Rome Itinerary: Best Way to Explore Rome in 3 Days (2025 Guide)
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Planning a trip to Rome? You’ve come to the right place. This jam packed itinerary will check all of your “must-see” boxes. Filled with food, culture, and insider tips, we are dropping all of our Rome travel knowledge here.
They say that all roads lead to Rome…
And after visiting 4 times, with trip #5 in the works, we can confirm that it must be true. Rome has this magnetic charm that just keeps pulling us back in and is easily our favorite city in all of Italy. Rome isn’t just another city, it’s a bucket-list worthy experience.
How Many Days Do You Need in Rome?
We recommend 3 days as the minimum time you should plan to spend in Rome. This will give you enough time to see the highlights. Keep in mind, this itinerary is jam packed, so if you prefer to travel at a slower pace (AKA more gelato stops), you can definitely add more days.
If you are visiting Rome as part of a bigger euro or Italy trip, we definitely recommend checking out our 2 week Italy itinerary. There you will find heaps of helpful tips for getting around and loads of things you shouldn’t miss.
When To Visit Rome?
Due to fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and cheaper prices, April, May, and September are often regarded as the best time to visit.
Peak tourism season is in the summer months (June-August) with daytime temperatures reaching highs of 90°+ F. If you are not a fan of heat and crowds, we recommend avoiding the summer time.
We visit every year in June and while you certainly are never alone in this city, we find it manageable.
Is Rome safe?
The most common crime in Rome is pick-pocketing, as is common in most larger cities. In order to mitigate your risk of being a pick-pocketing victim, here are a few safety tips we recommend:
- Never leave bags unattended
- Always be aware of your surroundings (take note when people bump into you, they’re not just clumsy)
- Use RDIF protection wallets and bags
- Don’t display expensive items
- Use a cell phone lanyard
- Don’t carry a wallet or valuables in your back pocket
- Use backpacks or bags with antitheft zippers
Getting to Rome
You will likely fly into Rome Fiumicino airport (FCO) which is the major international airport, but if you are flying with a low cost budget carrier, you may fly into Ciampino airport (CIA).
Reaching the city from the airport:
Let’s start by saying that taxis are expensive. A taxi from the airport into the city typically costs between €50–€80 one way one way.
Another option is to take a shuttle bus, but keep in mind that your transit time will be affected by traffic.
Because we are saving our pennies where we can and value our time, we opt to take the Leonardo Express train from the airport into the main train station, Roma Termini.
Train tickets can be purchased ahead of time from Trenitalia or Italo’s website, or they can be purchased at the kiosk inside the airport or station.
Trains are our go-to method of travel in Italy for 2 reasons: they’re reliable and fairly inexpensive.
👉🏼Pro-tip: Make sure to validate your ticket and keep it on you during your ride because someone will check.
Where to stay in Rome?
Roman roads have lasted the test of time, but chances are, your luggage might not last the test of the Roman roads. To avoid pulling our luggage down the old Roman cobble stone roads, we always opt to stay close to a train station, such as the Roma Termini.
Here are our recommendations for places to stay:
For a 5 star colosseum view, we recommend this hotel.
For an excellent mid-range hotel near Roma Termini, we recommend this hotel.
For a slightly less expensive option, but still excellent location, we recommend this hotel.
Day 1: Ancient Roman days & trendy nights
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Start your morning off the Italian way, with a cornetto and a tiny cappuccino (be warned: they come much smaller than the American version).
Our favorite cafe near the colosseum is Ciardi Bar Pasticceria. They actually serve big cappuccinos and we love them for it.
We suggest booking a morning tour of the colosseum, which includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If you’re wondering why you need a guide, let’s put it simply: Without a guide? It’s a big old pile of rocks. With a guide, you are walking through history that literally comes alive.
👉🏼Pro-tip: return to see the colosseum at night for a totally different experience.
Afternoon: Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria
After a full morning, we recommend a quick carby snack before heading onward. It’s approximately an 18 minute walk, on mostly flat terrain.
Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria is also known as the “wedding cake building”, for obvious aesthetic reasons. We recommend booking tickets in advance to the panoramic terrace. Tickets cost 18 Euro. This is our favorite view point in Rome.
