Three days in Rome: an itinerary walking around the capital

What to do in Rome in 3 days? We have come up with an itinerary to do as you stroll through the streets of the Eternal City. A lifetime would not be enough to know all the wonders of Rome. This is well known not only by those who have visited it a few times as tourists, but also by those who have lived there for a long time. But what the latter know very well, and the former a little less, is that the Eternal City hides so many little-known marvels that go beyond the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps or St. Peter's Dome: moving a few kilometres from the historic centre and the Vatican City area, in fact, every neighbourhood is the custodian of splendid buildings, fabulous views and a very active and multiform nightlife.

And what better occasion than a nice weekend off to get a little taste of it?

Here are some itineraries to do on foot (or briefly by bus) for three days in Rome, during which you can let yourself be bewitched by the lesser-known treasures of some areas outside the centre. In these short itineraries, you must consider the idea of using the best pass for the city of Rome, which will allow you to discover and visit magical places with considerable facilities, optimising your time. Let's start with some essential information for living in Rome for three days, don't miss the opportunity to consider accessing some of the most visited Capitoline attractions. Don't worry, we'll tell you how!

Three days in Rome here's everything you need to know to make your stay worthwhile. Did you know that the historic centre of Rome is a World Heritage Site? What are the things you really need to see? You've found the right place! This guide will show you all the places to see in Rome in 3 days. We have chosen to talk about the beauty of the historic centre because this is the starting point of our three-day tour of Rome. It is important to know that there are many things to see. It is no coincidence that it is among the largest historical centres in the world and it is a city that has seen a lot of history. Rome has always loved beauty. Rome is the only city to offer the uniqueness of monuments, churches, fountains and everything else you can see while walking through the streets of the centre, and this guide will explain why. Before we move on to our ideas of what to do and see in three days in Rome, we have a tip for you.

If you plan to visit Rome in 3 days without stress and trying to see as much as possible, a tourist pass is the best solution for you. With Visit Rome Pass 72h you enjoy three days in Rome with free access to public transport, free and discounted entry to Rome's best museums, such as the Vatican Museums and Borghese Gallery. We will advise you on what to do in Rome in three days with a complete itinerary including a tour of Ancient Rome. You can get around easily by metro, bus or taxi but the distances from one place to another that we recommend will be a maximum of half an hour's walk. So all you have to do is trust our advice on what to visit in Rome in three days.

Discover the Rome Visit Pass 72h

The first day of our itinerary on what to visit and what to do in Rome in 3 days can only start with exploring the ancient city. We advise you to start the tour early in the morning to avoid the most crowded hours and to bring a backpack with water and something to eat. Our itinerary includes several attractions, starting at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and ending at the beautiful Tiber Island.

Take advantage of the morning to see not only the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, but also the beautiful Ostiense district and its Piramide Cestia. You can use the metro line B if you feel like moving faster from one place to another. These are the stops you will have to get off at: Basilica S. Paolo, Piramide, Circo Massimo and Colosseo. When you are in the Colosseum area, you can decide whether to enjoy your meal while also feasting your eyes on the streets that the ancient Romans walked. There is nothing more beautiful than being able to take a rest stop on the Palatine Hill and look down on the city from above.

In the afternoon you will continue your walking tour that includes the Altar of the Fatherland and the Capitoline Hill, but you may also decide to see the Arch of Triumph and the Roman Forum at this time of day.

You can end your first stage of the three days in Rome by walking towards the Circus Maximus and then arrive when the sun is setting at the Tiber Island. You'll choose whether to have an aperitif and dinner to spend a beautiful evening in the heart of the Tiber.

● Papal Basilica St Paul Outside the Walls

We begin our three days in Rome by waking up early in the morning to make the most of the city when it too is still waking up. We start our itinerary from the majestic Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura, a splendid example of Byzantine architecture.

