What to do when in Rome? | Detailed Rome Itinerary
Rome is a spectacular city boasting a rich history that conjures up some of the most famous landmarks in the world. This city is a wonderful blend of historical sites, world-class museums, charming piazzas, and iconic sites.
The list of best places to visit in Rome is long. So long, in fact, that it would take months to see all of them. If you’re trying to figure out which attractions not to miss out on, here’s some help. I have put together a manageable list of Rome’s best destinations, along with a few off-the-beaten-path experiences that you really shouldn’t miss.
Got 3 days in Rome? Here’s a 3-day Itinerary of Rome to help you plan your vacation perfectly! Be prepared to have an amazing experience with sightseeing and shopping you can do during your travel with these 3 Days Itinerary of Rome. This perfect itinerary map given below will help you make the most of your time to Rome trip.
3 Days itinerary of Rome
Day 1
Panthéon Dome, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia, River Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Campo de’Fiori
Day 2
Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Bocca Della Verita, Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Day 3
Jewish Ghetto, Sistine Chapel, Galleria Borghese, Altar of the Fatherland, Capitoline Museums, St. Angelo Bridge, Trajan's Column
Day 1: Itinerary of Rome
Pantheon Dome
The Pantheon Dome is situated in the centre of Rome, in the district (named Rione) Pigna, in Piazza della Rotonda. With a name that in Greek means “honour to all Gods”, The Pantheon Dome’s story dates back to 27 BCE and the reign of Augustus. The spectacular design, elegance, proportions, and harmony are a striking reminder of the architecture of the Pantheon dome. The entry is free of cost, but it is closed during the masses.
Because of the modern buildings around Piazza Della Rotonda now the Pantheon seems to look a little out of the place as the square is encircled with cafes, shops, and joints around. But still, you will want to step in and stare upward at the Pantheon’s impressive dome.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular fountains in Rome. Known for the tradition to throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, and you will be fated to return the city. The Trevi Fountain is situated at the junction of three roads and the endpoint of the Aqua Vergine, one of the earliest aqueducts in Rome. The evening is a great time to visit the Trevi Fountain, the lights at night-time appear quite dramatic.
The place is crowded during the daytime so if you lucky if you can get a decent click with the fountain in the background. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and wish to stay back in Rome 😉. It is a must in your itinerary of Rome.
Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna is the world’s most famous public staircase and a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture in Europe. I was astonished by such elegance of the Piazza di Spagna: the yellow, brownish ochre-colored buildings, Bernini’s fountain, and the celebrated Spanish Steps rising towards the Church.
Piazza di Spagna consist of 135 steps in total right below the Piazza Trinita dei Monti and is a great place to rest your leg and take a short break. You will find many locals sitting along the steps gazing at the city crowd and a beautiful sunset. If you opt for walking tour you will find this place included in your itinerary of Rome.
Piazza Venezia
Integrated in the massive pure white marble structure, Piazza Venezia was built between 1885 and 1905. One side of the Piazza Venezia showcases the site of Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Altare della Patria, part of the imposing Monument to the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.
Being the city’s main center 4 major roads meet at this Piazza with the city hustle and bustle. This place where you can get you a panoramic view of the Roman city- at one side you can marvel at the Rom’s largest street, the other side you can gaze at the Imperial Forums and Colosseum.You can also find San Marco church the oldest basilica in Rome. Built in 336 AD which is now a part of Palazzo Venezia. You can even get a ticket to the rooftop of the Piazza. There is an elevator which was built at the back of the Piazza, and now it’s become a tourist attraction where visitors can crawl through the rooftop for a panoramic sight of the city.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as Hadrian’s Tomb, is a fortress situated on the right bank of the Tiber. The imposing Castel Sant’Angelo is the only building in Rome that has followed the development of Rome for about 2000 years. Witness the beautiful panoramic views over Castel Sant’Angelo from the terraces around the upper level.
Castel Sant’Angelo is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 7.30 pm. Entry fee to the Castel Sant’Angelo: 14 euros for adults. For children and adolescents that are under 18 years old is FREE.
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe with fascinating fountains, churches, and the big Flaminio Obelisk. Piazza del Popolo, also known as People’s Square, is surrounded by the beautiful church of Santa Maria del Popolo and the greenery of Villa Borghese park.
It is open from Monday – Sunday from 9 AM till 9 PM.
Piazza Navona
Adorned with three amazing fountains, Fontana del Moro, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and Fontana del Nettuno, Piazza Navona is one of the most beloved in the center of Rome. Piazza Navona surrounds the area of the ancient ‘Stadium of Domitian’. According to my experience, you must consider the morning or evening time to witness the beauty of this place.