Evening: Trendy Trastevere
We recommend ending your evening in Trastevere, which is approximately a 26 minute walk from Altare della Patria. This Roman neighborhood is full of charm and carbs.
Rome is, in our opinion, is home to some of the best food in Italy. Try some traditional Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara at a local trattoria, and don’t forget to add an Aperol spritz.
A food tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and food traditions. We try to book one on our first day of a trip. Trastevere is an excellent place to explore food culture. Here are some fantastic options:
Day 2: Iconic sights, piazza, & parks
Morning: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Campo dei Fiori & Piazza Navona
Good morning, we hope you brought some coins with you! Today we recommend starting your morning bright and early at the Trevi Fountain.
In 2024 the Trevi fountain underwent major restoration for the 2025 jubilee year. Prior to this, you could visit any time, and brave the crowds. Now, between the hours of 9AM-9PM a cueing system has been instituted.
However, if you go to the Trevi fountain prior to (or after) those times, you have full access to the Trevi without the wait. So we recommend getting there first thing in the morning. Think sunrise at the Trevi.
Make sure to toss your coin! Tossing one coin will guarantee your return to Rome (it’s worked for us and we do it every year religiously).
👉🏼Pro tip:Coin tossing etiquette: toss a coin over your left shoulder, using your right hand.
Next you will visit the Pantheon. The cost is 5 euro to enter, except on Sunday. Mass is held on Sunday, so make sure to take this into account when planning as it may be closed for mass service.
Campo dei Fiori & Piazza Navona, are essentially right next to each other. This area is the perfect Piazza to break for lunch and some souvenir shopping. Take in the views and admire the beautiful fountains in the area.
Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza del Popolo & Villa Borghese
Make your way over to Castel Sant’Angelo. Make sure to admire the beautiful area and take in the view of the river Tiber along this 10 minute walk. Tickets are 24 euro and can be purchased ahead of time. We did not purchase them in advance and had no issues getting in.
Continuing on to the Villa Borghese, you will pass the Piazza del Popolo (approximately 22 minute walk) . This neat little piazza is one of my favorite little piazzas- it rarely seems crowded and its a nice place to take pause prior to climbing the steps to Villa Borghese.
Villa Borghese, ah a little slice of heaven in Rome. Think Central Park, but the Italian version.
Visit the pond to rent row boats for a romantic Notebook style moment, grab a gelato stroll in shade, or rent an electric bike from either Bici Pincio or Ascol to explore the large area. This is my favorite escape in Rome and I could easily spend an entire day here.
👉🏼Pro-tip: If you are planning on renting a bike, make sure that you have your ID with you. They will keep it to ensure you return the bike. If you are interested in renting a boat, the cue can get long and you can are only allowed to row for 20 minutes.
Day 3: Vatican vibes
Morning: Vatican Museums & Chapel Sistine
Get ready. Let me warn you, the Vatican is easily the most congested area in all of Rome. Make sure to book your entrance tickets well in advance or be prepared to stand in the cue for hours (and be warned, there is NO shade).
To visit the Chapel Sistine, you will first need to make your way through the Vatican Museum. There are many tours offered, but this small space felt so crammed with people, we wanted to get through as quickly as possible.
Friendly reminder: You are not allowed to take photos in the Chapel Sistine, so now is the time to practice being in-the-moment
Afternoon: St Peter’s Square and St Peter’s Basilica
Next, you will head on over to St Peter’s Basilica. Make sure you came prepared with appropriate clothing covering knees and shoulders because this is enforced.
Entry to the basilica itself is 7 euros, however if you wish to climb the dome (which we strongly suggest), you can buy a combined ticket for 17 euros to climb the stairs or 22 euros to use the lift.
While we personally don’t think these are the best views OF Rome, but the view inside the basilica from the dome is epic.
Final thoughts
Rome, the eternal city. Whether you’re interested in the ancient Roman history or looking for a trendy new food joint, Rome truly has it all. We are absolutely certain that following this itinerary will leave your heart full, your feet tired, and your soul hoping to return.
