3 days in Rome: Ultimate City Break Guide for 2024

Wondering how to spend three days in Rome? Rome is one of my favourite Italian cities that I keep returning to, so I’ve got you covered!

I think it’s one of the best city breaks in Europe, with its mix of ancient ruins, romantic cobbled streets, packed piazzas, alfresco restaurants, and world-class coffee.

My detailed Rome city guide is full of tips to uncover the best things to do in Rome if you are there for a long weekend.

Based on my extensive travels in Rome, this detailed guide offers practical advice on where to stay, the best places to eat and the best city tours.

How to spend 3 days in Rome

Rome in 3 days is the perfect way to see many of the city’s highlights, take some tours and eat at some amazing trattorias and street food spots.

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Rome, three should be enough time to see a few of Rome’s most popular attractions, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

Theoretically, you could spend weeks in the city and still not see everything; Rome has so many things to do!

things to do in rome in 3 days

A city break in Rome will require travel planning and scheduling to fit everything into 3 days. If you’re wondering what to do in Rome, my guide has loads of activity suggestions.

I would start by listing the Rome attractions you want to visit, neighbourhoods you want to explore and restaurants you would like to eat in.

I have included a wide range of Rome activities and attractions in this guide, but you can go at your own pace and choose the most appealing ones to you.

If you need help planning a trip to Rome, check out my awesome travel planning service and let a travel expert plan the perfect travel itinerary.

We discuss travel planning on my weekly travel podcast – Travel Goals. Subscribe now and catch up on all episodes.

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Rome Day one

Visit Rome Colosseum

The first stop on your trip to Rome should be straight to Rome’s iconic amphitheatre. The Rome Colosseum is one of the most famous sites from Antiquity and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.

Adjacent to the Arch of Constantine and the historic Roman Forum lies the largest ancient amphitheatre – the 2000-year-old Colosseum—a true icon of the Eternal City and the once-beating heart of the Roman Empire. 

Known originally as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it’s a towering marvel of architectural and engineering triumph that has miraculously stood for almost two whole millennia – outliving empires, dynasties and bloody power struggles. 

This ancient amphitheatre is where Emperors presided over epic gladiator games, merciless executions and shocking blood sports.

During the height of the Roman Empire, large, roaring crowds of Roman citizens watched the games and other forms of entertainment. 

If you wish to reflect quietly on this magnificent site, I would advise arriving at the Colosseum at dawn.

This way, you should hopefully avoid the crowds, relentless cacophony of car horns and throngs of persistent street traders.

How to get Rome Colosseum tickets

Book your tickets in advance if you want to see inside the Colosseum. You cannot buy tickets on-site; they must be bought online.

Book a Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill. This is the fastest way to get inside these ancient sites and will save you much time queuing.

The benefits of booking this awesome tour are:

• See the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with an expert guide
• Get entrance tickets without the hassle of having to wait in line
• Let your guide show you all the best spots for pictures

What’s inside the Rome Colosseum

Time has been rather unforgiving to the Rome Colosseum. Today, You can see how three-fifths of the outer walls are missing from the arena, with support structures as replacements. 

Huge neglect, deterioration and earthquakes have tragically taken their toll over the centuries, and its former glory has long faded.

However, there’s still plenty to see at the Rome Colosseum.

You can view the seating tiers [or cavea] that once accommodated up to 50,000 spectators, who gathered to watch gladiator battles and events.

Colosseum History

A museum on the second level also showcases artefacts and exhibits related to the amphitheatre and its history.

View ancient Roman sculptures, architectural fragments, and informative displays that shed light on the cultural and historical significance of the Colosseum.

You can now also explore the intricate underground passages and rooms known as the hypogeum.

These subterranean chambers served as a backstage area for the gladiators, providing storage for weapons, staging areas, and holding cells.

To see this part of the Colosseum, you must book a tour with special access to the arena floor.

