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The Best 3 Days in Rome Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

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The Perfect 3 Days In Rome: The Best Rome Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

If you are heading to Italy and have only 3 days in Rome, fear not for that is sufficient time to cover some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. There are so many things to do in Rome, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to see and do in the magnificent city. While you may not get through everything, if you have a clear itinerary and plan your trip well, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Rome.

Rome is one of Italy’s and Europe’s most visited cities. So, it goes without saying the city is filled with tourists no matter what time of the year you visit. People flock from all over the world to see top attractions like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica while indulging in some of the best food in the world.

This 3 days in Rome itinerary is packed with the top Rome tourist attractions. You’ll find a step-by-step guide for your perfect 3 days in Rome. It provides tips and advice that will help you navigate your time through the Eternal city. This Rome travel guide focuses on the highlights in Rome that make an excellent itinerary for your 3 days in Rome. So, what are the best things to do in Rome in 3 days? Find out below.

Getting Around Rome

If you follow this Rome guide and plan out your trip, you’ll find that most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. But if you are short on time and are looking to get from one end of the city to another, then I’d suggest using public transportation. Rome also gets very hot in the afternoons, so if you are not likely to deal with the heat well definitely look into public transport as an option.

You can buy a pass for your 3 days in Rome which includes unlimited use of Rome’s buses, metro, trams, and trains, as well as the hop-on-hop-off bus.

You can also buy single one-way tickets at tabacceria (tobacco shops) easily found all around the city. Tickets are reasonably priced starting at €1.50 per one-way ticket. You can use these tickets on any public transportation (except the hop-on-hop-off bus). Just remember to validate your single-use tickets at a validation machine. This will ensure it’s dated to show the time period for which the ticket is valid. Check timetables well ahead of time to ensure buses, metros, and trains are all running when you need them.

Taxis are another option, but of course, come at a price. So, leave this option only for emergencies. You can also use Uber in Rome which is a better alternative to taxis.

Photo of concrete building,, fountain and arial view of a square outlining the perfect 3 days in Rome
The Perfect 3 Days in Rome

Best Time To Visit Rome

Low season: Mid-November to mid-December and mid-January to early March are the best months to visit Rome for the least number of crowds. Temperatures are around 3-13°C / 37-55°F.

Shoulder season: Mid-March to early May and mid-September to early November will see a moderate number of crowds and mild temperatures, 9-22°C / 48-71°F.

High season: Mid-May to early September is when Rome is at its busiest. Expect very long lines at attractions and high hotel prices. Avoid this season if you can’t stand crowds or the heat. The weather is at its warmest during this time of year, 17-31°C / 62-87°F.

Rome Tourist Cards

So which tourist card is the best one for you? There are 3 major cards you can look into, Roma Pass, Rome Tourist Card, and the Omnia Card.  It all comes down to what you want to see and the duration of your stay. Check here for a comparison of the different cards

Roma Pass: The Roma pass is the most affordable city pass but only includes entry to one or two monuments. It gives you access to public transportation.

Rome Tourist Card: This tourist card is 100% digital so you don’t have to collect the card in Rome. It includes all the must-visit attractions in Rome. As the tourist card is 100% online you can choose your dates of visit online. There’s no time limit to use it. It is however more expensive than the Roma Pass.

Omnia card: If you are looking for a comprehensive city pass, the Omnia card gives you access to unlimited use of the public transport network. It also includes skip-the-line access to most of the major tourist attractions in Rome. It is the most expensive of the three cards.

Concrete structure during daytime
Ancient Rome

How many days do you need in Rome

A visit to Rome is like a sightseeing adventure that is waiting to be unleashed. There are so many things to see and do in Rome, it will blow your mind. You could spend one day here if you are just passing through the city, and take in a few of the top attractions or you could plan a weekend away in this magnificent city.

Personally, 3 days in Rome was the perfect amount of time to cover the city’s most visited tourist attractions. It’s amazing how much you can fit into three days if you are well organized and have your trip planned out in advance. You’ll even have some time in the evenings to sit down and enjoy some fine Italian cuisine while taking in the ambiance.

3 Days in Rome: The Best Rome Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Rome is an incredible city. You could spend a lifetime here and still find it so intriguing. From its history, food, hospitality, and culture Rome has so much to offer. Luckily with 3 days in Rome, you can experience some of the city’s main highlights.

