What to See in Rome in 3 Days

Are you thinking of taking a getaway and traveling to Rome? The charm of the Eternal City has been documented so many times that visiting it feels like stepping into a movie world. The capital of Italy is on par with the world’s largest metropolises, and you’ll never run out of things to do.

We propose three days to get lost among museums, restaurants, and monuments in a city that lives up to expectations.

 

3-Day Rome Itinerary

The Impressive Roman Forum Site

 

Most lovers of this city recommend between 4 and 5 days to calmly explore its attractions. While this amount of time is optimal, we assure you that the best of the city can also be experienced on a shorter trip.

For perfect vacations, keep in mind the time of year you are traveling. The best time to visit Rome is in spring or autumn: April, May, September, and October, so that the mild climate accompanies you and you can enjoy days with neither too much cold nor heat. In addition to enjoying the best weather in Rome, you’ll see the city with fewer tourists.

Once you’ve chosen your dates, read until the end to find out everything to see in Rome in 3 days.

What to See in Rome - Day 1: Follow the Traces of Ancient Rome

Get up very early! The first of your 3 days in Rome starts in the early hours of the morning to have enough time to stand in line for the most crowded monument in Rome: the Roman Colosseum.

The Roman Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill

 

The Colosseum is the main monument of Rome, but how much do you know about its true history?

You can learn about it before exploring its interior by signing up for the Essential Free Tour of Rome, which, in addition to touring the city’s main sites, will give you a full understanding of its history, along with many entertaining facts and curiosities.

 

If you have time to visit this monument inside, plan your visit and book a guided tour of the Roman Colosseum in advance, as capacity is limited by day and hour.

Take advantage of the fact that tickets for the Colosseum Archaeological Park include not only the Colosseum itself but also the Roman Forum, where public and religious life took place in the city, and Palatine Hill, where Romulus and Remus—two abandoned twins, who according to legend were raised by a wolf—founded ancient Rome.

Just 7 minutes walking from the Colosseum is the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, a small church famous for housing the mausoleum of Pope Julius II, and Michelangelo’s incredible sculpture of Moses.

Piazza del Campidoglio and Capitoline Museums

 

Continuing with the Roman tourist map, a 15-minute walk from the Roman Forum takes you to Piazza del Campidoglio, one of the most popular squares in Rome. Designed by Michelangelo himself, it was once the seat of local government. Undoubtedly, walking through it is like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

Look closely at its beautiful structure and the bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. Also, take time to visit the Palazzo dei Senatori, Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo; the latter two house the Capitoline Museums, which, although mentioned in the plural, are a single museum and the main civic museum to visit in Rome.

The Altare della Patria, one of the places to visit in Rome

 

Once you finish visiting the Capitoline Museums, head to the nearby Piazza Venezia and experience its rich historical significance up close. Here you can visit the massive building of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. Also known as the “Altar of the Fatherland,” it is built in white marble and offers the best panoramic views from its top floor.

This is another stop on the Essential Free Tour of Rome.

Around the area, don’t miss the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother: the Palazzo Bonaparte, the Palazzo Delle Aste, Assicurazioni Generali, the Church of San Marco, and the ruins of the Auditorium of Hadrian, one of the most important recent Roman discoveries.

Did you end your day hungry? At number 134 of Via C. Battisti, you will find Antico Caffe Castellino, which stays open until 12:30 AM and offers delicious Italian food options.

Places to Visit in Rome - Day 2

A Day in the Vatican and Trastevere

Rafael Rooms Vatican

 

With an authentic espresso in hand, venture into a guided tour of the Vatican Museums: more than 50 galleries spread throughout the Vatican City.

It’s impossible to see everything in one day; the highlights that seem most essential to us are: the Sistine Chapel—which houses the pinnacle of painting history—and it’s also worth seeing the Raphael Rooms and the halls of the Vatican Palace, which are magnificently decorated by the most important artists of their time.

St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo, Two Must-Sees on the Map of Rome

Sistine Chapel Vault

 

The most relevant example of Renaissance architecture that must not be missing from your list of what to see in Rome in 3 days is St. Peter’s Basilica. Catholic tradition claims that the temple was built over the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle, and tours of this underground necropolis are even offered.

