Maximize your Rome adventure in just 3 days with our essential guide. Explore iconic sights from the Colosseum to the Vatican, ensuring you experience the best of Italy’s eternal city.

If you are thinking of spending three days in Rome, plan your trip and leave with Italo to discover the places you absolutely must see in Italy’s capital, as well as many historical and artistic curiosities. If you decide to spend Easter in Rome, here’s what to do and what to see. For your holiday or business trip to Rome, here’s a perfect 3-day itinerary to help you discover the Caput Mundi! Ready to visit the eternal city with this three-day guide?

Best things to do in Rome in three Days

1st Day in Rome

2nd Day in Rome

3rd Day in Rome

The best way to visit Rome in 3 days: Recommendations

How many days do you need in Rome?

How to get to Rome

1st DAY IN ROME: Itinerary

The first destination of this tour in the capital is the remains of Ancient Rome!

Schedule Time What to See How Long to Stay
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Arrival at Colosseum, coffee break nearby 30 minutes
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Colosseum and Arch of Constantine 1.5 hours
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Roman Forum and Palatine Hill 1.5 hours
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch break among monuments  1.5 hours
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano (via fori imperiali) 45 minutes
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM The Campidoglio (Capitol Hill) and the Capitoline Museums 1.5 hours
4:20 PM – 4:50 PM Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus 30 minutes
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and the Circus Maximus 30 minutes
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Baths of Caracalla 45 minutes
7:00 PM – 7:45 PM Pyramid of Caius Cestius 45 minutes
8:30 PM onwards Aperitivo break and Dinner –

  • Walking distance: about 2.7 mi (4,3 km)
  • Difficulty: hard
  • Walking time: one day (including all stages)

 Colosseum and Arch of Constantine

We start this first part with a visit to the Colosseum, Rome’s iconic symbol par excellence and the city’s most emblematic monument. When you arrived in Rome’s main rail terminal, be sure to consult our guide on what to see in the vicinity of the Termini Station. For this first destination, start from Termini Station, take Metro B1 Line towards Laurentina and get off at the Colosseum Stop, it’s only a ten-minute ride!

Built by Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian between 70/71 AD and 81 AD, with its two thousand years of history and a capacity of over 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. In the Colosseum were staged battles between gladiators, animal fights, Roman games, theatrical performances and re-enactments of battles. You may not know that in addition to the Colosseum in the heart of Rome, there is also another one in the city, the so-called Square Colosseum in Rome Eur; you can consult our guide to visit it.

Online or phone reservations are required to visit only parts of Italy’s most prominent Flavian Amphitheater, including the first and second floors, the arena, and the underground level. For all information, contact the number +39 06 399 67 700 or visit the website parcocolosseo.it.After your visit, exit the Colosseum and walk a short distance to reach and admire the Arch of Constantine. You can visit this monument for free, like many other wonders of Rome, including its museums and curious oddities. Did you know that it is the most famous of the Roman triumphal arches and one of the last monuments of Ancient Rome? The Arch was dedicated by the Roman senate to commemorate the victory of Constantine I against Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. It was completed in the year 315.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Take some photos at Rome’s most famous Arch, and continue your walk along Via Dei Fori Imperiali until you reach the Roman Forum. The archaeological site encompasses all the forums built by various emperors between 42 and 112 B.C. and, in antiquity, was the nerve center of the city. Visit the main monuments such as the Arch of Titus at the Temple of Venus and Rome, the colossal Basilica of Maxentius, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, and get as far as Forum Square. Enjoy a unique experience and enter the heart of Roman history.

Remaining on foot, in the vicinity of the forums, climb the Palatine Hill and when you get to the top, you have a magnificent view of the city and its monuments. According to legend, the city of Rome was founded on this very hill by Romulus and Remus, two abandoned twins raised by a she-wolf in a cave. On the summit, you can visit the residence of Augustus (Domus of Augustus), the first Roman Emperor, and the Domus of Livia.

The cost of a ticket to visit the Colosseum Park, which includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Palatine is €16 for EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 24 and €2; admission is free for those visitors under 17 and over 65. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. 

Opening hours are 
  • from 9.00 am to 7:15 pm from 27 March to 31 August, 
  • from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm from 1 September to 30 September,
  • from 9.00 am to 6.30 pm from 1 to 30 October, 
  • from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm from 31 October to 31 December.

