Only have three days in Rome? Don’t worry – with the right itinerary you can enjoy the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, pizza by the slice, and even an aperitivo with a view.
In this guide you’ll discover a structured plan for your first visit to Rome – day by day, with included tips for tickets, transportation, food, crowd-free attractions, and ideas on how to make the most of your time in the Italian capital.
Rome has many historical attractions, charming neighborhoods for strolling, museums, cathedrals, and plenty of restaurants with delicious traditional https://howdyeurope.com/italy/rome/itinerary-3-days/Italian food. If you follow our suggestions for 3 days in Rome, you’ll have enough time to visit the main tourist attractions and taste the delicious food at some of these restaurants.
Complete Rome Itinerary Planning Guide: Skip-the-Line Strategies and Crowd-Free Timing Tips
Rome is one of the most desired destinations in Europe, which often leads to long lines of tourists waiting to visit the famous attractions. Nobody wants to spend their time in the Italian capital waiting in line after line, right?
That’s why I researched thoroughly how to avoid the lines at Rome’s main tourist attractions. This will require booking tickets for some of the attractions in advance, which will save you hours during your stay in Rome. All ticket booking links are included in the article.
Important: Remember that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is usually closed to tourists on Wednesday mornings when the papal audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square. On these days the basilica opens around 12:30 PM, but during other events, such as papal masses, it may open later or close earlier.
Therefore, if the second day of your trip includes a morning visit to the square, it’s advisable to avoid Wednesday, unless you want to change your plan and attend the audience.
Note that all times in the daily schedules below are approximate and serve as a general idea of timing throughout the day. Stay duration can vary depending on the length of tourist lines and time spent at each location.
Although I’ve tried to include time for waiting and sightseeing, on days with many tourists or during quieter periods, these times may change.
I strive to keep the opening hours and prices for each attraction current, but they can change without notice. I recommend checking the current opening hours and prices for your travel period. For each site I’ve provided a link to its official website.
Top 14 Must-See Rome Attractions: Essential 3-Day Bucket List for First-Time Visitors
Here’s a list of places you should visit if you have three days in Rome.
- The Colosseum
- The Roman Forum
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Trevi Fountain
- The Pantheon
- The Spanish Steps
- Piazza Navona
- Galleria Borghese
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Trastevere
- Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland)
- Appian Way
- The Catacombs
Ultimate 3-Day Rome Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide with Timing, Transportation, and Local Insider Tips
Rome Day 1 Itinerary: Ancient Rome Discovery Tour – Colosseum Underground Access, Roman Forum Highlights, Capitoline Hill Views, and Authentic Trastevere Dining
Ciao! Welcome to Rome!
On your first day in the Italian capital, you can visit one of the world’s most popular attractions (the Colosseum), stroll through ancient Rome, enjoy the view from one of the city’s most beautiful spots, and end the day with dinner with a view.
Get ready to take lots of photos and create wonderful memories. All the tourist attractions in today’s itinerary are located within a small area of Rome, so you won’t be doing much walking.
- 9:00 AM: The Colosseum
- 10:30 AM: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM: Via dei Fori Imperiali
- 2:00 PM: Altar of the Fatherland
- 3:00 PM: Capitoline Hill
- 5:00 PM: Aperitivo at Oro Bistrot
- 6:00 PM: Trastevere
9:00 AM Colosseum Visit: Skip-the-Line Tickets, Arena Access, Underground Tours, and Essential Booking Tips
The Colosseum is Rome’s most famous attraction, part of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 80 AD, it was the largest amphitheater of its time, with a capacity of up to 80,000 people. Gladiatorial battles, executions, animal hunts, and battle reenactments took place there.
You can explore the Colosseum on your own or with a guide. Buying tickets in advance for a self-guided visit is cheaper, while a guided tour is more expensive but offers a more in-depth experience (we recommend taking advantage of a guided tour).
When visiting the Colosseum, you can pay for access to the “Arena” (step onto part of the arena and enjoy the view), “Underground” (explore the corridors beneath the arena), and “Attica” (the upper part of the Colosseum).
During your visit to the Colosseum, you can explore on your own, use an audio guide, or join a guided group tour. Visits typically last between one and three hours.
You must buy a Colosseum ticket before you arrive, as you cannot show up without a prior reservation and expect to get in.
