3 days in Rome
Rome the Eternal City is one of those rare places where ancient ruins sit next to vibrant trattorias, and every cobblestone seems to whisper history. If you’re visiting for just 3 days, you can still see the best of it without feeling rushed. This carefully curated itinerary blends iconic landmarks, local neighbourhoods, and immersive experiences with space for top tours you can easily book (links coming soon!)
Things to do in Rome in 3 days
📅 Day 1: Ancient Rome & Gladiator Glory
Morning:
- 👉 Book a skip-the-line guided tour of the Colosseum & Roman Forum (via Tiqets)
- Start your journey in the heart of ancient Rome with a visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Afternoon:
- Walk through Piazza Venezia and climb to the top of the Altare della Patria for stunning city views.
- Grab a quick lunch at Pane & Vino locals rave about the porchetta sandwiches.
Evening:
- Head to Trastevere, a charming district known for its narrow alleys, lively piazzas, and authentic Roman vibes.
- Wrap up your evening with a food and wine walking tour that introduces you to Rome’s culinary soul.
👉 Join a local food & wine walking tour in Trastevere (via WeGoTrip)
📅 Day 2: Vatican Wonders & Baroque Beauty
Morning:
- Explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
👉 A guided tour helps you skip long lines - With:
- 👉 Skip-the-line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel tour (via Trip.com or Tiqets — whichever offers the best rate/commission)
Afternoon:
- Walk to Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress-museum with incredible river views and secret Vatican passageways.
- Stop for gelato at Gelateria del Teatro try their white peach and lavender flavour!
Evening:
- Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain (a wish for your return!) and stroll toward Piazza Navona, passing the Pantheon lit up at dusk.
- End the day with a romantic Tiber River sunset cruise, often with wine and stories about Rome’s skyline.
👉 Book a romantic sunset cruise on the Tiber River (via Trip.com)
📅 Day 3: Hidden Gems & Hands-On Experiences
Morning:
- Take a cooking class and learn how to make fresh pasta or Roman pizza from scratch a delicious way to connect with the city.
👉Take a Roman cooking class pasta or pizza from scratch! (via WeGoTrip or Tiqets)
Afternoon:
- Discover the quirky Capuchin Crypts, or go underground with a tour of Rome’s catacombs for a different view of the city’s past.
- Shop for souvenirs at Campo de’ Fiori or browse the artisan boutiques along Via dei Coronari.
Evening:
- Finish your trip with a Rome by Night walking tour, where tales of emperors, artists, and ghosts come to life under glowing streetlights.
👉 Experience Rome by Night on a storytelling walking tour. Book with below:
🎒 Travel Tips for Your Rome Adventure
- Book in advance for major attractions to avoid long lines.
- Wear comfortable shoes Rome’s cobblestones are beautiful but brutal.
- Bring a refillable water bottle. Rome has public fountains with safe drinking water (called nasoni).
- Dress modestly when visiting churches, especially in the Vatican.
✈️ Ready to Explore Rome?
Rome isn’t just a city it’s a living museum, layered with history, beauty, and unforgettable meals. With this 3-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best of ancient sites, modern flavours, and everything in between.
🚖 Additional Recommendations
Book your holiday with lastminute.com or On the beach
lastminute.com. On the beach
Transfers
🚖 Book a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups
Bonus Tip
Flight Delayed or Cancelled?
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through them. Thank you for supporting my blog!
