On this epic 3-day itinerary for Rome, I’ll send you walking through the most famous monuments, but also through areas that are least mentioned in guidebooks.
Art, history, and culture aren’t the only stars of the Italian capital: good food and sociability are absolute masters of the city. All this will be shared with you by a woman born and raised in Rome!
In this article about the best things to do in Rome in 3 days, you will find some off-the-beaten-path spots hiding the authentic flavors of Roman cuisine. You’ll also find routes that will make you appreciate all the history to which the Italian people still owe so much.
Let’s walk and keep the use of public transportation to a minimum, to fully experience every corner of the eternal city. Wear comfortable shoes, and a backpack, and carry a water bottle, Rome is waiting for you!
An itinerary for 3 days in Rome will be packed with things to see and experiences, so make sure to plan your trip in detail. This guide also offers a historical introduction to the monuments and recommends restaurants and accommodation.
The Best Things to Do in Rome in Three Days – DAY 1
Orange Garden
Start the tour from “above”, from the top of elegant Aventino Hill. Lovers of breathtaking views, this place will allow you to immediately appreciate every corner of Rome’s historic center.
With not even a 10-minute walk from Circus Maximus (one of the largest venues for Roman games since ancient times), we walk up the scenic route and arrive at the Orange Garden. Better if you have a camera with you because the view is priceless: in front of you, the grandness of Rome expands, showing off the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Janiculum Hill, the temples of the Foro Boario, the Tiber Island and the majesty of the Tiber River that flows through the city.
Accompanying this spectacle almost every day are the notes of the “violinist in stilettos”, an eclectic character and fantastic street musician.
Moving a few meters to the left of the garden, we can admire the Villa of the Priory of Malta. From the keyhole of its gate, another striking and curious sight will fill our eyes: the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica seen in perspective.
Mouth of Truth
Descending, walk along the Lungotevere Aventino and after only a 5-minute walk you’ll arrive at Piazza Bocca della Verità. This square gathers some of the oldest historical landmarks of Rome.
The Bocca della Verità is a marble mask that has resided in the pronaos of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin since 1632.
The image of the marble slab carved with eyes, nose, mouth, and beard made the rounds in the 1950s with the famous movie shot in Rome “Roman Holidays.” It must have been one of the manholes that filtered water into the Cloaca Maxima sewer, built near this piazza by the last of Rome’s 7 kings, Tarquinius the Superbus, in the 6th century BC.
The Cloaca Maxima, whose arches are still visible, reclaimed the area that was occupied by the Velabro swamp and allowed the development of the Foro Boario, where the cattle market was held.
Near the church, you will see tourists lining up to have their picture taken with their hand in the Bocca della Verità stone. According to a legend from medieval times, the stone was used to expose lies. Jealous husbands would take their wives there when they suspected infidelity; the wives were forced to insert their hand into the mouth-if they were unfaithful, they would never be able to get their hand out again!
Today, to get a photo with your hand inside the “mouth of truth”, you have to pay a €2 fee at the church entrance.
Heading towards Via Luigi Petroselli St. there are other monuments to see:
Temple of Portunus
It probably dates back to the 4th century BC. The rectangular temple is one of the oldest buildings in Rome, dedicated to Portunus, the deity who protected river ports. Nearby, at the time of the construction of the cloaca Maxima, the Portus Tiberinus, the first commercial port on the Tiber, also developed. The frescoes inside are from the Byzantine period.
Temple of Hercules Victor
The small circular temple is the oldest marble building in Rome. The temple is built of Hellenic marble and has 20 Corinthian columns resting on a base of tufa blocks.
The deity of the temple was Hercules Victor, protector of merchants (in fact, a cattle market was held nearby). The temple was built in the 2 century B.C. by a wealthy olive oil merchant. The imposing bronze statue that stood inside and represented the deity is kept in the Capitoline Museums.
In the 12th century, the temple became a Christian church.
Fountain of the Tritons
An 18th-century artwork by Francesco Moratti, it was inspired by Bernini’s Fountain of the Triton in Piazza Barberini. on a central rock stand two kneeling tritons supporting a shell-shaped basin in which water from the Acquedotto Felice collects.
Arch of Janus
Walking toward Via Luigi Petroselli, you will glimpse across the street, opposite the temples you have just visited, the imposing Arch of Janus.