If online tickets are sold out for your travel dates, it’s a good idea to join a guided Colosseum tour. This will cost a bit more than buying tickets directly from the Colosseum website, but you’ll definitely be able to visit it.
Colosseum Opening Hours: The hours when the Colosseum is open to visitors vary by season:
- From January 1st to February 15th – from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- From February 16th to March 15th – from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- From March 16th to the last Saturday of March – from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- From the last Sunday of March to August 31st – from 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM
- From September 1st to September 30th – from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- From October 1st to the last Saturday of October – from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- From the last Sunday of October to December 31st – from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Prices: 18 euros (+ 2 euro fee for online reservation) for a standard ticket, which gives you access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum; there’s also a Full Experience ticket that includes a visit to the Colosseum arena and underground area for 24 euros. For children under 17, the ticket is 6 euros.
Website: For current Colosseum opening hours and to buy tickets, visit the official website at parcocolosseo.it. If you have a Roma Pass, make a reservation for your Colosseum visit in advance. The reservation fee is 2 EUR.
How to get to the Colosseum by metro: The closest metro stop is Colosseo. When you exit the metro station, the Colosseum will be right in front of you.
Want to see the Colosseum like few people have seen it? Read our article about visiting the Colosseum at night. Can’t visit it at night because you have small children? Read our tips for visiting the Colosseum with children.
10:30 AM Ancient Rome Exploration: Roman Forum Walking Guide and Palatine Hill Imperial Palace Ruins
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are within walking distance of the Colosseum and entrance to them is included in the Colosseum ticket.
To reach the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill from the Colosseum, head along Via Sacra toward the Triumphal Arch of Titus. I recommend first exploring Palatine Hill, then the Roman Forum.
Palatine Hill Imperial Complex: Augustus Palace Ruins and Best Panoramic Views of Rome
Palatine Hill is located immediately next to the Roman Forum and consists of a complex of archaeological finds, remains of temples and palaces, as well as a museum. During the Roman Republic period, numerous imperial residences were built here, including the palaces of Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian.
Palatine Hill | 3 Days in Rome Itinerary
While you’re on Palatine Hill, don’t forget to visit the Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino to see a bird’s eye view of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. This is one of the most beautiful views in Rome. Here’s the view:
Roman Forum Archaeological Highlights: 2000-Year-Old Temples, Government Buildings, and Via Sacra Walk
The Roman Forum is a complex of ancient government buildings, temples, and markets dating back over 2,000 years. Among the sights worth seeing in the Roman Forum are Via Sacra, the Temple of Venus, the Temple of Romulus with its bronze doors from 309 AD, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina with its “hanging door,” the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Temple of Julius Caesar. The time for visiting the Roman Forum can vary from 20 minutes to one hour.
12:30 PM Authentic Roman Lunch: Traditional Trattorias and Pizza al Taglio Near Ancient Rome
For lunch, I recommend the restaurant La Prezzemolina, which at the time of writing this article has over 2,300 mostly positive Google reviews, offers traditional Italian street food and pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) at reasonable prices.
1:30 PM Imperial Forums Walk: Via dei Fori Imperiali Route with Trajan’s Column and Augustus Forum
After lunch at La Prezzemolina restaurant, take a walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali. This street runs between the Roman Forum and the forums of Augustus and Trajan. Don’t miss seeing Trajan’s Column, erected in 113 AD.
See the Forum of Augustus while walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali, which ends at Piazza Venezia. From there you can climb the steps to the Altar of the Fatherland and enjoy one of the most impressive views of Rome.
Altar of the Fatherland
2:00 PM Vittoriano Monument Experience: Free Panoramic Terraces and Optional Elevator to Rome’s Best Views
The Altar of the Fatherland, also known as the Altare della Patria, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, or simply the “wedding cake,” is one of Rome’s most notable structures.
Built between 1885 and 1935 in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, this national monument includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame.
You can climb the steps to the upper terrace and café for free. For the best view, use the elevator (12 euros) to the top of the monument, where a panoramic view of Rome unfolds, including the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.
At the top of the Altar of the Fatherland
View from the Altar of the Fatherland
3:00 PM Capitoline Hill Museums: Michelangelo’s Square Design, Marcus Aurelius Statue, and Capitoline Wolf
Visiting Capitoline Hill offers two memorable experiences – the breathtaking panorama of the Roman Forum and exploring the Capitoline Museums.
