As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” This historic city has accumulated famous sights and monuments for over two thousand years. Trying to squeeze it all into only three days can seem mission impossible—or can it?
By knowing the must-see spots for first-timers and having a strategic sightseeing plan mapped out beforehand, visitors can get a superb introduction to the Eternal City in only 72 hours.
No trip to Rome is complete without seeing the iconic trio—the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. But beyond the greatest hits, the city is bursting with other fantastic yet underrated attractions worth exploring. From Hadrian’s sprawling Villa to quirky museums dedicated to pasta and pencil sharpening techniques, there is something to appeal to every interest and age.
So cancel that sightseeing overload angst and prepare to take down the Caesars. Here is an expert itinerary covering 20 top attractions and things to see in Rome in 3 days. How will you conquer Rome?
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Fuel up with a cappuccino and cornetto for breakfast before heading out for a fun-packed first day exploring ancient Roman history. The earlier you arrive, the better chance of beating the crowds and afternoon heat at outdoor sites.
Morning: The Colosseum & Roman Forum
No epic journey starts without an epic entrance. That’s what awaits visitors to the mammoth Colosseum, the iconic symbol of Rome and its gladiatorial past. Continue that adventurous spirit by exploring the crumbling temples and political buildings of the Roman Forum nearby.
Time Needed: 2 hours for the Colosseum, 2 hours for the Roman Forum
Insider Tips: Purchase a combo ticket to save and skip the regular line—book small group tours led by experts versus large generic groups. Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking over uneven cobblestones and ruins. Go as early as possible—these hugely popular sites get crowded, especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Pack water and snacks to re-energize.
Can you picture the deafening roar of 50,000 spectators as armored gladiators dueled to death in the Colosseum’s arena? As you walk among its soaring tiers of arches, let your imagination transport you back to the days of the Roman Empire when this amphitheater hosted lavish spectacles and sporting events.
Next, head over to the Roman Forum located just beside the Colosseum. At the same time, less intact structure-wise, this political and commercial heart of ancient Rome contains priceless artifacts and temples still in their original location. It’s like walking through the ruins of the old city that inspired much of Western civilization’s laws, architecture, systems of government, and even Latin language.
Afternoon: Palatine Hill & Piazza Venezia
After a morning of exploring ancient Roman ruins, re-energize with lunch at a trattoria before continuing to Palatine Hill for panoramic views and the impressive Imperial Palace remains. Then, descend to the bustling Piazza Venezia and learn about Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Insider Tips: Come earlier in the day while the light is best for photography. Be sure to climb to the top of the hill for stunning views over the Roman Forum ruins stretching off in the distance below. Watch out for unauthorized peddlers and wear comfortable shoes, as parts of the unexcavated hill are overgrown and uneven underfoot.
Did you know that the word “palace” originated from Palatine Hill? As a nod to its Imperial pedigree, Palatine Hill contains the ruins of opulent palaces occupied by Roman Emperors like Augustus and Tiberius. Even though it is mostly rubble today, wandering amidst these crumbled corridors and courtyards surrounded by cypress trees feels like traveling back to the days of the Caesars.
Afterward, go downhill to the Piazza Venezia below the equally magnificent Vittoriano complex. This loud and chaotic square is famous as the central hub of Rome. It contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor Italy’s fallen WWI heroes—which might seem mundane compared to Roman-era sights but holds profound meaning for Italians.
Evening: The Pantheon & Piazza Navona
As dusk settles in, head over to the neighborhood Housing two more iconic Roman sites—the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Grab dinner at a trattoria along the way or dine al fresco in the lively Piazza Navona. Cap off the night strolling among the ruins of Hadrian’s Pantheon, dramatically spotlit under the moonlight.
Time Needed: 1 hour for the Pantheon, 1-2 hours for Piazza Navona
Insider Tips: Come earlier to beat the crowds at the Pantheon. Piazza Navona hosts a lively night scene—walkthrough earlier for dinner or gelato before returning at night when beautifully illuminated. Watch out for overpriced tourist menus and pushy restaurant touts trying to usher you inside in both areas. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
The Pantheon is Rome’s best-preserved ancient building and engineering marvel—complete with the world’s largest unreinforced dome! Gaze up in wonder at the oculus open to the sky and try to fathom how ancient Romans constructed such an architecturally precise structure without modern machinery.
Equally alluring a few blocks over is the bustling Piazza Navona, Rome’s most beautiful Baroque square. The entire area feels like an open-air museum lined with luxurious palazzos, elaborate fountains, sidewalk cafés, and eclectic street performers vying for your attention. Don’t miss Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi fountain, which features an Egyptian obelisk and figures representing four major rivers.
Day 2: The Vatican
After cramming thousands of years of ancient history into day one, switch gears to discover the massive Vatican area—loaded with revered Christian sites linked to the Roman Catholic Church and Popes through the ages. Fuel up on espresso for another full day of sightseeing!
