Rome currently stands as the capital city of Italy and attracts millions of visitors every year thanks to the diverse history and unimaginable architectural prowess of many of the buildings in and around the city. Let’s see what you can get up to in Rome in 3 days.
There is over 3000 years worth of history to behold in the capital of Italy. As you roam the cobbled streets of Rome, you’ll come across ancient monuments like the Colosseum, get the chance to admire countless ancient ruins, spend time ogling art in Vatican City, or simply walk into the Sistine Chapel and gaze up at the magnificent ceiling. There are countless things to see in Rome, and you only have a couple of days to see them. Below you’ll find our suggested Rome 3-day itinerary to make the most of your time in the city.
Things to keep in mind before visiting Rome
Check out the restrictions page before finding places to visit in Rome. If you’re planning on visiting the Vatican, avoid Wednesdays and Sundays as these are the busiest days. Sacred sites require a more conservative dress code, so bring along a cover-up for these visits. The public transport system is efficient and cheap and will make travelling more pleasant than haggling with taxis. You can drink the water from the public taps in Rome. Sometimes, it’s worth the price to skip the queue. Remember, there are thousands of travellers trying to see what you want to see.
Weekend in Rome – Day 1
Afternoon: Starting your weekend in Rome, a 3-day itinerary
Start the afternoon with a trip to Circus Maximus, which used to be the largest public games venue in Rome and played host to a wide selection of events that happened throughout the ages. One of the most well-known events was the chariot races. Circus Maximus also hosted numerous staged hunts and religious celebrations. When it wasn’t hosting an event, it transformed into a local market area.
Once you’ve completed the tour of Circus Maximus, you’ll want to catch a taxi or hop on a bus to the Pantheon and explore the former temple that was later converted into a church. A short walk away from the church, you’ll find the Trevi Fountain, which is the last stop during the afternoon before taking on an evening in Rome. Trevi Fountain was built in the 18th century and is largely considered the most famous fountain in the world.
Evening
Now that your sightseeing for the day is done, you’ll want to kick back and relax with some good food and maybe a movie on a big screen. There are a wide variety of restaurants a short walk away from the Trevi Fountain. If you’re there during the early evening, consider checking out restaurants like Colline Emiliano, a locally coveted restaurant specialising in food from the Emilia-Romagna region. They’re also well-known for their handmade pasta.
After your meal, head to the pop-up Isola del Cinema screens and catch one of the new blockbusters along the River Tiber. You’ll want to book in advance as spots are well sought after and fill up quickly.
Weekend in Rome – Day 2
Morning: Places to visit in Rome
A day spent in Rome wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Colosseum. This incredible portrayal of architecture and history has stood for over 2000 years as a landmark location in the heart of Rome. It once stood as the arena where gladiators housed their famous battles adored by thousands of spectators and citizens of the Roman Empire.
Next, make your way to the Roman Forum, alongside the Colosseum. The majority of tickets for the Colosseum include tickets for the Roman Forum but be sure to confirm this before you arrive. This square plaza, surrounded by government buildings, stood as the heart of the Roman Empire for many years. It was home to almost all of the religious and political happenings of ancient Rome.
After perusing the Roman Forum, you’ll want to head next door and spend time at one of the most notable museums in the city, although Rome has many notable museums. The Capitoline museums are situated next door to the Roman Forum, which makes for an easy trip once you’re done at the Forum. The Capitoline museums are located inside one building and house an array of treasured pieces that include Renaissance art and medieval pieces.
Afternoon
After your visit to the Capitoline museums, head back to the River Tiber, where you spent last night watching a movie beneath the stars. Start with Castel Sant’Angelo, which has been sitting on the river banks for close to 2000 years. Over the years, this structure has served as the mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, as well as a castle and a fortress, and serves as a museum today.
From there, take a quick walk along River Tiber to what was once the northern edge of Rome, Piazza delPopolo. Here you can spend time grabbing a bite to eat or some coffee before heading on to the Spanish Steps and exploring the area.
Evening
Spend the last of your afternoon and early evening at Piazza Navona, a designated public space that’s been around since the 15th century and is teeming with Baroque architecture. You’ll find a wide variety of things happening at the piazza, including markets, street performers, and several sights to see, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers with Bernini’s fountain standing in the centre.
Your last thing to do once you’ve explored the piazza and are ready to head back, is to have dinner near the piazza. If you’re wondering about where to eat in Rome, you’ll have plenty of options. One of the best places to dine at is the famous Armando al Pantheon. This spot has been around since 1961 and has gained a ton of attention for its atmosphere and cuisine.
Weekend in Rome – Day 3
Morning: last things to see in Rome
Your first two days were spent steeped in the history of Rome and marvelling at ancient architecture, your third day is going to be spent immersed in the art scene, starting at the Vatican.
The Vatican opens at 09:00 every morning except Sundays. It gets increasingly crowded as the day progresses, so you’ll want to get there as early as possible. If you book a tour, you can get entry earlier than 09:00 and there’s usually breakfast included.
The Vatican Museums span a distance of around 3 miles with several museums. Take your time and spend the morning exploring some of the favourites, including the Sistine Chapel, the Map Room, and of course, the famous double-helix stairwell. Join in with a walking tour and take the morning to enjoy the beautiful artwork on display.
Afternoon
Now it’s time to head outside of the Vatican and into St. Peter’s Basilica. You won’t need to pay to see the basilica, though we do recommend paying for a pass that allows you to skip the line. This masterpiece of architecture really is worth the extra money. It is widely considered one of the holiest Catholic shrines in the world and is the largest church in the world.
When you’re done with the Vatican and you’re just about ready to head back home, you’ll have one last stop to make. You can’t visit Rome, spend three days perusing the city, and not have gelato. There are numerous gelato shops in Rome but there are a few very special ones. One of the most popular spots is the famous Fassi Gelateria, which has been serving their delicacies since way back in 1880.
Is 3 days in Rome enough?
When it comes to how many days you need in Rome, you could spend weeks in the city and constantly discover new things. This is designed as a weekend in Rome itinerary. 3 days in Rome is enough to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city, but you’ll definitely want to return.
How to save time and money while in Rome for 3 days?
Choose the Roma Pass, which includes free public transport in the city and gives you skip-the-line access to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It also grants you access to free public transport within the city. You will have to get additional access cards for the Vatican attractions, so we suggest booking a tour that includes St. Peter’s Basilica and The Vatican, or opt for the Omnia Card, which means you get to jump the line at the Vatican and the Basilica, and also ride the jump-on and jump-off buses.
Where to stay in Rome?
If you’re spending the weekend in Rome, we suggest booking somewhere close to the city centre. You’ll find several spots close to Trevi Fountain, such as Boutique Hotel Trevi, Hotel Delle Nazioni, or 59 Steps Trevi. If you’re closer to River Tiber, there are places like Hotel Ripa Roma or Trilussa Palace Hotel Congress & Spa.
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