 The Campidoglio (Capitol Hill) and the Capitoline Museums

From the Roman Forum, a 15-minute walk takes you to the Capitoline, the smallest and most famous of Rome’s hills, a sacred place for ancient Romans, dominated by the colossal Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. When you arrived in the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed in 1500 by Michelangelo, admire the various monuments such as the perfect copy of the equestrian monument to Marco Aurelio, the Palazzo dei Senatori, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. These three stately buildings are part of the Capitoline Museums that you must visit because they are the world’s oldest public museum. When you enter, admire the paintings of great artists such as Caravaggio and Tintoretto, as well as numerous sculptures and statues. If you love art and would like some original ideas for visiting the capital and enjoying its charm away from mainstream tourist destinations, discover the unseen side of Rome with our five ideas for some off-beat itineraries.

Admission to the Capitoline Museums is:
  • €15 for EU citizens between 18 and 24 years of age
  • €13 for children under 17. 
  • Access is free for visitors over-65.

Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month.

The museums are open every day from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm. Opening hours are until 2.00 pm on 24 and 31 December and from 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm on 31 January.

Temple of Jupiter optimus maximus

The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, standing majestically on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, was one of the most important religious buildings in Ancient Rome. Dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods, along with Juno and Minerva as part of the Capitoline Triad, the temple was a symbol of Rome’s power and religious devotion. Constructed in the 6th century BCE under the Tarquin kings, its grandeur was unmatched, featuring massive columns, a sprawling staircase, and a vast interior that housed colossal statues of its deities. 

Throughout Roman history, it was not just a place of worship but also a central hub for major public events, triumphal processions, and an archive for important state documents. Despite being rebuilt several times due to fires and damage, the essence of the temple’s significance remained a constant, embodying the heart of Roman religious life until the decline of the Roman Empire. Its remains today offer a glimpse into Rome’s glorious past, standing as a testament to the city’s ancient architectural ambition and spiritual fervor.

 Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano

Here you can admire the majestic Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the Vittoriano, built in 1885 to commemorate the Unification of Italy; today, it is dedicated to the Unknown Soldier. You can reach the top of the Vittoriano either via the stairs or the panoramic elevator (for the latter, you must purchase a ticket); the view from the terrace at the top is breathtaking. Remember that it is forbidden to sit on the steps and this is strictly enforced. The Vittoriano is open every day from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm and the last entrance is at 6.45 pm. 

Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier takes place every hour.

Descend the stairs, and in the vicinity of the Vittoriano, on your right, admire the Trajan Column with its engravings depicting the military victories of the Emperor Trajan.

I remind you that several streets, such as Via Del Corso, start from the square, allowing you to reach the city’s main tourist attractions. Still, it’s getting close to dinner time, and if you want to take another little break before your next destination, here’s our guide to the best brunches in and around central Rome.

 The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and the Circus Maximus

And now you could go to the Circus Maximus! 

If you use public transport, take tram no. 628 or 160 from Piazza Venezia, and in less than 10 minutes, you will reach your destination.

If you want to take the subway instead, go back to the Colosseum metro station and get off at the Circo Massimo stop. You can reach it on foot in less than 20 minutes, and I recommend it because you can admire other monuments of Imperial Rome.

Ready? Walk from Piazza Venezia via Del Teatro Marcello, and on your right, you will find Teatro Marcello. Then take via Luigi Petroselli and, always on your right, you will find the Temple of Portuno and the Temple of Hercules Vincitore and, when you arrive in Piazza Della Bocca della Verità, take via Della Greca. Here you can have a truly unique experience: insert your hand into the Mouth of Truth, an ancient marble mask built into the wall of the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Legend has it that he could bite the hand of anyone who said the falsehood and put it in his mouth.

After this experience, continue on Via Della Greca, and you finally arrive at the Circus Maximus.

The Circus Maximus is the largest spectator structure of antiquity and one of the largest of all time. It has a length of 600 meters and a width of 140 meters, and legend links it to the very origins of the city: this is where the mythical episode of the Rape of the Sabine Women took place during the games convened by Romulus in honor of the god Consus. Today it is home to numerous events and concerts.

Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla in Rome, constructed between AD 212 and 217 under the reign of Emperor Caracalla, are among the most magnificent examples of ancient Roman public baths, or thermae, that have survived to this day.

