3 Days in Rome Itinerary

Following is my itinerary used for 3 full days exploring Rome and Vatican City. This schedule visits all of Rome’s most popular spots in a convenient manner, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. For information on public transport in-between places, I strongly recommend using Google Maps to know which metro or bus to take.

Where to Visit on Day 1: 

  1. Colosseum
  2. Roman Forum
  3. Pantheon
  4. Trevi Fountain

Click here to view a map of day 1.

Notes:

  • Upon arrival into FCO Airport, purchase Roma Pass at PIT Fiumicino, International Arrivals Area (Terminal 3)
  • Use Roma Pass to skip lines and get into  Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palazzo Valentini, and a few other attractions as well as the subway and metro.
  • For Colosseum and Roman Forum, either join a guided tour, bring the Rick Steves guided audiotour,  or buy the official Colosseum audioguide (5.5 euros each). Bring your own earbuds.
  • Make sure you visit the Pantheon before they close at 7 pm.
  • Carry an empty water bottle around with you to fill up at all of the cities fountains.

Where to Visit on Day 2:

  1. Vatican City
  2. Catacombs of San Callisto (or any other neighboring Catacombs)
  3. Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
  4. National Roman Museum

Click here to view a map of day 2.

Notes:

  • For our Vatican City tour, we used the 7 Hills company, which I strongly recommend.
  • The Catacombs close from 12-2 pm; take your time for lunch after the Vatican City tour.
  • The National Roman Museum stays open until 7:45 most nights, but if you’re feeling too tired you can always leave it out. Save plenty of energy for tomorrow!

Where to Visit on Day 3:

  1. Campo dei Fiori Market
  2. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
  3. Church of Sant Ignazio
  4. Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini
  5. Basilica di San Clemente (last excavation 5:40)
  6. San Giovanni in Laterano (6 pm)
  7. St. Peter in Chains (6:30 pm)

Click here to view a map of day 3.

Notes:

  • It looks like there’s too much planned on this day, but everything is fairly close together so it’s definitely do-able.
  • Campo dei Fiori is a tourist and local outdoor market that opens early in the morning. Try the pomegranate juice – it is freshly squeezed!
  • Le Domus Romane is an ancient ruin home made easily accessible through the use of modern light, video, and sound technology. While in the house, most of your time is spent on a clear glass floor looking down. Be sure to call them and book a day in advance to make sure you have a spot [included in Roma Pass].