How many days do you need in Rome, Italy?

This itinerary covers 3 days in Rome, Italy, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Rome, Italy?

Plan your perfect 3 days trip to Rome, Italy. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

3-Day Itinerary for Rome, Italy - City Experiences

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3-Day Itinerary for Rome, Italy - City Experiences

Day 1: Start at the Colosseum and spend 2 hours exploring this ancient wonder. Grab lunch at Aroma, a rooftop restaurant with views of the Colosseum. After lunch, take a stroll through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, spending 2 hours there. End the day at the Pantheon, an impressive ancient temple, and stay for dinner at Da Enzo al 29 for delicious Roman-style cuisine.
Day 2: Begin at Vatican City, spending 3 hours exploring the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Have lunch at Osteria dell'Angelo, a cozy Italian restaurant nearby. Next, take a 20-minute walk to Castel Sant'Angelo and spend 2 hours there. End the day with a visit to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, both within walking distance. For dinner, head to La Montecarlo for delicious pizza and pasta.
Day 3: Start at Villa Borghese, a beautiful park with gardens, museums, and a lake, where you can rent a boat. Spend 2 hours exploring the park, then grab lunch at Ad Hoc, a trendy Italian restaurant nearby. Next, take a 20-minute taxi ride to explore the ancient catacombs of Rome at the San Callisto Catacombs, spending 2 hours there. End the day at the Piazza Navona, a lively square with beautiful fountains and street performers. Have dinner at Cul de Sac, a cozy wine bar with delicious small plates.

Time and Costs Estimates

Colosseum - 2 hours, €12 admission
Aroma - 1.5 hours, €50 per person
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - 2 hours, €12 admission
Pantheon - 1 hour, free admission
Da Enzo al 29 - 2 hours, €30 per person
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica - 3 hours, €27 admission
Osteria dell'Angelo - 1.5 hours, €25 per person
Castel Sant'Angelo - 2 hours, €10 admission
Trevi Fountain - 0.5 hours, free admission
Spanish Steps - 0.5 hours, free admission
La Montecarlo - 2 hours, €15 per person
Villa Borghese - 2 hours, €15 admission
Ad Hoc - 1.5 hours, €20 per person
San Callisto Catacombs - 2 hours, €8 admission
Piazza Navona - 1 hour, free admission
Cul de Sac - 2 hours, €25 per person

Total Cost Estimate: €490

Transportation

Most of the destinations on this itinerary are within walking distance or a short taxi ride away. Taxis can be easily hailed on the street or through ride-hailing apps. Public transportation in Rome includes buses, trams, and the metro. A single metro ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. Consider purchasing a Roma Pass for €38, which includes free transportation and admission to two museums or archaeological sites.

Links to Key Attractions, Restaurants, and Points of Interest

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Pompeii or a coastal town like Positano. If you have less time, consider cutting out one of the destinations on the itinerary or spending less time at each location.

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