On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know to experience the best of Rome in five days.
Every time someone asks me for a five-day itinerary in Rome, I light up with excitement.
Why? Because Rome, in Italy, is one of my absolute favorite cities — and I love helping people make the most of their time there, no matter how long or short their stay. Even just a day in Italy’s capital can be an unforgettable experience.
But when someone asks what to do with five days in Rome, that’s my favorite kind of question. I believe five days gives you enough time to slow down, take in the iconic landmarks, discover some hidden gems, and actually enjoy the city — rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
It’s surprisingly easy to fill five days in Rome with rich, varied experiences. I hope this Rome itinerary shows you just how worthwhile it is to dedicate a few full days to the Eternal City – even if it initially seems like a long stay for a single destination.
How to Get Around Rome in 5 Days: Transport Tickets, Apps & Travel Passes
How much you’ll rely on public transport in Rome largely depends on where your hotel is located and the route you plan to follow.
Here are the two most useful options to consider:
- BIT – a single ticket (€1.50, valid for 100 minutes)
- CIS – a weekly pass (€24). While it might not be cost-effective for just 5 days, it’s a great choice if you plan to use buses, trams, and the metro frequently.
If you prefer taking taxis, you can download the Free Now app. Just be sure to check the estimated fare before booking, as taxis in Rome can be quite expensive, especially late at night.
Day 1 in Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill & Jewish Quarter
Your first day in Rome should be dedicated to some of the city’s most iconic sights: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill, and the charming Jewish Ghetto.
Morning: Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. These landmarks sit side by side and are an absolute must — not just for history buffs, but for anyone visiting Rome.
The best way to visit the Colosseum is to book your tickets in advance here.
I like booking directly through the official Colosseum site — their tours are high-quality, come with timed entry (so you can skip the long lines), and cost a fraction of what third-party providers charge.
Your ticket also includes access to the Roman Forum, which you can explore on the same day or the next. I recommend seeing both in one morning, as they beautifully complement each other.
Except in the winter months, I also suggest making time to hike up Palatine Hill (il Palatino). The ruins are stunning, and the views over the city are absolutely breathtaking.
Lunch near Piazza Venezia
After immersing yourself in ancient Rome, take a break and enjoy lunch near Piazza Venezia. You’ll find several good options here — two of my favorites are Birreria Peroni and Trinity College. Yes, the latter is an Irish pub, but it serves excellent salads and makes for a solid lunch spot (even if it’s not exactly Roman in character!).
Early Afternoon: Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill
After lunch, be sure to explore Piazza Venezia and make time for two key sites: the Vittoriano monument and Capitoline Hill.
The Vittoriano offers spectacular terraces with panoramic views of Rome (the first two levels are free; the topmost one costs €10 to access).
Capitoline Hill features a magnificent square designed by Michelangelo and offers a gorgeous rear-facing view over the Forum. It’s also entirely pedestrian-friendly, with no car traffic allowed.
Afternoon: A Walk Through Rome’s Jewish Quarter
After experiencing the grandeur of imperial Rome — the Colosseum and the Forum — I suggest diving into a completely different side of the city: the Jewish Ghetto.
This neighborhood is full of narrow streets, hidden corners, rich history, and some of the most delicious food in all of Rome. It’s just a short walk downhill from Capitoline Hill. Stick around for dinner — it’s the best way to truly soak in the atmosphere.
Day 2 in Rome: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori & Trastevere Nightlife
On your second day, it’s time to wander Rome’s famous cobblestone streets and atmospheric squares.
Morning: Start your day around the Pantheon. The vibe here is magical, and the best way to explore is to let yourself get a little lost and take in the sights. Don’t miss the main Pantheon square, Piazza della Rotonda, as well as Piazza di Pietra (a hidden gem with breathtaking ruins), Piazza della Minerva, and Piazza Sant’Eustachio — home to one of the best coffee spots in the city.
Lunch near Piazza Navona
For lunch, head over to Piazza Pasquino and Via del Governo Vecchio. This area is full of charming spots — I’m a fan of Cul de Sac, an informal place with great Roman food. You might also love La Ciambella, a chic wine bar serving some of the finest food in Rome.
The best way to get here from the Pantheon is to meander through the little alleyways that connect them. On your way, be sure to step inside San Luigi dei Francesi church — it houses stunning Caravaggio paintings that are absolutely worth the detour.
Early Afternoon:
After lunch, enjoy the stunning views of Piazza Navona. This is one of Italy’s most iconic squares, featuring masterpiece fountains and architecture by Bernini and Borromini.
You can simply stroll around and take in the beauty — or, for something extra, step into Palazzo Braschi, the Museum of Rome. It’s home to fascinating exhibits and offers a breathtaking view of the square from its third-floor windows!
Late Afternoon / Dinner
After soaking in the atmosphere of Piazza Navona and the surrounding streets, cross Viale Vittorio Veneto and head toward Campo de’ Fiori — a medieval square known for the statue of Giordano Bruno and, nowadays, for its buzzing cafés and great spots for aperitivo.
You can relax here and do a bit of people-watching — but after that, I highly recommend crossing the river into Trastevere to experience Rome’s lively nightlife and some of the best food the city has to offer.
Day 3 in Rome: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s, Shopping Streets & Iconic Landmarks
On Day 3, I suggest heading across the river and dedicating the day to exploring the Vatican. Depending on what you want to see, this could be a short visit — or it might take up the whole morning.
St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica are free to enter and won’t take too long to explore, while the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will easily take at least three hours — possibly much longer if you need to wait in line.
The best way to visit the Vatican Museums is by booking tickets well in advance from the official website. Entry is timed, which means you’ll skip most of the queues.
The museums are stunning but often extremely crowded. If that feels overwhelming, I highly recommend visiting the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo instead. It’s beautiful, far less crowded, and offers its own unique views of the city.
Lunch in Borgo
For lunch, head into the Borgo district — the neighborhood right next to the Vatican. My favorite spot here is a tiny pastificio (pasta shop) offering delicious, casual meals and heavenly desserts.
Afternoon:
After your morning in the Vatican, I suggest making your way to Via del Corso. This is Rome’s main shopping street, with everything from high-street fashion to designer boutiques. But it’s also surrounded by famous landmarks: here you’ll find Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna with the Spanish Steps, and of course, the iconic Trevi Fountain.
I recommend ending your day with an aperitivo at the rooftop bar of Rinascente (a popular department store), before heading to dinner near the Trevi Fountain.
Day 4 in Rome: Borghese Gallery, Villa Borghese & Hidden Gems Like Quartiere Coppedè
Morning: On the morning of Day 4, head to the Villa Borghese — a large and beautiful park known for its romantic landscapes and home to the world-renowned Borghese Gallery.
The gallery is stunning and operates on a timed reservation system, so you’ll need to buy tickets in advance with a specific entry time.
Lunch: Whether or not you visit the gallery, Villa Borghese is worth exploring and makes a lovely spot for a coffee or light lunch. Head to the small café near the lake — it’s peaceful and scenic.
From here, you can also walk to the nearby GNAM — the National Gallery of Modern Art — which hosts interesting exhibitions and also has a great restaurant.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, I suggest heading to a quiet and lesser-known corner of Rome not far from Villa Borghese — the Quartiere Coppedè. It’s a charming neighborhood with extraordinary architecture that feels like a fairytale set.
The walk through the area won’t take more than 30 minutes, but it offers a memorable glimpse into a side of Rome most tourists miss.
It’s also a great place to stop for a coffee — head to Piazza Caprera and enjoy the small terrace. Unlike the city center, prices here are much more down to earth.
Dinner in Monti
For dinner, I recommend heading to Rione Monti — a charming, central neighborhood filled with great restaurants, cafés, and wine bars. It’s also home to some beautiful churches, like Santa Prassede, which is absolutely worth visiting for its breathtaking mosaics — some of the finest in Rome.
Day 5 in Rome: Day Trip to Ostia Antica + Aventine Hill Views & Dinner in Testaccio
Morning: On your fifth day, it’s time to venture beyond central Rome and explore Ostia Antica — a stunning archaeological site on the outskirts of the city.
It takes about 30 minutes to get there by commuter train, and once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world — far from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a perfect morning getaway, especially on a sunny day. If the weather isn’t ideal for being outdoors, I recommend visiting Centrale Montemartini instead — a unique and lesser-known museum.
Lunch: Have lunch in the Borgo of Ostia Antica or in the Ostiense district, near the museum — both offer plenty of excellent options.
Afternoon: After lunch, head to Piazzale Ostiense (easily accessible from either Ostia Antica or Centrale Montemartini) and make your way to Rome’s Protestant Cemetery.
This peaceful spot is full of history and charm, with the graves of notable poets and artists — including Shelley. It also offers a striking view of one of Rome’s most unusual landmarks: the city’s only pyramid.
From there, hike up the Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s original seven hills and still one of its most beautiful areas.
Be sure to visit some of the churches along the way — especially the stunning Santa Sabina — and don’t miss Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. Behind a large, unassuming door lies a secret: peek through the keyhole and you’ll see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance. Yes, it’s legal — and highly encouraged!
The most scenic part of Aventine Hill is the so-called Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) — a peaceful green space with a panoramic terrace overlooking Rome. The view here is breathtaking and wonderfully romantic.
After this high-up farewell to Rome, head back down into Testaccio for your final dinner in one of the city’s most beloved foodie neighborhoods.
Bonus Experiences in Rome: Rooftop Aperitivos, Cooking Classes & Local Tours
- Take a food tour through local eateries
- Go for a bike ride along the ancient Via Appia, passing stunning aqueducts and catacombs
- Enjoy an aperitivo on one of Rome’s rooftop terraces (spring and summer only)
- Visit the awe-inspiring Baths of Caracalla
- Join a local cooking class
- Tour Rome’s famous churches: St. Peter’s, San Clemente, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Santa Maria in Trastevere — and many more: if you love visiting churches, Rome will be your playground for months!
What to Pack for a 5-Day Trip to Rome: Essentials for Comfort, Culture & Style
In addition to your essentials, I recommend packing the following:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Your phone, camera, and corresponding chargers + a backup battery
- An Italian phrasebook and/or pocket dictionary
- A bit of cash + a debit/ATM card that works internationally
- A reusable water bottle
- A compact waist bag or crossbody bag
- Modest clothing appropriate for visiting the Vatican