Rome 3-Day Itinerary: What to Do, What to Eat, Where to Stay, and More!

The unfortunate reality is that Rome is one of those cities you can easily travel badly. The city is so filled with tourist traps and crowds that it’s easy to get lost and follow the crowd. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a bad time, with a huge city like Rome, it’s best to have an itinerary in mind before you step foot into the city. Rome can get overwhelming really fast, so having some structure during your time here will really help to make your trip more memorable and relaxing.

If you’re looking for the perfect 3-day Rome itinerary, we’ve got you! Here is everything to do in 3 days in Rome, including what to see, what to eat, where to stay, and more!

Psst! We recommend also checking out our Rome travel guide for solo travelers and first-timers for additional tips.

Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission – at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry; this doesn’t affect our recommendations whatsoever. It just helps us keep the lights on.

Is 3 Days Enough Time in Rome?

In our opinion? Not really. There’s honestly so much to do in Rome that you could easily spend a month or more, and you would still be visiting new sights and museums. But with that said, it is enough to see many of the major highlights that you’ll want to see. With only 3 days, you will likely be walking all day non-stop to get from attraction to attraction, so don’t forget to pack some comfortable shoes, as you’ll easily be getting in 20,000+ steps per day! It’s worth noting that most consider 3 days to be the minimum a tourist should spend in Rome.

Although this itinerary is only for 3 days, we’ve organized it so that you can see all of the main sights while still allowing a bit of downtime and, of course, time to eat delicious Roman fare.

Perfect Rome 3-Day Itinerary for First Timers

Day One: Explore Ancient Rome

So, this is your first day and your first time in Rome! There’s nothing like those nervous jitters you get when you first step into the Eternal City. Of course, your first day needs to set the tone for the rest of your trip. So, we’ll be seeing some of the most classic sights to start off with your jaw on the floor.

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Head to the Colosseum for the first stop of your Rome trip! Start off by heading inside to explore where the gladiators once fought and walking around – either with a tour or alone. It might be worth going on a tour so that you can get the full experience and story of what went behind the walls of the stunning Colosseum.

Immediately after admiring the Colosseum, it’s time to head over to the Roman Forum right next to it so that you can walk around the ancient city of Rome.

Hot tip: Always pre-book your tickets online in order to avoid the crazy long lines at the famous Roman attractions, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum!

Alternatively, as opposed to booking your ticket online, you can book a Colosseum and Roman Forum guided tour that generally includes ticket prices.

Exploring both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum generally takes around 3 to 4 hours. So, once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to head up to the best photo spot of the Colosseum. You can find this spot right behind the Colosseum metro station, which you’ll find by walking up some steps.

Al42 for Lunch

After around 4 hours of walking around, likely in the baking sun, you’ll likely be ready to rest your feet and eat! The issue with food in Rome is that you can go very wrong by accidentally falling into a tourist trap restaurant that will serve the WORST food in Rome. So, even if you do not follow our food recommendations, always do your research!

Al42 is a hidden gem in Rome that may look unassuming on the outside, but inside, they’ll serve the most delicious pastas that will fuel you up till dinnertime. This restaurant is located in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Rome, right by the Colosseum, Monti. They don’t take any reservations, so there will likely be a queue, but the wait is worth it! You’ve got to get their carbonara, a classic Roman dish. It’s probably some of the best carbonara you’ll have. Keep in mind that they are only open from 12:30 to 3:30 PM for lunch (and closed on Tuesdays). So, plan accordingly.

Here are some other restaurant recommendations in the area:

• Ce Stamo A Pensà
• Sciuè Sciuè Cucina

Altare Della Patria

Have you had your fill? It’s time to get back on your feet again and head to the giant white building facing the bustling Piazza Venezia. Also called the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, this huge building has one of the best panoramic views of the Roman Forum. And don’t worry; it’s completely free to enter (except for the museum inside).

So, start heading up the steps, but before you head all the way up, admire the eternal flame in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you time it right, you might even witness the changing of the guard, which happens every hour.

Then, head inside the building and walk up the steps all the way up to the free terrace to admire the views. On one side, you can see the Roman Forum. And on the other, you can see the city center of Rome.

Capitoline Hill and Museum

Now, head behind the Altare Della Patria to the Capitoline Hill. Here, you can see another amazing view of Rome as you walk around the Campidoglio Piazza and its surroundings. But the main attraction here is the Capitoline Museum, one of the best museums in Rome.

