Architecture, Art, Food & Drink, Italy, Travel

The Ideal 3-Day Rome Itinerary: Iconic Landmarks, Food & Culture

February 9, 2025

If you love art, architecture, history and living la dolce vita, then Rome is the perfect city for you. Whether it is your first time, or it has just been awhile since your last visit, you’ll want to bookmark this post for your upcoming Italian travels.

Day 1: Classic Rome

Day 1 is a focus the ancient city of Rome and walking around the city center.

Colosseum

Get up early and head to the Book a guided tour morning slot to avoid crowds. Also known as the Flavian Ampitheater, the Colosseum was built under Emperor Vespasian in 70-80 AD and was completed by his son Titus. It was the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, designed to hold 50,000-80,000 spectators cheering on gladiator battles, animal hunts and other public spectacles.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

After the Colosseum, you can walk through the ancient ruins of the forum with an audio guide or a small group tour. The Roman Forum was the political, religious and commercial center of Ancient Rome, particularly active from 7th century BC to 476 AD. You will see the ruins of temples, basilicas and public spaces were Rome’s greatest leaders, including Julius Ceasar, Augustus and Cicero, spoke and gathered.

Lunch

Trattoria Pennestri – this is a recommended, great mid-range Italian spot near the Forum.

Where to Stay in Rome Near the Colosseum:

Piazza Venezia & Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace. No ticket needed. The Piazze Venezia is one of Rome’s busiest squares, right at the heart of the city where major roads converge. The square became infamous in the 1900’s when Benito Mussolini delivered his speeches from the balcony of the Palazzo Venezia. The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument was built between 1885-1911 to honor King Vittorio Emanuele II who unified Italy in 1861. It was controversial for its size and style and is also known as the “Wedding Cake” but it remains a symbol of Italian patriotism.

Pantheon

The Pantheon building is one of Rome’s most iconic structures. Not only should you get a reserved ticket but take a tour with an archeologist!

Piazza Navona

The Piazza Navona, Rome’s Baroque Masterpiece, is perfect for an afternoon break with a coffee or gelato. Here is one of Rome’s most beautiful and lively squares with a history dating back to ancient Rome. The oval shape of the Stadium of Domitian, built in 86 AD defines the piazza’s layout today. During the 17th century, Pope Innocent X transformed it into a grand Baroque showcase.

Here you will see the famous Fountain of Four Rivers designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, representing the four great rivers of the world (the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges and the Río de la Plata). Sant’Agnese in Agone is a beautiful Baroque church by Francesco Borromini (who was a rival of Bernini’s). You will also see two more fountains, the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Moor.

Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin over your shoulder ensures a return to Rome. Two coins bring love and three lead to marriage. The Trevi Founain (Fontana di Trevi) is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome, completed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi under Pope Clement XII. It marks the end of the Aqua Virgo, an ancient Roman aqueduct (19 BC) that supplied water to the city. The dramatic marble sculptures and cascading waterfalls embody the height of Baroque artistry.

Dinner

Ristorante Roscioli is known for excellent Roman pasta, but book in advance.

Where to Stay in Rome Near the Trevi Fountain:

Day 2: Vatican & Trastevere

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Pre-book early morning entry to avoid crowds. I have recommended this tour here because the Vatican & Sistine Chapel are enormous, there is so much to see, and the crowds are intense. The Architecture of the St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City includes the work of geniuses such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael and Berninini. The Dome of the cathedral was designed by Michelangelo and was inspired by Brunelleschi’s Florence Cathedral. It is the largest in the world, towering 136 meters high. Bernini designed St. Peter’s square, with the grand colonnade encircling the square, symbolizing the Church embracing its followers.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica is where you can see Michelangelo’s “Pieta”. You will also see St. Peter’s Baldachin, designed by Berninin in 1623 and is a massive, bronze canopy over St. Peter’s tomb designed in Baroque grandeur. Admire the mosaic dome and many interior frescoes throughout the massive space.

Michaelangelo's Pietà as seen in St. Peter's Basilica — Michaelangelo’s Pietà as seen in St. Peter’s Basilica

Tourists are able to climb the basilica dome, however, currently there are no elevators or accommodations for those with mobility issues.