The building stands on what is believed to be the burial place of the Apostle St Paul and is the second largest church in Rome after St Peter's in terms of size and the importance of the works housed inside. As in any self-respecting Byzantine building, the interior of the Basilica is a triumph of golden mosaics, bordered by a beautiful white marble colonnade, while outside, a charming cloister with a large garden awaits you. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980.

● Ostiense district, Cestia Pyramid

Not far from the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls is another of the capital's most dynamic areas, the Ostiense district. Welcoming you on arrival is the imposing Piramide Cestia, which gives its name to the metro stop and will accompany you to the entrance of the street.

Not far away, about one km, you will find the Testaccio district, famous for its nightlife. From Piramide station you can also take the train to reach the coast of Ostia and Fiumicino in a short time. You can reach Piramide by taking the metro B to the station of the same name.

● Circus Maximus

We continue our journey of places to see in Rome in 3 days by delving deeper and deeper into the historical centre of the city. The Circus Maximus is the next area we want to talk about. You will know very well that its size makes it world famous. In fact, it is here that events related to the world of music take place. The concerts are truly unique, as is the location, which is perfectly suited to these events.

It is important to know that the Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman circus that dates back to the 2nd century BC, so you can understand how much history has been there for many centuries. If you want to take a romantic trip, we recommend arriving at the Circus Maximus just before sunset. Then, you can sit on one of the benches and see the Circus Maximus and the buildings of ancient Rome on the Palatine Hill from above.

● Arch of Constantine

It is important to know that before you leave the Ancient Rome area, you can see the Arch of Constantine next to the Colosseum! It is one of the few triumphal arches in Rome still standing, making it historically significant. It is a very popular spot for tourists because of its location. In fact, it is located in front of the Colosseum, so it does not lack visibility. 

Again, we advise you to visit this monument in the evening; we would like to point out well because it is really worth it. The lights installed nearby make these two monuments stand out in the dark. This area is perfect for photographers and for capturing a memory of your three days in Rome!

● Colosseum

We take the opportunity to talk about the Colosseum straight away as we are on the subject. The fact that we are talking about what to see in the historic centre obviously prompted us to include it in this guide. One of the new seven wonders of the world is a must when visiting Rome in three days. Thousands of people visit this area of the capital to see the Colosseum up close, a monument built more than two thousand years ago that is still splendid, especially after the recent restorations.

We recommend visiting it in the morning and returning late in the evening to see the true heart of Rome without the hundreds of tourists that crowd the city during the day. It is relaxing and unique, I assure you. Looking at its majesty and feeling the silence of the city envelops you in a strange way.

Discover the Colosseum and Rome Tour

● Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

We are now going to talk about two more crucial stages in the discovery of ancient Rome! The first forms the basis of Roman civilisation: the Forum of Rome. Walking here is truly fascinating and hard to forget, especially if you know that you are walking the same roads that the inhabitants of ancient Rome walked. Indeed, this was the centre of commerce, politics and religion!

The Palatine, one of the seven hills of Rome, is the second stop. It is located a stone's throw from the Roman Forum and is an open-air archaeological site that allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of ancient Rome. It is important to know that some Roman emperors, such as Augustus and Nero, decided to establish their residence here, which makes it all the more important to visit this hill!

Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine: Morning admission, book now

● Altar of the Fatherland

We come to one of the most crucial stages of this guide! We are talking about the Altare della Patria, which is among the most fascinating monuments in Rome. Its construction was planned 20 years after the Unification of Italy, so it is considered a monument that embodies all the values of our nation. It is an unmissable place to visit because we know that it represents both Rome and Italy.

The free access to the terrace located halfway up the monument is something we want to highlight. Don't forget to go there because you can see the roofs of Rome, Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. You can also take a closer look at the imposing columns that surround you. There is also a lift, which you have to pay for, that allows you to go up to the terrace at the top of the monument, where you can see Rome from a higher point. We highly recommend this stop for those who love photography!