Morning: The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
This morning calls for an earlier start to beat crowds at the hugely popular Vatican Museums before it gets unbearably packed. Peruse endless art-filled galleries and historical maps on the way to Michelangelo’s sublime Sistine Chapel ceiling. Just don’t get “museum fatigue” before St. Peter’s Basilica!
Time Needed: 2-3 Hours Minimum (4+ Hours Ideal)
Insider Tips: Book skip-the-line tickets in advance for fixed entry times. Avoid free weekends when local crowds swarm. Dress modestly with shoulders/knees covered. Be prepared to walk a lot! Use the restrooms mid-way through before the main rush near the exit. Budget more time if wanting to see additional sections like the Pinacoteca painting galleries.
Sprawling across over 500,000 square feet lies the enormous Vatican Museums complex—one of the world’s largest museums! Meander through endless halls filled with Egyptian mummies, Etruscan statues, tapestry galleries, historical maps, and more. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes like the iconic Creation of Adam panel.
Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica & Square
After the Sistine Chapel, navigate the crowds streaming toward the exit to diverge downhill into the cavernous St. Peter’s Basilica instead. Marvel at its soaring dome and lavish Papal Altars before heading outside for iconic St. Peter’s Square views.
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Insider Tips: Dress modestly with shoulders/knees covered and no shorts. Try going earlier or later when fewer large tour groups pack their pews. Climb to the dome top or crypts if desired, but budget ample extra time. Come prepared for tight security checks entering. Capture iconic square photos from atop the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.
As the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica impresses non-religious visitors with its sheer size and ornate interior. Stand beneath Michelangelo’s dome soaring 120 meters above and embellished with stirring Christian artwork. Many visitors find more intimate appeal in visiting the caverns beneath the church housing elaborately decorated Papal tombs and St. Peter’s remains.
End your Vatican visit gazing over the iconic colonnaded ellipse of St. Peter’s Square out front. Few sites feel more electrifying than when packed with cheering crowds after a new Pope’s election, catching a papal blessing from the central balcony, or hearing Christmas mass.
Evening: Castel Sant’Angelo
After a full day sightseeing, relax with dinner at a restaurant in the Prati neighborhood before ending your night at Castel Sant’Angelo—the cylindrical fortress guarding the Vatican. Grab a gelato and stroll across Ponte Sant’Angelo, admiring baroque statues of angels lining the bridge on the way there.
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Insider Tips: The castle complex contains a museum showcasing opulent papal chambers if you want to delve inside. Otherwise, enjoy free exterior views from the bridge and surrounding park areas along the Tiber River. Go earlier to beat crowds angling for classic Ponte Sant’Angelo photos.
What building started as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian and evolved into a strategic fortress occupied by medieval Popes’ fleeting invaders? Castel Sant’Angelo stands regally along the Tiber River outlets, built atop the ruins of Hadrian’s cylindrical tomb. Though considered Italian territory, a secret passageway connects it to the nearby Vatican City State.
Imagine the fortress walls echoing with Papal shouts, trying to organize defenses while Vatican City fell under attack. And when plagues struck Rome, infected corpses got tossed from its parapets into the Tiber below! Roam the ramparts and admire views over the neighboring Vatican at nightfall to appreciate Castel Sant’Angelo’s storied past.
Day 3: Off-The-Beaten-Path Gems
With many iconic sites now conquered, the third day offers a chance to meander off the beaten path and explore Rome’s eclectic architecture, museums, and neighborhoods more relaxedly.
Morning: Villa Borghese Gardens & Galleria Borghese
Have breakfast in the park-like Villa Borghese Gardens before touring the adjacent Galleria Borghese museum—home to Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio masterpieces without the crowds! Then visit lesser-known gems like Rome’s Bioparco Zoo or the kid-friendly Explora museum nearby.
Time Needed: 2 hours for Villa Borghese Park, 2 hours for Galleria Borghese
Insider Tips: Book reservations and timed-entry tickets to skip the long lines. Budget more time to explore Villa Borghese’s lush gardens, zoo, and other surrounding sites further.
Villa Borghese sprawls as Rome’s version of Central Park with bustling bike paths, manicured gardens, scenic waterfalls, and plenty of tranquil lakefront benches to rest weary feet after all that sightseeing. Its galleries showcase world-class art like Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings—on par with the Vatican Museums but in a more intimate setting.
Nearby attractions like the family-friendly Explora Children’s Museum and Bioparco Zoo within the villa grounds offer enjoyable alternatives to more ancient ruins. Or grab picnic provisions and unwind amid fountains and forests in this welcome patch of green amidst Rome’s ochre-hued cityscape.
Afternoon: The Catacombs, Non-Catholic Cemetery & Coppedè Quarter
Spend the afternoon below ground exploring Rome’s creepy bone-filled catacombs and visiting the city’s Non-Catholic Cemetery, where English poets like Shelley and Keats rest eternally. Then, see a more fantastical side of Rome, wandering the fairytale-esque buildings of the Coppedè neighborhood.
