Rome rewards curiosity. Founded (legend says) by Romulus and Remus, the “Eternal City” layers 2,700 years of history—from pagan temples to papal power—into lively piazzas, mosaic-laced churches, and cobblestoned lanes. Here, emperors, popes, artists, and everyday Romans left traces you can still touch.

Beyond icons like the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, Rome is a city of small rituals: a cappuccino at the bar, a plate of cacio e pepe, a twilight passeggiata past softly lit fountains. Drink from the cool nasoni fountains, pop into a Baroque church, and linger over gelato that tastes like the fruit it’s made from.

Practical notes: Pre-book timed-entry for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Galleria Borghese. Dress modestly for churches (shoulders/knees covered). Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas. Public transit is straightforward; taxis are plentiful; walking is often the joy.

Rome

Rome is Italy’s beating heart—grand, gritty, and glorious. Ancient ruins stand steps from lively markets; Renaissance palaces shade espresso bars where the crema is a minor miracle. Neighborhoods like Monti, Trastevere, Testaccio, and Prati each offer distinct vibes, from artisan boutiques to old-school trattorie.

Top sights include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Capitoline Museums, and Galleria Borghese. Balance the headliners with slow strolls and long lunches—Rome favors the unhurried.

Where to stay (search and compare):

• Find Rome apartments on VRBO — great for families and travelers who want a kitchen in Monti, Trastevere, or near Campo de’ Fiori.
• Browse Rome hotels on Hotels.com — compare boutique stays in Centro Storico, design-forward hotels in Prati, and budget options by Termini.

Neighborhood tips: Centro Storico for postcard views and easy walking; Monti for indie shops and wine bars; Trastevere for lively nights and trattorie; Prati for quieter, elegant streets near the Vatican.

How to get to Rome (quick options):

• Flights within or to/from Europe: compare on Omio (flights). From Paris/London/Madrid, nonstop flights to FCO/CIA are ~2–2.5 hours; typical fares $70–$180 roundtrip when booked early.
• Intercontinental flights (non-Europe): search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Many nonstop options to FCO from the U.S., Middle East, and Asia.
• Trains in Europe to Rome Termini or Tiburtina: check Omio (trains). From Florence ~1.5h (€25–€55), Naples ~1h10 (€20–€45), Milan ~3h (€35–€80) on high-speed services.

Airport transfer: FCO to Termini on the Leonardo Express (32 min, ~€14), regional FL1 trains to Trastevere/Tiburtina (~€8), or official white taxi (fixed ~€50 to central Rome). CIA (Ciampino) has buses to Termini (~40–50 min).

Day 1: Arrival, Centro Storico, and a Classic Roman Welcome

Morning: Travel to Rome. If arriving early, drop bags and grab your first espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (iconic crema-heavy espresso) or Tazza d’Oro near the Pantheon. Pick up a flaky maritozzo (sweet cream bun) from Regoli if you’re passing through Esquilino.

Afternoon: Start with the Pantheon—a 2,000-year-old temple crowned by a perfect dome and oculus (paid entry for non-residents; reservations recommended on busy days). Stroll to Piazza Navona to admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, then wander Campo de’ Fiori’s market stalls and the nearby Jewish Ghetto’s quiet lanes and ancient Portico d’Ottavia.

Evening: Aperitivo at Il Goccetto (cozy wine bar with a deep by-the-glass list). Dinner options: Armando al Pantheon (reservation essential; superb carbonara and abbacchio), Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (cured meats, Roman pastas, serious wine cellar), or the more casual Roscioli Rimessa for tastings. Finish with gelato at Giolitti (old-school and beloved) or Gelateria del Teatro (seasonal, ingredient-focused).

Day 2: Ancient Rome, Capitoline Art, and Trastevere by Night

Morning: Dive into the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Book a timed slot; the “Full Experience” adds access to special areas like the arena or underground (when available). Beforehand, breakfast at Panella – L’Arte del Pane in Monti (historic bakery, excellent cornetti). After the Colosseum, wander Monti’s artisan boutiques along Via del Boschetto.

Afternoon: Head to Piazza del Campidoglio, Michelangelo’s elegant hilltop square, and visit the Capitoline Museums for masterpieces like the Capitoline Wolf and equestrian Marcus Aurelius. For lunch, try Taverna Romana (Monti; Roman classics) or Trattoria al Moro near Trevi for a traditional rigatoni alla gricia. Coffee at La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro before tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.

