The Best Things to Do in Rome in 3 Days in 2024
A complete Itinerary for Rome in 3 Days with attractions and tips!
Ah, Rome, the Eternal City! If your journey allows for 3 days in Rome, prepare yourself for a dazzling immersion into an epic cradle of civilization.
From ancient ruins whispering tales of legendary emperors to the aroma of freshly made pasta wafting through narrow, cobbled streets – Rome is a testament to the past, alive in the present. Are you ready to be a part of this timeless story? Let’s unravel the magic of Rome together.
When is a good time to visit Rome?
The allure of Rome is ever-present, but the best times to visit are April to June and late September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the crowd is manageable, and the city is alive with vibrant colors.
Are 3 Days in Rome enough to explore the city?
Firstly, you must be aware that 3 days in Rome will not be enough to see, experience and understand the whole city. So instead of rushing from one point to another, take your time to visit the carefully selected spots. Planning is the key here!
Our program is tight, but it includes all the highlights and still gives you enough time to enjoy Rome!
If you have limited time, choosing the right accommodation is especially important. To lose as little time as possible, it is recommended to invest a little more money and book a central hotel or apartment. This will not only save you time, but also money for public transport.
After all, you can reach any sight within thirty minutes of leisurely walking. So ideal for three days is accommodation in the center or in the beautiful residential district Rione I Monti.
What to do in Rome in 3 Days?
All the routes we will take you along in the following can be easily covered on foot. Three days in Rome is just right to explore its most enchanting sights, savor the culinary scene, and soak in the vibrant Italian culture. It gives you the perfect balance between sightseeing and experiencing la dolce vita – the sweet life.
Because you have to keep in mind that the network of buses is not badly developed, but spontaneous trips are not easily possible. This is because tickets can only be purchased (in advance) at metro stations or tabacchi stores.
Day 1 in Rome: Ancient Rome
Kick-start your Roman adventure with a journey through history. The first day is all about immersing yourself in the city’s rich past, exploring Rome’s iconic ancient sites, and wandering through enchanting streets that seem straight out of a postcard. It’s time to step back in time!
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01 Bar del Mose
Before your sightseeing trip of your 3 days in Rome starts, you should fortify yourself for the long day: Note that although there are many beautiful cafés with a view of the Colosseum, they charge horrendous prices. We recommend the cafés of side streets of Rome, for example, the Bar del Mose.
Here, in the early morning, the locals also stand at the counter and drink their caffe – that’s what they call espresso in Italy – and eat a piece of sweet pastry with it.
This is not only typically Italian, but also dirt cheap. A caffe or cappuccino while sitting is of course also possible, but much more expensive. Also have a sandwich, panini, or focaccia packed for later – because it will be a long morning!
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02 Colosseum
If you ask yourself what to see in Rome in 3 days: the Rome Colosseum. The legendary amphitheater has been standing since the first century AD and attracts tourists from all over the world.
For your short trip to Rome you ideally already have your tickets or Tours for the Colosseum booked in advance. Because in the meantime, access to the Colosseum is only possible at a reserved time.
If you’re unlucky, you’ll wait a long time at the ticket booth to then find out that there are no seats available for the day. Please save yourself from this frustration and reserve your desired time with an online ticket in advance.
If you have chosen one of the OMNIA Card for your 3 days in Rome, the entrance fee is included, but you still have to book by phone or mail.
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03 Palatin Hill
After your visit to the Colosseum, your ticket also gives you access to Palatine Rome, the founding site of Rome, and the Forum Romanum Rome – the former political and social center of the Empire.
If you want the full works, invest in a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and over the Palatine Hilll.
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04 The Roman Forum
With your tickets you also have access to the Forum Romanum Rome. After your visit to the historical excavations, stroll along the wide boulevard Via dei Fiori Imperiali, which Mussolini had built for his parades.
Today it is traffic-calmed and leads you past the remains of the Trajan’s Forum directly to the lively Piazza Venezia, over which the Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II towers. The locals call it the typewriter. A glass elevator takes you to a great viewing platform!
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05 Bocca della Verità
Passing the Capitol Hill and along the Tiber, the route leads to the Bocca della Verità – the Mouth of Truth. A photo here is among the most popular Rome memories in this Rome itinerary of all.
According to legend, the stone slab with the large face and wide-open mouth used to serve as a kind of anonymous mailbox through which Rome’s inhabitants could “blacken” their fellow citizens for misconduct. If someone threw in a false accusation, the mouth was supposed to bite off the liar’s hand. So far, however, he has always shown himself merciful!
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06 Trastevere
Until this stop your first day of 3 in Rome where pretty crowded. Now cross over one of the Tiber bridges to leave the center of the city – and find yourself in Trastevere Rome, the most popular and currently most popular neighborhood of Rome!
Picturesque alleys, above which white laundry dangles high between the houses, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants make the special charm of this district.
For a sweet afternoon temptation, head to the pâtisserie Le Levain – , which also takes you to the neighborhood’s picturesque churches and squares!
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07 Ivo a Trastevere
In addition, you should not miss it to climb the steep steps to the Hill Gianicolo.
You will be rewarded not only with the splashing of the beautiful fountain Fontana di Paola, but also with a spectacular view over the city – especially at sunset, when the whole city shimmers orange. (Psst – they might be the best of all on this itinerary!)
Afterwards, end the first day in Rome in Trastevere – for example with a pizza at Ivo a Trastevere, one of our absolute favorite pizzerias in the city!
Day 2 in Rome: Vatican City
Day two is all about indulging in the marvels of Vatican City and the artistic treasures it houses. You’ll also take time to explore Rome’s green heart and round up your day with a culinary extravaganza. Get ready for a day filled with wonders and delights.
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01 Antico Forno Roscioli
In the tradition-steeped bakery in the center, there are not only excellent sweet temptations – but also first-class pizza from Blech in all imaginable variations. Whether margherita or pumpkin feta: everything tastes good here!
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02 Vatican City: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
Today it’s The early bird catches the worm! Because the early morning hours are the best time to visit the Vatican Museums on your short trip to see Rome in 3 days.
If you arrive here at “regular” times and want to get a ticket, you will wait up to 3 (!) hours. The queues literally go around the block, and that’s not an exaggeration.
To save time (which is scarce in 3 days in rome anyway), we recommend you the guided tour, in which you will meet your guide before the museums opens, so you can be among the first visitors.
Afterwards, you can enjoy the Stanzas of Raphael, the Sistine ChapelRome and other highlights of the Vatican Museums without being pushed around in the crowds.
In addition, your guide will lead you through the group exit of the Sistine Chapel – and this will take you directly to the entrance of Rome St. Peter’s Basilica. Thus, you will be spared the waiting time at the security check, which can be 2 hours in high season.
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03 St. Peter's Basilica
After your guide has shown you the highlights of the largest church in the world, you still have the option of lining up for the climb to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Those who are afraid of narrow spaces should forbear from this – but all others will be rewarded with a magnificent view!
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04 Castel Sant'Angelo
Via the Petersplatz and the Via della Conciliazione you stroll directly to the next highlight: the Engelsburg. The fortress, located directly on the Tiber, is also a popular destination for tourists, but the waiting times here – compared to other attractions – keep within limits.
In addition to the exhibitions on the diverse history of the castle, the view from the roof is especially spectacular!
As a reward for the climb, take a little break in the nice café located up here and try some delicious Arancini – the typical-Italian fried rice balls – But don’t fill your belly too much, because feasting is on the agenda for later!
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05 Campo de' Fiori
The way leads you now to the beautiful Campo de Fiori. In the morning a market is held here, in the evening it turns into a meeting place for young and old!
For you, it’s the starting point for the ultimate culinary Rome in 3 days experience: a Street Food Tour with a local through the butcher stores, bakeries, ice cream parlors and specialty stores of the old town!
From salsiccia to the finest cheese, family recipe pizza, arancini – here you’ll taste everything the city has to offer
Our personal highlight: the fried artichokes in the former Jewish ghetto! After an ice cream to top it off, you will fall into bed completely satisfied.
Day 3 in Rome: Borghese & Streets of Rome
Your final day in Rome invites you to dive into its more offbeat aspects. From exploring quirky neighborhoods to discovering architectural oddities, day three allows you to see Rome through the eyes of a local. Unleash your inner adventurer and unveil Rome’s best-kept secrets.
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01 Villa Borghese
Your last day of your 3 days itinerary for Rome start in the green – more precisely in the most beautiful park of the city, the Rome Villa Borghese. The huge area invites you to stroll and linger – or to take a small boat trip on the man-made lake.
This former country residence of a cardinal was created in the 17th century on the Pincio hill, in the 18th century it received the current form of an English garden.
Up here, there is a lot to discover on an area of about five square kilometers: stroll through the beautiful gardens, enjoy the view of the artificially created lake or take a spin on a rental bike! During the day, Villa Borghese is one of the most idyllic and popular corners of Rome – at night, however, you should avoid the secluded area.
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02 Galleria Borghese
The highlight of the park is the Galleria Borghese, one of the largest private art collections in the world and will be the artistic Hightlight of your 3-day stay in the Eternal City.