● Campidoglio

Piazza del Campidoglio is the next stop on our tour of Rome's historic centre! Michelangelo's masterpiece has always been a landmark for the city of Rome. This is the seat of the city's municipality and the oldest public museum in the world. We recommend a visit to the Capitoline Museums, which preserve this record!

It is here that you can see the statue of the Lupa Capitolina, the most famous symbol of Rome that all tourists want to see when they are in Rome. The Capitoline Hill is also a great place for night visits. You will love coming here without tourists to see the whole Roman Forum from above. Everything becomes very quiet when the silence takes over.

Tickets for the Capitoline Museums

● Theatre of Marcellus

The next stop on our 3-day trip of places to see in Rome is a significant monument that visitors often overlook: the Theatre of Marcellus. It is a short walk from the Capitol and can be reached easily. Our theatre of ancient Rome is very important because it is located close to the Capitol and the Roman Forum. However, that is not all: the Theatre of Marcellus has many similarities with Rome's most famous monument.

It is important to know that this structure was built before the Colosseum, so you can understand how important it was in designing the world's most famous amphitheatre. This model was used to build historical buildings such as the Arena in Verona. The Theatre of Marcellus is the reason why today you can admire monuments with this architectural style! Also because we are talking about one of the Roman buildings that are still standing, we recommend you visit it.

● Tiber Island

When someone talks about the island of Rome, they immediately think of Tiber Island! It is an important island because it is in the middle of the Tiber and there are people living there. If you see it for the first time, you will immediately realise that it is different. Only Rome offers you the chance to visit a big city and see an island in the middle of it. For this reason, I recommend you visit it.

The Fabricio Bridge is one of the two bridges that connect the streets of Rome to the island. It is one of the most important bridges in Rome because it has maintained its original structure and is also the oldest of its kind. You can understand how important it is if you think that it was built in 62 BC. However, that is not all! In the heart of the island is also the church of St Bartholomew, which is over a thousand years old. These are good reasons to embark on this 3-day itinerary in Rome.

Don't miss the opportunity to end this day with a cruise on the Tiber River and an aperitif on board.

Discover the Tiber Sunset Cruise with Aperitif

Continuing our three-day tour of Rome, we are on the second day of our itinerary to discover this enchanting city. We start this route from Trastevere, passing through the Vatican City (metro stop: Ottaviano - San Pietro). It is best to arrive early in the morning when it is not very crowded. We will then continue our 3-day itinerary of Rome until we reach Piazza del Popolo.

We start the second leg of our itinerary early in the morning. For this second day, the metro line A is the one we are interested in with the stops: Ottaviano-S. Pietro and Spagna. So use the morning to visit the Trastevere area, where you can also decide to have a hearty breakfast to give you energy to face the day. Or you can start right from St Peter's Square, visit Castel Sant'Angelo and then head to Trastevere for lunch. It's also nice to spend the evening here, and we recommend watching the sunsets from the Janiculum Hill.

In the afternoon, take the metro to the Spanish Steps, so you can admire it in daylight and then return to see it at night with the artificial illuminations. Do the same with the Trevi Fountain. Then spend the afternoon hours visiting: Piazza Navona, Pantheon and Piazza del Popolo.

In the evening, as we have already advised, head for the Spagna Metro station and you can take the opportunity to capture the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps in all their splendour that only Roman nights can give. 

● Trastevere

It's impossible to write a guide to Rome's historic centre without mentioning Trastevere. We are talking about one of the neighbourhoods in the centre where you can experience the atmosphere of true Roman life. Artists who have lived in these streets include Alberto Sordi and Carlo Verdone. The cuisine will tell you we are right and the alleys of the neighbourhood will tell you that time seems to stand still here.

It is important to know that if you want to try real Roman cuisine, this is the place to be. We are talking about one of the places that both Romans and tourists love. We recommend you visit the entire Gianicolo area, watch the sunset and then head down to Trastevere to dine in one of the many typical restaurants in the area. As for attractions not to be missed, don't forget Ponte Sisto and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which are among the most beautiful churches in Rome.