Evening: Cross the Tiber into Trastevere. Join the aperitivo crowd at Freni e Frizioni (canalside vibe, creative cocktails) or grab suppli at I Supplì. Dinner: Da Enzo al 29 (tiny, adored; cacio e pepe and tiramisù), La Tavernaccia da Bruno (wood-fired meats, lasagna), or Osteria der Belli for Sardinian touches. Nightcap at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (password via their site) or head back to Monti for world-class cocktails at Drink Kong (futurist design, inventive menu).

Day 3: Vatican Masterpieces, Prati Eats, and Rooftop Views

Morning: Early entry to the Vatican Museums—map your route to the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel before crowds swell. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica (free; modest dress) and, if energy allows, climb the dome for unforgettable city views (fee; stairs or elevator + stairs).

Afternoon: Lunch in Prati: Pizzarium Bonci near Cipro Metro (Roman-style pizza al taglio with bold toppings), or Pastasciutta (fast, fresh pasta boxes). Walk the colonnaded Via della Conciliazione to Castel Sant’Angelo for fortress-to-terrace history and river vistas. Browse elegant Prati shops along Via Cola di Rienzo.

Evening: Golden-hour rooftop at Terrazza Borromini overlooking Piazza Navona or the ivy-wrapped Hotel Raphaël Rooftop for a refined view. Dinner near Campo de’ Fiori/Centro Storico: Roscioli Sotto Trastevere (newer sibling with Roman staples), Pierluigi (seafood on a romantic square), or Osteria da Fortunata (hand-rolled pasta). Gelato at Fatamorgana (creative flavors) before a moonlit walk past the illuminated bridges.

Day 4: Borghese Art, Spanish Steps, Testaccio Bites, Departure

Morning: Timed-entry at the Galleria Borghese (two-hour slots). Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne and Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruit are showstoppers. Stroll the Villa Borghese gardens, then descend to the Spanish Steps. Espresso at the historic Antico Caffè Greco or a modern flat white at Faro – Luminaries of Coffee.

Afternoon: Head to Testaccio, Rome’s culinary soul. Graze at the Testaccio Market: try Mordi e Vai for a warm panino con la picchiapò (simmered beef) or the artichoke panino, plus fresh pasta at Le Mani in Pasta (market stall) and a slice at CasaManco. If time allows, loop by the Baths of Caracalla for ancient grandeur. Depart for the airport: Leonardo Express (~32 min, ~€14) or taxi (~€50 from center).

Evening: If your flight is later, end with a final Roman toast: a spritz on Piazza della Madonna dei Monti or a last gelato at Otaleg (excellent texture) before collecting your bags.

Optional mini day trip (if you swap into Day 4 morning): Tivoli for Villa d’Este (Renaissance fountains) and Hadrian’s Villa. Regional train from Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli ~50–60 min (~€3–€4). Plan via Omio (trains). Or beach time at Ostia Antica ruins (~35–40 min by train; evocative Roman port city).

Practical bites and sips to bookmark:

• Breakfast/coffee: Sant’Eustachio, Tazza d’Oro, Panella, Faro, Pergamino Caffè (Vatican area).
• Lunch: Pizzarium Bonci, Taverna Romana, Mercato Centrale (varied stalls), Testaccio Market (Mordi e Vai).
• Dinner: Armando al Pantheon, Da Enzo al 29, La Tavernaccia da Bruno, Pierluigi, Roscioli.
• Cocktails/wine: Il Goccetto (wine), Freni e Frizioni (aperitivo), Drink Kong (craft cocktails), Jerry Thomas (speakeasy).
• Gelato: Gelateria del Teatro, Giolitti, Fatamorgana, Otaleg.

Tickets and timing pointers: Colosseum/Forum/Palatine: book timed entry (standard ~€18–€24 depending on access). Vatican Museums: timed entry (~€20+). St. Peter’s dome: fee for climb. Galleria Borghese: mandatory reservation (~€13+ fee). City transport: single ticket ~€1.50 valid 100 minutes; multi-day passes available.

Transport helpers: For European flights and trains, search Omio (flights) and Omio (trains). For long-haul routes from outside Europe, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Four days in Rome gives you the essentials: ancient monuments, Vatican marvels, and the rhythms of everyday Roman life. With pre-booked entries and a fork-first approach to the city’s cuisine, you’ll cover icons and hidden corners without rushing. You’ll leave sated—with history, art, and many bowls of perfect pasta.