– This post was written by Emma Levin –
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but you can catch all its highlights during your 3 days in Rome! Known as the Eternal City, the City of Seven Hills, and the City of Love, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Rome. Between the pasta, the gelato, and ancient world history, if you only have three days, you must plan accordingly.
Below is a list of recommendations for your Rome itinerary with activities, split up between morning, afternoon, and night.
Perhaps you’d like to grab an espresso at Pergamino before touring the Vatican. Or maybe, you’re craving some gelato as you lounge on the Spanish Steps. Well, it’s time to brush up on your Roman history and plan your ultimate 3-day trip to Rome! Take a look at this blog post if you want to know where are the best areas to stay during your trip to Rome.
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Rome itinerary – Day 1
Morning
Witness the spectacular Vatican & Sistine Chapel
A trip to Rome is incomplete without seeing Michelangelo’s masterpiece – the Sistine Chapel Ceiling. You’ll be in awe as you traverse the Vatican city, including its classical sculptures, Renaissance pieces, and other ancient world artifacts.
Feast your eyes on the depiction of The Last Judgment, in addition to the Raphael Rooms, and Caravaggio’s Deposition. Plus, these skip-the-line tickets allow you to enjoy some of the most famous artwork in the world without the endless lines.
Insider tip: Eager to start your morning with some delicious Italian espresso? You’re in luck! Right outside the Vatican city is Pergamino, a third-wave coffee house with innovative ways of making their coffee. Whether you decide to hang out or take your coffee to go, keep in mind there may be different prices for standing up at the bar “al banco” or sitting at a table “al tavolo.”
Afternoon
One of the best places to visit in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica
As you’re exploring Vatican City, be sure to make time for St. Peter’s Basilica. This professionally guided tour provides ticket holders with all the historic and insider details of the Basilica and St. Peter’s Tomb.
You’ll get the chance to view the jaw-dropping ceilings, gorgeous mosaics and frescoes, and incredible architecture. Visitors also get to journey to the underground grottoes and touch the walls of the original 4th-century basilica.
Insider Tip: Searching for some authentic Italian food? Those hungry for traditional, homemade Italian cuisine should check out Hostaria Dino E Toni. Only steps away from the Basilica, this delicious restaurant is open for lunch every day from 12:30-3:00 pm. Remember that Romans don’t typically tip but may round up the bills to the nearest Euro to leave a couple of coins for good service.
Evening
Add the Capitoline Museum to your Rome Itinerary for three days
If you’re a history buff, you’ll go crazy for the oldest museum in the world – the Capitoline! This museum dates all the way back to 1471 and provides some incredible views of Rome.
The tour lets you enjoy the museum at your own pace as you catch all the frescoes, sculptures, and tapestries, including the famous Capitoline Wolf. The wolf depicts the legendary scene of the supposed founding of Rome. This activity is a must on your 3-day trip to Rome.
Insider Tip: The Capitoline has a hidden rooftop bar called Terrazza Caffarelli. The views from the rooftop are gorgeous, so go enjoy a few drinks during golden hour.
Rome Itinerary – Day 2
Morning
Dive into Roman history with the Guided Pantheon Tour
One of Rome’s most well-preserved historical monuments, the Pantheon is at the top of the list for the best things to do in Rome in three days. The inspiration for St. Peter’s Basilica derived from the Pantheon’s dome, which is the largest unreinforced dome on Earth.
Many artists have had a love affair with the Pantheon over the years, including Italian painter Raphael, who requested to be buried here. You’ll learn all these amazing details about the Pantheon through a guided tour, including why Michaelangelo declared the Pantheon “the work of angels’.
Insider Tip: Looking to start your day with a treat? La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro is a highly recommended cafe famous for its iced granita with whipped cream layers. Only a few minutes from the Pantheon, you don’t want to miss it!
