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Rome: a city where you can explore ancient ruins, admire world-famous art, and completely spoil pasta back home… forever. (dramatic gasp, please).
With so much to see and do, picking what to do and in what order can make planning a visit a little overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t need to try to see everything to have an amazing time (and let’s be honest, you probably wouldn’t want to anyway!). This itinerary walks you through how we spent four days on our most recent trip to Rome, to give you ideas for your own visit. I’ll also share plenty of tips, practical information, and a few bonus activity ideas so you can feel well prepared before you go.
Rome Map of Attractions
Save our map of attractions, restaurants and cafes
Rome Video Itinerary
You can also watch our Rome video guide on YouTube
Things To Do In Rome in 4 Days
Arriving in Rome
Accommodation (Where We Stayed)
Cozy Navona // Fantastic location, two minutes walk from Piazza Navona. Kitchen, washing machine, air conditioning and free wi-fi. Rated 9/10 on booking.com.
If you’re travelling internationally to Rome, then—unless you’re short on time—I think it’s nice to spend the remainder of your travel day simply exploring the area around your accommodation without a set plan. You might be tired or delayed and not want to rush to keep up with your itinerary. Plus, it helps you get a feel for your local area and enjoy that initial “hooray I’m in a new place!” holiday excitement! This is also the perfect time to do that all-important grocery shopping if you don’t plan to eat out for every meal.
Try 4 Types of Pasta in Rome
All that travelling will probably make you hungry, so kick off your trip with some thick, delicious al dente pasta!
Four Famous Roman Pasta Dishes
Different regions in Italy have their own signature pasta dishes. Rome is particularly well known for four, and I’m pretty sure it’s the law that you must try all of them. These simple yet absolutely delicious recipes use the same core ingredients with subtle variations.
- Cacio e pepe // Pecorino Romano (a local grated cheese) and black pepper.
- Pasta alla gricia // Pecorino Romano and guanciale (cured pork jowl).
- Amatriciana // This is essentially pasta alla gricia with a tomato base.
- Carbonara // Pasta alla gricia with egg.
Carbonara- Cacio e pepe
- Amatriciana
- Pasta alla gricia
Enjoy Rome-Style Pizza
Just as Rome has its classic pasta dishes, it has its own style of pizza too. Roman-style pizza is famous for its thin, crispy base, with the sauce spread all the way to the edges. Unlike the softer Neapolitan style, Roman pizza is rolled out thinner and baked a little longer for a light, crunchy bite. The toppings are simple yet flavourful, letting the crust and sauce really shine.
While I’m not suggesting you attempt to eat pasta and pizza on your arrival day, I wouldn’t blame you if you did.
Cooking Classes
If you want to master the art of pasta making while in Rome, then cooking classes are a popular activity.
Top Rated Cooking Class Highlights:
4 Days in Rome: Day 1
Trevi Fountain
Drag your bum out of bed as early as you can and start your day at the famous Trevi Fountain.
Known for its vivid flowing water and dramatic marble statues, the fountain is dominated by the Greek god Oceanus right at its centre.
Legend has it that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, then this guarantees that one day you’ll return to Rome. We did this on our last trip, and here we were—back in Rome—so I assume that means it really works!
Like most famous spots in Rome, the Trevi Fountain attracts swarms of fellow tourists. Even at 7 a.m. when we arrived, there were already quite a few people. However, it wasn’t overwhelming. You could easily get to the front for photos and there was plenty of space—definitely not shoulder-to-shoulder like it was later in the day.
If you really do want to see the Trevi Fountain without the crowds then I’ve seen empty photos from people who visited at around 4 or 5am. We weren’t dedicated enough to try that one ourselves though!
Perk up with Italian Coffee
Stop by a coffee bar for a cappuccino, a quick shot of espresso, or whatever your coffee of choice is. Typically, you’ll first pay for your coffee, then hand the receipt to the barista, who will prepare it for you to enjoy while standing at the bar. Alternatively, you can sit at a table if there’s one available. By day 3 or 4 of your city break your feet might prefer this option!
Tip // Know that it will likely cost you more to sit at a table than to stand at the bar.
Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva
As Rome is home to over 900 churches, there’s a good chance you’ll want to visit at least one.
