Rome in 5 days: the complete itinerary to discover the Eternal City

Rome is not a city you simply visit: it’s a place you experience layer by layer. Five days in Rome offer the perfect balance between iconic landmarks, hidden corners, moments of wonder and time to slow down and feel the rhythm of the city. This Rome 5 day itinerary is designed for travellers who want more than a checklist: it’s a journey through ancient history, baroque beauty, authentic neighbourhoods and green escapes, with practical tips to help you enjoy every step. Starting from the city centre and moving naturally through Rome’s districts, these five days allow you to discover the Eternal City in depth, without rushing.

Getting to Rome and moving around the city

Arriving in the city centre with Italo

Reaching Rome with Italo high-speed trains means arriving directly in the heart of the city, ready to start exploring without unnecessary transfers. Rome’s main stations are well connected to the historic centre and provide an ideal starting point for a walking-based itinerary. Arriving by train also allows you to travel light, relaxed and already immersed in the atmosphere of the capital, with landmarks, cafés and neighbourhoods just minutes away.

Getting around Rome on foot and by public transport

Rome is a city best explored slowly and on foot, especially in the historic centre where many of the most famous sights are within walking distance of each other. Comfortable shoes are essential, as cobbled streets and gentle hills are part of the experience. For longer distances, buses and metro lines help connect areas such as the Vatican, Trastevere and the Appian Way. A combination of walking and public transport allows you to see both the grand monuments and the everyday life unfolding between them.

Rome 5 day itinerary overview

This Rome 5 day itinerary is structured to alternate intense sightseeing days with more relaxed experiences, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed. The first days focus on Rome’s must-see highlights, while the later days reveal a more intimate and alternative side of the city. Each day follows a logical geographic flow, reducing travel time and leaving space for spontaneous discoveries, long lunches and evening strolls.

 

Rome 5 day itinerary

Day 1: the ancient heart of the city

Stop	Notes
Colosseum	Icon of ancient Rome; book tickets in advance to save time
Roman Forum	Walk among temples and ruins of political ancient Rome
Palatine Hill	Birthplace of Rome with panoramic views over the Forum
Capitoline Hill	Elegant square designed by Michelangelo
Capitoline Terrace	One of the best sunset viewpoints in the city

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Your first day in Rome is dedicated to its ancient soul, where the story of the Eternal City began. Start at the Colosseum, the most iconic symbol of Rome and an enduring reminder of the power and spectacle of the Roman Empire. Once the stage for gladiatorial games and public events, its imposing structure still conveys the scale and ambition of ancient Roman engineering.

Just a short walk away, the Roman Forum opens up like a vast open-air history book. Walking among temples, basilicas and triumphal arches, you follow the same paths once crossed by senators, emperors and citizens. This area was the beating heart of public life, where politics, religion and commerce were deeply intertwined.

The experience culminates on the Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s most atmospheric and historically significant sites. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded the city, and over time it became the preferred residence of emperors. From the top, sweeping views stretch over the Roman Forum on one side and the Circus Maximus on the other, offering a moment to pause and reflect on how Rome evolved from a mythical settlement into the capital of an empire.

Capitoline Hill and sunset views

In the afternoon, continue towards Capitoline Hill, one of the most refined and symbolic places in Rome. Redesigned by Michelangelo, Piazza del Campidoglio is a masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning, where harmonious proportions, elegant palaces and carefully studied perspectives create a sense of balance that still feels remarkably modern. Taking a moment here allows you to appreciate Rome not only as an ancient city, but also as a capital shaped by centuries of artistic vision.

Just behind the square, the Capitoline Terrace offers one of the most evocative viewpoints in the city. As sunset approaches, the Roman Forum below slowly changes colour: marble and stone are bathed in warm, golden tones, and the outlines of temples and arches become softer and more dramatic. It’s a quiet, contemplative moment, ideal for reflecting on the layers of history you’ve explored throughout the day. Watching the light fade over the ruins is an unforgettable experience—and one of the most atmospheric scenes of your entire trip to Rome.

