3 Days in Rome – The Ultimate Rome Itinerary

Is 3 days in Rome enough? This is something we are often asked. So we put the question to our Rome expert  Karen Worrall, who shares her perfect three-day Rome itinerary. 

After spending a lot of time in Rome over the years, I know it takes weeks to see everything it has to offer. However, with a bit of planning, you can experience its most significant sites, along with its essence in three days.

The Perfect 3 Days in Rome Itinerary

• Day 1 in Rome – Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill
• Day 2 in Rome – Vatican City, Pantheon, Church Sant’Agnese in Agone, St. Peter’s Basilica
• Day 3 in Rome – Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo

To help you in your planning I put together this Rome itinerary to help you make the most out of your time when spending three days in Rome.

About this Rome Itinerary

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I put this Rome itinerary together to help you make the most of your time exploring the city by sections so you see maximum things without burning out.

I usually base myself in the Centro Storico or the Vatican area as they are both within walking distance of many of the main sites, and you breathe in the city’s history as soon as you step outside – if not before in the actual building you sleep in.

This is the actual Rome itinerary I meticulously planned and took on my last trip to Italy while guiding my family around who had never been before. I stayed in the Centro Storico and used very little public transport at all, as almost everything was within around 30-minutes walking distance.

Rome is a pretty safe city (just be wary of pick-pockets in large crowds and Metro stations), so don’t be afraid to walk around and get lost a little. So, let’s get started with our guide on the best things to do in Rome in 3 Days.

Day 1 in Rome – Centro Storico

Here is an interactive map of Rome that will help you see what kind of distances you will be covering as well as where everything is in relation to each other.

Click here for the Interactive Map – This should make it easier to plan out your 3 Days in Rome Itinerary.

For me, Centro Storico is the place to start off your 3 days in Rome. You can literally:

• Touch the walls of the Colosseum
• walk right beside the Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill – admire the view as the emperors would have done centuries before.

So we begin here, taking you back to the glory of the Roman Empire.

Vittorio Emmanuelle II Monument – Piazza Venezia

Spend your first day in Rome in Centro Storico (historic center). Start at the Altare Della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) next to the bustling square Piazza Venezia. Built at the end of the 19^th century, this grandiose skyline-hogging monument pays homage to the unification of Italy and its first king – Vittorio Emmanuele II.

It simultaneously celebrates modern Italy while giving a nod to the glory of ancient Rome with the bronze Equestrian statue of the ruler flanked by two chariots driven by the goddess Victoria.

Climb the steps for a tantalizing peek of the Colosseum and Roman Forum just beyond, or see the whole historic center by taking the platform lift to the top.

Inside is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the other side of the monument houses the Museum of the Risorgimento – dedicated to the unification of Italy.

The museum is appealing for return visitors and a must for Italians, but I’d recommend saving time by simply admiring it from outside on a first visit unless you’re very interested.

If you’re there at 11.30am, you should see the changing of the guards outside the Tomb on the main steps.

• Hours: Viewing the monument 24 hours. Inside the gates and lift Monday-Sunday 9.30am-7.30pm.
• Cost: Monument free. Platform lift €7/3.50. Museum of Risorgimento €10/8.
• Location: Piazza Venezia.
• Metro Stop: Colosseo (Line B). Also, buses 64 and 40 from Roma Termini.

The Colosseum – or Flavian Amphitheatre

From the Vittorio Emmanuelle Monument, walk along the Via Dei Fori Imperiali (road of the Imperial Forum). Here you will pass teasing views of the Roman Forum on the right and Imperial Forum on the left (don’t worry, we’ll get there soon) with Rome’s most famous landmark, the Colosseum straight ahead.

Some people say you can see most of the Colosseum from outside, so save some money and just look and take a quick pic to “say you’ve been there.” I couldn’t disagree more. You have to go inside to feel it the Colosseum.

You will be transported back to the days of the Gladiators in the entertainment arena, bringing the plebs and aristocracy together for the spectacle.

Originally named Flavian Amphitheatre (named after Emperor Flavius who commissioned it), the Colosseum just finished a complete sandblast facelift in 2016.