Campo de’Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s most famous squares. This ritzy Italian market is nestled between the Baroque masterpieces of Bernini and Borromini to the north (Piazza Navona) and the high renaissance structures of Michelangelo to the south (Piazza Farnese). Campo de’Fiori is built around a statue of an unforgiven heretic who was burned for his belief in an endless universe.
River Tiber
River Tiber is 3rd longest river in Italy with a total length of 406 km, weaving its way right through the center of Rome. Take a romantic evening cruise, and enjoy sipping a glass of wine and savor delightful appetizers as you take in the sunset along the beautiful Tiber River. Discover some of the top landmarks and monuments of Eternal City along the way.
You can also opt to walk past the banks of the Tiber in the evening. And try out some Italian cuisine at some cozy cafe or restaurant. A beautiful way to end your Day 1 itinerary of Rome.
Day 2: Itinerary of Rome
Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world in Rome and is home to the Roman Catholic Church where you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
With so many things to talk about, summing up in a blog is difficult the best way to explore the Vatican is through a guided tour. The Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, the Maps across the hallways, the throne, historical spiral staircase, and the most famous St Peter’s Basilica are the real beauty of art and many stories rooted to be perceived. The Vatican Museums consist of precious fine art which cannot be explained in mere 3-4 hours of the tour probably a day in the Vatican is also not enough to learn about its history.
Being a holy place, it is a must that your shoulders and knees are covered or you will not be able to enter Churches. The best way to start your day 2 itinerary of Rome is with The Vatican City Tour which opens at 9:00 in the morning. Would suggest to pre-book the tickets online or prior a day so you wouldn’t waste time standing in long queues.
St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is considered one of the holiest sites for Christianity in Europe and is lauded for its impressive architecture. St Peter’s Basilica encompasses an array of artworks that have been carefully preserved over the years. With its impressive dome and marble interior, it’s famous for its beautiful art and architecture.
Designed by the most renowned people St. Peter’s is the largest church in the world. We could gaze through the interior while ending the walking tour and it was the most impressive church, we have come across compared to the others. It is free to enter.
Colosseum
No trip to Rome is complete without seeing the Colosseum. It is the world’s largest amphitheater ever built and one of the major tourist attractions in Rome. The capacity of the royal Colosseum is estimated at around 75.000 spectators. The shows have become occasions to impress the people through an unforeseen display of astonishing special effects.
If you opt for a guided tour the entrance fee would be included or you can also book the entry ticket outside the Colosseum. The best way to explore these places is to hire a guide because without which it will just be the fragmented structures to gaze at. The best part is the ticket does give an entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill right adjacent to the Colosseum.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Make sure you visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill during your Rome travel trip. The Palatine Hill, surrounded by beautiful towing pine trees, is the highest of the seven hills that Rome is built on. You will get a real sense of Rome’s history amongst the ancient imperial buildings and ruins of palaces across this Roman hillside. The Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city of Rome is situated just 40 meters below the Palatine Hill.
Bocca Della Verita
If you want to experience some unforgettable travel moments with your buddies, then here’s your destination. Bocca Della Verita throbs the hearts of thousands of visitors, with a gapped mouth, nostrils, and mammoth marble disc structure with holes on both eyes, known in English as the Mouth of Truth. Bocca Della Verita has nestled on the premises of basilica di Santa maria in the comedian of Rome.
History states, the Bocca della Verità used to eat the arm of those who lie cutting the hand in its mouth. The famous story marked in the history is about a woman charged guilty of adultery. To prove her innocence she had to put her hand in the mouth, swearing to have never hugged any other men except her husband in all her life.
You can always take your husband or boyfriend and try it out your own by paying a €2 fee to visit Rome’s Bocca della Verità.
Pyramid of Caius Cestius
Constructed during the ‘Cleopatra craze’ in architecture, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius is the only monument of its kind in Rome. It is 36 meters high and 29 meters wide, made of concrete and brick, covered with Carrara marble. The inscriptions on the side of the pyramid state that the pyramid was built in just 330 days.
The interior of the pyramid can be visited on the third and fourth Saturdays and Sundays of each month for individuals at 11.00. Tours are conducted in Italian and tickets cost €5.50.
Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla, also known as Thermae Antoninianae, was the second-largest bath complex in all of Rome spread across approximately 27 acres. This third-century bathing complex was built using nearly 6.9 million bricks and 6,300 square meters of marble and granite.
It was the center of social life for tens of thousands of Romans who would gather there around 10,000 at a time to exercise, bathe, and relax.
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is Rome’s cathedral, a church originally established by the first Christian emperor of Rome, Constantine. The interior of the Basilica is fascinating with frescoes, a preserved wooden ceiling of the 16th century, colossal statues, and mosaics with impressive columns.
