What to do in Rome in 3 days

Itinerary

1. Day 1: ancient Rome

   • Colosseum first thing (with a timed booking).
   • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (same ticket).
   • Afternoon: Piazza Venezia, the Capitoline and the view from the Vittoriano.
   • Dinner in the Monti neighbourhood.

2. Day 2: Vatican and Trastevere

   • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (book online).
   • St Peter's Basilica (free; the dome climb is paid separately).
   • Castel Sant'Angelo from outside and across the river.
   • Sunset and dinner in Trastevere.

3. Day 3: squares and fountains

   • Pantheon early.
   • Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and the Trevi Fountain.
   • Spanish Steps and a walk through Villa Borghese.
   • If you want one more museum: Borghese Gallery (limited slots, book ahead).

Approximate prices

• Colosseum + Forum + Palatineverifiedofficial website
  €18 (+€2 online booking fee)
• Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapelverifiedofficial website
  €20 + €5 online booking
• Pantheon
  ≈ €5
• Metro/bus ticket (100 minutes)
  ≈ €1.50
• Leonardo Express train (Fiumicino airport)
  ≈ €14
• Pizza al taglio or supplì
  €5–10
• Trattoria dinner
  €25–40
• Hostel bed / 3-star hotel (night)
  €35–55 / €120–190

Prices change: confirm on the official website before paying. Those marked ≈ are approximate.

Budget per person

Lodging, food, transport and tickets for 3 days, excluding flights.

• Budget

  Whole trip

  US$ 240–US$ 330

  Per day: US$ 80–US$ 110

• Balanced

  Whole trip

  US$ 540–US$ 750

  Per day: US$ 180–US$ 250

• Premium

  Whole trip

  US$ 1,200–US$ 1,800

  Per day: US$ 400–US$ 600

Tips

• Book the Colosseum and the Vatican as soon as you have dates: good time slots sell out.
• To enter churches (and the Vatican) shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Water from the public fountains (nasoni) is drinkable: bring a bottle.
• Hotels charge a nightly tourist tax that is paid separately.

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