What to Do in Rome in Three Days

Updated: November 2019

Rome is famous for being one of the most historical, cultured and romantic destinations in the world, and whether you are visiting to enjoy the excellent food or to see the sights of the city, you won’t leave disappointed!

Here are my tips on what to do in Rome in three days!

Day 1 in Rome

Take a Tour

While visiting Rome last summer, I joined a Rome food & pizza making tour, which, if you ask me, is the best way to discover a city! The tour lasts through mid-day, taking you through different parts of Rome. You’ll get your bearings of the city while trying the delicious food!

You get to go to a market, a local bakery, a traditional pizzeria (where you can make a delicious masterpiece), and of course, end with a traditional Italian coffee break.

Visit the Roman Forum

Make your way to the Imperial Forums, especially Trajan’s markets which is the first “multi-level shopping mall” in the world. You can also explore the Via Biberatica, which is the most intact ancient Roman street in the city.

Wander over the Roman Forum and take in the iconic views!

Climb up on Palantine Hill

After exploring the forum, and wandering the streets that Julius Caesar once did, climb up to see the ruins of the imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill. Enjoy the beautiful garden areas and fragments of ancient villas.

Visit the Colosseum

Take the southeast entrance from the Roman Forum, and walk right up to the Colosseum. It is such an amazing sight to see, and if you are really interested in exploring the inside, join a tour. The tours can be expensive and have quite a bit of a wait, so decide if it is something that is really important to you!

Next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, one of the largest of Rome’s ancient triumphal arches. The arch celebrates Emperor Constantine the Great’s victory and the battle that made Christianity the religion of Rome.

Watch the Sunset from Piazza del Campidoglio

Make sure that before sunset you slip around the backside of the central building in Piazza del Campidoglio, on top of Capitoline Hill. You’ll see a beautiful panorama of the Forum from above, with the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum in the background.

Day 2 in Rome

Have a Cappuccino at Caffé Sant’Eustachio

One of the oldest and most famous cappuccino and espresso shops in Rome, Caffé Sant’Eustachio is famous for its home-roast beans, blended with water from an ancient aqueduct. You will find authentic, Italian coffee and some colorful characters!

Visit the Pantheon

Definitely a sight you CANNOT miss in Rome, the Pantheon is the only ancient Roman temple to survive the millennia virtually intact. The architecture will blow your mind, and you will need a few minutes just to sit in the piazza and take in the stately sight before heading inside.

Go to Piazza del Popolo

Make your way north to Piazza del Popolo, and if it interests you, check out the fabulous church of Santa Maria del Popolo.

Explore Villa Borghese

Adjacent to the Piazza del Popolo, you’ll find the grounds of Villa Borghese. Stop at the east end for great views over the city and epic photo opportunities.

Sit on the Spanish Steps

You can sit and people watch from the lively and iconic Spanish Steps before grabbing some gelato and taking a walk down Via dei Condotti and the surrounding streets to do a little window shopping.

Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

No trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the Trevi Fountain! The tradition is to toss a few coins in, to ensure that one day you’ll return to the Eternal City. NOTE: As with all things ancient, the Trevi Fountain requires constant renovation and is drained to get some extra TLC right now.

Day 3 in Rome

Experience Vatican City

Wake up bright and early so that you beat the tour buses to the spectacular, St. Peter’s Basilica, which opens at 7 am. If you are interested, following the basilica, climb the “cupola” for a workout and breathtaking panoramic views of the city across the river.

Once you’re finished, spend some time in St. Peter’s Square out front, and visit the world-famous Vatican Museums, which open at 9 am, if you want to check out history at its finest. You can expect to spend most of the day at the Vatican if you’re a history lover!

Visit Piazza Navona

Back across the river, and home to Bernini fountains, cafés, colorful street performers, and large crowds, Rome’s famous Piazza Navona is a lively place to people watch and enjoy your daily gelato.

Get Lost

As with all first-time visits to a city, allow lots of free time to get lost and discover unsuspected treasures around Rome. Keep a map handy, but try walking around without a plan or destination. You never know what you’ll find!

I also highly recommend exploring the city at night. There are countless evening walking tours if you are traveling solo and want a guide, but there’s no city quite like Rome lit up at night! Don’t miss it!

Don’t miss my post on 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Italy!