This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Featuring all the must-see sights, local-approved food spots, and extra tips, this 3-day Rome itinerary has you covered for an unforgettable trip!
Rome is one of those once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list destinations that can seem incredibly daunting to plan for.
With its immense amount of stunning churches, significant historical sites, and incredible places to eat in Rome, it’s hard to know where to even begin.
This is why I keep coming back to this incredible city again and again, and again—I just love it here!
Currently, I am on my fifth, and longest visit to Rome—living here for six weeks—and I have perfected the ultimate itinerary to make your first trip to Rome unforgettable!
Featuring the top places to visit in Rome in 3 days, plus locally-loved Roman eats that perfectly fit into the itinerary, quintessential cafes, and extra unique things to do in Rome, for a well-rounded trip to the Eternal City.
This itinerary has everything you need to have the ultimate Roman holiday.
3 Day Rome Itinerary: Must-See Sights And Amazing Food
Day 1 in Rome: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and more
Breakfast at Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè
To begin your first day in Rome on the right foot, head over to Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè for breakfast—a quintessential Roman cafe.
Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè is a family-run coffee roastery in the heart of Rome that has been caffeinating Romans since 1938. However, the building it lives in has been a cafe since the 1800s(!)
For a slow morning, make sure to grab one of their outdoor tables, settle in, and order a gran cappuccino and some of their tasty pastries to start your day the Italian way.
It is significantly more expensive to consume at the table than it is to have your coffee at the bar, but we are in Rome, and it’s worth it to slow down and savor your first morning in this incredible city.
If you want to try something different than the cappuccino, my favorite drink of theirs is the Moretto, especially accompanied by a fluffy bombolino.
Visit the impressive Pantheon
Your first stop after breakfast is the impressive Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple that was built between 25 and 27 BC (!!!), making the structure over 2000 years old. Simply, insane.
Its dome still amazes architects nowadays, and it is, to this day, the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Another unique feature of the building is the hole in the center of its dome that functions as the only source of light for the building.
When booking your tickets for the Pantheon make sure to grab them with the audio guide to learn more about this fascinating building.
This is one of the top places to visit in Rome and luckily is a relatively quick visit, so you can be on your way soon after to keep exploring more unmissable sights.
🏛️ Visiting the Pantheon in Rome:
- Ticket price: Regular entrance fee €5, Skip-the-line plus audio guide €15
- Where to buy: You can buy the tickets in person at the Pantheon, or book a Pantheon skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour in advance to avoid the crowds.
Wander the stunning Piazza Navona
After admiring the incredible Pantheon, head over to what I believe to be the most beautiful piazza in all of Rome, the picturesque Piazza Navona.
Piazza Navona is a stunning, long, oval-shaped piazza that actually used to be a stadium, the Stadium of Domitian—that’s why it has this shape.
If you picture that the buildings lining the piazza are where the bleachers used to be, it all starts to make sense.
If you want to learn more about it, you can book a ticket for the Stadium of Domitian Museum, under the Piazza, showing the history that lies underneath it.
Besides being a picturesque square, here you will also find some of the most iconic Baroque designs in Rome, Borromini’s beautiful Sant’Agnese in Agone church, and Bernini’s eye-catching Fountain Of Four Rivers.
I particularly love the history of the petty relationship between these two architects. There’s even a legend about Bernini and Borromini fighting with each other through their designs, like the church and the fountain in Piazza Navona.
Visit the quaint Campo de’ Fiori
A few steps away from Piazza Navona you will find the charming Campo de’ Fiori.
Campo de’ Fiori is a small square lined with bars and restaurants, that are a little too tourist-trappy for my taste, but the square is cute nonetheless.
The name translates to “field of flowers”, which was given to it since Medieval times when the area used to be a meadow.
Nowadays the square is home to a bustling market and pays tribute to its name by having colorful flower stands on the square.
Campo de’ Fiori is a cute addition to your 3-day Rome itinerary and an easy stop while leisurely exploring the city.
Make a wish at the Trevi fountain
Your next stop is one of the non-negotiable places to visit in Rome in 3 days, the beautiful Trevi Fountain.