Some of the highlights of the Capitoline Museum are:

• The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius
• The Capitoline She-Wolf
• The head of the colossal statue of Constantine
• The Bust of Medusa
• Commodus dressed as Hercules
• The Dying Gaul

You’ll spend around 2-3 hours walking around the museum, admiring all the statues and art, as well as walking around the piazza itself.

Aperitivo in Jewish Ghetto

One of the prettiest areas of Rome is, no doubt, the Jewish Ghetto. Get to know the area by walking around. Here are some specific sights you should check out:

• Isola Tiberina: A small island on the Tiber River that connects the Jewish Ghetto to another popular area called Trastevere. One of the city’s main hospitals is located here. And the bridge that connects the little island to the Ghetto was built in 62 BC!
• Teatro Marcello: You might think it’s the Colosseum at first, but this theatre is actually the Jewish Coliseum. An ancient open-air theater, Teatro Marcello is located in the Rione of Sant’Angelo and still hosts shows today! Interestingly, it is owned by an Italian noble family.
• The Great Synagogue of Rome: Also called the Tempio Maggiore di Roma, the Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Rome (and perhaps the entire country). This synagogue was completed in 1904, making it one of the newer buildings in Rome.
• La Bocca della Verità: If you want to live your Roman Holiday dreams, you’ve got to head to the Mouth of Truth, which is a marble image of a man’s face. The rumor is that if you tell a lie while putting your hand in the sculpture’s mouth, your hand will be bitten off!
• Fontana delle Tartarughe: This is a super cute fountain located at the start of the Jewish Quarter in Piazza Mattei. Built in the 16th century, the rumor is that the turtles around the fountain were made by Bernini.

After a walk around, you might be ready to rest your feet again and have a nice drink as you take in the energy of the Roman streets. It’s time for aperitivo, a favorite Italian pastime.

Aperitivo is a drink you have before dinnertime and generally involves little snacks that you eat along with your drink.

The Jewish Ghetto has some of the coolest aperitivo spots in the center of Rome. So, don’t miss an opportunity to drink an Aperol Spritz here.

Here are some of the spots we recommend:

• Beppe e I Suoi Formaggi
• Bartaruga

Since the next stop on this itinerary is Trastevere, we’ll also pop in an aperitivo recommendation for Freni e Frizioni.

Dinner in Trastevere

Now, it’s time to cross over to one of our favorite areas of Rome: Trastevere. Just across the Tiber River from the Ghetto is this picturesque area of Rome that features some of the best food in the city – perfect for dinner. First, walk around the small streets and take in the lively atmosphere. If you get here late enough, you’ll see hoards of people in the piazzas, specifically Piazza Trilussa and Piazza Santa Maria di Trastevere. Then, head over to one of the many restaurants in this cute area.

While I could write an entire list of the best places to eat in Trastevere, here are some standouts:

• Da Enzo al 29
• Rione 13
• Ai Marmi

Day Two: Visit Vatican City and Other Famous Churches

It’s not a trip to Rome without visiting some of the most famous religious sites, including the Vatican. Day 2 of this Roman itinerary is all about Rome’s religious history. Besides the Vatican, you’ll see some of the best churches in Rome as well as super famous squares that hold a lot of history and art. Gear up for a BIG walking day!

St. Peter’s Basilica

Start off the morning strong by heading straight to the Vatican and to the first stop: St. Peter’s Basilica. Unless you go super early in the morning, there’s not much you can do about the wait. So, be prepared with some water and perhaps some snacks. But entering St. Peter’s is an absolute must during your time in Rome.

Since the wait can be pretty brutal, we HIGHLY suggest getting here as soon as possible – around 7 am if you can manage an early morning!

Once you enter, first, head to the right to check out Michelangelo’s masterpiece, La Pietà. Then, simply walk around the church to admire the art throughout. Don’t forget to look at the ceiling!

After a walk around the church, head up to the dome for one of the best views of Rome! While the church itself is free to enter, you need to buy a ticket to climb the dome. You can either climb up the steps the entire way or take the elevator for part of the way. The second half still has some crazy narrow stairs, so be warned if you are claustrophobic in any way.

You will likely spend around an hour exploring the basilica (not including the wait).

