3 days are definitely not enough to see Rome, but we know, as most travelers, you will probably spend this amount of time in the city, before you move to other Italian destinations. We’re pretty sure you’ll realize how short 3 days feel in Rome.. and you’ll be back (we know you will, Rome is addictive!) 😛
In the meantime here is an itinerary for your first 3 days in Rome 🙂
We designed this 3-day itinerary having in mind a good balance of obvious landmarks and less-crowded strolls, which would not make your trip exhausting. We too often see travelers over planning major landmarks all together, without leaving themselves some time to enjoy the local and more authentic vibe of the city.
Remember that the local life does not happen in a queue for a major attraction, but in the little backstreets, by the local deli or cafeteria and along other little hidden gems that amaze even the locals. We have all of this covered 😉
See this itinerary as if it was made of “blocks” that you can swap with each other (eg. morning and afternoon blocks) according to your preference/schedule.
There are of course endless combinations of itineraries when visiting Rome. But this is the 3-day itinerary we would recommend to our best friend 🙂
Rome 3-day itinerary (1st-time Rome)
DAY 1
We assume this could be the day you arrive/land into Rome, and that there could be some jet-lag kicking in. On your first day we’ll take it easy, we’ll be outdoors and we’ll start by getting to know the local vibe and general context of Rome.
You might be tired for your flight, or for changing hotels, so we don’t recommend visiting major sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican on your first day. These landmarks are so crowded and demanding to visit (they require at least 3 hrs to visit each of them) that you wouldn’t enjoy them to the fullest if you are not rested. So we’ll keep those for the following days.
Morning ☕️
Super local street food tour with breakfast in Monteverde
If you are already available in the morning (because you arrived in Rome the night before), a good idea would be to start with a food tour. Why?
Food gives you a lot of context about the local culture and way of life, plus, you’ll learn right away how to recognize the best food for the rest of your trip.
Rome keeps being awarded the best food destination in the world, however you could still fall into tourists traps without even realizing it. That is why we chose Monteverde for this food tour. A truly local neighborhood, still unexplored by tourists.
This food tour starts at 10AM with the typical Roman breakfast, coffee or cappuccino with maritozzo (a gorgeous sweet bun with whipped cream). This is how a good day starts in Rome 😜 then you’ll move to the local market and see how the Romans choose their groceries and fresh ingredients from their trusted market stand.
Do you know the difference between Pecorino cheese and Parmesan? You’ll taste these and more specialties of the Roman countryside at the local deli. And what about pizza?
We don’t only have round pizza in Rome. We also have the pizza rossa, the street food that kids bring to school and eat during the morning break (and adults too! 😜). This is something that you wouldn’t probably try on your own, because it looks so simple and plain. But it is actually totally worth it and a must to try in Rome.
The tour ends with a beautiful gelato, made with fresh and seasonal ingredients (and you’ll learn how to recognize the REAL gelato on your own too) 😉
This is an easy start, you’ll end the tour at 12PM and you won’t need to have lunch, because you’ll be full already. You can decide to take a little nap, if your accommodation is centrally located, and then keep exploring in the afternoon.
Afternoon 🍝
Centro Storico (the historical center of Rome)
After a little rest, or right after the food tour, head down to the historic center.
This is the area where the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are located, therefore a must-see. Why is this area called “historic center” (since everything in Rome is “historic”)?
It is because this area of Rome (as well as Trastevere) has been uninterruptedly inhabited since ancient Roman times until today. It has never been abandoned. This means that here you’ll find all the “layers” of the “lasagna of history” that Rome is!
That is why this area of Rome is so important to visit to have a general introduction and understanding of the city.
The great thing about this area is that it is beautiful and that there is an interesting story to tell every few steps!
You might want to make the most of this area with our “Pantheon and City Center’s Hidden gems tour“. This tour starts at 3PM. This tour is great for both first-time visitors and seasoned Rome travelers, because it includes must-see highlights (such as Pantheon and Piazza Navona) and all the hidden gems woven around them.
