Three Days in Rome: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

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Are you ready for an unforgettable three days in Rome? Get ready to fall head over heels for the Eternal City!

If you’re a first-time visitor, you’re in luck—this itinerary is packed with all the things to do in Rome in 3 days to make your trip to Italy unforgettable. From ancient ruins to mouthwatering pasta, I’ve got you covered with a perfect mix of must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and plenty of gelato breaks.

Let’s dive in so you can start planning your perfect 3 day Rome itinerary!

3 Days Rome Itinerary

Did you know that the Historic Center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? That’s right, the whole city center!

There is just so much to do and see in Rome that it could get overwhelming fast! Especially when you’re visiting Rome for the first time. Well, that’s why I’m here for you! With this Rome itinerary, you’ll be able to see the major highlights in just 3 days!

• Day 1: Rome’s Historical center
• Day 2: Colosseum & Roman Forum
• Day 3: Vatican City

Some helpful tips before we start!

1. Prioritize Must-See Attractions: Tour the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum first thing in the morning to avoid crowds. Most major attractions are going to be crowded all day, so save the mornings for your most important ones. 
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Rome is a walking city, and you’ll be covering a lot of ground (often on cobblestone streets). My mom and aunt both bought Aldo’s Pillow Walk sneakers right before the trip—and they were the only ones who didn’t complain about sore feet at the end of the day.
3. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Rome is filled with free drinking fountains (called nasoni) where you can refill your bottle with fresh, cold water. It’s eco-friendly and a lifesaver on hot days!

First Day in Rome: Rome’s Historical Center (Centro Storico)

Rise and shine, traveler! It’s your first full day in Rome—finally!

Let’s talk strategy: Most of the iconic spots in central Rome are basically neighbors, so it doesn’t really matter too much where you start your day. The two most popular attractions are the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. But here’s the game plan: hit the Pantheon first thing when it opens.

Why not Trevi Fountain you asked?

Because it’s always packed (unless you’re willing to sacrifice sleep and roll out of bed before 5 AM). With everyone trying to fight for a spot at the fountain, you’ll have a nice and quiet time at the Pantheon all to yourself!

Then you can jump into the chaos at the Trevi Fountain and and snap that iconic coin-toss pic whenever you’re ready. 

Piazza Navona

For my early risers! Since the Pantheon’s doors don’t open until 9 AM, let’s kill time with a quick 5-minute detour to Piazza Navona. This super popular square has three fountains, so get your camera ready! Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune), Fontana del Moro (Fountain of Moor), and the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). 

During the day, you’ll find many street performances from musicians and artists. It’s also prime people-watching territory! Quick warning: since Piazza Navona is a tourist spot, expect the cafes and restaurants here to be overpriced.

Now if you’re visiting in December, make sure this is in your Rome itinerary because we all love a Christmas market!

Pantheon

Next up: The Pantheon! One of the most iconic ancient Roman monuments!

Admission here is super budget-friendly (like, cheaper-than-gelato cheap, €5.00). To skip the line, you can buy timed-tickets online—it saves so much time, especially mid-day when crowds pile up.

If you’re buying on-site, make sure you’re standing on the right line! There are two queues: one for card payments and one for cash only. I say go stand at whichever line is shorter. If you’re paying cash, only one person from your group can go into the tiny ticket booth—so take pick your pick!

Once inside, prepare to be blown away. Go snap snap! That dome? It’s the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. And the oculus (that hole in the ceiling) is the main source of light and ventilation to the place. Of course, that means rain comes in too, but the floor is slanted to drain the water whenever it comes in. 

Mirror Selfies with Church Ceiling Paintings

Rome’s packed with gorgeous churches, but Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola and Chiesa del Gesù sure knows how to cater its tourists—they’ve literally put mirrors on the floor so you can snap selfies with their ceiling art. 

If you’re short on time, pick Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola. Its 3D-painted ceiling tricks your eyes into thinking it’s a sky-high dome… even though it’s totally flat. Even better? For just €1, you get to light up that ceiling for a better photo op!

