How Many Days in Rome? 2,3,4 Days in Rome Itinerary Ideas
How many days do you need in Rome? We are sharing 2,3,4 days in Rome Itinerary ideas, tips and more!
Rome is one of the most visited European capitals every year. The city has plenty of history, culture, and culinary appeal. There are many things to do and places to explore. You could stay in Rome for a month and still find new and exciting things to see and learn every day.
When cities are so big, and there's so much to do in one place, it's crucial to pay close attention to the details: How many days are enough to visit Rome? When is the best time to visit, and what are the best things to do?
How many days to spend in Rome?
When looking for answers on how many days you need in Rome, we often read that anywhere from 3 to 5 days is plenty for a trip to the Italian capital.
Although we initially agreed, after doing some trial and error ourselves, we recommend spending 4 to 5 days in Rome. That's the perfect amount of time to learn the history, connect with the culture, and taste some of the great food.
However, if all you have is a 1,2 or 3 days in Rome, you can still explore some of the city's most famous sights and stroll around some fun neighborhoods that'll inspire you to come back!
Below, we share some itinerary ideas with the best things to do in Rome on your trip.
1-2 Days in Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Monti, Capitoline Hill, Spanish Steps…
When you have just one to two days in a big city like Rome, you can go one of two ways. You can visit as many attractions as you can fit in one full day, or you can slow down, get the overall feel of the city and local culture, and leave the rest of the tourist attractions for your next time.
We recommend the second!
Stop 1: Colosseum
Early birds can start the day by strolling around the Roman Forum in the streets leading from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum to get panoramic views of the Forum from a different viewpoint before touring the inside.
Grab an espresso at La Licata, one of the best breakfast cafes in the area, and head to see the Colosseum once it opens at 9 a.m.
Note: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are open all year round from Monday to Sat.
The Colosseum is one of Rome's most impressive sights and one of the best things to do in the city. It was built between 69 and 80 A.D., and since its construction, the Colosseum has been the largest amphitheater ever made. Back then, it could host around 65,000 people, sometimes even more.
As with most popular attractions, when visiting any destination in a short amount of time, we recommend that you book your tickets ahead of time to skip the line or arrange a guided tour in advance.
Some guided tours we encourage you to check out are:
Alternatively, travelers purchasing the Rome Pass will have access to all 3 destinations: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Once you’ve toured The Colosseum, head to the two neighboring archeological sites: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Stop 2: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are two highlights of any Rome visit. They are located in the same area but have different entrances.
The Roman Forum was one of ancient Rome's epicenters. The area housed temples, local markets, and religious structures, some of which are still partially standing today.
Some interesting places to visit inside the Forum are:
The Arch of Titus: Emperor Domitian built the Arch to pay postmortem homage to his brother Titus, who had come home victorious after a revolt in Judea. Look at the arch's details to see passages from the historical event carved in stone.
The Temple of Saturn: As you can probably guess, this temple used to be the place to pay tribute and respect to the god Saturn. In ancient Rome, citizens of the country associated Saturn with wealth, and the Romans used this building as the treasury. Today, eight columns remain, dating back to the 4th century A.D. after a fire destroyed a previous edification.
Via Sacra, or sacred street, is the main road that goes from the Colosseum to the Capitoline Hill. The road is of great historical importance as the Romans used it for important triumphal and military parades.
Also easily accessible from Via Sacra is Palatine Hill.
Palatine Hill
Some of the first settlements of the ancient city of Romulus (modern-day Rome) were built on Palatine Hill. Palatine, followed by Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Caelian, Esquiline, and Aventine hills, formed the hills of Rome, 7 key points from which the city later developed.
Before the days of the Roman emperors, rich people's houses occupied the hills, but once imperial times came, palaces and temples replaced private homes in the area. Today, visitors can see some archeological remains and a museum on site.
Stop 3: Light lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali.
Once you have taken in the beauty of this area's archeological sites, and after all the exploring and walking, you’ll be ready to recharge. So let's grab lunch!
There are many local restaurants near the Forum offering lunch options, most of which are catered to tourists and none of which offer the cacio e pepe with black truffle you’ll find here.
al42 Street Food Gourmet is a more laid-back establishment serving delicious homestyle pasta and is equally loved by the locals.
After lunch, we recommend exploring one of the city's most authentic neighborhoods. You’ll get an incredible feeling of the local life beyond the landmarks and famous destinations.
Stop 4: Monti Neighborhood
Monti is one of the least touristy areas in Rome, a neighborhood favored by Romans and myself.