Famous for good reason, this stunning Baroque-style fountain attracts tourists from all over the world to come and throw a coin in the water to guarantee a trip back to beautiful Rome.
This is why, if visiting the Trevi fountain during the day, you will inevitably find—to no one’s surprise—tons of other tourists.
Nowadays there are “traffic controllers” that let people in in groups, to prevent the old chaos of people shoving each other to get a front view of the fountain.
It might take a little longer to get in, as there is a line—entrance is free—but at least it’s a little bit more civilized.
To guarantee an emptier view of the fountain, one of my favorite things to do when in Rome, is to visit the main attractions at night, when you can have them all to yourself.
Lunch at Piccolo Buco or L’antica Pizzeria di Trevi
For lunch, just a few steps away from the Trevi fountain, you will find the popular pizzeria, Piccolo Buco.
While Piccolo Buco might be a bit of a social media attraction now, the pizza is still incredibly tasty and worth a try—I particularly love their pizza Margherita.
However, the place is quite popular and they don’t take reservations, so you will probably have to wait in line for a bit.
If you don’t feel like waiting, the nearby L’antica Pizzeria di Trevi is just a few steps away and also serves delicious Neapolitan-style pizza.
Visit the Spanish Steps
After lunch, it’s time to keep the step count going by heading to the Spanish Steps.
While I don’t necessarily consider the Spanish Steps to be an unmissable sight in a Rome itinerary, it is an easy stop to check off the list if you wander around Via del Corso, one of the best shopping streets in Rome.
My favorite way to visit the Spanish Steps is by first stopping by the locally loved Pompi Tiramisu—this, I consider an unmissable spot in Rome—to pick up an individual portion of their tiramisu classico to enjoy on the steps as I people-watch.
Lizzie McGuire would be jealous of your main character vibes!
Explore Piazza del Popolo and the viewpoint at Terraza del Pincio
After enjoying your little treat on the Spanish Steps, keep walking towards Piazza del Popolo, the largest square in Rome.
On the way there you can browse the shops in Via del Corso, and if you are in a splurgy mood you might enjoy Via Condotti, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world—according to Paolo, and the internet.
Once you arrive at the impressive Piazza del Popolo, make sure to take the time to admire its unique features such as the Fontana dei Leoni, the square’s twin churches, and if open, make sure to head into Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo, a work of Bernini that features masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael.
For the cherry on top, if your legs haven’t given up just yet, climb the stairs to Terraza del Pincio for a beautiful view over Rome at sunset.
Dinner at Pastasciutta
If you are done after all that walking and cannot even, don’t worry, I have a dinner option for you nearby, Pastasciutta.
Pastasciutta is a modern, straight-to-the-point, pasta restaurant, popular with locals and tourists alike.
Focused on high-quality ingredients and simplicity, there’s no hassle here. You simply choose your pasta style and your sauce, and your pasta is ready in a couple of minutes.
When in Rome, make sure to try the carbonara or the amatriciana, both Roman classics.
Buon appetito e buona notte, see you on day 2!
Day 2 in Rome: Roman breakfast, the Colosseum, Monti neighborhood, and more
Breakfast at Regoli Pasticceria
We are starting the second day in Rome the way Romans did in medieval times, with a fluffy and creamy maritozzo, and a delicious cappuccino—this part might be a modern add-on.
And for the best maritozzo in Rome you will want to head to Regoli Pasticceria, a locally loved Roman bakery, recommended by my Roman friend’s grandmother, so you know it’s legit.
To order, simply head into the bakery side, order your maritozzo and cappuccino, and pay, they will hand you a ticket and the maritozzo, and then you go next door to the cafe, where you give the ticket to the barista, and he will prepare your drink.
Roman breakfasts tend to be quick, so enjoy yours standing by the bar, and then off you go to your next stop of the day.
Tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Imperial Forum
While admiring the Colosseum from the outside is already a treat, seeing the inside of it will really bring it to life.
And your second day in Rome is the perfect day to visit the inside of the iconic Colosseum, and explore Palatine Hill, and the Imperial Forum—luckily most tickets already include all of these attractions.