Vatican Museums

Now, of course, for the highlight: the Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums houses some of the most incredible art in the world. As you walk through the halls and galleries, we guarantee your jaw will be on the floor as you witness masterpiece after masterpiece.

Here are some of the Vatican Museum highlights you can’t miss:

• The Raphael Rooms
• Spiral Staircase
• Gallery of Maps
• Gregorian Egyptian Museum

And, of course, the highlight of the museum is none other than the Sistine Chapel. Yep – that Sistine Chapel. As you stare up at the ceiling, you’ll 

IMPORTANT INFO: As with the Colosseum, you MUST book Vatican Museum tickets in advance. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour like this one.

Have Some Alla Gricia or Amatriciana for Lunch

You’ll want a hearty lunch after being on your feet all morning! Unfortunately, this area around the Vatican and the next stop on our itinerary are not the best places to look for food and are instead filled with terrible tourist traps. But no worries! That’s where we come in.

While you may be able to find other decent places to eat with a bit of research (ALWAYS check reviews beforehand – ideally, those from Italians), here are the restaurants we feel comfortable enough to recommend in this area:

• Trattoria Lilli
• Da Gino al Parlamento

Both of these restaurants serve classic Roman foods. We recommend trying alla gricia or amatriciana if you haven’t already. Both are pasta dishes similar to a carbonara but one without the egg and the other with a tomato sauce.

Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori

Get back on your feet and head over to Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori.

Piazza Navona is probably one of the prettiest squares in Rome, featuring three stunning fountains and colorful buildings surrounding the entire square. You’ll find music and art throughout, so it’s really fun to just walk around and take in the atmosphere. While you’re at this piazza, we highly recommend checking out the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.

Fun fact: The middle fountain, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, was designed by Bernini, who was apparently jealous of Borromini, who designed the church that shadows it. So, when Bernini designed the fountain, he made it so that it looks like one of the statues is protecting itself from the church by putting his hand up over his head. Who knew Bernini could be so petty?

Campo de’ Fiori, on the other hand, may not be as gorgeous, but it’s still worth a visit. This square hosts a vibe-y outdoor market with locals selling everything from produce to souvenirs.

Since both squares are very close to one another, head to the other one once you’re done exploring the first of the two.

Both piazzas have bars around the square. So, if you want to take a break, you can head over to any one of these bars to have a drink and take in the views and vibes.

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi

Rome is filled with a great many churches, but how do you decide which ones to step inside? One of our all-time favorite churches is located right by Piazza Navona: San Luigi dei Francesi. This Renaissance church has a gorgeous Baroque interior, but what makes this particular church stand out from the rest is the priceless artwork it holds. Once inside, head to the last chapel on the left to admire three paintings by Caravaggio.

In this church, you’ll find: the Calling of St. Matthew, St. Matthew and the Angel, and the Martyrdom of St. Matthew.

Pantheon

Just a couple of minutes’ walk away from the church is none other than the Pantheon. The Pantheon was originally a Roman temple that was converted into a Catholic church. Interestingly, this is one of the best preserved Ancient Roman buildings, thanks to the fact that it remains one of the only buildings that was used continuously since it was built by Agrippa between 25 and 27 BC.

You can easily spot the Pantheon by its rounded dome, which has a hole at the very top, also called the oculus of the Pantheon.

We recommend purchasing tickets and heading into the Pantheon (if the line is not too long) to admire the oculus from inside, as well as check out the burial place for famous Italians like Rafael and Vittorio Emmanuele II.

Largo di Torre Argentina

Have you ever wondered where Julius Caesar was murdered? Wonder no more and head straight to the historical site of Largo di Torre Argentina. You can either admire the site from above or pay for a ticket to enter the site and read the plaques so that you get a bit more history and information. This historical site has the remains of four Roman Republican temples and, of course, the infamous Theatre of Pompey.

Fun fact: This historical site is also home to a cat sanctuary, so you’ll find plenty of cats lounging around that you can pet and admire.

If you’re not sick of churches yet, this is a great opportunity to pop into another beautiful church just a few steps away. The Chiesa del Gesù is absolutely covered inside with gold and frescoes. You could stare up at the ceiling for minutes on end, dissecting new details and stories written up there. Thankfully, for your neck, this church features a mirror you can line up for to stare at the ceiling without craning your neck backward. Plus, it makes for a stunning photo op!