Monti is full of family-run pizzerias, locally popular trattorias, vintage and thrift shops, and fun bars. Walk around the photogenic cobblestone streets and grab a glass of wine at Ai Tre Scallini, or head to VinoRoma before or after exploring two of the most prominent archaeological sites of the neighborhood: Trajan's Markets and Nero's Domus Aurea.
VinoRoma is a studio and social club hosting special events, wine tastings, and food tours.
Trajan's Markets is the ever-first mall built, dating back to Imperial times.
Stop 5: Watch the sunset from the Garden of Oranges terrace or Capitoline Hill Terrace
While we learned Palatine Hill was the 1st hill to lay the grounds of Rome, Capitoline was probably the most important one. It had great religious and state significance to the Roman Empire and housed several temples and important buildings.
Yet, in its beginnings, the area looked completely different from what we see today. The square as it stands now was the work of Michelangelo, who, in the 16th century, was commissioned by Pope Paul III to redesign the hill's architecture, transforming it into the magnificent piazza it now is.
The hill is the perfect place to spend the evening of your first day, learning about Roman history in the Capitoline museums and admiring some of the city's best views from its vantage points.
When watching the sunset from Capitoline, you'll see the incredible views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum during golden hour. Expect to see stunning shades of pink and orange, and stay for a few minutes after the sun goes down to see how the Roman Forum lits up.
The Metropolitan City of Rome occasionally hosts incredible light shows in the area. You might catch one during your visit... fingers crossed!
Stop 8: Get a gelato by the Spanish steps at night
Whether you visit Rome for 1 day or 10, there's no better way to spend your first night than sitting by the Spanish steps. Grab a gelato if you are traveling to Rome during the summer or a Pizza al taglio ( pizza by the slice) and a Suppli ( a deep-fried rice ball filled with ragu and mozzarella) during the colder months while you people-watch.
During the summer, the steps can get crowded, as is usually the case with popular European destinations during the summer months. Still, if you are okay with the crowds sitting there while watching tourists taking pictures and locals walking home after work, it adds to the romanticism of Rome.
Day 2: Piazza Nova, Pantheon, Cooking Class…
If you're staying nearby, start your 2nd morning in Rome by saying a morning prayer at the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli (The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Altar in Heaven) or by simply admiring the artwork displayed throughout the iconic church.
The Basilica is located in the highest area of Campidoglio, so you'll have to climb 124 steps to get there. A great morning workout!
Stop 1: The Pantheon
A 15- minute walk from the church, you'll find the next stop in this Rome Itinerary: The Pantheon.
The Pantheon is one of the most interesting attractions in Rome. The architectural details are pristine here, and its history is captivating. It's said that even Michelangelo was impressed when he visited it, crediting angels for its design.
The Pantheon structure was completed between 126 – and 128 A.D., and initially, the temple served for Romans to worship the gods of ancient Rome. However, it was eventually converted into a Christian church.
Walk inside this monument and admire the view underneath its oculus — the central part of the dome that opens up to the sky.
Spend 30 minutes exploring the iconic landmark before heading to Piazza Navona
Stop 2: Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is a popular public plaza. It was built in the 1st century A.D. on the grounds of the Stadium of Domitian. However, the construction of the buildings surrounding the square as we know it today was a work that expanded throughout the centuries.
There are many historic and impressive buildings in the piazza, and you can't go wrong with any of them. Still, some of the ones we recommend that you check are the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone and La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi' (The Fountain of the Four Rivers with its four statues representing the Donau, Ganges, Nile, and Rio de la Plata).
After walking around the plaza, many travelers grab lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the square. We recommend taking a pasta cooking class instead.
Stop 3: Pasta Cooking Class
Of course, there are many suitable pasta cooking classes in the Italian capital! After all, we are in Rome. These are some of our recommendations:
Note: Travelers going to Rome for just one day can still take a cooking class. I recommend combining it with your neighborhood walk. That way, you can explore the area and do a fun activity!
3 Days In Rome: Vatican (Sistine Chapel, St Peter Basilica), Trastevere…
Are you spending 3 days in Rome? On your 3rd day, we'll explore the Vatican and neighboring areas!
Stop 1: Vatican Museums: Sistine Chapel and Vatican City
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are some of the most visited destinations in Rome.
For art lovers, the Vatican Museums, which technically include the Sistine Chapel, are a must-be-seen destination in your Rome itinerary. For Catholics like me, the masterpiece of Michelangelo comes secondary to the Chapel's holiness.