This itinerary of 3 days in Rome is filled with some of the best places to visit in Rome. It’s jam-packed and filled with top Rome attractions that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The attractions are listed in order of location to help optimize your time in Rome. If you find it gets a bit too hectic for you, you can always skip attractions that don’t interest you. All you need is a pair of good walking shoes and you’re ready to discover Rome in 3 days.

Day 1: 3 Days in Rome

The first day in Rome will see you covering most of the major tourist attractions in Ancient Rome. You will cover everything from the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Campidoglio, Capitoline Museums, and Piazza Venezia from where you can view the famous Victor Emmanuel II Monument. It sounds like a lot but when you look at the proximity of these attractions, you’ll realize it’s all very doable. You’ll even be left with some time in the evening to walk around the city as it lights up and grab yourself a nice authentic Italian meal.

Colosseum

brown concrete building during day time
Colosseum

Let’s start your 3 days in Rome at the world-famous attraction, the Colosseum. This structure is one of the most iconic and renowned landmarks not just in Rome but in the world and is located in the historic center of the city. The Colosseum was constructed between 70-80 AD and at its peak was estimated to hold 80,000 spectators. This building was used to hold games, gladiator tournaments, and other forms of entertainment and would regularly be attended by the Roman Emperors.

If you purchased the Rome Tourist Card or the Omnia Card, a visit to the Colosseum is included. Alternatively, you can book a skip-the-line tour. The best part of this ticket is in addition to entry into the Colosseum it also includes the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill. Just make sure you book a slot as early as you can to avoid some of the large crowds that come through the day. I’d suggest going on a guided tour as the guides will help you understand the history of the Colosseum along with some great stories of what once took place there. 

Arch of Constantine

concrete brown structure arch during daytime
Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine sits right next to the Colosseum and is one of the oldest and largest structures in Rome. So, it’s definitely something you can’t miss as it stands at 21m high. Considering its age, the Arch still retains a great amount of its original detail.

The Arch of Constantine is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. When visiting the Colosseum, put aside a few minutes to admire this fantastic Arch.

Roman Forum

arial view of concrete columns and structures amongst green grass during day time
Roman Forum

Your Colosseum ticket should also provide entry to the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill, both located in close proximity to the Colosseum. The Roman Forum is an ancient site that consists of many ruins of temples, standing and fallen columns, arches, and squares that once stood in its place.

Walking into the Roman Forum is like going back in time to the heart of ancient Rome. It’s where the social life, the marketplace, and the Roman Empire were centered. It’s one of the top attractions in Rome and one that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city.

Palantine Hill

Your next top is Palantine Hill, one of the most ancient parts of Rome. Palantine Hill is located 40 m above the Roman Forum. From here you can look out onto the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Palace of Augustus, the crumbling arches and pillars, and also get a beautiful view of the Colosseum. Here they supposedly found here the legendary Romulus and Remus, who then went on to build the city of Rome.

The best part about Ancient Rome is how close all the attractions are to each other. There’s absolutely no excuse to miss out on seeing some of Rome’s best attractions. Take a break, grab a snack or a drink and relax for a while before you make your way to your next stop.

Tip: You can spend one evening walking around ancient Rome. It has a great vibe and is one of the most beautiful things to do in Rome at night. Grab dinner at one of the local restaurants in the narrow winding streets or simply sit outside the Colosseum and take in the sights of Rome.

Piazza del Campidoglio and Capitoline Museums

girl standing in front of statue of a man on a horse infront of a concrete building during day time
Capitoline Museums

After visiting some of the top tourist attractions in Rome, make your way to Piazza del Campidoglio. It’s roughly a 10-minute walk from the Roman Forum. This square was designed by the famous Michelangelo. It’s located at the top of Capitoline Hill and offers incredible views of the Roman Forum. It’s a great place to sit down and reflect on your first day in Rome thus far.

If you are a fan of art and paintings, you can visit the Capitoline Museums that are located here. While the Piazza is a quick stop, if you’d like to visit Capitoline Museums, you’ll have to allow at least a couple of hours to do so.

Plazza Venezia

white concrete building with statues and flags during daytime
Victor Emmanuel II Monument

After visiting Piazza del Campidoglio and Capitoline Museums, make your way to Piazza Venezia which is about a 5-minute walk. Take a walk around the Piazza from where you can see the spectacular Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. This impressive marble building was built on top of Palentine Hill between 1885 and 1935 and is considered one of the top landmarks in Rome. Its grandeur and elegance will leave you speechless.

