The Ultimate 3 Days in Rome Itinerary with Hidden Gems

Planning to spend 3 days in Rome? You’re in the right place! Having spent the past 25+ years getting to know this “eternal city”, and calling it a second home due to family, I can easily tell you you’re in for the best trip – especially with this itinerary!😍

To take off some pressure, given people always question how many days one should spend in Rome – there are never enough days. However, with 3 days you will be able to see all the icons of Rome and fit in several local favorites and hidden gems – and do so at a slower pace.

Furthermore, if you want adventure-packed days, you can see all of Rome’s best in 2 days and use the third day to enjoy what Rome offers outside the city center.

With my step-by-step 3 days in Rome itinerary, you will experience all the best that Rome offers and have a few options to pick from for your third day in the city. You will see everything from Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum and the Mouth of Truth, all the way to the Vatican, Rome’s most beautiful gardens, and beyond.

Without further ado, here is how to spend the best 72 hours in Rome – get ready for the must-sees, hidden gems, and local insights!😍👇

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Table of Contents

How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in Rome

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🔥 Activities to Book ASAP: #1 Selling Colosseum/Roman Forum Tour, Vatican Museums Entry

🇮🇹 Guides: 2 Days in Rome, Best Things to Do, Hidden Gems, Rome Food to Try

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Day 1: Ancient Rome and Trastevere

Visit the Colosseum

Close-up view of the ancient Roman Colosseum’s arches and stone facade against a partly cloudy blue sky—a must-see landmark to include in your 3 days in Rome itinerary.

Nothing says “Good Morning Rome” quite like visiting the Colosseum first thing in the morning!☀️

Dating back to 72 AD, this massive arena once hosted gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, and other spectacles for up to 50,000 spectators. The largest amphitheater ever built, the Colosseum is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

I recommend booking your tickets well in advance and to aim for the earliest visits. This helps you stay on a straightforward itinerary, avoid the excessive heat, and large crowds.

If you’re an extra-early riser, you could even book the VIP early-access tour, which starts as early as 7:15 AM and allows you to enjoy the Colosseum with almost no one around.

If that’s too early, a skip-the-line ticket or small-group guided tour will still give you a rich experience without waiting in the long lines. Book your Colosseum tickets here before they sell out!👇

Already visited? It’s still worth starting your day here—just standing outside and soaking up the scale of it all is a surreal way to start your day.

Roman Forum, and Capitoline Hill

The image shows the ruins of ancient Roman structures in the foreground, with the grand Vittoriano monument behind—a must-see sight for anyone planning 3 days in Rome, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

After exploring the Colosseum, unless it was included in your visit, walk over to the Roman Forum.

This is the heart of ancient Rome—where politicians once debated, temples were built, and locals gathered daily. Some of the most important spots include the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn (originally built in 498 BC), and the Senate House.

Once you’ve walked through the ruins, climb up to Palatine Hill. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC. The views over the Forum, found by Via di Monte Tarpeo, are worth every step.😍

Right next to the Forum is Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s original seven hills and a stunning Renaissance square redesigned by Michelangelo himself: Piazza del Campidoglio.

Here you’ll find a grand equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, ornate palaces like Palazzo Senatorio, and gorgeous views over Rome and the ruins of the Roman Forum.

Walk by Circus Maximus

Head downhill to Circus Maximus, the site of ancient chariot races. Once the largest stadium in ancient Rome, it could hold up to 250,000 people.

Today, it’s just a massive green field—but it’s wild to imagine the history beneath your feet. Locals come here to jog or bring their dogs, maybe have a picnic, and occasionally it’s used for concerts and public events.

In other words, this is a great spot to walk past and enjoy a more relaxed, spot in Rome and do some people watching.

Visit Giardini Degli Aranci for Panoramic Views

View of Rome with the Altare della Patria monument in the background, surrounded by historic buildings and green trees—an iconic scene perfect for your 3 days in Rome itinerary as cars travel along the bustling streets.

A tree-lined tunnel frames a distant view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City—an iconic scene to discover during your 3 days in Rome itinerary, with sunlight illuminating both lush greenery and the famous dome beyond.

A short uphill walk from the Circus Maximus is the beloved Giardini degli Aranci, “Orange Gardens”.

