FREE 3 Days in Rome Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Heading to Rome this summer but not sure where to begin with your travel planning? My FREE and easy-to-follow 3 days in Rome itinerary is here to help you get started. It’s packed with a mix of free and paid activities that I think are a must for any first-time visitor. You’ll also get real insights into the local food scene and travel tips, ideal for curious solo travellers seeking inspiration, vibes, and no fluff!

Congrats, you’re off to one of Europe’s most exciting capital cities. Rome is ideal for you if you’re into ancient history and love learning on the go. It’s basically an open air museum, with something to discover around every corner. The architecture alone spans over two thousand years. Personally, I found it to be one of the most educational and inspiring city breaks I’ve ever experienced. 

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Rome Travel Itinerary Insights

Here are my observations from my Rome visits and what you should keep in mind during your city break in Italy’s capital: 

• Three days in Rome is a short stay, especially for a first visit. I recommend focusing on the main sights and keeping Rome in mind for future trips because there’s so much to see, and the city always offers inspiration for revisits.
• Booking tickets in advance for popular sites is strongly recommended, as Rome is one of Europe’s most beloved capitals and is well-visited throughout the year.
• In the warmer months, Rome is lively almost 24/7. Dance in the streets of Trastevere until midnight or enjoy a 1 a.m. gelato at the Trevi Fountain. Nothing’s impossible and anything goes in Rome.
• Whilst Rome isn’t known for frequent quakes, it can still experience the occasional tremor due to its location near tectonic plate boundaries.
• Rome requires some fitness: the city is incredibly beautiful, so be prepared for a stiff neck from constantly looking up at the ceilings or down at the mosaic floors. Comfortable shoes are a must, as most of the historic Old Town has cobbled streets, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. The city centre is vast and can lead to sightseeing fatigue, so be sure to leave some time after your trip to relax and process all the impressions.
• The weather is fairly mild in the off-season, and you can still stroll around town in a T-shirt during October and November.

• This goes for both tourists and locals, but during my stay, I noticed a fair bit of rude behavior in public. For example, everyone smokes in Rome and cigarette butts litter the streets. People also jaywalk and won’t move out of your way. The hospitality in restaurants was honestly the worst I’ve experienced in Europe. Politeness is rare and I was pretty shocked (and I am German). English is available, but locals are often reluctant to speak it.
• The food quality and dining experience in Rome is very hit and miss. To avoid disappointment, it’s worth researching a few options before your trip.
• Rome is generally safe, with police and guards keeping an eye on the main sites. That said, you’ll likely encounter many street sellers and some can be pretty persistent, like when they try to sell you flowers at restaurants or shove selfie sticks in your face at the Trevi Fountain.

3 Days in Rome Itinerary: Detailed Day by Day Overview

Here is a detailed day-by-day overview to help you make the most of your 3 days in Rome. Since it’s impossible to see everything in such a short time, I’ve picked out personal highlights that I think you shouldn’t miss on your first visit. These will definitely give you the best impression of the city.

As always, I’ve included a mix of free and paid activities. Be sure to check them out on Google Maps and pin the spots that catch your interest.

Rome Travel Itinerary: Day 1

Let’s start your Rome city break with an extensive walk around the historic city centre. Rome is beautiful and enchanting. Expect a maze of narrow streets lined with terracotta-coloured Grade II listed houses that will stir your imagination, but don’t worry, you won’t ever really get lost. The soft colours of the buildings, combined with the warm sunlight and the lush green of the stone pine trees, create a magical vibe that I haven’t found in any other European capital, which is one of the things I love most about Rome.

Rome is super safe and basically an open-air museum. You could wander around for days without spending much except on food, water, and accommodations and still have an amazing time checking out the sights.

