How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Rome

Are you planning a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in Italy? Rome has a lot to offer, and here you’ll find a suggested itinerary to spend the best 3 days in Rome.

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What You Should Know Before Visiting Rome

Rome is one of the oldest cities in Europe and one of the most important. Its history spans over 2500 years and it was the heart and center of the Roman Empire. Nowadays it hasn’t lost either its charm or its importance, and it’s the proud capital of Italy.

Rome is still a bustling city, attracting millions of tourists each year with its beautiful architecture, rich history, cultural significance, and religious importance. So be assured, you’ll have a great time there. If you don’t know what to do in just 3 days, don’t worry, in this article, you’ll find all you need to give you a head start before you arrive.

Starting Early Makes All the Difference

Get a head start and arrive as early as you can if you’re only spending 3 days in Rome. This will minimize your stress as you settle and unpack in your room, while still leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your very first day.

Save Time with Smart Routes in Rome

Simply put, there are a lot of things to do in Rome in 3 days. So you need to be realistic and smart when planning your days. Try grouping attractions that are nearby and choose the best time of the day to visit each attraction.

Walk or Ride In Rome?

If you’re staying in a hotel near the city’s center you can easily walk to the closer attractions. That’s a great way to get to know the city intimately. For places further away you can either rent a bike or use public transportation.

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Where to Find Rome’s Best Food and Gelato

Trying the authentic gelato, the gelato artigianale, should be on your bucket list of things to do in Rome. For the best of the best, try the Gelateria del Teatro or La Romana. If you want to try some good Roman food, we recommend Da Enzo al 29, a small, family-run business with great food and a great atmosphere.

For more suggestions, read our article Rome on a Plate

When’s the Best Time to Visit Rome?

Rome is an incredible destination no matter the season, but springtime may be the best time to go to Rome. You can walk endlessly without the terrible crowds while during the fall, the harvest season, you can enjoy many seasonal dishes.

How Many Days Do You Need in Rome?

We suggest you spend a minimum of 3 days in Rome. In 3 days you’ll have plenty of time to visit the main attractions and see a bit of the whole city.

How to Stay Connected With Mobile Data in Rome?

Staying connected with mobile data in Rome is easier than ever with an eSIM from Yoho Mobile, no physical SIM required, and you’ll have reliable coverage the moment you land.

 

 

Day 1 in Rome: Ancient Landmarks

See the Colosseum and Roman Forum

One of the most classic things to do in Rome is visit the Colosseum, especially if you’re going for a short trip. This place is simply iconic. Try climbing to the top of the stands, from that vantage point you’ll have a wonderful view of Rome, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Just a few minutes away you find the true center of Rome, the Forum. This site had multiple purposes and as so, there are many buildings to visit. Take a walk around the old marketplace, and watch the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the Basilica of Maxentinus and Constantine.

Try getting a combination ticket when you make your purchase. That way you will have access for two whole days to both attractions and Palatine Hill. You can also request a guide or an audio guide, so you can grasp better the incredible story of these sites.

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Toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, so if you visit Trevi Fountain, toss a coin. It’s said that if you toss one coin, you’ll return to Rome, two will bring a new romance and three will lead to marriage. Fun fact, people love this tradition so much that every year around 1.5 million euros are thrown in. But don’t worry, the money is collected for charity.

How to toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain properly?

• Hold the coin in your right hand.

• Stand with the fountain behind you.

• Toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.

• Don’t turn around. Trust your luck that the coin will find the fountain and your wish will come true.

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Check out the Pantheon and Piazza Navona

A short walk from Piazza Trevi will take you to another place you can’t miss on your 3 days in Rome. It is a masterpiece that perfectly showcases the abilities of ancient Roman architects and builders and it’s still used in our days as a religious center.

After all that walking you would probably sit down for a bit. What better place than one of the cafes at Piazza Navona? This beautiful square has lovely architecture and magnificent fountains. There you can find great places to eat and maybe some souvenirs.

