How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in Rome Itinerary

Last Updated on 18th July 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Chaotic, noisy, and plain stunning, Roma is one of the most fascinating destinations in Europe, and even when the city has so much to offer that three days would never see enough, there is quite a lot that you can do to see the best of Rome is such a short time, even if you only have 3 days in Rome. 

This Rome itinerary comes with ideas to visit incredible landmarks, museums, churches, and piazzas, and it also gives you some tips to discover unique gastronomic spots and remarkable tours to experience the best of Rome in three days.

Getting to Rome

Being the capital of Italy and one of the most important cities in Europe, every week Rome receives thousands of flights from all over the world. 

There are two different international airports serving the city, Fiumicino, about 30 minutes by train from the city center, and Ciampino, smaller, a bit closer to the center, and a hub for several low-cost companies.

The best way to get from Fiumicino to Termini Train station is by boarding the Leonardo Express train which connects the city to the airport, the ride is less than thirty minutes and the ticket is about €15. 

If you arrive after midnight or you’re traveling on a budget, you might want to consider a ride on a Terravision Bus (both from Ciampino and Fiumicino), the fee is about €5.

Moving around in Rome

Visiting the most important landmarks in the city does not call for a lot of public transport. In fact, the best way to explore Rome is on foot, this way you’ll be certain that you won’t be missing any sight, so don’t forget to pack your most comfortable shoes!

However, to reach places that are not located in the heart of the historic center of Rome, such as the Vatican and the Vatican museums, the bohemian district of Trastevere, or Castel Sant’Angelo, you might find that public buses or the metro are just the right solutions. 

In any case, and since you won’t be using public transport much during these three days, I do not suggest buying a transport card (with entrance to museums) for a short stay in Rome as their price is quite high and not convenient. 

Three-day tickets for Rome’s public transport are significantly cheaper. They are available in vending machines at Termini and Tiburtina stations as well as in different newsstands and metro stations around town.

As of recently, you can also use contactless to pay for buses and trams in the city centre (just remember to tap in upon entrance to the vehicle to avoid a fine).

Is 3 days enough time in Rome?

Although you could squeeze a fair number of Rome’s attractions into one or two days, you’ll likely leave feeling rushed and wishing you had spend a little longer exploring.

As such, a long weekend, i.e. 3 days, is the perfect amount of time to rest, see a variety of things that Rome has to offer, and fully soak up each experience. If you’re at Rome on the weekend, be sure to check out our suggestions for spending Sunday in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome

The best area for a short stay in Rome is certainly the historic center, booking a hotel in this area will be the best thing to do to visit as many monuments and attractions in a short time and simply on foot.

Instead, those planning to visit other Italian cities after their stay in Rome might consider a good hotel near the main train hub Termini Train Station, especially if they must board a very early train or if they get to Rome quite late at night.

These are some of the best places to stay in Rome both in the center and near Termini.

Budget places to stay in Rome

• Rome Historic Center: Hotel Paba is a small hotel set in a period building less than 5 minutes from the Colosseum. Rooms feature air-conditioning and some of them come also with a balcony. Check prices and availability here.
• Rome Termini Station: Termini Central Inn is located about 300 meters from Termini making it an easy-to-reach hotel offering basic but pleasant accommodation. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range places to stay in Rome

• Rome Historic Center: Relais De La Poste is a gorgeous 3-star accommodation near the Spanish Steps, only meters from the Trevi Fountain and Via Condotti, one of the best shopping stops in the city. Check prices and availability here.
• Rome Termini Station: Raeli Hotel Siracusa is a three-star property just opposite Rome’s Termini Train Station close to several attractions including the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Repubblica Square. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury places to stay in Rome

• Rome Historic Center: Harry’s Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant is a fantastic hotel in the area of Trevi Fountain offering modern, air-conditioned rooms in the heart of the city. Check prices and availability here.
• Rome Termini Station: Mascagni Luxury Rooms & Suites is a four-star hotel located in a building from the eighteenth century, only minutes from Termini and meters from the famous Piazza Barberini. Check prices and availability here.

Suggested itinerary for Three Days in Rome

Rome Day One

The best way to start your first day in Rome is to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum first thing in the morning. These are two of the most popular sights in the city and tend to be quite crowded after 10 or 11 am. 

Even when you may arrive quite early, you’re bound to find a long line to purchase the entrance tickets or even no tickets left at all. Booking in advance is key to avoiding unwanted surprises. 

Get a ticket with early access in the morning, this guarantees a more relaxed visit without crowds, especially in summer. 

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most iconic monuments as well as the largest amphitheater ever built. The construction of this imposing theater was started by emperor Vespasian in 72 Ad and finished by his son Titus eight years later.

After visiting the beautiful arena, you can walk a few steps to reach the Roman Forum, one of the most important places in Ancient Rome and the birthplace of the empire. This very convenient tour combines skip-the-line access to both sites as well as Palatine Hill.

It’s also important to note that whether you choose to visit on your own or as part of a guided tour, it’s imperative to book your visit to the Colosseum ahead of your Italy trip. For more ideas on what to book before your visit, here’s our guide on what to book ahead in Rome.

Both places are quite big and there is really a lot to see, so do not expect to end these activities earlier than midday. After this incredible history lesson, head to the heart of the historic center for a slice of Italian pizza or an abundant dish of local pasta! For more mouthwatering inspiration, check out our Italian food guide.

One of my favorite places in town, only steps from the Fontana di Trevi is L’Antica Pizzeria Trivio, at 28, Via dei Lucchesi. Try a fresh buffala mozzarella pizza and thank me later!