Some free things you can easily see during your walk include:

Rome is home to around 900 churches, from basilicas to chapels, all filled with Italian art and treasures. For example, you can see original Caravaggio paintings at the San Luigi dei Francesi Church, Basilica of St. Augustine, and Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo. Some of these may require a small fee to illuminate the paintings. You could easily spend the whole day hopping from church to church, as they’re all close together. I especially enjoyed the Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica near the Forum, with its stunning ceiling.

Trevi Fountain: Did you know that around 3,000€ are thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day? The coins are collected every evening and used for restoration projects around the city, with financial support from famous fashion houses. For example, Fendi donated 2.2 million € to the fountain. Don’t forget to toss a coin over your left shoulder because it’s said to guarantee that you’ll return to Rome one day.

Spanish Steps: A grand construction of 135 steps in one of Rome’s most stunning plazas, Piazza di Spagna, leads you to breathtaking views. At the top, you can visit another church or simply enjoy the views and soak in the atmosphere. Since this is a lively and popular spot, it’s always bustling with people. Since 2019, sitting on the steps has been banned, with fines of up to 400€ for those who don’t follow the rule. This is part of a broader effort to protect the city’s historic landmarks.

Piazza Navona: Probably the most impressive square in Rome, Piazza Navona also served as a filming location for Dan Brown’s Illuminati. The fountain in the middle played a key role in the film and was even restored due to the attention it got from the movie’s success.

Largo di Torre Argentina: This archaeological site, where Julius Caesar was famously assassinated, is also home to a sanctuary that looks after around 150 stray and abandoned cats. The cats have been living among the ruins since the site was excavated in 1929, and the sanctuary was officially set up in 1993.

For paid activities, I recommend doing these on your first day of your Rome itinerary:

Pantheon: This ancient Roman temple now turned church, is famous for its impressive dome construction and open skylight. It used to be free but now a ticket is required for all visitors. It costs 5€, or 3€ for EU citizens, and it’s free for kids and Rome locals. 

The Colosseum: The iconic ancient amphitheater, once home to gladiator battles and massive public spectacles, could hold up to 50,000 spectators. During the Middle Ages, people even lived inside it, with homes and workshops tucked into the ruins. The Colosseum’s design, with its efficient crowd flow, structural arches, and tiered seating, has influenced modern stadiums like Ohio Stadium in the USA and New İzmir Atatürk Stadium in Turkey.

Top Tip: Book your tickets in advance and make sure to get access to the ruins in the basement. When I visited, I only had the basic ticket, and even with it pre-booked, I still had to wait. Inside, I was slightly underwhelmed. There wasn’t much to see from the upper levels, and I barely noticed the info plates at the time. It was so busy. I later learned that tickets for the arena floor and underground are a much better option for a more educational visit.

Rome Travel Itinerary: Day 2

For your second day in Rome, I recommend exploring central sights before crossing the Tiber River to check out the hip, trendy neighbourhood of Trastevere.

The Forum: This vast archaeological site covers about 10 acres right in the heart of the city and is a must-see. As Rome’s former centre for politics, social life, and religion, walking through its ruins really lets you feel the city’s past power and drama. The site includes crumbling temples, arches, and basilicas, and it’ll take about 3-4 hours to fully take it all in.

Top Tip: On the first Sunday of every month, you can get free entry to the Colosseum and the Archaeological Park, including the Forum and Palatine Hill. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket offices in Piazza del Colosseo (near the Temple of Venus and Rome) and Largo della Salara Vecchia. These sites are busy year-round, so why not take advantage of the off-season?

Bocca della Verità: The Mouth of Truth is a large marble mask at the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. Legend says it will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie while placing their hand inside its mouth, so naturally, it’s a hit with tourists. There is a small fee for having your picture taken, and afterwards, make sure to explore the church too.

Walk further north along the street and cross the river at Ponte Fabricio, Rome’s oldest bridge, built in 62 BC by Lucius Fabricius. The bridge will lead you to a small island on the Tiber River. This atmospheric island is said to have healing powers, and a temple to Asclepius (the Greek god of medicine) once stood there. Today, it’s home to the Fatebenefratelli Hospital. Cross again at Ponte Cestio and make your way into Trastevere.

