3 Days in Rome Itinerary for First-Time Visitors [with Tickets & Insider Tips]

Dreaming of Rome? With its ancient ruins, lively piazzas, and world-class museums, the Eternal City has captivated visitors for centuries.

While a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to see it all, three days in Rome is perfect for first-time visitors.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete 3 days in Rome itinerary with must-see landmarks, insider tips on tickets and city passes, food and nightlife recommendations, and practical advice to make the most of your trip.

Before we jump into the full itinerary, here are the essentials you need to know for a smooth trip.

Rome Basics: Staying, Getting Around & Booking Tickets

A little preparation makes all the difference in Rome. With smart choices on where to stay, how to move around, and which tickets to book, you’ll save time and enjoy more of the city.

1. Accommodation

Stay near Termini Central Station for easy airport transfers, public transport, and walking access to major sights. Options range from budget hotels to luxury stays. >> See our full article Where to Stay in Rome for curated hotel picks.

2. Airport Transfer

Book your transfer in advance for a smooth arrival. Choose between shuttle bus, the Leonardo express train, taxi, or private shuttle. >> For practical guides, check our dedicated articles on Rome Fiumicino Airport and Rome Ciampino Airport.

3. Stay Connected with an eSIM

Avoid roaming charges and searching for local SIM cards on arrival. With an eSIM, you can activate your plan before you land and connect instantly. >> Compare the best providers in our guide to the Best eSIM for Rome & Italy.

4. Getting Around in Rome

The Roma 72-Hour Ticket offers unlimited rides on buses, trams, and the metro for three days; perfect for first-time visitors. >> For more details on metro lines, bus routes, tickets, and tips, see our complete guide to Public Transportation in Rome.

5. Attraction Tickets

Always book tickets online to skip the lines. Rome’s top sights often sell out weeks in advance. Here are quick links to the most popular ones:

• Ancient Sites & Monuments: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II
• Museums: Vatican Museums, Capitoline Museums, Galleria Borghese
• Sightseeing: Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Buy a City Pass for Rome?

Many visitors to Rome consider tourist passes, which offer a variety of benefits like free and reduced skip-the-line entry to attractions and free public transportation. These can be a great way to save time and money, but choosing the right pass depends on your itinerary.

We've analyzed the available passes for your 3-day Roman adventure, and the Roma Pass 72 Hours emerges as the winner. This pass covers six of the nine paid attractions we recommend visiting during the three-day itinerary:

Main perks:

• Free entry to two top sights + reduced entry to others (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museums, Galleria Borghese, Castel Sant’Angelo)
• Skip-the-line access to avoid long waits
• Free 72-hour public transportation card
• Extra discounts for other museums and attractions if you extend your trip

3 Days in Rome Itinerary

Our suggested route balances must-see landmarks with authentic neighborhoods, making it easy to experience the best of Rome in 72 hours.

Day 1: First Impressions & Rome’s Heart

Kick off your trip with a panoramic view of the city, followed by a leisurely walk through Rome’s most iconic squares and landmarks. End the evening with authentic food and nightlife in Testaccio.

🚍 Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Start with a full loop tour (about 100 minutes) for an easy overview of the main sights. You can board at Termini Station and stay on for the whole ride to orient yourself. >> More details here.

🚶 Scenic Walk (Flaminio → Piazza Navona)

Take Metro Line A to Flaminio and begin a 35-minute stroll past Rome’s highlights:

• Piazza del Popolo – monumental gateway and Egyptian obelisk.
• Terrazza del Pincio – sweeping views over the city
• Spanish Steps – vibrant meeting point topped by Trinità dei Monti. Read more: Spanish Steps Guide
• Trevi Fountain – toss a coin for good luck. Read more: Trevi Fountain Guide
• Pantheon – marvel at the ancient dome and oculus. Read more: Pantheon Guide
• Piazza Navona – lively square with Bernini fountains and cafés. Read more: Piazza Navona Guide

Plan about 90 minutes if you want to step inside and explore.

🍝 Evening in Testaccio

Head to Testaccio for a true Roman night out:

• Dinner: Traditional trattorias with pasta and Roman classics, or modern gastro bars
• Nightlife: Aperitivo, cocktails, and lively piazzas where locals gather. Read more: Nightlife in Rome

Day 2: Ancient Rome & Renaissance Treasures

Day two takes you through the grandeur of the Roman Empire, Renaissance masterpieces, and ends with the charm of Trastevere.