Marvel at the Rome Pantheon

Continue your journey through ancient Rome by visiting the Pantheon, around a 25-minute walk from the Colosseum. Luckily, Rome is a very walkable city, and you can stop for gelato.

The Pantheon in Rome was originally constructed in 27 BC under the supervision of the esteemed statesman Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.

Initially, it was a conventional temple featuring a rectangular shape with a gabled roof, elegantly supported by a colonnade on all sides.

It was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian sometime between AD 118 and 128, and after many modifications over the centuries, it still stands as an architectural masterpiece in Rome.

What’s inside the Pantheon

The most intriguing aspect of the Pantheon is its giant dome, with its iconic light dispursing hole at the top of the structure. It’s the largest unsupported dome in the world, and the diameter is a whopping 142ft.

Inside, the Pantheon is adorned with altars, paintings, and statues that reflect this blending of ancient and medieval Rome, creating a unique fusion of pagan and Christian elements.

The Pantheon’s floor is made of colourful marble, and a circular opening serves as a drain for rainwater and a reminder of the building’s original function as a temple.

Surrounding the opening, you can also observe Latin inscriptions that mark the resting places of Italian kings and renowned artists – such as Raphael, buried within the Pantheon.

Do you need a ticket for the Pantheon Rome?

The Pantheon has just introduced a €5 entry fee from July 2023 for tourists. However, the ancient site will remain free for Rome residents.

Reservations are also now required to visit on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and bookings can be made up to one week before the selected visiting date.

You can book Pantheon tickets from the official ticket office at the Pantheon or book a guided tour of the Pantheon that includes a ticket.

To get the most out of your visit, I would buy a Pantheon ticket and Audio Guide Tour and enjoy insightful commentary from an expert audio guide.

Feast on local food on a Rome Food Tour

Finish up your first day by doing a Rome food tour. I fancy myself a burgeoning foodie, so I’m always keen to sample some of the finest Italian foods during my many visits to Rome.

But how do you know the difference between an authentic Italian food experience and a tourist trap?

I would recommend booking a food tour of Rome in advance to eat like a local and learn more about traditional Roman cuisine.

Rome’s food culture is a tasty tapestry woven with rich flavours, traditional recipes, and a deep appreciation for quality ingredients.

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity, fresh produce, and the art of preserving regional culinary traditions.

In Rome, food is not just a means of sustenance but a way of life, with meals serving as opportunities for socializing, connecting with loved ones, and savouring fresh produce.

Are food tours in Italy worth it?

As I’ve visited Rome many times, I’ve done many guided food tours, and they are a brilliant way of learning more about the history of Roman food, what locals eat and how to avoid tourist traps

My favourite food tour is The Food Walking Tour around Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori and Jewish Ghetto.

On this awesome small group tour, you can indulge in traditional Italian delicacies and have a local guide show you the best foodie spots in Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Jewish Ghetto.

Start by exploring Campo de’ Fiori market, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local traders and sample high-quality produce.

Continue your culinary exploration into the streets of Trastevere. This vibrant neighbourhood is known for its lively ambience and traditional Roman cuisine.

Indulge in a classic Roman pasta dish, savour creamy and flavorful gelato, and feast on pizza as your guide explains more about Roman food culture.

Rome Day two

See the Trevi fountain at dawn

On the second day of your Rome trip, you want to rise and shine early to catch an uncrowded glimpse of the magnificent Trevi Fountain. So I recommend arriving at sunrise to get enviable snaps for social!

At the terminus of three roads in central Rome lies a Baroque masterpiece with compelling Roman origins – the ‘Fontana di Trevi’.

The flamboyant Trevi Fountain has long been a focal point of the Eternal City and draws thousands of awe-struck visitors every day, who come to marvel at the oldest water source in Rome.

With 10 million litres of water per day cascading over the sculpted Travertine stone, you’ll likely hear the ‘Fontana di Trevi’ before you see it.

The soothing sound of rushing water blends with the roar of assembled crowds and reverberates around the Piazza. 

Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, it’s one of the most popular places in Rome, along with the Colosseum, Spanish steps and Pantheon – and it’s easy to see why.

Sculpted, allegoric statues, columns and inscriptions are also utilised and come together in a grandiose spectacle that tells us the story of water in a large 20-metre-high and 26-metre-wide structure. 

Best time to visit the trevi fountain

The best time to visit the Trevi fountain if you want an epic ‘fountain selfie’ is to arrive very early in the morning or during Rome’s off-peak season.

If you arrive at dawn, the soft morning light enhances the beauty of the fountain, casting a magical glow on the flowing water and the surrounding sculptures.

While weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, it’s important to note that the Trevi Fountain attracts tourists throughout the year.

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are typically smaller than in the peak summer months.

December in Rome can be a quiet time to visit and should allow you to get Instagram-worthy shots of the fountain.

Climb the Spanish Steps

After visiting the Trevi Fountain, you might want to catch the famous Spanish steps early in the morning.

Ascend the grandest steps in Rome when you walk up the Baroque Spanish Steps in the centre of the Eternal City.

The centrepiece of Piazza di Spagna, the grand ‘Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti’, or la Scalinata for short, is a true architectural icon of the Italian capital.

The steps are overlooked by the Trinità dei Monti church and were built in the 18th century to connect the Spanish Embassy and the Trinita church [hence the name Spanish Steps].

While you might be tempted to sit down and admire the view, sitting is no longer allowed on the Spanish Steps, and you’ll get a big fine if you break this rule.

Spanish steps at night

The steps are located in one of Rome’s main shopping areas, and several restaurants, cafes and bars are nearby.

It’s always buzzing during the day but gets quieter as the evening approaches. So you could always head back to the Spanish Steps in the evening for a drink and to soak up the nighttime serenity.

There are also several hotels in the area, but be warned, it’s an expensive area of Rome to stay in.

For a fantastic view of the steps, head to the il Palazzetto Wine Bar. It’s a lovely little rooftop spot to sit with a glass of red or three and watch the world go by as you overlook the iconic steps.

It’s quite pricey for their high-end cocktails, beers and wines, but the views are fabulous and they will give you some complimentary nibbles.

Go on a Rome walking tour

Why not do a walking tour in the afternoon of your second day in Rome? ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ is a statement that can only be fully comprehended when you set foot in the city.

With its sheer breadth of history, architecture, and culture, you really need an expert to guide you around and paint a picture of Rome through the ages.

I’m a big fan of city walking tours as a way of quickly covering a lot of ground and history.

I recommend booking a Rome walking tour to ensure you are exploring the city with a professional guide.

Book a Rome tour with a local

For an intimate and in-depth experience of Rome, I would also recommend a Best of Rome Walking Tour.

You can experience the city’s main sights in Rome’s historic centre tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

Our guide entertained us with funny stories as we wandered by Rome’s iconic landmarks and through hidden streets and romantic cobbled lanes.

We also had brilliant recommendations for places to eat in Rome, bars to go to and advice on Rome activities.

Explore Rome by Bike

After becoming more familiar with the city after your walking tour, why not see the city by bike? See all the city’s highlights on a Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour with a local guide.

See Rome in a fun and non-conventional way with a 3-hour bike tour through the Italian capital, and have an experienced cyclist guide you.

This fun tour includes:

• Cruiser bike rental
• Guide
• Helmet

Bike paths in Rome

You can also rent a bike and attempt to navigate the city yourself. ‘Cycling is a brilliant way of seeing a city’, I confidently announced to my husband Luke; he looked somewhat apprehensive as a nearby car mounted a pavement.

It quickly became apparent that my optimism was entirely misplaced and that Rome drivers have zero patience for cyclists.

While Rome is slowly improving its biking infrastructure, I recommend booking a guided bike tour so a local guide can safely take you around the city.

If you rent a bike, check out the Tiber River bike path. You can cycle along the river and see some of Rome’s iconic landmarks, like the Castel Sant’Angelo.