Lunch

Il Sorpasso is near the Vatican and is reputed for a great Italian food & wine selection.

Where to Stay in Rome Near the Vatican:

Castel Sant’Angelo

Walk along the Tiber and visit this historic fortress, which was commissioned by Roman Emporer Hadrian in 123 A.D. Take a tour to fully embrace the history.

Afternoon in Trastevere

Wander this charming neighborhood and enjoy the lively streets. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, the first place of Christian worship in Rome, dating back to 340 A.D. with beautiful architecture and mosaics.

Dinner

The Osteria da Zi Umberto is an authentic Roman trattoria in Trastevere. (Closed on Mondays)

Where to Stay in Rome Near Trastevere:

Day 3 – Art & Gardens

Campo de’Fiori Food Tour

Visit the lively Campo de’Fiori early in the morning to catch the action. The market is open Monday-Saturday until about 1:30 PM. It’s a great spot to grab fresh produce, truffle oils, and local cheeses.

Galleria Borghese & Villa Borghese Gardens

Pre-book tickets to see Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll. Or, take a water-color lesson and paint the gardens.

Lunch

Caffè delle Arti: Located near the gardens, perfect for a relaxed meal.

Where to Stay in Rome Near the Villa Borghese

Piazza del Popolo & Spanish Steps

Walk down to the historic square. Visit the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo. Via del Corso – Excellent shopping street

Dinner

La Matricianella offers classic Roman cuisine near the Spanish Steps.

Where to Stay in Rome Near the Spanish Steps:

Day Trip Option 1: Tivoli, Hadrian’s Villa & Villa d’Este

Just 45 minutes from Rome by train or by private tour, you can visit Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), the ancient Roman retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Nearby is the Villa d’Este, a stunning Renaissance villa with breathtaking gardens and fountains.

Have lunch at Ristorante Sibilla, a great spot with a view.

Day Trip from Rome Option 2: The Medieval Village of Orvieto

For a medieval hill-town experience, you can take a 1 hour train ride from Rome and visit the charming village of Orvieto. You can visit the Orvieto Cathedral, the underground tunnels and the Pozzo di San Patrizio. For lunch, the Trattoria dell’Orso offers excellent Umbrian cuisine.

Old stone buildings in the Medieval town of Orvieto, outside of Rome

Ready to Book?

Overwhelmed by the planning process? I can help, contact me for a travel consultation and I can help design your dream trip to Rome, Italy, France and more!

Did I miss Anything?

Obviously, 3 days is NOT enough time to truly take in all that the beautiful city of Rome has to offer! If I missed a “must-see” spot, please let me know in the comments below!

Where to Stay in Rome?

A great question and I can help. It really depends on your budget. I have included some interactive maps above to search hotels near famous sites. You can contact me and I can help you find your perfect Rome Hotel and get you perks like breakfast included, VIP upgrades, airport transfer and more.

Summary of Dining Recommendations

This is just a short list of places near the recommended sites. “The Fork” is the popular restaurant app in Europe currently – I have always found amazing recommendations on this app while in Europe.

Typical cobble stoned streets of Rome, Italy

Lunch Recommendations:

Trattoria Pennestri – great mid-range Italian spot near the Forum.

Il Sorpasso – near the Vatican, great Italian food & wine selection.

Caffè delle Arti: Located near the Borghese gardens, perfect for a relaxed meal.

Dinner Recommendations:

Osteria QuarantaQuattro – A bit more upscale, but the best cacio è peppe on the planet, possibly.

Osteria da Zi Umberto : Authentic Roman trattoria in Trastevere. (Closed on Mondays)

La Matricianella: Classic Roman cuisine near the Spanish Steps.

Ristorante Roscioli: excellent Roman pasta, but book in advance.

Airport Transportation:

Welcome Pickups can assist with your transportation to and from Rome airport. You can also take the public transportation.

Need a Flight?

What to Wear in Rome!

Ah, my favorite subject! You will want to head to my shop page or my LTK page for curated selections of what to wear to in Europe depending on the season. Plus, save room in your suitcase for all the fabulous shopping you will do while there. Be sure to fill out the duty-free information at each shop. Give yourself a little time before departure at the airport to drop off the duty-free information and you will receive a tax refund directly to your credit card.