No matter when you are visiting Rome, you will definitely want to book your tickets to the Colosseum far in advance, as this is obviously one of the most iconic attractions in the city, and it sells out fast.
I am slightly ashamed to admit, that it took my fifth visit to Rome to finally visit the inside of the Colosseum, as I always thought it was impressive enough from the outside, and I am so happy I finally did it.
We opted for the full experience – arena and loved being able to get a closer look at the arena and all the technical details of their entertainment system back then. It’s crazy impressive!
The ticket will also include a visit to the Palatine Hill and Imperial Forum which will take you another 2-3 hours, so keep that in mind and maybe pack some snacks.
🎟️ Visiting the Colosseum:
- Ticket price: Between €18-€28 depending on what’s included. The Full Experience Arena costs €24
- Where to buy: You will definitely want to book your tickets to the Colosseum in advance. You can use the free Colosseum app to follow the audio guide, but if you prefer more direct interaction, I highly recommend you book a guided tour of the Colosseum to make the most of your visit.
Lunch at Trieste Pizza in Monti
Once you have ticked this iconic spot off your list, make your way to a Roman off-the-beaten-path gem, the charming Monti neighborhood.
Monti is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome, being just behind the Imperial Forum, this quiet local area feels so far removed from the packed streets around the Colosseum.
Explore the charming streets of Monti, visit some of its second-hand shops, and for lunch, you can head over to Trieste Pizza, a casual pizza spot in the heart of Monti.
If visiting Rome for 3 days, the limit of pizza and pasta that can be had simply does not exist. And this little local pizza shop is the perfect place to keep the ball rolling on incredible meals in Rome.
Admire the stunning Piazza del Campidoglio
After fueling up on pizza, make your way to another one of my favorite hidden gems in the heart of Rome, the stunning Piazza del Campidoglio.
Piazza del Campidoglio was the first modern square designed in Rome, and it was by none other than Michelangelo.
Lined with temples dedicated to Roman gods, this beautiful square lies on top of one of the most important of the seven hills in Rome, Capitoline Hill.
If you get a chance to see it at sunset, the whole place truly comes alive under the golden light.
Here you will also find the Capitoline Museums, packed with the history of ancient Rome, which you might be able to squeeze in if you are interested.
Drink with a view at Terrazza Caffarelli
If you, like me, enjoy a slow travel moment no matter the length of the trip, then you will love this next stop.
Whether you visit the museum or not, you can stop by the Terrazza Caffarelli, a terrace cafe inside the Capitoline Museums.
Right off the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio, up some stairs, you will find the Terrazza Caffarelli, a true hidden gem in Rome.
Here you can enjoy a little afternoon espresso, or sip on a refreshing spritz while you take in the views over this stunning city at golden hour.
Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29
To perfectly finish off your second day in Rome, make your way to lively Trastevere, for a classic Roman dinner at the popular Trattoria Da Enzo al 29.
Tucked away on a quiet street in Trastevere, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 is easy to locate thanks to the amount of people lining up for it.
This well-loved trattoria serves delicious Roman classics, like their famous Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and flavorful Amatriciana—the last two are my favorite!
Keep an eye out for their fresh Bufala, which you might only find on their chalkboard menu, and make sure to leave space for their delicious tiramisu, one of my favorite ones in Rome.
City highlights moonlight walking tour of Rome
If you are not ready to head back to the hotel just yet and would like to learn more about all the iconic places in Rome, then you won’t want to miss this incredible moonlight walking tour of Rome.
Hitting all the main spots at night, guarantees less crowds, a more comfortable pace, and a guide that will give you lots of information, stories, and context to some of Rome’s most iconic sights.
🌙 City highlights moonlight walking tour of Rome
- Price: 25 USD
- Starting time: 8:00 pm
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Day 3 in Rome: Vatican City, Museums, and local vibes in Trastevere
Breakfast at Trecaffè
On your third day in Rome, it’s time to explore the unmissable Vatican City and its many treasures, but first things first, breakfast.
For breakfast close to the Vatican, head over to Trecaffè, a spacious cafeteria offering a wide variety of delicious pastries for breakfast, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the perfect Italian cappuccino.