While Piazza Navona is completely free to enter, on the Pantheon you’ll likely have to pay a small fee of 5 euros. The best time to go is late in the day, both places look stunning under the setting sun.

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Day 2 in Rome: Vatican City

Visit the Vatican Museums

You can’t spend 3 days in Rome without visiting Vatican City, especially since one of its main attractions is museums. There you’ll find one of the world’s greatest collections of art, history, and culture. Some of the most recommended places to visit are the Sistine Chapel with its iconic depiction of the creation of Adam, the Raphael Rooms with The School of Athens, and the Gallery of Maps.

You’ll have to pay 17 euros to enter unless you go on the last Sunday of each month when it’s completely free. Note that as the Vatican is a religious site you’ll have to dress accordingly, with clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

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Go up St. Peter’s Basilica

The centerpiece of Vatican City is a building with incredible significance for Catholics. The St. Peter’s Basilica has one of the largest domes in the world, designed by Michelangelo. You can climb it for a small fee. The top view of the whole city and part of Rome is breathtaking, especially if you go early in the morning.

Interesting facts about the Basilica.

• It was originally built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, and rebuilt later in the late 1500s, so the current building has Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

• It’s believed to be the resting place of St. Peter, one of Christ’s apostles and the very first pope. Many Catholics view it as a place of pilgrimage.

Photo by Griffin Wooldridge

 

Day 3 in Rome: Hidden Gems

Tour Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo

One of the lesser-known things to do in Rome is visiting the beautiful Castel Sant’Angelo, right on the banks of the Tiber River. While it has been used for many different things over the centuries, it was built as a mausoleum for emperor Hadrian and his family.

While on tour you’ll hear a lot about the history of the place, and see many interesting rooms like the Papal Apartments. During your visit, you can also enjoy the view from the rooftop while the statue of the protector Archangel Michael watches over you.

It’s connected to the city center by the Ponte Sant’Angelo: so you can easily arrive by foot if you’re in the Vatican. One of the most interesting features of this bridge is the 10 statues of angels that line its sides. A guide will tell you all about their religious significance and their relation with the Castle.

General admission is 15 euros for adults, free for children under 18 with opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, generally. The best time to go is either really early to avoid crowds or later to enjoy the sunset.

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Stroll along the Tiber River

Don’t forget to reserve a bit of time during your 3-day itinerary in Rome to take a stroll along the Tiber River. You’ll be still experiencing the city, but more quietly, in a more relaxed and more genuine way. You can explore Tiberina Island, with the Basilica di San Bartolomeo, or jog along the Lungo Tevere Area.

Afterward, you should definitely explore the Trastevere Neighborhood and find a nice restaurant like Da Enzo al 29 or Antico Arco where to try traditional and modern foods.

What to do aside from walking:

• Enjoy the local culture: If you do your trip during summer this is a great place to find open-air markets, festivals, and music performances.

• Take some photos: The river has many beautiful bridges that are ideal points from where to catch panoramic views of the city.

 

Enjoy Gelato and Explore Lesser-known Attractions

Before your 3-day itinerary in Rome comes to an end, maybe you have a bit of time for some gelato and some interesting places.

For the gelato, a wonderful recommendation is Fatamorgana, with multiple locations including one in Piazza degli Zingari. This piazza is in itself a hidden gem that offers visitors a real glimpse of the day-to-day life in Rome. From this lovely piazza, you can also explore another hidden gem, the streets of Monti, full of independent boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops.

What to try at Fatamorgana:

• Artisanal gelato: Made only with the freshest ingredients, and everything is completely natural. Absolutely no additives and no preservants.

• Weird flavors: These locations are famous for their inventive catalogs like basil with walnuts and honey and pear and gorgonzola.

• Dietary options: All of their gelato is gluten-free, and they offer a good range of vegan and dairy-free options, so you can’t say no.

Interested in learning more? Read our complete guide to gelato and Italian desserts.

Photo by JÉSHOOTS