Rome in 3 days: recommendations for a sublime 72-hours

Start your three days in Rome early, with a dive into the ancient heart of the Eternal City. Next, take a time-honoured honesty test before crossing the Tiber to slow down, savour a long lunch and roam the wonderful Trastevere quarter.

Plan to devote half a day to these iconic Roman landmarks. And it’s best to start as early as you can to stand any chance of beating the inevitable crowds. It’s also an excellent idea to book entrance tickets in advance – consider a Roma Pass for discounts and to help you get around as you visit Rome in 3 days. With that sorted, drink in the majesty of the Colosseum, one of the world’s great archaeological sites. Imagine yourself a gladiator locked in mortal combat, or a prisoner condemned to fend off wild beasts before a baying, bloodthirsty crowd.

After the thrill of the Colosseum, move on to the Forum, the nucleus of political, religious, commercial and legal affairs in ancient Rome. Wander this sprawling open-air testament to Rome’s immense power before climbing Palatine Hill. One of the oldest parts of the city, it was from here the mighty Roman Empire would expand, spanning Britannia to the Middle East. Walk amid remains of grand palaces of emperors and notables and admire the sweeping views.

A short walk from Palatine Hill brings you to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, home to the famous Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth). Legend has it that the huge marble image of a male face standing inside the portico of the church is a kind of Roman lie detector. Should anyone who utters an untruth place their hand in its open mouth, they’re sure to lose it – or so the story goes.

With a morning’s history and culture under your belt, it’s time to ease the pace. Stroll across the Ponte Palatino towards the delightful Trastevere neighbourhood. Meander through the Forum Boarium on the way, the cattle market of ancient Rome and the site of the city’s original docks. Once across the Tiber, the grand piazzas, world-renowned museums and classical ruins give way to narrow cobbled streets lined with beguiling bars, cosy cafés and traditional trattorias. Here you’ll discover a quieter, more authentic side of Rome loved by locals and visitors alike.

Trastevere is a place to lose yourself on your 3-day tour of Rome and let your curiosity be your guide. Choose an eatery that jumps out at you and refuel with a hearty Roman lunch. Then continue to explore this picturesque maze of ochre-hued, ivy-draped buildings into the afternoon, with a view to wending your way up the vantage point of Janiculum Hill at sunset. You’ll end the first of your three days in Rome with stunning panoramic views of the Eternal City. As you head back down, don’t be surprised if you’re pulled in by Trastevere’s vibrant night scene.

Tackle more of the city’s historic heart on your second day of things to do in Rome in 3 days with a blend of culture, monuments and celebrated sights. It begins, though, with a tough choice for art enthusiasts.

If you’re looking to visit Rome in 3 days, time constraints mean it’s probably best to opt for just one of these treasures this time. The Capitoline Museums are home to a vast collection of sculpture, paintings and archaeology housed primarily in two exquisite Renaissance palaces. You can admire works by Caravaggio, Rubens, Titian and Velázquez, but perhaps the main event here is Roman sculpture. Take in masterpieces like the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the Capitoline Wolf or the Dying Gaul – and don’t forget to check out Terrazza Caffarelli for some stunning views.

On a more spiritual bent, the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli guards Michaelangelo’s incredible marble statue of Moses, a breathtaking example of the Renaissance master’s astonishing skills. The church also houses the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter when imprisoned in Jerusalem. If you decide on this second choice, you could fit in Domus Aurea, the remains of a huge palatial complex considered a testament to the decadence of the infamous Roman emperor, Nero.

As you head deeper into Rome’s historic centre, it’s impossible to miss another, more modern, controversial landmark. Built in the late 19th and early 20th century, this massive monument celebrates Italian unification and one of its leading figures, Victor Emmanuel II. Love it or hate it, there’s no question it’s a central part of Rome’s cultural landscape. A glass lift whisks you up to a viewing platform for unrivalled 360-degree views over the city.

From Piazza Venezia, turn southwest towards the river to explore Rome’s old Jewish quarter. An enchanting labyrinth of narrow cobblestone alleys and winding pedestrian streets awaits. As you wander, you’ll likely come across Piazza de Mattei and its elegant Turtle Fountain. Cut north to find Largo di Torre Argentina, an archaeological site close to where Julius Ceasar was killed.

