How To Spend 3 Days in Rome (The Ultimate Rome Itinerary)

As the capital city of Italy, Rome has so much to offer. Known as the ‘Eternal City’, this destination is famous for its historical landmarks, incredible architecture, and delicious food, so has something for every type of traveller.

The city’s iconic attractions are a highlight, and these include the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Of course, there are plenty of less-frequented sights and experiences waiting for you as well. So what’s not to like?

If you want to spend 3 days in Rome, we’ve got you covered! This guide will take you through the best things to do, where to stay, and other helpful information such as how to get around.

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A Quick Overview of Your 3 Days in Rome

Day 1:

The Colosseum, The Arch of Constantine, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Altar of the Fatherland, the Pantheon

Day 2:

Catacombs of Priscilla, Borghese Gallery and Museum, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Cooking Class, Piazza Navona

Day 3:

Vatican City, Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome food tour

Your 3 Days in Rome: Day One

The first day of this 3-day Rome itinerary will see you explore the city’s highlights. This includes popular attractions such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Many of these sights are located relatively close together, but you’ll want an early start to make the most of your time.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is undoubtedly one of the most popular photo spots in Rome. It’s also one of the city’s most-visited attractions and it’s not hard to see why!

This famous amphitheatre is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was built between C.E. 70 and 72 during the height of the Roman Empire and was used as an entertainment venue, hosting everything from animal hunts to gladiator fights.

To make the most of your visit, we’d recommend heading here during the weekday, preferably when it opens. This way, you can avoid the crowds! Opening hours change throughout the year, but typically the Colosseum opens at 8:30 am.

This guided tour offers exclusive priority access to the Colosseum. It also includes your entrance ticket and your guide will teach you all about this impressive Roman arena. Not to mention, this tour includes entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill too.

The Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine is located right next to the Colosseum. It was built in the year 315 to commemorate the victory of Constantine I the Great, during the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

With a height of 21 metres (69 feet) and a width of 25 metres (82 feet), this monument is quite a sight. It’s made up of three arches, all of which have been carved from marble. Not only that but the statues and inscriptions make The Arch of Constantine even more impressive.

This iconic landmark is one of the best-preserved monuments from ancient Rome. As such, it’s no surprise to hear that it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city!

When it comes to visiting the Arch, you only need a quick photo stop. Then it’s time to head to the next place on this Rome three-day itinerary!

Palatine Hill

To make the most of your 3 days in Rome, we recommend heading to Palatine Hill. It’s one of the city’s oldest areas and is thought to be the birthplace of Rome. In fact, people are believed to have lived here since 1000 B.C.

Palatine Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome and is where citizens of the upper class used to live. Large palaces were built here, and traces of them still remain to this day. Highlights include the Domus Flavia, the House of Livia, and the Farnese Gardens.

This guided tour will see you take in the ruins of Palatine Hill while enjoying striking views of the surrounding area. It also includes your entrance ticket to the Roman Forum as well as priority access to the Colosseum.

Palatine Hill is open from 8:30 am – 7 pm, although hours may differ depending on the time of year.

Roman Forum

Next up is the Roman Forum. First built in the 7th century BCE, this incredible monument played an important role during the Roman Empire. It once hosted political and social events and was home to several basilicas, temples, and public spaces.

Unfortunately, this landmark soon became forgotten after the Roman Empire had fallen. During the 20th century, excavations took place, and now it’s one of the most popular places to visit in the city.

Highlights of the Roman Forum include the Arch of Titus, Via Sacra, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, and the Column of Phocas.

Honestly, walking around these sights will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time (especially as Julius Caesar would have wandered through this area over 20 centuries ago).

The Roman Forum typically opens every day from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, however, some reports suggest it’s open until 7 pm. We’d recommend allowing at least an hour for your visit as there’s a lot to see.

Altar of the Fatherland

Also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (or Altare della Patria), this magnificent building is a must-visit. Situated along Piazza Venezia, this place was built to honour the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.

Although the exterior of the building is striking enough, the interior is certainly worth a visit. Inside, you’ll find the Complesso del Vittoriano and Museo del Risorgimento. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also located here and it’s guarded by two soldiers.

The colossal monument at the top of the building is an impressive sculpture, depicting Victor Emmanuel along with two chariots, which are being driven by the goddess Victoria.

Another reason to visit Altare della Patria is the terrace, as it offers superb panoramic city views. To get to the terrace, you’ll need to head up in an elevator.

The Altar of the Fatherland is open every day, 9:30 am – 7:30 pm.

The Pantheon

If you’re looking to see the best of Rome in 3 days then you can’t miss out on the Pantheon. This former temple dates back around 2000 years and was built to honour the seven deities. Despite its age, it’s one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Rome!

