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If you are planning a trip to Rome, you may be wondering what the best three-day itinerary for Rome, Italy, is.

As the old saying goes, “Roma non fu fatta in un giorno,” or “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” It isn’t long before you realize the accuracy of this statement. Roman works of art and masterpieces are everywhere. Walking through Rome is like walking through two thousand years of history, all intertwined and juxtaposed into the present day. At times, it can be overwhelming. There is so much to do and to see in Rome that even the locals may need a lifetime or two to capture it all. In fact, there is probably more to see in Rome than in any other city in the world.

With so much to see and do, where does one start?

Recommended First Day in Rome

Trastevere in Rome — Rome view of Trastevere

The Roman Forum (“Foro Romano”), nestled in a valley between the Capitoline and Palatine hills, is a good starting point. The forum is really an archaeological complex that you can enter from the piazza leading from the Colosseum. The Colosseum, of course, is the symbol of Rome. This is the famous amphitheater that could hold up to 55,000 spectators as they watched gladiator fights, animal fights, etc. Completed in 80AD, it took 10 years to construct.

It originally had an adjustable canvas – the precursor to today’s stadiums with adjustable roofs. Architects today still marvel at the design, which allowed the Colosseum to be emptied in about 12 minutes (think of that next time you are at a major sporting event)!

The Roman Forum, the commercial, political, and religious center of ancient Rome, holds immense historical significance. In fact, much of our current political system in the United States is derived from the Roman political system established during the rule of Caesar.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are another popular Rome attraction. During the spring, it is blooming with flowers, creating a picturesque setting for a unique shopping experience. The streets leading in and out of the piazza offer Rome’s finest shopping, especially at Via del Corso. However, be warned: if your significant other likes to shop, she will love this district. A day of shopping here is usually a very potent aphrodisiac!

From there, you can take a stroll (it is best not to drive in Rome, unless you have a death wish) to the Trevi Fountain. Try to time your visit during evening hours, when the fountain is illuminated. Don’t forget to throw in a coin over your shoulder… legend has it that doing so will ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Recommended Second Day in Rome

You should plan to spend one day seeing the Vatican, the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Sistine Chapel. The best way to get there is across the beautiful (angel-clad bridge, Ponte Sant’Angelo. The Vatican is literally another country, separate from Italy. It is also the spiritual and religious center for Catholicism.

Inside St. Peter’s Cathedral, to the right, you will find Michelangelo’s famous Pietà, sculpted when the artist was 25 years old. The dome of the cathedral offers the best view of Rome. Inside the Vatican Museum, you will find countless treasures collected or commissioned by the papacy over the centuries. Many tours range from 90 minutes to 5 hours. Of particular interest should be the Raphael Room and the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel, with its most famous feature, the ceiling, is another Michelangelo masterpiece (among others). The ceiling is supposed to depict scenes from the Book of Genesis, and it took Michelangelo four years to complete.

It’s important to remember that when visiting St. Peter’s Cathedral, respect for local customs is key. You will not be allowed to enter if you are wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or above-the-knee skirts, even in the heat of summer. This is a place of worship, and Italians take that very seriously. So, dress accordingly and show respect for their traditions.

A good place to see after you visit the Vatican is Castel Sant’Angelo. This was initially built (138 AD) as a mausoleum, which was then converted to a papal fortress in the 6th century. And with its underground passageways, it is sometimes used to provide a haven for the pope to get to the Vatican. Inside, there are numerous works of art, and you can learn a great deal about the history of Rome. On the fourth floor, there is a cafe where you can sip on an espresso while savoring some of the finest views of Rome.

Recommended Third Day for your Rome Visit

First Time to Rome Vacation Planner book by Larry Aiello — My Travel Book for Rome, Italy

Piazza Navona is another one of Rome’s famous piazzas. This is the place to see artists as they sketch and grab a delicious espresso or panino in one of the many outdoor cafes. In the center of the piazza is a Bernini masterpiece…la Fontana dei Fiumi (Fountain of Rivers). To the west of the piazza lies the beautiful church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. Legend has it that this is where Agnese was exposed naked, only to be (miraculously) covered by the rapid growth of her hair. At the northern end of the piazza lies another fountain, La Fontana di Nettuno.

Speaking of fountains, you will see many people drinking from many of the fountains that Rome has to offer. Unlike in Mexico, it is OK to drink the water! Rome is blessed by a rich water source and aqueduct system, much of which has been unchanged since its original construction during the Roman Empire. Whenever you see the sign “non potabile,” you should NOT drink the water.

The Pantheon, an architecturally geometric masterpiece, is also worth seeing. The building is still in remarkable condition. Its dimensions and lines are very symmetrical, almost perfect. Originally a temple built in dedication to “all the gods”, today, its concrete dome is the biggest in the world.

From here, you can do some more shopping down Via Nazionale. These are similar to the shops around the Spanish Steps, but not as expensive.

Extended stays in Rome, Italy

The above itineraries are somewhat rushed, but definitely possible. Ideally, you would probably want to spend a week in Rome and go at a more relaxed pace.

Should you have any more time remaining in Rome, check out the vibrant market of Campo dei Fiori. Here you will savor some of the finest flavors of Rome: fresh meats, fruits, flowers, and vegetables. This is where you can mingle with some of the locals. To the north of the Campo lies a piazza and a lovely building that was built during the Renaissance (Palazzo della Cancelleria).

On the other side of the Tiber River lies Trastevere, an eclectic neighborhood full of great Baroque architecture, funky bars, cafes, restaurants, etc. It is a good place to experience Rome’s nightlife, and on Sunday morning, you can even check out the flea market (Porta Portese).

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, spend some time north of the Spanish Steps, relaxing in the Villa Borghese. This is the greenest and most serene section of Rome: a nice little respite, and a good place to picnic. There are a few noteworthy museums and a not-so-remarkable zoo. You can also squeeze this in on the first day, if you like, since this is near the Spanish Steps.

For something a little out of the ordinary, check out the Catacombs, an underground burial system used many centuries ago in Italy. Italians, like many others, are very respectful of the deceased. These are located on the outskirts of town. You will probably have to take 2 buses from Termini Station to get there.

What to See Outside of Rome

Tivoli, about an hour east of Rome, makes a nice day trip. This is a quaint little hill town famous for its quarry stone industry.

Ostia, about an hour west of Rome, is where Romans go when they want to go to the beach. The seaside resort is worth a visit if you have time, but it’s not particularly noteworthy. The better beaches justify a weekend outing further south on the Amalfi Coast and outside Sorrento. These locations require a few hours by train.

Heading north of Rome, Viareggio is a nice little beach resort in the Tuscany region. And of course, there are all the wonders of Florence, about a 3-hour train ride from Rome.

So there you have it. Rome in a nutshell. You will not leave disappointed, no matter how many days you are there. If anything, you will want to stay more. As the old saying goes about Rome, “Roma, una vita non basta,” or “Rome, a lifetime isn’t enough. So enjoy whatever amount of time you spend in Rome, because there is no other city in the world like it.