The first church we explored was the beautiful Gothic Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva. Inside, we were treated to a stunning blue ceiling covered in stars, and there was even a Michelangelo statue of Christ the Redeemer at the front. Despite being just steps away from the Pantheon, this church was surprisingly quiet and peaceful during our visit, with hardly anyone else there.
Tip // Don’t forget the dress code!
As you’re likely to visit churches in Rome, make sure you dress appropriately, covering your knees and shoulders. This applies to the Vatican Museums as well. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, consider packing layers like a light top or scarf. Linen is also your friend in the heat!
Pantheon
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain is the Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings. Inside, you can really appreciate the massive dome, with its oculus letting sunlight stream through.
You’ll also find the tomb of the famous artist Raphael, who was such a big fan of the Pantheon that he asked to be buried there.
While I’d suggest allowing up to an hour of your itinerary for the Pantheon to avoid rushing, many visitors spend only about 20-30 minutes inside.
Tip // Tickets and Queueing System
When you visit the Pantheon, there are separate lines for cash payments, pre-booked tickets, and card payments. If you haven’t pre-booked, I’d recommend arriving before it opens at 9 am. If you can pay by cash or card, just choose the shortest queue. We were first in the card line and ended up being some of the first inside, so enjoyed an empty Pantheon (for a few minutes, anyway!).
Piazza Navona
Close to the Pantheon is Piazza Navona. This baroque square is shaped like a race track because it used to be the site of a stadium that hosted athletic tournaments and chariot races.
Today, it’s known for its impressive fountains, including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. The square is also a lively spot filled with street performers, artists, and cafés, making it a great place to soak in the atmosphere. That being said, personally I would avoid Piazza Navona for a meal as you’ll pay a premium for the location, and better options could be found elsewhere.
Tip // Construction in Rome
During our visit Rome was undergoing a lot of work ahead of the 2025 Jubilee celebration, so try not to be disappointed if one of the amazing landmarks you want to see is blocked by scaffolding. Even if you visit after 2024, with a city like Rome there will always be construction and restoration projects going on, so just know in advance that you might not always be able to get that perfect view, but it won’t ruin your trip.
Campo de’ Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori is a piazza that hosts one of Rome’s most famous markets. Here you can buy fruit and veg, olive oil, truffles, herbs, spices and more. Many of the stalls cater to tourists, with prices to match, so bear that in mind. But it’s still fun for a quick browse if you’re already in the area.
Street Food in Rome
Pizza by the Slice (Pizza al Taglio)
While you’re on the go, pizza by the slice is a fantastic option. You can choose your toppings, and a rectangular slice is cut and priced by weight before being heated, allowing you to take it with you and snarfle it outside right away.
Antico Forno Roscioli — one of the oldest bakeries in Rome — was our favourite place for pizza by the slice. Try the potato pizza!
Supplì
Supplì are a good option if you are looking for a substantial snack on a budget. These fried rice balls are filled with delicious ingredients like mozzarella, tomato, or meat. They’re the ultimate comfort food!
We loved the supplì from Suppli Roma in the Trastevere neighbourhood. They have a few different flavours on offer so you can mix and match!
Tramezzini
Another popular option is tramezzini. These soft, triangular sandwiches typically made with white bread and stuffed to the brim with various ingredients. Common fillings include tuna, ham, cheese, and vegetables. Although we didn’t get a chance to try tramezzini in Rome, we enjoyed a few flavours in Venice, and they made for a marvellous quick lunch or snack!
Remember, we’ve added all these places to our Rome map!
Largo di Torre Argentina
Largo di Torre Argentina is an archaeological site that features the remains of four Roman temples, the ancient Pompey’s Theatre, and the infamous location where Julius Caesar was assassinated. These days, the ruins are also home to a well-known cat sanctuary. From street level, you can enjoy a great view of both the ruins and the cats! Or, for just a few euros, you can head down and explore the site up close.
While it might make sense logistically to visit Campo de’ Fiori, Largo di Torre Argentina, and then the Colosseum in that order, we actually went to Largo di Torre Argentina after the Colosseum due to our entry time. Fortunately, with so many of Rome’s sights close together, it’s not a big deal if you have to double back!