This tour is great for kids too 😊 Kids love it because during this tour we change location very often (they have no time to get bored 😜), because we make it interactive and because of the nature of things we see (optical illusions, statues of animals and more).
Evening 🍸
Trevi fountain and Spanish steps
After the sun sets down, head to the Trevi fountain. This monumental and iconic fountain is an absolute must for your Rome itinerary.
However this will be one of the most crowded places of your Rome trip. Our advice is to enjoy and spend some time at the fountain in the evening (the later, the less crowded). This doesn’t mean you’ll be the only one there, but at least it won’t be as packed as during the day.
While the Trevi fountain is beautiful during the day, it really becomes magical and romantic at night time, as everything else in Rome. Totally worth staying up a little longer in the evening to enjoy the night atmosphere 😉
After the Trevi fountain, head down to the glamorous Spanish steps, only a few minutes walk away. This is another must-see that is packed of crowds during the day, but that feels so magical at night.
Your day has come to an end. It’s been very filling, so now you can go to bed with a happy heart and get ready for tomorrow.
DAY 2
Today we assume you’ll be a little more rested then yesterday and so we’ll make some time for one of the main landmarks of Rome: the Colosseum. However, we’ll start the day easy, because we believe you should try to avoid mixing two touristy and crowded places on the same day (when possible). We don’t want you to arrive at the Colosseum already tired of the crowds. And so we’ll start the day with a really off-the-beaten track experience.
Morning ☕️
Hidden gems of Trastevere tour
If you ask the Romans about one place they’d recommend visiting to breathe the authentic vibe of Rome, most people will answer the side of Trastevere “of Santa Cecilia and San Francesco a Ripa” (the two main churches in this neighborhood).
You might have heard of Trastevere before, however most travel guides will take you to the Trastevere “of Santa Maria in Trastevere” (the main church of that area), which is always very crowded and quite touristy.
Our Hidden Gems of Trastevere tour will take you to the first one. This area feels like a village, there are no crowds, even during high tourist season. Sometimes on the weekend you can walk past some groups of Roman visitors (the Romans take tours of this area too!), but nothing more than that.
It is a relaxing stroll through the picturesque alleys of Trastevere while you casually discover hidden treasures inside churches, underground ancient Roman ruins and incredible urban legends which continue living by word-of-mouth after generations. From Trastevere we’ll cross the bridge and get to the Tiber island (did you know that today those born on this island can claim to be true Romans?!). After the island we’ll end up in what we call Jewish ghetto, one of the most picturesque areas of Rome.. and also one of the most expensive places to live in the city!
This is such a unique experience which does not feel touristy at all. We can proudly say that this tour is a hidden gem itself 🧡
Afternoon 🍝
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine hill
We suggest doing the Colosseum in the afternoon, for one specific reason. The Colosseum during its last opening hour is one of the best things.
The Colosseum will always be crowded and the opening hours correspond to the hottest times of the day (if you’re visiting in the Summer).
We found that the best plan is:
- Visit the Palatine hill first: (because of the hike, do it as first thing, while you’re still fresh) visit the House of Augustus, the huts of Romulus and the beautiful panoramic terrace (best views ever!)
- Then walk down to the Roman Forum: must-see items are Arch of Titus, Temple of Antonino Pio, Temple of Romulus, Temple of Caesar, the “square” of the forum, Curia Iulia
- Leave the last 1.5hrs for the Colosseum. If you get to the entrance about 2 hrs/1.5hrs before closing time, you will get way less crowds and a beautiful sunset light that will make the views even more spectacular. Tickets to the Colosseum have a timed entrance, so make sure you have the right entry time if you decide to follow this order of visit
We offer Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine hill tours in tiny, intimate groups of no more than 6 people. The Colosseum can be an intense and crowded location, and we believe is best enjoyed in the smallest group possible 🙂 You can find details of this tour here.
Evening 🍸
Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori by night
One thing that we as locals like to do after dinner is to take a “passeggiata”, a carefree stroll, around Piazza Navona. You’ve been here already on your first day, but Piazza Navona is something that you should experience also at night.
