3 Days in Rome Itinerary : Best Things to do and see in Rome in 3 daysRome itinerary 3 days : Day two

Planning to spend 3 days in Rome and wondering what to see and do during your visit? I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary to guide you through the best things to do in Rome in 3 days.

After living in Rome for over 5 years, I’m often asked by friends, “is 3 days in Rome enough ?” or “what is the best way to visit Rome in 3 days”. Without even realizing it, I became an expert on the subject.

In this travel guide, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the must-see places in Rome in 3 days.

This 3 days in Rome itinerary is especially designed for first-time visitors or even second-time visitors (who only touched the surface during their first trip in Rome) to ensure you make the most of your time, allowing you to explore as many of Rome's incredible sights as possible.

3 Days in Rome Itinerary Map

Not sure what to do in Rome in 3 days and how to spend 3 days in Rome effectively? Get ready to walk through the streets of Rome more easily thanks to this comprehensive map.

Quick Overview

• 📅 Day 1 In Rome: begin your adventure at the iconic Spanish Steps, explore the historic heart with stops at Trinita dei Monti, Piazza del Popolo and the panoramic views from Pincian Hill. You’ll also have time to enjoy the Pantheon's grandeur and, after a quick lunch, immerse yourself in Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori. Conclude with a coin toss at the Trevi Fountain.
• 📅 Day 2 In Rome: wondering what to see in Rome in 3 days? Vatican City calls with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel's awe-inspiring art. After a tip-worthy lunch near the Vatican, visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Castel Sant’Angelo. Perfect for 3 days in Rome before a cruise to immerse yourself in Rome’s history and beauty.
• 📅 Day 3 In Rome: travel into ancient Rome with the Colosseum's imposing structure, followed by a traditional lunch at Luciano Luzzi Trattoria, and then wander through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

So, is 3 days enough in Rome? It can be if you only want to focus on those must-sees.

What You Can Expect from My 3 Days In Rome Itinerary Guide?

I've laid out a simple day-by-day guide covering the must-see attractions on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.

Additionally, you'll find practical sections on the expected expenses for your 3 days in Rome, transportation tips for getting to and around the city, insights on the best time to visit, and suggestions on where to stay during your 3-day Roman adventure.

Top Tip – Feel free to bookmark this guide for later if you don't have time to read it all now. It's your go-to resource for everything you'll need during your three days in Rome!

Let's begin with Day 1.

Rome itinerary in 3 days : Day one

To get a general feel for the city and its historic and archaeological importance, we highly recommend starting your 3 days in Rome by exploring the historic centre on foot. Most attractions on this first day are free to visit.

Taking a self-guided walking tour where you decide where to spend more or less time, or when to break for lunch, is the best way to explore Rome on your first day. However, using a hop-on-hop-off Rome bus (buy your ticket here) is also an option if you want to give your legs a rest in between.

Or you could opt for a 3-day public transport pass that will cover you for all 3 days in Rome. And with this pass, you'll get a free one-way transfer to Rome Central Station from Ciampino airport.

Another (maybe even better) option is to save time and avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation or finding a taxi by booking an airport transfer that an Online Travel Card offers. It's worth checking out before you go any further.

Here is our list of places to see on your first day itinerary in Rome:

Head on top of Spanish Steps

After grabbing a typical Roman breakfast of coffee and cornetto, it’s time to head to the top of the Spanish Steps. Since this is a popular gathering place for tour groups, we recommend getting here before 09:00.

The 135 steps which connect the Piazza di Spagna (at the bottom) with the Piazza Trinita dei Monti were built between 1723 and 1725. They are simply called the Spanish Steps after the likenamed square in front of the Spanish Embassy.

Trinita dei Monti Church

While you’re taking in the early-morning views, also make time to pop into the Trinita dei Monti church whose twin towers dominate the skyline at the top of the stairs. The construction of the church started under Louis XII of France in 1502. However, it wasn’t consecrated until 1585 and therefore incorporates many different styles.