See the optical illusion at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola

If you have time after your bike ride, go and see the magnificent Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola) and marvel at the intriguing illusion inside. It’s located on Via del Caravita and is free to enter.

Construction on this historic church began in 1626 and was completed in 1650. It combines elements of the late Renaissance and Baroque styles.

As you step inside the church, look up to see the illusionistic ceiling fresco created by Andrea Pozzo.

Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola ceiling

This masterpiece gives the impression of a massive dome when, in reality, it is a flat ceiling.

Pozzo used a quadrature technique to create a sense of geometrically accurate architecture and three-dimensionality that features fantasy elements, including cherubs and floating saints.

There’s a full-length tilted mirror in the church’s nave, so you can look closer at the ceiling frescoes and get some fun photos.

Rome Day three

Visit Vatican City

Kickstart your third day with an early visit to Vatican City, officially known as the Vatican City State, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome.

With an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) and a population of around 800 residents, it is the world’s smallest internationally recognised independent state by both area and population.

Despite its small size, Vatican City carries immense religious, historical, and cultural significance as the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Vatican Museums have various galleries and corridors filled with priceless artworks, historical artefacts and the incredible Sistine Chapel.

The Vatican Museums house a vast collection of artwork, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli.

Is it worth doing a tour of the Vatican?

I would advise you to book a tour of the Vatican with a qualified and experienced guide to help you understand the culture and history of this city within a city.

Book a skip-the-line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour and skip all the lines with priority entry to enjoy more time to explore inside.

You will also be in a small group with an expert guide who will bring the art and history to life in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more.

We spent an entire morning on a guided tour and saw all the main highlights as our brilliant guide gave in-depth explanations of the artworks, religious iconography and the long history of the Vatican.

Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel?

You can’t just visit the Sistine Chapel – one of the most renowned attractions in Vatican City and part of the Vatican Museums complex.

You must purchase a guided tour/ ticket to the Vatican Museums to enter the Sistine Chapel.

This sacred space is famous for its beautiful ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo, depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis.

The Sistine Chapel also holds religious significance as it serves as the site of papal conclaves, where the College of Cardinals gather to elect a new Pope.

You can’t take photos inside the chapel, and speaking loudly inside is also prohibited, as it’s a place of worship.

Best time to visit the Vatican

The Vatican can be crowded throughout the year, but some months are busier than others. The peak tourist season in Rome generally falls between April and October, with high numbers of visitors during the sweltering summer months.

If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October).

During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and the number of tourists tends to be slightly lower.

It’s also important to consider the time of day when planning your visit to the Vatican. Right after the Vatican opens its doors in the morning, it’s generally less crowded.

Arriving early allows you to explore the incredible artworks with fewer people around.

Learn to cook Roman cuisine at a Cooking Class

After all the excitement of visiting the Vatican in the morning, why not book a Rome cooking class for your last afternoon?

Booking a cooking class in Rome is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local cuisine and culture led by an expert.

There is a huge range of cookery class options, from pasta making to wine pairing to private home cooking classes and pizza making.

If you are visiting Rome with kids, this is also a perfect family activity, especially on a rainy day.

Rome Pizza Making class

We did an awesome Pizza and Pasta Cooking Class in Rome where we learnt how to authentic Roman pizza and cook it in a wood-fired oven.

Our expert chef also taught us to make different pasta shapes without a machine and turn them into delicious dishes.

The best part of doing a cooking class, of course, is eating everything you made and showing off your culinary creations on social media.

We loved this class, including a lush Tiramisù dessert, Italian Limoncello and unlimited wine. It was a very wobbly walk back to our hotel.

Where to eat in Rome

For Rome city breaks, you want to eat the best Roman food possible. The city offers many dining options, from street food and traditional trattorias to upscale Michelin-starred restaurants.

Trastevere, a charming neighbourhood known for its narrow cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere, is a must-visit for food lovers.