The name of this monument dates back to the 16th century and is misleading. The monument was in fact formerly known as the Arcus Divi Constantini, built in the 4th century AD by the sons of Emperor Constantine upon his death.
The niches covering much of the surface contained 48 statues. Today only 4 statues remain on the keystones, possibly representing female deities.
Foro Olitorio
Continue to the intersection with Via del Foro Olitorio, where there are the remains of the Forum intended for the market of vegetables and legumes. At the site are the remains of the foundations of temples dedicated to Janus and Juno Sospita.
Jewish Ghetto (and lunch!)
From here take a 5-minute walk up Via del Portico d’Ottavia to enter the Roman Jewish ghetto. The Portico d’Ottavia dates back to 131 B.C. and was the site of one of the city’s first libraries; its ruins were used in the Middle Ages as a large Fish market and as foundations for the Church of S. Angelo in Pescheria, which we can still visit today.
The Jewish ghetto has a very ancient history, dating as far back as 1555; the neighborhood is a jewel of the capital that reminds us of a bitter past but also a history of revenge. The families that inhabit it have ancient origins, and although only sixteen people survived the 1943 sweeps, businesses have dignifiedly resumed their courses, such as the luxurious gift store Limentani (1820) or the Kosher bakeries where you can taste some special Roman desserts.
If hunger starts to peep in, pamper yourself at one of the old Jewish Roman taverns, such as Casalino Osteria Kosher.
If you are in the mood for a tasty and quick meal with the queen of Roman street food, pizza by the slice, head to Bona Pizza Romana in Teglia, pleasure is guaranteed.
After lunch, you can continue your walk through the buildings of the ghetto and get lost in the alleys to arrive at the Major Temple of Rome, where we can also visit the Jewish Museum.
Or …
start again immediately to explore the wonders of ancient Rome.
Capitoline Hill
Take a stroll to Piazza Venezia, from which you can immediately access the steps that will lead you up to Capitoline Hill. At the top of one of the 7 hills of Rome is the Piazza del Campidoglio. In ancient times, at the time of Rome’s founding, it was the site of a village and the city’s oldest temples, prior to the construction of the Roman Forum.
In 1536, Pope Paul 3rd commissioned Michelangelo Buonarroti to rearrange the square.
In the center is a statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a symbol of the enlightened ruler. The square expands in an imaginary movement from this statue that represents its center.
On the piazza stand the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo, the latter now home to the world’s first open public museum, the Capitoline Museums.
If you are passing by, have a coffee at the Terrazza Caffarelli, a café with an extraordinary view. To access the café, enter through the entrance on the side of the building that houses the museum; you do not need a ticket.
Altar of the Fatherland
Then walk past the Altar of the Fatherland, the monument erected in memory of Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel 2 in 1878.
Access to the monument is free, but you will have to pay €12 to ride in the elevators to the spectacular terrace from which you will enjoy one of the best views of Rome.
Then proceed south on Via dei Fori Imperiali and arrive in front of the Colosseum.
Via dei Fori Imperiali St.
Via dei Fori Imperiali is the most scenic street in Rome. As you walk down it from Piazza Venezia you will admire the Colosseum in front of you for the entire length of the street, a destination that awaits you in all its majesty. The street was laid out in the 1930s.
Colosseum
Dusk lights (but also night!) are the best time to admire the Colosseum, which needs no introduction. First opened in the year 80 A.D., its festivities lasted a full 100 days and its shows (which claimed at least 500,000 lives) lasted for days at a time.
The Colosseum is one of those monuments in Rome that you have to enter, to understand its structure and grandeur. To avoid the obvious queues, I recommend you get a fast-track ticket well in advance.
If you want to learn in-depth about the history of this incredible monument and understand how the shows worked, consider booking a guide.
This evening tour of the Colosseum includes a fast-track ticket and will allow you to visit the warmly lit building in a unique atmosphere. You’ll also be able to explore the underground and discover its secrets.
In the meantime, know that I have written an article with lots of historical and architectural facts about the Colosseum, you can find it here.
The Colosseum ticket will give you access, even on consecutive days, to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well.
TIP: The sight of the Roman Forum and Imperial Forum can also be enjoyed from above, walking along the Via dei Fori Imperiali. For your first visit to Rome, I suggest you take a tour of the Colosseum only, which is more scenic and enjoyable. If you wish to enter the forums and understand something of the ruins you are admiring, you should rely on a specialized guide.