The City of Water (Vicus Caprarius)

Want to see a hidden gem of Rome most tourists miss? Head underground near the Trevi Fountain to Vicus Caprarius, where you’ll walk through a 2,000-year-old Roman apartment and the aqueduct that still supplies the water to the Trevi fountain today.

During the summer, it’s the perfect escape from Rome’s blazing sun. You’ll be able to see everything in 30 minutes (unless you geek out on the history through the audio guide). Just make sure you book ahead of time (required on weekends!) via WhatsApp/phone (+39 339 778 6192). 

Prefer a guide? Book this tour to uncover the secrets of the City of Water and the Trevi Fountain!

Trevi Fountain

According to the legend, if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, you’ll for sure return to Rome someday! Roughly €3,000 gets collected from the fountain every day and donated to charity! 

Let me tell you a little secret: if you head over to the United Colors of Benetton and go up a floor, you’ll be able to get a clear bird’s eye view of the Trevi fountain!

Spanish Steps

Next, let’s stroll over to another iconic landmark the city has to offer: The Spanish Steps. It connects Piazza di Spagna (here you’ll find an interesting “sinking boat” fountain) to Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top.

Climb all 135 steps (yes, it’s a workout) to see Rome from above. However, no matter how tired you are, do not sit down on the stairs! Since 2019, sitting on the Spanish Steps will get you a €400 fine (ouch!). It’s common to see the police blowing their whistle at any tourists that wants to sit. At the same time, beware of pickpockets and keep an eye on your belongings.

So snap your pictures quickly and keep moving!

Shopping at Via dei Condotti

At the bottom of the Spanish Steps, you’ll find Via dei Condotti, the luxury shopping strip. Think Chanel, Hermes, and Gucci. This is the perfect place for a shopping spree at your heart’s desire. 

Garden of Villa Borghese

Not a fan of shopping? I got you! Why not check out the Villa Borghese Gardens instead? 

Rent a bike or a rickshaw near the entrance points and explore this massive park in the heart of Rome with ease. Or you can rent a paddleboat and take in the beautiful view of the Temple of Aesculapius on the water.

If you like art, don’t miss the Borghese Gallery! 

Once you’re hungry, head over to Fiore de Zucca for a delicious meal.

Day Two in Rome: Colosseum & Roman Forum

Today is all about ancient Rome! We’ll be exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill.

However, just because there are only three attractions for day 2 doesn’t mean you should sleep in. In fact, get up early because we’re about to explore one of the seven wonders of the world! 

Colosseum

First thing in the morning, make your way to the Colosseum. As one of the seven wonders and nearly 2,000 years of history, crowds are inevitable. What can we do? It comes with the fame. In fact, it is the most visited tourist attraction in Italy in 2024! Which is not surprising, because just the Colosseum alone makes Rome worth visiting for me. 

So to make your visit a little more enjoyable, buy your tickets in advance online! Aim for 8:30 AM! You’ll still have to spend some time in line, but at least it won’t feel like you’re packed in a sardine can. Don’t forget to bring your passport because they’ll check for identification. 

Afterwards, with just a short walk from the Colosseum, you’ll find Lato 15, where you can indulge in some delicious gelato and maritozzo (a sweet cream pastry)! It’s also one of our favorite gelato shop in Rome!

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Here’s the good news: your Colosseum ticket is actually a 3-in-1 combo with the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill! Unlike the Colosseum, where you have a timed entrance, you’re free to explore the other two at any time during that same day. 

Take your time at the Palatine Hill. This is actually the oldest part of Rome! Don’t worry about your poor feet, there are plenty of benches at the Palatine Hill for you to rest!  

Aventine Hill

If you still got energy to spare, hike up Aventine Hill for two special views. First, Giardino degli Aranci, a garden of orange trees with some incredible views of Rome! Then look out for a line of people peeking into a door. The keyhole on this door will give you a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica dome! 