Entry is free. The summer opening hours (from 14 July to Sunday 18 August) are as follow:

• Monday: 10 am – 4 pm
• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:15 – 20:00
• Sunday: 09:00 – 19:30 (mass at 9:30 am)

General hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:15 am – 7:45 pm
• Wednesday: noon – 7:45 pm
• Sunday: 9:00 am – 19:30 pm

Take note: No visits are allowed when mass is celebrated although you may participate if you want to.

Piazza del Popolo

From the Trinita dei Monti Church, make your way to the Piazza del Popolo via the Pincion hill (for a rooftop view of Rome). If rooftop bars are your thing, you’ve got to see my list of the best rooftop bars in Rome for some incredible views!

Piazza del Popolo features an Egyptian obelisk in the centre which was bought back from Egypt by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC. If you're curious about these architectural marvels, I'd suggest reading our Obelisks in Rome guide.

You’ll find the Santa Maria del Popolo church, featuring art by Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio, at the edge of the square.

Admission is free and opening hours as follow:

• Monday – Friday : 7 am to Midday & 4 pm to 7 pm
• Saturday: 7:30 – 9 pm
• Sunday: 7:30 am to 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm to 7 pm

Bottom of Spanish Steps

From the Piazza del Popolo, it’s back to the Spanish Steps. This time, walk to the bottom and just soak in the atmosphere looking up and around the square. via the Pincion hill (for a rooftop view of Rome).

As you find yourself at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, immerse in the unique energy of Piazza di Spagna, a must see in Rome 3 days.

Alive with artists, locals and tourists, this place offers a glimpse into real and authentic Roman life. Surrounding luxury boutiques and historic cafés provide a picturesque backdrop. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the capital’s charm and beauty!

Window shopping at Via Condotti

The Via Condotti, the street directly in line with the Spanish Steps, is also Rome’s most “fashionable” street. It’s filled with shops by all the famous Italian and fashion designers and brands.

Via Condotti showcases the epitome of high fashion but also embodies what to do 3 days in Rome. As you wander here, you'll probably feel enveloped in the elegance and luxury that define this historic street.

Engage in window shopping among the world's most prestigious brands and make your three days in Rome truly unforgettable.

Even if you’re only window-shopping, walking down Via Condotti is an interesting way to get to your next stop: The Pantheon.

Visit Rome Pantheon

The Pantheon (on of Rome’s most popular attractions) leaves all its visitors in awe. You can grab an English audio guide in advance here.

This archaeological wonder which was originally built around 120 to worship the Roman gods and later turned into a Catholic church. After 2,000 years, the Pantheon still has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

Enter a space where history breathes through the oculus at its center, casting light on the pieces below. If you’re not sure what to visit in Rome in 3 days, you won’t be disappointed by the Rome Pantheon.

We would even recommend visiting it more than once to uncover new details in its stones and artistry. It’s an unmissable part of any itinerary in Rome.

Break for quick lunch

The Pantheon draws thousands of visitors, but they generally move in and out quite quickly. If you do arrive at a particularly busy period, this may be a good time to grab a bite to eat and drink on the Piazza della Rotonda where the Pantheon is located.

Depending on your budget, you can either sit down or find a takeaway to enjoy while soaking in the atmosphere on the square.

Tip: The Antica Salumeria restaurant on Piazza della Rotonda is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Take pictures at Piazza Navona

After leaving the Pantheon, make your way to Piazza Navona, where two fountains designed by Bernini and the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone will convince you that this one of Rome’s most beautiful squares.

Tip: If you love visiting old churches, look out for Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and San Luigi dei Francesi near the Pantheon and Piazzo Navona. The first is the only Gothic church in Rome and home to a statue of Christ the Redeemer by Michelangelo. The second has a chapel with paintings depicting the life of St Matthew by Caravaggio.

Visit Campo dei Fiori

Another pretty square and a good spot for lunch if you can forget that public executions used to take place here. In fact, the statue in the middle of Campo dei Fiori is in honor of Giordano Bruno. He is a philosopher who was burnt on the stake for heresy (propagating that the earth went around the sun) and later exonerated.

Campo dei Fiori vibrates with life, especially in the morning with its famous market. Vendors hawk fresh produce, flowers and Italian delicacies. It’s a real feast for the senses.

As day turns to night, the square transforms into a social hub. Locals and tourists alike gather to dine and drink under the open sky. It’s a great spot to visit both for history and immersion into Roman life.

Largo Argentina Ruins

Largo Argentina is ruins where you will learn something interesting about historic as well as modern Rome. The place where Julius Ceasar was assassinated today acts as a refuge for Rome’s street cats. The animals are fed and cared for here in a city-sanctioned cat sanctuary.

The history of Largo di Torre Argentina dates back to the 4th century BC, during the time when Pompey built his curia and the Senate convened here in the years leading up to the Roman Empire's establishment.

Stumbling upon Largo Argentina often happens by chance for visitors heading towards the nearby Piazza Navona. Yet, the site's exposed Roman ruins are bound to leave a lasting impression, even though direct access for exploration is restricted. Despite this, the ruins are fully visible from an elevated viewing point.

Throw a coin in Trevi Fountain

End the first of your 3 days in Rome on a high note. By now, it should be later afternoon or early evening and the perfect time to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. It’s Rome’s biggest and arguably most beautiful fountain. Read on our article on Trevi Fountain facts if you want to know why people are throwing coins in!

Guess what? By the end of this first day of your 3-day Rome itinerary, you’re almost back at the Spanish Steps where you started the day. It’s only a 10-minute walk away.

Rome itinerary 3 days : Day two

Visiting Rome in 3 days without visiting Vatican City is unheard of.

From a day of leisurely exploring Rome’s historic center at your own pace, we move on to a more organized experience when visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica.

You can get the skip the line tickets on this website.

Visit Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel

With millions of visitors flowing through the gates of Vatican City each year, this is one excursion you don’t want to leave unplanned. If you do your planning well, you’ll know that visiting either first thing in the morning or the last thing in the evening are the best times to visit the Vatican Museums.

For our 3-day Rome itinerary, we recommend going first thing in the morning.

The Vatican Museums open at 08:00. By being proactive and buying skip the line tickets in advance. You can ensure you’ll be among the first people entering.

Better still, book early entrance Vatican tickets with breakfast, which allows you to start your visit as early as 7:00.

The Museums contain an enormous amount of art in different galleries. You’ll be walking around 7 km from start to end. All that walking is more than worthwhile when you reach the famous Sistine Chapel at the end of your Vatican visit.

Unfortunately, no photography and no sitting are allowed in the Sistine Chapel. This is partly due to an effort to fit more people in and to get them to move on more quickly. But you will have at least a few minutes to stare up at Michelangelo’s exquisite ceiling painting dedicated to the history of mankind before the coming of Christ.

For the most rewarding Vatican visit, a Vatican guided tour is a good idea. This way, you’ll learn all the interesting facts in a shorter time and move around the museums more efficiently.

Depending on how interested you are in the different art exhibitions, you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours in the Vatican Museums. By then, it will be close to lunchtime. If you didn’t bring anything along, you’ll find lunch spots in the streets around St Peter’s Square.

3 days in Rome Lunch tip

Head to Forno Feliziani in Via Candia for the best pizza and other lunch snacks near the Vatican.

Visit St Peter’s Basilica

If you’re part of a guided tour of the Vatican, you can also rely on fast-track entry into St Peter’s Basilica (book here). Holding the tomb of St Peter, or the “Prince of Apostles”, the St Peter’s Basilica was consecrated in 329.

While admission to St Peter’s Basilica tickets is free, tickets are required to visit some of its extraordinary attractions. This includes the vast dome which was designed by Michelangelo in 1547, the Vatican Necropolis, and the sacred caves of the Vatican. You’ll have enough time to visit these, so make the best of this opportunity.

3 days in Rome Bonus attraction – Visit Castel Sant’Angelo

If you managed to get out of bed and start your Vatican tour early, there will also be time to visit Castel Sant’Angelo on day 2. This mausoleum turned fortress is on your way back to the centre of Rome from Vatican City.