Time Needed: 1 hour for the Catacombs, 1 hour for Non-Catholic Cemetery, 1-2 hours for Quartiere Coppedè
Insider Tips: Only visit the Catacombs and Cemetery in the daytime—both close well before dusk and lack adequate night lighting. Check seasonal opening times as the Non-Catholic Cemetery often has closures over winter months. When visiting Quartiere Coppedè, have phone cameras ready to capture its storybook-style architectural details.
While most tourists frequent the Appian Way Catacombs outside the city center, the smaller Catacombe di Priscilla offers a more accessible introduction without the crowds. Descend into damp subterranean tunnels containing ancient Christian wall art and spooky skeletal remains piled in crypts—a chilling yet fascinating glance into early Christian burial customs.
Further, ponder mortality while wandering through the vertex Non-Catholic Cemetery where notable foreigners have been laid to rest far from their homelands. See the Gothic pyramid tomb of English Romantic poet Percy Shelley and imagine Lord Byron penning verses over John Keats’ grave, mourning the loss of his fellow poet.
Finally, add something unbelievable to the itinerary by admiring the fairytale architecture of Quartiere Coppedè. This residential neighborhood dazzles with Art Nouveau buildings flaunting turrets, archways, molded friezes, and intricate stonework decorated with vines, spirals, griffins, frogs, and more. It looks straight out of a storybook, or Harry Potter set!
Evening: Trastevere District
As a final Roman sendoff, cross the Tiber to explore lively Trastevere—a beloved local district lined with ivy-covered buildings, bohemian boutiques, buzzing trattorias, and some of the city’s best gelato shops. The perfect place to sip a Spritz Aperol, enjoy street entertainers, and toast arrivederci Roma!
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Insider Tips: Wander earlier to enjoy street performers before heavy crowds turn up after dusk when loud partygoers take over. Have cameras ready—Trastevere’s crumbling brick and ivy-laden buildings set against Tiber River views frame postcard-perfect photos.
By evening, many tourists already departed Rome while in-the-know locals headed to Trastevere. Weave through narrow cobbled lanes revealing hidden piazzas and Fellini-esque Romans conversing outside cafés intertwined with ivy-cloaked buildings and crumbling brick walls.
As darkness falls, Trastevere transforms into a lively hotspot with singers crooning Italian melodies and gelateria churning out flavors like chocolate-chili and ice cream. Belly up to Enosteria bars jam-packed with young Italians guzzling regional wines and craft beers late into the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days do you need for Rome?
While it’s possible to taste Rome’s iconic highlights in a fast-paced two-full-day visit, three days allow a more comfortable pace to experience major sights without as much rushing between them. It still won’t permit seeing everything, but it hits a sensible balance. Additional days enable venturing to destinations like Pompeii, Florence, or the Amalfi Coast.
2. Does Rome require advanced tickets/reservations?
Yes, reserving skip-the-line tickets with timed entries in advance for the most popular sites is highly advisable to avoid standing endlessly. The Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Galleria Borghese, and other top attractions all offer ticket reservations online. Some, like the Borghese, even require them to enter.
3. Is Rome safe?
While Rome poses the same typical big-city safety issues, violent crimes are rare. However, petty thefts like pickpockets and bag snatchings do commonly target tourists distracted with maps/phones or luggage around significant sites and public transit hubs. Just use common sense precautions as in other large cities. The majority of neighborhoods are entirely safe to wander during daylight hours.
4. What’s the best way to get around Rome?
Rome is highly walkable, given major attractions lie pretty close together. Many first-timers logged over 20+ miles on foot on their first visit! But when feet tire, Rome’s Metro system offers quick connections between key sightseeing zones. Purchase tickets at stations rather than boarding to avoid steep fines. Taxis queue at most big attractions but also cost substantially more than transit.
5. When are crowds smallest in Rome?
Peak season runs from April through October when weather and crowds align favorably. Rome generally feels less crowded during late fall, winter, and early spring, minus over the Christmas/Easter holidays. However, some attractions have shorter hours or closures during winter months. Expect heavier crowds throughout summer, hotter weather, and higher hotel prices.
Final Thoughts
While it is impossible to uncover Rome’s cultural treasures in one brief trip, this action-packed 3-day itinerary delivers a well-rounded introduction covering iconic landmarks, historic ruins, opulent churches, renowned artworks, and vibrant local life.
Beyond ticking off bucket-list sights, don’t rush past chances to savor being there—whether sharing a leisurely evening passeggiata stroll with families along the Tiber River or tossing a coin over your shoulder into Trevi Fountain to ensure another visit.
Considering the timeless allure of Rome and its rich layers of intrigue accumulated over centuries, exploring the Eternal City becomes a compelling choice among the four places you might want to go for your 2024 summer holiday. As the saying goes, ‘Roma, non basta una vita!’ – Rome, a lifetime is not enough – ensuring that your first captivating taste will undoubtedly lead to future repeat visits, uncovering the city’s fascinating layers with each return.