Colosseum
Our next stop will be on every visitor’s list — the Colosseum. This enormous amphitheatre has towered over Rome for nearly 2,000 years. It would often host brutal events like gladiator tournaments and animal hunts, with over 50,000 spectators cheering on the bloodshed.
While it will vary for everyone and depend on the ticket you buy, I’d suggest allocating 1-2 hours for your visit to the Colosseum.
Booking Colosseum tickets
There are several different types of tickets available. You can browse and purchase all the ticket types on the official website, but the main ones are:
For the Colosseum you do need to arrive at your designated time slot – that goes for all the different ticket types – although it’s up to you if you want to visit the Roman Forum before or after the Colosseum.
The 24-Hour Standard Ticket, 48-Hour Full Experience — Underground & Arena Ticket, and the 48-Hour Full Experience — Attic ticket can be booked 30 days in advance from 8:30 am (Rome time), while the arena-only option is released 7 days in advance for some reason.
When tickets are released at the 30- or 7-day mark, availability is staggered throughout the day, so if you can’t get through at 8.30 Rome time, just keep trying. We checked back multiple times from the point of tickets being released and managed to grab two attic tickets at around noon.
After experiencing the Colosseum from the upper floors, we felt the attic ticket was well worth the extra effort and cost. The views over the Colosseum were fantastic, and we practically had the upper floor to ourselves. However, if you miss out, you do still get a good view from levels 1 and 2, so I’d definitely recommend still going inside the Colosseum using the standard ticket if that’s your only option.
Tip // It’s okay To Pause
If your feet are begging for a break, listen to them! I’d recommend staying central so that your accommodation is always an option if you need a rest or a place to escape the heat. Alternatively, find a spot at a café and enjoy some people-watching as the world goes by.
Trastevere
With its narrow cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings, Trastevere is perfect for a leisurely wander. This area is known for its authentic Roman restaurants, lively bars, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a great place to visit both day and night. I’d recommend spending a full evening here, enjoying dinner, drinks and a general explore.
Tip // Don’t forget, this is where you will find Suppli Roma, which I recommended earlier, so go treat yourself to some delicious supplì!
4 Days in Rome: Day 2
Roman Forum & Palentine Hill
Itinerary note //
While it’s absolutely possible to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum on the same day, we decided to save the Roman Forum for day two (covered by our 48-hour Full Experience ticket). Our Colosseum entry time was around noon, and visiting the Roman Forum before that would have felt rushed. On the other hand, visiting after the Colosseum would have been a challenge in the afternoon heat, and we knew we’d be seriously low on energy after the early (and busy!) start of day one
Start your second full day at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, two of the city’s most well-known historic sites. Walk through the Forum, where you will be surrounded by the remains of what was once the heart of Roman public life—temples, basilicas, and monuments that have stood for thousands of years.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Belvedere Terrace for the best panoramic views over the Forum.
There’s also a fantastic vantage point of the Colosseum from the Piazza di Santa Francesca Romana, which I think can be quite easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it.
SUPER Sites
The Full Experience Colosseum ticket includes entry to the Super Sites, a collection of special areas and monuments within the Forum and on Palatine Hill. If you have a standard entry ticket, you can also pay a small fee to add Super Sites access.
Some of the SUPER sites feature video projections or narration to help bring the ruins to life. We particularly enjoyed visiting the House of Augustus and the House of Livia—well-preserved residences of Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia—and Santa Maria Antiqua, one of Rome’s earliest surviving Christian monuments.
Visitors typically spend around 2-3 hours at the Roman Forum, but be prepared to spend closer to the upper end of that if you also want to see the SUPER sites. We spent about 4 hours in total, including the SUPER sites.
SUPER Sites Tips // Keep in mind that not every site is open every day, so it’s a good idea to check the SUPER Sites schedule in advance. Prioritise what you’d like to see and make sure you visit on a day when they’re accessible. Also, you might run out of time or energy before seeing all the sites, especially on a hot day, so I wouldn’t recommend saving the best for last in case you’re just too exhausted by then.
