Rome, the Eternal City, offers an overwhelming array of historical sites, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. With only 3 days in Rome to explore, planning carefully is essential to make the most of your visit. In this guide, I’ll share our itinerary and some tips to help you maximize your time in Rome. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to soak in the city’s unique atmosphere, this plan has something for everyone.

Morning at the Colosseum

We started our day early, leaving our hotel, Albergo Del Senato, around 8:00 AM. The Colosseum opens at 9:00 AM, and arriving early allowed us to beat the crowds and be among the first to enter. We spent about three hours here, including a guided tour of the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals once waited for their turn in the arena. This is a must-do, as it gives you a deeper understanding of the history and scale of this iconic structure.

Mid-morning at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

From the Colosseum, it’s just a short walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. We spent about two hours here, exploring the ruins that once formed the heart of ancient Rome. The Temple of Julius Caesar and the Arch of Titus are particularly interesting, offering insights into Rome’s political and military history. Palatine Hill, where Rome was allegedly founded, provides some of the city’s best views for your 3 days in Rome trip.

Afternoon: Doria Pamphilj Gallery and Piazza Navona

After lunch, we visited the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, a lesser-known but richly rewarding experience. The gallery is located in a stunning palace and features works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and other masters. It’s a peaceful spot where you can appreciate art without the crowds. From there, we strolled to Piazza Navona, which is about a 10-minute walk away. This lively square is perfect for people-watching and admiring the Baroque fountains.

Late Afternoon: Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain

In the late afternoon, we headed to the Spanish Steps, a 20-minute walk from Piazza Navona. After climbing the steps, we made our way to the nearby Trevi Fountain. Tossing a coin into the fountain is a tradition that supposedly ensures your return to Rome. This area can get very crowded, so visiting later in the evening is a good idea.

Morning: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

We left the hotel at 7:30 AM to arrive at the Vatican Museums by 8:00 AM. The early start allowed us to get ahead of the large crowds. We spent about three hours exploring the museums, including the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s masterpieces left us in awe. Afterward, we visited St. Peter’s Basilica and climbed to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of Rome. This climb takes about 30 minutes but is well worth the effort to make the most out of your 3 days in Rome experience.

Lunch near the Pantheon

After our Vatican visit, we took a 20-minute taxi ride to the Pantheon. We spent some time exploring this ancient temple before having lunch at Armando al Pantheon, a restaurant known for its traditional Roman dishes. The food is simple yet flavorful, and the location is unbeatable. Click here to see what Armando al Pantheon can offer your future trip.

Afternoon: Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo

Post-lunch, we returned to Piazza Navona for a leisurely stroll before heading to Castel Sant’Angelo, a 15-minute walk away. The castle offers a mix of history and fantastic views of the city. We spent about an hour exploring its exhibits and enjoying the view from the top. Click here to explore Castel Sant’Angelo more.

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Morning: Galleria d’Arte Antica and Villa Borghese

Our farewell for our 3 days in Rome trip started with a visit to the Galleria d’Arte Antica, located in the Palazzo Barberini. This gallery is often overlooked but houses an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art. We spent about two hours here before heading to Villa Borghese, a large park that’s perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Lunch and Afternoon: Villa Borghese and Baths of Caracalla

After exploring the park, we visited the Borghese Gallery within the park, home to masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. A visit here takes about 90 minutes, but make sure to book your tickets in advance as entry is limited. For lunch, we grabbed a quick bite at a café in the park before heading to the Baths of Caracalla. These ancient baths are a fascinating glimpse into Roman life and a peaceful place to explore.

Be sure to check out this blog for more in-depth information and additional tips on making the most of your trip to Rome.

Evening: Piazza del Popolo and Farewell Dinner

For our last evening, we visited Piazza del Popolo, a 15-minute taxi ride from the Baths of Caracalla. This grand square is a beautiful place to take a leisurely stroll as the sun sets. We had our final dinner at a restaurant near the piazza, enjoying classic Roman dishes one last time before heading back to the hotel.

Our three-day journey through Rome was nothing short of unforgettable, thanks in no small part to our stay at Albergo Del Senato. Located just steps from the Pantheon, this charming hotel served as the perfect home base for exploring the city. The rooms were comfortable and offered stunning views of the Pantheon, especially from the rooftop bar, where we ended our evenings with a glass of wine and a breathtaking panorama of the city.

The convenience of Albergo Del Senato allowed us to maximize our time, whether we were setting out early to beat the crowds at the Colosseum or returning after a day of exploring to relax and recharge. The hotel’s central location made it easy to navigate the city, and the warm, attentive staff made us feel right at home. Click here for more information about Alberto Del Senato.

Rome is a city that constantly reveals new layers of history and culture with every visit. While we managed to see and do a lot in three days, there’s always more to discover. Whether it’s your first time in Rome or you’re returning to explore new corners of the city, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time. And when you do visit, I can’t recommend Albergo Del Senato enough as a place to stay—it truly added to the magic of our Roman adventure.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo