Rome is a city where every corner whispers tales of history, art, and culinary delights. You could easily spend a lifetime wandering its streets, but if you only have three days, let's make them count. This itinerary packs in the must-sees while sprinkling in some hidden gems to give you a taste of the real Rome. Buckle up; it’s going to be a whirlwind adventure!
Day 1: Classic Rome
Start your Roman holiday by diving straight into the heart of the city’s iconic sights. After all, you can’t say you've been to Rome if you haven’t visited the Colosseum.
- Morning: Arrive at the Colosseum (9:00 AM). Pre-book your tickets online to skip the lines. Spend about 1.5 hours exploring this ancient gladiatorial arena. Don't forget to imagine yourself in a toga, yelling for your favorite gladiator.
- Late morning: Walk to the Roman Forum (10:30 AM). It’s just a stone's throw away. Spend an hour wandering through the ruins. Try not to get lost in the history; it can be overwhelming.
- Lunch: Head to La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (12:00 PM) for some authentic Roman pasta. The carbonara here could make a grown man weep.
- Afternoon: Visit the Palatine Hill (1:30 PM). It’s included in your Forum ticket, and it offers stunning views. Spend about an hour here, but feel free to channel your inner emperor.
- Evening: Stroll to the Pantheon (4:00 PM). Marvel at the architecture and the oculus. Grab a gelato at Giolitti nearby. You’ll need the energy boost for what’s next.
- Dinner: Make a reservation at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (7:00 PM) in Trastevere. The cacio e pepe is life-changing.
Day 2: Art and culture
Day two is all about immersing yourself in Rome’s art scene. You’ll feel cultured enough to attend a wine tasting while wearing a beret.
- Morning: Visit the Vatican Museums (9:00 AM). Pre-book your tickets to avoid the lengthy queues. Spend about 2.5 hours absorbing art from the likes of Michelangelo. The Sistine Chapel will leave you speechless.
- Lunch: Grab a bite at Panificio Bonci (12:30 PM) for a slice of gourmet pizza. You’ll be dreaming about it for weeks.
- Afternoon: Head to St. Peter’s Basilica (2:00 PM). You can climb to the dome for a panoramic view of the city. It’s 551 steps, but the view is worth every single one (bring your inhaler).
- Evening: Walk over to the Spanish Steps (4:30 PM). People-watch and soak in the atmosphere. Maybe even pretend you’re in a romantic movie.
- Dinner: Dine at Ristorante Pizzeria Il Margutta RistorArte (7:00 PM) for vegetarian options that even meat lovers will rave about.
Day 3: Hidden gems and leisure
Your final day is all about discovering Rome’s quirky side. You’ll leave feeling like an insider.
- Morning: Start at the Quartiere Coppedè (9:00 AM). This eclectic neighborhood feels like a movie set and is perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Spend an hour wandering.
- Brunch: Head to Pastificio Guerra (11:00 AM) for some street food pasta. Yes, you heard that right; street food pasta. It’s a thing, and it’s delicious.
- Afternoon: Visit the Non-Catholic Cemetery (1:00 PM), where poets Keats and Shelley rest. It’s serene and a bit off the beaten path, perfect for a reflective moment.
- Evening: Explore the Trastevere neighborhood (3:00 PM). Get lost in its narrow streets and stop by Santa Maria in Trastevere. This church has beautiful mosaics that deserve your attention.
- Dinner: End your Roman escapade at Hostaria Romana (7:00 PM). Try their famous amatriciana sauce. You might just propose to the dish.
Three days in Rome will fly by, but with this itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy a little bit of everything. From ancient ruins to mouthwatering pasta and quirky neighborhoods, you’ll leave with stories to tell and memories to cherish. Just remember, when in Rome, eat like the Romans do—and maybe throw in a little gelato for good measure. Happy travels!
