Rome. Saying the word is weighty, is it not? It’s not some other city—it’s this mad time capsule overflowing with emperors, artists, gladiators, and popes.
For real, it makes complete sense they’d refer to it as the “Eternal City”: it’s positively bursting with history. I’d always dreamt of walking along its ancient streets in the footsteps of Julius Caesar and Michelangelo. When I finally planned my adventure, I didn’t hold back. Three days. Non-stop hustle. Lots of espresso. And not a single second of regret.
In this guide, I’m going to share my ultimate 3-day itinerary of Rome that combines all the essential ancient sites with some of my personal local favorites. It’s not some dry list of places to visit—it’s an insider’s adventure with surprises, secret tips, and lots of gelato. Whether you’re on your first trip or your fifth, you’re going to fall in love with Rome.
Before You Go: 6 Tips to Maximize Your Roman Holiday
1. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance
Rome’s top attraction (such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery) tend to sell out quickly. Buy those skip-the-line tickets in advance—your future self will be grateful.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
No kidding. I did approximately 20,000 steps a day, and those adorable cobblestone roads are absolutely not intended for stilettos.
3. Avoid Mondays for museums
Many state-run museums are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
4. Stay in the center
Trastevere, Monti, and Campo de Fiori are not only quite pretty; they are absolutely walkable.
5. Get in the rhythm of those late dinners
Most people in Rome eat between 8:30–9 PM. Simply roam about and get some aperitivo (you know, that pre-meal cocktail with snacks).
6. Don’t try to do everything
You’ll never “finish” Rome. Leave time to wander. Some of my favorite moments came from getting a little lost.
Day 1: Ancient Rome – Getting those time-travel feels!
Morning: Colosseum & Roman Forum
I started out my Roman holiday with this totally iconic location—the Colosseum. I visited it in the morning, and I have to say, it was well worth it. Seeing the sunlight flood in through those ancient arches is not something that I will ever forget. I simply stood and tried to imagine 50,000 on the edge of their seats cheering on gladiators fighting off lions and other gladiators. Craaa-zy, right?!
Directly opposite is the Roman Forum, which is effectively the centre of Ancient Rome both in a physical and intangible sense. Walking among the remains where senators once debated and processions passed by really sent shivers down my spine.
Be sure to visit the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius Severus—those are absolutely among the Forum’s most ‘grammable locations!
Lunch: Trattoria in Monti
After the deep dive into Roman history, I needed carbs. Lots of them. Monti, the artsy, bohemian neighborhood behind the Colosseum, is full of hidden trattorias. I popped into one called La Carbonara (yes, that’s its real name) and ordered—you guessed it—carbonara. Perfectly al dente pasta, creamy sauce, crispy guanciale. Heaven.
Afternoon: Capitoline Hill & Piazza Venezia
Having stocked up on pasta, I headed up Capitoline Hill. Designed by Michelangelo, the spot has some deadly views of the Forum and a pretty neat piazza. I visited the Capitoline Museums, which are filled with great things such as the Capitoline Wolf and a huge statue of Marcus Aurelius.
If you hustle, you will come to Piazza Venezia and visit the large Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (locals irreverently refer to it as the “Wedding Cake”). You won’t be able to avoid it, and it’s well worth stopping by, even if only to enjoy the great view from the top.
Day 2: Take in the fantastic Baroque atmosphere in Central Rome!
Morning: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps & Pantheon
Day two was off to super early again (thanks to jet lag, though). I headed straight to the Trevi Fountain to escape the crowds. I tossed in a coin with my right hand over my left shoulder—back to Rome, it seems!
I visited the Spanish Steps, hiked to the top, and reveled in the cool morning scene. Then I visited the Pantheon, and I’m hooked. This ancient temple that was turned into a church is fantastic architecture. When you gaze upward at the oculus and consider the fact that it’s stood since nearly 2,000 years ago—no kidding, wow.
Lunch: Campo de’ Fiori
I walked to Campo de’ Fiori, this crowded market square. I bought some porchetta from one of the stands and leaned in to eat it in some maybe-sunny-possibly-shaded space. The whole atmosphere is totally Roman—street sellers calling out, locals talking, students whizzing by. We’re talking noisy, kind of crazy, and yet, absolutely charming.
Afternoon: Piazza Navona & Gelato Break
The Piazza Navona is like one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome. I spent some time there, admiring Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and grooving to some street performers. I stopped at Gelateria del Teatro to pick up a sweet treat, and oh man, that was some of the creamiest pistachio gelato I’ve had!
Day 3: Visiting the Vatican & Trastevere
Morning: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
You absolutely can’t visit Rome and leave out the Vatican. I grabbed a time-ticket to the Vatican Museums and walked by the huge queue. The highlight of the trip? Definitely the Sistine Chapel.
Up close, Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” was absolutely mind-blowing (in a good way). Warning: no photo taking is allowed inside, and you need to be quiet.
I walked into St. Peter’s Basilica—truly mind-blowing, right? The dome, the statues, the enormousness of it all—it’s really spiritual, even if you’re not religious. If you get the opportunity, by all means, visit the top of the dome; the Vatican City and Rome view is absolutely insane.
Lunch: Prati Area
After the Vatican, I needed something local and not touristy. I wandered into Prati, a quieter neighborhood, and grabbed a sandwich at Panino Giusto—fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, prosciutto, and rocket on crusty Italian bread. Simple and perfect.
Afternoon: Trastevere Vibes
I was saving the best for last and visited Trastevere on my last night, and man, what a great way to end my Roman vacation. This really cool area has ivy-draped buildings, skinny back streets, and that ideal golden hour atmosphere. I stopped by Santa Maria in Trastevere, then grabbed my spot in the piazza with a spritz and took it all in.
Roman Eats: 6 Foods You Absolutely Must Try
If you haven’t eaten your way through Rome, did you even visit? Here are six dishes you absolutely need to try (and yes, I tested them all—some more than once).
- Cacio e pepe – Pasta, pecorino cheese, and black pepper. That’s it. Simplicity at its finest.
- Carbonara – Made with eggs, pecorino, and guanciale (no cream, seriously!). It’s super rich, creamy, and absolutely comforting.
- Supplì – Fried rice balls filled with melted mozzarella. The perfect street food!
- Artichokes alla giudia – They’re deep-fried artichokes, a hip dish from the Jewish Quarter. Extremely crispy and delicious!
- Roman-style pizza – Thin, crunchy, and served by the slice. I recommend Pizzarium near the Vatican.
- Tiramisu – you have to try Pompi near the Spanish Steps. It’s absolutely fantastic!
Final Reflections: Why Rome Simply Doesn’t Cease
Rome is not simply some place you go; it’s more of an atmosphere you really get. There’s church bells ringing along those quaint little cobblestone roads, the aroma of espresso drifting out of every little coffee house, and that lovely warm sunlight on your skin as you relax on those worn marble steps, taking it all in.
It’s the kind of city that really gets you and stays with you forever. I had three whole days to acclimatize to it, but I’m already planning my return. There’s always another piazza to visit, another pasta dish to taste, and another sunset to view from Janiculum Hill.
See you soon, Roma! Or, as the locals say here—Arrivederci!