Sprawling over approximately 33 acres, this grand complex was not just a place for bathing but a multifunctional leisure center that included libraries, lecture rooms, gymnasiums, and gardens, reflecting the sophisticated social and cultural life of ancient Rome. The baths could accommodate over 1,600 bathers simultaneously, offering hot, tepid, and cold baths, along with steam rooms and saunas, showcasing Roman engineering prowess through its advanced heating and plumbing systems. 

The elaborate mosaics, sculptures, and columns that once adorned its halls have significantly influenced Renaissance and modern architects. Although now in ruins, the Baths of Caracalla still captivate visitors with their sheer scale and the glimpse they offer into the daily life and architectural ingenuity of ancient Rome.

Pyramid of Caius Cestius

The Pyramid of Caius Cestius is an ancient pyramid in Rome, a unique testament to the Roman fascination with Egyptian culture. Built between 18-12 BCE as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a Roman magistrate and member of one of the religious corporations in Rome, the pyramid stands out for its distinctive shape amidst the city’s classical ruins. 

Located near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery, it is constructed of brick-faced concrete covered with white Carrara marble, measuring about 100 Roman feet (approximately 30 meters) square at the base and standing 125 Roman feet (approximately 37 meters) high. The interior houses a burial chamber, which was originally adorned with frescoes. Although smaller than the great pyramids of Egypt, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius is a fascinating example of the spread of Egyptian influence into Roman culture and remains one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome, offering a glimpse into the eclectic architectural styles that flourished in the city during the first century BCE.

The end of this first day has come and, to close the evening, we recommend a visit to the Jewish Ghetto of Rome where you can take a walk and stop for dinner.

2ND DAY IN ROME: Itinerary

If you have recovered some of the energy expended in the first 24 hours, you should be aware that, on this second day of the tour, you will need even more! It is a busy day, and some very interesting cultural and historical highlights await you.

Schedule Time What to See How Long to Stay
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Arrival at Vatican City, coffee break nearby 1 hour
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM St. Peter’s Basilica and the Cupolone 2 hours
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM The Vatican Museums 2 hours
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM The Sistine Chapel 30 minutes
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch break 1 hour
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Necropoli di San Pietro 30 minutes
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Castel Sant’Angelo 1 hour
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Belvedere Gianicolo 30 minutes
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Ponte Sisto 30 minutes
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Aperitivo break in Trastevere 1 hour
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Explore Trastevere 2 hours
8:00 PM onwards Dinner in Trastevere –

  • Walking distance: about 2.8 mi (4,6 km)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Walking time: one day (including all stages)

  1. Vatican City: St. Peter’s Basilica and the Cupolone – the Great Dome

Take the Metro Line A towards Battistini and get off at the Ottaviano-San Pietro stop.

Exit the metro and take Via Ottaviano, walk to Via Di Porta Angelica, and arrive at St. Peter’s Square in ten minutes. Stroll through Bernini’s 17th-century Baroque colonnade: 284 Doric columns, each 16 meters high, and before you stand the world’s largest Church and one of the biggest public spaces in the world. 

Stop in St. Peter’s Square for the customary photos and then enter the Basilica. You will immediately be overwhelmed by the vastness of the building and the magnificence of the decorations but be sure to focus on the main works such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, the famous statue of St. Peter, the bronze canopy designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the mosaics decorating the walls, and the many tombs of the Popes. The Cupola awaits you!

  • The Basilica is open with no charge to all groups from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm.

Remain in the Basilica and follow the signs for the Dome and access to the steps or elevators. Here begins the first climb that takes you to an intermediate terrace and from there admire the panoramic view of the city. Then enter the Basilica and view it from above in all its beauty. Climb 320 more steps and reach the top of St. Peter’s Dome. Admire one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Rome that you will not easily forget.

Opening hours and tickets for visiting the St. Peter:
  • The hours for visiting the Dome of St. Peter is from 7.30 am to 5.00 pm.
  • The ticket cost for ascent by elevator to the terrace level and then 320 steps is €10. If you climb all the 551 steps, the ticket is €8.

To discover other wonders like the Cupolone but outside the capital, don’t miss our tips on what to see near Rome.

  1. The Vatican Museums

Descending from the Dome, continue your tour and head to the Vatican Museums; from the Basilica, it is about a 12-minute walk; then take Via Di Porta Angelica to Viale Vaticano. Enter and visit the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery), the Pio-Clementino Museum, the Gallery of Maps, the Raphael Rooms, and finish your visit in the unmissable Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s priceless frescoes. I also recommend our guide on Vatican City: what to see besides the Vatican Museums.