● Castel Sant'Angelo

Now let's talk about one of the monuments to see on a three-day tour of Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo. The characteristics of this monument are its history, its grandeur, its uniqueness and its beauty. Photography enthusiasts often come here to take beautiful sunset photos!

After seeing Castel Sant'Angelo from the outside, we recommend you go inside to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. We assure you that it is really worth it. Also, you should know that Ponte Sant'Angelo, one of the most beautiful bridges in Rome, is located in front of the castle. It is so called because there are statues of angels on its sides. Therefore, it is clear that the monument and everything around it is something to be seen.

Castel Sant'Angelo entrance ticket

● St Peter's Square

St Peter's Square is among the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. It is located in the Vatican, at the foot of St Peter's Basilica. The square has extraordinary dimensions, measuring 320 metres long and 240 metres wide. St. Peter's Square has hosted more than 300,000 people during significant liturgical events. Bernini's design was used to build the square from 1656 to 1667, commissioned by Pope Alexander VII.

What are the attractions of St. Peter's Square? Besides its large size, the square is adorned with 284 columns and 88 pillars in a portico of four rows. The 140 statues of saints at the top of the columns were made by Bernini's disciples in 1670. At the heart of the square are an obelisk and two fountains. In 1586, the obelisk, 25 metres high, was transported from Egypt to Rome. The two fountains were made by Bernini in 1675 and by Maderno in 1614. The long Via della Conciliazione, which starts at Castel Sant'Angelo, is the most fascinating way to reach St. Peter's Square.

Discover the guided tour of St Peter's Basilica and Papal Tombs

● Piazza Navona

One of the city's most famous squares, Piazza Navona, awaits us during our three-day trip to Rome! This is an imperative stop that every tourist should make. Because the atmosphere is unique. Piazza Navona is considered one of the most beautiful in the city because of its fountains and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.

It is imperative to visit the Fountain of the Moor, the Fountain of Neptune and Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers if you pass by. In particular, the first fountain we mentioned is an emblem of the square. Of course, you should also visit the beautiful Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. You will love the fresco you can see inside the dome.

Discover Piazza Navona underground

● Pantheon

How could we not mention one of Rome's most famous monuments and feature it in our 3-day guide to Rome? We're referring to the Pantheon! It is a temple from ancient Rome that honours Roman divinities. The Pantheon is called a masterpiece of engineering. This designation is due to the fact that the height of the building is equal to the diameter of the dome. The space inside the temple is completely spherical, this is its characteristic!

You already know that this monument is known for the oculus, the hole at the top of the dome. The latter was made to reduce the size of the water droplets sprayed by the rain. This effect makes it appear to the visitor that the rain does not enter the monument even though it is open. We assure you that this is the impression you get when you see it for the first time.

Entrance ticket to the Pantheon

● Trevi Fountain

Although we have mentioned many stops in this guide, we have not yet mentioned one of the most important: the Trevi Fountain. As you may know, this is one of the most visited fountains in the world. You suddenly find it in front of you as you walk through the streets of the capital. You cannot help but look at it in all its splendour and realise that this monument will remain with you for a long time.

It is important to know that the Trevi Fountain has recently been restored and is now even more beautiful than before. In addition, a new lighting system has been installed, making it even more attractive during the evenings. We recommend visiting this wonderful monument after dinner as the amount of tourists always trying to take pictures of it decreases. All this is certainly beneficial for you!

Discover the underground guided tour of the Trevi Fountain

● Spanish Steps

Continuing our route, we cross one of the most important squares: we are referring to the Piazza di Spagna! Its beauty and uniqueness make it one of the most loved squares by tourists and Romans alike. The Spanish Steps, one of the most beautiful staircases in Italy, can be found here. Don't forget Bernini's Fontana della Barcaccia, which is a must for anyone visiting Piazza di Spagna.

