Three days in Rome gives you time to hit the highlights and go deeper. You’ll stand where emperors ruled, get lost in quiet corners, shop like a local, and still escape the city for Pompeii. Here’s how to make every hour count.
Pro tips:
- Bookmark this in your browser, you’ll want to circle back later. Trust me.
- Planning a trip to Rome? Check out our recommendations on where to stay by neighborhood!
All Rome Itineraries
Getting There & Around
- Airport: Fiumicino (FCO), ~45 minutes by taxi
- Train: Roma Termini
- Move fast: Metro A for the Vatican, scooters for everything else
- 💡 Pro tip: Stay in Monti, Trastevere, or Prati for quick access to all three days
Day One: Ancient Rome & Aventine Secrets
☕️ Espresso #1
Start at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè near the Pantheon. Crema-topped espresso, Roman tradition.
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
👉 Book our Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiators Gate
Step onto the Colosseum’s arena floor and walk the same ground where gladiators once fought for glory.
One of our guides said, “When you walk the arena floor, you’re not just stepping into history—you’re stepping into the moment where fear and glory collided.”
INTERESSANTE FACT: Ancient graffiti found on the Colosseum walls shows that even in 80 AD, fans carved their favorite gladiators’ names into stone.
Lunch: Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
📍 Via della Madonna dei Monti, 9
Family-run with rich pastas and zero fluff.
Aventine Hill Walk
Head to the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) and the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta. Fewer tourists, better views. Perfect reset.
Shopping Break
Explore the vintage and artisan shops in Monti—Via del Boschetto is packed with small boutiques, leatherwork, and Roman-made design.
👉 Find more great local shops in our Best Rome Shopping Itinerary.
Optional Tour: Trastevere Rome Food Tour
🍽️ Taste your way through the heart of Trastevere with a local food expert guiding every bite.
Aperitivo: Il Goccetto
Candlelit wine bar with a massive selection by the glass.
Dinner: Da Bucatino
Order the amatriciana. Accept the bib. Leave happy.
👉 Best restaurants in Testaccio
Day Two: Vatican, Local Rome & Trastevere
☕️ Espresso #2
Stop at Sciascia Caffè 1919 in Prati—tiny, modern, and pulls one of the best shots in the area.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Dome
👉 Book our St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
Start your morning with a climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica, then skip the line to explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
A Vatican guide once smiled and said, “When Michelangelo was asked how he created the Pietà, he answered: ‘I just removed everything that wasn’t the Virgin and Christ.’”
INTERESSANTE FACT: Michelangelo painted himself into “The Last Judgment” fresco as a flayed skin held by Saint Bartholomew—a quiet rebellion against his patrons.
Lunch: Il Sorpasso
A sleek bistro with great Roman classics and local crowd.
Campo de’ Fiori & Via Giulia Walk
Stroll the market at Campo de’ Fiori, then walk Via Giulia toward Ponte Sisto. One of Rome’s most atmospheric stretches.
Shopping Break
Pop into the artisan shops on Via dei Coronari or browse ceramics and paper goods around Campo de’ Fiori.
👉 Find more great local shops in our Best Rome Shopping Itinerary.
Aperitivo: Freni e Frizioni
Trastevere’s punk-meets-classic aperitivo hub. Spritzes, amaro, and a solid buffet.
Dinner: Osteria der Belli
📍 Piazza di Sant’Apollonia, 11
Sardinian seafood with a Roman soul. Laid-back and delicious.
👉 More places to eat in Trastevere
Day Three: Pompeii & Classic Rome Farewell
Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Day Trip
👉 Book our Pompeii Positano, Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome
Travel from Rome to Pompeii in a private vehicle, explore the ancient ruins with an archaeologist, and unwind in the stunning coastal village of Positano.
Standing in the shadow of Vesuvius, one guide pointed at the ruins and said, “Pompeii didn’t just die—it paused. Everything you see was waiting for someone to come back.”
INTERESSANTE FACT: In Pompeii’s ruins, carbonized bread loaves were found still in ovens—dinner forever interrupted by disaster.
Dinner: Renato e Luisa
A final toast to Rome. Handmade pasta, dim lights, and locals in the know.
👉 More great dinners near Campo de’ Fiori
Best Time to Visit Rome
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) bring golden light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds. December adds festive charm without the heat—perfect for long walks and endless espresso stops.
How Much Does 3 Days in Rome Cost?
- Budget: €400–€600
- Mid-range: €800–€1,200
- Luxury: €1,400+
These estimates include lodging, tours, food, and transportation—but not spontaneous gelato runs (consider yourself warned).
What You’ll Leave With
- The sound of church bells in your ears
- Pasta standards that ruin you for life
- A deep belief that no other city moves like Rome
INTERESSANTE FACT: Ancient Romans believed the heart was in the stomach. Spend three days here and you’ll understand why.
Final Thoughts
Rome can be overwhelming, especially if you try to do too much too fast. This guide helps you slow down where it counts and move smart where it matters. You’ll hit the essentials—Vatican, Colosseum, Pantheon—but also take time to eat, rest, and notice the little things. There are plenty of ways to adjust this itinerary. Consider adding one of the tours below or chatting with our team to find the best fit for you.
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.
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