‘Rome is the most beautiful city in the world’ – you’ll often hear this when a Roman talks lovingly about their city. Rome is also known as the eternal city, as it can look back on a long and impressive history. To this day, it shines in the centre of Italy as a hub for art and history and as a symbol of antiquity. Did you know that all the ancient sights and ruins you can marvel at above ground in Rome only make up a fraction of Rome’s rich history? Time and again, entire epochs have been buried and new ones built on top of them – so often that entire eras lie hidden beneath today’s Rome. But the Romans don’t just love their city, they also love life and that is what is typically Roman: simply enjoying life and living every moment of the day with ease.

In this post, I’ve put together an itinerary how to spend three days in Rome – including the best sights and insider tips that you shouldn’t miss. I have put together a varied programme for you. As usual, you can find all the sights and insider tips on my map at the end of the post.

But there is one crucial thing that makes a visit to Rome complete: good food. If you want to understand Rome, you have to understand the pleasure of eating –  with joy and dedication. That’s why I’ve added my best restaurant tips for you.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

If you can, you should avoid the summer months to visit Rome. Firstly because of the heat and secondly because of the countless tourists who literally overrun the city during the summer holidays. Spring and autumn are best for exploring the city in pleasant temperatures and soaking up Rome’s indescribable flair in one of the countless street cafés.

How many days are ideal for Rome’s sights and insider tips?

The more the better. There are countless museums, sights and restaurants waiting to be discovered. But a long weekend of three days is ideal for squeezing in some of the best sights and even a few insider tips in Rome. This is why I created the ultimate 3 days in Rome itinerary for you!

• Special:→ Hotel Palazzo Manfredi (directly next to the Colosseum) → Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon (right next to the Pantheon)
• Luxurious: → Palzzo Talìa  → Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome
• Budget-friendly: → Victoria Suites → Lumi Hotel

My map with the best sights for your Rome itinerary:

Three days in Rome – the ultimate itinerary with the best sights & insider tips:

Rome Itinerary – Day 1: Ancient Rome and Colosseum

Sunrise:

Start the day at the Colosseum – probably the most famous sight in Rome. Due to the fantastic light, this is an ideal time for great photos. There are also fewer people out in the early morning. Of course, it’s never really empty in the centre of Rome, but there are plenty of great perspectives. I have marked my favourite photo spots on my map.

Morning:

The Colosseum, built between 72 and 80 AD, could seat up to 70,000 people in its day, making it the largest ancient amphitheatre in the world. I recommend you start with the Colosseum Underground Tour to discover the Colosseum from below – absolutely worth it!

Midday:

Explore the Forum Romanum and Palatine Hill, on which Rome was founded. The Forum Romanum is one of the most famous sights in Rome and provides a good insight into life at that time. Rome was founded in 753 BC by the brothers Romulus and Remus, who, according to legend, were raised by a she-wolf. There are plenty of restaurants around the Palatine Hill where you can take a short lunch break.

Afternoon:

Afterwards, I recommend a walk to Capitoline Square, which is still the central square on the Capitoline Hill in Rome today and a European World Heritage sight. It was completely remodelled by Michelangelo in the 16th century. The star-shaped pavement and the bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius are characteristic features. You should definitely not miss this sight in Rome. 

Continue to the Pantheon – an ancient temple that was later consecrated as a church. The huge dome is particularly impressive and looks like the apple of an eye from above and was the largest free-standing dome in the world for over 1000 years. The Pantheon is an impressive sight which you definitely have to put on your three days in Rome itinerary.

Afterwards, you can walk to Piazza Navona, which is considered the defining square of Baroque Rome. It is home to some of Rome’s most famous fountains, such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Almost 2000 years ago, an arena with space for around 15,000 people stood here, where athletics competitions and horse races took place. From a bird’s eye view, the shape of a stadium can still be recognised today.

Insider tip: Make a stop at the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, a beautiful palace with works of art by Caravaggio & Velázquez.

Evening:

Now it’s time for a relaxed Italian dinner at Roscioli – THE top address for Roman pasta. The restaurant is particularly famous for its cacio e pepe!

