A 3-day itinerary covering all the best things to do in Rome
In Rome, there are so many things to do and see. With just three days, you’ll want to make the most of your time. Our 3-day itinerary covers all the must-see highlights, so you can experience the best of Rome. Let’s dive in and discover this wonderful city in just a few unforgettable days!
Tip: for places where you need a ticket to enter, it’s better to buy them online beforehand. You will save a lot of time on your trip and will avoid that you can’t enter anymore when it’s full.
Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome
Morning:
- Breakfast at La Biga (picture above): Not the best breakfast, but this view can’t be beaten
- Colosseum: Visiting the Colosseum is one of the most popular things to do in Rome and it’s absolutely worth the fuss. Start your day early to beat the crowds and explore the iconic Colosseum. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
- Roman Forum: After visiting the Colosseum, head to the nearby Roman Forum. Stroll through the ancient ruins and imagine life in ancient Rome.
- Palatine Hill: Explore Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome. It offers panoramic views of the city and more archaeological sites.
Lunch:
- La Prezzemolina: The perfect place for a quick pizza, salad or sandwich.
Afternoon:
- Capitoline Hill: Offers a unique blend of ancient history, captivating museums, and breathtaking cityscape views.
- Altar of the Fatherland: Visit the Altar of the Fatherland on Capitoline Hill in Rome for its awe-inspiring architecture and historical significance, offering a chance to pay tribute to Italy’s unification and providing panoramic views.
Evening:
- Dinner at In Roma: They say it’s that this place offer the best carbonara in Rome, and we can confirm this! They even have a few different ways of making it, so you can eat something else than the classic carbonara. This is also the only place where we didn’t have to wait in a queu. Though we would still advice to book a table if you can, ’cause we’re pretty sure we got lucky.
Day 2: Renaissance Rome
Morning:
- Breakfast at L’Antico Forno: croissants next to the Trevi Fountain
- Trevi Fountain: Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this famous landmark. Go as early as possible for less bigger crowds, we went there around 6am (september) and there were already 30-40 people, which is still a lot less than during the day.
- Piazza Navona: A gorgeous square with three beautiful fountains.
- Pantheon: This impressive building is a stunner from the outside, but it’s also worth to go inside. You’ll need a ticket to enter.
Lunch:
- All’Antico Vinaio: A very popular lunch spot (expect a queu) where you can eat their famous panini.
Afternoon:
- Spanish Steps: Visit the Spanish Steps and enjoy some shopping along Via dei Condotti.
- Piazza del Popolo: Head to Piazza del Popolo and explore the square and its surrounding area.
- Villa Borghese: Spend the late afternoon in Villa Borghese Park. Visit the Galleria Borghese to see its impressive art collection, or rent a little boat in the park for €4 per person for 20-minutes.
Evening:
- Watch the sunset from the Giardino Degli Aranci, but again, be early to get a good spot.
Day 3: Vatican City and Rome’s Hidden Gems
Morning:
- Breakfast at Barnum: A bit away from Vatican City, but so worth trying this place out! It was the best breakfast we had in Rome.
- Vatican Museums: Begin your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums. Don’t miss the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: After the museums, explore St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views.
Lunch:
- Aventine Hill: Head to Aventine Hill and enjoy lunch with a view at one of the charming restaurants overlooking the city.
Afternoon:
- Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci): Visit the Orange Garden for a picturesque view of Rome through the keyhole of the Priory of the Knights of Malta.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: This ancient fortress has seen it all – from being a tomb to a fortress, and even a fancy home for popes. Plus, the view of Rome from the top is absolutely stunning!
Evening:
- Trastevere Evening Stroll: Go to Trastevere for a leisurely evening stroll along its cobblestone streets.
- Dinner in Trastevere: Enjoy a final dinner at a cozy restaurant in Trastevere, savoring traditional Roman dishes. We ate at Tonnarello, which is probably the most famous restaurant of Trastevere. We had to wait in a queu for 45 minutes. We don’t regret trying it, the food was great, but we wouldn’t wait in a queu for that long again as it wasn’t special enough.
This 3-day itinerary provides a mix of ancient history, Renaissance art, and a taste of local Roman culture, allowing you to experience the best of the Eternal City. Make sure to adjust it to your interests and the opening hours of specific attractions.
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