Opening hours and tickets of Vatican Museums
  • It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially for entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

  1. The Sistine Chapel

Finish your tour of the Vatican Museums with a visit to the Sistine Chapel, which was built in the 15th century and is really worth seeing. It is famous worldwide for its spectacular frescoes painted by Italy’s greatest artists-Michelangelo, Botticelli and Perugino. There are numerous scenes from the Bible, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment. Remember that you must keep it as quiet as possible, and you cannot take photographs and videos inside. The Sistine Chapel conveys an evocative feeling of magnificence.

Opening hours and tickets:
  • The cost of the full combined ticket for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is €17;
  • reduced admission for eligible categories is €8. 
  • I recommend booking and buying online.

Necropolis of St. Peter

The Necropolis of San Pietro, located beneath Vatican City, near St. Peter’s Basilica, is an extraordinary archaeological site that offers a rare glimpse into the early Christian and pagan burial practices in Rome. This ancient cemetery, believed to date back to the Imperial Roman period, was discovered during excavations in the 1940s under the directive of Pope Pius XII, who sought to find the tomb of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Pope. 

The necropolis houses a series of mausoleums and tombs arranged along the sides of a central street, revealing a fascinating mix of pagan and early Christian burials, adorned with inscriptions, frescoes, and mosaics that have been remarkably preserved over centuries. At the heart of this underground city lies what is venerated as the Tomb of St. Peter, marked by a simple red wall, which many believe to be the final resting place of the apostle. Visiting the Necropolis of San Pietro offers a profound journey into the depths of early Christian history, providing insight into the spiritual and cultural traditions of ancient Rome.

 The Necropoli di San Pietro offers a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s past but may require special permission or advance booking, so check ahead.

Castel Sant’Angelo 

When you have finished visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, return to St. Peter’s Square and take Via Della Conciliazione, and with a 10-minute walk, you will arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo. It is a papal fortress built in the Middle Ages on the remains of Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum from the 2nd century AD. 

Visit the fortress and go up to the Terrace of the Angel, from where you have a spectacular view of the city. Surprise your sweetheart and let them discover the beauty of the capital, don’t miss the opportunity for an affordable and romantic weekend in Rome soon.

Castel Sant’Angelo is open:
  • from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm
  • is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. 

The cost of the full ticket is €15; reduced admission for eligible categories is €2. I recommend booking and buying online.

Belvedere Gianicolo

The Gianicolo (or Janiculum) Hill offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Rome from the Belvedere del Gianicolo. Located just west of the River Tiber and above the historic district of Trastevere, the Gianicolo is not one of Rome’s famous seven hills, but it stands out for its scenic views and historical significance. The hill is also a site of remembrance for Giuseppe Garibaldi’s defense of Rome in 1849 against French forces. 

Today, visitors can enjoy a serene walk along its paths, visit the monumental fountain Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, and witness the daily traditional firing of the cannon at noon, a practice that dates back to the 19th century. The Belvedere Gianicolo is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city below.

Sisto Bridge

Ponte Sisto is a historic bridge in Rome, spanning the Tiber River and connecting the lively Trastevere neighborhood with the historic center of the city. Originally built in the late 15th century by Pope Sixtus IV, from whom it gets its name, the bridge stands on the site of an earlier Roman bridge, the Pons Aurelius. Ponte Sisto is pedestrian-only, making it a popular route for those walking between Trastevere and central Rome, offering picturesque views along the river. It is especially beloved in the evening when the bridge and surrounding area come alive with people enjoying the romantic atmosphere, the street artists, and the stunning view of St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

Trastevere

Trastevere, known for its charming cobblestone streets, vibrant nightlife, and historic architecture, is one of Rome’s most beloved neighborhoods. Located on the west bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City, its name translates to “beyond the Tiber.” This area retains a bohemian atmosphere with its ivy-clad buildings, artisan shops, and traditional Roman trattorias and pizzerias tucked away in its winding streets. 

Trastevere is also home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, featuring stunning mosaics. During the day, it’s a delight to explore its narrow lanes and hidden corners, while at night, Trastevere buzzes with locals and tourists alike, drawn to its lively bars, cafes, and open-air markets, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the authentic Roman way of life.

