3-Day shoestring budget itinerary for Rome

  • Day 1: Vatican City and Ancient Rome Tour
    10:00am - Vatican City; 2:00pm - Colosseum
    Walking distance: 3.5 km

    Start your day early with a visit to Vatican City which is home to the famous St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Vatican City contains some of the world's most precious art collections and Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel which is a must-see. Later in the afternoon, visit the famous Colosseum where you can learn about its rich history and the lives of the Roman gladiators.

  • Day 2: Trevi Fountain and Pantheon
    9:00am - Trevi Fountain; 11:00am - Pantheon
    Walking distance: 1 km

    Your second day begins with a visit to the iconic Trevi Fountain which is a baroque masterpiece and one of the most visited landmarks in Rome. After taking some memorable photos, stroll towards the Pantheon which was built in ancient Rome as a temple to all the gods. The building has been in continuous use for over 2000 years and is a perfect example of ancient Roman engineering.

  • Day 3: Roman Forum and Piazza Navona
    9:00am - Roman Forum; 2:00pm - Piazza Navona
    Walking distance: 2 km

    On your last day, start with a visit to the Roman Forum which is the sprawling complex of ruins in the heart of Rome. It was the center of Roman public life and the site of important religious, political, and social activities. After that, visit the iconic Piazza Navona which boasts of beautiful fountains and outdoor cafes, perfect for relaxing after a busy morning.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Vatican City (3 hours, Free)
  • Colosseum (2 hours, €16)
  • Trevi Fountain (1 hour, Free)
  • Pantheon (1 hour, Free)
  • Roman Forum (2 hours, Free)
  • Piazza Navona (1 hour, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €16

Transportation

Most of the destinations in Rome are within walking distance, so it is the recommended mode of transportation for budget travelers. Taxis and buses are also available for longer distances, costing around €10-€15 per trip. A Metro ticket costs €1.50.

Useful tips

If you have more time, visit the iconic Spanish Steps and the Borghese Gallery. If you have less time, skip the Pantheon and spend more time at Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona.

Airports

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). Fiumicino Airport is the larger and more modern airport located about 30 km from the city center, while Ciampino Airport is smaller and closer to the city center, about 15 km away. Both airports are well-connected to the city by train, bus, and taxi services.

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