Last Updated on March 18, 2021 by Tia
3days in Rome may sound like such a short amount of time – seeing the city probably sounds like an impossible feat! But as you will see from this guide, there’s an incredible amount of things you can do and see in 3days in Rome.
As long of course, as you know the where and the how. In this guide, I am telling you exactly what to see, where to eat, and what to visit in a detailed Rome Itinerary 3 days with a 4th day added as a bonus!
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Table of Contents
Italy
Simply put, I am in love with Italy.
I first fell in love with it after spending a year in Florence – and I fall in love with it all over again with every single visit. It is only one of 3 countries in the world that I keep coming back to. I have already traveled to Italy a whopping 6 times and I am currently planning a tour of Italy as we speak!
If you are undecided about which part of Italy to visit, my Reasons to Visit Italy Guide will help you make up your mind!
I have stood in quiet awe in from the Sistine Chapel and I have tossed a coin into the Fontana di Trevi. I have climbed the 414 steps to the top of the Duomo Cathedral in Florence and I have awkwardly posed with the leaning tower of Pisa. I have left love notes at Juliet's house in Verona and fallen in love in a gondola in Venice.
But Rome….ahhhh Rome! What is there to say about the Italian Capital that hasn’t been said 100 times? The city of the world, Rome is unlike any other.
”Rome is history in the stones of the streets and the atoms of the sunshine” – Henry James
Rome is a modern-day city and also an archaeological dig that’s dating back to more than 2,800 years. A city so full of influential art, architecture, and history it practically screams.
The home of the ancient ruins of the Colosseum, the Vatican City in all its Catholic Faith glory, and timeless masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
The city begs you to walk its every historic corner, uncover its every alley and explore its every taste. So without further ado, let’s discover Rome together – falling in love with it, is inevitable!
Rome Itinerary for 3 days:
3days in Rome – Day 1 In Rome :
Vatican City
Visiting the Vatican is an absolute must.
No 3days in Rome would be complete without a visit to this entirely independent city-state surrounded by Rome! The Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the home to the Pope; the symbol of the Catholic Faith.
it is also home to iconic art, one-of-a-kind masterpieces, and architecture. The Vatican Museum houses ancient Roman sculptures known around the world such as the Sistine Chapel, the famed Michaelangelo’s ceiling, the incredible “Laocoön and His Sons” and various Renaissance frescoes.
Once at the Vatican City, head straight to:
1. The Vatican Museum
Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 6988 4676
2. St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is the papal enclave within the walls of Rome, the largest church in the world and one of the most spectacular pieces of Renaissance architecture. The Basilica was completed in 1626 and is the burial site of Saint Peter.
It is a part of Vatican City and considered by many as the holiest church in the world. Even if you are not spiritual, the architecture alone will be enough to leave you breathless.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City St Peter’s Basilica Hours: 7am-18:00 pm St Peter’s Basilica Entrance Fee- Free
Castel St’Angelo
Located only a short distance from the Vatican City, lies Castel Sant’Angelo. This fortress has been standing since year 135 and is split into 5 floors connected by a spiral ramp.
Here you can visit the champer of ashes- where a number of Italy’s historical figures are kept, the rooms designed for the Pope’s residence, the cells where many known figures were incarcerated, and exquisite artwork from the Renaissance period.
In the upper floor there is a large terrace where you can take amazing photographs of the city from above, and fantastic views of St Peter’s Basilica and all of Vatican City.
Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 681 9111 Castel st Angelo Opening Hours: Daily 9:30-7:30 pm
Lunch or Brunch with Vatican Views
Brunch luxuriously and stay within the Vatican City area – La Veranda is a gorgeous upscale brunch option only a short walk from the Vatican.
La Veranda offers gorgeous lunch and dinner options as well as some American Style brunch options meaning there’s really a dish for everyone here! Enjoy an upscale setting and memorable views, from 11:30- 15:30.
Worth a visit for the views of St Peter’s Basilica, the inner courtyard of the antique building with its vaulted ceiling and artwork decorating its every wall, making you feel like you are dining in a museum. No 3days in Rome is complete without brunch with views of the Vatican City!