To go to the Sistine Chapel, visitors have to go through the Vatican Museums, as the Chapel is part of that institution and has a shared main entrance on Viale Vaticano.
Note: You can't go to the Sistine Chapel by itself. There is no ticket for just the Chapel and no access directly to it.
The Vatican Museums are 7 kilometers of interrupted artwork and masterpieces. We recommend assigning 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
If you're running short on time, try to just focus on the highlights or head to the Capella Sistine via percorso breve, passing through Galleria dei Candelabri, la Galleria degli Arazzi, la Galleria delle Mappe Geografiche e l'Appartamento di Pio V.
Hightlist of the museum include but are not limited to:
The Spiral Staircase
Raphael's Transfiguration
Pinecone Courtyard
Laocoön
Apollo Belvedere
The Rotunda Room and Porphyry Basin
The Tapestries Hall
The Maps Room
Raphael's School of Athens
The Sistine Chapel
Note: Lines for the Vatican Museum are usually quite long; by long, I mean 1 to 2+ hours of wait time. If there was a place where we recommend getting some skip-the-lines tickets, this is the one. I didn't do this, and I regretted it.
Vatican City
The Vatican City entrance is on the opposite side of the Vatican Museums exit. Getting there will take a 20-minute walk via Via delle Fondamenta.
Note: the Vatican City (which is in a different, non-connected area to the Vatican Museums).
Vatican City has a population of just 1,000 people, but there are a few absolute must-sees in the smallest sovereign state in the world. And, of course, there are plenty of unique and lesser-known spots, too! Suppose you find yourself with a bit of spare time on your hands and are interested in doing some bucket list things and visiting some off-the-beaten-path destinations.
These are the top experiences to have in Vatican City:
Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs in the Vatican Grottoes below the Basilica
Walk around Bernini's Colonnade at Saint Peter's Square
Vitist the Vatican Mosaic Studio
Relax in the Vatican Gardens and sit by Bramante’s Belvedere Courtyard.
Attend an audience with the Pope (a time to pray and learn the Pope's teachings).
Stop 3: Lunch
Once you have spent an entire early morning and early afternoon admiring the Vatican, take a break and grab a quick bite before heading towards our next stop in this "Rome 3 day itinerary"
Our top two recommendations for lunch are:
Rione XIV Bistrot - a small family-run restaurant serving delicious pasta dishes
Panificio Bonci - a popular pizzeria/bakery loved by locals
Stop 4: Watch the Sunset at Castelo de Sant' Angelo
The Castel Sant' Angelo is a big round building that looks like a medieval tower located west of the Vatican. The structure was built to serve as the mausoleum of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD, hence why its official name is the Mausoleum of Hadrian.
Here, you'll find decorative statues, paintings, and other historical structures inside the castle.
The best part, however, is the panoramic view of the Tiber River and the Ponte San't Angelo.
We recommend skipping a visit inside the Castello and just stopping there to watch the sunset, a tip we received from two Romans we chatted with in a cafe nearby.
Note: Travelers going to Rome during the summer might want to see if the castle is offering to extend closing hours, as they frequently do.
Stop 5: Dinner in Trastevere
The last stop on this third day of our Rome itinerary is dinner or drinks in Travestere.
Trastevere is one of the most attention-grabbing neighborhoods in Rome, with its narrow cobblestone streets, ivy-covered houses, and mosaic-covered churches.
So it goes without saying that Trastevere is very picturesque and quite inviting.
At times, it can even feel like a postcard Italian town, tucked away from the buzz and hustle of the Eternal City. Of course, it all depends on what time of the day and which month of the year you visit.
The area is also famous for its fun, hip bars and being one of the best neighborhoods to have good Roman food.
Our favorite restaurants are Miraggio Ristorante Pizzeria, Casa Manco(for to-go pizzas), and Pizzeria Ai Marmi (for a casual local meal).
4 Days in Rome Itinerary: Villa Borghese, Vespa tour, Catacombs…
Stop 1: Villa Borghese
On your last days in Rome, a mix of exploration and relaxation is always the way to go!
Villa Borghese is an 80-hectare park in the city's heart; think El Parque del Retiro in Madrid or New York's famous Central Park! It is embellished with fountains, garden sculptures, monuments, and a museum gallery with an impressive collection of paintings and antiques.
We visited the villa on a sweltering June afternoon. The greenery and shade were a welcome refuge from the sun and heat of the Roman streets. There are many benches for stopping to relax and romanticize life while you are walking the winding paths.
