How to Spend 3 Days in Rome

Whether you’re most into food, culture, history or art, Rome, the capital of Italy and its central region of Lazio, is brimming with things to see and do. Wondering where to start when planning your trip to Italy’s Eternal City? We’ve put together a handy guide on how to spend 3 days in Rome, allowing you to make the most of your stay at one of our luxury holiday apartments in Rome. So, pack some comfortable shoes and let’s get exploring!

Day 1

Start things off the Italian way with a maritozzi for breakfast – one of our top recommended foods to try in Rome. This indulgent bun is filled with subtly sweetened whipped cream, making it the ultimate way to begin any day here. Head to Regoli near Piazza Vittori to get either a classic version or one stuffed with raisins.

Then, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Colosseum – an essential stop on any Roman holiday. Whether you want to book a tour in advance or just peruse the impressive ancient structure from the outside, you’ll likely spend a chunk of your morning here. However, the Roman Forum, which is a vast excavated area dating back as far as 2000 years, is also nearby. There’s also Palatine Hill – the legendary founding site of the city – and Circus Maximus – a stone arena.

After some lunch – we suggest splitting a pizza, or perhaps a plate of cacio e pepe – you could head to Capitoline Museum. This collection of art and archaeological museums has plenty to keep inquisitive minds occupied. However, you’ve already soaked up a lot of history for one day, so we’d suggest spending some time in the Piazza del Campidoglio. It’s the last remaining Renaissance square in the city, and great place to people-watch with a scoop of gelato.

Day 2

Avoid the crazy crowds and head to the Trevi Fountain early on this morning – and make sure you bring some spare change to make a wish! The Piazza di Spagna is less than 10 minutes away, so it’s time to conquer all 135 of those famous Spanish steps. Built in Rococo style between 1723-1726, they lead up to the Trinita dei Monti church and offer brilliant views of the area.

For lunch, pay a visit to Eataly. These indoor food halls offer ample choice, and you can pick up some tasty souvenirs for any foodie friends back home! Once you’re well-fed, spend some time exploring Piazza del Popolo, which literally translates as “People’s Square”. Then get away from the crowds as you while away the rest of the afternoon in Villa Borghese – a beautiful public garden that houses a number of museums and attractions too.

Day 3

Start your day strolling by the Pantheon temple, which is one of the most recognisable Roman buildings in the city. Then head to the Camp de Fiori market – located in the square of the same name near Piazza Navona, you’ll have your pick of fresh produce. Once you’re done, wander across the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic bridge with beautiful views of Castel Sant’Angelo. If you’re particularly into your art, you could stop by the Museo Leonardo Da Vinci Experience, but we recommend continuing on to the Vatican City.

Surrounded by Rome, this city-state is also the official headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The main attraction here is, of course, St Peter’s Basilica. It’s free to visit, but you may have to wait in long lines. That’s why we advise getting there as early as possible, or booking a guided tour with a fixed time slot. It’s also possible to visit the dome inside the Basilica, but you have to make reservations in advance.

You should also the Sistine Chapel to your itinerary. It’s located inside the Apostolic Palace, which is the official residence of the pope in Vatican City, and renowned for its extensive collection of Renaissance art.

You must be ready for lunch now, right? Less than 10 minutes away, 200 Gradi is one of Rome’s most popular sandwich spots – and for good reason. The line may look long, but it moves very quickly as they work to get oversized ciabatta paninis out to hungry diners, with a variety of fillings available.

The final afternoon is then yours to enjoy strolling, shopping, or stopping by a museum you didn’t have time for on the previous two days.

So, there you have it – the Oliver’s Travels guide to spending 3 days in Rome. But now you have your itinerary, you need a place to stay! Check out our luxury holiday apartments in Rome, and don’t hesitate to contact a member of our concierge team if you have any questions.