Rome wasn’t built in a day—and you shouldn’t try to see it in one. The Eternal City layers 2,700 years of history, from the stones of the Roman Forum to the painted heavens of the Sistine Chapel. This 6-day itinerary is paced for savoring: essential landmarks in the cool morning, leisurely lunches, golden-hour strolls, and evenings of cacio e pepe, gelato, and the low hum of piazzas.

Fun facts enliven every corner: cats lounge like emperors at Largo di Torre Argentina; the Pantheon’s dome remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome; and Rome’s Trevi Fountain swallows more than a million euros in coins each year (donated to charity). Meanwhile, modern Rome pulses with design shops, indie fashion, and third-wave coffee tucked among palazzi and cobbles.

Practical notes: dress modestly for churches (shoulders/knees covered), keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas, and remember many museums close Mondays (the Vatican Museums are typically closed Sundays). Book major sights and popular restaurants ahead, carry a reusable water bottle (Rome’s nasone fountains pour cold, potable water), and wear cushioned shoes—those photogenic cobbles are real.

Rome

Why it captivates: Rome is an open-air museum that also happens to cook like your favorite nonna. Mornings are for ancient stones; afternoons, for espresso and boutiques; nights, for twinkling piazzas and wafer-thin pizza.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Villa Borghese.
• Shopping highlights: Designer splurges on Via Condotti; contemporary finds on Via del Babuino; indie and vintage in Monti (Via del Boschetto); daily market browsing at Campo de’ Fiori; tax-free deals at Castel Romano Designer Outlet.
• Essential tastes: Supplì (fried rice balls), Jewish-style artichokes, amatriciana, carbonara, cacio e pepe, carciofi in season, and gelato at day’s end.

Where to stay (Hotels.com and VRBO):

• Splurge, central sophistication: Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel (next to Piazza del Popolo; serene courtyard, refined spa).
• Classic luxury with views: Hotel Eden (near Via Veneto; panoramic rooftop restaurant La Terrazza).
• Resort-in-the-city: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel (spa, pools, art collection; shuttle to center).
• Chic mid-range in Trastevere: Hotel Santa Maria (orange-tree courtyard; quiet but steps from nightlife).
• Mid-range by the Forum: Kolbe Hotel Rome (garden rooms, history at your doorstep).
• Value, boutique feel: Hotel Mascagni (near Repubblica; easy Metro access).
• Budget-friendly, social vibe: The Beehive (near Termini; cozy lounges, great tips).
• Apartments and homes: Browse VRBO Rome for families and longer stays.
• Compare more hotels: Hotels.com Rome.

How to get there and around (book with Omio/Trip.com):

• Flights (from within Europe): Compare to Rome FCO/CIA on Omio flights.
• Flights (from outside Europe): Search global fares on Trip.com flights.
• Trains in Italy/Europe: Rome–Florence ~1.5h, Rome–Naples ~1h10m, Rome–Milan ~3h10m on high-speed lines; book on Omio trains.
• Buses and airport shuttles: Compare coaches and transfers on Omio buses. From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini takes ~32 minutes (~€14–15).

Day 1: Arrival, Centro Storico glow, and your first Roman feast

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle loop: Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains, the Pantheon’s vast dome, and a coin toss at Trevi. Coffee stop at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (signature “Gran Caffè” sweetened foam) or Tazza d’Oro (try a granita di caffè with whipped cream in warm months). For light bites, Roscioli Caffè makes an exemplary maritozzo (cream-filled brioche).

Evening: Browse Via del Corso and the handsome Galleria Alberto Sordi for an early taste of Rome shopping. Dinner near the Pantheon: Armando al Pantheon (classic Roman pastas; reserve), or Emma Pizzeria for a cracker-thin romana pie topped with bufala. Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro (sage-and-raspberry is a sleeper hit). Nightcap at Salotto 42, a low-lit cocktail and aperitivo bar facing the Temple of Hadrian.

Day 2: The Colosseum, the Forum, and Monti’s indie boutiques

Morning: Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli (since 1916; try the maritozzo or cream-filled cornetto). Then step into antiquity with a guided visit of the amphitheater that defined an empire:

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Enter with an expert who brings the arena to life, then continue to the Forum and Palatine Hill for sweeping views. Tip: bring a refillable bottle (fountains inside the archaeological area) and light layers for shade-sun shifts.

Afternoon: Lunch near the sights: Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (family-run; reliable carbonara) or Trattoria Luzzi for a budget plate and wood-fired pizza. Then wander to Monti, Rome’s cool-kid quarter: shop Via del Boschetto (artisanal leather and jewelry), Pifebo for vintage, and the weekend Mercato Monti (designer pop-ups) if your dates align.

Evening: Aperitivo at Ai Tre Scalini (wine bar with small plates) before dinner at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali or Cuoco & Camicia (inventive Roman). Cocktail lovers: Drink Kong ranks among Europe’s best bars—order a highball from the “Perception” menu and watch the neon glow.