Rome at night is like that beautiful woman that dresses up for the party and turns everyone’s heads when she walks in the room.
From Piazza Navona, take a few minutes walk towards Campo de’ Fiori. This square hosts one of the most ancient markets of the city in the morning, to then become a lively nightlife destination after sunset. You do not have clubs in Campo de’ Fiori, but bars only.
Look around you. Have you noticed this is the only square of Rome which has no church? In fact this is where public executions for heresies took place, when Rome was under the control of the Pope. And the man of the statue in the middle of the square is Giordano Bruno, one of those who was put at stake right here..
DAY 3
Morning ☕️
Vatican (St Peter’s basilica and Vatican Museums)
This morning we start with the smallest state in the world, with fewer than 1,000 residents and an area of only 49 hectares (120 acres): the Vatican.
There are two things in the Vatican that you would want to see: St Peter’s basilica and the Vatican Museums.
You can either access St Peter’s basilica only (absolute must in our opinion), or visit both the Vatican Museums and the basilica. The Sistine chapel can be seen when visiting the Vatican museums.
Visiting both the basilica and the museums will take you about 3-4 hours. Be aware this is going to be one of the most crowded experiences you will have in Rome.
Afternoon 🍝
Underground the Trevi fountain or shopping time
In the afternoon, after lunch, we have two options.
You can either dedicate your time to resting or shopping (either in the Monti district for artisan and independent shops, or in the streets around via del Corso and via Condotti for low end and high end brands shopping.
Or you could decide to explore during the day the area of the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain with a shorter tour (2hrs) called the Underground Trevi fountain tour, which starts at 3PM.
The tour starts in Piazza di Spagna and follows the route of an ancient Roman aqueduct which still functions today since 19BC!
In fact that is the very aqueduct that still today provides the water to the Trevi fountain and other famous fountains of Rome. This aqueduct is underground for the most part, that’s why you can’t see it overground. But during this tour you’ll get to go underground on a couple of occasions (where you least expect it!) and get to see the ruins of the aqueduct and water flowing through it!
Evening 🍸
Capitoline hill
It’s your last evening and you might want to end your Rome trip with something special. Consider enjoying the last sunset you have in Rome with a short walking tour (only 1.5hrs) at sunset time on one of the most panoramic hills in the city center: the Capitoline hill.
During this short tour the views are so beautiful and romantic that we even had wedding proposals from time to time! 😍
This walking itinerary covers the Capitoline hill, loads of fun facts and hidden gems about ancient Rome, Michelangelo’s architectures and spectacular views over the forums and the ancient Roman skyline.
What a better ending to your Rome trip!
PREVIOUS 3 DAY ITINERARY (WITH MAP) article
Planning a 3 days quick trip to Rome? Are you wondering what to squeeze in a 3 days itinerary in Rome? This city deserves a much longer stay, as there are so many things to see and do in Rome.
But sometimes time is limited and you might have to squeeze in as much as possible in a few days.
Luckily Rome is quite a walkable city for tourists, so in a short time, even 3 days, there is so much that you’ll be able to see.
But now let’s get started! We’ll now see a suggested 3-day Rome itinerary made of a mix of the top must-sees with some really cool hidden gems.
It will be a Rome itinerary that will give you a good balance between the unmissable, but crowded, icons of Rome and the lesser known and quiet spots.
Let’s go! Andiamo! 😊
Skip to what you want to read:
Rome in 3 days – our 3 days in Rome itinerary
DAY 1 of the 3-day Rome Itinerary
Morning ☕️
A good day starts with a good breakfast.
So let’s head down to a bar near your hotel or B&B to have a typical Italian breakfast, which consists of cornetto and cappuccino.
If you want to try something even more traditional (and treat yourself even more!) try cappuccino with maritozzo, a sweet bun filled with fresh whipped cream.. Just like a dream!
After filling up your stomach and soul, let’s start the first day of your 3-day Rome itinerary with the icon of Rome: the Colosseum!
