Planning a trip to Rome, Italy?
We’ve packed together a few handy tips so that you can go ahead and have a great holiday!
Rome is one of the greatest and most historically well-known cities in the world.
It’s a great European choice for couples, families, and also solo travellers!
This incredible and romantic city is so full of famous historical sites, that it can become overwhelming trying to plan a trip, but we’ve listed a couple of itineraries that could help you!
If you only have one day in Rome, then read the detailed itineraries below, and choose whichever aspects that work for you the most!
How Many Days Do I need in Rome?
You could easily spend a week in Rome and not see everything this ancient city has to offer!
Ideally, 3 or 4 days is great. This way you’re not rushed for time and get the opportunity to see most of the top sights.
Getting Around in Rome
Walking is the best way to get around Rome whilst taking in many of the historical sites whilst also immersing yourself in the culture and vibe.
The bus is another great option- it’s cheap and convenient.
Taxis are plentiful and another great way to get around.
Most important!
Wear some comfortable walking shoes!
Rome Travel Tip:
Be careful of the professional pickpocket teams that “work” in the main tourist areas.
If you have a purse or backpack ALWAYS wear it on your front or keep your hand on your wallet.
Where to Stay in Rome
Stay in a hotel, bed & breakfast, or apartment in the area between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Or if you’ve already stayed in that area previously, why not try Trastevere? which is further down and across the Tiber River.
What to see in Rome.
Rome Itinerary for 2, 3, or 4 days.
Day 1 in Rome
Download Rick Steve’s Heart of Rome Walk (map included) for a self-guided tour of some of Rome’s top attractions: Campo de’ Fiore, Palazzo Farnese, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Pasquino Statue, Piazza Navona, Pantheon (go inside), Piazza Capranica Parliament & Obelisk, Piazza Colonna d Via del Corso & Galleria, Trevi Fountain, Aqueduct Ruins, Immaculate Conception Column, and the Spanish Steps.
Sit at the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps and take it all in
Head back to Campo D’ Fiore.
Buy some antipasti (appetizers) to take away at Salumeria Roscioli or the pizza at the famous El Forno, then sit back in the Piazza and enjoy!
As you don’t often find great restaurant options next to popular tourist attractions, why not have dinner or antipasti at L’Antica Salumeria, it’s a great relaxed place to eat, which just happens to be right on Pantheon Piazza.
You could also visit Ristorante Ai Balestrari- a historic pizzeria that opened in 1862!
Head back to Piazza Navona in the evening for the atmosphere, and live free entertainment by numerous talented street performers.
Don’t forget that you can also check out city views from one of the many rooftop bars, Bramante Terrace, Raphael Hotel (Noth of Piazza Navona), or Minerva Roof Garden (near pantheon) are all nearby.
If you have a very early start with only 2 days, you can walk from the heart of Rome to Vatican city roughly in about 15 minutes. There you could see the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Or just see St. Peter’s, which is free to get into, and usually has no lines. You could also do this on the afternoon of day 2.
Ideally, try not to combine the Vatican with anything else, as it’s actually far bigger and more crowded than you think!
Day 2 in Rome
Get up early for a morning coffee and stroll with the locals. One of our favourite places is Sant’ Eustachio! Perhaps continue to stroll through Campo D’ Fiore for the daily farmers market where you can get fresh local produce, and maybe pick up some amazing Italian pastries at Roscioli on your way back to your room.
Schedule the first Colosseum Tour of the day (to beat the crowds and heat in the summer), including the dungeon and 3rd ring with a guide. *Buy tickets in advance at one of the many online portals.
Next, visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and use the Rick Steves walking tour or you can schedule a guide. See all of Rick’s self-guided walking tours in Rome, here
Walk down the street to Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains).
Head back to a top attraction, a cafe, a piazza, or your hotel for a little rest.
Walk to the Trastevere neighborhood and have dinner at the local, Da Enzo, or pizza at Dar Poeta (or, better yet, go to both!)
Get a gelato, then stroll through this authentic area and see the Basilica of Santa Maria and Piazza Trilussa- another fun Piazza with live entertainment in the evenings.
Day 3 in Rome.
Visit the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter’s Basilica. *Check out the fast-track tickets (get the “early entrance” tour), or book a tour in advance with a private guide.
If you have been to the Vatican before, and everyone is 15 or over we recommend booking the underground St. Peter’s Crypt tour.
If you are hungry when you leave the Vatican, Duecento Gradi is nearby and has great sandwiches.
Option to walk around the nearby Castel Saint Angelo.
Take a break at a cafe, revisit one of the famous sites from the walk on Day 1, go shopping in the Spanish Steps area or relax at Borghese Gardens (take a taxi).
Have a nice dinner. Try some Cacio Y Pepe, a delicious pasta that originated in Rome.
Day 4 in Rome.
For your 4th day in Rome, there are many options, depending on what your interests are:
You could take a tour of the Domus Aurea, a palace built by Emporer Nero in 64 AD.
Or visit one of the top art museums, Galleria Borghese, with paintings, sculptures, and beautiful mosaics from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Or you could book a Rome street food tour or even a cooking class!
Visit Piazza del Popolo, another vibrant piazza past the Spanish steps area…where all the high-end shopping in Rome is!
Things to Do In Rome at Night.
Visit the piazzas that have entertaining street performers! Our favorite place to go is Piazza Navona.
Sit at a rooftop bar and gaze at the spectacular view of the rooftops and skyline.
In the summer months go to the festival along the Tiber River.
Sit at the Trevi Fountain if you can find space!
Have a leisurely Italian dinner at a table outside (warm weather months).
Do a night tour of the Colosseum.
Stroll the Passeggiata around the Spanish Steps, or head to Piazza Popolo or Via del Corso.
Wander down the ancient cobbled streets with delicious gelato!
Once booked
Well, what can we say!? Happy safe travelling!!