Here, you can find a variety of trattorias and osterias serving authentic Roman cuisine. Trastevere is renowned for its classic dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and Roman-style pizza.

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in traditional pasta dishes at places like Da Enzo or La Tavernaccia.

best food districts in Rome

For those looking to delve into Rome’s exciting foodie scene, the Jewish Ghetto is a fantastic choice.

This historic neighbourhood is home to many traditional Jewish-Roman eateries. Indulge in authentic dishes like carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes) or try the traditional Roman-Jewish-style fried cod at Nonna Betta.

Testaccio district is another excellent choice for budget-friendly eating. Mercato Testaccio, a local food market, features various food stalls where you can sample authentic Roman street food.

Try supplì (fried rice balls), panini filled with porchetta (roasted pork), or the delicious Roman-Jewish-style fried cod.

Rome’s food culture

Rome’s food culture is a delicious blend of history, tradition, and culinary excellence. The city’s gastronomy is deeply rooted in its rich heritage, reflecting centuries of influences from ancient Roman, Italian, and international cuisines.

One of the defining characteristics of Roman cuisine is its simplicity and focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Roman dishes often feature a few key components prepared with precision and care. Classic pasta dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe showcase the art of creating deliciousness with minimal ingredients.

How to spot a tourist trap restaurant in Rome

Rome is sadly full of overpriced tourist trap restaurants. To avoid dining hell and to find the best places to eat in the city, try and get away from the tourist areas if possible.

Wander down hidden side streets and look for restaurants full of locals.

The trick with Rome is seeking out authentic Italian cuisine. You don’t want to accidentally end up in an overpriced tourist trap, chowing down on frozen pizza.

Here are some tips to help you avoid tourist trap restaurants in Rome:

• Look at the menu, is it phone book sized crammed with every Italian dish conceivable?
• Is the menu in 5 different languages?
• Is the restaurant right next to a popular tourist attraction?
• Are the waiters trying to coax you in?
• Does the menu outside have pictures of the food?
• Are the menus laminated?
• Are there any locals in the restaurant?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, turn around and run, darlings. You are about to enter gastro hell.

Another great tip is to look for places open later than other restaurants.

Romans usually don’t eat dinner until 8 p.m. or later, so if a restaurant serves dinner late, it will likely be authentic and full of locals.

Foodie Culture Rome

Another insider tip we picked up on our foodie tour is to watch out for asterisks on menus. This, unfortunately, means that the food is frozen.

Failing that, check Trip Advisor reviews, read quality travel and food blogs or book a foodie tour as a fail-safe against crappy food.

Much like in Venice, there are tourist trap restaurants everywhere in Rome. The trick is to do your research and hunt down the authentic places.

Rome Pizza

Pizza in Rome is a popular food choice and comes in two completely different styles. Whole, round pizzas with thin crusts that you sit down to eat are known as ‘Pizza tonda’.

‘Pizza al taglio’ is served by the slice and is a cheaper way to get your pizza fix.

Check asterisks on menus so you don’t get served a frozen pizza; you can do much better than that in Rome.

For authentic pizza that the Romans eat, try La Renella, located in Piazza Trilussa in hip foodie haunt Trastevere.

Rome Pasta

In Italy, there is a huge variety of pasta, served in restaurants, cafes, and pasta shops all over the city.

For high-end pasta, try Flavio al Velavevodetto or Armando al Pantheon. These authentic Italian joints serve remarkable pasta.

If you decide to chance it and wander around looking for a pasta place, try and avoid places near major tourist sites.

Wander down side streets instead and look to see what restaurants are packed with locals.

Rome Gelato

Gelato shops are abundant in Rome, especially near the main tourist sites. The trick is to figure out if you are being served a scoop of genuine gelato or a tourist trap cone of premix goop.

Real Gelato will be a lot more understated than the fake stuff. Fake gelato will have unnatural colours and an extraordinary amount of unnecessary decoration.

