Rome rewards curiosity. The Eternal City has been continuously reimagined for more than 2,700 years—an open-air museum where emperors’ stadiums butt up against Renaissance palazzi and neighborhoods that live late into the night. From the Colosseum to the Vatican Museums, you’re walking through the pages of Western history.

Expect the big hitters—Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman Forum—but save time for the smaller pleasures: a perfect caffè at a century-old bar, a slice of pizza al taglio on a sunny curb, a riverside stroll as the Tiber glows at sunset. Fun fact: SPQR, emblazoned on manhole covers and monuments, stands for “Senatus Populusque Romanus”—the Senate and People of Rome.

Practical notes: book major sights in advance and mind church dress codes (shoulders and knees covered). Taxis from FCO airport have a fixed city-center fare; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas; and carry a refillable bottle—Rome’s public nasoni fountains pour cold, drinkable water.

Rome

Rome is a patchwork of villages. Mornings feel different in Monti than in Trastevere; Testaccio lunches run long; evenings near the Spanish Steps buzz past midnight. Use your feet and appetite as guides.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Capitoline Museums.
• Food highlights: Cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, supplì (fried rice balls), pizza al taglio, artichokes “alla giudia,” gelato made daily.
• Great coffee & gelato: Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè; Tazza d’Oro; Gelateria del Teatro; Giolitti; Otaleg; Frigidarium.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel — An elegant hideaway by Piazza del Popolo with the city’s most cinematic inner garden (the Stravinskij Bar is a must for aperitivo).
• Hotel Eden - Dorchester Collection — Classic glamour above Via Veneto; sunset views over domes from the rooftop restaurant.
• Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel — Resort-style escape with vast art, a stellar pool, and the Michelin three-star La Pergola.
• Hotel Santa Maria — Trastevere boutique favorite with orange-tree courtyards, perfect for nightlife and river walks.
• Kolbe Hotel Rome — Steps from the Forum, with garden breakfasts and quiet rooms in the ancient heart.
• Hotel Mascagni — Solid midrange near Piazza della Repubblica and the Metro.
• The Beehive — Friendly, budget-minded guesthouse near Termini with a café and community vibe.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Rome | VRBO: Rome

How to get to/around Rome:

• Flights: FCO (Leonardo da Vinci) is the main hub; CIA (Ciampino) serves budget airlines. From many European cities, flights are 2–3 hours. Search fares on Omio (Flights in Europe), or for long-haul into Europe use Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Trains: High-speed Frecciarossa/Italo: Florence–Rome ~1h30 from ~€19; Naples–Rome ~1h10 from ~€14; Milan–Rome ~3h10 from ~€29. Book via Omio (Trains in Europe).
• Airport to center: FCO–Termini Leonardo Express ~32 min, about €14; fixed taxi fare is ~€50 to the city center. Ciampino taxis ~€31; buses via Omio (Buses in Europe).
• Transit: Metro/bus/tram tickets start around €2 per ride; 24/48/72-hour passes from roughly €7–€18. Validate tickets and watch for closures on strike days.

Day 1: Arrival, Centro Storico Icons, and Trastevere by Night

Morning: Travel into Rome and check in. If you’re early, drop bags and refuel at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (wood-roasted beans since the 1930s) or Tazza d’Oro by the Pantheon. Quick bite options: Forno Campo de’ Fiori for warm pizza bianca or supplì at Supplizio near Largo di Torre Argentina.

Afternoon: Start at the Pantheon (now requires a small paid ticket; weekends can book out). Walk to Piazza Navona to admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, then trace narrow lanes to the Trevi Fountain—toss your coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. Gelato break at Gelateria del Teatro (try sage–raspberry) or at the classic Giolitti.

Evening: Cross the Tiber to lantern-lit Trastevere for a guided feast. Join the highly praised Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe for tastings of porchetta, Roman-style pizza, cheeses, and wine in hidden venues—an effortless way to learn the neighborhood’s food history as you eat.

If you prefer a sit-down dinner, reserve Da Enzo al 29 (cacio e pepe, carciofi alla giudia) or Trattoria Da Teo for seasonal Roman plates. Nightcap at Bar San Calisto (old-school and lively) or a craft cocktail at Drink Kong near Largo Argentina.

Day 2: Vatican Masterpieces, River Walks, and a Hands-On Cooking Class

Morning: Beat the crowds with a partner-entrance Vatican tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour. You’ll move smoothly through the Raphael Rooms to Michelangelo’s ceiling, then St. Peter’s. Dress modestly; photos are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel.

Pre-tour coffee: Pergamino Caffè by the Vatican walls or historic Sciascia Caffè 1919 in Prati.

Afternoon: Lunch near the Vatican at Bonci Pizzarium (inventive pizza al taglio; potato–mozzarella is a classic) or Pastasciutta for fresh pasta bowls. Stroll across Castel Sant’Angelo bridge for angel statues and river views, then meander Via dei Coronari’s antique shops back toward Piazza Navona. Espresso pick-me-up at Sant’Eustachio.

Evening: Roll up your sleeves for a delicious lesson: 3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu. You’ll hand-cut pasta, fill ravioli, and whip tiramisù—then dine on your creations with wine.

Gelato stroll to Frigidarium or Gelateria del Teatro. If you’re up for a cocktail, try Salotto 42 facing the Temple of Hadrian—soft lighting, vinyl on the turntable, and a refined negroni.

Day 3: Colosseum, Forum & Palatine, Monti Boutiques, and a Big Roman Send-Off

Morning: Step straight onto the gladiators’ stage with the Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour. Seeing the arena from the floor gives scale to the spectacle; then your guide brings the Forum’s political heart and Palatine’s imperial palaces to life. Bring water and a hat in warm months.

Prefer a classic circuit instead? The Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour is another excellent option.

Afternoon: Lunch in Testaccio at Felice a Testaccio (tableside cacio e pepe ritual) or graze in the market—Mordi & Vai’s braised beef panino is a legend. Alternatively, head to Monti for boutiques on Via del Boschetto and coffee at Er Baretto; sweet finish at Fatamorgana gelato (wild flavors, all-natural).

Art lovers can swap shopping for the Capitoline Museums and the Forum overlook behind the palazzi—one of Rome’s best viewpoints.

Evening: Toast your last night with aperitivo at the Stravinskij Bar in Hotel de Russie’s garden or a golden-hour view from the Pincio Terrace above Piazza del Popolo. For dinner, choose tradition at Armando al Pantheon (book well ahead) or modern pizza at Seu Pizza Illuminati (creative toppings, airy crust). Nightcap at the speakeasy Jerry Thomas (reservations required) or return to Drink Kong for something playful and polished.

Good to know: Many state museums are free the first Sunday of the month (expect lines). St. Peter’s Dome climb is a memorable add-on (stairs or lift+stairs). The Pantheon now has timed tickets; weekends and holidays are busiest. Taxis are plentiful at stands; for ride-hailing, use official apps and verify plates.

Bookable highlights featured in this itinerary:

• Trastevere Food Tour
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
• Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class
• Colosseum Arena Floor + Forum & Palatine

In three days you’ll trace the arc of Rome—from imperial grandeur to neighborhood trattorie—without spending precious hours in lines. Keep your pace unhurried, let espresso and gelato punctuate the day, and follow the evening light toward the river. Rome rewards those who linger.