Tip // If you’re visiting during the warmer months, I’d recommend heading to the Roman Forum as soon as it opens to avoid walking around in the heat of the day, as much of the site is exposed.
Enjoy a Cocktail
Aperol and Campari Spritz are two Italian cocktails you’ll find everywhere in Rome.
The Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. It’s light, slightly sweet, and has a bright orange colour.
The Campari Spritz is a more bitter alternative, using Campari instead of Aperol.
We both prefer the Campari, although either are perfect to sip while you relax and rest your feet. Typically, we found a spritz cost between 7 and 10 euros, depending on where we went. They do go down a bit too easily, so be warned!
If you’re also planning to visit Venice on your trip to Italy, I’d recommend trying the local Select Spritz. It sits somewhere between Aperol and Campari on the dryness scale and is my favourite of the three!
Jewish Quarter
Take a walk through Rome’s thriving Jewish Quarter, home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. As it’s a relatively small area, you can easily explore it following a free self-guided tour in around one hour.
A few notable sights:
- The Turtle Fountain. Turtles were added to the top of the fountain to honour the Jews, as turtles represent longevity and wisdom.
- Portico d’Ottavia. See the remains of the ancient portico and various excavated buildings.
- Teatro de Marcelo. An ancient open-air theatre.
- Chiesa di San Gregorio della Divina Pietà. A small church where Romans once tried to force Jews to attend Catholic services.
- Synagogue. This 19th-century synagogue was where all important Jewish activities took place when Jews were forced to live in the ghetto.
- Ponte Fabricio. The oldest bridge in rome.
To learn more about the Jewish Quarter and hear stories and anecdotes, you could join a walking tour with an expert guide.
Giardino degli Aranci (Garden of Oranges)
About an hour before sunset, walk to the top of Aventine Hill. Here is the peaceful Garden of Oranges, where you can find a spot along the wall and enjoy far-reaching views across the city. Watching the sky change colour while listening to the sound of cicadas and a guitar playing is incredibly relaxing.
Sunrise and sunset times in Rome.
Tip // A 15-minute walk from the Garden of Oranges Pizzeria Remo A Testaccio. This fantastic no-frills pizzeria dishes out that signature Roman-style pizza I mentioned earlier, served unsliced and straight from the oven. This spot is popular with both locals and tourists, so you might need to wait for a table. While it’s not the place for a long, leisurely dinner, it’s perfect for enjoying authentic Roman pizza at a great price (all pizzas were under 10 euros).
4 Days in Rome: Day 3
St Peter’s Basilica
As you may know, Vatican City, located within Rome, is an independent state and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church.
Not only is it the smallest country in the world, but it’s also home to the largest church in the world—St. Peter’s Basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica is incredibly popular, so you could easily end up waiting in line for an hour or two to get in, even outside peak season. One way to avoid this is by arriving as close to opening time as possible. We arrived at 7.15 am and there was barely any queue to get through security.
From there we headed straight to the dome. The views from the top are amazing, giving you a fantastic perspective over Vatican City and across Rome. In our opinion, it was absolutely worth the slog up the 551 steps.
If you plan to climb the dome I’d suggest doing this early as well or you could potentially get stuck in another queue.
While entrance to the Basilica is free, there’s a fee to climb the bell tower. It’s 8 euros if you take the stairs and 10 euros if you want to use the lift. Be aware that the lift only takes you past the first 231 steps. At this point you can walk around on the roof, which is pretty cool. However, to reach the very top you can’t avoid stairs completely, as there are still another 320 steps to go from here! If you need a break before you continue, we were surprised to find a shop on the roof selling refreshments.
Tip // If you aren’t keen on small spaces, be mentally prepared for the stairs to get quite narrow at certain points
After climbing the dome, take some time to explore the church. The interior is completely enormous, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate mosaics, and incredible sculptures — it’s sure to take your breath away. Even though parts of the Basilica were under construction during our visit, it was still absolutely amazing!
If you plan to climb the dome, leave yourself around 2 hours to visit St Peter’s Basilica.