This is where you’ll end day 1 of your 3 days in Rome. It’s been an action-filled day covering some of Rome’s top tourist attractions. Your feet probably need a break so you can make your way to dinner and call it a night. Or if you are feeling up to it, walk around the city of Rome to get a glimpse of its beauty once the city lights up.

Day 2: 3 Days in Rome

On day 2 of your 3 days in Rome, you’ll mostly spend time exploring the historical center of Rome. But before you start at the historical center you’ll begin your day at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A busy day ahead but one that you’ll remember for years to come.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

concrete structure and oblesik during daytime
Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore

Start day 2 nice and early with a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Rome. It’s definitely not something to miss when visiting the city.

Whilst the Basilica’s outside beauty will blow you away, it’s the inside that will leave you speechless. The interior features a huge amount of gold decoration, statues, frescos, and detailed paintings on the walls and ceilings. It’s simply breathtaking. Unlike most other attractions in Rome, this Basilica isn’t as crowded. It’s one of the best free things to do in Rome, so make sure you pay a visit to this beautiful Basilica.

Pantheon

concrete structure during day time with people walking around in front of it
Pantheon

After you’ve finished taking in the sights of the beautiful Basilica make your way to the Pantheon.  It is a bit of a walk (approx. 30 mins) so if you prefer to save time and your feet hurting, use public transport to get to the Pantheon.

Once a Roman temple, the Pantheon is now a church where mass is held regularly. It stands as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings and is considered one of the top Rome tourist attractions. The architecture will blow your mind.

You’ll walk through heavy bronze doors onto beautiful marble floors. The interior features a magnificent dome, the largest unreinforced dome ever built. It is simply magnificent. The Pantheon also holds the tombs of important Italian figures like Raphael (the famous artist) and Victor Emmanuel II (1st king of Italy). You can grab an audio guide if you want to learn more about this beautiful building.

Located in the center of Rome on the Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon is one of the best places to visit in Rome and should be on everyone’s Rome bucket list.

Piazza Navona

An open square filled with concrete buildings, fountains and people walking around
Piazza Navona

About 5 minutes away from the Pantheon lies a beautiful square, Piazza Navona. The square is lined with gelaterias, shops, and restaurants. It was built on top of what was originally a stadium in ancient Rome. This oval-shaped Piazza is a pedestrian-only square and is a must-visit attraction in Rome. It’s one of Rome’s most beautiful and famous squares.

There are three beautiful fountains that lie in this square; Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nettuno. The square is a lively square and is filled with performers and street vendors. It’s a great place to stop for a gelato or coffee while walking through the city. Or grab an early lunch before you head to your next attraction. Just beware that this place is quite touristy and the prices are too!

Trevi Fountain

White concrete fountain structure with body of water during daytime
Trevi Fountain

Making your way deeper into the historic center you’ll arrive at Trevi Fountain. It’s roughly about a 12-minute walk from Piazza Navona. There aren’t many fountains in the world that have people lining up to see them. There’s something very spectacular about the Trevi Fountain. It’s certainly no ordinary fountain.

The Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most famous fountain and is a work of art. It pays tribute to the Roman God Oceanus who can be seen riding his chariot pulled by Tritons. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.

The tradition is to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain in the hopes you’ll return to Rome one day.  No visit or Rome sightseeing is complete without tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. As one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, it can be very crowded by the fountain. So, if you want the fountain to yourself, you may want to get there first thing in the morning or late at night. You’ll still have a few people around though.

Spanish Steps

Steps leading up to a white concrete structure during day time
Spanish Steps

From the Trevi Fountain, head north on Via del Corso to make your way to the iconic Spanish Steps, one of the most famous landmarks in Rome. Via del Corso is a popular street in historic Rome and is lined with restaurants, gelaterias, and fashion stores. The atmosphere here is incredibly lively.

The Spanish steps were built in the 1720s to bridge the gap between the two popular squares. These stairs have now become a hang-out point for locals and tourists. It’s now one of the top things to do in Rome. (Note: It’s no longer permitted to sit on the steps)

At the top of the 135 steps, you can find a large crucifix obelisk and the Trinita dei Monti church. You’ll get great views of Rome from up here. At the bottom of the steps, the Piazza di Spagna has a number of shops and cafes. There are a lot of things to see and do in this area, so leave plenty of time to explore.

You’ll probably be getting tired and hot right about now. But we aren’t done just yet. So grab a gelato and head to your next destination.