If you prefer savory treats, they also offer delicious panini. I’d recommend grabbing one for later—it makes a perfect quick lunch between Vatican stops for maximum travel efficiency!
Admire the historic St. Peter’s Basilica
Your first stop of the day in Vatican City should be St. Peter’s Basilica, as there are no tickets needed, which is great, however, this also means that visits are on a first-come-first-served basis.
So you might want to tick this off your list as early in the day as possible to guarantee smaller crowds, and to be able to move on with your day.
If on the other hand, you would rather have your visit scheduled, you can book a time slot for a fee on the St. Peter’s Basilica official website.
St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see if visiting Vatican City, and an impressive work of art to admire whether you visit for religious reasons or not.
To enter you have to be conservatively covered, no tank tops, no exposed shoulders or legs, they will lend you a cover-up if needed.
Visit the famous Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
⭐️ TIP: A visit to the St. Peters Basilica can take you around 1-2 hours, and our next stop, the Vatican Museums will take between 2-3 hours, so plan for your hunger levels accordingly.
Consuming food inside the exhibition halls in the Vatican Museums is prohibited, but if you pack a snack—like the panini I mentioned—you can store it in a locker inside the museum to go back to and take a snack break when needed.
Today is our artistic day, so after admiring all the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, head over to the Vatican Museums for even more world-renowned masterpieces.
To guarantee your visit on the day and time that is best for you, you will want to book your visit to the Vatican Museums far in advance, as it sells out quickly.
And to ensure you make the absolute most out of your visit to this iconic museum, I highly recommend you do it with a guide or audio guide.
On my first visit to the Vatican Museums, I did it without a guide, and I was so overwhelmed, I didn’t even know where to look at.
While I don’t particularly love spending money on extra guides, the second time I visited the Vatican Museums I opted for the guide option and it was a game changer—probably to no one’s surprise.
It just makes so much sense, this way you get to fully appreciate the art pieces and the rooms you will explore, with all the extra information that gives you context on the art pieces and their story.
Booking your tickets for the Vatican Museums with a tour will also allow you to enter the building faster. So it is a win-win!
Aperitivo in lively Trastevere
For the evening we are doing the opposite of the Vatican, and we are heading to lively Trastevere, the Roman neighborhood where the locals go for dinner and drinks.
Trastevere is one of the best places to visit in Rome for first-timers to get a more rounded sense of the city and add a more local feel to the trip, instead of just attraction-hopping around.
The streets are small and picturesque, with a touch of character provided by some grungier bars, yet the vibe remains local and lively—the perfect place to wander around, find a spot on a terrace and enjoy an aperitif before heading for dinner.
My favorite place in Trastevere for this, is Big Hilda Public Bar, a casual bar with small outdoor tables perfect for people-watching.
Their cocktails are well-prepared—love their negroni, regular, and sbagliato— and their mixed board is one of the best I have had in Rome. One of my unmissable stops whenever I’m in Rome!
Dinner at Tonnarello
For your last dinner in Rome, we are going full local by visiting the popular Tonarello, a classic Roman restaurant serving a regional type of pasta.
This place was recommended to me years ago by a Roman friend who mentioned that this is the place where her whole family gathers during the weekends when, and after visiting once it’s easy to see why.
The food is incredible, the clientele is local, and the prices are very reasonable, one of the best cheap eats in Rome, and an unmissable spot to get a truly local taste of Roman cooking.
Try their carbonara, it’s delicious and one of my favorite ones I’ve had during my many visits to Rome.
Final thoughts on a 3-day Rome itinerary
While there are more incredible historical sites and delicious restaurants that one can visit on any given trip to Rome, this 3-day Rome itinerary includes all the essentials for a first-time visitor, plus some unique touches for an unforgettable trip to the Eternal City.
Sprinkled with my favorite foodie spots after tons of trial and error, I’m sure this itinerary will help you have the ultimate Roman holiday.
If you are looking to fill in more days in Italy, there are plenty of incredible day trips out of Rome. Such as exploring the stunning Almalfi coast, pizza-tasting in Napoli, or visiting the impressive Pompeii.
What is the thing at the top of your list that you cannot wait to visit or see in Rome? Let us know in the comments.