Beloved by locals, this park is a peaceful, shaded, oasis that offers one of the prettiest panoramic views over Rome.

While you’re here, don’t miss the hidden gem just down the street: the Knights of Malta Keyhole. When you take a peek through the keyhole, you’ll see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica through hedges.

Bocca della Verita

Next, it’s time to test your honesty at the Bocca della Verità—the “Mouth of Truth.”👀

Just a quick walk down the Aventine Hill, the Bocca della Verità is one of the world’s first lie detectors – one that dates back to the 1st century AD.

Legend says if you stick your hand in and tell a lie, the mouth will bite it off. It’s a fun, quick stop, especially if the line is short. Snap a photo, enjoy the little thrill, and keep moving.

This is a free attraction to visit, and if you want, you can even head inside the basilica it’s attached to, Santa Maria in Cosmedin. This mini basilica, built in the Middle Ages, houses the skull of St. Valentine within a glass case and a crypt from the 8th century.

Isola Tiberina

As you make your way toward some of Rome’s most beloved neighborhoods, cross Ponte Fabrici, Rome’s oldest standing bridge, to reach Isola Tiberina, the only island in the Tiber River.

Despite its small size, this island is packed with history, legends, and one of Rome’s oldest hospitals.

This island was built in honor of Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing. According to legend, when a plague struck Rome in 293 BCE, Roman envoys traveled to Greece to ask Asclepius for help.

As they performed a ritual, a snake, the symbol of Asclepius, jumped on the ship – making Romans believe this was a sign to go back to Rome. When they returned, the snake leapt off the ship and slithered onto this very island.

In honor of the plague ending, the Romans shaped this island like a ship, adding an obelisk as the “mast”, bringing marble and building more temples.

In a way, that healing legacy lives on: Fatebenefratelli (“Do Well Brothers”) Hospital, founded in the 16th century, still operates today and has a long-standing reputation for care and service—even sheltering Jews and resistance fighters during WWII.

Isola Tiberina remains a peaceful place to pause—a quiet moment between Rome’s grand ruins and buzzing neighborhoods.

Lunch at Jewish Quarter or Trastevere

Sitting near each other are two neighborhoods that locals adore for both the ambiance and food – the Jewish Quarter and Trastevere.

The Ghetto Ebraico, “Jewish Quarter” is rich in ancient history and still feels like a well-kept secret. It’s home to some of Rome’s most iconic and beloved dishes—think fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia), fried zucchini flowers, and ricotta tarts. The atmosphere is quieter, more historic, and incredibly charming for a mid-day wander.

On the other side of the river, Trastevere brings a livelier, romantic energy with its ivy-draped buildings, cobblestone alleys, and bustling piazzas. It’s perfect if you’re after a laid-back lunch with classic Roman pasta in a more vibrant setting.

You truly can’t go wrong. Whether you stop for lunch in the Jewish Quarter and wander over to Trastevere afterward, or vice versa, you’ll be treated to a flavorful and authentic side of Rome.

Trevi Fountain

After soaking up the grandeur of Piazza Navona, wind your way through narrow alleys and head to one of Rome’s most iconic sights: the Trevi Fountain.

Completed in 1762, the masterpiece of Baroque fountain features Neptune, god of the sea, emerging on a chariot pulled by sea horses. The water flows from the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, just like it did in ancient times.

This fountain is located in a tight square, often filled with people taking photos or living their Lizzie McGuire dreams and tossing a coin in the fountain, with the hopes to return to Rome someday.

As a fun fact, there is also a fountain that is said to be the fountain of love.👀 Legend says that if you and your partner drink from this fountain, you will be in love and faithful forever.

Don’t forget to enjoy a gelato! I highly recommend Gelato G Italiano, it’s high-quality gelato infront of the Trevi Fountain and is 100% gluten free!😍 My personal favorite flavor from here is their Passion Fruit – it’s so refreshing and not too sweet.

Important Local Tip. This area is known for its crowds, so keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of common tourist scams and pick pockets. As always, keep everything in a safe place and in front of you. If anyone tries to give you a friendship bracelet or any product, keep your arms to yourself and simply leave.

