3 Days In Rome - The Perfect Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Rome & Iconic Landmarks

After catching an early flight and arriving at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, we took the Leonardo Express (a direct train) straight to Termini Station - fast, easy, and no stress. It took 32 minutes from the airport to the station, one stop on the train, and they run approximately once every 15 minutes. Once we had dropped our bags at the hotel, it was time to explore!

Here's what we got up to on our first day:

• Trevi Fountain

This iconic spot was just breathtaking. Don’t forget to toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain - legend says it guarantees your return to Rome! And remember the fountain gets VERY busy, so go super early in the morning or super late at night to avoid the crowds.

Our hotel was a 1-minute walk from the fountain, so this had to be our first stop!

• Getting Takeaway Cocktails

One of my favourite little moments was grabbing €5 takeaway cocktails from Ristorante Taberna Patrizi e Plebei just a 1-min walk from the fountain, also a restaurant which we didn't get to try this time around!

Sipping on a cocktail while strolling through Rome on a hot summer's day? A total vibe.

On the menu there was a range of cocktails from the classic aperol spritz, bellini, or a pina colada, which had a smiley face on top, such a lovely touch :D

• Pantheon & Piazza Navona

From the fountain, it’s an 8-minute walk to the Pantheon. Don’t miss the Egyptian obelisk in front - it adds to the surreal contrast of ancient and modern. Then head 5 minutes further to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, lovely to walk around or enjoy a morning coffee or an evening aperitif. 

• Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Nicknamed the “wedding cake building,” this grand white marble monument is massive. Climb up to the Altar of the Fatherland for a panoramic view of Rome (totally worth it!).

• Piazza del Campidoglio

Right next door is this lesser-known square designed by Michelangelo - quiet, historic, and a perfect photo spot.

• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Ensure you book your Colosseum tour in advance (ours was at 4:30pm). We booked through GetYourGuide, super easy!

Afterward, walk through the Roman Forum and up to Palatine Hill - you'll feel like you're walking through time.

• Dinner Around the Colosseum

There are lots of great restaurants in Monti (just nearby). We had a lovely dinner at Lalocanda del Tempio - rated 4.6 stars on Google. 

I recommend the salami pizza and the meatball fettuccini - both delicious!! Also make sure to get a tiramisu for dessert, my favourite. 

Day 2: Gardens, Shopping & Trastevere Charm

• Villa Borghese Gardens

Start your day in nature. The Borghese Gardens are peaceful and lush. We rented a little rowboat for €3 on the pond - it was such a relaxing contrast from the busy city.​

• Via Condotti & Spanish Steps

Walk from the gardens down Via Condotti, Rome’s famous shopping street, toward the Spanish Steps. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a beautiful area to wander.

FYI - don't sit on the Spanish Steps, you could be given a hefty fine. This ban was put in place to protect the monument.

• Piazza del Popolo​

​Just a short walk away is this grand square surrounded by churches, fountains, and architecture. Great for photos and people-watching!

• Explore Trastevere

In the afternoon, head to Trastevere - a charming, bohemian neighbourhood across the river. It’s full of ivy-covered buildings, hidden piazzas, and lively trattorias.

We took a long walk all around in the afternoon and the weather was glorious - a lovely afternoon.

Also visit Mr Brown's Pub for delicious mojitos!

Day 3: Vatican City & Hidden Gems

• Vatican City

The final day is all about Vatican City, the smallest country in the world! We walked from our hotel to Vatican City, which was around 45 minutes. However, if using the Trevi Fountain as a base point, you can walk 11 minutes to Barberini station and take the metro 4 stops (7 mins) to Ottaviano station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the Vatican Museums.

Once we arrived at the Vatican, we booked a skip-the-line tour a couple weeks prior (highly recommend!) that included:

​-St Peter's Basilica

-The Vatican Museums

-The Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel? Unforgettable.

💡 Tip: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and get there early!​

After spending most of the day in Vatican City, we made it back to the centre of Rome and discovered a hidden gem:

• Largo di Torre Argentina (Cat Sanctuary)

A surprising stop - ancient ruins turned cat sanctuary! It's a peaceful little place that’s easy to pass by if you don't know it's there. It's a lovely little place and the cats were adorable. It's a voluntary association looking after the city's homeless cats, giving them medical care, sterilisation and shelter. The cats are also up for adoption!

It is located just a short walk from Piazza Venezia, aka the 'wedding cake' building! 

• Castel Sant’Angelo & Walk Along the Tiber

Walk across the Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.

From here, you get a lovely view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

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