There is something magnificent about Rome, Italy. Out of our two-week trip to Northern Italy, our Rome trip stood out the most. It feels like a city that has stood the test of time.
We have had the wonderful blessing of visiting this eternal city twice, once on our Northern Italy trip and another with a Mediterranean Cruise. And honestly, I would jump on the opportunity to visit again!
Ancient Rome is a focal point of culture, rich history, and incredible food. When visiting, you can’t help but feel in awe.
If you are still in your Italy trip planning phase, and wondering where to go in Italy- Rome should be on your list!
In this 3-day itinerary of Rome, Italy, I have divided some of the must-see landmarks and local gems into three days.
This Rome itinerary guide can be flexible. Hopefully, it will give you a good idea of what to expect so you can plan your perfect Rome vacation!
But First, here are some Rome, Italy trip planning key tips and frequent questions to prepare you for your upcoming Italy vacation!
Can You See Rome In Three Days?
Ultimately, I believe Rome deserves more than three days (especially if you plan to venture outside the city).
However, if you deliberately plan and book the main attractions ahead of time, you can see most of the city in three days.
How To Get Around Rome
The city is relatively pedestrian-friendly. Most must-see ancient landmarks are within walking distance of each other. Be prepared to walk a good bit.
Tip: Many of the roads in Italy are cobblestoned. Pack your comfortable walking shoes!
Rome also has excellent public transportation. The buses and metro train stations are easy to navigate and cheaper than calling a taxi.
Tip: Be weary of pickpocketers. Our Airbnb hosts were very adamant about this.
Book Your Tickets Ahead Of Time
The long lines to many of these ancient archeological sites and historical landmarks can be overwhelming, not to mention a waste of precious time.
By booking your tickets ahead of time, you can better schedule your day and skip the long lines.
Start Early
Start your morning by booking an early morning tour.
Starting early helps ensure you have enough time to see what you want, and many tourist attractions are not as crowded at the beginning of the day.
Rome Travel Guide
This Rome travel guide focuses on the key things to do in Rome, Italy, that you won’t want to miss!
This post breaks down the Rome 3-day itinerary, giving you two days in the Rome city, and one day for the Vatican City and Vatican museums.
Rome 3 – Day Itinerary: Day 1
Colosseum
The Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the World’s seven new wonders. And once you see it, you will know why.
It is magnificent!
The construction was completed in 80 AD. Unfortunately, much of the Colosseum was destroyed during the 1349 earthquake. But what is left is nothing short of astonishing.
The Colosseum has three levels: the Arena Floor, Attico (upper level), and the Underground.
The Arena and Attico are often included in the guided tours. More select tours include the underground portion of the Colosseum.
On our first trip to Rome, we booked a self-guided tour, and on our second trip, we booked an audio guide with an official tour guide.
I would recommend a guided tour. There is so much Roman history centered on these ancient Roman ruins.
The guides also carry picture books that help visitors better understand the Colosseum’s many uses and the lifestyles of the ancient Romans.
I suggest purchasing tickets ahead of time. You can see their ticket selections on the official website.
We didn’t plan accordingly and failed to purchase our Colosseum tickets before our trip.
We purchased skip-the-line self-guided tours and guided tours through some Scouters right outside the Colosseum.
Our experience was legitimate and great. However, I would be wary of suggesting this.
The little museum located inside the Colosseum is really nice as well.
Tip: Grab a snack or coffee and sit outside. It’s an incredible experience eating with the Colosseum view!
Roman Forum
Almost right outside the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, a complex of government buildings, temples, and marketplaces.
You could easily spend half a day exploring these ancient ruins.
According to our tour guide, the Catholic Church had stripped much of the marble from the Forum and Colosseum for various basilicas and cathedrals in Italy.
Tip: You can purchase a combination ticket for the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Pay attention to the exit signs. I can’t say for sure, but it seemed like some exits were closed off, increasing our steps. It was a bit confusing.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is a short distance from the Forum. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a pleasant, shady stroll through archaeological excavations away from some of the busier attractions.
It also has the best views of the Roman Forum!
The Arche of Titus
The Triumphal Arch of Titus is a short walk from the Roman Forum.
The Arch of Titus is Rome’s oldest of the three standing triumphal arches. Try to take a close look at all of the details!
3 Day Itinerary of Rome: Day 2
Day two is entirely walkable! My husband pulled up Google Maps and easily navigated us to each major attraction.
Piazza Navona
The Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It is exquisite and feels like the heart of Rome. It truly is a must-see sight.
The plaza has three main fountains: the Fountain of Moore, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Each is worth seeing.
The square is a good place to grab a coffee and breakfast; the perfect place to start your day! You may even catch some street performers!
Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the oldest intact buildings in Rome and a must-see sight. Its 2000-year-old domed interior is impressive, but even more so because it’s still standing.
Be sure to buy your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time. Outside, the plaza can get busy.
Trevi Fountain
Continue on your self-guided walking tour to the Trevi Fountain, one of Romes’s most iconic landmarks. Join the tradition of guaranteeing your return visit to Rome.
Travelers stand with their backs facing the Fountain and throw a coin into the water; this tradition became popular with the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain.|
Top tip: This area can be incredibly packed! I would avoid visiting in the early to late afternoon, especially during the Summer months especially if you want to guarantee your return visit!
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti, is a beautiful grand staircase considered the longest and widest in Europe. This unique staircase has three different terraces, referencing the Holy Trinity.
We saw several people sitting on the steps, soaking up the sun. If you choose to climb them, you will have a beautiful view.