Trastevere: The closest neighbourhood to the centre, Trastevere is listed in every tourist guide for a reason. Its name means “across the Tiber,” and it was once seen as the edge of Rome, full of life. Over time, it became a haven for artists, rebels, and free spirits, known for its lively taverns, strong wine, and creative energy. That bohemian spirit still lingers today, especially in the warmer months when the area comes to life past midnight. Even during the workweek, locals and tourists alike will dance in the streets, even at 1 a.m in the morning!

Whilst you are in the area and fancy something to eat, I can provide the following recommendations:

Tiramisú Merisù – pastry shop with a variety of tiramisu, a classic coffee-based Italian dessert 
Casetta di Trastevere – one of the many Roman restaurants tucked away in a narrow alley way on a small square. Very cosy and charming atmosphere away from the crowds. 
Avoid: Freni E Frizioni – a rather unkempt cocktail bar with the charm of a teenager club and desirable service 

Rome Travel Itinerary: Day 3

For your final day, I recommend securing tickets to the Vatican Museums. This experience is a must when visiting Rome for the first time. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the leafy park of Villa Borghese and start making notes for your “next time in Rome” list.

Vatican Museum: Plan your visit as early as possible and book your fast-track tickets months in advance, as this is one of Rome’s top attractions. Be prepared for large crowds. Highlights of the Vatican Museums include its incredible collection of Italian art, displayed in lavish rooms decorated from floor to ceiling with ancient mosaics and exquisite paintings, the Laocoon Group, and of course, Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel. Your visit will take approximately 3-4h. 

Stroll along the Tiber River and cross at Ponte Regina Margherita to the enchanting parkland of Villa Borghese. Spend a couple of hours relaxing in this beautiful setting, with serene lakes, quiet corners, and, of course, more Italian art.

Villa Borghese: Covering roughly 200 acres, Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s largest inner-city parks. Wander along tree-lined avenues, through landscaped gardens, fountains, and museums. One of the main highlights is the Galleria Borghese, which houses masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. The park also features the Pincian Terrace, offering stunning views over Piazza del Popolo, a peaceful lake with rowboats, and a small replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. With so much to see and do, including the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art, Villa Borghese is definitely worth a revisit.

3 Days in Rome Itinerary: Activities for Next Time

Here’s a curated list of activities and experiences I’d consider for my next visit to Rome, featuring a mix of well-known landmarks I’ve already explored and lesser-known archaeological sites. I am also interested in Rome’s coffee culture and art nouveau architecture. 

• Roman excavation sites on the Via Appia
• Pyramid of Caius Cestius
• Keyhole on Aventine Hill
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Art Nouveau architecture in Quartiere Coppedè
• Stained glass museum at Casina delle Civette
• Follow the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage way from Canterbury to Rome. Start at Monte Mario and then walk on the Via Trionfale down to St Stephen’s Basilica.

Where to Eat in Rome

A “popular” piece of advice I often see on the internet is that “travellers should never eat in the touristy centre of a city and, instead, seek out restaurants in the neighbourhoods for a more ‘authentic’ experience.”

This advice often comes from male travel bloggers or couples who usually have a different sense of safety than solo female travellers, the audience I’m writing for.

For first-time visitors, especially, I don’t think it’s realistic to expect them to venture into unfamiliar neighbourhoods just for a meal; plus it’s time-consuming, too. Sure, touristy areas can be hit or miss when it comes to food, but I’m confident there are still some great eateries near the main sights. As a thoughtful traveller myself, I believe it’s about digging a little deeper and trying things out on-site.

That’s why I think it’s so important to share not only the highlights but also the average or even disappointing experiences in blog posts. It provides a more honest picture, builds authenticity, and helps travellers make smarter decisions.

Here’s my experience with food in Rome, based on my visits to a mix of restaurants in the city centre and recommendations from my former colleague, a local Roman.