There are three legitimate, easy ways to avoid the line that is much cheaper and reputable:

• If you have a Roma Pass you can go to the pre-paid line, which is short.
• You can pre-pay your tickets online at coopculture.it booking the time you’ll go in and join the same short pre-paid line.
• Note that as of March 1st 2019, even with the passes, you will still need to reserve your entry time.
• Information on how to make these reservations can be found on this page.

Colosseum Museum

With its shiny new look, the Colosseum opened a new museum on its history on the second level. Do not pander to the dozens of irritating ticket touts outside the Colosseum (many of whom are illegitimate) and pay extra to “skip the line”.

You can now also take a tour to Belvedere and Underground, which goes up to the newly opened fourth floor, and down into the pits beneath the arena where gladiators and martyrs alike were kept before events.

You have to go on a guided tour to these, which you can book online in advance, or at the time when you arrive (but I’d advise booking in advance in summer months as they have limited places).

If you need a little refuel, before heading to the Forum, stop for a cappuccino or snack at the Hostaria al Gladiatore just behind the Colosseum on Piazza del Colosseo 5.

• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: Last Sunday of October until February 15th open 8.30 am-3.30 pm winters
  • 8:30 – 4:30 Summers
  • 8:30 – 6 pm – Autum
• Cost:
  • €12 – includes entrance into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
  • Free on the first Sunday of every month
  • €7.50 for students and 18-25s from the E.U
  • Free for under 18s.
  • Included for FREE with your Omni Multi Pass/Roma Card
• Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184. Metro stop: Colosseo (Line B).

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) was the epicenter of ancient Roman life. It was home to the main market and bustling central meeting point.

It houses the Curia where the Senate met, many temples including that of Castor and Pollux, with the Temple of the Vestal Virgins built into the side of the Palatine Hill bordering it. Which is why I’d highly recommend taking a good guidebook with you (I like Lonely Planet’s Pocket Rome) to show you what everything is and why it was important.

Guided tours are readily available including many you can join right outside it at the time. Don’t miss the Curia, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, Temple of Castor and Pollux, and the Arch of Septimus Severus.

Imperial Forum

The Imperial Forum is located just across from the Roman Forum and is now only publicly open on the first Sunday of the month, except with an authorized tour.

You can still see the remnants of the forum from above on the Via Dei Fori Imperiali, and use your guidebook along with the information plaques to learn about it.

Rome in 3 days is short, so I’d skip it this time, or just have a quick peek.

Trajan’s Market (Mercati de Traiano) Imperial Forum Museum (Museo de Fori Imperiali) just behind it can be visited daily from 9.30am-7.30pm, and is free.

• Opening Hours:
  • 8.30am-4.30pm Winter
  • 8:30 – 7:15 pm Summer.
• Cost: €12, which includes entrance into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Included for FREE with your Omni Multi Pass/Roma Card
• Location: Between the Colosseum and Piazza del Campidoglio. Metro stop: Colosseo stop (line B) blue.

Palatine Hill

From the Roman Forum, walk up the slope near the entrance following signs for the Palatine Hill. This, one of Rome’s seven hills has had a prestigious history.

It is the site of the cave Lupercal that Rome’s founders Romulus and Remus were found in, where humans started settling in the 10^th century BC, and the residence of several Emperors, including Augustus and Domitian.

This oft-overlooked spot is my favorite place in Rome and is very peaceful, even in summer. I love to sit beneath one of the elegant Italian stone pines musing Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations.

This is a great place for a picnic and in my opinion the best spot in Rome to watch the sunset.

For dinner, I’d suggest grabbing something from a restaurant behind the Colosseum, such as the Trattoria 4 e 4’otto on Via Dei Santi Quattro for a tasty fixed price menu (the pizza is very good).

• Hours: 
  • Seasonal 8.30 am – 4.30 pm winter
  • 8:30 – 7 pm or 7:15 pm summer
• Cost: The Houses of Augustus and Livia, ramp of stadium of Domitian and Palatine Museum can be visited using the Omni Multi Pass/Roma Card.
• Location: Via de San Gregorio 30. Metro: Colosseo stop (line B).

Day 2 in Rome

On the second day of exploring Rome in 3 days, we’ll visit the Vatican area. Whether you’re here for religion, history, or art, the Vatican has some world-class sites.

Rome in 3 Days – Day 2 Map

Click here for the Interactive Map!

