Rome-3-day-itinerary

Rome, Italy - 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at the Colosseum (Ticket price: €12), one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Roman Forum (Ticket price: €12) next door, which features ancient ruins and historic buildings.

Lunch

  • 1:00 PM: Head to Trattoria al Moro for lunch. Try their Carbonara, a classic Roman dish.

Afternoon

  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Pantheon (Free admission), one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the charming neighborhood of Monti and get lost in its narrow streets and alleys.

Dinner

Nightlife

  • 10:00 PM: End the night with a stroll along the Tiber Island (Free admission) and enjoy the city lights.

Day 2: Vatican City

Morning

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Vatican Museums (Ticket price: €20), featuring an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
  • 12:00 PM: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica (Free admission), one of the largest churches in the world.

Lunch

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Supplizio, a popular spot for supplì (fried risotto balls).

Afternoon

  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Sistine Chapel (Ticket price: €20) to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling.
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the beautiful Vatican Gardens.

Dinner

  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Gensola, a cozy trattoria serving traditional Roman cuisine.

Nightlife

Day 3: Rome’s Hidden Gems

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Piazza Navona (Free admission), a charming square featuring Bernini’s famous fountains.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Santa Maria della Vittoria, a beautiful church featuring Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.

Lunch

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Trapizzino, a popular spot for pizza by the slice.

Afternoon

  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Castel Sant’Angelo (Ticket price: €14), a former fortress turned museum.
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Tiber Island and enjoy the sunset.

Dinner

  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Il Pagliaccio, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine.

Nightlife

  • 10:00 PM: End the night with a drink at The Grand Hotel Plaza, a historic hotel with a lively bar scene.

Accommodation

  • Hotel: Stay at Hotel Raphael (starts from €150 per night) or Hotel Villa Borghese (starts from €120 per night), both located in the heart of Rome.
  • Alternative: Consider staying at an Airbnb apartment, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

Transportation

  • Metro: Use the metro to get around Rome. The Colosseum is served by lines B and C, while the Vatican is served by line A.
  • Bus: Take bus 40 or 60 to get to the Piazza Navona from the city center.
  • Walking: Rome is a pedestrian-friendly city, so walk whenever possible.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Italian is the official language, but most Romans speak English. Learn some basic phrases like “grazie” (thank you) and “per favore” (please).
  • Currency: The Euro is the local currency.
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory, but a 5-10% tip at restaurants and bars is appreciated.

Other Tips

  • Free Museums: On the first Sunday of each month, many museums are free to visit.
  • Vatican Tickets: Book tickets in advance for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to avoid long lines.
  • Papal Audience: Attend a Papal Audience (free admission) at St. Peter’s Square on Wednesdays.

Additional Tips

  • Food: Try authentic Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato at local trattorias and restaurants.
  • Drinks: Enjoy an Aperol Spritz or a cappuccino at a charming café or bar.
  • Shopping: Visit the famous Via del Corso for shopping, but be prepared for crowds.

Miscellaneous

  • Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, dial 112 or 115 (police) in Italy.
  • Laundry: Use a laundry service like Lavanderia for a convenient and quick service.
  • Medical Care: Visit Ospedale San Pietro for medical care.

Enjoy your time in Rome, and remember to explore beyond the tourist areas!