However, the view from the base is quite spectacular and can be a perfect place to relax. Enjoy a coffee and snack on the Spanish Square, Piazza di Spagna. Or, better yet, enjoy some Gelato on the steps!
Capitoline Square and Capitoline Museums
Capitoline Square, Piazza del Campidoglio, sit on the Capitoline Hill. This square was a nice break from the crowds. One of Rome’s more modern Squares, designed by Michelangelo, was a place for religious sanctuaries, hence the peaceful atmosphere.
In the center of the square is a replica of the equestrian bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius.
If you are an art lover, you won’t want to miss the Capitoline Museum. The museum has the oldest public collection of art in the World. With its beautiful sculptures and extensive collection of artwork, it’s a museum worth visiting.
The Capitoline Museum is located inside the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo.
You can purchase tickets through their official website.
Walk the Via dei Fori Imperialis
The Via dei Fori Imperialis is a large road in the center of Rome, connecting the Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. You will likely walk it at some point on your trip. I was impressed with its vast size!
Altar of the Fatherland
The Altar of the Fatherland, Altare della Patria, was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first King who unified Italy.
It is enormous! You can walk the staircase to the upper terrace for great panoramic views. There is an elevator, but I believe there was a fee for using it. If you choose to forgo climbing this monument, the view from the base is incredible!
The Altar of the Fatherland has an eternal flame and the tomb of the unknown soldier.
The base of the Altar is bustling with car traffic.
Day 3: The 3- Day Itinerary of Rome
Vatican City
The Vatican City is the World’s smallest State in Europe and is located in the center of Rome. It is the home of the Roman Catholic Church.
The culture, ancient history, and magnificent art make this UNESCO World Heritage Site an item that should be added to your Italy bucket list.
St Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square, sometimes called the Vatican’s Square, is the plaza outside St. Peter’s Basilica. It is beautiful and a perfect photo opportunity. The square is free to walk around.
Be sure to stand in the center, lining up the Bascillica in between the Square’s columns for the perfect photo.
Tip: It can get very crowded during the high season and summer months. We were there Easter weekend on our first trip, which was extremely crowded. I would not recommend it.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican museums are pretty extensive. You can easily spend hours getting lost in the artwork. From the elaborate statues to the painted ceilings, it has been one of the most impressive museums I have ever walked through. I would go back in a heartbeat!
You can purchase guided or self-guided tours. If you are pressed for time, some self-guided tours let you separate from the group. Just be sure to hand in their headsets. We separated from our group immediately because of the time constraints, and we were traveling with our toddler.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is toward the end of the Vatican exhibition and is clearly labeled throughout the museum. Be prepared for the crowds!
The Chapel is set up so that people stand towards the edges of the room and are encouraged to keep moving. It was beautiful.
Vatican Gardens
Make time for the Vatican Gardens, even if it’s only for a snack. After walking through the Vatican museums, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air. They are beautiful!
Related Post: Tips for Traveling to the Vatican City with Kids
St Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the World. It is definitely a bucket list item if you’re traveling to Rome!
The Dome of St Peter’s is one of the most impressive. If you can, climb to the top for incredible views of the square.
Tip: There is a dress code for visiting St Peter’s Basilica. No exposed knees or shoulders and hats are prohibited.
You can purchase your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time through the official website. Combination tickets for the Basilica, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel are even available.
Ponte Sant’ Angelo Bridge
This is the most beautiful bridge in Rome. The ancient Roman bridge, completed in 134 AD, crosses the Tiber River and provides an easy access route from the Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo.
The bridge is vast and lined with beautiful sculptures of angels.
Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castel Sant Angelo was initially Emperor Hadrian’s private mausoleum, but it eventually became a protective fortress, a prison, and is now a museum.
Its cylindrical shape makes it unique and beautiful, providing a stunning Ponte Sant’ Angelo Bridge backdrop.
The museum is open to the public; you can purchase tickets ahead of time through the official website.
We did not include the museum in our itinerary for either trip; however, we did enjoy the beautiful outdoor aesthetics.
Additional Attractions
If you have additional time or would like to substitute an attraction out of my 3-day itinerary of Rome Italy guide, check out these options.
I haven’t had an opportunity to check these out yet, so if you do, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Additional Tips if You Have an Extra Day
Food Tour
One of my favorite activities on our Northern Italy vacation was the food tours. Locals usually host them, and they are a great way to enjoy the local food and see the cities’ hidden gems.
The food tours tend to take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and book out quickly. They are usually a great time!
Tip: The guides usually recommend some of their favorite restaurants, so always ask for suggestions!
Take a Cooking Class
I have not yet done this, but taking a cooking class is undoubtedly on my bucket list!
Hop-on-Hop Off Bus Tours
I really like this option when traveling to Italy with little kids. These buses can be a great way to get around while enjoying the sights.
The Focus of My 3-Day Itinerary for Rome Italy
In this guide, I prioritized the main landmarks and must-see spots in Rome. If you’re planning your itinerary for the first time, understand that this schedule is pretty packed!
I want to say this: Make sure you dedicate time to wandering around the city. It’s such a beautiful city with so much to see and do.
Not to mention, some of the nicest hidden gems and some of the best restaurants are off the beaten path. We have found this true for most of the Italian cities we have traveled to.
I hope this 3-day Rome Itinerary helps you make the most of your upcoming Italy vacation to Rome, Italy! I would love to hear about it. Please leave me a comment if you have any questions or would love to share something!
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