Vatican City

Spend your second day in Rome visiting the attractions of the Vatican area. The world’s physically smallest country is very big on its influence. The Papal headquarters and headquarters of the Catholic Church it is a must for pilgrims being one of the holiest places in Christendom.

However, there is also a lot more to it than religion. Fans of art, history, architecture, and museums will find plenty to be in awe of.

Bridge of Angels and Castel San Angelo

While there are many bridges that cross the River Tiber that winds through Rome, few are as beautiful and popular as the Ponte Sant’Angelo, or Bridge of Angels.

Approach the Sant’Angelo Bridge coming from the left bank, and the guardian statues of Saint Peter holding the keys of heaven, and St Paul holding the sword greets you.

Your Pocket Rome guide and almost all guides will have this information, and there is a little on the statues themselves. Looming before you is the imposing sight of the fortress Castel Sant’Angelo.

• Hours: Bridge 24 hours. Castel Sant’Angelo Tuesday-Sunday 9am-7pm.
• Cost: Bridge free. Castel Sant’Angelo €10.50, €7 for concessions. This is also included FREE with your Omnia Rome Pass
• Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50.
• Metro: Lepanto (line A).

St. Peter’s Basilica

From the Castel Sant’Angelo, walk along the Via Della Conciliazione (Mussolini’s controversial “gift” to the Pope) to see the best view of St Peter’s Square ahead of you. The outstretched arms of its Colonnades welcome in visitors with 140 saints statues.

This is something you cannot miss when spending just three days in Rome. The second-largest Basilica in the world and one of Christendom’s holiest temples is a must-visit when in Rome, regardless of your religious views.

See the Pope

If you wish to see the Pope, he addresses pilgrims for mass in the square weekly at 10 am on Wednesdays, and gives blessings on Sundays at 12 pm.

To go into the Basilica, line up to the right of it, and go through the security gates. Follow the dress code – make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, and then head into the stunning church.

Michelangelo’s Dome

Take in the exquisite detail of the huge church that can accommodate 20,000 people, including Michelangelo’s Dome 447ft above you. Not to be missed are the Pieta by Michelangelo, Bernini’s baldachin, and the statue of St Peter on his throne.

You can climb stairs or take the lift to the top of the dome for incredible views of the city, and also go down into the crypts to see the sarcophagi of popes past.

• Hours: Daily: October-March 7am-6pm, April-September 7am-7pm. Dome 7am-one hour before Basilica closes.
• Cost: Basilica free. Dome €6 taking steps, €8 taking lift to terrace then steps. This is also included FREE with your Omnia Rome Pass
• Location: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City.
• Metro: Ottaviano (line A).

Vatican Museum

World-renowned for the caliber and staggering quantity of fine art, the Vatican Museums are a must-see. Over two million incredible works of art, means you’ll only see a tiny fraction of the collections in a few hours.

Allow at least two hours for your visit. The museum offers several recommended color-coded routes, which last from 90-minutes to five hours, so you can choose and follow one of these.

Like the Colosseum, this is one of Rome’s most popular sites. If you want NO CROWDS I highly recommend the “Waking up the Vatican VIP Tour ” which gives you VIP early access to the Vatican Museums with the official key keeper.

*Note* You need to book your entry into the Vatican Museum in advance, as skip the line access is run on a timed system.

Use your Roma Pass, or if you book on a guided tour you avoid the lines too.

• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm (last entry 4pm). Every last Sunday of the month 9am-2pm (last entry 12.30pm).
• Cost: €17 Last Sunday of the month free from 9am-2pm. *Note* You need to book your entry into the Vatican Museum in advance, as skip the line access is run on a timed system.
• Location: Viale Vaticano 00165.
• Metro: Ottaviano. S.Pietro Line A.

Dinner

Stop for an early dinner in the area, as there are a lot of great options. My favorite place to eat near the Vatican is: Ristorante dei Museo just opposite the Vatican Museum’s exit on Via Santamaura for delicious homemade Roman dishes (the Spaghetti Carbonara and bucatini all’Amatriciana are excellent),

Piazza Navona

From the Vatican, walk the 30-minute scenic stroll back past Castel Sant’Angelo, across the Tiber to the Centro Storico to see Rome’s most beautiful baroque square. The Piazza Navona is stunning. The Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini holds court in its center.

