Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Rome
Step back in time in Rome, a sprawling open-air museum boasting ancient ruins, stunning Renaissance art, and unparalleled Italian cuisine.
Rome is one of the world’s most visited cities, and for good reason: ancient sites, baroque churches, and incredible food sit side by side. Fly into Fiumicino or Ciampino, or arrive by train from Florence or Naples. The city is walkable in the centre; use the Metro and buses for longer hops, and consider the Roma Pass for transport and skip-the-line access. Visit in April–May or September–October to avoid summer heat and crowds. Book the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery ahead. Allow time for long meals, evening passeggiata, and getting lost in the narrow streets of Trastevere and the Jewish Quarter.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Rome.
Best Time to Visit Rome
Spring
20°C / 10°C
Comfortably warm, ideal for sightseeing
Summer
32°C / 19°C
Very hot and dry, bustling with visitors
Fall
22°C / 13°C
Mild and pleasant, fewer crowds
Winter
13°C / 4°C
Cool and occasionally rainy
Day 1
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Vast excavated area of Roman temples, squares & government buildings, some dating back 2,000 years.
Morning activity: Colosseum & Roman Forum.
Trattoria Luzzi
Easygoing stop with a small patio serving Italian grilled seafood, meat & an array of pizza choices.
Lunch nearby: Trattoria Luzzi.
Palatine Hill
Guided tours are available of the archaeological site housing the ruins of ancient imperial palaces.
Afternoon sightseeing: Palatine Hill.
Da Enzo al 29
A simple, tucked-away eatery with sidewalk tables, serving Roman classics such as fried artichoke.
Dinner in the area: Da Enzo al 29.
Trevi Fountain
Aqueduct-fed rococo fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi & completed in 1762, with sculpted figures.
Evening experience: Trevi Fountain.
Day 2
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Famous chapel in the Vatican Museums, best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling.
Morning activity: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.
Pizzarium Bonci
Lunch nearby: Pizzarium Bonci.
St. Peter's Basilica
Late Renaissance church by architects including Michelangelo & holding up to 20,000 worshippers.
Afternoon sightseeing: St. Peter's Basilica.
Osteria da Fortunata
Organic recipes & handmade pasta are offered in this down-to-earth, country-style venue.
Dinner in the area: Osteria da Fortunata.
Pantheon
Iconic temple built circa 118 to 125 A.D. with a dome & Renaissance tombs, including Raphael's.
Evening experience: Pantheon.
Day 3
Borghese Gallery
Villa housing 15th- to 18th-century artworks with pieces by Bernini & Caravaggio. Booking essential.
Morning activity: Borghese Gallery.
Mercato Centrale Roma
Lunch nearby: Mercato Centrale Roma.
Spanish Steps
Steps with irregular butterfly-shaped design, built in 18th century at French diplomat's bequest.
Afternoon sightseeing: Spanish Steps.
Roscioli Salumeria
Bustling destination with an eatery serving Italian fare, plus a bakery, deli counter & wine shop.
Dinner in the area: Roscioli Salumeria.
Piazza Navona
Elegant square dating from the 1st century A.D., with a baroque fountain, street artists & bars.
Evening experience: Piazza Navona.