• I found the food quality in Rome to be quite average, a sentiment I’ve also experienced in Florence and Naples. There wasn’t a single meal that stood out or impressed me enough to make me want to return.
• The portion size is often small and overpriced.
• The hospitality left much to be desired. Waiters were often impolite and expected a tip at the end of an unpleasant experience. Communication was minimal, with little to no greetings or thank yous, which made me feel unwelcome from the start. Meals were served in silence, and when it was time for the bill, it was slammed on the table – a clear signal that my time was up. Despite being polite and friendly, I wasn’t met with the same level of courtesy or respect. I encountered this harsh behaviour several times during my stay in Rome, and as someone who has travelled extensively in Europe, I found it irritating and, at times, off-putting. It’s not a case of introversion or discretion but perceived as a lack of hospitality toward tourists.

Here are the places I visited:

• Avoid: Freni E Frizioni, Cucina Nationale, Amedeo, Cottini.  
• Average: Barrochio, Giardino Romano, Angelio ai Fori, Casetta di Trastevere.
• Special mention goes to Angelio ai Fori. While the food was nothing special and overpriced, given its location in a tourist-heavy area near the Forum, this was the ONLY restaurant in Rome where I encountered a genuinely welcoming atmosphere and enthusiastic service.
• In terms of food quality, Masto a Testaccio I Roma was the only place that stood out for me during my time in Rome, offering a lovely gourmet lunch. Unless you’re in the area, it’s not really worth making the effort to visit specifically. 
• For ice cream, I was totally sold on Venchi. The flavours were amazing, and for Rome, the price for a cone with three scoops at 4€ was pretty reasonable (gelatos around the Pantheon sat easily at 8-15€). No reason not to live off a gelato diet during your stay in Rome.

Where to Stay in Rome?

During my Rome visits, I stayed at Starmetropole* near the central station. This 4-star hotel is clean, spacious, and well-located in a safe area, just a short walk from the train station. It’s convenient for airport transfers and offers a comfortable stay, though the décor is a bit outdated. Walking to town takes about 15-20 minutes, passing by many pastry shops where you can pick up some breakfast in the morning. A solid, safe choice.

Making of “3 Days in Rome Itinerary”

• Visited Rome twice on my own expense
• Researched onsite and paid for activities at my own expense
• Created my own content including photography, recommendations and lists of activity suggestions

FAQ about my 3 Days in Rome Itinerary

I appreciate this is a super long post and comprehensive itinerary covering 3 days in Rome. You may want to skip or skim-read certain sections but I’ve compiled a very quick FAQ section here for you.

Are 3 days enough to see Rome?

The short answer: No. Rome is a massive open-air museum, and there’s so much to explore that it’ll take a few visits to truly appreciate it. For a first trip, I’d recommend at least a week to fully experience the city and take some downtime to recover from the sensory overload. But I get it — time is limited, and you can only see so much on a short stay.

How do I get into the Centre from the Airport?

Assuming you will arrive at Rome Fiumicino airport, you can take the Leonardo express to Rome central station. The journey takes about 30 minutes and will cost roughly 14€ per person. 

Is Rome solo-travel friendly?

Rome is safe and very walkable. At no point did I feel uncomfortable walking around or heading back to my hotel late at night. The city does have its share of dodgy street vendors, some of whom can be pushy and make you feel uncomfortable, but there is police control at major tourist sites, and the city is always bustling with people.

However, I found the hospitality in hotels and, especially, the friendliness towards tourists in restaurants to be lacking. Basic politeness in hospitality was often lacking, and I frequently felt unwelcome. There was rarely a kind interaction. This behavior isn’t exclusive to Rome, as I’ve noticed similar attitudes in other Italian cities like Florence and Naples. It’s an experience that has somewhat influenced my enthusiasm for Italy, despite the country’s beauty, art, and rich history.

Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed the post and would like to support the blog & my research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

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