Especially the Palatine Hill, which housed the rich mansions of the Roman aristocracy, deserves a historical introduction, but this can be very time-consuming considering all the things that you are going to see on this 3-day itinerary in Rome’s historic center.
Meanwhile, let’s see what you can enjoy for dinner and how to spend your first evening in Rome.
Monti Neighborhood (and dinner!)
One of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods is right next to the Colosseum, about a ten-minute walk away. We are talking about Monti, where vintage clothing shops and design shops along with typical trattorias capture the attention of anyone strolling through its alleys.
In one of the city’s hipster neighborhoods, starting at aperitif time (6:30 pm), its cafes and especially the Piazza della Madonna di Monti come alive with young and old eager to chat over a glass of wine or beer.
Despite the fact that the proximity to the Colosseum might suggest high prices for clubs and restaurants, Monti hides several hidden gems where the typical flavors of Roman cuisine also maintain their authenticity, offering unforgettable service.
Via Urbana is home to several excellent trattorias and street food shops. It is a pedestrian street, so take your time choosing the place that suits you.
For dinner, I recommend the restaurant Broccoletti or the Bistro Aromaticus. A must-try is the vegan and raw ice cream from Grezzo, which specializes in sweets made from raw chocolate. Also, find fabulous gelato in many flavors at Fatamorgana in Piazza degli zingari.
TIP: If you decide to spend the evening in the Monti neighborhood, check out my detailed guide found here.
DAY 2
Get up early today, the morning is jam-packed with places to visit. On the second day, we move to the west bank of the Tiber.
Sistine Chapel
Vatican City is the Seat of the Holy Papacy. It is possible to visit its gardens, museums, and Sistine Chapel for a ticket: it is strongly recommended, to avoid long lines, to buy your tickets in advance so you can skip the line AND be sure you get a ticket.
TIP: Most visitors, overwhelmed by the crowds that enliven the museums and the size of the place, quickly cut to the chase and dwell only under the frescoes by Michelangelo on the vault of the Sistine Chapel, then go on to discover Rome's many other treasures.
If you have a passion for museums and wish to discover the Vatican at your leisure, have an official Vatican guide introduce you to the wonders of the many halls and corridors.
St. Peter’s Square (and great gelato!)
When you’ve had enough of the museums (my personal limit is two hours), walk to St. Peter’s Basilica via Piazza Risorgimento. Here you will find one of the best gelato in Rome at the Old Bridge gelateria.
If you’d rather taste something savory, try the latest entry in the Roman street food scene: the Trapizzino at Be.Re. on the Piazza Risorgimento Sq., it’s on the way to St. Peter’s Sq.
Castel Sant’Angelo
After admiring the spacious St. Peter’s Square walk down Via della Conciliazione for a few minutes to Saint Angel’s Castle.
It is connected to the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo, a raised passageway built in 1277 by Nicholas III specifically to allow the Pope to take refuge in the castle walls in case of an enemy attack.
Visiting it, one can admire the various facets that have enriched the structure over the centuries. Built to be Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum in 135 A.D., it later became a fortress and refuge for the popes, until it became a prison in the Middle Ages, even boasting luxury cells for the most illustrious prisoners, the most famous called the Cagliostra.
If you don’t go inside the castle which perhaps you better leave for your second visit to Rome, stop for a few moments to admire the Tiber River. The Sant’Angelo Bridge is home to sculptures by Bernini and his students: they depict angels carrying the instruments of Christ’s passion.
One of Rome’s pedestrian bridges, features stalls, street musicians, couples taking romantic photos, etc.
From here cross the bridge and head to one of the most beautiful squares in the world, Piazza Navona. You are sure to be hungry; I recommend stopping for lunch at the Cantina e Cucina restaurant, popular for Roman pasta dishes such as Carbonara.
If you are vegetarian or vegan head to the Vivi Bistro on the short side of the piazza, near the Fountain of the Moor.
Piazza Navona deserves to be explored slowly, grasping with your eyes all its sights:
- the three fountains that adorn the square (the central one, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, by Bernini, is the biggest Baroque fountain in Rome)
- the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone
- The Pamphilj Palace, which houses the embassy of Brazil.
Did you know that this square, in the time of ancient Rome, was a gymnastic stadium?