Take a history break at either the Museum of Illusions or IKONO Roma
Break up the history lessons on your 3-day trip to Rome with a quick visit to the Museum of Illusions or the art installation, IKONO Roma.
The Museum of Illusions is the perfect activity for families or friend groups. Take pictures in front of trick mirrors, walk on unstable floors, and learn a few laws of physics while giggling endlessly.
For the more culturally inclined, IKONO Roma is an immersive art installation featuring incredible photography of Rome. It also features interactive exhibits where you get to become a part of the photography and videos. Both activities are great ways to experience the artistic side of modern Rome and have fun while doing it.
Afternoon
Journey back in time at the Colosseum
One of the most amazing places to visit in Rome in 3 days is the city’s top landmark, the Colosseum. This skip-the-line ticket affords you fast entry, so ticket holders won’t have to worry about packed lines.
This tour allows quick access to all areas of the Colosseum, like the 2,000-year-old amphitheater, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. The Roman Forum, the marketplace for the Romans, will be a highlight during your visit to the Eternal City.
You can also combine your visit to the Colosseum with entry to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + Colosseum Priority Entrance. For an even better visit, find out where to find the best view of the Colosseum in Rome!
Insider Tip: No visit to Rome is complete without grabbing some gelato! Gelateria da Costanza is steps away from the Colosseum and is considered the best gelato in all of Rome! The pistachio flavor comes highly recommended.
Evening
A three-in-one for your three days in Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo
End your second day in Rome at the stunning Castel Sant’Angelo, a ten-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. Castel Sant’Angelo is a three-in-one cultural activity, considering it’s a mausoleum, a monument, and a museum! It was originally built as the mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian before it became the papal palace in the 14th century.
Between the spectacular views from the rooftop and the marvelous Renaissance murals, this activity is a non-negotiable on your Rome itinerary. These skip-the-line tickets grant you fast access to the Castel, so you don’t have to worry about waiting in lines that eat up your precious time in Rome.
Insider Tip: If you’re getting tired and looking to avoid the sun, head to Parco Adriano, located directly behind the Castle. It has playground equipment for the little ones and is also a great place to share a late-afternoon picnic.
Rome Itinerary – Day 3
Morning
Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain
Wishing for love? This guided tour of the Trevi Fountain offers an in-depth history lesson that goes beyond the fountain’s legendary wishes for love.
Get paired with a Roman archaeology expert and dive underground to the ancient building complex nine meters beneath modern Rome. Peruse imperial-era relics and traverse the labyrinth of Vicus Caprarius, featuring wreckage from the Great Fire of Rome. The Trevi Fountain is one of the best things to do in Rome in 3 days.
Insider Tip: Start your morning right with a coffee and pastry at the nearby L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi. This cafe is opposite the Trevi Fountain and features amazing views paired with delicious croissants. Table service can get busy, so getting your coffee and pastry to go may be best!
Lounge on the steps of Piazza di Spagna
You don’t have to spend much time here, but the Spanish Steps are a staple of Rome. Added in 1735, this 135-step staircase has become a popular spot for locals and tourists to take a respite. You’ll probably recognize it from the 1953 Audrey Hepburn movie Roman Holiday. Take a minute to lounge in the sun and watch the Romans go by.
Afternoon
Learn about animal conservation at the Bioparco di Roma
Perfect for the animal lovers in your tour group, the Bioparco di Roma is one of Europe’s most impressive bioparks. It’s also one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe, opening in 1911.
The Rome Zoo is home to many animals like giraffes, leopards, hippos, and a thousand species of ancient trees. While taking a break from the ancient world, hear all about the Zoo’s conservation efforts for protecting endangered species. This is a fun, family-friendly activity in Rome.
Insider Tip: Looking for some vegan-friendly food in Rome? Vrindaa is a 14-minute walk from the Zoo and is known for its extraordinary vegan food made with a twist! The restaurant is open for lunch from 12:30-2:30 every day except for Sunday-Monday. Be sure to try the restaurant’s highlight: the vegan carbonara.