For authentic Gelato, try Neve di Latte on Via Luigi Poletti, or Fatamorgana on Via Dei Chiavari.

Where to eat in Rome on a budget

For those having a weekend in Rome on a budget, head to Il Pastaio di Roma. Here you grab a box of homemade, fresh pasta for under €10. Your pasta can be eaten inside for no extra charge or taken away.

Choose from a small selection of tasty portions of pasta, including classic offerings such as Fusilli al pesto and Fusilli all’ Amatriciana.

If you are feeling indulgent, you can also order a bottle of wine to drink with your pasta for a reasonable price.

Mercato Centrale Roma

Mercato Centrale Roma is a huge food market in the heart of Rome. Situated in the Termini train station, it offers a culinary haven for locals and tourists.

This lively market is a food lover’s paradise, providing a wide array of fresh produce, gourmet products, and delectable dishes.

The market spans two levels and inside, you’ll find a foodie marketplace filled with stalls showcasing a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and seafood.

The knowledgeable vendors are friendly and often willing to share their expertise, allowing you to learn more about the products and the local food culture.

The food court offers everything from traditional Italian dishes to international dishes. Feast on pasta or pizza, or indulge in gourmet burgers, sushi, or vegan options.

Where to stay in Rome

There are plenty of Rome accommodation options if you are looking to spend 3 days in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome depends largely on your budget, preferred accommodation type and what neighbourhood you want to stay in. Here are some suggestions on where to stay:

1. Historic Center (Centro Storico): This area is the heart of Rome and offers proximity to major landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of the city’s iconic attractions.
2. Trastevere: Known for its lively atmosphere and narrow streets, Trastevere offers a bohemian vibe and a vibrant nightlife. It’s a well-known foodie neighbourhood with colourful buildings, quaint cafes, and traditional trattorias.
3. Monti: Located near the Colosseum, Monti is a trendy neighbourhood with a vibrant social scene. It’s known for its hip boutiques, art galleries, and trendy bars. Monti offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary energy, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking a lively atmosphere.

1. Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna): The area around the Spanish Steps is known for its luxury boutiques, high-end shopping, and elegant streets. Staying here puts you near designer shops, upscale restaurants, and the beautiful Spanish Steps.
2. Vatican City (Prati): If you want to be near the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, consider staying in the Prati neighbourhood. It’s a residential area with wide boulevards and tree-lined streets and offers easy access to Vatican City.

Rome Hotels

There is a hotel to suit any budget in Rome, ranging from small guesthouses to luxury rooms for those looking to spoil themselves.

You can find a hotel in Rome to suit your budget and length of time by using travel resources such as Booking.com and TripAdvisor to find the best hotel deals.

I recently stayed in the fabulous Marcella Royal Hotel, a 4-star hotel with an incredible rooftop terrace offering 360° views across Rome.

Don’t forget, Rome has a city tax, and the cost is per person, per night and depends on the hotel’s rating.

Rome Guesthouses

There are also plenty of family-run guesthouses in Rome. A reasonably-priced guest house we have previously stayed in was Guesthouse Stradivari. It was perfect for a Rome city break without breaking the bank.

It’s a very budget-friendly little guesthouse centrally located within walking distance of many main attractions.

It also featured a very charming old-fashioned lift that would groan and creak into life every time we cautiously used it.

Rome is full of these types of family-run guest houses situated in beautiful historic buildings.

They are often very basic, but for the budget traveller, they offer the opportunity to stay in a more traditional home rather than a swanky hotel.

Booking.com

Long weekend in rome travel tips

Here are a few important Rome tips to ensure you are prepared for your trip to the Italian capital.