HELP: There are many interesting things to know about the architecture and history of this piazza, you can find out some of them in my article dedicated to Piazza Navona.
With a few minutes walk from Piazza Navona, you reach the Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
In the Contarelli Chapel, you can admire 3 incredible paintings by Caravaggio depicting the life of St. Matthew. It is one of the best things to do in Rome for free!
Pantheon
Another short walk takes you to the Pantheon, the Roman ( and later Christian) temple dedicated to all the deities.
The architecture of the Pantheon will leave you breathless. From the classical pronaos with imposing marble columns, you enter a single circular room topped by an immense dome. The apex of the dome is a circular opening, the oculus, it is the only opening from which light gets in the building.
The dome’s construction technique was incredibly advanced for the time, about 120 AD.
Inside the Pantheon are the tombs of important people, such as the kings of Italy and Raffaello Sanzio.
After seeing the Pantheon you will be satisfied as far as visits to Rome’s monuments are concerned for the second day of your 72 hours in Rome.
It is time to start a more playful part of the itinerary. I recommend that you spend the evening in the historic center’s most beloved neighborhood for travelers: Trastevere.
Trastevere
Trastevere is a historic neighborhood best known for its nightlife (soft eh!) and pubs that blend tradition and innovation. One of these is definitely Freni e Frizioni, where you can spend an evening on a unique terrace in the beating heart of the city, among aperitifs and sophisticated cocktails.
A little tip for night lovers: the Trevi Fountain is only a 20-minute walk away and will give you an unforgettable atmosphere as well as a 360-degree view of the historic square, which is really hard to enjoy during the day.
For a dinner with typical Roman dishes, head to Capo de Fero.
To embrace with your eyes in a moment all the vitality of the neighborhood, spend a few minutes near the central fountain in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Strolling along the alleys of the neighborhood, you will find sidewalk stalls and endless bars and restaurants with tables outside. It’s definitely a great place to meet people.
MIND: It's not really easy to spot the best food in Trastevere if you don't know the neighborhood. The best way to experience local food in this neighborhood is to join a food tour.
The sunset food tour of Trastevere will take you to 4 foodie venues where you’ll taste, among 20 tastings, the trapizzino, homemade pasta, gelato, wine, and cheeses.
DAY 2
The last part of this incredible 3-days itinerary through the historical and artistic wonders of Rome has arrived. This time we start at the Spanish Steps, which can be reached by subway.
Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
Here is the most famous staircase in Rome, the Spanish Steps. This 18th-century staircase connects the piazza with Bernini’s Sinking Boat (Fountain of the Barcaccia) to the Church of Trinità dei Monti.
The square also hosts the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, a house museum with a library dedicated to Romantic poetry. Here you can also visit the room where John Keats spent the last months of his life, with its original furniture.
Opposite the memorial house is Babington’s Tea Room, the oldest tea room in Rome, founded in the late 1800s by two Anglo-Saxon noblewomen. Here you can have a cup of tea with pastries or even something more substantial like curry rice, assuming you can find a seat!
A bit of shopping in Rome
Instead, you can take advantage of the morning to do some shopping or window shopping in the Eternal City. Via Condotti, full of high-fashion boutiques, starts from the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti dips into the larger Via del Corso, where there are shops and stores for every budget.
- After exhausting yourself with shopping, put something in your stomach. For a quick meal with street food, head to Gianfornaio Bakery, which makes great pizza by the slice, sandwiches, and salads.
- For a more substantial meal, there’s the elegant trattoria Otello alla Concordia.
- if you’re a vegetarian, you can’t miss a buffet lunch from Margutta Veggy Food & Art near the beautiful Piazza del Popolo.
Trevi Fountain
And next walk for about 15 minutes to the Trevi Fountain, Rome’s most famous fountain. This scenic fountain that rests on a wall of the Palazzo Poli took 1700 years to build!
It all began in 19 B.C. when commander Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa directed the work that brought water to the site via the 20-kilometer-long Aqua Virgo aqueduct. It is precisely at the fountain that the aqueduct ends.
In Agrippa’s time, the fountain consisted of 3 simple basins. It was necessary to wait until the Baroque era for the wealthy popes of Rome to decide to renovate the fountain by making it monumental. The task was given to Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, but he did not live long enough to complete it.
The architecture we see today is by Giuseppe Pannini, who inaugurated it in 1762. The statues were sculpted by Pietro Bracci.