Church Sant’Agnese in Agone

Right behind it is the intricate church Sant’Agnese in Agone, dedicated to St Agnes who was martyred at this very spot. Built by Bernini’s rival Borromini, and Rainaldi, it is gorgeous and well worth going inside to admire the elegant gold dome, Borromini sacristy, and crypt.

The other two impressive fountains adorning the square are the Fontana dell Nettuno (Neptune’s Fountain) and Fontano del Moro (Moor Fountain).

From December 8^th to January 6^th (The Epiphany), it is home to Rome’s prettiest Christmas Market.

• Hours: Square and fountains open 24 hours. Sant’Agnese Church weekdays (except Monday) 9am-7pm, weekends 9am-8pm (closed from 1pm-3pm every day.)
• Cost: Donations are appreciated in the church.
• Location: Piazza Navona, 00186.
• Metro: Barberini (line A).

The Pantheon

Rome’s most complete oldest surviving structure – from 125 AD – is also still one of its most awe-inspiring.The 142ft wide and high church’s highlight is its 27ft oculus in the dome area. This incredible feat of engineering is the only source of natural light for the building.

It has been used as a church consistently since 609AD and is still used as such today, with regular services as well as being used for weddings.

It only takes around 15 minutes to see and the picturesque Piazza della Rotonda with lively cafes and often live music in front of it, makes it a great place to end your second day.

• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-7.15pm, Sunday 9am-5.45pm, Public holidays 9am-12.45pm.
• Cost: Free to enter or take a guided tour.
• Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186.
• Metro: Barberini (line A).

Day 3 in Rome

Rome Map Day 3 Itinerary

Click here for an interactive map!

For our final day in our 3 days in Rome itinerary, we’ll see some of the most famous squares, fountains, and gardens. Being so ancient, Rome has a lot of her history hidden underground, so we’ll venture below to explore some of the subterranean secrets.

Trevi Fountain

We’ll start our third day in Rome seeing its most beautiful fountain – the Trevi Fountain. Opened in 1743 the name comes from the Italian words tre (three) and via (streets), as it is at the meeting point of three roads.

Possibly the most famous fountain in the world, classic movies La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday helped make it even more popular with worldwide audiences since the 1960s.

Remember to throw in a coin over your shoulder to help assure your return to Rome, two coins to find love, and three to find marriage.

Whether you believe the superstition or not, you’ll be helping local charity Caritas, who sweep the fountain every night and give the daily “donations” of around €3,000 to the city’s poor via rechargeable grocery cards to help feed them.

• Hours: 24 hours.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Piazza de Trevi, 00187.
• Metro: Barberini (line A).

After admiring the fountain and throwing in your coin, follow the signs to stroll along the pleasant 10-minute walk to our next stop – The Spanish Steps.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps, named after the nearby Spanish Embassy, join the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) at the bottom with the Piazza Trinita dei Monti at the top. They’ve been a place to see and be seen since 1723. The Spanish Steps have become a popular place for artists to find models reclining on any of the 138 steps, up until modern day Instagrammers posing for endless selfies.

Spring sees the square covered in azaleas so is particularly attractive. The center of the Piazza below has the gorgeous nautical-themed Fontanta della Barcaccia by Bernini. The Keats-Shelley Memorial House is just to the right as you look at the Spanish Steps, so if you’re a fan of the authors it’s an interesting stop.

• Hours: 24 hours.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187.
• Metro: Spagna (line A).

Walk ten minutes from the Spanish Steps along Via del Babuino to our next stop – the Piazza del Popolo.

Piazza del Popolo

Situated right at the ancient city’s Northern entrance by Porta del Popolo, the gate adorned by Bernini, is this imposing square. Its name could be given to honor the adjoining church Santa Maria della Popolo, nearby Poplar trees or from the Latin “populous”, meaning people.

Piazza del Popolo was the site of dramatic executions, games, and fairs over the years. Its highlight is its centerpiece Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II, which was brought to the city by Emperor Augustus.

Statues of Neptune and the Goddess Roma stand nearby, while the almost twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria dei Montesanto were started by Rainaldi and finished by Bernini.

• Hours: 24 hours.
• Cost: Free.
• Location: Piazza del Popolo.
• Metro: Flaminio (line A).

