The Perfect 3-Day Rome Itinerary: What to See, Eat and Experience
Planning your first trip to Rome? Here is a simple 3-day itinerary to discover the city’s most beautiful sights, enjoy authentic Italian food and experience Rome at a relaxed pace.
Rome is one of those cities that can feel completely different around every corner. Ancient ruins, beautiful squares, hidden streets, traditional restaurants and lively neighbourhoods all come together to create a city that is impossible to experience in just one visit.
If you are visiting Rome for the first time, three days is a great starting point.
Here is how we recommend spending them.
Day 1 – Ancient Rome
Start your trip with some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
Begin with the Piazza Venezia, from there, walk through the Roman Forum and continue towards Colosseum, one of the city’s most famous symbols.
Take your time walking through the historic centre. Rome is best discovered on foot, and some of the most beautiful moments often happen between the major attractions.
In the afternoon, head towards the Trevi Fountain. Stop for a traditional Italian coffee or a gelato along the way.
In the evening, explore the streets around Piazza Navona and the Pantheon before finding a small trattoria for dinner.
Tip: Don’t plan too many attractions for your first day. Leave some time to simply walk, stop for coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 2 – The Vatican and Trastevere
Start your second day in Vatican City.
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and, if you have enough time, explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Afterwards, cross the river and head towards Trastevere, one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.
This is a great place to have lunch, wander through the small streets and discover traditional Roman restaurants.
In the late afternoon, take a walk along the Tiber River and enjoy an aperitivo before dinner.
Trastevere is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the streets become lively and the restaurants fill with locals and visitors.
Day 3 – Rome Like a Local
For your final day, slow down a little.
Start with a relaxed breakfast and then explore one of Rome’s less touristy areas.
Visit a local market, discover independent shops or simply choose a neighbourhood and walk without following a strict itinerary.
One of the best things about Rome is that you don’t always need a plan.
Stop for a cappuccino, try a plate of carbonara, order a slice of pizza al taglio and finish the day with a gelato.
If you still have energy, watch the sunset from one of Rome’s viewpoints. It is a beautiful way to end your trip.
What should you eat in Rome?
A trip to Rome would not be complete without trying some traditional Roman dishes.
Look for:
- Carbonara
- Cacio e pepe
- Amatriciana
- Supplì
- Pizza al taglio
- Maritozzo
- Tiramisù
- Gelato
And remember: you don’t need to find the most famous restaurant in the city. Sometimes the small trattoria on a quiet street is the one you will remember.
A few tips for your trip to Rome
Rome is a city for walking, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Try to start your sightseeing early, especially during the warmer months. You’ll enjoy the major attractions much more before the streets become crowded.
Don’t try to see everything. Rome has too much to offer, and rushing from one attraction to another can take away from the experience.
Leave some space in your itinerary for the unexpected: a beautiful little square, a charming café or a street you simply want to explore.
Where to stay in Rome
Choosing the right neighbourhood can make a big difference to your experience.
A good location allows you to combine sightseeing with the feeling of actually living in Rome, rather than simply visiting it.
After a long day exploring the city, it is especially nice to come back to a comfortable and welcoming place where you can relax, have a drink and plan the next day.
Looking for a comfortable place to stay during your Roman adventure?
Our apartment is designed to give guests a relaxing base for exploring Rome, with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
After all, the best trips are not only about the places you visit. They are also about how you feel when you come back at the end of the day.
Rome is waiting.