Rome 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Rome: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Pantheon

A 2000-year-old former Roman temple, now a church, with the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The oculus opens to the sky and rain falls through to the polished floor. Entry is free, bu

🕐 Mon–Sat 9:00–19:00, Sun 9:00–18:00

Free entry

💡 Go at 8.30am just after opening to avoid 45-minute queues. Mass at 9am is a quieter way in.

Hotels near Pantheon →
Afternoon
Trastevere

A medieval neighbourhood of narrow alleys, ivy-covered houses and lively piazzas. Free to wander. Street food costs €3–€5 for pizza al taglio or supplì. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere has s

🕐 Always open; basilica 7:30–20:00

Free entry

💡 Skip the main Piazza Trilussa at night—packed with tourists. Instead walk up Via della Scala to Via dell'Arco di San Calisto for good wine bars and fewer crowds.

Hotels near Trastevere →
Evening
Where to eat

Bar del Tennis · ££

Gustosando · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Rome

Morning
Colosseum

The world's largest amphitheatre, built in 70-80 AD and capable of holding 50,000 spectators. Rome's most iconic monument, the Colosseum hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts and public spectacle

🕐 09:00-19:00

💡 Book tickets online at least 72 hours ahead — the Colosseum is one of the most visited sites in the world and same-day tickets are rarely available. The Forum–Palatine side entrance on Via Sacra has shorter queues.

Midday
Basilica of San Clemente

A 12th-century basilica built on top of a 4th-century church, which itself sits on a 1st-century Roman street and Mithraic temple. For €10 you walk down three layers of Roman history. Worth every euro

🕐 Mon–Sat 9:00–12:30 & 15:00–17:30; Sun 12:00–17:30

💡 The natural spring in the lowest level can make steps slippery. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a small torch to read the dark inscriptions.

Afternoon
Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is the ancient heart of Rome — a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of important government buildings dating to the Roman Empire. Once the centre of Roman public life, it contai

🕐 9am–one hour before sunset daily

💡 Book online to skip the queue — the combined ticket includes the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Best visited early morning before tour groups arrive. The elevated view from the Capitoline Hill gives the best overview of the Forum.

Evening
Dining tonight

Alexanderplatz

Beere mangiare e co.

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Centrale Montemartini

Roman statues placed among early 20th-century power plant machinery—turbines and marble heads side by side. Admission costs €7.50 and the collection is small en

💡 Buy a combined ticket for €12 to also see the Musei Capitolini within two days. The cafeteria has cheap coffee and a terrace overlooked by a 4-metre turbine.

Final meal

Elliot

Antico Falcone

Getting Around Rome

COTRAL/ATAC Bus Network - Local Transit From €1.50 (single); €24 (7-day pass) 20 min

Buy tickets at newsstands or machines before boarding. Night buses (N routes) serve major areas. Bus stops are near all major attractions within walking distance of hotel.

Rome Metro System (Line A & B) From €1.50 (single); €7 (day pass); €28 (Roma Pass 48h) 5 min

Most efficient for airport-hotel route via Line A. Hotel's location between two metro stations makes it ideal for exploring. Buy Roma Pass for unlimited metro + 2-3 major attractions included.

Fiumicino Express + Metro A From €14 (train €14, Metro €1.50) 35 min

Leonardo Express is the quickest option. Hotel is 5 mins walk from Cavour Metro stop on Line A. Buy multi-day metro passes (Roma Pass 48h €28) for unlimited local transit.

Airport Transfer - Fiumicino to Palazzo Montemartini From €48-65 45 min

Book in advance through your hotel or use official white taxis only to avoid scams. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are available and often cheaper than street taxis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Rome?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Pantheon and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Rome?

See our full best time to visit Rome guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Rome Garden, Hotel Ponte Sisto, Urban Garden Hotel Rome. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.