After a relaxing morning, get an espresso to go at any local cafe and go on a Vespa tour around Rome.
Stop 2: Vespa tour
There’s nothing funner than going on a Vespa tour while in Rome. You’ll definitely be living La Dolce Vita in your Roman Holiday, just like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck! Below we are sharing some great tours are:
Stop 3: Catacombs
Catacombs are popular destinations in many European countries, especially France and Italy. These underground passageways were used as ossuaries and burial sites for local citizens.
There are 5 catacombs you can currently visit in Rome:
The Catacombs of San Sebastiano extend for over 12 kilometers. San Sebastiano, a Christian martyr, is buried here.
The Catacombs of San Callisto are over 20 kilometers in length. Many pontiffs and Christian martyrs were buried here.
Catacombs of Priscilla
The Catacombs of Domitilla are more than 10 kilometers long.
Catacombs of Sant'Agnese where Sant'Agnese is buried.
To visit the catacombs, you can adventure there yourself, tell your Vespa tour guide to drop you off at the site or book a bundled guided tour that includes transportation entry tickets and a local guide.
We recommend the bundled tour, as transportation to and from the catacombs can be pricey and hard to find, especially on the way back. Local guides can tell you the details you won't find in guidebooks, and going around Rome in a vespa is a must-do!
Day 5: Trevi Fountain, Galleries, Markets…
Stop 1: Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular destinations in Rome. The fountain dates from 1732 and was the final point of one of the many Rome aqueducts. The fountain's construction lasted about 30 years, and numerous famous architects, including Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini, worked on it.
The fountain's name itself is very significant since Trevi is located right in the center of the intersection of Via De'Crocicchi, Via Delle Muratte, and Via Poli... "Tre Vie" is Latin for a meeting of three ways or streets.
Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Rome. There's a reason that the fountain is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Eternal City!
Nonetheless, with its popularity comes the crowds. The fountain is almost always full of spectators and visitors trying to snap a famous picture in front of it. We have walked by at 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., and it's pretty equally crowded during the summer months. So, if you want to enjoy the fountain in a quieter light, your best bet is to head there at 5 a.m. or earlier.
Stop 2: Food tour of the city.
One thing you can never have enough of while in Rome is Italian food! Taking a pasta cooking class and eating at some good restaurants sounds fun, but going on an all-you-can-eat food tour might be the best idea! As I tell my dad, while in Europe, breaking your low-cholesterol diet doesn't count!
Stop 3: Gallery, Markets & Tratorrias
After the food, let's end our day with a walk to say one last arrivederci to Rome. Or, if you are like me, a walk that leads my bf into a vintage shop or a cool galleria, depending on what you enjoy the most!
Varsi Gallery is a fabulous space displaying unique art from local and international artists.
London gallerist Lorcan O'Neill created Galleria Lorcan O'Neill Roma. He has a curated selection of pieces from renowned artists in this space and hosts around 5 exhibitions annually, each with its respective opening party. It's an event worth going to!
Alternatively, vintage shopping at the Porta Portese flea market (Sunday flea market) is always a great idea in Rome.
Campo de Fiori is my market to shop for flowers in Rome.
Additional Travel Information For Your Rome Itinerary
Languages
Italy's official language is Italian, but most Romans speak at least some English, so you can easily communicate in the city center. Nevertheless, I always suggest learning a few travel phrases. Travelers visiting destinations outside the city might have more trouble finding fluent English speakers.
Transportation Tips
There are many ways to get around Rome and public transportation options: underground trains, cars, taxis, and buses. To get from the airport to the city center will take approximately 30 minutes. You can either take the train or hail a cab. Taxis cost around 50 Euros, while the train from the FCO airport to Rome city center costs around 18 Euros.
Best Time To Visit Rome
The high season in Rome starts late Spring, mid to end of May, and runs through the end of September.
We prefer to visit Rome in early Spring or mid-fall when temperatures are pleasant. Walking around Rome in 30+ degrees Celsius weather can be difficult, even for someone like me who was born and raised in the Caribbean.
We also enjoyed the Roman food the most in crispy weather; otherwise, I personally find it a bit heavy for those high summer temperatures.
General Travel Tips
The Rome City Pass helps you skip the lines, book in advance, and save money. Who doesn't like savings?
If you are still traveling in Europe after visiting Rome, check out some of our European guides to learn more about the most popular destinations and the less touristy towns.
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Enjoy your time in Rome!
Besitos from Italy,
Laura
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