Above all, know that the square has a lot of history. For example, did you know that it was once known as the Piazza di Francia? This is because the French had a lot of territory in this area a few centuries ago. When the new Spanish embassy was founded, the square received its new name.

● Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is one of the most central squares in the capital city. It is located in the very centre of Rome, so it will be clear that it is among the best known. Above the Fontana dei Leoni in the square is a large obelisk. Even those who have never visited Rome can easily recognise the square thanks to this monument. 

There are many other things to see in Piazza del Popolo. The twin churches of Rome, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, are right here. Do not forget the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, which is among the most beautiful in the city. The importance of Raphael and Bernini, who worked in this very church, is evident.

Round off this second day of our three-day itinerary in Rome with a succulent gourmet dinner at a restaurant in the city centre.

Discover luxury gourmet dining in the Pantheon area

We conclude our itinerary of this 3-day tour of sights in Rome by suggesting that we start in the capital's chic neighbourhoods and end at the Quirinale.

In the morning you can take the metro line A and get off at the Flaminio stop. Enjoy the first light of dawn to admire two of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the city of the she-wolf, Parioli and Trieste. We recommend lunch, taking advantage of the coolness and tranquillity of the Villa Ada gardens.

In the early afternoon, after lunch, you can make your way to the Priscilla Catacombs. Our three-day tour of Rome continues to the Coppedè district. You will be amazed, we are sure. We cannot fail to take you for a regenerative stop at Villa Borghese. Don't forget that by 18:00 you have to be at the Casina delle Civette.

We conclude our 3-day itinerary in Rome by proposing for the evening of the third day a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Palazzo del Quirinale. You should know, however, that if you feel like visiting the Basilica it is open every day from 7am to 6.45pm, metro stop Cavour. At the Palazzo del Quirinale for a visit you enter from 9:30 to 16:00 every day except Mondays and Thursdays.

● Trieste and Parioli districts

Let's start with the second itinerary of Three Days in Rome from the ancient heart of the city, the historic centre. We then set off to visit the Parioli, recognised as the chic district par excellence. The development and fame of the Parioli dates back to the post-World War II period, when the artistic, political and financial elite chose this area as their residence and started to build exclusive villas. The Trieste district adjacent to the Parioli is well known for its unique charm: Art Nouveau and Art Deco mingle with gems of classical, Gothic and Baroque art. It has the rhythms of a village and the possibilities of a city with its universities, gardens, shops, restaurants and subways.

Situated in an adjoining area, the Trieste and Parioli quarters are undoubtedly the most prestigious in the capital, home to numerous professional studios, theatres and sophisticated buildings. In fact, walking through the streets and alleys one almost has the impression of being in a place apart, with a fascinating and vaguely sinister atmosphere, but definitely worth visiting on your three-day trip to Rome. 

● Villa Ada

One of the largest green areas in Rome, Villa Ada is a city park where you can enjoy the sun and the song of the sparrows, go for a jog or a picnic, or just take a stroll. It is also known as Villa Savoia, because between the 19th and 20th centuries it belonged to the royal family, but for a time it was given to Count Giuseppe Tellfner, who named it after his wife Ada. It is also possible to visit the air-raid bunker that was built during the Second World War for the Savoy family. In addition to its historical importance, the park is famous for being home to numerous varieties of trees and wild animals, such as squirrels, hedgehogs, rabbits and various bird species. Our advice is to eat your packed lunch in this enchanted place, surrounded by nature.

● Priscilla Catacombs 

It is only an 18-minute walk from Villa Ada to the Priscilla Catacombs. Opening hours are every day from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00, Monday is closed to the public. The last visit starts at 12:00 in the morning and at 16:00 in the afternoon, guided tours are compulsory, you cannot go down alone.

