Let's explore the Eternal City together over three days. Whether you're into history, art, or delicious food, this easy-to-follow itinerary will help you experience the best of Rome.
Here's a tip right from the start: practice your patience. Rome is crowded with tourists. I initially thought June would be less busy since people usually head to the seaside, but I was wrong. So, prepare to wait for restaurants (most of them don't take reservations), museums, and churches.
I recommend booking a hotel or Airbnb close to the city center to save time on traveling around. We stayed in a charming loft apartment near Piazza Navona, which was conveniently located within a 15-minute walk of most major landmarks in Rome. Here's the link if you're interested. In my research, I also came across these other accommodations:
As a planner, I really enjoyed organizing this trip. To make navigation easier and ensure we saw most of the key sights in Rome, I divided the city into three parts, dedicating one part to each day.
One of Rome's most beautiful squares. It was built on the site of an ancient stadium. Enjoy the Baroque architecture and the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. The fountain represents the four great rivers of the world: the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata. This square is also perfect for a morning coffee at one of the charming cafés.
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A short walk from Piazza Navona brings you to the Pantheon.
The Pantheon was originally built as a temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome. Its name comes from the Greek words "pan" (all) and "theos" (god). The Pantheon is famous for its huge dome, which is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. At the top is an oculus, a 9-meter wide circular opening that lets natural light in and symbolizes a link to the heavens. Rainwater that comes through the oculus is drained away by a clever system built into the floor.
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Until recently, entrance to the Pantheon was free, but this has changed. Now, tickets purchased online cost around €15, allowing you to choose your date and time slot. Alternatively, you can buy tickets on-site for €5, but be prepared for long queues and waiting times.
Next, head to the Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio. Before visiting, I had seen pictures of it and initially mistook it for part of the Sistine Chapel, but it's actually another church.
It's fascinating to see the ceiling reflected in the mirrors, so it's definitely worth the wait to experience it firsthand.
It's known for its stunning frescoes and illusionistic ceiling by Andrea Pozzo. Spend some time admiring the beautiful artwork and the optical illusion: The "False Dome". Due to a lack of funds, the planned dome for the church was never built. Instead, Pozzo painted a trompe-l'œil (trick of the eye) dome on a flat canvas, which is still an astonishing sight for visitors (the black part in the picture). Standing on a specific marble disk marked on the floor, you can see the illusion of a three-dimensional dome.
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The best time to visit the church is in the morning to avoid the crowds. Admission is free.
Inside, you can see their ice cream "lab" and enjoy delicious gelato, including ice cream on a stick. I tried the Colosseum ice cream, which comes in various flavors.
The fountain was completed in 1762 and it was designed by the architect Nicola Salvi and later finished by Giuseppe Pannini after Salvi's death. The design is grand and dramatic, featuring a central figure of Oceanus (the god of water) standing in a chariot shaped like a shell, pulled by two horses and guided by tritons (mythical sea gods). The horses represent the contrasting moods of the sea: one calm and the other agitated.
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Legend has it that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you will ensure your return to Rome. This tradition has been popularized by numerous films, most notably "La Dolce Vita" by Federico Fellini, where actress Anita Ekberg famously enters into the fountain.
Next, walk to Piazza di Spagna, home to the famous Spanish Steps.
The Piazza di Spagna takes its name from the nearby Spanish Embassy, established in the 17th century.
The steps are a popular spot to relax and people-watch, so take a moment to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
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Climb the steps that lead up to the Church of Trinità dei Monti.
The park is a peaceful escape from the city and offers beautiful landscapes and spots to relax. We just passed through, as it reminded us of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and the Palace of Versailles.
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Stroll through the gardens, rent a bike, or visit the Borghese Gallery to see works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
It is located at the northern gate of the city and has been an important gathering place for centuries.
Main Highlights:
-Obelisk: In the middle of the square, there's an ancient Egyptian obelisk surrounded by four lion fountains.
-Twin Churches: Two similar-looking churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, stand at the southern end of the square.
-Santa Maria del Popolo: A beautiful church at the northern end that has art by famous artists like Caravaggio and Bernini.
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Evening:
After a day of sightseeing, find a nearby trattoria or restaurant to enjoy a delicious Roman dinner and relax before heading back to your accommodation.
We ended our evening at Campo de' Fiori since it was on our way to our accommodation.
This lively square is famous for the local market during the day and vibrant nightlife. Campo de' Fiori is also known for the statue of philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was executed here in 1600 for his controversial ideas.
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Near this square is the famous restaurant Osteria da Fortunata.
They don’t take reservations and are open until 1 AM. We visited around 10 PM and waited for 20 minutes. It was worth it—best carbonara ever!
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Day 2
Morning:
On our second day, we planned to visit the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. We started our journey by strolling through the charming streets of Rome from our accommodation. Don't skip breakfast in Italy—try a croissant, cappuccino, and freshly squeezed orange juice (spremuta d'arancia) to start your day right. Departing from our side of the city, our first stop was Piazza Venezia, with its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
The square marks the intersection of several major streets, including Via del Corso, which leads to the Spanish Steps and Via dei Fori Imperiali, connecting to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Highlights:
-Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) - also known as the Vittoriano, this massive white marble monument was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. It houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and offers a panoramic view of the city from its terraces.
-Palazzo Venezia - This Renaissance palace, once the residence of popes and cardinals, now serves as a museum showcasing medieval and Renaissance art.