End the day at Altare della Patria

The Altare della Patria in Rome, Italy, a grand white marble monument with columns and Italian flags, is a must-see on any 3 days in Rome itinerary, often bustling with crowds under a clear blue sky.

Wrap up Day 1 at the towering Altare della Patria, also called the Vittoriano or “Wedding Cake.”

Dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, this monument celebrates Italy’s unification and offers incredible panoramic, rooftop views over Ancient Rome and a fairly-chaotic roundabout.

The Altare della Patria is free to visit.

Day 2: Vatican City and Rome’s Historic Center

Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

Crowds of people walk in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, a must-see stop during 3 days in Rome, facing St. Peter’s Basilica with its large dome and central obelisk under a clear blue sky. Historical columns and buildings frame the scene.

Let’s start with something bucket list-worthy: Vatican City.

It’s the world’s smallest country, and home to one of the biggest collections of art and architecture on the planet.

If you want to go inside the Vatican Museums, you must book your ticket in advance – a month in advance to be safe.

I recommend going first thing in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat. If it’s your first time, a guided tour is well worth it—there’s so much art and history packed into each room that a guide can really help make sense of it all.

If you’re an early bird, or are willing to be one for the Sistine Chapel, book this best-rated guided tour before it sells out!😍👇

Inside the museums, you’ll find ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and of course, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling that has inspired awe for centuries. Don’t rush through. Take your time to look up, around, and absorb it all.

After exiting the museums, you’ll enter St. Peter’s Square, a massive, photogenic piazza surrounded by Bernini’s colonnades. Make your way into St. Peter’s Basilica, and if you’ve got the stamina, climb the dome. The view from the top is unbeatable—you’ll see all of Rome stretched beneath you.

Don’t care to enter the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica? I highly recommend still making time to visit St. Peter’s Square and walk around this incredible “country”.😍

Castel Sant’Angelo

A classical marble statue of a male figure stands in a sunlit courtyard beside an old, weathered building—an iconic scene to discover during 3 days in Rome, with pink and beige walls, arched doorways, and a staircase leading upward.

A stone staircase leads up to an old building with arched doorways and tan walls, under a clear blue sky—an ideal spot to include in your 3 days in Rome itinerary. A round stone ornament sits on the staircase railing in the foreground.

Just a short walk from the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo is a 2nd-century fortress that’s seen it all: imperial tomb, papal stronghold, and now a museum.

There is a narrow passage that connects Castel Sant’Angelo directly to the Vatican, and was once used by Popes as a secret escape route. You can still see this bridge today.

Today, you can walk through the same fortress and enjoy breathtaking rooftop views, especially from the café terrace. Cappuccino + Roman skyline = perfection.

Local Tip. Don’t care to go inside the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica? Switch Castel Sant’Angelo as the first thing you do this morning then – that way you can enjoy a Cappuccino with some of the best panoramic views over Rome and the Vatican. After this visit, head to the Vatican and simply walk around.

Book your tickets before they sell out!👇

Have Lunch at La Soffitta Renovatio

Three golden-brown, breaded croquettes are placed on a piece of printed paper, with one croquette pierced by a small toothpick featuring a red, white, and blue flag—perfect for enjoying during your 3 days in Rome itinerary.

Just a short walk from the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, is my personal favorite restaurant in Rome – La Soffitta Renovatio.

This is a fantastic restaurant that focuses on traditional Rome food. Here you will find everything from pizza to suppli, pasta, and well beyond.

This restaurant is celiac-safe and has two separate kitchens for gluten free food, and regular food. La Soffitta Renovatio has a high-quality cuisine, making it perfect for everybody.

As a celiac, I can guarantee you will be in gluten free paradise here – it’s truly one of the best gluten free restaurants. Make sure to book your table in advance!

😋 Discover the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Rome

Stroll around Villa Borghese

A neoclassical temple with statues and columns stands by a lake, surrounded by trees—an idyllic spot to include in your 3 days in Rome itinerary. Two rowboats glide on the water in front of the temple under a clear blue sky.

Now, let’s slow down and enjoy the Green Lung of Rome!💚

Sitting just a short walk from the historic center of Rome, Villa Borghese is the city’s most elegant park and the perfect city-escape.

