Rome rewards a little planning. The great sights need timed tickets, the days are best started early, and the evenings belong to long dinners in the piazzas. These itineraries for two, three and four days cover ancient Rome, the Vatican, the historic centre and the Borghese Gallery, with tips on tickets and where to stay.
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The short answer
- 2 days: ancient Rome, the Vatican and the historic centre
- 3 days: add the Borghese Gallery, the Spanish Steps and Trastevere
- 4 days: add the Appian Way or a day trip to Tivoli
- Getting around: on foot, with the metro and taxis for longer distances
- Book ahead: the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery
Rome Itinerary: 2 Days
Day 1 morning, ancient Rome: Start at the Colosseum as early as your ticket allows, then walk through the Roman Forum and up the Palatine Hill, where the emperors built their palaces. See our guide to Colosseum tickets.
Day 1 afternoon and evening, the historic centre: After lunch, climb the Capitoline Hill, then walk to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. Have dinner in the lanes around the Pantheon or Campo de’ Fiori. See our guide to the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Capitoline Museums.
Day 2 morning, the Vatican: Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel on an early entry, then St Peter’s Basilica. If you have the energy, climb the dome for the view over the city. See our guide to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tickets.
Day 2 afternoon and evening: Walk along the Tiber to Castel Sant’Angelo and watch the sunset from its terrace, then cross the river to Trastevere for dinner.
Rome Itinerary: 3 Days
Days 1 and 2: As above.
Day 3, the Borghese Gallery and the Spanish Steps: Book a morning slot at the Borghese Gallery for the sculptures of Bernini and the paintings of Caravaggio and Raphael, then walk through the park of Villa Borghese to the Pincio terrace above Piazza del Popolo. Descend to the Spanish Steps and spend the afternoon on Via Condotti and the streets of the Tridente. See our guide to Borghese Gallery tickets.
Rome Itinerary: 4 Days
Days 1 to 3: As above.
Day 4, the Appian Way or Tivoli: Cycle or take a private tour along the ancient Appian Way and visit the catacombs, or take a day trip to Tivoli for the fountains of Villa d’Este and the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa. See our guides to the Appian Way and the catacombs and the best day trips from Rome.
Charlotte’s tip: book the big three first
The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery all work with timed tickets, and the best slots sell out weeks ahead in spring and autumn. Book them as soon as your dates are fixed, then build the rest of the itinerary around them.
Where to Stay
Stay near the Spanish Steps or in the historic centre so you can walk to most of the sights. Our guide to where to stay in Rome compares all the areas.
Hotel de Russie
A Rocco Forte hotel between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, with a terraced secret garden.
Best for: a central base close to the Borghese Gallery
Check rates at Hotel de Russie
Hotel Hassler Roma
A classic grand hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps, with a rooftop restaurant and views over the city.
Best for: the view and classic glamour
Check rates at Hotel Hassler Roma
Six Senses Rome
A contemporary hotel in a historic palazzo off Via del Corso, a short walk from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.
Best for: walking to the historic centre
Check rates at Six Senses Rome
Compare hotels in Rome
Hotels in the centre fill up early for spring and autumn. Check current rates for your dates.
Where to Eat and Drink
Rome is the home of four great pasta dishes: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana and gricia. Try carciofi alla giudia in the Jewish Ghetto, supplì as a snack and pizza al taglio for a quick lunch, and end the day with an aperitivo on a rooftop. See our Rome food guide.
With Children or in Bad Weather
On rainy days, Rome has some of the greatest museums in the world. See our guide to the best museums in Rome. Children love the Colosseum, the Bocca della Verità, throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain and renting a rowing boat on the lake of Villa Borghese.
Practical Tips
- Book timed tickets for the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery well ahead.
- Dress modestly for St Peter’s and other churches, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Check Vatican Museums opening days, as they are closed on most Sundays.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Rome is a walking city with many cobblestones.
For metro, taxis and transfers, see our guide to getting around Rome. For the weather by month, see the best time to visit Rome.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Rome?
Two days for the highlights, three days to add the Borghese Gallery and a slower pace, and four days to include the Appian Way or a day trip.
Can you see Rome in one day?
You can see the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain in one day, but the Vatican needs at least half a day of its own.
What should I book in advance in Rome?
The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery, where tickets are required with a time slot.
What is the best order to see Rome?
Group the sights by area: ancient Rome on one day, the Vatican on another, and the historic centre and Villa Borghese in between.
