Rome is an incredible city to explore. Filled with ancient history, modern tourist attractions, and the most delicious food. There is so much to see! Here is the perfect Rome itinerary and top things to do!
Day 1
Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and start the day by traveling back in time to ancient Rome! The first activity of the day is visiting the Colosseum. The Colosseum is an immense amphitheater, completed in 80AD, whose remains we can still see today. The Colosseum was built for the favorite spectacles of Roman times and became the symbol of the city and its life. This was also the origin of the professional gladiators, who were trained to fight to the death. The Colosseum is 187 meters at its longest, and the height of the external rings reaches 50 meters from the ground level. It is designed to hold 60,000 spectators.
The Roman Forum is right next to the Colosseum and is a must while exploring Rome. Enter one of the largest open-air museums in the world, under the Arch of Titus. To your right is the Temple of Venus and Roma. A famous spot for Nero, and It is also another excellent view of the Colosseum from the temple ruins. As you make your way down the Sacred Road (Via Sacra); stop to look at the House of the Vestal Virgins, the Basilica of Maxentius, and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Near the end check out the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
You can also access Trajan’s Forum from the Roman Forum as you pass through the Forum of Julius Caesar. This includes The Trajan’s Markets, the Temple of Mars, and the Forum of Nerva.
For more entry information on the Colosseum – click here!
Southwest of the Colosseum you can find the Bocca Della Verita. The Mouth of Truth is a marble mask that stands against the wall of the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. Legend to bite the hand of those who lie, Bocca Della Verita is worldwide-famous. The Bocca is free to see, but a donation to the church is encouraged.
Right across the Mouth of Truth is the enormous Circus Maximus. The structure was built in the time of the Etruscan kings, who transformed Rome from a village to a city. In the time of Augustus, the Circus Maximus held 150,000 spectators. The Cirus was used for Roman chariot racing. Today it is mostly a park you can explore. Or check out the archaeological area for a few euros.
The famous Baths of Caracalla were begun by Septimius Severus in 206 and opened in 217 by Caracalla. The massive baths of hot, warm, and cold water could accommodate 1,600 at a time and was decorated with the most precious marble. Entry ticket is 15 euros per person. You can also add virtual reality to your ticket price!
Stay near the Colosseum
If you are looking for a hotel stay, treat yourself to the Palazzo Manfredi! A 5-start luxury hotel right in the heart of Roma. Choose from an assortment of suites and eat at the Aroma Restaurant with a perfect view of the Colosseum. Forgot to pack something? not to worry, they will have anything you need.
Nothing compares to the Italian food you will eat in Rome. And there are thousands of restaurants to choose from! Because there are so many restaurants in Rome, there are a ton of tourist traps! Off the beaten path, you will find Pizzeria Alle Carrette. A perfect stop to enjoy an amazing slice of Roman pizza!
Day 2
You will notice in Rome the cat population is quite large. Cats were protected in ancient Roman times: they were considered sacred to the Goddess Diana and highly regarded as pest control and also as companions. But the legal protection of cats in Rome is not just ancient. Current legislation also protects cats. Check out the cat sanctuary at Largo di Torre Argentina.
One of the most iconic buildings in Rome is the Pantheon. A beautiful pagan temple was built by Agrippa and almost destroyed by a fire. It was remade by Hadrian in 118AD. Transformed into a Christian church in 608AD after it was given to Pope Boniface IV. It famously holds the funeral monument of Raphael. The Pantheon is free to enter, however, if you want to enjoy it without the crowds, get there early!
An incredible fortress, Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built to hold the mortal remains of Hadrian. Began by himself in 130AD, and it was finished in 139AD a year after his death. The original structure of the mausoleum is still the central fulcrum of the castle. Make sure you check out the walkway for panoramic views of Rome! Entry ticket is 15 euros per person.
Stay near the Vatican
Check out Starhotels Michelangelo. Only a short walk from the Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican City, Starhotels embodies all the qualities that make Rome unique: cosmopolitan style, classical grandeur, and timeless appeal. You will not regret booking a room for the night (or two).
Osteria da Fortunata – A great place for lunch or dinner, come here early as the line starts to form before opening and watch the pasta being handmade! Perfect for your Instagram content!
Day 3
On your final day in Rome, Italy discover the residence of the popes since 1377. Vatican City has been an independent state since February 11, 1929. Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica and take in Michelangelo’s mighty dome blending into the sky above. The church is free to enter, however, you will have to go through security before entering. (Keep in mind the line to enter can be quite long. Get there early!)
Around the northern part of the walls of St. Peter’s Square is the entrance to the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. I highly recommend a guide for the museums. Not only will you get a skip-the-lines ticket, but the museums are huge! It is helpful if you have someone who knows their way around. I used Get Your Guide for my entry ticket. It was perfect! I got to go right up to the entrance without having to wait at all! I highly recommend this, if you want to do the museums on your own.
Spend the day relaxing in Rome’s most beautiful plazas! Piazza Navona or Piazza Popolo.
Of course, you cannot make a trip to Rome without seeing Trevi Fountain! Before leaving, do not forget to throw a coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome, as the custom says. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a bit of romance, perhaps even an Italian love, you will have to toss a second and a third coin to make sure that the wedding bells will ring soon.
Bono Bottega Nostrana – This is a great spot for lunch (and right next to the Vatican!). The menu has countless varieties of paninis it is hard to choose a favorite! Don’t forget the pistachio panini for dessert.
From Rome, you can choose between several day trips, or head north to Milan for more adventures!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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