Picture tree-lined paths, fountains, sculptures, and even a lake with rowboats. You can rent bikes, stroll aimlessly, or just stretch out under the trees.

If you’re up for it, step inside the Borghese Gallery—an art museum that rivals any in Europe. Here you will see Bernini’s sculptures, Caravaggio’s paintings, and ceilings that will leave you speechless.

Pro tip: you must reserve your entry in advance. No walk-ins allowed.👇

Walk from Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

Tourists gather on the Spanish Steps in Rome on a sunny day, with the Barcaccia Fountain in front and Trinità dei Monti church above—an iconic spot often featured in a 3 days in Rome itinerary.

Make your way into the Centro Storico with a stop at the Spanish Steps. These 135 steps are pure cinematic charm.

Climb slowly, people-watch from the top, and admire the Trinità dei Monti church above. Just remember—don’t sit on the steps. It’s actually illegal.

From here, take a stylish walk down Via dei Condotti, Rome’s designer shopping street. Whether you’re window-shopping or browsing, this stretch is always worth walking through – especially for the work of art that is Rome’s visual merchandising.😍

Just a few blocks away is the Trevi Fountain. Already been? Doesn’t matter. Toss another coin, grab a seat nearby, and let the rush of water (and crowds) sweep over you. It’s Rome—dramatic, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable.

Detour to the Galleria Sciarra

View looking straight up at a glass ceiling framed by ornate, decorated walls and windows of an interior courtyard—capture this stunning sight during your 3 days in Rome itinerary, with blue sky visible through the glass roof.

Walk off lunch with a free-to-visit hidden gem: the Galleria Sciarra, a 19th-century courtyard covered in gorgeous frescoes and lit by a glass ceiling.

This Art Nouveau passage was meant to be a shopping arcade, and while it never fully got there, it’s still one of the prettiest detours in central Rome.

Visit the Pantheon

Originally built as a temple to the gods around 25 BC, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments from Ancient Rome,

As a fun fact, its dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, and apparently, due to the material it was built with, it “fixes” itself with rain.

Book your tickets now to avoid long lines!👇

Pick-Me-Up Espresso at Tazza D’Oro

With so much walking and sight-seeing, a little pick-me-up treat is a must!

Just a few steps from the Pantheon is Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro – an incredible coffee shop/bar from 1944, famous for its high-quality, artisanal coffee.

Their specialty, especially perfect for hot Roman days, is their Granita al Caffè. This treat is composed of coffee granita (crushed ice drink) and two layers of homemade whip cream.

Once you grab the first bite of their Granita al Caffè, you’ll wish for the cup to be never-ending.😂😍

Piazza Navona and its Hidden Gem

A white marble fountain with intricate statues of people and horses stands in a plaza, surrounded by colorful historic buildings under a clear blue sky—a must-see during your 3 days in Rome itinerary.

Upward view of an ornate church dome with intricate gold detailing, frescoes, arched windows, and a grand pipe organ—an architectural highlight perfect for your 3 days in Rome itinerary. The richly decorated interior is beautifully symmetrical.

Back to Piazza Navona, because yes, it’s that good.😍

If you visited during the day, I highly recommend swinging by again toward the end of your day. The light hits differently and the vibe is somehow even better with the sunset glow, street performers, and locals meeting up.

While visiting this square, make sure to step inside one of the Piazza Navona’s best-kept secrets — Sant’Agnese in Agone.

This 19th century Baroque church might be easy to overlook from the outside, but inside? Jaw-dropping frescoes, gold details, and some seriously beautiful natural light filtering in through stained glass windows.

It’s peaceful, stunning, and free to enter — what’s not to love?

This church was built in honor of Saint Agnes, a 12 year old kid who was martyred for not wanting to marry and dedicating her life to God. The church is said to be built where the martyrdom occured.

Campo de’ Fiori and Optional night tour

Wrap up day in Rome with a visit to Campo de’ Fiori, one of the city’s most lively squares — and the perfect place for a final evening stroll.

During the day it’s a local market, but at night, it comes alive with cafés, restaurants, and people catching up over aperitivo. Grab a bite, sip something refreshing, and soak in the energy.