-Mussolini’s Balcony - Piazza Venezia is historically significant as the location where Mussolini delivered many of his speeches from the balcony of Palazzo Venezia.
This hill was the center of politics and religion in ancient Rome, with important temples like the Temple of Jupiter. In the Renaissance, Michelangelo redesigned it, creating the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio with three buildings: Palazzo Senatorio, Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo. Today, these buildings are part of the Capitoline Museums, which have many classical sculptures, Renaissance art, and Roman artifacts, including the famous Dying Gaul and the original statue of Marcus Aurelius.
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After exploring Capitoline Hill, head to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Legend says Romulus founded Rome on Palatine Hill. Enjoy the city views and see the ruins of imperial palaces and the Farnese Gardens.
The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome's public life, located between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill. It was the center for politics, commerce, and social activities, with temples, basilicas, and public spaces for events like elections and speeches. Key sites include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Curia Julia, and the Rostra.
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Walking through the Forum feels like stepping back in time. Guided tours are helpful for understanding its history. Combined tickets for the Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum are available. Visit early to avoid crowds and heat, and wear comfortable shoes because of the uneven ground. For great views, go to the overlook on Palatine Hill. The Roman Forum is a fascinating place where ancient Roman life comes alive.
At this point, we were already hungry, so on our way to the Colosseum, we stopped for lunch. Are you even in Italy if you don't eat a sandwich (panino)? I love the combo of mortadella, pistachio, and burrata.
The Colosseum, also called the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of Rome's most famous landmarks and an amazing piece of ancient construction. It was built by Emperor Vespasian around AD 70-72 and finished by his son, Titus, in AD 80. The Colosseum was used for gladiator fights, public shows, animal hunts, executions, reenactments of battles, and plays. It could hold 50,000 to 80,000 people.
The Colosseum is oval-shaped, 189 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 48 meters high. It is made mostly of limestone, volcanic rock, and concrete. It has four levels; the first three have arches, and the fourth has rectangular windows. The main area, or arena, had a wooden floor covered with sand. Below the arena was the hypogeum, a network of tunnels and cages for animals and slaves.
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After visiting the Colosseum, take some time to explore the nearby Monti neighborhood.
One of Rome's oldest and most charming districts. Here you can visit: Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, Church of Santa Maria dei Monti and Via Urbana.
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We ended up in this neighborhood because I wanted to get a tattoo at Aureo Tattoo Studio, but since I had to wait 3-4 hours for an appointment, I found another nearby tattoo studio on Google.
Evening:
Drink Kong is ranked 21st among the Top 50 bars in the world and 17th among the Top 500. Located in the Monti neighbourhood, this bar exceeds expectations. It takes you into a sci-fi and cyberpunk world with its dim lighting, neon accents, and minimalist design, creating an atmosphere that feels both futuristic and welcoming.
Drink Kong’s cocktail menu is a journey in itself. At the beginning of the menu, you’ll find a taste map: A for acid, S for sweet, B for bitter, and K for the Kong factor, which indicates the uniqueness of the cocktail.
With over 25 cocktails available and a menu that frequently changes, there is something for everyone. The cocktails are from 14€ to 20€.
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Make sure to make a reservation, as the bar can get quite busy.
Day 3
Morning:
Dedicate your third day to exploring Vatican City. Start with St. Peter's Basilica.
Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of St. Peter's Square and beyond. Inside, marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà and the Bernini's Baldachin.
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Next, visit the Vatican Museums. When you book your trip, be sure to buy tickets for the museums as they sell out quickly.
Spend several hours exploring the extensive collections, from classical sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. The highlight, of course, is the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's stunning frescoes.
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. Throughout its history, Castel San-t Angelo also functioned as a prison. Today it serves as a museum, the Museo Nazionale di Castel San't Angelo.
Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace.
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The museum houses a variety of exhibits, including art, military memorabilia and the papal apartments. It is really close to the Vatican and there is a secret passage known as the "Passetto di Borgo" which connects Vatican to to Castel Sant'Angelo.
Evening:
Spend the evening in Trastevere, the true heart of Rome. Here, you'll discover numerous bars, restaurants, and vibrant parties. Check out my recommendations below.
My name is Tea 🫖, a Macedonian expat who has been calling Ljubljana, Slovenia, home for the past nine years. With a passion for traveling and a heart full of wanderlust, I am always on the move, ready to explore new places and try delightful cuisines —truly a self-proclaimed hedonist at heart. 🗺️
My mantra? La vita è bella" or "Life is beautiful." The joy hides in life's tiny treasures, in those simple, magical moments we often overlook. Whether it's trying a new dish, exploring a hidden gem, or simply sharing a laugh with friends, I believe that happiness lies in the everyday moments. 🧸🎀
I really enjoy organizing trips. My friends often joke about how much I plan every little detail, but when you're visiting a place, you want to make the most of your time, right? My travel expertise spans from curating detailed itineraries to recommending must-visit spots. So, if you don't like planning but love traveling, I can help you out. Just ask me for advice on museums, good places to eat, wine bars, or even secret bars!
I know Ljubljana and its surroundings intimately, but my recommendations extend beyond Slovenia. I can offer my expertise from experiences in Europe (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Italy), Asia (Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket; Bali, Kuala Lumpur), and Africa (Egypt, Tunisia, Zanzibar).
Follow me on TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest @thecreationofus for recommendations, tips, and more. Let's make your next journey extraordinary!