Day 3: Vatican treasures and Prati’s polished shopping streets

Morning: Start with espresso at Sciascia Caffè 1919 (velvety cappuccino in chocolate-lined cups), then head to the Vatican with timed, skip-the-line access:

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Walk the Gallery of Maps to Michelangelo’s ceiling, then continue to St. Peter’s. If energy allows, climb the dome for a city-wide panorama.

Afternoon: Casual lunch: Bonci Pizzarium (creative al taglio slices; potato and rosemary is a cult favorite) or Pastasciutta (hearty takeaway pasta near the Vatican). Shop Prati’s Via Cola di Rienzo for Italian brands (peek into gourmet emporium Castroni for coffee, spices, and chocolate souvenirs).

Evening: Dinner at Osteria dell’Angelo (no-frills Roman classics) or La Zanzara (modern bistro, excellent cocktails). Stroll across Ponte Sant’Angelo with Castel Sant’Angelo shimmering by the Tiber, then call it a night with gelato at Old Bridge (generous scoops; classic flavors done right).

Day 4: Markets, Baroque masterpieces, golf-cart highlights, and Trastevere by night

Morning: Start at Campo de’ Fiori market (produce, pecorino, kitchen tools). Grab a warm slice of pizza bianca at Forno Campo de’ Fiori and a fruit cup from a stall. Walk to the Jewish Ghetto for carciofi alla giudia (if in season) and peek at Turtle Fountain. Shop Via dei Giubbonari for leather goods and Via del Governo Vecchio for vintage and curated indie boutiques. Espresso break: Caffè Tazza d’Oro by the Pantheon.

Afternoon: Give your feet a break and see more in less time with:

Rome Highlights City Tour by Golf Cart with Gelato

It’s an easy, fun way to connect the dots between plazas and hidden corners—with a gelato stop built in. Afterwards, browse La Rinascente Roma Tritone (multi-floor department store, rooftop views) and its gourmet food hall for gifts.

Evening: Eat your way through Trastevere with a guided progressive feast:

Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

Prefer DIY? Try Trapizzino (filled pizza pockets), Supplizio (gourmet supplì), and finish at Enoteca Ferrara for a glass of Lazio wine on the square.

Day 5: The Appian Way, outlet deals, and Testaccio’s Roman soul

Morning: Explore the ancient cobbles of Via Appia Antica by bike (rent near the Appia Antica visitor area) and visit the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto (check hours). It’s a time capsule of cypress trees, ruins, and birdsong just beyond the city buzz.

Afternoon: Shopping focus: head to Castel Romano Designer Outlet for discounted Italian and international brands (often 30–70% off; tax-free desk for non-EU visitors). Buses run ~40–50 minutes from central Rome; compare options and times on Omio buses. Not into outlets? If it’s Sunday, swap in the Porta Portese flea market for vintage, vinyl, and quirky finds.

Evening: Testaccio dinner at Felice a Testaccio (famous table-side cacio e pepe toss) or Flavio al Velavevodetto (terraced dining built into Monte dei Cocci, ancient amphora hill). Aperitivo at L’Oasi della Birra (cheese-and-salumi platters, deep wine list). For dessert, wander to La Romana for custard-filled gelato cones topped with warm chocolate.

Day 6: Gardens, last looks, and departure

Morning: Reserve the Galleria Borghese (timed entry) to stand a few inches from Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne and Canova’s Pauline Borghese; afterward, rent bikes or stroll to the Pincian Terrace for postcard views of Piazza del Popolo. Coffee at Pergamino Caffè by the Vatican (excellent hand-brews) if you want one last specialty cup.

Afternoon: Final shopping pass around the Spanish Steps: Via Condotti for designer flagships, Via del Babuino for artful boutiques, and Via Margutta for galleries. For a quick quality lunch before you go, Pastificio Guerra serves takeaway pasta boxes at wallet-friendly prices. Transfer to the airport via Leonardo Express (~32 minutes) or official taxis (flat fares from central Rome; ask your hotel to confirm current rates). Departure day sighs are inevitable—bring biscotti and coffee beans home.

Evening: In transit.

Viator experiences featured in this itinerary

• Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
• Rome Highlights City Tour by Golf Cart with Gelato
• Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

Budget tips (target ~mid-range 50/100): Expect breakfast €3–7 (coffee + pastry), lunch €12–25 (trattoria or pizza al taglio), dinner €20–40 (not including wine). Roma Pass or combined Colosseum/Forum/Palatine tickets can help; walking + buses/Metro (taps with contactless) keep transport costs down. Shop smart: seek VAT refunds where eligible and favor artisan streets (Monti, Via del Governo Vecchio) for value and originality.

As Rome slips from daylight into the honeyed glow that made cinematographers swoon, your days fill with basilicas, boutiques, and bowls of pasta worth writing home about. This itinerary balances headline sights with local rituals—market grazing, late-night gelato, and unhurried piazza time. Arrivederci for now; the Eternal City has a way of making every traveler promise a return.