Rome in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days are enough to see the essentials of Rome without rushing: one day for ancient Rome, one for the Vatican and the historic centre, and a third for fountains, gardens and Trastevere. Distances are short and almost everything is walkable.

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Day 1. Ancient Rome

  1. Colosseo

    Go first thing, when it's quieter. Book a timed ticket on the official site: it also covers the Forum and the Palatine.

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  2. Foro Romano

    Temples, basilicas and the Via Sacra. Allow two hours and bring water, as there's little shade.

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  3. Palatino

    The hill of the imperial palaces, overlooking the Circus Maximus. Included in the same ticket.

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  4. Rione Monti

    A neighbourhood of narrow streets next to the Forum, full of trattorias and wine bars. A good place for dinner.

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💡 The combined Colosseum ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can leave the Palatine for the afternoon.

Day 2. The Vatican and the historic centre

  1. Musei Vaticani

    The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. They're closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of the month, so plan around it. Book ahead.

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  2. Basilica di San Pietro

    Entry to the basilica is free. Shoulders and knees must be covered.

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  3. Castel Sant'Angelo

    Walk across the Bridge of Angels; the castle terrace looks over the whole centre.

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  4. Piazza Navona

    The baroque square with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Best at sunset.

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  5. Pantheon

    Five minutes from Navona. The dome with its open oculus is still striking almost 1,900 years on.

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Day 3. Fountains, gardens and Trastevere

  1. Fontana di Trevi

    Go early: by mid-morning it's packed. Throwing a coin over your shoulder means you'll return to Rome.

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  2. Piazza di Spagna

    The steps up to Trinità dei Monti. Sitting on them is not allowed.

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  3. Villa Borghese

    Rome's great park. The Borghese Gallery, with works by Bernini and Caravaggio, only admits visitors with a reservation.

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  4. Trastevere

    Cobbled lanes, the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere and plenty of places for dinner.

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  5. Gianicolo

    Climb to the Gianicolo terrace to watch the sun set over the city's domes.

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Practical tips

  • Book the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and, if you're going, the Borghese Gallery in advance.
  • The centre is best on foot. For longer trips there's the metro (lines A and B), buses and trams.
  • The water in the public fountains (nasoni) is drinkable: carry a bottle to refill.
  • Staying between the historic centre and Trastevere keeps almost everything within walking distance.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Rome?

Yes for the essentials: ancient Rome, the Vatican, the historic centre and Trastevere. With more time, add the Appian Way, Ostia Antica or a day trip to Tivoli.

What should I book before I go?

The Colosseum (with the Forum and Palatine), the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery. In high season they sell out days or weeks ahead.

When are the Vatican Museums closed?

On Sundays, except the last Sunday of each month, when entry is free and queues are long.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.