🏛️ Ancient Rome (Morning)

Take Metro Line B to Colosseo and begin your deep dive into history:

• Colosseum – step inside the gladiators’ arena. Read more: Colosseum Guide
• Arch of Constantine – victory monument of Emperor Constantine
• Roman Forum – ruins of temples, arches, and marketplaces. Read more: 
• Palatine Hill – legendary birthplace of Rome with city views

🖼️ Museums & Landmarks (Afternoon)

Continue your walk toward Capitoline Hill:

• Capitoline Museums – Roman sculptures, Renaissance art. Read more: Capitoline Museums Guide
• Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli – hilltop church with peaceful atmosphere
• Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II (Altar of the Fatherland) – climb to the terrace for sweeping views. Read more: Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II Guide

From Piazza Venezia, take bus 83 to Galleria Borghese:

• Galleria Borghese – Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Baroque treasures. Read more: Galleria Borghese Guide

🍷 Evening in Trastevere

End the day in Trastevere, a lively neighborhood full of trattorias, osterias, and chic bistros. Enjoy pasta classics like carbonara or cacio e pepe, then sip an aperitivo on a cobbled piazza as the streets come alive with locals.

Day 3: Vatican City & a Farewell to Rome

Your last day is dedicated to the Vatican and one final glimpse of Rome’s grandeur.

🎨 Vatican Museums (Morning)

Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano and enter the Vatican Museums, one of the world’s greatest museums, with highlights such as:

• Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Last Judgment
• Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and ancient sculptures
• Highlights like the Egyptian Mummy Room and priceless tapestries

⛪ St. Peter’s Basilica

Walk 15 minutes to the St. Peter's Basilica, the heart of Vatican City. Step inside the world’s largest church, admire Bernini’s bronze canopy, and climb Michelangelo’s dome for sweeping views of Rome.

🏰 Castel Sant’Angelo (Optional Afternoon)

A short walk along the Tiber takes you to Castel Sant’Angelo. Once a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, later a papal fortress, it offers panoramic terraces and richly decorated chambers.

🍷 Farewell Evening

Return to your hotel, collect your bags, and enjoy one last aperitivo before heading to the airport. Arrivederci, Roma!

Where to Eat & Drink in Rome

Rome is a paradise for food lovers, from hearty pastas to sweet street snacks. Two neighborhoods stand out: Testaccio (traditional and authentic) and Trastevere (charming and lively). Both are great for meals by day and buzzing nightlife after dark.

Must-Try Roman Dishes

• Carbonara – Pasta with guanciale, eggs, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Try it at Roscioli (Campo de’ Fiori) or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere).
• Cacio e Pepe – Pecorino Romano and black pepper perfection. Felice a Testaccio is famous for its creamy version.
• Amatriciana – Tomato, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano. A classic at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio).
• Saltimbocca alla Romana – Veal with prosciutto and sage, a true Roman specialty.
• Supplì – Fried rice balls with mozzarella, perfect as a snack.
• Maritozzi – Sweet buns filled with whipped cream, a Roman breakfast treat.

Restaurants & Food Experiences

• Armando al Pantheon – Traditional Roman dishes near the Pantheon
• Roscioli – A delicatessen, wine bar, and restaurant rolled into one (perfect for pasta lovers)
• Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 – Beloved for authentic recipes in a cozy Trastevere setting

Recommended Food Tours & Classes

• Pasta & Tiramisu Class with Fine Wine (near the Vatican) ➤ Check prices and availability
• Trastevere Food Tour: Walk, Eat & Sip Local Wine ➤ More details here
• Street Food Tour with Local Guide ➤ Check availability here

Nightlife in Rome

After dinner, enjoy wine bars, rooftop terraces, or aperitivo spots in Trastevere and Testaccio. Locals fill the piazzas, and you’ll find everything from casual pubs to stylish cocktail lounges with views of Rome’s rooftops.

Practical Travel Tips for your Rome trip

• Book in advance: Popular attractions (Colosseum, Vatican, Galleria Borghese) often sell out weeks ahead. Combo tickets can save both time and money. >> See our article on the Best Rome Combo Tickets for recommendations.
• Pack smart: Comfortable shoes are essential, plus a refillable water bottle. Bring a light jacket or scarf in spring and fall for cooler evenings.
• Stay connected: Consider an eSIM for instant internet access and to avoid high roaming charges. >> See our Best eSIM for Rome & Italy guide
• Save time with a pass: If you’re visiting multiple attractions, a city pass can help you skip lines and cut costs. >> See our article about the 5 Best City Passes for Rome).
• When to visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter at popular sites. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, plus a refillable water bottle, light jacket, or scarf for cooler evenings in spring and fall.

Conclusion: 3 Days in Rome Itinerary

Three days in Rome will give you unforgettable memories, from tossing a coin at the Trevi Fountain to gazing up at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and savoring pasta in a lively piazza.

No matter how often you return, Rome always reveals something new. Whether it’s a hidden church, a quiet corner café, or an unexpected view, the Eternal City keeps inviting you back.

Buon viaggio and until next time!