End your day by crossing the bridge over the Tiber River to Trastevere for dinner. You might need to make a reservation for some of the popular restaurants.

Day Three in Rome: Vatican City

It’s the last day already. Can you believe that? For day three, we’ll be stepping into a new country, Vatican City! Shocking, I know. My grandpa’s literal reaction was “what do you mean that all we have to do is take a step and we’re in a new country?” and then proceed to step back and forth a couple of times.

So that’s exactly what you’ll be doing today! 

Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

Inside the Vatican City, we have two crazy popular attractions: the Vatican Museum and the St. Peter’s Basilica. During peak season, tickets to the Vatican Museum get sold out fast. So don’t wait, book those tickets as soon as you confirm your trip! 

It’s not an exaggeration to say that you can easily spend the whole day at the Vatican Museum! With 20,000+ pieces of art on display, there’s just not enough time to see everything.

So create a list of your must-sees and make a beeline for it! Give yourself at least 3 hours. Here’s the map to help with your planning. Oh, don’t forget to include the Sistine Chapel on your list! That’s where you’ll find the famous ceiling art painted by Michelangelo. 

St. Peter’s Basilica

If you want the most beautiful view, you’ll want to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the top of the dome. The sunset is especially mesmerizing. Instead of walking up all 551 steps to the top, I highly recommend paying a little extra to use the elevator for part of the journey.

Heads up if you’re claustrophobic—the final climb to the dome’s top squeezes you through a tight, winding staircase. If tight spaces freak you out, you might want to skip this part and enjoy the Basilica from below!

Although the Basilica is free to visit, you’ll still need to allocate some time to go through security. As with all churches, make sure to cover those shoulders and knees—no tank tops or short shorts/skirts!

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums have separate entrances in the Vatican City. So unless you’re on a guided tour (where there’s a secret route that connects the Sistine Chapel to the St. Peter’s Basilica), you’ll need to circle around the Vatican walls to queue up again for the Basilica. 

Castel Sant’Angelo

Are you ready for some crazy history? Castel Sant’Angelo started out as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum until…it later became a fortress, served as a prison (completed with torture chambers in the dungeon), and then finally the museum that is today. Phew! That was a mouthful.

What’s even more interesting is that there’s a secret tunnel, Passetto del Borgo, that links the Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo! Popes used it to flee invaders. Seriously, how cool is that? Luckily for everyone who’s thinking of visiting, the secret tunnel is now open to the public (guided tours only) for Jubilee Year! 

Castel Sant’Angelo is partially accessible, with lifts on each floor for those with mobility issues. However, access may be limited in bad weathers.  

Dinner in Prati

If you’re hungry afterwards, I totally recommend Chopstick Prati, an AYCE sushi buffet. I know, I know, why go to Rome for sushi right? But let me tell you, this place got one of the best AYCE. And because each serving is only 2 pieces, you’re able to try the whole menu without a big group! 

For dessert, there’s Gelateria La Romana. One of the best gelato in Rome! There’s just so many flavors to choose from, my decision paralysis kicked in.  

Where to Stay in Rome for 3 Days?

Where you stay can make or break your trip, especially when you’ve only got three days to explore Rome! For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in central Rome—it’s close to all the major landmarks, so you can maximize your time (and avoid long commutes). Here are my top picks for neighborhoods and accommodations:

1. Historic Center (Centro Storico)

If you want to be in the center of the action, this is it! You’ll be steps away from the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. It’s perfect for first-timers who want to see everything Rome has to offer on limited time. 

Budget to mid-range:

Option #1: right next to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Option #2: right next to Trevi Fountain

Option #3: near Piazza Venezia, 15 min walk to Colosseum

Splurge:

Option #1: 5 mins from Pantheon, delicious breakfast, right on Via del Corso shopping street

Option #2: 2 mins from Piazza Venezia, amazing view of the Altare della Patria

Option #3: near the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain

2. Vatican Area (Prati)

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, staying in Prati is a great option. This upscale neighborhood is quieter than the historic center, but still well-connected to the rest of the city.

