Rome is the capital city of Italy and is known for its rich history, art, and culture. With over 2,500 years of history, the city is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, museums, churches, and monuments. Rome is also known for its excellent food, shopping, and nightlife.
Here are the top things to do in Rome and a day-by-day itinerary.
Day 1: Rome Historic Center
Colosseum
Start your exploration of Rome with a visit to the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial battles and other events. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and marvel at its architectural grandeur.
Click here for details on how to visit Colosseum and Roman Forum in a day.
Roman Forum
Next to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a sprawling ancient complex central to ancient Rome’s political, social, and commercial life. Stroll through the ruins and imagine the hustle and bustle of this once-thriving city.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is included in the same ticket and provides access to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The sites are interconnected; you can easily explore all three in one visit.
Altar of the Fatherland
It is a large white marble building with grand colonnades, statues, and ornate decorations.
Capitoline Hill
It was one of the original Seven Hills of Rome. It is home to several impressive structures, including the Capitoline Museums, which house a vast collection of ancient Roman art and artifacts.
The Capitoline Wolf statue is of the most famous symbols associated with Capitoline Hill. This ancient bronze sculpture depicts a she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.
The top of Capitoline Hill offers panoramic views of Rome.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a well-preserved ancient temple that has been converted into a church. You can admire its stunning dome and learn about the history of this impressive structure.
Admission to Pantheon is free; although long queues may exist, they tend to move quickly.
Step inside the magnificent Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple dedicated to the gods.
Marvel at its remarkable architecture, including the impressive dome with a central oculus.
Trevi Fountain
This stunning Baroque fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit spot. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish!
Spanish Steps
Climb the Spanish Steps, a famous staircase that leads to the Trinità dei Monti church. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and take in the charming beauty of Rome.
You can add the following to your itinerary if you have more time.
Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, paintings, and frescoes from renowned artists. Making a reservation in advance for the Borghese Gallery is highly recommended.
Villa Borghese Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the peaceful Villa Borghese Gardens. Take a stroll, rent a bicycle, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by beautiful greenery and scenic views.
Piazza del Popolo
The square is at the northern end of Rome’s historical center, with impressive architectural elements, including an Egyptian obelisk and beautiful churches.
Day 2: Vatican City
Vatican City has the most iconic landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. You can take a metro, bus or taxi from the Rome City Center to get there.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s largest and most famous churches.
The Basilica is free to enter, but climbing the dome costs €8 for the stairs and €10 for the elevator.
You can admire its impressive architecture and see famous works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.
You can also climb to the top of the dome for an incredible view of the city.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house some of the world’s most incredible art and sculptures, including the Sistine Chapel. You can tour the museums to see works by Raphael, Michelangelo, and other famous artists.
It is recommended to buy advance tickets online to avoid long lines.
Click here to see our complete guide on how to visit Vatican City in a day.
Raphel Rooms are magnificent rooms filled with beautifully detailed paintings.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Over the centuries, this fortress has been used as a castle, prison, and papal residence. It was initially built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and later transformed into a fortress.
The bridge leading to Castel Sant’Angelo, known as the Bridge of Angels (Ponte Sant’Angelo), is adorned with beautiful statues of angels.
St. Peter’s Basilica in the evening can offer a unique and serene experience. The golden glow against the night sky adds a touch of magic to the experience.
Piazza Navona
Spend some time at Piazza Navona, a lively square adorned with beautiful fountains, bustling cafes, and talented street performers. Take a stroll and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Campo de’ Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori is a lively square with various cafes, trattorias, and restaurants. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy a coffee, grab a quick bite to eat, or dine al fresco while people-watching.
With more time, the following areas can be included in your itinerary.
Jewish Getto
The Jewish Ghetto is located near the Tiber River. You can visit the Jewish Museum of Rome, which exhibits Jewish history, culture, and traditions. It is also home to several beautiful synagogues with stunning architecture and rich history.
Trastevere
Explore the enchanting neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Wander through its charming alleys, discover hidden piazzas, and enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at the local trattorias.
Day 3: A day trip to Pompeii & Naples
You can take a high-speed train to Naples and then Circumvesuviana to Pompeii. It’ll take around 2 hours to get to Pompeii.
Spend the morning exploring the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. You can take a guided tour or explore independently, but wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Click here to read our guide on how to visit Pompeii and Naples from Rome.
In the afternoon, return to Naples and stroll through the historic district, filled with colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants. You can also visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
In the evening, return to Rome after enjoying a traditional Neapolitan pizza at one of the city’s many pizzerias.
Another option is to visit the areas you missed from Day 1 or Day 2, including Borghese Gallery or Trastevere.
How to get from the Airport to the city center
There are several ways to get from Rome’s airport (Fiumicino Airport) to the city center:
The Leonardo Express is a non-stop train between the airport and Rome’s central railway station, Termini Station. This is a fast and convenient option for those who prefer public transportation. It costs €14 and takes 32 mins.
Airport bus services run between the airport and the city center. These buses are usually less expensive and offer a convenient way to get to your hotel or other destinations. Depending on traffic, it takes more than an hour and costs €6.
Taxis are readily available at the airport and provide a convenient and direct way to reach your destination. They have a fixed fare from the airport to the city center, which costs €48 but can take more than an hour, depending on traffic. However, it might be expensive at night.
How to get around Rome
Rome is a walkable city, especially in the historic center. Many attractions, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, are within walking distance of each other.
Rome has reliable public transportation with three metro lines: Line A (red), Line B (blue), and Line C (green), and a bus network. It is a convenient and efficient way to travel between different neighborhoods and major attractions in the city. It also helps save some steps from walking between different attractions.
Taxis are also widely available in Rome. You can take a taxi from designated taxi stands throughout the city.
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome offers various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. We stayed in the historical center, close to major attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Click here to see the options for your stay.
Let us know in the comment section below if you have any questions or suggestions.