Piazza del Popolo

Arial view of a square with buildings surrounding it and people walking through it
Piazza del Popolo

From Piazza di Spagna head north to Piazza del Popolo. The Piazza del Popolo is also known as the People’s Square is located near Villa Borghese. It’s one of the finest squares in Rome with 3 churches, fountains, and an obelisk.

The square is located at the beginning of Via Flaminia and was the main entrance to the city during the Roman Empire. This is a great place to relax and soak up the ambiance.

Villa Borghese Gardens

concrete structure in a body near a body of water and green trees during daytime
Villa Borghese

The final stop for the day is the Villa Borghese Gardens. These gardens are home to many fountains and sculptures. Take a stroll through this beautiful park which will provide some calmness from the large crowds across the historic center.

Situated within the gardens, you’ll find the Borghese Gallery and the Gallery of National Modern Art. If you love and appreciate art, then a visit to the Borghese Gallery is a must. It houses some of the finest collections in Rome, by artists such as Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio.

You can spend some time relaxing in the gardens after a long day of Rome sightseeing. You have the option to rent a boat or simply chill out in the park. It’s a great place to visit in Rome especially if you are traveling with kids.

The view from the terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo is one of the best in Rome. If you are lucky enough and time it with sunset, you’ll be in for a real treat. It’s a great place to reflect on your 2 days in Rome thus far.

Tip: After dinner, you can easily revisit many of the attractions you saw during the day. The city changes when everything lights up and it provides a completely different atmosphere. Walk by Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon.

It’s been an incredible second day in Rome. Having covered so many must-visit attractions in Rome you’ll be wanting to rest those feet before you begin day 3 in Rome. Find yourself some delicious food and call it a day.

Day 3: 3 Days in Rome

On day 3 you’ll start early in the morning and make your way to Vatican City where you’ll spend the majority of your day. You want to aim to beat some of the large crowds later in the day so make sure you get a head start.

Vatican City is going to be the highlight of your day and probably one of the best things to do in Rome. You’ll need at least half a day here to make the most of it. So, take your time exploring before you make your way to your next stop because today’s all about the Vatican.

Vatican City

brown and beige concrete building interior
Vatican City

A trip to Rome would not be complete without a trip to Vatican City. Home to the Pope, the city is a country of its own inside Rome. This independent city-state is considered one of the most important religious sites in the world. The city mints its own euros, issues passports, and has its own flag and anthem. This area offers a lot of the top attractions to see in Rome. Within Vatican City, you’ll find numerous attractions including St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica, and Vatican Museums where the Sistine Chapel is located. With the beauty of the Sistine Chapel and the brilliance of St Peter’s Basilica, this visit is an incredible experience in itself and is one of the best things to do in Rome.

The Vatican is always crowded no matter when you visit. Plan well in advance and arrive first thing in the morning. Allow at least half a day to see Vatican City and its top attractions. A guided tour is the perfect way to get through all the main attractions, skip some of the queues and learn a bit about the history. You definitely don’t want to skip a visit to the Vatican as it’s not only one of the best places to visit in Rome but also in the world.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

painted ceiling in interior of building
Sistine Chapel

To maximize your day, you’ll head straight to Vatican Museums with your pre-booked tickets (hopefully you’ve booked the skip-the-line tickets). Doors to the Museum open at 9 am, so try and organize an entry for as close to this time as you can. As the day progresses along, the lines get long and the museum gets very crowded. It can be quite an unpleasant experience. You can explore St. Peter’s Basilica after this.

There is so much to see at the Vatican Museum. You could spend hours on end here but the top attraction here is the Sistine Chapel. It’s hard to put into words what the Sistine Chapel is like, you have to see it to know what I mean. Every single thing about this chapel from the awe-striking ceilings to the frescoes is just breathtaking. You’ll see exactly why it’s one of the most popular attractions in the world.

Fun Fact: Did you know Michelangelo spent 4 years painting the Sistine Chapel?

St. Peter’s Basilica

white concrete building with people walking around
St. Peters Basilica

From the museum, make your way to St. Peters Basilica. You’ll need to go through security to enter the Basilica. The Basilica itself is free to enter but if you have a skip-the-line ticket (this needs to be purchased), this could save you a lot of time. If you are visiting off-season the ticket may not be necessary but I’d highly recommend getting the skip-the-line ticket for peak season.