3RD DAY IN ROME: Itinerary

For the third and final day of this three-day Roman tour, we focus on the capital city’s historic center. 

Schedule Time What to See How Long to Stay
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese 1 hour
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Piazza di Spagna and Shopping in Via Condotti 45 minutes
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM The Trevi Fountain 30 minutes
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM The Pantheon 30 minutes
12:45 PM – 2:15 PM Lunch break 1.5 hours
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Piazza Navona 45 minutes
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM Campo de’ Fiori 45 minutes
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM Aperitivo break 45 minutes
5:00 PM onwards Free time for additional exploration or relaxation –
7:30 PM onwards Dinner in a local restaurant –

  • Walking distance: about 1.9 mi (3 km)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Walking time: one day (including all stages)

Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese

Take Metro Line A direction Battistini and get off at Flaminio stop. When you exit the metro, you will be in one of Rome’s most beautiful and famous squares: Piazza del Popolo. It is a monumental square in Rome’s historic center where three of the city’s major streets meet: 

  • Via del Babuino, 
  • Via di Ripetta,
  •  Via del Corso. 

Admire the Fountain of Lions and the large Flaminian Obelisk in the center of the square.

Visit the twin 17th-century churches, Santa Maria in Montesanto, also known as the Church of the Artists, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Stop by the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, dating back to the 15th century and built on the burial site of Emperor Nero. Here you will find extraordinary masterpieces by Caravaggio and Pinturicchio.

A square formerly frequented by the likes of Trilussa, Guttuso and Pasolini, today the beating heart of the capital and the scene of numerous events and concerts. From Piazza del Popolo, you reach the famous panoramic terrace known as the Pincio, which is part of one of Rome’s largest green villas, Villa Borghese.

Climb to Pincio Hill for a breathtaking view of the Eternal City, with its rooftops, church domes, and the Cuplone of St. Peter’s: from here, you reach the beautiful Villa Borghese.

In Villa Borghese park, stroll through the greenery and admire the buildings, sculptures, monuments, and fountains, the work of distinguished Baroque and Neoclassical artists. Visit the Lake Garden and rent the little boat to see the Temple dedicated to Aesculapius, the Sundial, and the Fountain of the Satyr Family. 

Finally, visit the Secret Gardens, Piazza di Siena and the Galleria Borghese.

  • Entrance to the park is free. 
The cost of the full ticket for the Galleria Borghese:
  •  is €13; 
  • reduced admission for eligible categories is €2. 

The Gallery is always open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm and is closed on 25 December 25 and 1 January.

Spanish Square and Steps

Continue your tour and head towards the Spanish Steps. From Piazza Del Popolo, you can take the subway back to the Flaminio stop and get off at the Spagna stop, but a walk down Via Del Corso or Via Del Babuino takes only ten minutes. Arriving at Spanish Square (Piazza di Spagna), you immediately notice the famous Spanish Steps, at the base of which stands the famous Barcaccia Fountain. Please do not sit on the famous steps, you risk a hefty fine! Admire the buildings surrounding the square and take some photos.

Shopping in Via Condotti

Then head to Via Condotti, the street facing the square dedicated to luxury shopping, where you will find boutiques of famous designers such as Gucci and Prada. Admire the beautiful storefronts and recharge your batteries for this long walk with a delicious coffee in the Antico Caffè Greco, a historic Rome café frequented by artists and literati for decades. If you are in the capital for work, don’t miss our guide to coworking spaces in Rome.

The Trevi Fountain

From Via Condotti, you arrive in Via Del Corso and from there reach the spectacular Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous of Rome’s fountains. The fountain is fed by the Virgin Aqueduct and was built by Pope Clement XII and designed by architect Nicola Salvi in 1732.

 It was immortalized by Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg in Fellini’s movie La Dolce Vita and in the movie Totò truffa ’62 as well as in many other movie scenes that have made it famous all over the world. Here too, the rituals must be observed: a selfie and toss a coin in the fountain. You should know that all the coins collected go to charity. If you would like to know which movies have been set in Rome, from Cinecittà to the Oscars: here is our guide on movie tourism!

The Phanteon

After visiting the Trevi Fountain, cross Via del Corso and head to the Pantheon; the walk takes about 15 minutes. Together with the Colosseum, the Pantheon is one of the great symbols of Rome and the city’s best preserved ancient monument. It was built as a temple dedicated to all mythological deities and founded in 27 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus. It then became a Christian church in the 7th century. Here you can visit the tombs of Victor Emmanuel II and the famous Italian artist Raphael and admire its enormous dome and oculus (the opening in the dome), which gives the building a unique atmosphere.

