# Rome - 3 Day Itinerary

Enjoy the history, food and culture of Rome and the Vatican City over a long weekend.

Canonical: https://www.go-guided.com/en/trips/rome-3-day-itinerary

Published: 2025-04-30T23:00:59.782061+00:00

Author: Guided Tours
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Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and everyday Italian life blend seamlessly. This three day itinerary offers a perfect introduction to the city’s most iconic landmarks, hidden treasures, and vibrant neighbourhoods. Here’s how to experience it best.

**Day 1: Baroque Beauty and Hidden Corners**

Begin your adventure in the heart of Rome with a visit to the **Trevi Fountain**, one of the most famous fountains in the world. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds, and don’t forget the tradition, toss a coin over your left shoulder to ensure your return to Rome. From there, stroll through charming cobbled streets to the **Spanish Steps**, where you can sit and watch the world go by while admiring the sweeping views from the top near the Trinità dei Monti church.

Next, head to the **Pantheon**, a marvel of ancient engineering that has stood for nearly 2,000 years. Its vast dome and oculus remain awe-inspiring, and entry is free, though booking a guided tour can enrich your understanding of its fascinating history. A short walk away is **Piazza Navona**, a lively square filled with fountains, street performers, and cafés. Take time for an espresso or gelato while admiring Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Nearby lies one of Rome’s quirkiest sights, the **Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary**, a rescue centre nestled among ancient ruins where dozens of cats lounge contentedly in the sun. End your day at **Chiesa della Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini**, a beautiful Baroque church often missed by tourists. Attend an evening Mass or simply sit quietly to appreciate its serene atmosphere.

**Day 2: Walking Through Ancient Rome**

Dedicate your second day to the grandeur of Imperial Rome. Start early at the **Colosseum**, the city’s most iconic monument. Booking skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour will help you make the most of your visit, offering insight into the lives of gladiators and the spectacles that once captivated thousands. From there, explore the **Roman Forum**, once the political and commercial heart of the empire.

Continue up to the **Palatine Hill**, the legendary birthplace of Rome and home to the remains of imperial palaces. The panoramic views of the Forum and Circus Maximus from above are breathtaking. In the evening, circle back to the **Trevi Fountain**, now illuminated at night, a magical sight and a romantic way to close your day.

**Day 3: Spiritual Majesty and Vatican Wonders**

Cross the Tiber River to **Trastevere**, one of Rome’s most charming districts. Visit the **Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere**, one of the city’s oldest churches, with glittering mosaics that shimmer in the morning light. Then head to **St. Peter’s Basilica** in Vatican City. Climb to the dome for a sweeping view over Rome and the Vatican Gardens.

Spend the afternoon exploring the **Vatican Museums**, home to masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and countless others. End your journey in the **Sistine Chapel**, where Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes will leave you speechless.

To experience Rome at its best, walk wherever possible, linger in piazzas, and savour the moments, a cappuccino in the morning, pasta at lunch, and a slow evening stroll at sunset. In Rome, every corner tells a story, and every day feels timeless.[routePlacesList: non-text section]

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## Itinerary places

- **Trevi Fountain** (day 2)
- **Chiesa della Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini** (day 1)
- **Otaleg**
- **Cat Sanctuary** (day 1)
- **Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere** (day 3)
- **Colosseum** (day 2)
- **Palatine Hill** (day 2)
- **Saint Peter’s Basilica** (day 3)
- **Vatican Museums** (day 3)
- **Sistine Chapel** (day 3)
- **Pane e Salame**
- **Pantheon** (day 1)
- **Piazza Navona** (day 1)
- **SETTIMO ROMAN CUISINE ANDTERRACE**
- **Trevi Fountain** (day 1)
- **Supplì Roma**
- **Roman Forum** (day 2)
- **Spanish Steps** (day 1)
- **Mimì e Cocò**
- **Il Giardino Ristorante**

## Day notes

### Day 0

Pane e salame (quick sandwich spot)

Mimi e coco (sit down)

Il giardino ristorante (nice rooftop dinner)

Suppli Roma (quick lunch)

Otaleg (gelato)

Settimo (rooftop drinks and snacks)

### Day 1

Out at 6 am for Trevi Fountain photos. It's early but it will start getting crowded by 7.

### Day 2

Out at 7 am for Colosseum photos

Colosseum visit (make sure to have reservations, tickets are available 30 days prior to visit)

The Roman forum and surrounding buildings can easily take 1-2 hours.

Visit Trevi Fountain after dinner to see it lit up!

### Day 3

Be sure to book tickets for Vatican museums and Sistine chapel in advance.

These can be purchased directly on their websites, if you are late then local tour companies offer them but at much higher prices, but you do get a tour guide which is helpful.