St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most religious buildings in the world and one of the best places to visit in Rome. The Basilica has a beautifully designed front façade and is crowned with statues of Apostles and Jesus. St The interior is as beautiful as the outside and you’ll be amazed by the architecture and art in the Basilica. Make sure to look for Michelangelo’s Pieta on the right as you enter. One of the most impressive parts of the Basilica is its incredible dome. You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of this building that Michelangelo and Bernini contributed to.

The Basilica can accommodate 20,000 people with one of the most impressive parts of the Basilica being its dome. You can buy tickets to climb to the top of the dome where you’ll find an ariel view of St Peter’s Square. It’s one of the best views in Rome. Visiting St Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience and one of the top attractions in Rome.

Tip: If you visit the Vatican with a guided tour, you can get from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica in just 2 minutes using a restricted passageway. If you visit individually, though, you’ll have to exit the Vatican Museums and walk to St. Peter’s Basilica, and then stand in a long line to enter.

St. Peter’s Square

arial view of Vatican city during daytime
Vatican City

Last but not least you’ll walk through St. Peter’s Square and take in the Vatican in all its glory.

St Peter’s square, which is actually circular, is an impressive square with 284 columns and 88 pilasters that flank the square in a colonnade of four rows. Above the columns, there are statues of saints. At its center stands an obelisk which adds to the square’s grandeur. Take a stroll around the square and admire the architecture. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful squares to visit in Rome.

Tips for Vatican City

  • Book your tickets well in advance. I cannot tell you just how important it is to have pre-booked tickets which include skipping the lines.
  • Avoid visiting on the weekends if you can, it’s this is when the museums are the most crowded.
  • Men and Women are both required to wear appropriate clothing and have their shoulders and knees covered.
  • Don’t visit on days the Pope has open masses, you’ll have to wait to enter till he’s finished.

After a whole morning of taking in so much elegance and beauty, you’re probably hungry by this point. The cafes and restaurants immediately surrounding the Vatican are all overpriced. Walk 10 – 15 min to get to some really authentic eateries at one of the local restaurants.

Castel Sant’Angelo

brown concrete building near body of water
Castel Sant’Angelo

After St. Peter’s Basilica, make your way down the famous Via della Conciliazione which will lead to you the stunning Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s about a 10 min walk from the Basilica. Castel Sant’Angelo has evolved and gone through many stages of being a place for a tomb, a fortress, a castle, and now a museum. It was once used to protect the Pope during various sieges. Today, you can visit this fortress and even climb to the top for some magnificent views of the city.

You are given a limited amount of time to visit the Castel Sant’Angelo. So make sure you are aware of this when booking your tickets. You can wind up with a stroll down the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge in front of the castle.

Trastevere

Trastevere

Finish your 3 days in Rome in the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. This neighborhood is further away from the main attractions in Rome making it a little less touristy than the historical center. Trastevere has an authentic Italian atmosphere with a number of shops, restaurants, and bars. Sit down at a local restaurant and find off day 3 with a beautiful Italian meal.

To get there from Castel Sant’Angelo, you can simply walk along the right bank of the Tiber River for about 30 minutes. And if you are too tired to walk, you can take the bus.

Summary

That’s it from me. Hope you enjoy your 3 days in Rome and find this guide useful in planning your time in the Eternal city. And if you have more time in the city, then check out my guide on the best places to visit in Rome.

Happy Travels!

Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.

Rome Travel Tips

  • Get a tourist card: You’ll encounter long lines at most of the major attractions. In order to make the most of your 3 days in Rome, I’d highly recommend you purchase tickets well in advance that include skipping the line for Rome’s main tourist attractions. Look into a Roma pass, Rome Tourist Card, or Omnia Card. Consider an option that includes all the major attractions, the use of public transport, and skip-the-line access.
  • Carry cash at all times: While most major tourist attractions and restaurants will accept credit cards, it’s always good to carry some cash with you. Doesn’t have to be large amounts, just enough to cover a little transportation, tips or to pay to use public bathrooms. Yes, you read that right, in some parts of Europe, you have to pay to use public bathrooms!
  • Eating Out: You can find numerous pizza or sandwich places all over the city. There are also small cafes or family-owned restaurants that tend to have 3-course lunch and dinner specials.
  • Take a free walking tour: A great way to see a city and learn a bit about its history is to take a free walking tour. While the tour itself is free, it is recommended you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour.
  • Outlets and Power: European outlets are 220v, which means if you are traveling from outside Europe you’ll need an adaptor.  
  • Watch out for scams: In busy tourist areas like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City, you’ll find people trying to “gift” you things. Don’t accept anything from anyone you don’t know.
  • Beware of Pickpockets: Like most large cities that are filled with tourists, Rome is also notorious for tourists being targeted by pickpockets. Be cautious around major tourist attractions and on public transport.

Where to stay in Rome for 3 days

Here is an overview of a few neighborhoods in Rome if this is your first time in the city. If you don’t mind walking or using public transportation, there are a few off-beaten paths you can stay in. This will also give you a glimpse into the local life.

  • Historical Centre (Centro Storico): There are a number of neighborhoods in the historical center of Rome. With so many things to do in this area, you’ll be well-positioned to easily walk to many of the major attractions in Rome such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. This area does get quite crowded and is filled with tourists. Be prepared to pay $$$ to stay here.
  • Ancient Rome: This is another great area to stay when visiting Rome. If you are a history buff and want to be around some of the greatest attractions in Rome and the world, look no further. You’ll find some of the top places to visit in Rome like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Capitoline Hill. This area can also be a bit busy and expensive but is filled with restaurants, and cafes and has plenty of public transportation around.
  • Near the Train Station (Termini): Staying near Termini is not as charming as the central areas of Rome, however, it’s great if you are looking to be around a transportation hub. It’s also not as crowded or expensive as some of the other neighborhoods in Rome.
  • Vatican City: If you want to be close to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel, then staying in the Vatican district is a great choice. Just be mindful that this area is extremely touristy so you’ll be paying higher rates for accommodation and food.

Places to eat in Rome

Here are some must-visit places you should try during your 3 days in Rome.

  • Roscioli: For delicious pasta. Located a short walk away from Campo de’ Fiori;
  • Felice a Testaccio: Famous for their tonnarelli cacio e pepe. You will need a booking here.  
  • Forno Campo de’ Fiori: ⁠This place has some of the best pizza in the city.
  • Cantina & Cucina: For their delicious pizza and pasta. Located a short distance from Piazza Navona.
  • Gelateria Come il Latte : ⁠ One of the best gelaterias in town.
  • Two Sizes Tiramisù: Hands down the best tiramisù in Rome!

What to eat in Rome

icecream cone with two scoops of icecream being held in front of a shop during day time
Gelato

These are some of the must-try foods in Rome.

  • Carciofi Alla Romana: I can’t say I’ve had a lot of exposure to artichokes growing up. So it’s only normal that my palette wouldn’t be accustomed to it. But after my trip to Italy, my perspective on artichokes completely changed. These artichokes are simmered in flavourful olive oil and herbs and are just simply delicious. Artichokes on pizza is another one of my favorites.
  • Carbonara: Cheese, egg, and pancetta, are simple ingredients that bring together a delicious and unbelievably creamy pasta dish.
  • Porchetta: A delicious pork roast that is deboned and stuffed with herbs and spit-roasted. The result is tender, delicious pork you just can’t miss out on trying.
  • Cacio e Pepe: Probably one of the most popular dishes in Rome, “cacio” is the local word for Pecorino Romano, a salty, aged sheep’s milk cheese, while “pepe” means black pepper. The two ingredients are combined with cooked pasta and a bit of its cooking water, then stirred together to create a deliciously silky sauce.
  • Pizza Al Taglio: Pizza by the slice is definitely a must-try food in Rome. You usually pay by kilo per type of slice. This style of pizza is baked in large square trays with a variety of toppings from simple marinara to slices with local cheeses, vegetables, and meats. It’s great for grabbing a slice while you are walking around the city.
  • Gelato: A trip to Rome isn’t complete without Gelato. You’ll find plenty of gelaterias in every corner of Rome.

Overview of 3 days in Rome

Here’s a summary of what to do in Rome in 3 days.

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Campidoglio, Capitoline Museums, Piazza Venezia and Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Day 2: Rome Highlights

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo

Day 3Vatican City

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, Trastevere

Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.

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Welcome To

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Hello! Bonjour!

I’m Tracy; a travel and food blogger, and life enthusiast.

If there’s one thing I love as much as traveling, it’s food! And what I love even more is when travel and food go together. 

My preference when traveling is to immerse myself in a place and indulge in the local cuisine. I’m all about slow but smart travel.

When I’m not traveling I’m usually cooking up a storm, spending time with my family or mostly just planning my next trip.

I love living life and I want you to Live Your Best Life Too!

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