  • Visiting the Pantheon is free.

Piazza Navona

When you arrive at Piazza Navona, admire the wonderful Baroque palaces and fountains in the center of the square, among which stands out Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers created in 1651.  The square was built in monumental style by the Pamphili family at the behest of Pope Innocent X, its shape inspired by the ancient Roman stadium of Domitian. This square is a bustle of portrait painters and street performers at all hours of the day and night.

Campo de’ Fiori

The third day of your Roman tour draws to a close; after visiting the Pantheon, cross Corso Vittorio Emanuele and follow Via dei Ballauri to Campo de’ Fiori, the walk will take about ten minutes. The square was built in 1456 by order of Pope Calistus III on the site where a field of flowers had previously stood. Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s most typical areas, with its famous statue of Giordano Bruno, a heretical monk condemned to the stake during the Counter-Reformation period.

The square is one of the focal points of Roman life; you will always find a lively atmosphere there, both during the day, for its markets, and at night, for its restaurants and clubs. It is ideal to end this trip and, for the evening, here are the best trattorias in Rome for a perfect dinner. After dinner, stroll through the neighborhood streets, have a drink, and enjoy soaking up the Roman nightlife.

The best way to see Rome in 3 days: Recommendations

This itinerary is ambitious and assumes a full day of sightseeing with minimal transit time between locations. 

Some Considerations and Suggestions for making the most of your trip and 3-day stay in Rome:

  • Mobility: Depending on your mode of transportation, you may need to adjust the schedule. Walking, using public transportation, or hiring a taxi will vary in efficiency and time consumed.
  • Tickets and Queues: It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Capitoline Museums, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to save time and ensure entry.
  • Lunch, Aperitivo, and Dinner: These have been incorporated into the schedule. Rome is filled with wonderful eateries; choosing a place closer to your current location will save time.
  • Flexibility: Rome is a city that invites exploration. If something catches your eye, feel free to adapt the schedule accordingly.

How many days do you need in Rome?

The number of days needed to visit Rome largely depends on your interests, pace, and what you want to see and do. For a comprehensive exploration of Rome’s major landmarks, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and more, along with time to enjoy the city’s culinary delights, at least 3 to 4 full days are recommended. This allows you to cover the essential sights without rushing and to soak in the city’s atmosphere.

However, if you’re passionate about art, history, or want to discover Rome’s lesser-known gems, extending your stay to a week would be beneficial. This longer duration enables deeper exploration, such as visiting its many museums at a leisurely pace, wandering through the different neighborhoods like Trastevere and Monti, and perhaps taking a day trip to nearby sites like Ostia Antica or Tivoli.

Rome is a city rich in layers of history, where even a short walk can reveal wonders from different epochs. Therefore, the longer you can spend, the more you’ll uncover the eternal city’s endless treasures. Regardless, even a short visit can leave a lasting impression and a desire to return.

How to get to Rome and move around the city

Reach the Eternal City with Italo’s high-speed trains and arrive at Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina stations, which are connected to the subway system and other urban transport services. Discover train schedules and fares for Rome and buy your modifiable Low-Cost ticket. Italo offers you many connections to Rome from every city in Italy. Did you know that there are many Milan-Rome trains every day that take you to the capital in less than three hours? Organize your stay in Italy’s capital city and discover all the convenience of Italo Treno, and during the trip you can consult all our tips.

The principal means of transport – and the most convenient – by which to get around in Rome is the subway system; it consists of only three lines: Red Line A, Blue Line B, and Line C. In addition, you can also use the Tramlines, Buses and Urban Railway that connects many of the city’s outer boroughs.

The cost of a ticket, valid for 100 minutes, to board the metro subway, bus and tram is €1.5. With the BIT, Integrated Time Ticket, you can travel as many rides as you wish for 1 hour and 40 minutes, as long as you don’t exit the subway turnstiles.

  • The cost of the daily ticket is €7 for limitless trips on bus and metro and lasts 24 hours from the first stamp.
  • The cost of the 48-hour ticket is €12.5, and it lasts 48 hours from the first stamp.
  • The cost of the 72-hour ticket is €18, and it lasts 72 hours from the first stamp.