There is so much to do in Rome! This 3-day Rome itinerary is ideal for anyone who intends to travel to Rome. In just three days in Rome, you’ll be able to visit the must-see locations and sample some delectable cuisine with the aid of this blog.
This schedule also contains some insider advice, where to stay, and things to avoid. Please feel free to bookmark or save this page for later use as there is a lot of information here.
Most importantly, purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at popular attractions.
- The Best of Rome’s Historic Centre
You might take a short trip inside Europe, an international aircraft, a train, or a car to get to Rome from different locations in Italy. This three-day itinerary for Rome begins with a goal to get started right away and explore the ancient city, as is typical when we arrive in a new city during the day.
To complete this walking path from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Navona in just under 4 hours, add on the option to see the Colosseum from the outside on your first day in Rome since, let’s face it, it’s on everyone’s bucket list!
Check in at your hotel, or leave your belongings there and join us on an exploration. To aid in planning, each location is connected to a specific spot on Google Maps.
- Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square)
Start at the former entrance to the ancient city, Porta del Popolo, on the northern side. Depending on where you are staying, you may either take the metro or a taxi or Uber to the nearby metro station, Flaminio.
You can enter the Fontana de Leoni (Lion’s Fountain)-dominated large open square by passing underneath the fence. Check out the 2000-year-old obelisk in the centre, which was originally from Egypt; Rome has several more. The fountain’s lions are likewise three thousand years old.
All of Rome’s public fountains always provide drinkable water, according to the Romans’ legacy. Aqueducts (water pipe networks) were built by these superb engineers to deliver fresh water into Rome. Still functional.
Examine the area of the square. Neptune (The Roman God of the Seas) is represented by a statue with a trident on the right side of the plaza. and to the left of this enormous area, towards the hill’s lush gardens. Try to make out the she-wolf statue nursing two babies among the statues beneath.
Pinico Gardens are the name of the lush, terraced gardens. During your three days in Rome, you can either climb it on foot or save it for a sunset evening.
The twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria del Miracoli are located on either side of Via Corso on the south side of the Piazza.
It’s time to leave Piazza del Popolo behind. The Spanish Steps are about 10 minutes distant, so turn towards them. Stroll down the Via del Corso, a renowned shopping avenue. The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument can be seen in the distance, but we’ll go to it later.
In Via dei Condotti, a historic street with some upscale stores, turn left. You will also pass through Caffe Greco, which was established in 1760 by a Greek (thus the name) and is the oldest cafe in Rome. If you’ve never had strong Roman espresso, take advantage of this opportunity by entering and placing your order at the cash register on the left.
Be sure to specify that you want to order coffee from the bar because it costs less than 2 euros instead of the much greater price for a seat. then present your ticket to the barista. He will make you a great cup of coffee, which you can sip while standing and admiring the lovely cafe. After there, keep walking until you arrive at Piazza Spagna.
- Piazza Spagna (Spanish Square and Spanish Steps)
You will arrive at a crowded square where yet another Fontana della Barcaccia, this one in the form of a boat, dominates! It was created by Pietro Bernini, whose son Lorenzo you can learn more about when you visit the Vatican. If necessary, add more water to your bottle.
You can’t miss the Spanish Steps in front of you because they link this plaza to the Trinita dei Monti (Holy Trinity Church), which is why they were constructed in the 18th century. This is the Spanish plaza. Take this renowned baroque stairway to the church.
Once you ascend the 174 steps to the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the square. Please be aware that sitting on the steps is no longer permitted.
There is a brief explanation for the name “Spanish Steps” if you’re still unsure. The square was simply named after the Spanish Embassy, which has been situated there. The Spanish Steps were developed from Spanish Square.
Continue on in this direction to the renowned Trevi Fountain. The simplest route would be to proceed by moving away from Spanish Square and towards the Virgin Mary Column in front of the Spanish embassy. Continue on Via di Propaganda, which becomes Via di Sant’Andrea delle Fratte and Via del Nazareno. Cross Via del Tritone and turn left onto Via della Stamperia, which will take you directly to the Trevi Fountain’s square.
- Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)
One of Rome’s most iconic monuments is without a doubt this one. The Trevi Fountain, the grandest baroque fountain in the city, is a must-see on any itinerary for three days in Rome.
First things first, be aware of how busy this location will be when you get there. The fountain is situated in a tiny square, and its name, “TRE VIA,” or “three roads,” refers to the intersection of those three highways in the past.
Here was once a Roman aqueduct, a historic water source. The history of the aqueduct’s founding is depicted on the current fountain.
The pope hired Nicoli Salvi, an architect, to construct a fountain here later in the 1700s. The levy on wine provided the funding for this. The fountain, which took him 30 years to complete, is simply stunning and it has a narrative.
