I read about Italy a lot in Facebook groups and travel forums and I often see comments that recommend skipping Rome completely or just flying in and out of Rome and not spending any time there. And while everyone is entitled to their own opinions, especially if you have been to Rome and didn’t enjoy it, I disagree completely. Particularly if you are visiting Italy for the first time. A Rome three day itinerary is the best way to incorporate Rome into your Italy travel plans.
Jump to Day 1 of the Three Day Rome Itinerary
Do you need to spend your entire trip in Rome? No. But I think if you skip it completely or only use it as the place you get on and off of an airplane, you are missing something very special.
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Rome (these are some of my favorite travel guides) says:
“Despite its heritage, Rome feels nothing like a dusty museum, mostly thanks to its flamboyant citizens who live much of their life outdoors in cafés and piazzas…”
This exactly captures the atmosphere in Rome. There is ancient history everywhere you turn, pieces of marble columns from the time of Julius Caesar are just lying around like a drink cup someone dropped and neglected to pick up, yet the city itself feels sophisticated and modern. I bought an iPhone charger across the street from a church built in 1728 and around the corner from a 16th century palace. This is Rome. Take two to three days to experience this ancient city for yourself, I don’t think you’ll regret it.
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Day 1 of your Rome Three Day Itinerary
Afternoon and evening at the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Via del Corso
We recommend: A guided orientation tour
If you are arriving in the morning, I advise setting up your hotel reservation for the day before you arrive so that you can check in as soon as you get there. (See our guide to doing this here).
Since this is your first day in Rome, keep it pretty casual. A sightseeing walk that includes the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and maybe a stroll along Via del Corso. Then dinner and some gelato. Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to walk out of your hotel and wander around these sites without too much effort. If you are staying in Monti or near the train station, you can taxi or Uber to a central spot and take your sightseeing walk from there.
For my travel clients I always propose a guided orientation tour for the first day in any city and Rome is no exception. Taking a guided tour rather than DIYing it is going to ensure that you see all of the highlights and maybe some things you might otherwise miss.
The Pantheon is such a casual, quick yet absolutely stunning place to start your Rome adventure. You can pre-book tickets online but it’s just as easy to pay as you are walking in. There are very kind attendants on site to help you through the process and there are signs with QR codes right outside that you can scan and pay and then simply walk in.
Day 2 of Your Rome Three Day Itinerary
Morning at the Colosseum and Forum
Afternoon at the Capitoline Museums
In the evening take a guided food tour
Day 2 is a big day. Spend your morning at the Colosseum and the Forum. You can definitely do this one on your own, but you should consider booking a guided tour that covers both sites and Palatine Hill, and might include skip-the-line for the Forum.
Break for lunch and then head the Capitoline Museums, which are about a 15 minute walk from the Colosseum.
Spend your evening on a food tour. Food tours are one of the best ways to experience a city and if you get a great guide you’ll not only experience the food but you’ll find yourself getting gelato at a bar in Trastavere and seeing the neighborhood the way the locals do. Two good options for food tours are Secret Food Tours and Devour. Or really go for it with a private tour by Katie Parla.
Day 3 of Your Three Day Rome Itinerary
Morning in Vatican City
Afternoon at the Borghese Gallery and Gardens and Villa Giulia OR Appian Way Tour OR spritzes and rooftop bars
Evening Walk and Dinner
Day 3 is your last full day in Rome. Take advantage by spending your morning at the Vatican, visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica. Once you’ve gone through the museums you can climb the steps or take an elevator to the top of the Basilica. This is a ticketed activity, you’ll purchase tickets to climb the dome at the kiosk to the right of St Peter’s Basilica. The ticket office does not take cards, so be sure to bring cash with you.
Once again, I recommend using a reputable tour company to guide you through the Vatican museums. It can be complex, crowded and frustrating to navigate through the Museums for the first time by yourself, using an expert guide will make the whole experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
If you are trying to keep your guided tours to a minimum and have to decide between a formal tour of the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums, I would do the Vatican.
After breaking for lunch, spend the afternoon at the Borghese Gallery and Gardens and The National Etruscan Museum at Villa Giulia. Or, if you are all arted out for the day, consider walking or biking on the Appian Way. Rome Toolkit has a great guide to walking the Appian Way here or visit somewhere like Top Bike to rent bikes or book a tour.
Or, if you are ready to relax, spend this last afternoon drinking spritzes on a rooftop bar.
This is your last night in the Eternal City so keep it light with dinner and a neighborhood walk. Tuck in early and be ready for the next part of your Italian journey.
You will never regret visiting this ancient and spectacular city with a Rome three day itinerary.
If you need a complete Italy itinerary, download our FREE 12 Day Rome ro Florence Italy Itinerary:
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