Villa Borghese Gardens

Next, walk up the steps climbing Pincio Hill to our next stop – the Villa Borghese Gardens

Rome’s largest private garden was acquired from its owners the Borghese family in 1901 and has been a public park since 1903.

This large green space is pleasant for a simple stroll.

Keep an eye out for its highlights including:

• Temple of Aesculapius
• Bioparco (Rome zoo)
• Pincio’s water clock (which still functions)
• Silvano Toti Globe Theatre (replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre)
• Galleria Borghese.

Online reservations are encouraged, but last-minute tickets are usually available on the day except in high season.

Also, be aware that if you are not able to utilize the facilities in the entrance of the villa until you have paid for a ticket and booked your time to go in.

From leaving the park at the north of the ancient city, we take our first bus of the trip.

Hop on bus 160 at Victor Hugo/Museo Bilotti, go 20 stops to Navigatori, then you’re about eight minutes walk from the catacombs.

• Hours: Garden 24 hours. Villa Borghese Gallery Tuesday -Sunday 9am – 7pm.
• Cost: Garden free. Borghese Gallery €19.50 plus €2 reservation fee, with guided tour. €2 every first Sunday of the month (plus €2 booking fee). Included in the Roma Pass.
• Location: West bank of the Tiber.
• Metro: Spagna (line A).

Catacombs of Domitilla

Rome has multiple underground cemeteries, and the Catacombs of Domitilla is one of the oldest with graves from as early as the first century. It is also the largest with 7.5 miles of graves, going 45ft down, and over 26,000 souls are interred here.

Get your ticket for the 45-60 minute guided underground tour or choose a Skip The Line Guided Tour, and you begin your descent into the underground Basilica dedicated to martyrs, before going deeper down into the actual catacombs.

The tour is fascinating and gives incredible insight into how the Christians of ancient Rome buried their communities, and an introduction to Rome’s underground history. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and interesting, especially Francesca.

The museum next to it is worth a look too and is free.

• Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-12pm, 2pm-5pm. Closed Tuesdays.
• Cost: €8
• Location: Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147.
• Metro: Garabatella.

Alternative – Domus Aurea

The Domus Aurea – Nero’s golden house – which has been recently opened and is still currently being excavated – is another fantastic choice for seeing some of Rome’s underground secrets, but it is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

So if you are in Rome over a weekend, you could switch the Catacombs for here in your Rome in 3 Days itinerary.

You book a guided tour, in advance is best, and spend about 90 minutes underground seeing what the palazzo was like through remnants of paintings, structures, and virtual reality headsets.

• Hours:
  • Saturdays and Sundays only year round.
  • Tours start from 9.30 am-4.15 pm around every 30 minutes. March-October English tours start from 9.00am-4.30pm every 30 minutes.
• Cost: €14/10 (plus €2 reservation fee if you book in advance).
• Location: Via della Domus Aurea, 1, 00184.
• Metro: Colosseo (line B).

End your day having dinner in one of Trastevere’s many charming osterias, such as Nannarella on Piazza di San Calisto (the Capricciosa pizza and homemade pesto pasta are very tasty).

3 Days in Rome Itinerary Resources

What Time of Year Should I visit Rome?

It is popular to visit year round, with spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) providing the most pleasant temperatures of usually around 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit and infrequent rain.

The summer gets very sticky, reaching temperatures over 100 Fahrenheit, especially in August, which is when the locals flee for their holiday homes by the Spiaggia (beach).

Winter (December-February) sees cooler temperatures of usually between 45-65 degrees, and more rain, but also a lot fewer tourists to compete for the sights with.

Before You Go

• Ready to fly to Rome? Check out Cheap Flights here.
• Make sure you have travel insurance. We never travel without it and recommend World Nomads for short-term trips. If you are looking for something more long-term check out Allianz Travel Insurance. Read more about the value of Travel Insurance here.
• Need Data? KnowRoaming offers unlimited data and roaming for $7.99 per day. PlanetD readers receive a 50% discount with code DDSave30. Read our review here.
• Rome is on the Euro, being the capital city of Italy. €1 = $1.17 as of September 2018. For up to date conversions get the XE Currency Converter App.

How do I get Around Rome

Rome’s city center is mostly walkable, but public transport is widely available and pretty easy to navigate.

