The Eternal City has so much to offer that even return visitors will have plenty to discover. If it’s your first time in Rome, it can be hard to know where to go and what to see, especially if you only have a limited time. Find out how to spend 3 days in Rome and cover the history, food, and culture of this incredible city.
Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post. Also, check out our guide to Rome for more planning resources, our top Rome tours for a memorable trip, and the best things to do in Rome.
How To Spend 3 Days in Rome
Rome is a metropolitan city full of endless things to do and home to incredible historical landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican. You could spend years in the city and still discover new beautiful places everywhere you go.
In my opinion, there are three main areas to hit when you’re in Rome: the history, the food, and the culture. So, how do you balance all of this in just three days in Rome? I’ve spent over 10 years of my life in Rome. If I were headed to Rome next week for the first time, this is how I would plan my visit.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it.
Day 1: Arrival Day
9:30 am—Arrive at Airport
I really love getting an early start on my first day. If you’re flying from Europe, definitely take the earliest flight you can or you likely won’t step outside of your hotel until the evening. If you’re flying transatlantic, avoid drinking too much or watching too many movies. Try to get some sleep and arrive early.
10 am—Transfer
Next, head to your accommodation to drop off your luggage and begin your Roman adventure. There are a few options for airport transfers. We recommend Amico Limo. They have been providing services to our customers since 2019. New clean vehicles, always on time or early, drivers speak English. The link allows you to book online with your credit card which checks a vital box in your travel planning.
11 am—Arrive at Accommodation
I like hotels, but I also like Airbnb. Regardless of where you stay, arrange it so you can leave your bags at your hotel or residence upon arrival. That should be a non-negotiable for you. If that isn’t available, search elsewhere.
I normally plan that I’ll be at the hotel or residence 1.5 hours after my flight lands. If there are no delays and you’re quick at the airport, it’s normally perfect.
12 pm—Neighborhood Stroll and Lunch
Lunch in Rome doesn’t start until 12:30 or even 1 pm. This should give you about an hour to walk around your neighborhood and have a look around for grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and enotecas/pubs.
In Italy, a bar is not where you get drinks, but where you get coffee and breakfast. This is very important. An enoteca is where you can buy and/or drink wine. We have extensive restaurant recommendations and you should be able to find places we recommend near you.
2 pm—Colosseum Tour
When you’re only in Rome for three days, you really need to hit the ground running. What could be better than the Colosseum on your first day? You can do it alone, but honestly, tours of the Colosseum and Vatican are practically mandatory.
The sites are so crowded and poorly labeled that a good tour makes all the difference. Our tours access many restricted areas that the general public cannot enter. Unsure, which Colosseum tour to take? Check out our breakdown of the best Colosseum tours.
6:30 pm—Aperitivo
You most likely haven’t showered yet, so after your tour, head back to your residence to freshen up, but be quick. You’re probably exhausted, and if you sit on your bed you may fall asleep—there’s too much to do in Rome to sleep.
We recommend tons of places for a drink, but if you want to stay awake and don’t have a tight budget, I recommend The Terrace at Eitch Borromini. The view from there is unbelievable.
7:30/8 pm—Dinner
If it’s your first day, you’ll likely want to eat somewhere relaxed where you can have a drink and some local dishes. I like Antica Enoteca near the Spanish Steps. It’s a casual place that has tons of wine by the glass or bottle, but don’t take casual to mean you can wear sweatpants. Definitely check out the best restaurants in Rome to see more.
Jeans and a shirt work, but the beauty of Italy is that you can always dress up. Bring a sports coat or blazer and fit in with the locals. This enoteca is near the Spanish Steps, which is super posh. In July, you could re-think the blazer, but I never leave the blazer at home. Don’t stay out too late, you have an early start tomorrow!
Not ready to book a tour? See the best Rome tours to take and why.
Day 2: Vatican, Afternoon Snooze, and Shopping
7:10 am—Vatican
This may seem a bit early, but the Vatican can be a nightmare. It is best visited as early as possible. We have a range of early-entry Vatican tours including our First Entry Vatican Prime Tour that enters 30 minutes before 99% of other tour companies and 90 minutes before 100% of solo visitors.
Depending on the tour you choose, you may have seen the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and some of the Vatican Museums before most people enter the front doors. The tour you choose will affect the rest of your day, but let’s assume you went with a longer tour and finished at 11 am. If you finish earlier, then take a nap!
12:30 pm—Testaccio Market
I am a big fan of going off the beaten path, and Testaccio Market is just that. Head over there and taste everything! Avoid getting a plate to yourself—instead split everything with your travel partners. Definitely get a panino at Morde e Vai.
There is also a Vino Sfusi place where you can grab a glass of local wine for €1.50, more or less. Have a couple…you’re on vacation! Afterward, feel free to walk around or take a 90-minute snooze. You have a long night ahead of you.
5:30 pm—Trastevere Local Food Tour
Join a local food tour this evening. I get that this may be getting too commercial for you, but honestly, your chances of finding the right places to eat are less than 50/50. Nobody likes a tourist trap and you also won’t get to learn anything about the local culture.
Food tours are a lot of fun. You get to meet people, have a great evening out, and learn a ton about local food, recipes, and cuisine.
Check out our Trastevere Food Tour for the full experience. You’ll be finished around 8:30 pm or 9 pm and from there, it’s up to you if you want to continue the night or head to bed.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it.
Day 3: Walk in the Park or More to See?
8 am—Cappuccino, Cornetto, e Centrifuge Seduto
That means “cappuccino, croissant, and fresh juice sitting down.” I’ll be honest, I get mine standing up 99% of the time, but my wife is good at talking me into paying extra for table service. By now, you’ve definitely scoped out a few quaint piazzas that are perfect for coffee in Rome. Pick one of them and don’t be rushed. Nobody “drops the check” in Italy.
10 am—Walk in the Park
I love walking with my kids in Villa Borghese. Depending on the season, there are merry-go-rounds, bounce houses, vehicle rentals, and even a lake where you can rent boats.
Spend your late morning walking around this park and soaking it all up. Be sure to visit Il Pincio for a great view over Piazza Del Popolo.
If you feel like you still need to see more with a guide, we offer an amazing Private Tour of Villa Borghese, which is my personal favorite museum in Rome.
12:30 pm—Lunch in Monti
I love eating, drinking wine, and Monti. Call ahead and reserve a table at Ai Tre Scalini in Monti for an amazing slow lunch. Ask the waiter for recommendations and order a lot. Share dishes and try it all!
2:30 pm—Shopping
You can shop in Monti or shop near the Spanish Steps. Monti is more boutique-y and the Spanish Steps is flooded with stores. I like the Spanish Steps because they offer better-priced menswear.
There are a lot of great stores for men, but Spada is one I have grown fond of. It offers classic designs, colors, and really affordable prices. Fashionable blazers cost around €130.
At this point, you’re probably headed to the airport. Enjoy your stay and if you’re from outside the EU, make sure you claim tax-free to get some money back!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Rome tours to take and why.
Where To Stay in Rome
Rome has a rich cultural history and many iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the magnificent Eternal City in the best neighborhoods.
