Rome in 3 days: our day-by-day itinerary

In short: day 1, ancient Rome (the Colosseum, the Forum, the Palatine) and the Monti area; day 2, the Vatican then the historic centre (the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain); day 3, the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and an evening in Trastevere. Book the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery in advance.

Before you go: what to book

• The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine: one ticket, with a time slot, on the official website.
• The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: booking strongly recommended; closed on Sundays, with exceptions.
• The Borghese Gallery: by reservation only.
• The Pantheon: entry is paid; booking is possible.

Always check opening days and hours on the official websites: they can change.

Day 1: ancient Rome and Monti

Morning: the Colosseum. Start early at the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre of the Roman world, with your booked slot.

Lunch: the Forum and the Palatine. With the same ticket, explore the Roman Forum, the political heart of ancient Rome, then climb the Palatine, the hill of the emperors, with a superb view over the Forum.

Afternoon: the Capitoline. Head to Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, and its museums, with a magnificent view of the Forum from behind the square.

Evening: Monti. Have dinner in the trattorias and wine bars of Monti, a short walk from the Colosseum.

Day 2: the Vatican and the historic centre

Morning: the Vatican Museums. Arrive at opening time for the Vatican Museums, which end with the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s frescoes. Allow half a day.

Lunch: St Peter’s Basilica. Entry to the basilica is free (modest dress required); climb the dome for the view over St Peter’s Square and the whole city.

Afternoon: from Castel Sant’Angelo to the Pantheon. Cross the Tiber on Ponte Sant’Angelo, then stroll to Piazza Navona and its fountains, and step into the Pantheon, an ancient temple with a perfect dome.

Evening: the Trevi Fountain. End at the Trevi Fountain, lit up at night; access to the edge of the basin is now regulated (see our guide Things to do in Rome).

Day 3: the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and Trastevere

Morning: the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese. Climb the Spanish Steps, then head to the Villa Borghese park. With a reservation, visit the Borghese Gallery and its Bernini sculptures (closed on Mondays).

Lunch: Campo de’ Fiori. Walk down to the Campo de’ Fiori market and the Jewish Quarter, famous for its Jewish-style artichokes.

Afternoon and evening: Trastevere. Cross the Tiber to Trastevere: cobbled lanes, ivy-covered façades, the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Climb the Janiculum for sunset over Rome, then have dinner in the neighbourhood.

A fourth day? Day trips

• Tivoli: Villa d’Este and its fountain gardens, and Hadrian’s Villa.
• Ostia Antica: ancient Rome’s port, remarkably well preserved, under an hour away.
• The Appian Way and the catacombs, by bike or on foot.

Our tips to make the most of 3 days

1. Start early: the major sites are far more pleasant at opening time, especially in summer.
2. Walk: the historic centre is best explored on foot, from square to square.
3. Drink from the fountains (nasoni): the water is safe and cool.
4. Bring modest clothing for churches and the Vatican.
5. Watch out for pickpockets on buses and around the big monuments.

Where to stay for these 3 days

The historic centre or Monti are ideal for this itinerary, Prati to be near the Vatican. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Rome. To go further, see Things to do in Rome.