Taste Some Gelato

You’ll find gelato shops left and right while walking around Rome, but not all gelato shops are the same. At this time, if you’re craving a sweet treat, head to Gelateria La Romana, one of our favorite gelato shops in Rome! They have a few different chains throughout the city, but the one you’ll want to head to is this one, located just a couple of minutes from Largo di Torre Argentina and Chiesa del Gesù.

You really can’t go wrong with their flavors, but we recommend getting their pistachio – it is absolutely heavenly. And if you simply can’t choose, ask to taste some flavors in order to make your perfect cone (one small cone can have two flavors). Don’t forget to get some melted chocolate inside the cone for some extra flavor!

Walk Down to Castel Sant’Angelo

With your gelato in hand, you’ll head back to the Tiber River toward Castel Sant’Angelo. While this castle may not be as famous as St. Peter’s Basilica, which is located just a few steps away, this building is no less magnificent. If you get here around sunset, you get this golden light hitting the castle for the most stunning photos from the bridge. This castle was originally a mausoleum for Hadrian and his family. But it was later used as a fortress and castle.

Depending on how you’re doing on time, you can either simply admire the castle from outside or head inside to view the frescoed rooms and up to the terrace for a rooftop view of the Vatican and the Tiber River. But keep in mind that last admission is 6 pm.

If you want to head inside the castle, I recommend booking tickets online beforehand. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour.

Have Dinner by the Tiber River

Continue your walk along the Tiber to grab some dinner. If you happen to be traveling to Rome during the summer months, from June to August, you will catch the awesome summer festival called Lungo Il Tevere, during which restaurants and bars will pop up along the Tiber. This is an awesome atmosphere and a great opportunity to eat right by the river. To get to this festival, you will need to walk down the Tiber toward Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere.

If you are visiting Rome outside of the summer months, don’t worry. There are other great eatery options in Testaccio, another huge foodie area of Rome located right next to Trastevere, which we explored on Day One.

• Lo Scopettaro
• Trapizzino
• Felice a Testaccio

Since the walk to this part of Rome from Castel Sant’Angelo takes around 40 minutes, if you want, you can take a bus instead. You can find the route via Google Maps. Pay for the bus with your credit card or debit card by tapping the machine—easy as that! Just be warned that the buses in Rome are not always reliable or on time.

Day Three: Centro Storico and Villa Borghese

For day three of this Rome 3-day itinerary, you will be exploring the rest of Centro Storico, the historical center of Rome. Plus, you’ll get to spend some chill time in a park, as well as hit one of the best art museums in the city for one last hurrah.

Breakfast With a View

You had a BIG day for day two, so start the morning easy with breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast spots in all of Rome. You can pop inside any cafe near your hotel. Keep in mind cafes in Italy are called bars, as they serve both coffee and alcohol.

The “cafe culture” of sitting down and ordering a nice coffee to just chill does not really exist in Italy. While there is an option to do this, you’ll typically pay a higher fee for this, and this is not really the “local” way of doing things. That said, since you are a tourist and you had a pretty big day yesterday, we recommend popping into L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi for a nice coffee and a cornetto (get the pistachio or Nutella) for a typical Italian breakfast sitting down.

This cafe is definitely touristy and on the pricey end, but the view of the Trevi Fountain more than makes up for it.

Trevi Fountain

At this point, you’ve fueled up with coffee and sugar, so you’ll be ready to brave the crowds and step into the throng that is the Trevi Fountain. This Baroque fountain is probably one of the most famous sites in Rome, and for good reason. If you’re anything like us, this fountain will take your breath away the first time you lay eyes on it.

But the reality is that the crowds here may take away some of the magic of seeing the fountain in person after seeing it featured in movie after movie. Don’t worry, though; with some patience, you will still be able to take an iconic picture with the fountain in the background – especially with some careful cropping. You’ll just need to push to the front and wait your turn.

We recommend throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain as well. The rumor is that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain with your right hand, you’ll come back to Rome. If you throw a second one, you’ll find romance. And if you throw a third, you’ll marry an Italian in Rome! All three coins should be thrown one by one.