From the Altar of the Fatherland to Capitoline Hill is a three-minute walk along Via del Teatro di Marcello. After climbing a series of steps, you’ll find yourself at Campidoglio – the Capitoline Hill square, which is Michelangelo’s work.
The Capitoline Museums are housed mainly in the Palazzo dei Conservatori (Palace of the Conservators) and Palazzo Nuovo (New Palace), but also include other buildings and spaces on and off Capitoline Hill. The museums house artworks by Caravaggio, Rubens, and Titian.
Be sure to see the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (a copy of this statue is located on Campidoglio square) and the original statue of the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, called the Capitoline Wolf (a copy of this statue is located next to the Senatorial Palace).
For opening hours and ticket prices, visit the official Capitoline Museums website at https://www.museicapitolini.org/en/infopage/biglietti. For the best view of the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hill, walk between the Palazzo dei Conservatori museum and the Senatorial Palace along Via del Campidoglio to Terrazza sul Foro.
5:00 PM Roman Aperitivo Culture: Oro Bistrot Rooftop Terrace with Views of Trajan’s Forum
Aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink served with some light snacks. This tradition is extremely popular in Italy and is a wonderful way to rest after a long day of walking around Rome.
Oro Bistrot is one of our favorite places for drinks with a view. It’s located near Piazza Venezia and about a seven-minute walk from Capitoline Hill.
Oro Bistrot has a rooftop terrace that offers a captivating panorama of the Altar of the Fatherland and Trajan’s Forum.
The restaurant opens in early afternoon – you can enjoy a drink and later dinner, which starts at 7:00 PM.
It’s recommended to make a reservation at Oro Bistrot in advance. The view from here is impressive. We spent several hours at the restaurant and the sunset was memorable.
6:00 PM Trastevere Evening Experience: Authentic Roman Restaurants and Medieval Neighborhood Stroll
You can spend the entire evening at Oro Bistrot restaurant or visit Trastevere, a neighborhood that houses some of the best restaurants in Rome and is a wonderful place for a stroll.
In Trastevere I recommend the restaurants Nannarella and Trapizzino and the wine bar Enoteca Trastevere. You can take a taxi there (it’s about a 22-minute walk or approximately 0.6 km/1 mile from Oro Bistrot).
The staff at Oro Bistrot can call you a taxi. We caught a taxi at Piazza Venezia.
Rome Day 2 Vatican Experience: Early Access Museums, Sistine Chapel Masterpieces, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Historic Center Walking Tour
Morning (7:30/8:00 AM): The Vatican
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Castel Sant’Angelo
3:00 PM: Walk to Piazza Navona
3:20 PM: Rome’s Historic Center
5:30 PM: Free time or drinks at a rooftop bar or hotel
7:00 PM: Dinner
The best way to avoid the long lines of tourists waiting to enter the Vatican is to go there early. That’s why I recommend being there around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. You could sleep in more, but you risk waiting an hour (or even more on some days) to enter St. Peter’s Basilica.
And don’t forget that on Wednesdays, when the Pope is in town and holds an audience, St. Peter’s Basilica doesn’t open until early afternoon. Therefore, if possible, it’s better to plan your visit on a different day of the week than Wednesday.
Morning: The Vatican – Early Access Tours, Sistine Chapel Visit, and St. Peter’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Entry
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world. The Vatican has three important attractions to visit: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
There are two ways to visit the Vatican – a guided tour or exploring on your own. Visiting the Vatican with a guide is more expensive, but it’s worth it because an experienced guide will introduce you to the key attractions in the museums and emphasize the most important things to see.
Some tours offer direct access from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica, which can save significant time since you avoid the basilica line. Although it’s more expensive, the skip-the-line tour for entering St. Peter’s Basilica is worth the extra cost.
Here are three different options for your Vatican visit:
1. Best Option: Early Vatican tour with a guide.
The Vatican Museums open at 9 AM, but with the early tour you enter at 8 AM, which gives you the opportunity to explore the museums when there are fewer visitors.
Some tours take you directly into St. Peter’s Basilica through a tunnel from the Sistine Chapel, avoiding the large tourist lines.
The early Vatican tour is more expensive, with prices between 80 and 135 euros per person, but offers a better experience.
