Rome, Italy 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Rome

  • Colosseum: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, an amphitheater dating back to the Roman Empire. Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Ticket Link
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: After exploring the Colosseum, head towards the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These were the heart of ancient Rome, with temples, arches, and ruins from the Roman Empire.
  • Piazza Venezia & Vittorio Emanuele II Monument: From the Forum, walk up to Piazza Venezia and see the grandiose Vittorio Emanuele II monument.
  • Trevi Fountain: Next, head towards the Trevi Fountain. Throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain for good luck before you leave Rome.
  • Lunch: For lunch, try Pizzeria La Montecarlo, a popular spot near the Trevi Fountain for some authentic Roman pizza. Restaurant Link
  • Spanish Steps & Trinità dei Monti: After lunch, stroll over to the Spanish Steps and visit the beautiful Trinità dei Monti church at the top.
  • Dinner: For dinner, head to Trattoria da Enzo al 29, a family-run trattoria in the historic center of Rome. Restaurant Link

Day 2: Vatican City & St. Peter’s Square

  • Vatican Museums: Spend your morning exploring the vast Vatican Museums, which house an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. Ticket Link
  • Sistine Chapel: Make sure to visit the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s frescoes on its ceiling and walls.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica & Square: After visiting the Vatican Museums, head over to St. Peter’s Basilica and explore the largest church in the world. Climb to the top of the dome for a stunning view of Rome. Ticket Link
  • Lunch: For lunch, try Osteria del Casaletto, located near the Vatican. Restaurant Link
  • Castel Sant’Angelo: In the afternoon, visit Castel Sant’Angelo, a historic castle that offers panoramic views of Rome. Ticket Link
  • Dinner: For dinner, head to Ristorante Pizzeria La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, a great spot for both pizza and pasta. Restaurant Link

Day 3: Art & Fountains Tour

  • Piazza Navona: Start your day with a visit to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most stunning squares featuring three beautiful fountains, including Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers.
  • Campo de’ Fiori: From there, head to Campo de’ Fiori, a bustling market square where you can grab a quick snack or drink.
  • Pantheon: Next, visit the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple turned church with an intriguing dome. Entrance is free!
  • Lunch: For lunch, try Antico Arco, a traditional Roman restaurant near the Pantheon. Restaurant Link
  • Villa Borghese: In the afternoon, escape the city center and head to Villa Borghese, a beautiful park with museums, gardens, and rentable bicycles.
  • Dinner: For dinner, head to Ristorante Aroma, a great spot for modern Italian cuisine. Restaurant Link

Day 4: Trastevere & Food Tour

  • Trastevere Neighborhood: Spend your last day exploring the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and cute shops.
  • Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Church: Visit this beautiful basilica dating back to the 4th century. Church Link
  • Lunch: For lunch, try Da Enzo al 29, a popular restaurant in Trastevere serving traditional Roman dishes. Restaurant Link
  • Tiber Island & Tiber River: Take a stroll along the Tiber River and visit the small Tiber Island, home to hospitals and a beautiful church.
  • Food Tour: In the afternoon, join a food tour in Trastevere to try local specialties like tiramisù, carbonara, and pasta alla gricia. Food Tour Link
  • Dinner: For your final dinner in Rome, head to Pizzeria La Montecarlo for some delicious pizza or Osteria del Casaletto for a taste of traditional Roman cuisine. Both restaurants have multiple locations across Rome, so you can choose the one that’s most convenient for you.

Transportation: Rome has an extensive public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, and metro lines. A 48-hour or 72-hour travel card is a great way to save money if you plan on using the transport frequently. You can purchase these cards at metro stations or tobacco shops (tabaccherie).

Things to Know: Rome can get quite hot during the summer, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking. Always check the opening hours of museums and attractions before you visit, as they may change due to holidays or special events. Finally, be mindful of your belongings while in crowded areas, especially near popular tourist spots.

Tips: Try to avoid the main tourist season (June-August) if possible, as the city can get very crowded. Instead, consider visiting in spring or fall for a more pleasant experience. Remember to dress modestly when entering churches and religious sites, as shoulders and knees must be covered. Lastly, enjoy your trip, take plenty of pictures, and don’t forget to indulge in some delicious gelato!