Spanish Steps

After spending some time admiring the Trevi Fountain, it’s time to head to yet another Roman site you may already be familiar with: the Spanish Steps and the Barcaccia Fountain. These steps make for a great photo op if you’re still searching for that perfect main photo to show off your Rome trip to your friends and family back home. These steps may not be as old as the Colosseum, but it’s still one of the main things to see. And best of all, you can climb the steps to get to Piazza Trinità dei Monti, where you can get a gorgeous view of Rome, especially in the right lighting.

Do you have an empty water bottle with you? This is a great chance to fill up your bottle at the Barcaccia Fountain. The water is fresh, clean, and really cold.

Fuel Up at Lunch

You’re in luck! A couple of our favorite restaurants in Rome are located in this part of the historical center.

You’ve got a couple of options here. The first option is the budget option: Pastificio Guerra. You’ll likely encounter a line outside the door, but don’t worry; it moves really fast. This restaurant serves only two types of pasta (one is always vegetarian) and doesn’t have any seats indoors, so you’ll need to take your pasta to go. Once upon a time, you could eat on the Spanish Steps, which was such a vibe. But you’ll have to make do with eating the pasta beside the Spanish Steps instead, which isn’t too big of a downgrade, as you’ll still be able to people-watch. The pasta is around 5 euros, and the serving sizes are absolutely HUGE.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to sit down at a proper restaurant for lunch, head to L’Antica Birreria Peroni. This is a very popular restaurant, so try to book ahead of time if you can. This is not your standard Italian restaurant. Instead, we would say this restaurant is closer to a German restaurant with an Italian twist. But, of course, you can order your Roman classics here as well. Once you step inside, the energy is absolutely palpable. Don’t forget to pair your food with some Peroni! But don’t worry if you’re not a beer drinker, as their house wine is incredibly affordable and deserves a shout-out too.

Piazza del Popolo

After lunch, head up north via Via del Corso, a long street filled with shops and churches. Feel free to take your time, popping inside various buildings and shops. At the very end of this street, you’ll end up in Piazza del Popolo. This historic square features a giant Egyptian obelisk of Sety I. Admire this obelisk and its hieroglyphs while you walk around the piazza.

While you’re here, don’t forget to pop inside one of our favorite churches in Rome: Santa Maria del Popolo. Just beware of their hours, as they are closed from 12 pm to 4 pm. But if you happen to pop by at the right time, head inside to admire the church and check out two well-known paintings by none other than Caravaggio: The Crucifixion of St. Peter and The Conversion of St. Paul.

Villa Borghese Museum and Gardens

Piazza del Popolo is the gateway to a giant green space in the middle of Rome: Villa Borghese. This huge park in the middle of the city is a great place to get away from the busy city and simply sit down and admire fountains and lakes and breathe the fresh air away from the crowds.

Here are the two main things we recommend doing while at Villa Borghese:

• Go to the Galleria Borghese: Note that to visit this amazing museum in Rome, you need to book in advance (likely weeks in advance!). They only allow a limited number of guests, but their collection is one of the most beautiful in Rome.
• Row a boat: Did you know you can rent a rowboat in Villa Borghese at the Temple of Aesculapius? Rent a rowboat for 20 minutes to row around the area, taking in the views and the serenity of the lake. This is a great activity to do with a significant other or a friend.

Eat Pizza for Dinner

After walking around yet another museum and rowing a boat, your stomach might be ready for dinner. You haven’t had a chance to have some good Italian pizza yet, so now’s your chance!

Note: You can get two main types of pizza in Rome: Roman and Neapolitan. Neapolitan is soft with a fluffy crust, and Roman pizza is crispy and thin. They’re both amazing, but Neapolitan is generally more popular.

Villa Borghese is quite big, so a restaurant that is closer to one end of the park may not necessarily be close to another. So, we’ve provided a couple of different pizza restaurant recommendations, depending on where you are and how far you are willing to walk before heading back to the hotel for one final night’s sleep.

• Berberè Pizzeria
• 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo
• Al Forno della Soffitta

Have More Time? What Else to Do in Rome

Don’t worry if you’re spending more than 3 days in Rome, as there’s literally so much to do in the Eternal City, no matter how long you stay. Here are some other things you could consider adding to your itinerary.

Psst! If you’re on a budget, you should check our post on free things to do in Rome!