The cylindrical fortress/castle on the banks of the Tiber River in Parco Adriano is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. The papal apartments inside are worth a visit. Why not ensure you have enough time to enter after your Vatican visit by pre-booking your Castel Sant’Angelo tickets?

They include fast-track entrance and the unique opportunity to tour the castle rooms and exclusive art exhibitions. You can buy these tickets here.

Tip: End the second of your 3 days in Rome on a highlight by walking over the Ponte Sant’Angelo with a gelato from the Angel Bridge, when you leave the castle. Although it has been in existence since Roman times, the angels on the railings were added in the 1600s.

Rome itinerary 3 days : Day three

Just when you thought Rome has nothing left to impress you, the architectural master skills of the ancient Romans await in the form of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Discovering ancient Rome is the perfect way to end your 3-day Rome itinerary.

3 days in Rome Visit Colosseum

The Colosseum is Italy’s most visited attraction and you’ll understand why once you stand inside the giant amphitheater. This is where gladiators battled it out in front of up to 80,000 spectators at a time. The Roman Emperors loved hosting all kinds of public spectacles in the Colosseum.

Learning the history and the architectural significance of the 2,000-year old amphitheatre on a guided tour (see price here) is highly recommended. This way you can head straight to the security line on arrival and also see parts of the Colosseum which the holders of ordinary tickets don’t see.

Tip: If you don’t buy your tickets online in advance, you could face waiting in the ticket line for up to 4 hours in the high season. In this case, you should either arrive very early or instead buy your ticket at the nearby Palatine Hill ticket office.

The tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is one combination ticket. Once you have your ticket in hand, you can decide whether what to visit first depending on the lines at the time. If you arrive too late, it may be better to leave the Colosseum for last.

Trattoria Lunch break

Luciano Luzzi Trattoria is only a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum and a great place to stop for lunch before visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Their wood-oven pizzas are delicious and they also have a good selection of pasta dishes.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Imagine what it was like to be a Roman in the time of the mighty Roman Empire. This is the heart of ancient Rome and the ruins are a testimony to everyday life at the time. Legend has it that Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill, which was also a popular location for emperors to build their palaces.

Learn more about how to visit the Roman Forum.

Tip: The ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is only valid for one calendar day. That’s why it’s important to plan for enough time to explore these attractions. You can certainly prevent the frustration of a last-minute rush or wasting time in lines by buying skip-the-line tickets in advance.

Best Paid Guided Tours in Rome

If you don’t want to create your own itinerary and you prefer an in-depth exploration with expert insights, you might want to consider booking guided tours for each day.

Guides will take care of all the details and will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the places to see in Rome in 3 days.

Here's a breakdown to explore Rome in 3 days:

Day 1

• Pantheon Guided Tour – most attractions from day one are accessible for free, but this tour enhances the experience by diving deep into the history of the Pantheon.
• Rome Piazza Navona, Pantheon & Trevi Fountain Walking Tour – explore the iconic sites of Rome with an expert guide. A good way to learn about the rich history that surrounds these landmarks. Get your tickets here.

Day 2

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour – spend three hours with a knowledgeable guide exploring the Vatican's treasures. This comprehensive tour covers significant artworks and architectural wonders. Price starts at 105 € so plan it in your 3 days in Rome cost budget.

Day 3

• Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill  – this three-hour guided tour offers a deep dive into ancient Rome's heart. You’ll have the opportunity to explore its most iconic ruins and recount the tales of gladiators, senators and emperors.

The Best Time to Visit Rome on a Budget

There really is only one season to travel to Rome on a budget and that’s the so-called low season. Some people mistakenly think the low season include spring and autumn.

However, the low season is really only during the cold winter months, especially January and February.

Even if you’re planning a trip to Rome in winter, keep in mind there are high-season dates with prices to match in some of the low- and shoulder-season months.