Inside, there are incredible artistic works, such as the altar with Bernini’s baroque baldachin and Michelangelo’s moving sculpture “Pietà.”

 

 

The image you see above is one of the most iconic in Rome, and you can discover it on the Night Free Tour of Rome, where you will see the best monuments of the Eternal City illuminated at night.

 

Take Via della Conciliazione after leaving the Basilica to reach Castel Sant’Angelo. From the Vatican, it takes about ten minutes on foot to arrive at the beautiful Parco della Mole Adriana, alongside the Tiber River. In its center stands this 5-story castle, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, which is an ideal place for visitors to discover the city’s past.

The “Castle of the Holy Angel” is a stunning landmark located in the center of Parco Adriana, a beautiful park along the Tiber. Nearby, there are several places to visit in Rome, such as the Pantheon, which is one of the best-preserved historical buildings in the city.

Get Lost in the Streets of Trastevere

The Famous Via del Moro in Trastevere

 

Continue your tour of Rome in the Trastevere district. This neighborhood, located behind the Tiber River, can be considered a city within another; it is a bohemian area filled with famous attractions and an incredible atmosphere.

Of all the attractions to see in Rome in 3 days, this neighborhood with its charming streets will be one of your favorites. We invite you to get lost in its “vicolos”: an Italian word used to indicate small streets. Vicolo del Piede, Vicolo del Cinque, Via Titta Scarpetta, and Via dell’Arco di San Calisto are some of our favorites.

 

Santa Maria in Trastevere Interior

 

Discover the interior of the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, explore the local market, or watch the sunset from the Janiculum viewpoint. Near the lovely Ponte Sisto is the bustling Piazza Trilussa (named after the Italian poet), where many gather to enjoy a drink from the nearby bars. What better way to end your day than in the most popular neighborhood for nightlife among both residents and tourists in Rome? Well, you’re already there!

Third Day in Rome: The Historic Center and the Catacombs

Breakfast at Piazza Navona

The iconic Fountain of the Moor at Piazza Navona

 

Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say, but we propose to see it in three: on your last day, you can start at Piazza Navona, one of the most famous and beautiful squares in the city. Take photos of its three beautiful fountains and have breakfast at one of the terraces of its cafés and restaurants.

Keep in mind that since this is a tourist area, prices tend to be a bit higher. A place we recommend just a few meters away is Etablì (Vicolo delle Vacche 9), where breakfast is served in the mornings, and at night you can dine by candlelight.

Three Coins in the Fontana di Trevi

 

Close to the center of Rome is undoubtedly the most famous fountain in the city and a must-stop on your trip: the Fontana di Trevi. Tradition says that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand while facing away from the fountain, you will return to visit Rome. If you throw two coins, you will find love with an Italian, and if you toss three, you will marry that person.

It’s likely that many people wish to find love, as it is estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 euros are collected daily, exceeding a million euros a year.

Feeling like stopping to buy a souvenir? Near “the fountain,” you’ll be in the perfect place for shopping in Rome; Via del Corso and Via Condotti feature all the major international and luxury brands.

Piazza di Spagna, One of the Most Beautiful Squares in Rome

 

The next stop on this charming three-day tour will be following Via Condotti to Piazza di Spagna. One of the most popular places in the Italian capital, the well-known staircase of this square leads up to the church of Trinità dei Monti.

Spend the rest of the afternoon deciphering which movie scenes were filmed on these steps, as you are nearing the end of your trip.

Join a guided tour of Rome and discover these and many other places like the churches of San Luigi dei Francesi and Sant’Ignazio, Piazza Colonna, and best of all, the chance to enter the Pantheon of Rome, the best-preserved building from antiquity.

The Catacombs of Rome

The Appian Way of Rome

 

We offer you the chance to experience one of the city’s most curious attractions in the final stretch of your getaway: the Catacombs of San Callisto, one of the most important cemeteries from the early stages of Christianity in Rome. You can visit the catacombs on your own, but it can be somewhat complicated, both in terms of how to get there (they are far from the center of Rome) and the access times.

The best way to ensure your entry is to book this excursion, which also includes walks along the Appian Way and visits to the basilicas of San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore.