Rome in 3 days: the perfect first-time itinerary

Three days in Rome means choosing – and that is fine: you will come back. This itinerary groups the sights by area, keeps the big museums in the morning and leaves the evenings for the city’s best neighbourhoods.

Before you go

Book the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery online: all three have timed entries. Pack clothes that cover shoulders and knees for the Vatican and the churches.

Day 1: ancient Rome

• Morning: the Colosseum, then the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill on the same ticket.
• Afternoon: climb the Capitoline Hill for the view over the Forum, then walk down to Piazza Venezia.
• Evening: dinner and a glass of wine in Monti, next to the Colosseum.

Day 2: the Vatican and Trastevere

• Morning: the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel – book the first slot.
• Afternoon: St Peter’s Basilica, and the climb to the dome if you have the energy; then walk along the river past Castel Sant’Angelo.
• Evening: cross the Tiber to Trastevere for dinner in a trattoria.

Day 3: the Baroque centre and Villa Borghese

• Morning: the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain before the crowds.
• Midday: up the Spanish Steps and along Via Condotti.
• Afternoon: the Borghese Gallery, then the gardens of Villa Borghese to the Pincio terrace for sunset over Piazza del Popolo.

Tips

• Start early: the city is cooler and calmer before 10 am.
• Fill your bottle at the nasoni, the public drinking fountains.
• Watch your bag on buses and in crowded squares.

Still choosing a base? Read where to stay in Rome and our picks of the 5 best hotels in Rome.