These include:

• The Christmas and New Year holidays until January 6, which is a Catholic holiday. The Vatican and other top attractions are bound to attract crowds, and the shops are flooded when the winter sales start on the first Saturday in January.
• Easter, starting from the week before. While thousands of religious pilgrims come from all over the world to attend Easter celebrations at the Vatican, the city has seen a decrease in “ordinary” tourists over the Easter Weekend in recent years. Therefore, this is not necessarily a bad time to visit to see Rome’s top attractions outside the Vatican. The downside is that many shops and restaurants are closed on Easter Sunday and Monday.
• 25 April – technically not in the low season, but in the shoulder season before the late spring and summer crowds arrive. This is Liberation Day in Italy to mark the end of the Nazi occupation and the Italian Civil War. Businesses are closed, and Romans take to the streets to celebrate the spring day off.
• 1 May, which is Workers’ Day, and the weeks around the BNL International Tennis Championships later in the month.

How to Get There (My Tips for Getting to Rome)

Depending from where in the world you’re coming from, one of the first thing you should do when planning a trip to Rome is to research the different travel options.

The earlier you book flights or train and bus tickets, the more money you are likely to save. To easily find the most budget-friendly flights, I recommend giving this flight comparator a try.

Flying into Rome

• From the US – Travellers coming from the US can fly directly to Rome from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Major airlines covering these routes include United Airlines, Delta, Alitalia and American Airlines.
• From the UK – There are various daily non-stop flights between London and other UK cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Bristol. The low-cost airlines easyJet, Ryanair, and Vueling offer good deals from the UK to Rome.
• From Canada – Direct flights between Canada and Rome are scarcer than from the US but you can fly from Toronto and Montreal with Air Canada, Alitalia, Air Transat, and Air Canada Rouge.
• From Mainland Europe – Various major airlines such as Lufthansa and KLM as well as low-cost airlines like fly directly to Rome from Germany, The Netherlands, France, and even Eastern Europe.
• From Australia – No direct flights between Australia and Italy are available. Flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, and Perth include at least one stop. However, Qantas and Emirates are in a partnership to bring passengers to the Eternal City in the shortest possible time.

Rome Airport Transfers

Rome has two international airports – Fiumicino (also known as Leonardo da Vinci), which is the main airport, and Ciampino, a smaller airport that serves as a hub for low-cost airlines. Both are close to Rome and can be reached within 30 minutes to an hour from the city centre.

From Fiumicino Airport, it’s possible to take the train, bus, shuttle, metro or private Rome airport transfer. The Leonard Express, a direct train between Rome Termini and Fiumicino, is very convenient if you’re staying in the city centre or want to get as close as possible to the Rome attractions.

Tip – Buy your tickets for the Leonardo Express in advance to save time after landing.

If you want to combine free public transportation with a one-way airport transfer from Ciampino, take a look at the 72-hours travel pass. It could be interesting if you're planning to travel by transport during your Roman weekend.

Why settle for a crowded and uncomfortable public transportation experience when you can travel in style and comfort with a premium transport service?

Make the most of your travel experience and avoid the hassle with a private Rome airport transfer service. Book your Rome airport transfer to the city here today and enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey to your destination.

Taxis and Private Transfers

Finding your way into Rome’s streets and avenues can be exhausting. If you wish to ease your travel within the city, taxis and private transfers are a great way to move around.

This way you make sure you have more time and energy for all the things to do in Rome in 3 days. Visiting the Eternal City for a quick getaway or spending 3 days in Rome with family? Don’t underestimate the convenience of a taxi or a private transfer.

To make your journey even smoother, consider the Online Travel Card – Rome Airport Taxi & Transport Card. This service will help you get from point A to B and enjoy the comfort and efficiency critical to maximize your sightseeing time in Rome.

Taking the Bus or Train to Rome from Mainland Europe

Of course, Rome is well connected with the rest of Italy and Europe by an extensive rail network. Whether you’re coming from the west or the north, this is a great way to see the Italian countryside through your train window.

When preparing for a trip to Rome in conjunction with a multi-city European visit, it’s worthwhile comparing bus and train prices for the cheapest travel options. You may want to opt for a Eurail Pass for extensive train travel, while bus tickets will probably save you the most money.

Planning a 3-day Rome Budget

Budgeting is a big part of preparing for a trip to Rome. Fortunately, the Eternal City is suited to all kinds of budgets depending on the time of year as well as the choice of accommodation, restaurants, and sightseeing wishes.

Here's a simple breakdown of your choices:

• Small budget – If you’re really on a tight budget, you don’t have to pay anything for 3 days of sightseeing in Rome. There are various ways to save money. For one, you can opt to walk instead of paying for public transport. Some of the top attractions in Rome, like the Pantheon, The Trevi Fountain, and The Spanish Steps, are free to visit. Actually, the whole of Rome is like an open-air museum. Famous artworks aren’t only to be found in the Vatican Museums or the Borghese Gallery. There are many churches which are free to enter with works of Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini in them.
• Medium budget – Visiting the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are probably on the sightseeing list of most travellers. If you only buy tickets for these two and do the rest for free, you can get away with a sightseeing budget of €35 for 3 days.
• Big 3 days in Rome budget – Do you want to see and do everything Rome has to offer? Then buying one of the Rome Passes mentioned below is going to be your best option. This way, you’ll also get around quicker with the free transport that is included. Expect to pay anything from €50 and more.

Now, let's break down exactly how much you might spend during a 3-day sightseeing trip in Rome, including accommodation and meals.

Buying Your Tickets in Advance

If you’re unable to visit Rome in the low season, you will most likely be faced with long ticket lines at Rome’s top attractions such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. This can easily be avoided by buying your tickets in advance and ensuring you get fast-track entrance on arrival.

Some of the options available are:

• The Roma Pass, which offers ticket to two venues of your choice if you get 72h Roma Pass and direct entrance to one venue if you get 48-hour Roma Pass. It also includes free public transport for two or three days. The pass offers free admission for individuals under 18 to iconic attractions such as the Colosseo, Borghese Gallery, and Baths of Caracalla. Buy it online for $58,5 for 72 hours from tiqets.com or at official tourist offices in the city. Also you can check out my guide to see if the Roma Pass is worth it this year or not.
• The Rome Tourist Card (also know as Rome City Pass), is the one we recommend. It is the best alternative to the Roma Pass and the solution for your visit to the Colosseum. With its included audio guide or guided tour tickets, there is less demand and therefore much more visit availability! The Rome Tourist Card also includes Skip-the-line entrance ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel. It can be bought online from €98 per adult. Check the availability here>>
• The Omnia Card, a 3-day Rome sightseeing pass which includes the Roma Pass, the Vatican Card, a hop-on/hop-off bus and free public transport. Click here for all the features and to buy it online from €149. Or, opt for the Omnia Card for 24 hours, providing access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Open Bus Hop-on Hop-off, guided visit to the Catacombs of San Callisto, and more. If you’re planning a quick 24-hour trip, check out my complete guide to experiencing Rome in a day. It’s designed to help you pack in the best sights without overwhelming yourself!

The Price of Accommodation in Rome for 2 Nights (Best Area to Stay in Rome for 3 Days)

If you're pondering where to stay in Rome for 3 days, essentially meaning where to stay in Rome for 2 nights, your search ends here.

I did some digging to make your life easier. Going through 5000+ options on booking.com can be quite overwhelming. Based on my research, here are some solid suggestions. Hope it cuts down on your search time!

• 🛏️ Best Budget Hotel Near Piazza Navona: Navona Essence Hotel offers an affordable stay without compromising comfort or location. Just a stone's throw from Piazza Navona, you can enjoy cozy accommodations, modern amenities and easy access to Rome's historic heart.
• 🛏️ Best Mid-Range Hotel Near Pantheon: Albergo Abruzzi delivers the perfect blend of comfort and location if you’re looking to stay in the middle of Rome's history. Directly facing the Pantheon, this hotel provides stunning views, contemporary rooms and excellent service.
• 🛏️ Best Luxury Hotel Near Colosseum: Villa Spalletti Trivelli is the epitome of luxury. Nestled within walking distance of the Colosseum, this opulent hotel boasts elegant rooms, lavish gardens and a spa.