The architecture of this building is mesmerising, but the ‘eye of the Pantheon’ is certainly a highlight. This ‘oculus’ takes centre stage, and at certain times of the day, the light shines through from outside.

This 45-minute guided tour includes skip-the-line entry so you’ll avoid the crowds. Your local guide will take you through the Pantheon’s ancient history, and you’ll get to admire the breathtaking architecture along the way.

The Pantheon is typically open every day, 9 am – 7 pm. Since July 2023, it’s only accessible with a paid entrance ticket, so keep that in mind!

Your 3 Days in Rome: Day Two

Day two of this Rome itinerary will see you explore more of the city’s popular attractions. Today, you’ll explore everything from catacombs to a museum so there’s something for everyone. You’ll then finish the day off with a unique experience, that will leave you with epic memories and new skills.

Catacombs of Priscilla

The Catacombs of Priscilla are one of the more unique attractions in Rome. Dating back to between the 2nd and 3rd centuries, these catacombs are located within an impressive 13 km (8 miles) of tunnels.

Due to the amount of martyrs and popes buried here, this place is known as ‘the Queen of Catacombs’. In fact, there are over 40 thousand burials in total, so it’s no surprise to hear that it’s one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Rome. However, only certain areas of the tunnels are open to the public.

This 30-minute tour includes your Catacombs entrance ticket and a guided tour. You’ll learn so much about this eerie place and its intriguing history, so what are you waiting for?

If you don’t book online, keep in mind that English tours only run at certain times of the day.

Borghese Gallery and Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Rome for 3 days, check out the Borghese Gallery and Museum. Home to hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and artefacts, it’s considered to be one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Not to mention it’s housed in the beautiful Villa Borghese.

The museum’s impressive art collection, mainly dates from the 15th to the 18th century. Some of this was collected by Cardinal Scipione Borghese between 1576 and 1633.

You can purchase your entrance ticket in advance for the Borghese Gallery and Museum. You can also choose to include an audio guide, and you’ll have fast-track entry.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 7 pm (however, there’s no entry after 5 pm). Only 360 people can enter the museum at a time and you’ll have a total visit duration of two hours.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo literally translates to the ‘People’s Square’. It’s one of the most famous public squares in Rome and was once used as the main entrance to the city during the Roman Empire.

Aside from its relaxing vibe and great location, the main attraction of this piazza is its stunning architecture. In the centre of the square, you’ll find an Egyptian obelisk which is dedicated to Ramesses II.

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is another popular spot, known for its unique architecture. The church is also home to two canvases which were made by Caravaggio in the 1600s. There’s also the Santa Maria in Montesanto, another charming church.

If you want the best views of Piazza del Popolo then climb up the stairs on the East side. From here, you’ll get stunning city views, as well as views of Vatican City.

Trevi Fountain

During your 3 days in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is a must. It’s one of the world’s most famous fountains and is also the largest fountain in the city with an impressive height of 26 metres (85 feet), as well as a width of 20 metres (65 feet).

Dating back to the 1700s, the Trevi Fountain was originally located at the end of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct. It was designed by Nicola Salvi and was later finalized by Giuseppe Pannini.

Interestingly enough, around a million euros worth of coins are thrown into the fountain each year and then removed. Why you ask? Well, there’s a legend that throwing a coin into the fountain will ensure your visit back to Rome. Don’t worry though as the money is used to support good causes!

The one thing we will say is that the Trevi Fountain gets extremely busy!

Cooking Class

On your second day in the city, we’d recommend trying out a cooking class. In our opinion, there’s no better way to experience a new country or destination, as you’ll get to learn how to cook the local dishes (a skill you can then take back home with you).

This 3-hour cooking class is a popular option. It takes place in a restaurant along Piazza Navona and there are several times to choose from (we’d opt for one of the later ones e.g. 5:30 pm or 7:30 pm).

In this cooking class, your instructor will take you through how to make tiramisu, and pasta from scratch (fettuccine and ravioli), as well as how to make ravioli stuffing. To finish off, you’ll get to enjoy a glass of wine and try all the delicious dishes you’ve made (including the tiramisu of course).

Although often a costly activity, a cooking class is the perfect activity for your 3-day Rome itinerary!

Piazza Navona

If you’re visiting Rome for 3 days then spend some time exploring Piazza Navona. It’s one of the most popular squares in the city and it’s not hard to see why. Dating back to the 15th century, Piazza Navona was actually built on the site of the old Stadium of Domitian.

A highlight of visiting this public square has to be the fountains. There are three in total; Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno, and each one is spectacular. Take your time to photograph each one and admire the sculptures.

Piazza Navona is also surrounded by restaurants, making it a great place to grab some food. Not to mention, you can enjoy live performances in this square by street artists, giving this place a lively atmosphere.

To make the most of your time here, visit during the evening when the fountains are illuminated. This way, you’ll also avoid the crowds.

Your 3 Days in Rome: Day Three

Finally, to finish off your Rome 3-day itinerary you’ll spend some time exploring the famous Vatican City. There are plenty of awesome attractions to see here too, and you’ll be ticking off another country. You’ll also end your trip with a fantastic food tour, allowing you to sample all that Rome has to offer.

Vatican City

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting Vatican City. The amazing thing about Vatican City is that it’s an independent country, rather than part of Italy. This way, you can visit two countries on the same day!

Some of the top attractions within Vatican City include the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. The Apostolic Palace is also located here and is the official residence of the Pope (the head of the Catholic Church).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sacred place for sure, and you’ll want to take your time exploring here. We’d recommend spending at least 3-4 hours at the Vatican City, so you can explore at a leisurely pace and take it all in. Get here as early as possible too!

You can purchase your entrance tickets to the Vatican in advance. There’s also the option to include an audio guide if you want to learn more!

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is another place we’d recommend visiting! Also referred to as Hadrian’s Tomb, this landmark is located along the River Tiber and dates back to the year 139.

The castle has five floors, which you can access via a spiral ramp. As you explore the building’s interior, you’ll get to appreciate Renaissance frescoes along with the castle’s breathtaking architecture. Not to mention, you’ll get to wander around beautifully decorated rooms.

A highlight of your trip is the terrace on the upper floor. From here, you’ll get striking views of Rome. So make sure you have your camera ready!

You can book your entrance ticket for Castel Sant’Angelo in advance. This way, you’ll benefit from skip-the-line entry and you’ll also have the option to purchase an audioguide.

This museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 7:30 pm.

Rome Food Tour

In our opinion, there’s no better way to end your trip than to head out on a food tour. Although you could easily find some great foodie spots on your own, this way, you’ll find some hidden gems located off the tourist track.

This Rome food tour lasts for around 2.5 hours. On this tour, you’ll get to visit some hidden gems, indulge in a variety of delicacies, and explore the city’s historic centre (either the Jewish Quarter or Trastevere).

This tour includes five street food tastings and a sample of beer and wine. Better yet, your guide can sort out vegetarian options with prior notice, so there’s something for everyone.

To save money, we’d recommend heading out on the evening food tour. This way, you can sample some delicious local foods at dinner time, and then just pick up something extra later on if you’re still hungry!

Helpful Information for Your 3-Day Rome Itinerary

How to get to Rome

Thanks to its popularity, Rome is very easy to access. Flying is the most popular option, especially as there are two airports; Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino and Ciampino Airport (CIA).

The Leonardo da Vinci Airport is the best-served of the two, while Ciampino Airport is typically used by budget airlines. The latter is closer to the city, but you can use public transport to travel from either.

Italy has a fantastic train network, so you’ll find plenty of services running to the capital. There are both domestic (from within the country) and international routes available. Not only that but there are ample bus and coach services that run to Rome as well.

Finally, if you’re exploring Europe then why not plan a road trip and travel to the city by hire car? There are plenty of fantastic rental companies on the continent including Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.

How to get around Rome

As Rome is the largest city in Rome, you’ll need to make use of public transportation during your stay. While some of the more popular attractions are within walking distance from each other, using public transport will allow you to make the most of your time.

First of all, Rome has a metro system. There are only three lines in total, making it one of the smallest metro systems in Europe, but it does service the majority of the city’s most popular attractions.

Luckily, there are plenty of bus services which will get you to other areas. There are around 350 bus lines in Rome and these run pretty regularly. However, traffic jams can be an issue so keep that in mind!

To get around the city, you can also use the six tram lines, three urban railway lines, and taxis. In terms of the latter, just make sure you’re using an official company (or Uber).

Looking for another way to get around Rome?

This Hop-on Hop-off Bus offers a great way to explore the city. As you cruise around Rome on a double-decker bus, you’ll get a unique perspective of the sights as well as onboard commentary.

The great thing about this method of transport is that you can hop off at any of the stops, and then just hop back on again. The full loop takes around 100 minutes and will take you past popular attractions such as the Colosseum and Piazza Navona.

There are three types of tickets available (24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours), and the one you choose will depend on the length of your trip.

The best time to visit Rome

The great thing about Rome is that it doesn’t matter when you go. However, in our opinion, the shoulder season (March-May and October-November) is the best time to visit.

