosphere, this is the place!

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at YellowSquare Rome!

Mid-range: Albergo Abruzzi – This lovely boutique hotel in Rome is perfect if you want something nice that won’t break the bank. Located right next to the Pantheon, it’s in a winning position.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Albergo Abruzzi!

Luxury: Giallo Colosseo – If your Italy trip budget allows for it, this is a great place to treat yourself. From this apartment you get amazing Colosseum views directly from your bed, what more can you ask for?!

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Giallo Colosseo here!

Best time to visit Rome

In my opinion, you could visit Rome at any time of the year and have a great time. Being a city, pretty much all the attractions and main sights are visible every month, regardless of the season.

That said, there are some seasons which will make your three days in Rome more pleasant. I have visited and lived in Rome at all times of year, and spring in Rome is by far my favourite time of year.

The days are getting warmer and longer, the flowers are blooming, and Rome isn’t inundated by tourists like in summer. If you visit Italy in summer, I wouldn’t personally go to Rome, as it gets extremely hot.

I also really like Rome in winter, as the weather is milder than other places in Italy in winter, and you can do pretty much everything you would do in spring or summer, with marginally smaller tourist crowds.

Plus, if you’re planning a Christmas trip to Italy, Rome is a wonderful place at that time of the year. Think Christmas lights, trees and decorations everywhere!

Are three days in Rome enough? (Or too much?)

If you’re reading this article you’re probably set on spending three days in Rome. But are three days enough to discover Rome? Some locals would argue that no amount of time is every enough to properly visit a city.

I lived in Rome for months and still didn’t see it all. That said, if you’ve got a longer Italy itinerary planned, you probably need to limit how much time you spend in Rome, before heading off to the rest of to your next stop.

Having both lived in Rome and visited it as a tourist, I have a fairly good idea of how many days you need to visit Rome.

When I see people suggesting Rome 1-day itineraries I cringe, as it’s simply not enough time to discover the Eternal City. Two days in Rome is the bare minimum to see all the main sights without rushing.

I always suggest three days in Rome, or a long weekend, as it gives you plenty of time to see all the main sights, without having to run all over the city, and with a bit more free time to relax and soak in the Roman vibe.

While two days might be enough, I recommend three days so that you can properly enjoy your time in the Italian capital.

Do you need travel insurance for three days in Rome?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance for Italy with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

What to pack for three days in Rome

Being a city with loads of shops, as well as a super popular tourist destination, there isn’t really much you need to bring to Rome. If you forget anything, you can just buy it there.

That said, beyond the usual travel essentials and whatever is on your Italy packing list, here are some things I recommend you don’t forget.

Camera – Given how stunning Rome is, and all those amazing Rome Instagram spots, you want to make sure you capture it in all its beauty!

Reusable water bottle – If you follow this Rome 3-day itinerary exactly, you’ll end up walking loads, so make sure to stay hydrated! You can just refill it at the many free water fountains around Rome.

Walking shoes – Given how much you will be walking, make sure you have comfortable shoes!

International adapter – You can buy it in Rome if you forget it, but it’s always a pain having to head out to search for one with your phone battery dying on you.

Power bank – Regardless of if you have a charger or not, it’s always handy to bring one of these, so whether you need your phone for photos or mapping your way, you know it won’t abandon you when you most need it!

Final thoughts on the best 3-day Rome itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Rome 3-day itinerary! Have you been to Rome before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Whether it’s your first visit to Rome, or you’re a regular visitor, Rome is city that will always fascinate you. Seeing the relics of the Roman empire and ancient Romans out in the streets is simply magical.

Walking down streets that were built thousands of years ago is a feeling like no other. But Rome isn’t something I can describe to you, you have to live it for yourself for the best experience.

As a famous Italian quote says; “For someone who has never seen Rome, it is hard to believe how beautiful life can be.”

Some travellers base themselves in Rome, and from there then go on a day trip to Pompeii or even Capri, but I wouldn’t recommend that. Amalfi Coast is quite far, so stay in Amalfi Coast instead, so that you can properly experience Positano, hike the Path of the Gods, go on boat trips and more! and its beautiful surroundings.

With this Rome itinerary I wanted to pass on all my local knowledge about Rome, so that you can plan the perfect three days. I hope I have achieved that! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Check out my Rome in 3 days web story here!

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