Bus day pass: If you are planning on visiting several areas in a day, getting a 24-hour bus pass for €7 is a good move.

• Single bus tickets cost €1.50 and last 100 minutes, so they can be used for more than one stop if it isn’t too long.
• The Metro system is also efficient, but mostly serves the east side of the city, so taking the bus or walking can often be faster in other areas
• For going outside the city center, the train system is very good.

You can find full information and timetables for:

• Rome buses, trams and Metro: Run by ATAC
• Train system
• Taxi: Roma Capitale is Rome’s official taxi company. Cars are white with an ID number and Roma Capitale written on the sides.
• OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card: This 3 Day card gives you free entry to top attractions in Rome and the Vatican City as well as a Fast Track Entry, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, free guidebook, and travelcard. Tailor-made for visitors to the city, tourists can save both time and money during their time in Rome.

Other upsides include it beginning from the time activated, rather than being a regular two or three-day pass, plus it can allow you to skip lines at certain busy museums.

The Hop on Hop off Bus is another option. If you get the Omnia Multi Pass/Roma Card the Hop on Hop off bus is included for 3 days.

Moovitapp (free) is great for getting around Rome.

Getting to and From the Airport

Rome has not one, but two, airports — Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA) — and they’re both international. We recommend taking either a private transfer or the train. Or you can opt to take an Uber.

The normal, regionale train leaves from the station at Fiumicino, it takes half an hour, and costs just €8 each way. But be warned, it doesn’t go to Termini. Instead, it makes several stops in Rome, including at Stazione Ostiense—probably the most useful if you’re staying in the Centro Storico. 

The Private Transfer will cost about $17 USD one way and an Uber will run you a minimum of 40 Euros.

#1 Money Saving Tip in Rome

The best way that you can save money and seeing all of the sites is to get yourself an Omnia Multi Pass/Roma Card

You can get it for your 3 days in Rome and it includes all of these and more:

• Free entry to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – plus a free Wi-Fi downloadable audio guide for St Peter’s Basilica
• Free entry to your choice of 2 out of 6 top Rome attractions: See which ones are included here.
• Fast Track Entry to St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel & The Coliseum – save over 4 hours at each attraction during busy periods.
• Free hop-on-hop-off bus tour ticket of Rome for 3 days.
• Free travelcard for unlimited access to Rome’s public transport system.
• Free detailed Guidebook to help plan the perfect trip.
• Discounted Entry to another 30 plus sights, attractions, and museums in Rome.

There is no doubt that Rome can be expensive. But luckily there is a pass that will allow you to get free or discounted admission as well as skip the lines at most attractions listed in this post.

The Omnia Rome and Vatican Card is the one we recommend. This pass allows you to get the most bang for your buck while helping you save time by skipping the lines.

We have used their passes in both London and Paris as well and found them to be the best ones on the market.

So what do you actually get with the Omnia Rome and Vatican card? The benefits are listed below:

Book your Omnia Pass Now!

If you only want to visit a couple of things while in Rome, then it might be worth it to just purchase individual entries.

*Note* both the Vatican Museum and the Coliseum now operate on a timed entry system. This means you will have to reserve your time in advance. This applies to everyone, even Skip the Line entries that are included with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Card.

Recommended Reading

• Lonely Planet Rome
• Rick Steves Rome
• Rome – A History
• The Roman Empire

Phew! That was a lot.

If you want to make the most of Rome in 3 Days, this is my recommendation on how to do it.

You’ll get to see the most famous and important sites, mix in history with art, religious sites, parks, over and underground places to get a feel for the city overall.

I’ve been to Rome many times, and still find new exciting things to visit each time, so hopefully, this will whet your appetite for the city as well as it’s pasta, pizza, and coffee.

And if you threw your coin in the Trevi Fountain, you’re sure to be back again soon.

More Information for your trip to Rome

• Where to Stay in Rome: The Best Ares and Neighborhoods
• 22 of The Best Things to do in Rome
• Rome for Free: 20 Free and Cheap Rome Attractions
• Places to Visit Near Rome: 10 Off the Beaten Path Destinations
• Gladiator School in Rome
• Ancient Rome in Photos

Read all of our articles on Italy in our Italy Travel Guide

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Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t put anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used.