You’ll encounter fewer crowds during this time, yet you’ll still benefit from pleasant temperatures. Not to mention, you can find some great deals on flights and accommodation! We visited at the start of May and had a fabulous time.

The best weather occurs in the summer months (June-September) with the city encountering high temperatures (up to around 30°C). However, Rome can be incredibly crowded at this time of year and prices will be more expensive, especially when it comes to hotels.

During the winter months, temperatures are much cooler. If you head to Rome during the festive season, you can enjoy the Christmas markets which typically take place from mid-November. January and February are two of the quieter months in winter and also offer a much more affordable visit.

Exploring Rome by tour

We tend to explore the majority of destinations on our own. However, if you only have 3 days in Rome, then a guided tour offers you the chance to see a lot of sights in a short amount of time.

Here are some of the most popular tour options in Rome:

• Rome Walking Tour – This 1.5-2 hour walking tour includes many of Rome’s highlights, such as the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Along the way, your guide will teach you all about the city.

• Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum – On this tour, you’ll get to explore restricted areas, such as the underground and arena, and you’ll have an audio headset.

• Rome: Highlights Vespa Sidecar Tour – A unique experience for sure, this tour will see you explore Rome in a Vespa sidecar, and includes gelato, as well as coffee or tea.

Where to Stay in Rome

Compared to other European cities, accommodation in Rome can be costly so keep that in mind. If you can share the price with someone, then your costs will decrease significantly. However, there are a wide variety of options to choose from ranging from hostels to 5* luxurious hotels.

Here are some of our top recommendations:

Budget: Sweet Corso 24

One of the more affordable properties in Rome, you’ll find Sweet Corso 24 near the Trevi Fountain. There are plenty of amenities nearby and you’ll be staying in a central location – perfect for exploring the city.

There are a variety of rooms to choose from, and many of these are budget-friendly. Each one features a private bathroom, free WiFi, and a coffee maker. Some even feature city views!

Mid-range: All You Need is Rome Guesthouse

This charming guesthouse is under a 10-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo. It offers a shared kitchen, so is a great option for those who want affordable accommodation, as travellers can cook for themselves.

There are also some great studio units on offer at this guesthouse, and these feature a microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop. Not to mention you’ll have plenty of space, which includes a seating area.

Luxury: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel

This luxurious 5* hotel is located along Piazza della Repubblica. It’s set in a gorgeous white marble building that dates back to the 1800s and is known for its elegant rooms and fantastic facilities.

Its panoramic rooftop terrace is a highlight for sure, as you’ll get epic city views from here. This terrace also features a seasonal pool. On-site, there are two restaurants, a fitness centre, and a bar.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rome

How many days should I spend in Rome?

We’d recommend spending at least 3 days in Rome. As the city is Italy’s capital, there are so many fantastic things to do, as well as unique experiences, and great dining spots.

For those who do choose to stay in the city for longer, we’d recommend heading on a day trip to Pompeii. This incredible archaeological site will honestly take your breath away!

What is a good budget for Rome?

We recommend a budget of at least £60-£80 per person per day. You may be able to get by on less if you opt for a dorm bed, however, the entrance tickets for attractions will soon add up, and so will the food.

If you’re travelling as a couple or with a group, then you’ll be able to split costs when it comes to accommodation. However, solo travellers can expect to part with a fair chunk of cash.

Is Rome an expensive city?

Rome is one of the most expensive cities in Southern Europe. Everything from accommodation to entrance fees can be costly, so just keep that in mind.

As such, you’ll need to be careful if you’re travelling on a budget. For those looking to keep costs low, plan out your trip carefully, taking advantage of free attractions, cheap eats, and affordable hostels.

How much does a meal cost in Rome?

This will all depend on where you’re dining. Some of the cheaper restaurants offer dishes as cheap as £6, while others will be much more pricey. For two people, expect to pay at least £20-£30 per meal.

If you’re spending three days in Rome and you’re on a budget, then opt for somewhere that includes breakfast. We’d also suggest heading to the less-touristy areas of the city to dine.

Final Thoughts on Your 3 Days in Rome

If you’re looking to see the best of Rome in three days, then we’d highly recommend following this itinerary. However, we tend to action-pack our trips, so if you’re after a more relaxed getaway, you may want to swap some things out.

Rome is a fascinating city, full of history, culture, and of course, mouthwatering Italian food. There are so many amazing things to do, including some unique experiences, so make the most of your time here. For the best experience, set your alarm early!

If you have any questions about your 3 days in Rome, please contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other European travel guides that you may find helpful:

• The Ultimate 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• One Day In Dubrovnik: How To Spend 24 Hours In The City
• The Best Things To Do In Cavtat, Croatia

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