The Colosseum
What was the Colosseum? It was the equivalent of a modern stadium today. With the difference that in this ancient stadium, instead of football matches and concerts, there were way more violent and cruel shows.
Different kinds of shows used to take place in the Colosseum:
- the venationes: the fights between animals (lions, panthers, tigers, ..)
- capital executions of criminals through the use of wild animals
- and most of all, of course, the gladiator fights, who were the real stars of the Colosseum, more or less the equivalent of football players today
Some authors also talk about naumachia shows, which were naval battles that took place inside the Colosseum filled up with water!
The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill
After you visited the Colosseum, which will take you about 1.5 to 2 hours, it is an absolute must to explore the Roman Forum and the Palatine hill.
While the Colosseum used to be a venue for special events and entertainment, the Roman Forum used to be the heart of the everyday life for the Ancient Romans.
The Forum in Ancient Rome was the equivalent of a modern city square today. A square with a lot of important buildings around it, such as the senate building, the courthouse, the market and the temples.
The Roman Forum was the first city square to be built in Rome, and after that 5 more forums were built.
But the Roman Forum still kept its charm for the Romans, as it was considered to be, already back then, the historical center of the city.
In fact you need to imagine that when the last forum was built in Rome (Forum of Trajan in the 2nd century) the Roman Forum was already 700 years old! This means that for the Ancient Roman people the Roman forum was already.. Ancient!
The Roman Forum was the downtown of the ancient city of Rome.
But where did the ancient Roman emperors live? On the Palatine hill, which is right inside the same archaeological park!
When you walk uphill and you start feeling tired from all the walking, you might be wondering “is this really going to be worth it?”. When you’ll ask yourself this question, remember this answer: “YES, absolutely and totally worth it!! Don’t even think about skipping this part!” 😜
On top of the Palatine hill you’ll find some incredible highlights:
- The incredible panoramic views over the Roman Forum and the rest of Rome. Honestly, one of the best views EVER!
- The ruins of the huts of Romulus, the founder of Rome. This is the very spot where the city of Rome was founded over 2700 years ago!
- The house of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. This has just recently been reopened to the public after the pandemic and it is one of the most beautiful things my eyes have ever seen in Rome. I wrote this quick and easy article about it (with pics included). Have a look so that you can get an idea of the mind-blowingness! (does this word even exist?!?)
- The imperial palace of Domitian and its ridiculously huge rooms, including floor heating in the emperor’s winter dining room. So lush!
Afternoon 🍝
The Monti district
We’re hungry now, aren’t we? Let’s head down to the relaxing district of Monti, just a few steps away from the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum.
In Monti you’ll find loads of photogenic views and one of the most typical neighborhoods of Rome. Monti is less touristy than other areas of central Rome, such as Piazza Navona and Trastevere.
This district is full of hipster bars and restaurants which make it one of the coolest places to be in Rome among the locals.
Which is ironic, considering that in Ancient Rome it was totally the opposite! In Ancient Rome in fact, Monti used to be called “Suburra”, (which means “area below the city”). It used to be an area of Rome where wooden and fragile houses were often going on fire.
Here in Monti you’ll find loads of restaurants for your lunch.
To visit Monti you can follow our Monti district itinerary included in our Off-the-beaten-path Video guide of Rome.
The itinerary starts from via dei Fori Imperiali (where you finished your Roman Forum and Palatine hill tour) and ends in Piazza Vittorio. This video guided itinerary includes loads of photogenic corners, mind blowing ancient mosaics, a Michelangelo statue, a really cool bar.. And gelato!
Evening 🍸
Trevi fountain and Spanish steps
After the sun sets down, head to the Trevi fountain. This monumental and iconic fountain is an absolute must for your Rome itinerary. Even though you’ll always find it super crowded with tourists. If you really want to see the Trevi fountain without the crowds you have to get there at sunrise. While the Trevi fountain is beautiful during the day, it really becomes magical at night time. The light reflections of the water over the white travertine stone are just wow!
Toss a coin giving your back to the fountain and make a wish!
Remember: right hand toss the coin over the right shoulder. And do not say your wish out loud to anyone, or it won’t become true. These are the essentials for the Trevi fountain to work for your wishes 😜
After the Trevi fountain, head down to the glamorous Spanish steps, only a few minutes walk away.
Your day has come to an end. It’s been very filling, so now you can go to bed with a happy heart and get ready for tomorrow.
DAY 2 of the 3-day Rome itinerary
Morning ☕️
Vatican
The second must-see for your 3-day Rome itinerary.. It is not in Rome!
Well, geographically it is located inside the city of Rome, but we’re actually going to enter another state! No passports needed, we’re going to the Vatican!
The Vatican is the smallest state in the world, with fewer than 1,000 residents and an area of only 49 hectares (120 acres).
Visitors can only access the St Peter basilica area and the Vatican Museums, which have direct access from the city of Rome.
This means that you can enter the Vatican museums right from the walls dividing the city of Rome from the Vatican city, without having to show passports and comply with the usual procedures when crossing a country border.
The Vatican Museums are a group of museums which include some of the most incredible art collections in the world. From ancient Roman Ruins to Egyptian mummies, Renaissance paintings, Raphael and Michelangelo’s frescoes.
There’s now words to describe the wealth that the Pope collected for centuries into this series of museums.
When you access the Vatican museums you’ll also get to enter the Sistine chapel.
The Sistine chapel is a consecrated chapel where important liturgical celebrations take place. It is also the place where the conclave, the Popes’ election, takes place.
The Sistine chapel eventually became also a wonderful cradle of Renaissance art.
The chapel is world-renowned mostly for Michelangelo’s vault and Last Judgement. But Michelangelo was not the only artist that worked there. In fact, for the wall paintings on the sides there has been a real dream team of the greatest artists from the 1400s. They were: Pietro Perugino, Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli, Pinturicchio.
Read also>> Interesting facts about the Sistine chapel you should know before you go
The tour in the Vatican museums and Sistine chapel usually ends inside the St Peter basilica.
You can do all of this in one morning. Because of the incredible quantity of things to see in the Vatican Museums, a tour guide is totally recommended.
Another thing: the Vatican Museums will be VERY crowded. But this should not refrain you from visiting, this is an absolute must-see and it’s crowded for good reasons.
However there is a way to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine chapel without the crowds..
Afternoon 🍝
Centro Storico (the historical center of Rome)
After spending the morning indoors, you might want to spend the rest of your day outdoors. Let’s take a nice spontaneous stroll through the Centro Storico, the historical center of the city.
Get some lunch and some rest. Then head down to the beautiful Piazza Navona. From here you’ll start the Hidden Gems of the Historical Center of Rome itinerary included in our Video Guide. We also have a guided tour of the Historical center (small groups or private) which takes you right to these very places.
Even though this itinerary contains a lot of hidden gems, we’ll still walk through some of the most iconic Rome landmarks, such as Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.
From Piazza Navona, you’ll set on a journey through baroque wonders, Roman espresso coffee, incredible paintings that look like photographs, optical illusions inside churches, and a shopping mall which turns into a museum.
We will then finish our walk with an aperitivo on top of one of Rome’s panoramic rooftop bars. Enjoy the skyline of Rome!
Evening 🍸
Piazza Navona by night and Campo de’ Fiori
One thing that I like to do after dinner is to take a careless walk around Piazza Navona. You’ve been here already in the afternoon, but Piazza Navona is something that you should witness also at night.
Rome at night is like that beautiful woman that dresses up for the party and turns everyone’s heads when she walks in the room.
From Piazza Navona, take a few minute walk towards Campo de’ Fiori. This square hosts one of the most ancient markets of the city, to then become a lively nightlife destination after sunset. You do not have clubs in Campo de’ Fiori, but bars only.
Have a sip in the only square of Rome which does not have a church.
DAY 3 of the 3-day Rome itinerary
Morning ☕️
The secrets of Trastevere
Buongiorno! This is your third day of your 3-day Rome itinerary and you got a little acquainted with it. You actually fell in love with Rome, didn’t you? 😉
Today is a day that we’ll dedicate to the less known sides of the city.