Budget to midrange:

Option #1: near two metro stations, 10 mins walk to the Vatican City

Option #2: near Ottaviano metro and Vatican City, 10 mins walk from Castel Sant’Angelo

Option #3: 10 mins from Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo

Midrange:

Option #1: near Ottaviano metro station, full kitchen, 5 mins walk to the Vatican City

Option #2: near Ottaviano metro station, 10 mins from Vatican

Splurge:

Option #1: in between Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, delicious breakfast with a view

Option #2: right next to the Vatican (5 mins), 15th century building with a courtyard

Large group? My group of 7 had a wonderful staying here!

• Book your accommodations early! Especially if you’re visiting during high season or the 2025 Jubilee.

• Stay within walking distance of major attractions to save time and transportation costs.
• If you need a place to leave your stuff before check-in/check-out time, I have a whole blog post on the best places to store your luggage!

What’s the Best Way to Get Around Rome?

Okay, let’s talk about getting around Rome. The city is super walkable, and honestly, wandering through its cobblestone streets is half the fun.

When you need to cover more ground, public transport is the way to go. The metro is your best friend—it’s cheap, easy to use, and gets you to most tourist attractions fast. Buses and trams are also an option, though they can get a little crowded (avoid rush hour if you can). 

Rome also has a few great hop-on-hop-off bus tours that let you explore the city’s top sights without wearing yourself out. Or, you can hop on a golf cart for a private tour! Perfect for hot days or when you need a break!

If you’re traveling in a group or just want a hassle-free ride, I highly recommend FreeNow—it’s my go-to rideshare app in Rome. It’s super reliable, and you can book a ride in seconds. Taxis are an option too, but I find not knowing the cost until you arrive a little stressful.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rome?

Season	When	Crowds	Prices	Weather	Why Visit
Shoulder	April to May & October to mid-November	Moderate	Mid-range	Mild (60-75°F / 15-24°C), sunny	Fewer crowds than summer, pleasant weather, and reasonable prices.
High	June to September	Very Heavy	Highest	Hot & humid (80-95°F / 27-35°C)	Peak tourist season. Book everything in advance.
Low	mid-November-March*	Light	Lowest	Cooler (40-60°F / 4-15°C), some rain	Quietest time to visit, great for budget travelers.

*Excludes December (holiday season), which sees a spike in crowds and prices.

A little more insight on when’s the best time to visit Rome.

If you’re visiting during the high season (June through September), you’ll get the most daylight hours to explore—think 14 hours of sunshine compared to just 9 in the winter!

But fair warning: this is also when Rome is at its busiest. Bigger crowds mean you’ll need to plan ahead. Hotels and ticketed attractions like the Colosseum sell out fast, so book early! The good news? You can still skip the lines with a guided tour and make the most of your time.

For a quieter vibe, try the low season (mid-November to March, avoiding holiday weeks). It’s perfect for enjoying the best restaurants in Rome without stressing over reservations. Just keep in mind that some attractions might have shorter hours, and you’ll likely see more rain, especially in November.

If you’re looking for the sweet spot, aim for the shoulder season (April to May and October to mid-November). The weather is just right—not too hot, not too cold—and you’ll dodge the crazy crowds. It’s the ideal time to explore without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

One thing to note: 2025 is a Jubilee year (December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026), so Rome will be busier than usual. Over 32 million people are expected to make a pilgrimage to the Vatican, so if you’re planning a trip during this time, brace yourself for higher crowds and book everything well in advance!

Final Thoughts on Three Days in Rome

And there you have it—the ultimate first-timer’s guide to Rome! This action-packed itinerary for 3 days in Rome combines Rome’s most iconic landmarks with hidden gems, and all the carbs! 

I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time in Rome. After all, Rome has something magical for everyone. Now if you’re planning to travel throughout Italy, why not make a stop at Venice? Arrivederci!

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