• Santa Maria Maggiore – This is one of our favorite churches in Rome and a must-visit, featuring a much more manageable crowd than the one you’ll see at St. Peter’s!
• Circus Maximus – Live out your Roman chariot dreams at the Circus Maximus, ancient Rome’s chariot-racing arena and stadium turned park.
• Via Appia Antica – Walk down history by walking down the Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest roads of Rome. As you walk down, you’ll find plenty of ruins and landmarks.
• Ara Pacis – Ara Pacis is a marble altar built in 9 BC dedicated to the Pax Romana and was used for blood sacrifice all those years ago!
• Gianicolo – This place arguably has one of the best views of Rome and is a prime romantic spot for young locals.
• Baths of Caracalla – These are one of the largest and best-preserved Roman baths, big enough to accommodate around 1,600 people at once.
• Quartiere Coppede – If you want to see something a little different, head to this area of Rome to find the most fairytale-like architecture in all of Rome.
• Pyramid of Cestius – Rome has a pyramid built in 18 to 12 BC, making it older than the Colosseum itself. Who knew you could find a pyramid in the middle of bustling Rome?
• Giardino Degli Aranci – Come here for a good panoramic view of Rome amongst fragrant orange trees. Plus, while you’re here, just a few steps away, you’ll find a secret keyhole with the best view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Where to Stay in Rome

Where you choose to stay in Rome can make or break your trip. The location is especially important if you are only spending 3 full days in Rome. For starters, you’ll want to be central enough to all the attractions so that you don’t have to worry about public transport. And second, you’ll want to avoid specific areas of Rome that are not as pleasant to stay in, such as the area right around the main train station.

Here are the areas we recommend staying in Rome + recommendations for budget (Under $100 per night), mid-range ($200 to $300 per night), and high-end ($400+ per night) stays.

Trastevere

Trastevere is by far our favorite area to stay in in Rome. It’s close to the center without being right in the middle of the action, allowing you to experience a bit more calm pace of life than you would if you were to stay in the historical center. Trastevere is also home to some of the best food in Rome, so you’ve got plenty of options in terms of food surrounding you at all times of day. This is also a big area for nightlife in Rome, so you won’t need to taxi home or walk too far after a couple of drinks.

Best hotels in Trastevere

• B&B Courtesy 2: Best Budget Option
• A Trastevere da M.E.: Best Mid-Range Option
• Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel: Best High-End Option

Monti

Monti is a very close second for us in terms of ideal areas to stay in Rome. The area is absolutely stunning and gorgeous. Plus, you basically have the Colosseum in your backyard. Monti is well connected to all of Rome, so even if you could technically walk everywhere, you can also take public transportation. Despite its central location, Monti is removed enough from the craziness that is the historical center.

Best hotels in Monti

• Paolina Rooms: Best Budget Option
• Viale del Colosseo: Best Mid-Range Option
• Hotel Palazzo Manfredi: Best High-End Option

Centro Storico

Of course, the most classic place to stay during your time in Rome is centro storico, the historical center. If you stay here, you’ll be in a prime location to see everything you want to see in Rome. No matter where you are, you’re never too far from your hotel, meaning you could even pop back in for a break or to drop off some shopping when needed.

Best hotels in Centro Storico

• House Rooms Babuino 46: Best Budget Option
• Palazzo Olivia: Best Mid-Range Option
• Umiltà 36: Best High-End Option

Prati

If you want to stay in a true local neighborhood, quite removed from the chaos (but not too much, of course!), you’ll want to book a hotel in Prati. This is a fancy shopping neighborhood that is well connected to the rest of Rome and located close to the Vatican and Piazza del Popolo. You’ll definitely be removed from the chaos, which is a welcome break from what can be an overwhelming city.

Best hotels in Prati

• B&B A Porta Castello: Best Budget Option
• Relais Roma Vaticano: Best Mid-Range Option
• The First Musica: Best High-End Option

What to Wear in Rome

It’s no secret that Italians are pretty snooty when it comes to fashion. But whether you want to fit in or stand out, it’s important that you are strategic about the way you pack clothes, as you’ll be dealing with A LOT of walking and likely some heat as well.

Here’s our ultimate list of the clothes to pack for your trip to Rome, depending on whether you will be traveling in summer or winter. If you will be traveling in cooler weather but not quite winter, pack a bit of both!