Tip // Avoid Wednesdays
On Wednesdays there is an audience with the Pope, so the Basilica is closed in the morning.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are home to one of the largest and most impressive art collections in the world, showcasing centuries of masterpieces. You can browse everything from ancient Roman sculptures and Egyptian mummies to Renaissance paintings and modern art. This is also where you’ll find the Sistine Chapel, covered in masterful frescoes by Michelangelo. So, if the Sistine Chapel is on your bucket list, you’ll need a Vatican Museum ticket.
Walking through the grand halls and exploring room after room of impressive art is an amazing experience, albeit a little overwhelming. Partly because there’s so much to look at – you could easily spend half a day there – but also because some areas of the museums are just so busy. Some sections are totally fine, some are busy but manageable, while others can be downright unpleasant.
If you’re planning to visit the Vatican Museums, make sure you book in advance. Even though reserving a time slot lets you skip the long ticket queue, know that you’ll still need to join a queue to enter. However, booking ahead will still save you a lot of time, so it’s worth doing.
4 Days in Rome: Day 4
Via Margutta
Take a peaceful morning stroll down Via Margutta, often hailed as one of Rome’s most beautiful streets. Made famous in the 1950s by the film Roman Holiday and known as the artists’ street, it’s lined with galleries, charming street lamps, and vine-covered buildings.
Spanish Steps
Just a 5-minute walk from Via Margutta are the Spanish Steps. This beautiful staircase, with 135 steps, rises from Piazza di Spagna. Built in the 1700s, it was designed to connect the French church at the top with the Spanish Square below.
Terrazza Viale del Belvedere & Terrazza del Pincio
From the top of the Spanish Steps you can 10 minutes to Villa Borghese Gardens, stopping at a couple of fantastic viewpoints along the way: Terrazza Viale Del Belvedere and Terrazza Del Pincio.
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a beautiful public park that’s ideal if you’re looking for a break from the crowds. It’s a huge space filled with sculptures, monuments, fountains, and ponds. The park is so large that you can even hire karts or surrey bikes to get around properly. Pack a picnic and take your time unwinding and exploring, far from the bustle of the city.
The park is also home to the famous Borghese Gallery. We didn’t get a ticket for the gallery, because we thought we might be a bit ‘museumed out’ after the Vatican. However, if you do want to visit, it’s worth noting that this is one of those sights you’ll need to book in advance, as it does often sell out.
Quartiere Coppedè
From Villa Borghese, we walked 15 minutes to Quartiere Coppedè, a small neighbourhood known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles. Designed in the early 20th century, the ornate facades and intricate decorative details blend Art Nouveau, Baroque, Gothic, and Medieval influences. While each whimsical building has its own distinct look, they all share the same surreal, almost fairy-tale feeling.
To set expectations, the area is quite small and a bit out of the way, so it might not be worth the detour if you already have a packed schedule. However, if you have the time, it’s an unusual stop to consider adding to your itinerary.
Fountain of the Frogs
Palace of the Ambassadors
Spider Palace
Gelato
I’ve somehow made it to day 4 without discussing gelato. I know, what a monster.
We stopped by Giolitti, as we’d seen it recommended quite a bit, and it’s one of the oldest places to buy gelato in Rome. You pay at the till first, then order your flavours at the gelato counter. And they have SO many flavours to choose from! We really enjoyed the gelato, but it does get busy, so be prepared for a queue.
Plenty of places sell gelato, so when the sugar craving hits, just check recent Google/Tripadvisor reviews of the places near you. If you see the gelato is piled up super high somewhere, give it a miss, as this won’t be the good stuff!
Final Dinner in Rome
For your final night in Rome, enjoy one last delicious dinner! We made reservations at the small Trattoria Della Stampa. Established in 1956, this charming and cosy restaurant serves up simple Roman dishes.
We started with delicately grilled porcini mushrooms, followed by pasta (I know, again—we just can’t get enough of pasta in Rome!). For dessert, we had the chef’s homemade tiramisu — even as someone who isn’t normally a fan, I found it delicious! Light and creamy with just a hint of coffee, it was one of the food highlights of our trip.
The restaurant is popular so I’d strongly suggest making a reservation. But no worries for my fellow phone-phobics, you can book a table online.
This was the only time we made a restaurant reservation though. For everywhere else we visited, we just walked up.
We have a video version of this itinerary that you can watch on YouTube.