Day 3: Itinerary of Rome
Jewish Ghetto
Centered on lively Via del Portico d’Ottavia, The Jewish Ghetto is an atmospheric area surrounded with kosher bakeries, small shops, artisan’s studios, and popular trattorias. The Jewish community of Rome dates back to the 2nd century BC, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Immersed in the core of Rome, The Jewish Ghetto still amazes with the strong historic impact it hides in every corner.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is truly one of the attractions that you cannot miss when in Rome. Covered in frescoes by Michelangelo, this iconic building owes most of its fame to Michelangelo’s masterpieces on its ceiling. The interior of the chapel is surrounded by some of the priceless and rich elements, whereas the outdoor is magnificently designed, which gives that perfect historical touch.
Galleria Borghese
Located just a few meters from one of the parts of Rome’s richest monuments, Borghese Gallery is the largest private collection of art in the world. Studded in the lush greenery of Villa Borghese, this museum is a marvelous voyage in time that allows us to admire works from different eras including Caravaggio’s “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” and “David and Goliath, Canova’s Venus Victrix, Bernini’s sculptures David and Apollo and Daphne, and other masterpieces.
Altar of the Fatherland
The eclectic structure, Altar of the Fatherland was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1885. It is situated on the Piazza Venezia and houses a museum of Italian Unification and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Covered in white marble glistening in the sun, this eye-catching national monument is a sight to remember fondly. It is undoubtedly the best place to witness the panoramic views of Rome.
Capitoline Museums
Surrounded with iconic ancient statues, mosaics, Renaissance, and baroque masterpieces by Caravaggio, Rubens, Titian, and Tintoretto, the twinned Capitoline Museums is situated on opposite sides of the Capitoline Hill. Take a guided tour and witness the collections of Museums displayed in the two of the three buildings that together showcase the Piazza del Campidoglio: Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, and the Palazzo Senatorio.
St. Angelo Bridge
St. Angelo Bridge is one of the oldest pedestrian bridges over the Tiber River. It Bridge stretches for 135 meters. Decorated with Baroque statues, St. Angelo Bridge was built in Roman times. It was really beautiful to see great sunlight effects on the marble at sunset. The bridge spans the Tiber with three arches and is faced with travertine marble.
Trajan's Column
A unique monument constructed in 113 AD, the Trajan’s Column consists of a 100-foot tall marble column set atop a massive rectangular base. The structure is carved with beautiful 2,662 figures in 155 scenes. The Column of Trajan is one of Rome’s many treasures as it is artistically unique for its time.
Got free days in Italy?
Visit the neighboring cities, the romantic Venice & the picturesque Florence. Venice and Florence are those cities that are so compact, walkable, and small that much of them can be seen in one or two days. thetourguy suggests booking your tickets to Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence in advance to get the best price. Catching an early train is the best way to ensure you have plenty of time to see all the sites.
How to get around Rome?
Make the most out of your Rome trip by saving time and money with the OMNIA Rome and Vatican Pass. This sightseeing package grants you access to a 3-day hop-on hop-off open bus travel, two top attractions, and discounts on tickets for more than 30 attractions in the city.
Foods to try in Rome
Roman cuisine is known for its flavorful traditional dishes featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients. Take your taste buds on a tour of the Roman pasta, Pizza Romana, Gelato, Cicoria Ripassata, Saltimbocca Romana, Roman Maritozzi, Artichokes, Fritti, Carbonara, Quinto Quarto, and Porchetta.
Shopping in Rome
When it comes to shopping in Rome, the city has everything; the streets are lined with storefronts of every kind and flavor. The oldest shopping mall in Rome is the Cinecittadue Centro Commerciale, it has everything an eager shopper would want, from perfume shops to decor items.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Rome famous for?
Rome is famous for its stunning architecture, with the Colleseum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums, and Trevi Fountain as the main attractions.
Is it expensive to visit Rome?
Yes, it is expensive to visit Rome. But compared to other parts of Europe Rome is budget friendly.
How many days should I spend in Rome?
You should spend 2 to 3 days in Rome to visit the highlights of Rome.
What should I see in 2 days in Rome?
You should see Panthéon Dome, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia, River Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo, Borghese Gallery, Piazza Navona, Campo de’Fiori, Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Bocca Della Verita, Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Baths of Caracalla & Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.
Is Rome worth visiting?
Yes, Rome is definitely worth visiting.
Which Colosseum tour is best?
Yes, Colosseum Official Guided Tour is best
Are walking tours perfect for Rome?
Yes, walking tours are perfect for Rome.
How much do I need for a 3 days trip to Rome?
You would need 150 euros for a 3 days trip to Rome.
Explore breathtaking destinations and immerse into ancient Rome culture with this perfect Itinerary in Rome. I hope I have inspired you to discover Rome. These are just a few destinations, of course, there is a lot more to do in Rome. Get lost in the small streets, walk along the seaside, and explore the unique culture and history of ancient Rome.
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