Need more choices? No problem! Explore my detailed guide Where to Stay in Rome, for the best places in each neighborhood.

Certainly, you can find budget guest houses in Rome where you can stay for two nights at as little as €50.

Restaurant Budget for 3 Days in Rome

The average price of food and drink for one day Rome is around €35 to €40. This can include breakfast and dinner in a café or a Rome restaurant. In 3 days, you can easily spend close to €120 on food and drinks if you don’t watch out.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can reduce this drastically by only buying from supermarkets. Sandwiches, fresh bread and simple takeaways are much cheaper in supermarkets. So is the price of bottled water.

Tips to save on food and drink – Carry your own water bottle and fill it up at one of the many drinking water stations around Rome. Sitting down in a bar, restaurant, and café will cost you. So-called table prices or coperto are charged for the privilege.

Here are the best places to eat in Rome:

• 🍽️ Bernini – just a short walk from Piazza Navona, Bernini offers an authentic Italian dining experience. A must-visit for your 3 days in Rome food journey. Enjoy traditional Roman dishes and delicious wines in a charming setting.
• 🍽️ La Locanda di Pietro – near the Vatican, La Locanda di Pietro serves up divine Italian cuisine with an original and contemporary twist. Ideal for 3 days in Rome during Christmas or any time of year, this restaurant provides a cozy ambiance to relax after visiting Vatican City.
• 🍽️ Ristorante Colosseo “Luzzi” – a stone's throw from the Colosseum, Ristorante Colosseo “Luzzi” is an excellent spot to conclude your culinary adventure. It offers hearty Roman cuisine at reasonable prices. The perfect choice if you’re looking for how to spend three days in Rome without breaking the bank on dining.

Final Tips When Planning 3 Days In Rome

Planning your 72 hours in Rome trip? Here are some tips we've gathered from locals and our own experiences to help you discover Italy's capital city more smoothly:

• ⚠️ Safety: Rome is pretty safe for tourists, but like any major city, it has its share of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Concerning the tap water, it’s safe to drink it. Plus the city is known for its numerous drinking fountains, or “nasoni”. All of them provide clean and potable water for free.
• € Money: the currency is the Euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and major shops, but we would recommend you carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available all around the city but be mindful of fees when withdrawing money.
• ⚡ Electricity: travelers from the USA will need a power adapter for Italy, which uses Type C, F and L plugs with a standard voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. Ensure your devices are compatible with this voltage or you might damage them.
  Internet: free Wi-Fi is provided in most hotel rooms, cafes and some public areas in Rome. The connection strength varies a lot from one place to the other so it's always a good idea to use a VPN for secure browsing on public networks.
• 👕 Dress Code: for all the things to see in Rome in 3 days, remember to dress respectfully, especially when you visit the Vatican and other religious sites. Your shoulders and knees have to be covered to enter places like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Carry a scarf or a shawl everywhere you go so you’re sure to be accepted everywhere!
• ✈️ Travel Insurance: it’s a very important recommendation for your trip to Rome. Travel insurance will cover unexpected medical expenses as well as protection against trip cancellations, lost luggage and other travel-related mishaps.
• 🧳 Packing List: Rome's weather changes a lot from one day to the next. That’s why we recommend packing a versatile wardrobe. Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and, in summer, light clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Spring and autumn may require layers and a light jacket. Don’t forget your adapter and a water bottle to refill at the city's fountains.

FAQs

Conclusion to plan your 3 days in Rome Itinerary

This itinerary shows that it’s very possible to see a big chunk of Rome in 3 days. However, you must take into account how busy the Eternal City will be during your visit and plan accordingly.

There are various options for skip-the-line tickets or tours to save you time and even money. You may also want to consider one of the city sightseeing passes, like the Rome Tourist Card, the Roma Pass or the Omnia Card. Learn more on our Rome sightseeing passes comparison or our Roma Pass review here which will help you find the one that suits you!