Summer packing list for Rome:

• 3-4 lightweight t-shirts or tank tops
• 1-2 dressy tops
• 1-2 lightweight long-sleeve linen shirts
• 2-3 pairs of comfortable shorts or skirts
• 1 pair of lightweight, breathable pants (opt for linen)
• 1-2 dresses
• 1 pair of walking shoes
• 1 pair of dressy sandals or shoes
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Light scarf
• 7-8 underwear
• 7-8 socks

Winter packing list for Rome:

• 3-4 long-sleeve shirts or sweaters
• 1-2 t-shirts or layering pieces (for warmer days)
• 1 dressy blouse or shirt
• 2 pairs of jeans or pants
• 1 pair of leggings
• 1-2 long-sleeve dresses
• Warm coat or jacket
• 1 lightweight jacket
• 1 pair of waterproof walking shoes
• 1 pair of nicer shoes
• Sunglasses
• Hat 
• Scarf
• Tights
• 7-8 underwear
• 7-8 socks

What Else to Pack for a Trip to Rome

Of course, your suitcase (or backpack) won’t only be filled with clothes. Here are some other must-have travel essentials you’ve got to pack:

• Passport
• Phone + phone charger
• Travel adapter
• Travel health insurance – we recommend SafetyWing
• eSIM – we recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly option or Holafly (get our 5% discount code NOMADALMANAC) for unlimited data
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Makeup (if needed)
• Period products (if needed)
• Razor/beard trimmer (if needed)

For a more in-depth guide, head to our posts on travel essentials for women and travel essentials for men.

How to Get Around Rome

The best way to get around Rome is via public transport. Roman public transport is made up of buses, metros, and trams.

The reality is that Roman public transport is not always the most reliable. It’s rarely on time, and the likelihood of ending up in Rome during a strike is always very high. With that said, the most reliable form of transport in Rome is the metro. Luckily, there are a few key metro stations that will take you to the hot spots in the city, including the Spanish Steps (Spagna Metro A), the Colosseum (Colosseo Metro B), Piazza del Popolo (Flaminio Metro A), and the Vatican (Ottaviano Metro A).

From Piazza Venezia, you may also find a popular tram that takes you straight to Trastevere, which might come in handy if you are staying in this area of the city.

Other than the metro and tram, the last major form of transportation you’ll take within Rome is the bus, which is, in our experience, the least reliable but still exists if you need it.

You can easily find public transport routes by using apps like Google Maps. And don’t worry about buying a ticket; you can simply tap when you get on board with your debit or credit card.

If you are staying pretty centrally, though, you shouldn’t feel the need to take public transport, as walking around in Rome is an activity in itself. You never know what you may come across in this historic city.

If you don’t want to deal with public transport in Rome and don’t want to walk, the alternative is to use taxis to get around. You’ll need to flag one down when you want one, or call 060609. Unfortunately, Uber does not work in Rome (only the very expensive Uber Black), as it is illegal.

Best Day Trips From Rome

Are you spending more time in Rome and want to know what day trips you can do? Well, we’ve got a few different options for you — all amazing.

• Tivoli: This would be our number one recommendation for Rome day trips, as this town features two of the most stunning villas: Villa d’Este & Adriana. (50 minutes away by train)
• Civita di Bagnoregio: If you’re looking for something a little different, head to this village located on the top of a hill that is only reachable by a pedestrian bridge. (1 hour 20 minutes by train)
• Florence: While Florence deserves more than a day, if a day is all you have, you’ve got to head here to admire the art and architecture. Here are some things to do in Florence. (1.5 hours away by train)
• Naples: Naples also merits a visit on its own, but again, if a day is all you have, head here to try Neapolitan pizza and maybe even visit Pompei. (1 hour 10 minutes by train)

FAQ

How many days should you spend in Rome?

You could spend an entire month in Rome and not run out of things to do and see. While you can see many of the highlights in 3 days, the general consensus is that you should stay around 4 or 5 days to get a more well-rounded and more relaxed time in Rome.

What is the best time of year to visit Rome?

The best time to visit Rome would be in the spring or fall, specifically the months of April, May, September, October, and even November. These months offer the best weather while avoiding the heat of the mid-summer months.

Do you need to book tickets in advance for major attractions in Rome?

We highly recommend booking tickets in advance for major attractions in Rome. In doing so, you can avoid the long ticket lines at the attraction and simply walk right in. In fact, some tourist attractions allow only a limited number of guests, so booking tickets in advance would be the only way to get in.

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