If you want to catch a glimpse of the masterpieces here, you urgently need to get your tickets (or guided tour) to reserve in advance. Because admission is limited to five times 300 visitors per day.
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03 Piazza del Popolo
Continue your Itinerary downhill in the park to the beautiful Terrazza del Pincio, from which you have a wonderful view of the ever-busy Piazza del Popolo!
If you still haven’t had enough of excellent Roman pizza, just behind the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto you’ll find Pizza Ré, one of Rome’s top pizza addresses!
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04 Spanish Stairs
In the afternoon of your last day in Rome, there’s more fodder for your photo album or your Instagram feed. Because from the Piazza del Popolo it’s only a stone’s throw to the Spanish Steps of Rome – one of Rome’s landmarks!
Enjoy the unique atmosphere, the hustle, and bustle on and around the freshly restored steps before you set off on a city tour through the historic center.
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05 Trevi Fountain
Stroll through the alleys and visit the tourist hotspots like the Rome Trevi Fountain, the Rome Pantheon or the Piazza Navona Rome.
Soak up the Italian sun, lick an ice cream and just enjoy the dolce vita on the last of your 3 days in Rome.
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06 Piazza Navona
To end our beautiful rome itinerary, we give you a great tip for fish lovers: At Zagara (located between Piazza Navona and the Bridge of Angels) you get excellent fish dishes in unusual combinations. The risotto with squid ink really blew us away!
Swell in beautiful memories of 3 days to the roman city and let all the impressions sink in. Get some sleep at your hotel before you go home!
How to save money in 3 days in Rome?
Among the tours offered, we particularly recommend the guided tour of the Colosseum, the guided tour of the Vatican and the guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with ascent of the dome.
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Access Guide | Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket | Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb | |
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Duration | 2,5 - 3 hours | Valid for 1 day | 1,5 - 2 hours |
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Language | English, French, German, Italian, Spanish | Several languages | Several languages |
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The Omnia Card
The OMNIA Card is a fantastic city pass choice for travelers seeking to explore the breadth of Rome’s iconic attractions. It covers admission to top sites such as the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel Rome
and Colosseum, saving you from long ticket lines.
Moreover, it includes a metro card for 72 hours. With unlimited use of the hop-on-hop-off bus for 72 hours, getting around becomes a breeze. Considering its convenience, time-saving benefits, and potential for significant savings, the OMNIA Card is truly an unrivaled companion for your Rome exploration in 3 days.
What to pack for travel to Rome?
Before we take you on our ideal itinerary, we’ve put together a few things that should definitely be on your trip!
- Comfortable shoes: Rome is best discovered on foot! Pack your favorite comfortable pedals, because you’ll be doing miles on cobblestones.
- Camera: The itinerary will take you along the most famous sights. We are sure that you will not be able to stop taking pictures.
- Fanny pack: Fortunately, a currently again totally hip accessory – and the best way to always have your valuables safely in sight and under control. Rome is unfortunately one of the world’s strongholds for pickpockets!
- Sunscreen and hat: even in the off-season, the Italian sun burns mercilessly on bright days! Since you’ll be outdoors a lot, protect yourself from sunburn and sting!
FAQs about 3 Days in Rome
What to see in Rome in 3 days?
In three days, you can visit Rome’s key attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Additionally, explore the enchanting Trastevere district, the Pantheon, and Villa Borghese Gardens. There is so much to see in Rome, that three days won’t be enough to see ALL attractions.
What to do in Rome for 3 days?
On 3 days in Rome, you can tour iconic historical sites, dine in local trattorias, explore bustling markets, and immerse in the city’s vibrant coffee culture. Take a relaxing stroll through Trastevere, shop near the iconic Spanish Steps, and savour an unforgettable seafood dinner at Pierluigi. There is so much to do!
Where to stay in Rome for 3 days?
Hotel Eden is an excellent choice for a three-day stay in Rome. Perfectly located, it offers easy access to major attractions. With its luxurious rooms, service, and stunning views of the city, it provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploration. If you want to experience Rome the fullest in 3 days a central and beautiful Hotel is the key!
How to see Rome in 3 days?
Efficient planning is key: Start early to beat the crowds at popular sites, use the OMNIA Card for easy access to top attractions and transportation, and balance your itinerary between renowned landmarks and leisurely exploration of Rome’s charming neighborhoods. But also take some time to slow do, so your trip won’t get exhausting!
How many euros do i need for 3 days in Rome?
A rough budget could be €600-€700 for three days. This includes mid-range accommodation, meals, a city pass, local transportation, and souvenirs. However, actual expenses will depend on your personal travel style and preferences. But keep in mind that it’s always possible to save some Money buy choosing a low budget hotel or even a hostel!
More info about your city trip to Rome
