Rome didn’t earn the title Eternal City by accident. From the Colosseum’s shadow to the golden glow of piazzas at dusk, every corner blends ancient history with modern life. In three days you’ll taste classic Roman dishes, walk centuries of art and empire, and sip espresso like a local.

Founded (as legend tells it) by Romulus in 753 BCE, Rome grew from a small settlement to the capital of an empire. Today its blockbuster sights—Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican—sit beside beloved food neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and Testaccio. Expect cobblestones, church domes, market bustle, and late dinners.

Practical notes: churches require modest attire (shoulders/knees covered), the Pantheon now has a small entry fee, and popular sites use timed tickets. The metro is simple, taxis are plentiful, and walking is rewarding. Book headline attractions and sought-after trattorie in advance, especially on weekends and during spring/fall.

Rome

Why go now: Rome’s culinary scene is in full bloom—traditional trattorie thrive alongside natural-wine bars, street-food counters, and artisan gelaterie. Every meal is a masterclass: carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, carciofi, supplì, and seasonal Roman-Jewish specialties.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.
• Neighborhoods to taste: Trastevere (evening energy and trattorie), Monti (boutiques and wine bars), Testaccio (market culture and traditional cooking), Prati (near the Vatican with excellent bakeries and pizza al taglio).
• Fun fact: The ancient Appian Way is still walkable, with catacombs and aqueducts just outside the center.

Where to stay: Choose Centro Storico for postcard sights, Monti for village vibes, Trastevere for nightlife, or Prati for quieter streets near the Vatican. Browse options on VRBO Rome or compare hotels on Hotels.com Rome. Consider boutique stays in Monti, riverside apartments in Trastevere, or family-friendly places in Prati.

Getting there & around: Fly into Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA). For flights within Europe, search Omio (flights); for long-haul, compare Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini takes ~32 minutes (about €14); official taxis have fixed fares (~€50 from FCO, ~€31 from CIA) to central Rome. For intercity trains in Europe/Italy, use Omio (trains); budget buses are on Omio (buses).

Day 1: Centro Storico, First Bites in Trastevere

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, start like a Roman with a standing espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè near the Pantheon—order un caffè and a crema-heavy granita di caffè in summer. For a sweet bite, Tazza d’Oro’s cornetti are classic, or swing by Forno Campo de’ Fiori for warm pizza bianca.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs on a Centro Storico circuit: Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains, the Pantheon’s oculus, and lively Campo de’ Fiori market. Lunch options: Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (reserve; famous for carbonara and a deep wine list), Da Simo Pane e Vino (panini with Roman charcuterie), or Supplizio (supplì—crispy rice croquettes filled with ragù or cacio e pepe).

Evening: Warm up to Rome’s flavors with the award-winning Trastevere tasting walk: Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe. Expect cured meats, Roman-Jewish bites, pasta, and gelato—plus neighborhood lore.

After the tour, linger for a nightcap. Consider Freni e Frizioni (creative cocktails and a lively piazza), or cross the Tiber for Salotto 42’s refined drinks overlooking Hadrian’s Temple. Gelato tip: Gelateria del Teatro for Sicilian pistachio or rosemary–honey–lemon.

Day 2: Colosseum, Monti Stroll, Hands-On Pasta

Morning: Dive into ancient Rome with exclusive arena access on this guided small group experience: Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour. Walking onto the Arena through the Gladiator’s Gate brings the amphitheater to life; continue through the Forum and up Palatine Hill for skyline views.

Fuel up first in Monti: Pasticceria Regoli (since 1916; maritozzo with whipped cream) or Panella (Roman bakery with excellent cappuccino). Be at the Colosseum 20–30 minutes early for security.

Afternoon: Explore Monti’s boutiques and wine bars along Via del Boschetto and Via Urbana. Lunch ideas: Trattoria da Valentino (classic amatriciana), Al 19 Trattoria (hearty Roman mains), or Urbana 47 (seasonal, creative). For an offbeat museum hit, visit the multi-layered Basilica di San Clemente (pagan temple, medieval basilica, and artfully frescoed church in one complex) or the Capitoline Museums for ancient marble and a Forum overlook.

Evening: Roll up your sleeves near Piazza Navona with a hands-on class: 3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu. You’ll make two fresh pastas and a classic tiramisù, then enjoy your creations with wine.

After class, stroll to the illuminated Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona and grab gelato at Günther or Fatamorgana. Nightcap options: Drink Kong (cutting-edge cocktails) or Ai Tre Scalini (Monti wine bar with cheeses and salumi).

Day 3: The Vatican, Prati Bites, Farewell Rome

Morning: See the Vatican’s highlights on a guided, skip-the-line tour for maximum art in minimal time: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour. Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Ceiling and Last Judgment, plus St. Peter’s awe-inspiring nave—remember shoulders and knees covered.

Beforehand, grab espresso and a cornetto at Sciascia Caffè 1919 (Prati stalwart) or Il Gianfornaio for excellent pastries and pane.

Afternoon: Quick, unforgettable lunch in Prati: Pizzarium Bonci for pizza al taglio—try potato–mozzarella–rosemary or spicy ‘nduja. If time allows, pop by Via Cola di Rienzo for shopping and gelato at La Romana. Collect bags and transfer to the airport or train station. Use Omio (trains) for rail to your next stop or check Omio (flights) and Kiwi.com for flights.

Evening: If you have a late departure, consider a final aperitivo in Testaccio: L’Oasi della Birra (wine and small plates) or Trapizzino Testaccio (triangular pizza pockets; get chicken cacciatora). For a sit-down farewell dinner: Flavio al Velavevodetto (Roman classics in a scenic setting) or SantoPalato (new-wave Roman cuisine—book ahead).

Practical Food & Culture Tips

• Reservations: Book popular trattorie (Da Enzo al 29, Armando al Pantheon, Taverna Trilussa) and all headline attractions in advance.
• Ordering like a local: Coffee is quick at the bar; dinner starts around 8 pm; house wines are often excellent; tip by leaving small change.
• Dress codes: Churches require covered shoulders and knees; bring a light scarf in summer.
• Getting around: Walk or use Metro A/B; taxis are reliable—look for official white cabs. Validate bus/metro tickets.
• Markets: Mercato Testaccio for fresh pasta, cheeses, and lunch counters; Campo de’ Fiori for produce and spices in the morning.

Optional/Alternate Experiences

• Pantheon & Piazza Navona morning loop: Beat crowds and enjoy frescoed churches like Sant’Ignazio di Loyola.
• Galleria Doria Pamphilj: A noble palace packed with Caravaggios and gilded galleries.
• Appian Way & Catacombs: Rent bikes for a rustic escape minutes from the center.

Suggested stays: Search handpicked apartments on VRBO Rome or compare boutique hotels on Hotels.com Rome—look for terraces, walkability to metro, and quiet courtyards.

Rome rewards the curious—and the hungry. In three days you’ll trace emperors and popes, master a silky cacio e pepe, and snack your way through stalls and wine bars. You’ll leave with flour-dusted hands, a camera full of domes, and a shortlist of places you can’t wait to return to.