2. Cheapest Option: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, when there are usually no lines.
First climb the dome, then explore the cathedral. Then visit the Vatican Museums by booking tickets for 10 AM (do this several weeks in advance).
You’ll explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel without a guide, but know that you’ll be in the company of many people.
3. Guided tour: Morning guided tours are expensive because of early access. You can save money by choosing a tour that starts at 9 AM when the museums open.
Guided tours include the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
12:00 PM: Lunch – Vatican Area Dining: Budget Pizza al Taglio and Traditional Italian Restaurants Near St. Peter’s Square
For lunch I suggest three dining places that are within walking distance of St. Peter’s Square. You can choose whether to have a quick lunch or take more time and enjoy the food.
At Alice Pizza pizzeria we got pizza by the slice, which is perfect on a limited budget or if you’re saving for dinner. Two other restaurants we haven’t tried but look appealing are Borghiciana Pastificio Artiginale and Scialla the Original Streetfood.
1:30 PM: Castel Sant’Angelo: Hadrian’s Mausoleum, Papal Fortress History, and 360-Degree Rome Views
Walk along Via della Conciliazione toward Castel Sant’Angelo and enjoy the incredible view of St. Peter’s Basilica. On the way to the castle you can make a short detour to the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II bridge, which offers a beautiful view of Castel Sant’Angelo and the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge.
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Later it was converted into a fortress, prison, and castle, and today it functions as a museum.
During your visit to the castle you’ll first tour the lower levels. Then you’ll enter the main building and climb to the highest point via a series of ramps and stairs.
From the top of Castel Sant’Angelo, an almost 360-degree panoramic view of Rome unfolds.
Information about opening hours and prices can be found on the castle’s official website.
3:00 PM: Tiber River Walk: Ponte Sant’Angelo Angel Statues and Scenic Route to Piazza Navona
Cross the Tiber River via the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge, which is located in front of Castel Sant’Angelo. The bridge, decorated with angel statues, is a beautiful place for photos.
Continue east along the banks of the Tiber River. When you reach the Ponte Umberto I bridge, cross it to enjoy the view of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Tiber River.
The view from Ponte Umberto I bridge
Then continue along Via Giuseppe Zanardelli to Piazza Navona. The distance is about 800 meters (0.5 miles) and takes about 10 minutes on foot, without stops for photos.
3:20 PM: Historic Rome Walking Tour: Piazza Navona Fountains, Pantheon Skip-the-Line, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous squares, known for its cafes, fountains, and picturesque atmosphere.
When you’re there, visit the three famous fountains – the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fountain of the Moor, enjoy the street artists, and explore the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
Piazza Navona is a wonderful place to rest for a few minutes after a long walk. Although many cafes there have mixed reviews, it’s a pleasant place for a cup of coffee or wine. Café Bernini is recommended.
After you finish exploring Piazza Navona, continue with a walk through the heart of Rome.
Getting to the Pantheon on foot is quick and easy. The Pantheon is one of the most ancient buildings in Rome. You can buy tickets in advance online through GetYourGuide, which is significantly more convenient than using the official website.
Continue toward Trevi Fountain, passing by Hadrian’s Temple and Venchi (one of our favorite gelato shops in Rome).
Trevi Fountain is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Rome. If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, visit the garden of the Trevi cocktail bar (also known as Trevi Rooftop).
This cozy rooftop bar at Hotel Fontana offers a beautiful view of Trevi Fountain. From there you can enjoy a drink with an incredible view and rest for a bit.
Then continue your walk through Rome until you reach the Spanish Steps.
The Spanish Steps are one of the most famous places to visit in Rome, often included in walking tours. Access to them is free.
The fountain at the bottom of the steps, Fontana della Barcaccia (The Old Boat Fountain), was created in 1629 by Pietro Bernini, the father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Warning: Tired and need a rest? Think twice about sitting on the Spanish Steps. In 2019, a new law was introduced to combat “bad behavior” in Rome. If you’re caught sitting on the Spanish Steps, you risk paying a 400 euro fine.
To enjoy a unique view of the Spanish Steps, visit the Keats-Shelley Museum. Exploring this small museum takes no more than 30 minutes. For information about opening hours and prices, visit the official website at https://ksh.roma.it/.
