3.5-Day Rome Itinerary: Ancient Wonders, Culinary Delights, and Vibrant City Life

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries and excellent espresso in this historic bakery. Open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Colosseum and adjacent Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome’s public life. Book tickets in advance to skip the lines. Open 8:30am–7:00pm.
EUR18, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine steps away from the Forum; try classic dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Palatine Hill

Visit the legendary hill overlooking the Forum and Circus Maximus, where Rome’s emperors built their palaces. Included in the Forum ticket.
Included, 1h

4:00pm

Capitoline Museums

Discover remarkable classical sculptures and Renaissance art in Rome’s oldest public museum. Open 9:30am–7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Dine on exquisite Italian delicacies and an impressive wine list at this well-known deli-restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori. Open 12:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican and Trastevere

Rome, Italy on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Sant’ Eustachio

Enjoy one of Rome’s best espressos and a light breakfast at this historic coffee spot near the Pantheon. Open 7:00am–9:00pm.
EUR8, 45m

8:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Marvel at world-class art and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling with a pre-booked guided tour to avoid crowds. Open 9:00am–6:00pm (last entry 4:00pm).
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the majestic basilica, climb the dome for panoramic city views (climb 8:00am–5:30pm). Free entry to church.
EUR10 (dome climb), 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio

Dine at one of the charming trattorias in Borgo Pio street like Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto, offering fresh Roman dishes. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:30pm

Villa Farnesina

Experience Renaissance art in this splendid villa located in Trastevere. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

5:00pm

Walk and explore Trastevere

Enjoy wandering the cobbled streets, quaint churches, and lively piazzas of this vibrant neighbourhood before sunset.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Savour authentic Roman cuisine in a cosy local favourite spot in Trastevere, especially known for its pasta dishes. Open 12:00pm–11:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: City Piazzas & Fountains

Rome, Italy on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Light breakfast with a selection of gourmet pastries and coffee at this renowned cafe central to Rome’s food scene. Open 7:00am–7:00pm.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Pantheon

Visit the best-preserved ancient Roman building with its iconic dome and oculus. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Piazza Navona and Fountain of the Four Rivers

Enjoy this lively baroque square with its stunning fountains, sculptures, and street artists.
Free, 45m

11:30am

Trevi Fountain

Visit Rome’s famous fountain and toss a coin to ensure your return to the city. Open 24 hours.
Free, 30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Osteria del Pegno

Enjoy a refined lunch in a small, charming osteria near Piazza Navona, specialising in traditional Roman recipes. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Spanish Steps and Via Condotti

Climb the iconic Spanish Steps and browse designer shops along Via Condotti.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery

Stroll through Rome’s famous garden park and visit the Borghese Gallery with its exquisite art collection (advance booking needed). Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Gabriello

Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner with modern Italian cuisine near Piazza Navona. Open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hidden Gems & Departure

Rome, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panificio Bonci

Enjoy artisanal pastries and excellent coffee at this acclaimed bakery close to Vatican City. Open 7:30am–2:00pm.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Explore the Jewish Ghetto and Portico of Octavia

Discover this charming historic district with ancient ruins, traditional eateries, and a unique Roman atmosphere.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ba’Ghetto

Sample delicious Jewish-Roman cuisine including fried artichokes at this casual eatery. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Piazza Venezia and Vittoriano

Visit the grand monument of Victor Emmanuel II with panoramic views from the terrace. Open 9:30am–7:30pm.
Free, 1h
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