Rome’s historic center is filled with incredible landmarks that you wouldn’t want to miss. Just steps from each other, so moving around on foot will guarantee to bump into all of the sights you were dreaming of visiting.

In this area, spend some time waiting in line for a picture at the Trevi Fountain, and do not forget to toss a coin and ask for three wishes. According to locals, one of the wishes should be to return to Rome soon, and after seeing a bit of this glorious city, I’m sure you’ll agree!

In the same area, you can also check out the impressive Spanish Steps, locally known as Piazza di Spagna, these scenic steps lead to the beautiful Trinità dei Monti Church. 

At the foot of the steps, you will be able to admire one of the finest fountains in the city, La Barcaccia, this is among the most popular photo stops in Rome.

Up next, head to the Roman Pantheon, a former Roman temple, probably from 126 AD, although its actual building date is not certain.

This incredible building features stunning columns at its entrance portico that lead to a porch that ends in the so-called Rotunda, a remarkable concrete dome, one of the largest in the world that has a central opening (known as oculus, or eye), from which you can see the sky.

A few hundred meters from the Pantheon, you will discover one of Rome’s prettiest squares, Piazza Navona, which hosts the famous fountain of the Four Rivers. This is just the ideal place to sit and relax, enjoy a delicious Italian gelato, and look at life simply go by.

Rome Day Two

Again an early wake-up call to discover another top attraction, the Vatican City and the Vatican Museums. Vatican City is actually self-governed and is one of the smallest countries in Europe.

Please keep in mind that to access the Vatican, you need to follow a quite strict dress code that will not allow shorts, mini skirts, or bare shoulders. Also, wear comfy shoes because you will be walking quite a lot today! Check out more on what to wear to the Vatican here.

To have a complete panorama of the area and get a knowledgeable insight into the impressive art that you can find in every corner of this small state, I recommend booking a guided tour with skip-the-line entrances as this is a place flooded with tourists any time of the year.

This is one of the most convenient experiences as it includes a tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica for quite an affordable fee.

During the visit, you’ll be able to check out some of the most beautiful courtyards in the museum as well as the magnificent corridors and galleries. You will also be able to check out the magnificent altar inside Saint Peter’s as well as Michelangelo’s Pietà. 

At the Sistine Chapel, don’t miss the beautiful frescoes that adorn the ceiling, which took Michelangelo about 4 years to finish.

It will probably be time for lunch once you exit the Vatican, since you’re already on the other side of the Tiber River, take advantage of the location to spend the afternoon exploring the quaint Trastevere neighborhood. 

Worry not about food, this is just the right place to find the perfect Roman trattoria serving traditional dishes such as pasta all’amatriciana or pasta Cacio e Pepe with abundant Pecorino cheese and fresh ground pepper. 

Tonnarello is a popular pasta restaurant in Trastevere (located in Via della Paglia) serving exquisite homemade pasta both for lunch and for dinner.

There are not many special things to do in Trastevere other than a few cute squares and some historic churches to visit, however, this district in Rome will capture your senses.

With its bohemian vibe and laid-back atmosphere, you will certainly spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the gorgeous pedestrian alleys in the area. It’s also worth grabbing an Italian aperitivo here, if not also dinner. For some Italy dining tips, check out our guide to the coperto in Italy.

Rome Day Three

This is your last day in Rome, so let’s make the most of it! During the last day, it can be a good idea to feel like you’re part of Roman society and do some of the same things that Romans do. As the saying goes, “When in Rome… you know the rest!

For that reason, heading to a public market is just about the best! There are several markets to visit in town, some of them strictly selling fresh ingredients, vegetables, fruit, cheese, and cured meats, while others also focus on antiques, vintage clothes, and second-hand objects.

If you’d like to see more than just one market and also learn more about the local cuisine, this market tour, and cooking class is nothing but great value for money.

During such an experience, you will also learn the secrets of the regional cuisine and taste the dishes you have cooked accompanied by local wines. Otherwise, there are plenty of other Rome cooking classes worth checking out. If instead, you’d like to explore the markets on your own, these are some of the ones you can check out:

• Piazza Campo de’ Fiori: This is a morning market that sells anything from Roman souvenirs to meat, vegetables, fish, and flowers.
  
• Porta Portese: One of the most famous flea markets in Rome, this place, immortalized by a popular Italian song is set in Porta Portese Square and specializes in used clothing and antiques all at bargain prices. You might easily spend a good two to three hours perusing the stalls.
  
• Mercato di Testaccio: Probably my favorite market in Rome, this is the best place not only to shop like Romans do but also to taste the best food in town. Here you will find fresh produce, but also a variety of tantalizing street food, including pizza, cheese, bread, pastries, and a lot more.

Devote the afternoon to one of Rome’s most amazing parks, the Borghese Gardens, the immense park, locally known as Villa Borghese is also home to a fantastic museum and art gallery set in a historic villa.

Considered one of the most important art collections in the world, this is one of those unexpected places that surprise visitors. 

To visit the museum, it’s necessary to book the entrance tickets in advance (they cannot be purchased in the place), however, if you just want to explore the gardens, this is a public space and the entrance is free. 

Check out this Borghese Gallery Ticket which guarantees a fast-track entry to the Borghese Gallery.

A final note

Rome is a place where you could stay for a whole year, and still find things to do and places to discover. Following this guide to see the city in three days you’ll have an easy way to make the most of the most popular and beautiful attractions! If you fancy heading out of the city, check out this guide to the best day trips from Rome.

For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our top quotes about Italy and how to spend 2 weeks in Italy. If you only have a limited time in Rome, check out our suggestions for one day in Rome. And if you’re headed to the city during the colder months of the year, here’s the best of Rome in winter.

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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.