• Italy still mostly functions on a cash economy, so carry money when visiting Rome.
• Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. A service charge is normally included in the bill as the coperto (cover), but an additional tip is always appreciated if your service is exceptional.
• Buy your bus tickets in advance as you can’t buy tickets on the bus. You can buy bus tickets at any ‘tabaccheria’, which are small convenient shops designated with a large T.
• Keep an eye on your possessions. Thieves have been known to pickpocket or snatch bags, so keep a firm grip on your possessions.
• Only use official taxis to avoid being scammed. Taxis to and from Rome airports to the centre have fixed fares, so confirm the fare verbally with your driver before you set off.

how many days in rome?

I think 3 days in Rome is the ideal time to see the highlights of this ancient city. The more we saw of Rome, the more we loved it.

It is a magnificent and vibrant urban space, full of history and striking architecture and populated with some of the world’s most well-known and iconic structures.

Add to that hidden culinary delights, superb wine and the almost intoxicating vibe of Italian living, it is a truly wonderful place for a city break.

What do you think of my guide to Rome? What else should be added to the guide? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Recommended travel resources

Flights: To find flight deals, check out sites such as Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare flight costs and book.

Accommodation: I use Booking.com for hotel bookings as they have fantastic flexibility and cancellation.

Airport Parking and Lounges: With Holiday Extras, you can save money on airport and travel extras, including airport parking, airport hotels, and airport lounges.

Travel Insurance: I highly recommend you always get travel insurance – I use the Post Office Travel Insurance for single trip coverage and Safety Wing for comprehensive travel medical insurance.

Car Hire: I use Discover Cars to hire cars abroad as they have free cancellation, free mileage and no card fees.

Travel Money: I recommend Post Office Travel Money as you can get competitive rates and 0% commission for your holiday cash.

E-sim Cards: Use Airalo’s eSIM app to buy an eSIM for 200+ countries and stay connected when you travel abroad.

For more travel tools, head to my bumper travel resources page now!

rome city break FAQ

1. When is the best time to visit Rome?

The best time to visit Rome is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. The weather is mild, and the city is less crowded than the peak summer months. However, Rome is a year-round destination, so you can plan your visit based on your preferences and availability.

2. How many days do you need in Rome?

To fully explore the highlights of Rome, I recommend spending at least 3 days in Rome. This allows you to visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and culinary delights.

3. What are the must-visit attractions in Rome?

Some must-visit attractions in Rome include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City (including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel), Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and the picturesque Trastevere neighbourhood. These landmarks showcase the rich history, art, and architecture that Rome is renowned for.

4. How can I skip the long queues at Rome attractions?

It’s advisable to book tickets in advance or opt for skip-the-line tours to skip the long queues. Many attractions offer timed entry tickets or guided tours that allow you to bypass the queues and make the most of your time in Rome. It’s also a good idea to visit popular attractions during the early morning or late afternoon when they are less crowded.

5. Is public transportation easily accessible in Rome?

Yes, Rome has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The metro is particularly useful for quickly travelling between different parts of the city. I recommend purchasing a Rome Travel Pass or a Roma Pass, which offers unlimited travel on public transportation and discounted entry to select attractions.

6. What are some traditional Roman dishes to try?

When in Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Roman dishes like pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and Roman-style pizza. Other must-try delicacies include supplì (fried rice balls with a cheesy center), fried artichokes, and gelato.

7. Are there any day trips from Rome worth exploring?

Yes, several day trips from Rome offer unique experiences. You can visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, explore the beautiful coastal town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, or take a trip to Tivoli to visit the stunning gardens of Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa.

8. How should I dress when visiting churches in Rome?

When visiting churches in Rome, it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully. Both men and women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. It’s also advisable to carry a scarf or shawl to cover up if necessary.

9. What should I pack for Rome weekend breaks?

Packing for a weekend break in Rome depends on the time of year you are visiting and your planned activities. I recommend a few essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, a day pack, a water bottle, light and breathable clothing, a power bank, adapters, sunglasses, a hat and a waterproof jacket.

10. Do I need to tip in restaurants in Rome?

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, as a service charge is typically included in the bill. However, it’s common to leave a small tip of about 5-10% if you receive exceptional service or want to show appreciation to the staff.

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