5-Night Rome Itinerary: Explore Ancient Ruins, Art, and Italian Cuisine

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast with fresh espresso and cornetti in this cozy café near Campo de' Fiori, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Colosseum Visit

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheater, one of Rome's most famous landmarks. Pre-book your timed ticket to avoid lines. Opens at 8:30am.
EUR16, 2h

12:00pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ruins of Roman government buildings and the Palatine Hill gardens, adjacent to the Colosseum. Included with Colosseum ticket.
Included, 2h

2:15pm

Lunch at Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Savor authentic Roman dishes like carbonara just a short walk from the ruins. Open 12pm-3pm daily.
EUR25, 1h

3:30pm

Capitoline Museums

Discover classical sculptures and Renaissance art in the Capitoline Museums overlooking the Forum. Open 9:30am-7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Aroma Restaurant

Dine with a breathtaking view of the Colosseum while enjoying gourmet Italian cuisine. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR70, 2h

Day 2: Vatican City

Rome, Italy on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at La Zanzara

Start your day with quality coffee and Italian pastries in this modern bistro near Vatican City. Open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore the vast art collections and admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Book skip-the-line tickets and arrive early. Opens at 9am.
EUR30, 4h

12:45pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio 91 Trattoria

Enjoy traditional Roman-Jewish dishes in a quaint spot near Vatican entrances. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the world’s largest church featuring stunning Renaissance architecture and Michelangelo’s Pietà. Entry is free; climb the dome for EUR 10.
Free / Dome EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Piazza San Pietro

Relax in St. Peter’s Square and enjoy the panoramic views of the basilica facade and colonnades.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Tre Pupazzi

Savor seafood and classic Italian pasta dishes in this intimate restaurant close to Vatican. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 3: Baroque Rome

Rome, Italy on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Famous for its rich espresso blend, this historic café near Piazza Navona opens at 7am for a perfect morning start.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Pantheon

Marvel at the architectural wonder of this ancient Roman temple turned church. Free entry, open 9am-7pm.
Free, 1h

10:15am

Piazza Navona

Explore this elegant square with its Baroque fountains, artists, and lively cafes.
Free, 45m

11:15am

Trevi Fountain

Visit Rome’s iconic Baroque fountain and toss a coin to ensure your return. Open beyond public access all day.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Il Chianti Vineria

Taste Tuscan and Roman specialties close to the Trevi Fountain, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Spanish Steps and Via Condotti

Climb the famous steps and browse designer boutiques along Via Condotti nearby.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

Discover a private art collection with works by Caravaggio and Velázquez. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Relish Roman cuisine and an extensive wine list in this popular deli and restaurant near Campo de' Fiori. Open till 11pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 4: Trastevere & Markets

Rome, Italy on April 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar San Calisto

Enjoy an authentic Roman café vibe in Trastevere with coffee and pastries. Opens at 7am.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Wander Trastevere Streets

Explore charming cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and colorful buildings of this lively neighborhood.
Free, 2h

11:45am

Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere

See one of Rome’s oldest basilicas with stunning mosaics dating back to the 12th century. Open 7am-12pm, 3:30pm-7pm.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Da Augusto

Try traditional Roman dishes like cacio e pepe in this beloved Trastevere trattoria. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Ponte Milvio Market

Explore this local market area known for antiques and vintage finds on Wednesdays and Saturdays, check schedule.
Free, 1.5h

5:30pm

Villa Farnesina

Tour the Renaissance villa famous for frescoes by Raphael and other artists, open 9am-2pm & 3pm-7pm.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Pizzeria Margherita

Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and Roman specialties in a cozy Trastevere setting. Open till 11pm.
EUR30, 2h

Day 5: Museums and Gardens

Rome, Italy on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Propaganda

Start with stylish ambiance and light breakfast near the Colosseum. Opens at 7am.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Borghese Gallery

View masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian in a splendid villa surrounded by gardens. Pre-booking required. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h

11:30am

Stroll Villa Borghese Gardens

Relax and explore the expansive landscaped gardens, fountains, and lakes adjacent to the gallery.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Enjoy panoramic views over Rome paired with refined Italian cuisine in Villa Borghese park. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

MAXXI Museum

Visit Rome’s museum of contemporary art and architecture with innovative exhibits. Open 11am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h

6:00pm

Pincian Hill Terrace

End the day watching the sunset with sweeping views of Piazza del Popolo and Rome’s skyline.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Delight in vegetarian-friendly gourmet meals in an artistic ambiance close to Piazza del Popolo. Open till 11pm.
EUR45, 2h