Day 2: Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

Stop	Notes
Vatican Museums	Vast collection of art and history; allow several hours
Sistine Chapel	Michelangelo’s masterpiece; silence is required
St. Peter’s Square	Monumental square and spiritual heart of Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica	Free entry; home to extraordinary artworks
St. Peter’s Dome	Climb for unforgettable views over Rome

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Day two takes you beyond Italy’s borders and into Vatican City, a unique enclave where art, history and spirituality converge. The Vatican Museums are among the most important museum complexes in the world, with an extraordinary collection that spans centuries of artistic achievement—from classical sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces to richly decorated galleries that seem endless in scale and detail.

Walking through the museums is a journey in itself, leading you through some of the most celebrated rooms in Western art history before culminating in the Sistine Chapel. Here, Michelangelo’s frescoes create a powerful, almost suspended moment in time: the ceiling and the Last Judgment invite silence, contemplation and awe, regardless of one’s background or beliefs. The emotional impact of this space is one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Rome.

Given the popularity of the Vatican Museums, booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended. It allows you to avoid long queues and enjoy the visit at a more relaxed pace, leaving you with the energy to fully appreciate the rest of the day in this extraordinary setting.

St. Peter’s Square and the dome

After leaving the museums, step into St. Peter’s Square, an immense and harmonious space designed to symbolically embrace visitors from all over the world. Framed by Bernini’s sweeping colonnades, the square creates a powerful sense of openness and grandeur, while at the same time guiding your gaze naturally towards the basilica that dominates the scene.

Entering St. Peter’s Basilica is an experience in itself. As one of the largest churches on the planet, its vast interior is filled with extraordinary works of art and architecture, from monumental altars to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bernini. Moving through the nave, the sheer scale of the space becomes gradually apparent, inviting you to slow down and take in the details.

For those willing to make the climb, ascending to the dome is more than worth the effort. From the top, sweeping views open up over Rome’s rooftops, the Vatican Gardens and the winding course of the Tiber, offering a breathtaking perspective and a memorable highlight of your time in the Eternal City.

Day 3: baroque masterpieces and iconic squares

Stop	Notes
Piazza Navona	Lively square with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers
Pantheon	Perfectly preserved Roman temple with open oculus
Campo de’ Fiori	Historic market by day, vibrant area in the evening
Trevi Fountain	Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
Piazza di Spagna	Elegant square at the foot of the Spanish Steps

Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori

The third day is dedicated to Rome’s baroque elegance and its most animated squares, where art, architecture and everyday life blend seamlessly. Begin in Piazza Navona, built on the remains of an ancient Roman stadium and celebrated for its refined proportions and constant energy. At its centre, Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers dominates the scene, surrounded by street artists, cafés and palaces that give the square a lively atmosphere at any hour of the day.

From here, a short and pleasant walk leads to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. Stepping inside, the eye is immediately drawn upward to the oculus, an open circle in the dome that allows natural light to filter into the interior. This simple yet powerful architectural element creates an ever-changing play of light and shadow, making each visit feel unique.

Just a few minutes away, Campo de’ Fiori offers a completely different rhythm. By day, its historic market fills the square with colours, scents and local voices; by evening, the area transforms into one of Rome’s most vibrant social hubs. It’s the perfect place to pause, observe Roman life unfolding around you, and enjoy the city’s convivial spirit.

Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna

No Rome itinerary is complete without a visit to the Trevi Fountain, one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in the city. At its most evocative in the early morning or late in the evening, when the crowds thin out, the fountain reveals its theatrical beauty in a more intimate way. Tossing a coin over your shoulder into the water is a long-standing tradition, symbolically tied to the promise of returning to Rome one day.

From here, continue on foot towards Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, an elegant and lively meeting point that has inspired artists, writers and travellers for centuries. The steps form a graceful link between the refined shopping streets below and the panoramic terraces above, offering a perfect setting to pause, people-watch and soak in the timeless charm of the Eternal City.