5:30 PM: Roman Rooftop Experience: Luxury Hotel Terraces with Panoramic City Views and Aperitivo Culture
In Rome, dinner usually doesn’t start before 7:00 PM, which gives you enough time to rest. You can stop by your hotel briefly or enjoy an aperitivo at a rooftop bar or hotel with a beautiful view of the city.
A minute’s walk from the Spanish Steps is the terrace Cielo at Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville. They offer both aperitivos and dinner, so you can stay there for dinner as well.
Close to Cielo Terrace is Imàgo, a Michelin-starred restaurant with an impressive view of Rome. To enjoy dinner there, it’s good to make a reservation several months in advance.
7:00 PM: Roman Dinner Experience: Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Traditional Trastevere Trattorias
For dinner you have the option to stay at Cielo Terrace or choose another place. If you haven’t visited Trastevere yet, tonight you could try one of the restaurants there.
Rome Day 3 Itinerary – Ancient Appian Way Bike Tour, Underground Catacombs, and World-Class Borghese Art Collection
In the morning bike along the Appian Way and explore the Catacombs. In the afternoon visit Galleria Borghese – a museum with one of the best art collections in the world.
9:00 AM: Appian Way and Catacombs
3:00 PM: Galleria Borghese
5:00 PM: Villa Borghese Gardens
6:00 PM: Aperitivo
7:00 PM: Dinner
Morning: Appian Way Archaeological Experience: Ancient Roman Road Cycling Tours and Christian Catacombs Underground Exploration
The Appian Way is an ancient Roman road built to connect Rome with Brindisi. Along this road are many monuments, including the Circus of Maxentius and numerous catacombs.
If you’re visiting Rome with children, this is one of the best things to do in Rome.
To visit the Appian Way, you can rent bikes and explore it on your own or join an organized tour. Many tours offer electric bikes and include a visit to the catacombs.
We took a bus to the beginning of the Appian Way, rented bikes from a small shop (Appia Antica Caffe) and explored the road on our own, finishing the morning with a tour of the San Sebastian Catacombs.
The whole experience took about 3 hours, so if you start at 9 AM, you’ll finish around 12 PM. For details on how to organize an independent visit, see our article on the Appian Way.
Visiting with an organized group removes much of the inconvenience of traveling to and from the Appian Way (we used a combination of metro and bus). Plus, with a guide you can learn more and make the most of your catacombs visit.
Here are some of the best Appian Way and catacombs tours. Some of them are 3 hours long, and there are others that last 6 hours. If you plan to visit Galleria Borghese, choose a shorter Appian Way tour so you have time for it as well.
3:00 PM: Galleria Borghese Art Masterpieces: Bernini Sculptures, Caravaggio Paintings, and Essential Reservation Guide
I chose 3 PM for the Galleria Borghese visit so you have enough time for lunch and travel from the Appian Way. You must arrive 30 minutes before the start of your tour to collect your tickets.
How to get to Galleria Borghese: The closest metro station is Barberini. From there you can reach Galleria Borghese in a 20-minute walk.
You can also reach Galleria Borghese by bus, taxi, or Uber if you’re tired from walking. More information about access can be found on the official website at www.galleriaborghese.it.
Even if you’re not a passionate art lover or museums in general, Galleria Borghese is definitely worth the visit. This museum houses one of the most sophisticated art collections in the world, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini.
Warning: Visiting Galleria Borghese is only possible with advance reservations. Reservations can be made up to three months ahead. They are allocated in two-hour intervals, with the first at 9:00 AM and the last at 5:45 PM.
You can make your reservation online or call +39 06 32810. Online reservations have a 2 euro fee.
Tickets can also be purchased through GetYourGuide, which includes a guided tour of the Borghese Gardens. This is a great option if you want to learn more about the artworks and the place itself or if you weren’t able to buy tickets from the official website.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Note: Collect your tickets half an hour before your designated start time. If you have a 3:00 PM reservation, arrive no later than 2:30 PM.
In case of delay, even by just 5 minutes, you may not be allowed access. Keep in mind that we’ve seen access denied to visitors who were late for their reservation.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; last entry at 5:45 PM
Closed on Mondays
Price: 13 euros, prices may increase during special exhibitions, + 2 euro reservation fee
Website: www.galleriaborghese.it
Nearest metro station: Barberini
5:00 PM: Villa Borghese Gardens: Pincio Terrace Views, Temple of Aesculapius, and Piazza del Popolo Panorama
After visiting Galleria Borghese, stroll through the gardens. Don’t miss seeing the Tempio di Esculapio (the small temple on the lake) and the Orologio ad Acqua del Pincio (the water clock).