The ones that many tourists miss when they plan their Rome itinerary. Have you ever seen those pretty narrow alleys with clothes hanging on the line? Those little squares with the fountain in the middle and older men playing cards and sitting on chairs? Today you’ll discover the hidden gems of Rome in Trastevere and the Jewish district.
Start from Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi in Trastevere. This is where the Secrets of Trastevere itinerary starts from. You can find this itinerary either in the bundle of the Off-the-beaten-path Video Guide of Rome, or in our in-person guided experience Hidden Gems of Trastevere, Tiber Island & Jewish district.
This itinerary covers the quieter area of Trastevere, away from the lively and crowded streets of the busier side of Trastevere (which we’ll explore in the evening).
From here we’ll start visiting the wonders of San Francesco a Ripa and other churches of the neighborhood to find incredible Bernini sculptures, churches decorated with tomatoes (I am not kidding!) then we will descend underground a crypt (still managed today by the nuns) and discover Ancient Roman ruins in it.
We will then cross the river and hop on the island of Rome and discover the legends that still affect the way we speak today. On the island we will treat ourselves to one of our favorite activities: strolling while eating a gelato
The suggested time to start this itinerary is 10AM, so that you’ll find all the churches and crypt open.
You can explore this area of Trastevere on your own, with the Video Guide. Or in good company with our private and semi-private experience “Hidden Gems of Trastevere, Tiber Island and Jewish district”.
Afternoon 🍝
Jewish district: food, religion and ancient ruins
As it happens, the Secrets of Trastevere ends where the Jewish district: food, religion and ancient ruins itinerary starts.
Just across the Tiber river from Trastevere in fact you’ll find the district that kept the Jewish community in Rome within a walled ghetto for 300 years!
Even though we still refer today to it as the Jewish “ghetto”, this area has not been a ghetto anymore since the end of the 1800s.
So do not imagine dodgy streets and rocket houses. The Jewish district of Rome is actually one of the most picturesque and pretty locations of Rome.
I like to call it a super intense concentration of lasagna of history! Because in such a small area there is so much history, from ancient Rome, to the middle ages, to modern times.
And where else can you dine outdoors with the view of the ancient Roman ruins of the portico d’Ottavia? This is a true Roman traditional neighborhood.
The Jewish community of Rome is the most ancient Jewish community in Europe.
This means that the Jewish people of Rome are the most “Romans” of all Romans, because they have been sticking around the city since ancient Rome!
No wonder why some of the most traditional Roman food is actually coming from the Jewish tradition! When you’re here, stop by one of the restaurants to try the Carciofo alla Giudìa, a deep fried artichoke which is super crunchy outside and super soft inside. You will fall in love!
This and other delicacies are included in this Jewish district Video Guided itinerary, which will end up in an elegant rooftop bar with super beautiful panoramic views!
Evening 🍸
The busier side of Trastevere
Now it’s time to dive into the busier side of Trastevere.
Head down to Ponte Sisto (a bridge built the same year when Michelangelo was born, by Pope Sixtus IV, same pope that made the Sistine chapel).
This bridge is always crowded in the evenings with musicians, people dancing and sipping their drinks.
Cross the bridge and you’ll end up in Piazza Trilussa, where even more musicians usually play, while people listen to the music sitting on the stairs of the fountain.
From Piazza Trilussa walk to the right to find the Pimm’s bar entirely covered with ivy (in the summer).
Walk past Pimm’s and take via della Scala to the left. Continue walking until you find via della Paglia. Turn left and at the end you’ll find Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere and Piazza San Callisto next to it. It will be full of people and bars and gelatos. While you’re here, look for the Gelateria Otaleg, it’s one of our favorites gelatos. Enjoy!
I hope you’ll find this information useful to plan your 3-day Rome itinerary!
When someone asks me what to see in Rome, I always like to combine the must-see with some good amount of Rome hidden gems to balance off.
Let me know what you think of this itinerary and if it was useful to plan your trip to Rome!
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