Day 4: authentic neighbourhoods and local life

Stop	Notes
Trastevere	Charming streets and authentic Roman atmosphere
Santa Maria in Trastevere	One of Rome’s oldest churches
Jewish Ghetto	Historic area with unique culture and cuisine
Hidden churches	Lesser-known gems with remarkable artworks
Quiet backstreets	Ideal for slow walks and local discoveries

Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto

Day four reveals Rome’s most authentic and lived-in side, far from grand monuments and formal squares. Trastevere welcomes you with a maze of narrow streets, ivy-covered façades and lively piazzas where everyday Roman life unfolds naturally. Laundry hanging between buildings, small neighbourhood cafés and the sound of conversation spilling into the streets all contribute to the area’s unmistakable character.

Crossing the Tiber brings you into the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in Europe and a place of profound historical and cultural significance. Here, layers of history coexist with a strong sense of community, reflected in its architecture, traditions and distinctive cuisine. Walking through this district feels slower and more intimate, offering a deeper connection to Rome’s identity and a chance to experience the city through a more local lens.

Hidden churches and quiet streets

Away from the main routes, Rome reveals a quieter and more intimate dimension, made up of hidden churches, small squares and peaceful streets that reward curiosity and a slower pace. Wandering without a fixed destination often leads to unexpected discoveries, where the city’s rich artistic heritage appears in the most unassuming settings.

Stepping inside lesser-known basilicas can be surprisingly moving. Behind modest façades, you may find extraordinary frescoes, intricate chapels and centuries-old artworks, often enjoyed in near silence with only a handful of visitors around. These moments offer a welcome contrast to Rome’s busiest landmarks, allowing you to connect more deeply with the city and appreciate its beauty in a calm, reflective way.

Day 5: hidden Rome in the historic centre

Stop	Brief notes
Quirinal Palace (exterior)	Official residence of the President of Italy
Quirinal Square	Panoramic and elegant square on one of Rome’s hills
San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane	Baroque masterpiece by Borromini
Palazzo Colonna Gallery	One of Rome’s most impressive private art collections
Via del Corso area	Ideal for a relaxed lunch or last shopping

After several days spent exploring Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the final day invites you to discover a more intimate and understated side of the city, entirely within the historic centre. This part of the itinerary is designed to avoid long distances and heavy crowds, favouring instead a relaxed rhythm and a deeper appreciation of Rome’s refined character.

Elegant streets, noble palaces and discreet architectural details take centre stage, revealing corners of the city that many first-time visitors tend to overlook. Moving at an unhurried pace, you remain close to cafés, boutiques and cultural gems, making this final day the perfect way to savour Rome one last time—without pressure, and with space to reflect on the journey you’ve just experienced.

The day unfolds between the Quirinal Hill and the area surrounding Via del Corso, an area rich in history but often underestimated. From aristocratic palaces to surprising architectural details, this walk reveals how Rome continues to live beyond its postcard images.

Where to eat in Rome during your 5-day stay

Traditional trattorias and street food spots

Rome’s cuisine is simple, bold and deeply rooted in tradition. Seek out traditional trattorias away from the most touristic streets to enjoy classics like pasta carbonara, amatriciana and cacio e pepe. For quick bites, Roman street food—from pizza al taglio to supplì—is perfect for lunch on the go, allowing you to maximise sightseeing time without sacrificing flavour.

Travel comfortably to Rome from major Italian cities

Travelling with Italo allows you to reach Rome quickly and comfortably from many major Italian cities such as Venice, Milan, Florence, Naples and Bologna, making the journey part of the experience rather than a chore. Arriving by high-speed train places you straight into the city’s rhythm, ready to begin exploring from day one without delays or stress.

Five days in Rome are enough to fall in love with the city, but never enough to see it all—and that’s part of its charm. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of history, art, local life and green spaces, leaving room for personal discoveries and unforgettable moments. Rome is a city that reveals itself gradually, rewarding those who take the time to look beyond the surface. Let this be your first chapter in a story you’ll want to continue.