Rome wears its history in layers—Republican roads beneath Baroque facades, Renaissance frescoes above ancient brick. Founded (legend says) by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC, the city has been the stage for emperors, popes, and artists who changed the world. Today, its piazzas, trattorie, and cobblestones invite you to wander, taste, and linger.

In three days you’ll step onto the arena of the Colosseum, gaze up at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and dine your way through Trastevere’s lively streets. This itinerary favors skip-the-line access, walkable routes, and food stops locals actually love. Pack comfortable shoes—Rome rewards those who explore on foot.

Practical notes: shoulders and knees must be covered to enter churches (including St. Peter’s). Book major sights in advance, especially in spring and fall. Carry a refillable water bottle—Rome’s “nasoni” fountains pour cold, potable water—and expect card payments almost everywhere, though a few cash-only spots remain.

Rome

Rome is a city of neighborhoods—each with its own flavor. Base yourself in Centro Storico to be steps from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, in Monti for boutiques and wine bars, in Prati for easy Vatican access, or in Trastevere for warm, lantern-lit evenings.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, Capitoline Museums.
• Why visit now: Improved pedestrian zones around the Forum and the Colosseum make history feel closer; contemporary dining and cocktail bars shine alongside classic trattorie.
• Local flavors to try: Cacio e pepe, amatriciana, carbonara, supplì (fried rice croquettes), carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes), Roman-style pizza al taglio, and gelato made with seasonal fruit.

Where to stay (handpicked + search more):

• Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel — Leafy private gardens near Piazza del Popolo; refined rooms and a destination bar.
• Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection — Classic Roman glamour with panoramic rooftop dining steps from the Spanish Steps.
• Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel — Resort-style stay above the city with an art collection and a celebrated restaurant.
• Kolbe Hotel Rome — Peaceful garden hideaway beside the Forum; great for history lovers.
• Hotel Santa Maria — Trastevere favorite built around an orange-tree courtyard; cozy and romantic.
• The Beehive — Eco-minded budget base near Termini with a friendly cafe and simple rooms.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com Rome | VRBO Rome apartments

Getting to and around Rome:

• Flights: From within Europe, compare fares on Omio. From outside Europe, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com for long-haul options.
• Trains: High-speed lines connect Rome with Florence (~1h30), Naples (~1h10), and Milan (~3h10). Compare schedules and prices on Omio (often €20–€60 when booked in advance).
• Airport transfer: Leonardo Express train FCO→Termini ~32 minutes (~€14–15); taxis have a fixed city-center fare (~€50–55). Metro and buses are frequent; single rides ~€1.50, day pass ~€7.

Day 1: Arrival, Centro Storico Stroll, and a Panoramic Spin

Morning: Travel to Rome. If you’re flying from another European city, look for 1–3 hour nonstop options on Omio. Arriving by train? High-speed services roll into Termini and Tiburtina; compare on Omio. From outside Europe, check fares via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs on a Centro Storico loop: Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains, the Pantheon’s 2,000-year-old dome (small entry fee; afternoons are quieter), and the slender streets toward Campo de’ Fiori. Espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè or a rich marocchino at Tazza d’Oro; gelato at Gelateria del Teatro—try sage and raspberry or Sicilian pistachio.

Evening: Get your bearings with a small-group ride: Rome Highlights City Tour by Golf Cart with Gelato (great in the golden hour; minimal walking; includes major piazzas).

After the tour, dine near Campo de’ Fiori or the Pantheon. Book Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina for carbonara and a serious wine list; Armando al Pantheon for Roman classics in a wood-paneled room; or Osteria del Sostegno for grilled meats and seasonal pastas. Nightcap at Salotto 42 (craft cocktails) or a stroll to the Trevi Fountain when it’s softly lit.

Day 2: Gladiators to Sunset—Colosseum, Forum, Capitoline, and Trastevere

Morning: Dive into Ancient Rome with a guided visit: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour. You’ll skip queues, stand inside the amphitheater where spectacles unfolded, then trace the political heart of the empire through the Forum and the hilltop palaces.

Tips: bring water and a hat; large bags aren’t allowed in the Colosseum. Security lines are airport-style—your guide’s priority entrance helps.

Afternoon: Lunch in Monti, a neighborhood of ateliers and wine bars steps from the Forum. Try La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (family-run; excellent amatriciana), Trattoria Al Tettarello (old-school Roman comfort), or Alle Carrette for thin-crust pizza. Browse Via del Boschetto’s boutiques, then climb the Cordonata to the Capitoline Museums for bronze emperors and a Forum overlook from the terrace.

Evening: Eat your way through one of Rome’s most delicious quarters on the Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe. Expect cured meats and pecorino, supplì, Roman-Jewish specialties, seasonal pastas, and artisanal gelato while learning neighborhood lore.

If you’d rather go DIY, book Da Enzo al 29 (cacio e pepe and tiramisù), share a plate of fried artichokes at Roma Sparita, and end with gelato at Otaleg or Fatamorgana. For cocktails, cross the river to Drink Kong (futurist vibe, seasonal list) or settle into Barnum for amaro-forward classics.

Day 3: Vatican Masterpieces and Farewell

Morning: Beat the crowds with priority entry on a small-group tour: Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group. Glide through the Vatican Museums’ highlights (Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps), then step beneath the Sistine Chapel ceiling before continuing into St. Peter’s. Dress code enforced: cover shoulders and knees; no large bags.

Afternoon: Quick bites nearby: Bonci Pizzarium (Cipro) for square slices piled with creative toppings; Pastasciutta for fresh pasta to-go; or Panificio Bonci for hearty Roman bakes. If time allows, step into the basilica’s nave for a last look or climb the dome (extra ticket; superb views). Transfer to the airport or station: Leonardo Express (~32 minutes) or taxi (~€50–55) to Fiumicino; trains via Omio if you’re continuing through Italy.

Evening: Flying home today. If you’ve added a night, celebrate with sunset at Ponte Umberto I facing St. Peter’s, then dinner at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio) for carbonara and a deep cellar carved into Monte dei Cocci.

Coffee, snacks, and sweets to seek out: Roscioli Caffè (perfect cornetti and cappuccino), Forno Campo de’ Fiori (warm pizza bianca mid-morning), Trapizzino (portable “pizza pockets” stuffed with Roman stews), Mordi & Vai (Mercato Testaccio; legendary panini), Giolitti (classic gelato since 1900), and Gelateria del Teatro (seasonal small-batch scoops).

Pro tips: Reserve marquee restaurants and all major sites in advance; carry a light scarf for churches; validate bus/metro tickets; and aim for early starts at the Colosseum and Vatican. In summer, siesta after lunch and plan outdoor sights for early morning or after 5 pm.

Optional add-ons if you extend: A day trip to Tivoli’s Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, or a Tuscany tasting day from Florence (compare trains on Omio and consider this popular countryside tour if you add a night in Florence).

In three days, Rome reveals its greatest hits and a few delicious secrets. You’ll leave with flour on your sleeves, history under your feet, and a promise to return for the neighborhoods you didn’t have time to savor. Arrivederci—until next time.