Before or after your dinner, I recommend an evening stroll to the famous Trevi Fountain – one of the most beautiful sights in Rome! Due to its popularity, the baroque masterpiece from the 18th century is always well visited – but in the late evening (or just before sunrise in the early morning) it is usually a little quieter.

Rome Itinerary – Day 2: Vatican and Prati

Morning:

Off to Vatican City – the smallest state in the world, right in the heart of Rome. Who hasn’t seen the stunning Basilica of St. Peter (also known as St. Peter’s Basilica) or the Sistine Chapel with the famous fresco by Michelangelo, where the cardinals meet for the conclave – two of the most popular sights in Rome. To save a lot of time, get a skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.

Noon:

Afterwards, I recommend you visit St Peter’s Basilica. It was built over the presumed tomb of St Peter, the apostle of Jesus and the first pope. Michelangelo designed the dome based on the Pantheon – its height is a whopping 136.5 metres. Climbing the dome gives you one of the best views over Rome.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a stroll through the elegant Prati district – an ideal place to shop or relax in one of the cozy cafés.

Insider tip: The Passeggiata del Gianicolo is a beautiful and quiet promenade away from the tourist crowds, from where you have a fantastic view over Rome.

Evening:

Food tour by night through Rome  – The tour is perfect for enjoying various Roman specialities and tasting wine.

Rome Itinerary – Day 3: Trastevere and the alternative Rome

Morning:

Discover another top attraction and real insider tip in Rome: Trastevere, Rome’s most charming district with colourful alleyways and historic churches. Centuries ago, the working class lived in the houses that line the narrow, cobblestone streets. Today, the picturesque alleyways are a hotspot for artists and young people and are free of cars. Definitely try the delicious cuisine that awaits you in the inviting restaurants in this neighborhood.

Insider tip: I highly recommend visiting the Villa Farnesina – an underrated gem with Renaissance frescoes by Raphael and works by other renowned 16th century artists. The theme was Greek mythology. It is an overwhelming feeling to stand in front of these unique works of art and look at them.

Lunch:

For lunch, you should stop at Da Enzo al 29 – a small trattoria with legendary carbonara & artichokes. It’s worth coming here for lunch right at the opening time at 12:00 noon. As the restaurant is also very popular with the locals, it fills up quickly.

Afternoon:

Use the afternoon for a walk along the banks of the Tiber to the Aventine Hill. In the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, you can get a secret view of St. Peter’s Basilica through the keyhole of the Knights of Malta at the gateway to the Order of Malta.

Evening:

Enjoy a last evening with aperitivo & dinner at the Taverna Trilussa. Here, homemade pasta is served in pans directly at the table. The restaurant is very popular, so it’s worth making a reservation. There may be longer waiting times for food at the weekend. But an aperitivo is a good way to pass the time.

Another special insider tip in Rome: Parco della Caffarella

If you feel like immersing yourself in nature a little more, the Parco della Caffarella is particularly amazing. It is located around 25 kilometres south-east of the city centre and is part of the large Parco Regionale Dell’ Appia Antica, through which the Via Appia Antica runs – the first Roman road in history. If you happen to be there at lunchtime, you may come across a flock of sheep. Sheep are as much a part of Rome as good food and music. Their milk is essential for Roman cuisine, as it is used to make the legendary pecorino – a hard cheese that is an indispensable ingredient in the Roman pasta Cacio e Pepe.

More restaurant tips in Rome:

1. Spirito di Vino in Trastevere – a cozy wine bar with great food!
2. Pizzarium (near the Vatican) – special pizza varieties to go – ideal for a quick lunch
3. Retrobottega – a modern, minimalist restaurant – tradition meets reinterpretation
4. Pastasciutta – delicious homemade pasta to go at reasonable prices

Rome in three days – My résumé

I once heard that Rome is like a gigantic open-air museum. I can only confirm this and I wonder how much time you would have to spend in Rome to really see all the sights and insider tips at least once. I was overwhelmed by the monumental evidence of Roman history, but also by the important works of art that I was able to admire over the three days. I think Rome has a lot of potential for a revisit, not least because of the fantastic cuisine.

Perhaps you’ll share my impressions once you’ve discovered Rome. I would be happy if my city helps you plan your own trip.

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