Rome 3 Day Itinerary

Looking for a three-day itinerary for Rome? I’ve been to Italy twice, and it’s one of my favorite countries in the world. Rome is the type of place that lives up to the hype. If you’re on limited time, three days is enough to see major attractions.

Italy is a place that you can’t visit just once. So for your first trip, here is the ideal itinerary!

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How Many Days to Stay in Rome?

One of the most popular questions people ask when planning a trip to Rome, is how many days should they stay in Rome. The answer relies on how long your trip to Italy is, how many cities you plan on visiting, and what type of activities you enjoy. If you love learning about ancient Roman history and art, you can spend months in Rome without tiring. But 3 days is the perfect amount of days to stay in Rome if you’re only visiting Italy for a few weeks.

There are so many historical places to roam throughout the day and endless restaurants to try at night.I strongly recommend buying the Roma Pass if you love a good sale. It includes free museum access and discounts on restaurants, historical sites, and public transportation. Here’s the perfect Rome 3-Day Itinerary.

Day 1 – Rome Itinerary ( 3 Day Rome Itinerary)

6:30 am- Visit Trevi Fountain

The early bird gets the worm. If you’re like me, a trip to Rome isn’t complete without photo evidence. Trevi Fountain is one of the most Instragrammable places in Rome, and the crowds reflect that. To spend time there with little to no crowds, get there as early as possible. 9 am is too late. I think 6:00 am – 7:00 am is a safe spot.

Feel free to throw a coin in the fountain for good luck! Trevi Fountains makes almost 2 million dollars a year from the wishes of tourists and locals alike. You can also stop at the nearby Spanish Stairs and pick up some gelato.

8:30 am -The Roman Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the busiest tourist sites in Rome. If you use the Roma Pass, you can get free access and skip the line, but book early. Tickets often sell out.

Group tours are available but not mandatory. You can also visit the nearby Roman Forum to see the ancient ruins and temples. If you’re visiting for the photos, then the best spot is across the street from the Colosseum.

Closest Metro Stop to the Roman Colosseum: Metro Line B

The Roman Colosseum is accessible to wheelchair users.

12 pm – Lunch at Ce Stamo A Pensà

Ce Stamo A Pensà is a highly-rated restaurant only a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum. It specializes in Southern Italian food and provides a very cozy atmosphere. I recommend trying the fried pizza, which is not something you’ll find often. The customer service is great, too!

2 pm – Outdoor Adventures in Rome

I love planning my own trips but sometimes places are better visited with a local. Here are a few outdoor things to do in Rome:

Places to Hike in Rome:

Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica
Calcata
Mount Gennaro
Mount Circeo
Oriolo Romano
Monte Mario

Outdoor Activities in Rome

If you’re an adventurous spirit, there are so many outdoor activities to do in Rome. You can escape to the hills for a short hike, take a scenic bike ride on ancient roads, or go kayaking. If your trip to Italy is short this is the perfect way to explore all dimensions of Italy.

Rent a bike and cycle along the Tiber River
Explore Villa Borghese Gardens via bicycle or by walking
Parco Naturale Regionale dei Castelli Romani

If you’re an ocean lover, here are a few activities that you’re going to love.

Day 2 – Rome Itinerary

9 am – Vatican City and Renaissance Architecture

Vatican City has some rules regarding modesty. Make sure to cover your shoulders, cleavage, and above the knees. Men should leave their hats at home. You can climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for breathtaking city views.

You can also visit the Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel includes a ceiling painting by Michelangelo depicting the Book of Genesis. The Collection of Contemporary Art is also located in Vatican City.

2 pm – Explore Like a Roman

A unique Roman experience would be visiting Nero’s underground golden palace. Nero’s Palace was around 300 acres. At its height, it included gorgeous artificial lakes, lavish dwellings, and hundreds of workers.

Nero’s palace provides a glimpse into Emperor Nero’s extravagant lifestyle and the architectural innovations and art of ancient Rome.

5 pm Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is just outside of Rome and often overlooked. It’s the oldest seaport in Rome. And it’s also an art lover’s dream. Most of Roman mosaics are found in ostia Antica. It’s also home to frescoes that decorate the floors and walls of several buildings, providing insight into Roman art and daily life.

There’s so much history preserved in Ostia Antica. You can explore the ruins, including a temple dedicated to Roman gods (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva). After that, you should spend some time walking through the baths of Neptune or admiring the ancient theater of Ostia Antica.

Day 3 – Rome Itinerary

8 am – Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is the perfect way to get a glimpse of the Italian countryside in Rome. The market opens at 7 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m. It’s the perfect place to buy fresh baked goods, pasta, fruits, and vegetables. Lots of vendors also offer fresh-cut flowers. It’s the ideal place to romanticize your life while imagining you’re in an 80s Italian film. Delulu is the Sululu :).

12 pm – Lunch in Travereste

I remember hopping on a vintage Vespa during an Italian summer. I often stopped to admire a beautiful park or piece of architecture. When I got hungry, I was guided to a quaint restaurant in the middle of Travereste. I was greeted with a smile and introduced to a traveresti street food called suppli. Suppli is a ball of rice, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.

2 pm Wander around Travereste

Hopefully, by now, you’ve eaten half your weight in food. Now for the fun part. There’s lots to do in Travereste. Here are a few:

Santa Maria Basilica: a Christian martyr who was beheaded and then disinterred
Visit the crypt of Basilica Cecilia
Botanic Gardens

Once in a Lifetime Activities in Travereste

4:30 pm Sunset in Rome

The perfect way to wind down your day in Travereste is to watch the sunset in Rome. The Janiculum Hill is the perfect spot to see the whole city. It becomes quite the romantic spot around sunset with couples walking hand in hand but if you’re solo, you’ll still enjoy it.

8:00 pm Dinner

Travereste is known for having lots of dinner spots. Some require reservations, and it gets busy fast, especially during the summer. Some recommendations are:

Tavernetta 29 da Tony + Andrea

Da Enzo Al 29

If you like socializing, try taking a cooking class like the one below instead. You’ll make new friends and eat good food. It’s a win-win!

Where to Stay in Rome for 3 Days

The best neighborhoods to stay in Rome depend on your budget and itinerary. Rome is accessible via public transportation, so you have lots of options. Here are my recommendations:

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome

Trastevere – walkable, close to lots of restaurants
Centro Storico – a historical center, can become a bit busy
Monti – more of an authentic Italian feel, lots of unique restaurants

Rome Hotel Recommendations for 3 Day Itinerary

Nikis Collection Trastevere

Hotel Artemide : close to lots of shopping, great breakfast, and super sweet staff. I was even gifted a slice of cake!

Hotel Nazionale Roma

Rome 3 Day Itinerary – Once in a Lifetime

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Rome 3 Day Itinerary

How Many Days to Stay in Rome?