The group of statues depicts the god Ocean, who is advancing on a chariot in the shape of a shell. The chariot is drawn by two horses topped by tritons representing the two qualities of the ocean: calm and agitated. In the side niches, the female statues are the two goddesses of Abundance and Salubrity.
TIP: I wrote a detailed article on the history and architecture of the Trevi Fountain, you can find it here.
You can also decide to visit this amazing monument with an underground tour of the aqueduct Aqua Virgo, which is still functioning!
Villa Borghese Gardens
If the three days of exploration have us a bit stressed, know that a 10-minute walk from the chaotic Spanish Steps is the Villa Borghese Gardens.
Find a bench or place a blanket in its manicured and colorful gardens for an afternoon of relaxation and tranquility. Here you can have gelato from a cart by a small lake, or lose yourself wandering among the trees.
Villa Borghese is of course a great place to visit if you are traveling to Rome with children.
If you still have energy, you can visit the Borghese Gallery, which houses the sculptures that made Gian Lorenzo Bernini famous in Rome and those by Canova.
With a guided tour, you can visit both the Borghese Gallery and the other landmarks in the gardens with an experienced local guide.
For those who are never tired, however, a 15-minute walk from the gardens is the Galleria di Arte Antica at Palazzo Barberini. In this Baroque palace, over 1,400 works of art will make us squint and realize the immense cultural heritage that Italy holds in store.
Our journey almost comes to an end, and in case you need to catch a train ride at the Termini Train Station, remember not to travel on an empty stomach!
Next to the station is the Mercato Centrale, an indoor food market with tables and stands with plenty of dishes and street food.
Tips for Visiting Rome for the First Time
Go through these local tips in order to plan your trip to Rome in the most efficient way!
Where to stay in Rome – Accommodation in a hotel and apartment
With three days in Rome packed with sightseeing, you want to find accommodation in or at least nearby the historic center.
If you’re putting this 3-day itinerary for Rome into effect, I suggest you find a room or apartment in between the Aventine Hill and the Monti Neighborhood.
In this way, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of all the historical landmarks and will have a lot of choices regarding restaurants and cafes.
The Dharma Boutique Hotel is one of the best hotels with Spa in town. It is located in the heart of the Monti neighborhood, the perfect area for first-time visitors.
Is 3 days enough for Rome?
With three days on your hands, you’ll be able to see most of the historical landmarks in the historic center of Rome.
However, if you can’t walk from one place to the other and need to rely on a taxi or public transportation, consider spending 3 nights and 4 days in Rome.
Is Rome safe?
Rome is definitely a safe city, even for female solo travelers. Those areas like the Termini Station or the suburbs, which are said best to be avoided, are still safe for anyone using common sense.
If you don’t put yourself in dangerous situations, you will be ok.
One thing you need to be aware of in Rome is this: cars are a danger. Italians and particularly Romans drive too fast and often don’t bother with traffic laws.
In Rome, in recent years the number of pedestrians killed by drunk or distracted drivers has increased.
Should you drink tap water in Rome?
Of course!
Drinking water is one of Rome’s points of pride. Always carry an empty bottle with you to fill up at the small fountains scattered around the streets.
Unless otherwise specified, it is safe to drink tap water in Rome.
Best time to visit Rome
Generally speaking, the best period to visit Rome is from April to October. Not that you should avoid traveling during the other months, there is just a higher chance to find bad weather.
Rome won’t be freezing cold and while the summer is very hot, especially in July and August, that is the time when you will experience the city without the crowds.
Getting to Rome
There are two international airports near Rome. Both are located outside the historic center. They are served by public transportation that will take you to the city center in less than one hour.
The Termini Train Station instead, is located inside the historic center and at walking distance from Piazza Venezia.
If you have any questions regarding this 4-day itinerary in Rome, feel free to ask them in the comments.
Further relevant readings:
- The Best Desserts to Try in Rome (including the best Tiramisù!)
- 20 best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Rome plus map
- Rome bucket list: 22 things to see, eat, and do in Rome
- 22 places to see street art in Rome: the artists, the projects, the stories behind them.
- 15 Famous Sculptures and Statues in Rome you Can’t Skip if You Love Art
- Rome in winter: all the good reasons for visiting
- Summer in Rome: ideas to enjoy the hottest season in the eternal city
- 22 Most Famous Monuments in Rome and Landmarks with Map