‘Ocean’, the main character, enters atop a chariot driven by two seahorses and two tritons. The two horses stand for the two contrasting oceanic lives—one tranquil and serene, the other ferocious and strong. A statue of Abundance is located in the left-hand niche, and Marcus Agrippa is shown ordering his generals to build the aqueduct in a relief above her.
On the right niche, there is a statue of health. She is carrying a cup that a snake is drinking from and has a wreath of laurel on her head. When the first aqueduct was scheduled to be built, a Virgin lady was depicted in the relief above her demonstrating to soldiers where the water came from.
Now, there are a few myths surrounding the tradition of tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain:
- First coin: wish upon it.
- The second assures your safe arrival back in Rome.
- And the third coin predicts a forthcoming wedding or a romantic encounter with an Italian.
All coins dropped into the fountain are gathered and given to a good cause. On the busy summer days prior to the pandemic, the Trevi Fountain used to have as many as 3000 euro days.
Continue straight on the Via delle Muratte after leaving the Trevi Fountain for about 10 minutes until you come to an open area with the Pantheon.
- Pantheon
Rome itineraries must include a visit to the Pantheon, the city’s best-preserved Ancient Roman building. You can see Marcus Agrippa’s name at the top of the structure, which he designed in the year 27 BC. The building’s construction was highly unusual and took 7 years.
The brickwork is laid out in arches and the walls are 6 m thick. These arches distribute the dome’s weight by serving as internal buttresses. The dome’s diameter is 43 metres, which is the same as its height. At the dome’s peak, there is a 9-meter-wide hole. It was once a temple dedicated to Roman gods that was later converted into a church, which is likely the key factor in its excellent condition.
You must walk further back into the Piazza to see the dome of the Pantheon, which is a very magnificent structure to view from the outside. Most importantly, though, be sure to enter. You can fully appreciate the immensity of this place because admittance is free. Additionally, Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, is buried there.
It’s time to indulge in some gelato after your visit here! If you turn away from the pantheon, cross the square, and follow either of the narrow lanes across from it, both of them will lead to a street called Via della Maddalena. You really can’t miss Gelateria Della Palma at numbers 19–23 if you continue walking for just one minute.
More than 150 different gelato flavours are available here, and there are even some excellent vegan options. Simply locate the cash register, order your ice cream in the desired size from the price list, and then select your preferred flavours. When you’re ready, give the ticket to one of the gelato counter employees, and he will scoop up anything you like. Amazing!!!
- Piazza Navona
After enjoying some delicious gelato to revive you, head back towards the Pantheon. When you get to the plaza, turn right onto Via Giustiniani and continue walking until you come to a big intersection with an evident entrance to Piazza Navona.
One of the prettiest squares in the city is Piazza Navona, which is surrounded by baroque palaces, fountains, and numerous street performers. Late in the afternoon is particularly lovely. Here, there are two significant landmarks.
After enjoying some delicious gelato to revive you, head back towards the Pantheon. When you get to the plaza, turn right onto Via Giustiniani and continue walking until you come to a big intersection with an evident entrance to Piazza Navona.
One of the prettiest squares in the city is Piazza Navona, which is surrounded by baroque palaces, fountains, and numerous street performers. Late in the afternoon is particularly lovely. Here, there are two significant landmarks.
- The Fountain of the 4 Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi)
The Nile, Ganges, Rio de la Plante, and Danube rivers, which were created by Bernini in the 17th century, stand in for the four corners of the globe. A distinct sculpture represents each of the rivers.
The veiled head on the Nile sculpture represents the river’s enigmatic origin. The sculpture by Rio de la Plante is facing the church and has a raised arm. A scroll is in the sculpture of the Ganges.
According to legend, Bernini did not like for the architect of the Sant’ Agnese in Agone Church, which is located exactly next to the fountain. Because of this, the sculpture depicting the Rio de la Plante has an arm lifted to block his view of the chapel. Bernini allegedly feared the church might fall apart. However, since the fountain was actually constructed before the church, this is just a myth.
I suggest paying a visit to Saint Agnes Church while you’re here since admission is free as well. Two further smaller fountains can be seen on either end of the square. There are many restaurants on the piazza, but they are usually tourist traps, so I advise you to either follow one of the side streets leading to the church or leave the plaza and look for a restaurant in the side streets. There are a few excellent ones.
Alternatively, you could take a short stroll south of Piazza Navona to the Campo dei Fiori, which is less than ten minutes away. There is a bustling flower and vegetable market here in the morning, and in the evening, it is an excellent location for aperitivo or dinner.
Your first day in Rome ends there. You can even stroll down to the Colosseum if you have lots of energy. Just continue on the road until you reach Piazza Venezia, where you can see the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument.
Once you arrive, the Roman forum and the ancient parts will appear. It resembles a huge wedding cake. Simply move in the direction of the Colosseum, which you can already see lit up in the evening.
Nothing beats seeing the Colosseum at night, and it will be a delightful 20-to-30-minute walk.