Rome in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure trove of ancient monuments, ornate palaces, and world-class art. With so much to see and do, planning the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming. After our fifth trip to the city, we've put together this 3-day guide covering the best attractions while minimizing time spent in queues.

Getting Around Rome

The main sights are in a compact area, making Rome a walkable city. If you stay in the historic center (Centro Storico), most major attractions are less than 30 minutes away on foot.

While Rome has three metro lines, the network is not comprehensive. Taxis have a €9 minimum fee, but they're easy to flag and convenient for cutting down on walking.

Where to Stay

Centro Storico

The historic center is the best area for first-time visitors. It's home to the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps.

"We stayed at Dei Borgognoni Hotel on our last trip," said travel blogger Paul Healy. "The facilities are good and the location couldn't be better."

Vatican and Prati

This elegant residential area is close to the Vatican and St. Peter's but further from the historic center. It boasts some great restaurants.

Trastevere

Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood with a buzzing nightlife and pedestrianized cobbled lanes. It's just across the river from Centro Storico.

Tips for Visiting Rome

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones
  • City tax is €7.50 per person per night on top of accommodation costs
  • The Roma Pass is likely not worth it if you stay centrally
  • St Peter's has a strict dress code - knees and shoulders must be covered
  • Tip is included in the bill at restaurants
  • Fill up your water bottle at the free drinking fountains throughout the city

Day 1: Ancient Rome & Centro Storico

Colosseum

Start your day at the Colosseum, the world's most famous Roman amphitheater. Built in just 8 years, it held up to 70,000 spectators. Book a timed-entrance ticket online to avoid long queues.

"Walking around this immense 2,000-year-old structure is awe-inspiring," said Mark Thompson, a frequent visitor to Rome. "Definitely download the Colosseum app for the free audio guide."

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Next door are the Roman Forum, the center of ancient Rome, and Palatine Hill, where emperors once lived in grand palaces. The same ticket covers both sites.

Don't miss the view over the Forum from Palatine Hill. "It's a remarkable experience to walk through the crumbling government buildings and temples," Thompson noted. "You can almost picture life 2,000 years ago."

Centro Storico

After lunch, explore the charming cobbled lanes and piazzas of Rome's historic center. Must-sees include:

  • Piazza Navona - Famous for its Baroque fountains
  • Pantheon - The world's largest unreinforced concrete dome
  • Rome's hidden churches - Home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini and Raphael

End your evening by tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, which stands an imperious 26 meters high. "Visit later in the evening when the crowds thin out," Healy advised. "It's the perfect way to celebrate your first day in Rome."

Day 2: Vatican Museums, St Peter's & Trastevere

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house an astounding collection of art across 8 kilometers of galleries. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel.

"Queues can stretch for hours, so book a timed skip-the-line ticket or guided tour well in advance," cautioned Healy. Most tours end in the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo's masterpiece in person.

St Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica is a celebrated example of Renaissance architecture. Inside, don't miss Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture and the worn-down bronze foot of St Peter's statue from centuries of pilgrims' touches.

Trastevere

In the afternoon, head to bohemian Trastevere, known for its independent streak. "You can almost hear the vintage Italian playlist echoing off the graffiti walls," laughed Thompson.

Wander the rustic laneways, visit the gold mosaic-covered Basilica di Santa Maria, and join locals for an evening drink in buzzing Bar San Calisto.

Day 3: Borghese Gallery & Spanish Steps

Borghese Gallery

Start your final day at the Borghese Gallery, home to Cardinal Scipione Borghese's exceptional art collection. Bernini's realistic sculptures and Caravaggio's dramatically lit paintings are the highlights.

"There are only 360 visitors allowed per 2-hour timeslot, so reserve tickets well ahead on the official website," Healy recommended.

Borghese Gardens

After the gallery, stroll through the expansive gardens to Terrazza del Pincio for sweeping views over Rome and St Peter's in the distance.

Spanish Steps & Shopping

The Spanish Steps are surrounded by designer stores and high-end restaurants. Nearby, you'll find Italian fashion brands along Via dei Condotti and charming boutiques on Via Borgognona.

Afternoon Options

  • Capitoline Museums - Designed by Michelangelo with a remarkable collection of Roman art and artifacts
  • Orange Garden - Perched on Aventine Hill with an optical illusion of St Peter's dome through an alley of trees
  • Palazzo Massimo - Ancient Roman art and incredibly preserved frescoes and mosaics

"No matter how many times we visit, Rome always leaves us wanting more," Healy reflected. "With smart planning, you can see an incredible amount in 3 days while still leaving plenty to discover on your next trip."