The first thing that I personally do when I organize a trip in a new city it is to prepare some itineraries to avoid to loose time when I'll be there.
So I decided to share with you some ideas for planning your visit in the Eternal City in the best way. Considering that all the suggestions and tips come from a real Roman citizen, well, they are 100% tested !
Certainly, 3 days in Rome is not enough to see absolutely everything that the city has to offer, but it’s definitely enough to see all the highlights if you manage your time effectively.
Let's start !
Day one
The Vatican City
The Vatican City it’s a country of its own, inside Rome, and is home of world-famous sites including the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
I recommend you come here early and head straight for the Vatican Museum with your skip the line ticket.
There are a lot of wonderful things to see so take your time and enjoy the visit.
When you exit you can rest a little bit in the 110 acres of the Vatican gardens.
St. Peter's Basilica & Square
If you want to assist the Papal Audience, only on Wednesdays, you can pick up tickets without a reservation from the Swiss Guards at the "Bronze Doors" located just after security at St Peter's Basilica. You can pick up tickets the day before the audience after 3pm until 7.00pm (Summer) until 6pm (Winter). Or you can pick up tickets on the day of the mass from 7:00am until 10:00am. You must collect your tickets the day before (not sooner) for the papal audience/mass with the pope subject to availability without a reservation.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian, the Castel Sant'Angelo has been sitting on the banks of the river Tiber for nearly two thousand years. In that time it has evolved from its initial role as a tomb, becoming a fortress, a castle, and finally, a museum.
Day two
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
This was the seat of power during the reign of the Roman Empire, as well as the central marketplace and business district. Come up to see the grand ruins and enjoy open spaces and views over the Circus Maximus, the Aventine Hill, and the Forum.
Your Roman Forum & Palatine Hill ticket is also good for entry to the Colosseum (as long as you visit on the same day),
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is the most recognizable and iconic monument of Rome, if you are time limited you should see this structure. It's a must !
Buy your ticket at the Palatine or Forum, where lines are shorter. For the Ipogeo (Hypogeum), best to reserve tickets in advance online.
Mouth of Truth
Time for a bit of fun ! If you’ve seen the movie Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn, you’ll remember that Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn pop their hands into the mouth of this massive stone figure, which is said to bite off the hands of liars.
You’ll find it outside the entrance to the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, which is also worth visiting. In can get busy here in the summer months, but the line is kept moving fairly quickly, so you won’t have to wait too long.
Terme di Caracalla
This vast bathing complex could accommodate up to 1600 bathers at one time, in a complex that covered over 62 acres.
It’s not at the top of visitors lists to Rome, but is definitely one of best spots to visit in the city, so I suggest you to include it in your itinerary, especially as you’re already in the area.
Day three
Villa Borghese
It's recommend heading over the west side of the Gardens, towards the Piazza del Popolo. The view from the terrace overlooking the Piazza del Popolo is one of the best views in Rome. It’s particularly good at sunset – so do your best to time your visit here to enjoy that and reflect on three wonderful days spent exploring Rome !
Piazza del Popolo
From Piazza del Popolo, three roads span southwards in a trident formation, with the central road, Via del Corso, running dead straight through the centre of Rome to Piazza Venezia. Originally this would have been the route from the northern gate of Rome to the Roman Forum.
In the centre of the Piazza is an Egyptian obelisk, dating from the rule of Rameses II, which was brought to Rome in 10BC, and put in this plaza in the 16th century. On the south side of the Piazza are the twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, sitting either side of Via del Corso.
Spanish Steps
This 135 step staircase was opened in 1735 to link the Spanish Embassy near the bottom of the steps to the Trinità dei Monti staircase at the top, and are today a popular spot to stop, eat Gelato, and watch the world go by. They were made particularly popular in the 1953 movie Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn.
You can access these by walking in a south easterly direction through the Villa Borghese Gardens and down Viale della Trinità dei Monti.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the world’s largest Baroque fountain, and is always a popular location – whatever time of day (or night !) you visit. Built in the early 18th century, it is said that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you are guaranteed to return to Rome.
The Pantheon
This building, which has been standing for almost 2,000 years, is the best preserved Ancient Roman monument in Rome, and I dare you not to be impressed by it’s incredible dome, which even today, two thousand years since it was built, still holds the record as the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Originally built as a temple to the Roman gods, the Pantheon was converted for use as a Christian church in 609 AD, which is the main reason it survives in such excellent condition today.
Piazza Navona
I recommend finishing your adventure off with a visit to the Piazza Navona. This has been a designated public space since the 15th century, and is full of gorgeous Baroque architecture. It’s most famous feature is undoubtedly Bernini’s fountain, which stands at the center – the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which dates from 1651.