Tip: The restaurant is closed on Mondays
Bookings during the High season are advised if you wish to avoid dissapointment!
Address: Via dei Cavalieri del Santo Sepolcro, 3, 00193 Roma Rm
Italy Tel: +39 06 687 2973
Cost: 20-30 euros
Villa Borghese Gardens Park
The Vatican will most likely wipe you out, so you should set time for some rest!
Close to the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, you will find the perfect park to have a classical Italian siesta (post-lunch nap) under the trees, or simply to relax in nature. Make time to take a few fantastic pictures, rest, and continue on!
Villa Borghese Gardens is the most popular park in the city and also the third-largest public park in Rome! The other two are Villa Doria Pamphili and Villa Ada which are also beautiful.
Address: Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Roma RM, Italy Opening Hours: From Dawn to Dusk, free of charge.
The Spanish Steps
Built-in 1723 by Francesco De Sanctis, the Spanish steps – or “Scalina Spagna” are a set of over 130 wide irregular steps of curves, terraces, and straight lines giving the steps a butterfly look.
A beautiful place to visit to admire some Baroque style architecture like the baroque fountain – La Fontana Della Barcaccia and views of the eternal City.
The Spanish Steps connect the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper piazza Trinita Dei Monti, and its beautiful twin tower church.
This is also where the late English poet John Keats – built hid home; now a museum packed with English Romantic Era memorabilia.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the largest, most visited and most beautiful piazzas in Rome dating all the way back to the 15th century.
It is home to three impressive fountains you will love to explore. First is la Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi which was constructed in 1651 by Bernini for the pope.
That one is the most photographed fountain in the square exhuming elegance and architectural genius. You can admire its stunning sculptures; a tall Roman obelisk as a centerpiece, the Pope’s coat of arms, a dove, and an olive branch at the base.
The two other fountains are smaller but equally interesting – The Fontana Di Nettuno to the north and the Fontana del Moro to the south with sculptures of dolphins, sea creatures and the like.
Piazza Navona is really bursting with street artists & bars, buzzing nightlife and cosmopolitan energy.
Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Authentic Italian Dinner – at Il Mozzicone.
Mozzicone is a family-run restaurant, one that is quite different from La Veranda. You will witness no-frills or elaborate settings, and the food is served in paper plates! But the pasta here is without a doubt one of the best plates of pasta in the City!
My 3days in Rome guide would be incomplete without a real taste of the local life!
Authentic food, authentic prices in a true Italian Eaterie are the perfect way to end your first day in Rome. Il Morzicone is located in Borgo Pio, close to the Vatican Area.
Address: Borgo Pio, 180, 00193 Roma RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 686 1500 Opening Hours: 12:00-3:00 and 6:30-11:00
3days in Rome: Day 2 in Rome
Trevi Fountain -La Fontana Di Trevi
One of my favorite places in Rome, la Fontana Di Trevi is a wonder to behold and an absolute must-see in the city. Could you imagine 3days in Rome without a visit to the most famous fountain in the world?
Thousands of people visit the fountain every day, not only to admire and photograph the most Famed Baroque fountain in Rome but also to toss a coin or two and make a wish. (toss one coin to return to Rome, 2 for love and 3 if you wish to get married!)
Here are some Trevi Fountain facts.
1. La Fontana Di Trevi was fully restored in 2015 by none other than Fendi – the Iconic fashion house! Fendi reportedly spent over 2million Euros for the full historical restoration making headlines all over the world! The unveiling of La Fontana Di Trevi happened in November of 2015 and was one of the biggest events in the city.
2. The fountain dates back to 19 B.C and was the oldest water source in Rome.
3. La Fontana Di Trevi is a landmark used in many movies, such as La Dolce Vita, Roman Holiday, Three Coins in the fountain and more.
4. The coins are collected every day (approximately 3-4 thousand Euros) and are given to a local charity which helps the needy buy groceries. It is, therefore, a punishable crime to steal the coins from the fountain.
TIP: If you are early risers, even better. If you can get up and start the day on a high, get up there at 7 am for the best-uninterrupted pictures. The colors surrounding the Trevi Fountain are stunning at that time and there’s hardly anyone about!
Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy La Fontana Di Trevi Entrance Fee: Free
Colosseum
Yes, it’s touristy but in all honesty, its a must-do! Even if all you have is 3days in Rome, the Colosseum is a place that must be admired up close.
Completed in AD 80, The Colosseum is located in the heart of the center of Rome and is the largest amphitheater ever built.
This Elliptical building is Standing tall at 84 meters high and was famously used for gladiatorial battles and public spectacles, wild animal vs people battles and various reenactments.
It is believed that over 50.000 people and a million wild animals lost their lives during the world-famous Roman Battles at the Colosseum,! You will be impressed by its vast size, which can host a whopping 50.000 people!
To make entries and exits run smoothly, they built over 80 entrances and 36 trap doors. The massive arena also features a vast underground structure where the gladiators, prisoners, and animals were held.
Today, the Colosseum houses beautiful ruins that represent different eras of life in the city and is an absolute must-see in Rome. For an in-depth history of the Colosseum, take a read at this fantastic article that is full of even more fascinating details of the Colosseum.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy tel: +39 06 3996 7700 Opening Hours: 8:30am – 7pm
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is located right next to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. This Vast excavated area of Roman temples, squares & buildings, dates back a whopping 2,000 years.
Address: Via Della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pm
The Palatine Hill
The legendary founding site of the Palatine Hill showcases ruins of palaces, baths, and Roman Temples.
It is the oldest part of the Roman City, as it was Inhabited since 1000 BC by the Mighty Roman Emperors.
The Palatine hill is now a peaceful beautifully green area with wildflowers and vegetation. It is a beautiful space for rest, meditation or picnics with spectacular views of the entire city.
Address: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
The mouth of Truth – La Bocca Della Verita
You will find The Mouth Of Truth next to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This strange Carving is that of a man’s face and its a rather popular attraction due to the myth attached to it.
The myth says, that if a liar inserts his hand into the mouth, the mouth will instantly close shut!
Address: Piazza Della Bocca Della Verità, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Opening Hours: 9:30-5:50 pm Entry Fee- 2 euros
Choose between Lunch or Aperitivo
1. Authentic Roman Lunch
At Trastevere Trattoria Da Augusto. Another authentic family-run restaurant, which serves up the best authentic Roman Food like tripe and rabbit! Bookings are not allowed, so be prepared to patiently wait for a table, that you will not regret.
Address: Vicolo De’ Renzi, 15, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 580 3798 Opening Hours: 12″30-3 pm – 8:00 pm -11:00 pm
2. Aperitivo by the beach.
If you wish to escape the city center, try and catch the sunset hours – and enjoy a classic Italian Aperitivo at Singita. Signita is located by the beach and serves up fantastic cocktails and a great aperitivo menu which is a must to try in Italy.
A classic Roman Aperitivo consists of pre-dinner drinks, like prosecco and wines, along with platters of cured Italian meats, cheeses, olives and bread. More often than not, you will be totally full and won’t even need dinner!
Address: Via Silvi Marina, 223/a, 00054 Fregene RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 6196 4921 Opening Hours: 10 am – 8pm
Drinks and Cocktails
Caffe Propaganda is a great option and right in the area of the Colosseum. A retro little bar that serves up fantastic cocktails Address:
Via Claudia, 15, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 9453 4255 Opening Hours: 8:30am – 2am . Closed on Mondays!
3days in Rome: Day 3 in Rome
Borghese Gallery Art
Art lovers rejoice! The Borghese Gallery is located in a Beautiful Villa house and is bursting at the seams with 15th- to 18th-century artworks by the masterminds of the time; Bernini & Michelangelo as well as Caravaggio.
Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 841 3979 Opening Hours: 9am-7pm closed on Mondays.
Entrance Fee 15 euros for adults.
Piazza Del Popolo
Close to the Borghese park gardens, Piazza Del Popolo is a grand and beautiful Piazza called ”the peoples square”. Its landmark square is centered by Rome’s oldest obelisk which stands tall at over 72ft.
It features several fountains and three churches- Santa Maria Del Popolo, Santa Maria del Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.
