Rome—eternal, theatrical, and gloriously layered—has been a stage for empires, saints, and artists for more than 2,700 years. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Bernini fountains and Caravaggio canvases, every cobblestone is a breadcrumb back to antiquity. Yet modern Rome hums with espresso bars, natural-wine spots, and inventive trattorie that keep la dolce vita deliciously current.

In three days, you’ll tour ancient arenas, gaze at the Sistine Chapel, and wander storybook neighborhoods like Trastevere and Monti. This itinerary is tuned for smart pacing: iconic sights in the morning, leisurely lunches, and golden-hour strolls to piazzas and viewpoints. We’ve threaded in food stops locals love and practical notes to save time and energy.

Dress codes apply in churches (shoulders and knees covered), and timed-entry tickets are essential for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in high season. Rome is walkable, but you’ll use Metro A/B/C and trams to stretch your range; ride-sharing and taxis fill the gaps late at night. Bring comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle (public nasoni fountains are safe), and plenty of appetite.

Rome

Why go now: Spring and fall bring blue skies and mild temperatures, perfect for long, café-fueled days. Even in peak months, early starts and strategic reservations keep lines low and meals memorable.

Unmissable highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trastevere lanes, and the Appian Way.

• Food & drink: From carbonara and cacio e pepe to supplì and pizza al taglio, Roman cuisine is comforting and bold. Taste your way through Testaccio market, sip espresso at Sant’Eustachio, and chase sunsets with gelato near Ponte Sisto.
• Fun fact: The oculus of the Pantheon still drains rain via tiny floor holes—ancient engineering that doubles as dramatic lighting for special Masses.

Where to stay (central and well-connected):

• VRBO Rome apartments: Choose a pied-à-terre in Centro Storico, Monti, or Trastevere for short walks to major sights.
• Hotels.com Rome: Filter by neighborhoods near Metro A (Spagna/Barberini) or B (Cavour/Colosseo) for smooth connections.

How to get to/around Rome:

• Flights (EU/UK): Compare fares to FCO or CIA via Omio flights. Typical nonstop times: 2–3 hours from major European hubs.
• Flights (outside Europe): See long-haul options via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Trains (within Europe/Italy): Use Omio trains to reach Rome Termini from Florence (~1.5h), Naples (~1.1h), or Milan (~3h).
• Airport to city: FCO–Termini Leonardo Express ~32 minutes (~€14); FCO regional train to Trastevere/Tiburtina ~27–45 minutes (~€8); Ciampino bus+Metro ~45–60 minutes.

Day 1: Centro Storico Warm-Up—Pantheon to Pincio Sunset

Morning: Travel day. Aim for a midday arrival so you can check in and shake off the flight. Drop bags and grab a quick espresso and cornetto at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (iconic wood-roasted beans; ask for “caffè senza zucchero” if you prefer unsweetened) or Marigold in Ostiense for Scandinavian-influenced pastries if you’re nearby.

Afternoon: Start at the Pantheon, Rome’s best-preserved ancient temple—its coffered dome still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Step out to Largo di Torre Argentina to greet the resident cat sanctuary and ponder Julius Caesar’s final day. Continue to the Trevi Fountain; toss a coin over your left shoulder to “ensure” your return. Walk up to the Spanish Steps and duck into Via dei Condotti’s side streets for artisan leather and paper shops.

Evening: Head to the Pincio Terrace above Piazza del Popolo for a handsome sunset over domes and cupolas. Dinner near Campo de’ Fiori at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (cult amatriciana, burrata, deep wine list) or Emma Pizzeria (Roman-style thin pies, excellent toppings). For gelato, try Gelateria del Teatro (sage–raspberry, Amalfi lemon). Nightcap at Drink Kong in Monti—Japan-meets-Italy cocktails in a neon, award-winning bar.

Day 2: Ancient Rome, Capitoline Views, and Trastevere Nights

Morning: Beat the rush at the Colosseum with a timed entry when gates open. Then walk the Roman Forum and up to the Palatine Hill for sweeping views—legendary birthplace of Rome. For a budget-friendly bite, grab pizza al taglio at La Prezzemolina (near the Colosseum) or head to Antico Forno Roscioli for scrocchiarella (crispy Roman pizza).