At the far end of the Villa Borghese gardens you’ll find Terrazza del Pincio, which offers a magnificent view of Piazza del Popolo.
6:00 PM: Final Rome Dinner: Rooftop Restaurants with Views and Traditional Roman Cuisine Recommendations
If you still haven’t had enough of rooftop bars, we have a few more places to recommend. A short distance from Piazza del Popolo is Terrazza Nainer. A bit further away is AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari, where the rooftop bar and restaurant serves exceptional pasta dishes.
Another alternative for dinner on your third day in Rome is Divinity Restaurant & Lounge, located not far from the Pantheon. Divinity Restaurant & Lounge has a spacious outdoor terrace for aperitivos as well as an outdoor restaurant. The food and drinks are excellent, and the view during sunset is impressive.
Are tourist cards worth it: Roma Pass vs Omnia Card Cost Comparison for 3-Day Visits
Rome offers several different tourist cards, including Roma Pass, Omnia Card, and Turbo Pass. Of these, Roma Pass is most suitable for the suggested itinerary. It’s the cheapest option, while Omnia Card and Turbo Pass are more expensive and include access to many attractions that aren’t part of this itinerary, so they’re not worth the investment.
The three-day Roma Pass costs 52 euros and provides access to a long list of attractions that aren’t included in our itinerary, but it does include Galleria Borghese, the Capitoline Museums, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.
With Roma Pass, the first two attraction visits are free, and discounts are offered for subsequent ones. The card also provides free access to public transportation. The savings are minimal and advance reservations are still required for the Colosseum. However, for more information you can visit the official website at https://www.romapass.it/.
How to get around Rome: Metro, Bus, Taxi Tips, and Walking vs Public Transport for Major Attractions
Most of Rome’s attractions are located in the central part of the city, where you can get around on foot. To save time and effort, you can use the metro, buses, or taxis.
Taxi stands are located throughout the city. You can use Google Maps to find the closest one to you by searching for “taxi stand.” Once you get in the taxi that’s first in line, tell the driver your next destination.
Most taxis accept credit cards, but it’s recommended to have some cash as well. We usually add 1-2 euros to the amount as a tip.
Using Uber is possible, but it’s often faster to walk to a taxi stand.
The metro is fast, cheap, and convenient, and represents a more economical option compared to taxis. Watch out for pickpockets in the metro and at other busy places in Rome.
Where to Eat in Rome: Traditional Trattorias, Rooftop Bars, and Authentic Italian Dining by Neighborhood
We’ve included several recommendations in this itinerary, but for a more extensive list of recommended restaurants, you can check out our Rome Restaurant Guide. For information about rooftop bars, please see our guide to rooftop bars in Rome.
What is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Rome
Spring and fall are the most suitable seasons for visiting Rome. During these periods the weather is ideal for sightseeing and tourist crowds are smaller compared to the busy summer months. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect in Rome by season:
Winter: Winters in Rome are cool, with daily maximum temperatures around 13°C and cooler weather at night. Precipitation is slightly above the yearly average, with about 7 rainy days per month in December, January, and February.
Spring: At the beginning of spring temperatures reach 16°C and continue to rise with each passing week, with the average temperature in June around 27°C. The likelihood of precipitation decreases as the summer months approach. May and June are warm, with less chance of rain compared to fall and winter months.
Summer: The summer months bring the biggest tourist crowds and hot weather, with daily temperatures averaging around 31°C, which can reach up to 35°C. Precipitation is lowest during the year. If you’re planning a visit during the summer months, book your hotel and museum tickets in advance.
Fall: At the beginning of fall crowds can still be significant, starting to decrease toward the end of October. Daily temperatures range from 26°C at the beginning of the season to 17°C toward its end. Fall is the wettest period for visiting Rome, with peak precipitation in November, so if you’re planning to be here during this season, don’t forget your umbrella.
The best time to visit Rome is from May to mid-June, when the climate is pleasant and tourists are fewer.
More or Less Time to Spend in Rome?
If you have less than three days in Rome, find out how to organize your time with our suggestions for one-day and two-day Rome itineraries. If you’re in the city for more than three days, see our ideas for four days in Rome, where we offer various options for spending your last day.