A short stroll away is Campo de’ Fiori, a popular piazza and centuries-old focus of commercial and street culture – it’s home to one of Rome’s best markets to this day. It’s also a great spot to lunch on some fine local produce. Finally, head to nearby Piazza Navona, an elegant, always lively public space famous for its three Baroque fountains. By now, maybe after a quick expresso, you’ll be ready for more of the heavy hitters among the things to see in Rome in 3 days.

Five minutes away from Piazza Navona stands perhaps the best-preserved of all ancient Roman buildings. The Pantheon is certainly a wonder to behold and ranks among the top places to visit in Rome in 3 days. Most staggering of all is its huge, 142-foot-high coffered dome and central opening (oculus). Enduring proof of the Romans’ astonishing architectural prowess, this triumph of classical engineering continues to inspire architects centuries later.

Next, make your way along Via die Pastini past the 11 Corinthian columns of the Temple of Hadrian. From there it’s a short hop to an absolute must-see in three days in Rome: the singular beauty of the Trevi Fountain. Sure, it’s crowded – even by Rome standards – but it’s magical all the same. The centrepiece is the titan Oceanus springing forth atop a seashell chariot pulled by winged sea horses and guided by tritons. Don’t forget to honour tradition and toss a coin in the fountain to ensure you return to Rome.

And what better way to wrap up day 2 of your 3 days in Rome plan by catching golden hour on the Spanish Steps? Ten minutes from the Trevi Fountain, it’s another icon of the Italian capital. Romans and visitors congregate here to savour the special atmosphere as the light softens on the world-famous 18th century staircase.

On the final day of your three days in Rome, block out the entire morning to focus on one of the most enthralling places in Rome and the world: the Vatican. Then, cross the Tiber to contemplate arguably the city’s most alluring view. And end your 3-day trip to Rome in monumental Piazza del Populo.

You’ll never do the Vatican Museums full justice in just one visit, so immense is the collection of Roman and Renaissance art and much, much more. The best thing to do is book ahead and map out what you want to see beforehand, or even consider a guided tour so you don’t miss the highlights. The jewel in the crown for most, though, is the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. But because it’s such a massive draw, be prepared to wait.

With your head spinning from the beauty you’ve just witnessed, head over to St. Peter’s Basilica to be left reeling some more. One of the holiest Catholic sites and a universal symbol of spirituality, this masterwork of Italian Renaissance architecture is the largest church anywhere in the world.

Again, you won’t be alone in wanting to experience its glory so, while entrance is free, to avoid the worst of the queues consider booking a time slot in advance for a small fee. And if you’re feeling up to the physical challenge (the lift only takes you halfway to the top), climb St. Peter’s Dome for breathtaking panoramic views of the Vatican and beyond. As you make your way across St. Peter’s Square towards the Tiber, turn to linger a while and take in the wonder of the Vatican one more time.

Leaving the Vatican, follow the river past the splendid Castelo d’Angelo till you reach Ponte Umberto I. As you cross, be sure to stop to delight in that picture-postcard view of the Tiber and St. Peter’s Dome. It’s a classic shot and one you’ll remember long after your visit to Rome in 3 days is over.

Following the river north, you’ll come to the Ara Pacis Museum, where the star turn is a masterpiece of Roman sculpture, an ornate altar dedicated to peace. Catch a glimpse from outside through the glass and steel structure it’s housed in or enter for a fuller appreciation of the intricate, symbolic reliefs carved in the marble.

Ten minutes’ walk away is Piazza del Popolo, another landmark Roman square centred by an ancient Egyptian obelisk and looked over by the “twin” churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. As your Rome three-day itinerary draws to a close, climb the stairs to Pincian Hill for one last sunset over one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Three days in Rome will fly by, but they’re enough to fall under its spell. You’ll leave with tired feet, a full belly and a long list of places to see on your next visit. Thanks to that coin in the Trevi Fountain, it might come round sooner than you think.