Afternoon: Stroll to the Capitoline Hill and Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio; the terrace behind the museums frames the Forum like a painting. Cross to the Jewish Ghetto for carciofi alla giudia (crispy fried artichokes) and a peek at Portico d’Ottavia. Want to cover more ground with less walking? Consider this private golf-cart experience that glides between landmarks while a guide weaves the city’s stories:

Rome Highlights Private Tour by Golf Cart — ideal mid-trip to link the Colosseum area, Trevi, Piazza Navona, and hidden corners without clock-watching.

Evening: Cross the Tiber to Trastevere. Book ahead at Da Enzo al 29 (textbook carbonara and tiramisù) or try Le Mani in Pasta for handmade pasta and seafood. Wander the ivy-draped lanes to Ponte Sisto for a riverfront passeggiata. Gelato at Otaleg or Fatamorgana; craft beers at Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà if you fancy a pint.

Day 3: The Vatican, Aventine Secrets, and Testaccio Flavors

Morning: Early slot for the Vatican Museums to savor the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms before crowds swell; modest dress is required. Exit toward St. Peter’s Basilica—climb the dome for a bird’s-eye cityscape (narrow stair sections near the top). Coffee and maritozzi (cream-filled buns) at Panificio Bonci or Café Vatican if you need a quick refuel.

Afternoon: Make for the Aventine Hill: the Giardino degli Aranci overlooks the Tiber and Trastevere, and the famed Keyhole of the Knights of Malta frames St. Peter’s dome perfectly. Continue to Testaccio Market for Roman street flavors—try Mordi & Vai (savory braised beef panini), CasaManco (creative sheet-pan pizza), and seasonal produce stands. History fans: if you prefer a full-day battlefield deep-dive in Lazio, pencil this for a future visit:

Monte Cassino Battlefield tour by Anna Priora — a historian-led look at pivotal WWII sites south of Rome.

Evening: For a last-night splurge, book Armando al Pantheon (heritage Roman cuisine steps from the Pantheon). Prefer pizza? Seu Pizza Illuminati in Trastevere pushes creative pies with a top-tier wine and cocktail list. Toast your trip at Il Goccetto (natural-wine bar in a 16th-century space) or find a speakeasy vibe at Jerry Thomas Project (reservations/membership often required).

Cruise Arrivals/Departures via Civitavecchia (Optional Resources)

If you’re pairing Rome with a cruise, these private/shared transfers streamline the 60–80 minute journey between the city and Civitavecchia port:

• Rome to Civitavecchia Cruise Port Transfer

• Transfer from Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome or FCO

Breakfast/coffee favorites to bookmark: Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (classic), Tazza d’Oro (robust roasts near the Pantheon), Marigold (seasonal pastries), Antico Forno Roscioli (pizza bianca to-go). Lunch gems: Mercato Testaccio stalls; Roscioli’s Roman classics; Trapizzino pocket pizzas (supplì, pollo alla cacciatora fillings). Dinner standouts: Armando al Pantheon (heritage recipes), Da Enzo al 29 (small, beloved), Seu Pizza Illuminati (inventive pies), Cesare al Casaletto (tram-accessible trattoria). Sweet endings: Gelateria del Teatro, Fatamorgana, Frigidarium.

Booking tips and transit: Prebook timed slots for Colosseum/Forum/Palatine and the Vatican Museums, especially April–October. Metro rides cost ~€1.50; day passes can pay off if you expect 4+ rides. Taxis from central Rome to FCO average €48 fixed fare from within the Aurelian Walls; trains are often faster at peak times.

Where to sleep, one more time: Browse central stays on Hotels.com or lock in a character-filled apartment via VRBO in Monti, Campo de’ Fiori, or Trastevere.

Getting here/away: Check fares on Omio flights for European hops; compare trains on Omio for day trips to Florence, Orvieto, or Naples. Long-haul flyers can comparison-shop via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Three days in Rome gives you the city’s essential arc: ancient wonders, Renaissance splendor, and contemporary culinary craft. With smart routing, well-timed tickets, and a few unforgettable meals, you’ll leave satisfied—and plotting your return.