In the middle of the square, you’ll see the statue of Giordano Bruno, a philosopher who was executed here for heresy in the 1600s. The story’s intense, but it adds a layer of history that makes the square even more fascinating.

Still in the mood to explore? Campo de’ Fiori is also a popular starting point for some of Rome’s best night tours — from ghost stories to hidden corners and underground secrets. If you’re up for one last adventure, this is the time. 👀🌙

Day 3: Local Rome or Day Trip Options

Option A: Stay in the City Center and Dive Deeper

Want to stick to the city center and dive deeper into it? Here are some fun places to visit, or activities to do on your last day in.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj – Step inside this lavish private palace for golden halls, chandeliers, and Caravaggio masterpieces. It feels like you’ve discovered a secret museum just off Via del Corso.

Basilica San Paolo Fuori le Mura – One of the four papal basilicas, this hidden gem is the second largest after St. Peter’s Basilica. With rarely any crowds, this work of art is a great alternative to St. Peter’s – or a great place to visit with extra time!

EUR District & Colosseo Quadrato – The EUR District is a fun, residential area to visit and experience a more local side of Rome.

I highly recommend visiting the EUR Park, Colosseo Quadrato, and Euroma2 – if its raining and you want to do some shopping! The Colosseo Quadrato, “Squared Colosseum”, is a unique example of Rationalist architecture from the Fascist-era and is simply a must-see!🤯

Take a Tour – Want to take things to the next level? Join a street food walk, pasta-making class, underground crypt tour, or even a Vespa ride. Taking a tour is a great way to dive deeper, learn something new, and even to take a step back with responsibilities, let someone else bring you around, and simply focus on enjoying yourself!

These are all best-rated tours in Rome. If one speaks to you, book your tickets before they sell out!🤩👇

Get Lost… in Rome! – There is no better way to experience the true beauty of a city than by letting yourself get lost, as you wander around aimlessly. Let yourself walk and just focus on taking in the beauty that surrounds you.

Appian Way + Catacombs + Testaccio – In the mood for a bike ride and some nature? The Appian Way is perfect for you! With over 2,000 years of history, this ancient Roman road is one of the oldest in Italy, and is the perfect city-escape.

Here you will find everything from Roman aqueducts to ruins, as well the incredible Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto. If this sounds like your cup of tea, book your tickets here!

Looking for more inspiration? Discover the 28 Best Things to Do in Rome!

Option B: Day Trip to Tivoli

Aerial view of a historic Italian garden with manicured hedges, fountains, statues, and ancient stone structures—an enchanting spot to include in your 3 days in Rome itinerary, surrounded by lush greenery and distant city buildings.

If you’ve got a soft spot for fountains and Roman villas, Tivoli is the perfect escape.

Just 40 minutes from Rome by train from Roma Tiburtina or Roma Termini, this little hill town is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana.

Start with Villa d’Este, a 16th century Renaissance estate famous for its incredible architecture and lush gardens with hundreds of dramatic fountains. To no surprise, it is one of the one of the first Giardini delle Meraviglie, and has been an important influence on the development of gardens throughout Europe.

Then visit Villa Adriana, the enormous Roman palace from the 2nd Century AD complex built by Emperor Hadrian himself.

For lunch, make a reservation at Ristorante Il Ciocco, a classic spot with a gorgeous terrace overlooking ancient ruins. You’ll feel like you’re dining in another century.

Want to take a step back with responsibilities and be guided? Book this best-rated day trip from Rome! 👇

Option C: Ostia Antica Half-Day

Prefer ancient ruins over Renaissance art? Then Ostia Antica is calling your name.

Roughly a 1 hour train ride from Rome, this former Roman port city is one of the best-kept archaeological secrets near the capital.

Wander through remarkably preserved baths, temples, theaters, and mosaicked streets that once bustled with everyday Roman life. It’s like Pompeii—without the crowds.

This is the perfect half-day trip from Rome. If you want a laid-back experience, this best-rated guided tour is a great solution! Just be sure to book your ticket in advance—spots can go fast.

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A collage featuring St. Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, a woman in a yellow room with a blue ceiling, and the Trevi Fountain, perfect for showcasing your 3 days in Rome itinerary.

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The Ultimate 3 Days in Rome Itinerary with Hidden Gems and Local Tips