See Rome in 72 hours

Rome is renowned as one of the most historic and romantic destinations in the world. When you visit, you'll enjoy excellent food and admire some of the world's most famous sights. You certainly won't leave the historic city of Rome disappointed.

See our tips below for what to see in 3 days and where to go in Rome!

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Day 1 in Rome

Take a tour

Choose to do this activity even if it seems very touristy – it's the best way to quickly see a city. Pick one of the available tours you'll find on the website https://www.walksofitaly.com/rome-tours

Since we had visited Rome before and had seen all the famous monuments and sights, we chose a tour related to the city's food. There are similar tours to learn how to make fresh pasta or pizza (we chose pizza) or even to visit a gelateria for an ice cream tasting.

The tour lasts from morning until late afternoon, exploring various paths of the city.

We visited the market, a local bakery, a traditional pizzeria (where we made a wonderful pizza!) and of course, everything concluded with a genuine Italian coffee break.

Visit the Roman Forum

Go to the Imperial Forum, specifically Trajan’s Market, the world's first multi-level shopping centre. Also cross the Via Biberatica, the most intact ancient Roman road in the city.

 

Climb Palatine Hill

After exploring the market and wandering the streets Julius Caesar walked many years ago, it's time to climb Palatine Hill, where the ruins of the imperial palaces are located.

Enjoy the magnificent gardens and what remains of the ancient luxurious residences.

Colosseum 

Head towards the Colosseum. It is an amazing building, and if you are truly captivated by its exterior, you can also go inside.

To enter and take a guided tour, you will have to wait in quite a long queue, while the ticket (which is the same for entry to the Roman Forum) costs 12 euros.

Next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, one of Rome's oldest arches. The arch was built in honour of Emperor Constantine and the battle he fought to make Christianity the religion of Rome.

Admire the wonderful sunset as seen from the Colosseum while enjoying an ice cream from a nearby gelateria. Your first day in Rome has passed so quickly and enjoyably.

Day 2 in Rome

Have your first cappuccino of the day at Caffé Sant’Eustachio. One of the oldest and most famous cafés in Rome. This cafe, located in Rome's square of the same name, is known for its homemade roasted coffee beans combined with water from an ancient aqueduct. It is perhaps the most authentic coffee you will ever enjoy.

Visit the Pantheon

It is certainly one of the sights in Rome you shouldn't miss. The Pantheon is the only ancient Roman temple that has remained almost intact over the millennia. Its architecture will fascinate you, and you'll need a few minutes in the piazza to take it all in and capture the necessary photos.

 Go to Piazza del Popolo

Head north from the Pantheon towards Piazza del Popolo. There you will also find the church of Santa Maria del Popolo.

Explore Villa Borghese

Next to Piazza del Popolo, you'll find Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese within Rome's largest park. This is an ideal time to take unique photos inside the lush green park with its artificial lake, wonderful gardens, and the unique sculptures and fountains you'll discover across this vast expanse.

Inside the same park is also Rome's Zoo. Visit it if you wish to see elephants, lions, lemurs, and many other animals up close.

Entry to Rome's Zoo costs 15 euros, and admission to the Borghese Gallery is 11 euros.

Sit on the Spanish Steps

Sit on the steps and watch the world go by. Many Italians grab an ice cream and enjoy it sitting on the steps before taking a stroll along Via dei Condotti and the adjacent streets. This is the city's most expensive area, where you'll find all the designer stores.

It’s time to see the Trevi Fountain up close

No trip to Rome can be considered complete without visiting perhaps the world's most famous fountain. Throw a coin to ensure you will return to the Eternal City someday.

Day 3 and final day in Rome

The day you visit the Vatican

Wake up early to take the bus to the impressive St. Peter's Basilica, located within the Vatican, which is the largest church in the world with a capacity of 60,000 people. If you wish, you can enter the church and climb the dome (we warn you that there are many, many steps) to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of the city.

If you wish to visit the Vatican Museum, be aware that you will spend several hours inside (we stayed for about 4 hours).

It is certainly an experience that all history and art lovers will enjoy.

Visit Piazza Navona

Across the river is the well-known Piazza Navona. There you will see Bernini's fountains, many cafes, various street artists, and crowds of people strolling around.

Get lost in the city

It's your last day in this beautiful city. Take some time to wander around and, if you wish, revisit the place you enjoyed most in the city. For us, a stroll to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain is always how we spend our last afternoon in Rome.

Don't miss the chance to experience the city's nightlife. There are many wonderful restaurants and bars to enjoy unique evenings in Rome.

Cheap flights to Rome can be found from just 16.99€ (Ryanair offer) from both Thessaloniki and Athens. Don't forget the rule: the earlier, the cheaper! Book your flight tickets now and travel to the Eternal City!