Just outside one of the entrances to Villa Ada, you will find the Catacombs of Priscilla, built between the 2nd and 5th centuries. This evocative place takes its name from a funerary inscription dedicated to a certain Priscilla, a member of a noble family of senators, owner of the land on which the catacomb stands, who was sanctified for this reason. Also known as Regina Catacumbarum, thanks to the 40,000 burials articulated in a maze of 13 kilometres of tunnels, this place consists of a set of common and frescoed burial niches, inside which numerous popes and martyrs are buried. It is a place rich in frescoes of various kinds, mainly of sacred subjects, allowing for a full immersion in the late antique world.

● Coppedé neighbourhood

The Coppedé district, an area so special that director Dario Argento used it for some of his films. And indeed, you only have to look at a few pictures to understand why. It is a complex of 26 buildings and 17 small villas, designed and built between 1915 and 1927 by the eclectic architect Gino Coppedè. It is accessed by passing under a monumental arch, under which a large wrought-iron chandelier hangs, like a strange living room. The buildings represent a fascinating mix of architectural styles - Art Nouveau, Baroque and a few nods to more medieval forms - and some truly evocative names, such as the Palazzina del Ragno and the Villino delle Fate. At the centre of this fairy-tale place, in Piazza Mincio, you can admire the enchanting Fountain of Frogs, where the Beatles took a dive after one of their concerts held at the Piper, a historic Dolce Vita venue located nearby.

● Villa Borghese

One of the largest parks in Rome is Villa Borghese. It was built by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and houses prestigious neoclassical and 19th-century structures. One of the most attractive green spaces in Europe is due to the beauty of its picturesque gardens, wonderful fountains and park attractions. Villa Borghese is an English-style public park (also known as Villa Pinciana) located in the centre of the city and was built in 1606 by Cardinal Scipione Caffarelli Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. It has many monuments, gardens, statues and exciting views. The cardinal wanted to build a villa that would show the great prestige of the family and house his art collection. The 'Galleria Borghese' is among the museums of the villa, which is called 'museum park'.

Reserved entrance for the Borghese Gallery: tickets

● House of Owls

Let's return to the esoteric echoes by moving inside the park of Villa Torlonia to visit the Villino delle Civette, so called because of the stylised owls depicted on the stained-glass windows and in many other internal and external sections of the building. Here, too, you can admire fairy-tale, colourful and sinister Art Nouveau decorations, for a walk in a place out of time and space.

The Casina delle civette is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last admission one hour before closing.

● Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Also for the last day we have decided to include a visit to a church in our three-day guide to Rome: the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore! It is one of the four Papal Basilicas in the city. You can get there from the Cavour stop of the Metro B. It is located on the Esquiline Hill and houses early Christian art and architecture, with extraordinary sculptures and frescoes! 

According to legend, Pope Liberius was inspired by the Virgin Mary in a dream to build a church on the Esquiline Hill. In her dream, she told him that he should build a church where the snow would fall. The pope ordered a basilica to be built on this very spot after it snowed one summer day on this very hill.

Admission ticket for the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

● Quirinale

This is one of the most significant attractions for Italians in the capital! We are talking about the Quirinale Palace, which is now the home of the President of the Republic and has also been the home of thirty popes. The palace is located on the Quirinale hill, one of the seven hills on which the city of Rome was built. From the square you can enjoy the view of the city and the fountain of the Dioscuri.

The Quirinale is a great place because you can see the Capitoline rooftops with a small dome of St. Peter's towering among the city's buildings. It is imperative that you take the opportunity to visit this hill at sunset, when the sun colours the sky red and a romantic atmosphere reigns over it. You should know that if you are lucky, you can witness a changing of the guards that takes place in the square. It is a special experience that will remain in your heart forever.

Our three-day itinerary guide to Rome, also for this last day, can only end by recommending a wine tasting with dinner. Enjoy a unique culinary experience in the most iconic places in Rome.

Discover the guided wine tasting with dinner