Evening
Close out your three days in Rome at Borghese Gallery
Finish your spectacular three-day itinerary in Rome at one of Europe’s most stunning art collections. The Borghese Gallery features all the classic artists like Canova, Raphael, Caravaggio, and others.
This ticket includes a professional guide to help you fully appreciate the whole of Roman art history. It also includes access to the lovely gardens surrounding the gallery, including beautiful fountains, monuments, and gorgeous landscaping. The Borghese Gallery is one of the most exciting places to visit in Rome in three days.
Insider Tip: Hoping for some sunset views with dinner? Then, make a reservation at the nearby Terrazza Borghese to catch the treetops lit up by golden hour. This chic rooftop restaurant could be your most memorable meal during your trip to Rome. Be sure to order the lemon delight for dessert!
Extra Activities in Rome
If you want to add more fun to your Roman holiday, check out this list of other unmissable activities.
Get an audience with the Pope!
Whether you’re religious or not, seeing the Pope in Vatican City is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The first way to see the Pope is to visit the Vatican City just before noon on Sunday morning. However, you may have to battle some crowds.
The second way is to secure a ticket to the papal audience held almost every Wednesday at 10:30 am in St. Peter’s Square. Tickets are free, but you’ll need to jump through some hoops to secure a spot. You can actually fax the Vatican offices for a ticket or send an email. You just may get lucky! Check out all the official information here.
Stick your hand in the Mouth of Truth
You’ll probably recognize the Mouth of Truth from the movie Roman Holiday, as it’s one of Rome’s most famous legends. Visitors test their luck as the stone figure supposedly bites off the hands of liars. The Mouth is a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum. Go take some crazy pics, and see if you’re as honest as you say!
Enjoy a romantic stroll in Giardino Degli Aranci
Known for its fragrant orange trees, this picturesque garden is located on Aventine Hill and is full of surprises. This secluded public square is home to the famous Aventine keyhole offering one of the most beautiful views of Rome.
Within walking distance to the Colosseum, visiting the Giardino Degli Aranci will not disappoint you during your 3-day trip to Rome.
How to get around Rome
If you’re up for the exercise, Rome is a very walkable city. It’s compact, so moving from one attraction to the next is not too difficult. Plus, there’s time to stop for gelato along the way!
However, if you’re in need of rest, check out Rome’s public transportation system known as ATAC (Azienda Tramvie ed Autobus del Comune di Roma). Since Rome is an ancient city, the transportation system is still pretty limited. However, most buses and metros stop at all the major attractions, so you can still get around easily during your three days in Rome.
How to get from the Airport to Central Rome: Leonardo Express
The Leonardo Express is one of the most direct and fastest ways to travel from the Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to Rome’s central train station, Roma Termini.
There are 36 express trains a day, so you’ll have a train no matter when you arrive in Rome. Plus, the trains are modern and clean, with plenty of luggage space for big bags. This ticket guarantees your trip, so even if there’s a train strike, you’re guaranteed transportation from the airport.
How to get around the Vatican City: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Rome
This Hop-on Hop-Off bus takes you around the whole city of Rome, with direct access to Rome’s most famous attractions, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
This ticket provides skip-the-line entrance and welcomes guests with an assistance point, so there’s no confusion. Plus, with free WiFi on board, an audio guide, and flexible transport to Rome’s top landmarks, you’ve secured easy traveling during your three days in Rome.
Make the most of your three days in Rome: Roma Pass
For a short trip to Rome, consider getting hooked up with the Roma Pass. This pass gives you full access to Rome’s public transportation system PLUS entry to two venues of your choice.
There’s also a 72-hour pass, which provides direct entry to two landmarks and unlimited travel on public transportation for three days. Many of Rome’s attractions also feature special lines for Roma pass holders, ensuring you’re at the front of the line for most attractions. A Roma Pass is a must for your trip!
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