Often used for outdoor concerts and events, the square is bursting with life and visitors! You can even enjoy a spot of celebrity watching, in the centrally located Caffe Rosati.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Visit Via del Corso for shopping
It is time for my favorite sport; Shopping !! At Via del Corso, which is situated right in the historical center of Rome, you can really indulge in the sport! This area is characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Because of that, it is ideal for window-shopping and architecture sightseeing too. Address: Via del Corso, 486 – 487, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Via Condotti – for cuture and designer shopping
You will love this busy and fashionable street in Rome, offering the best of all couture shopping in Italy. Wallets at the ready! if you love designer brands or are looking to invest in a timeless piece or two, you will love this. Address: Via Dei Condotti, 61A, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Dinner – Italian Cuisine at its best!
At Angelinas a Testaccio. I left the best for last with this one!
Angelina’s is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Rome, hands down! It was luckily introduced to me by my Italian best friend Sergio, who knows all the hidden authentic spots.
The beautiful terrace restaurant is hidden off the main road, amongst the trees, and has a beautiful vintage design.
But the food here is the real star! The meatballs and carbonara dishes are second to none, and all meat dishes are cooked to perfection! The steak is pretty phenomenal !
THE restaurant to visit in Rome, this place is always busy and early bookings are advised!
Address: Via Galvani, 24a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Tel: +39 06 5728 3840
Opening Hours: 12:30-3:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 2 am
3days in Rome: Day 4: (optional) Bonus Day
Ponte Milvio Neighborhood
Ponte Milvio is a traditional and very local neighborhood in Rome. It is also best known as the site of the ancient Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
Start your day by walking the quaint streets of Ponte Milvio and The Ponte Milvio bridge which is an Elegant pedestrian footbridge, founded in the 2nd-century BC, & the site of the famous Roman battle of the Milvian Bridge. You will really love the famous bridge with symbols of love and padlocks fastened all along its edge!
Address: Ponte Milvio, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
Brunch or Lunch – Option 1
The perfect Sunday brunch or Lunch that overlooks the square of Ponte Milvio at Panificio Nazzaveno
Address: Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, 35, 00191 Roma RM, Italy Tel: +39 06 3322 0720
Opening Hours: 7 am – 2 am
Lunch or brunch – Option 2
Lunch at the fabulous Macello for fantastic meat of all kinds – beef, chicken, pork, Italian sausage and more with a great outdoor seating area and great cocktails to boot.
Address: Via Flaminia, 451, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
Tel: +39 06 333 7020
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 6:30-2:00 am. Friday: 6:30-3:00 am. Saturday and Sunday: 12:00pm-3:00 am.
Santa Chiara church
Address: Piazza di S. Chiara, 40-42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Italian Dessert
If you have a sweet tooth, then I have the perfect place to satisfy your cravings! at Pompi Tiramisu, you will find generous portions of authentic tiramisu- in the classic mascarpone and coffee flavor as well as banana, strawberry, Nutella and Pistacchio!
Pompi Tiramisu Address: Via Della Croce, 82, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Tel: +39 06 2430 4431
Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 11:00 pm
Indulgent Dinner
Book a table at Da Felice restaurant – for the delicious cacio a Pepe. A celebrated trattoria with a simple, bare-brick interior, dedicated to Roman cooking. You will love every mouthful! Must book in advance!
Address: Via Mastro Giorgio, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Tel: +39 06 574 6800
Opening Hours: 12:30-3:00 – 7:00-11:00
Partying- Bar hopping.
Alternatively, you may skip Da Felice, stay in the area and have a classical Roman Night out! its Time to let loose amongst the locals!
The Ponte Miglio area is crawling with bars meaning you will love bar hopping for the night! Check out Jarro for great wine, cocktails, and beers, and Nojo – which specializes in great mixology cocktails.
I hope you have enjoyed this 3days in Rome Itinerary! You will fall in love with exploring this wonderful and historical city!
”A fool is one who admires other cities, without ever visiting Rome”
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Read my other articles on Italy and leave a comment with any questions! See you soon,
Ciao, Tia xx
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