27 Nov What to see in rome in 3 days
I have had to go several times to Rome to see, I think, all the monuments and areas that it has. And surely I’m still missing some of them. For that reason, today I want to give you a guide of what to see in Rome in 3 days.
It has cost me 3 trips to Italy to realize that if you do not organize the trip, you probably miss many things. Rome is a city that is full of churches, squares, museums, parks … That’s why you have to have everything well planned to make the most of it. Yes, put your batteries, because, to see the most important things in 3 days you have to leave your feet!
With this practical Rome guide, I want to help you to explore the main points of interest of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. I’m going to organize it so that every day you take advantage of a specific area and you do not have to be crossing the city every day.
What to see in Rome: day 1
Colosseum
The first day in the city begins with one of the 7 wonders of the world: the Coliseum, Colosseo in Italian. If there is something to see in Rome YES or YES we could say that it is the Colosseum.
If you want to enter without queues or waiting, it is best to go when it opens, at 8:30. I was there at 08:15 and it did not cost me more than 5 minutes to get in!
The entrance price to the Colosseum, which includes the entrance to the Roman Forum and the Palatine, costs 12 euros. The price is reduced to € 7.50 for EU members between 18 and 25 years old. And it’s free for those under 18 years old. If you are in Rome on the first Sunday of the month, keep in mind that admission is free.
You can get more information on the official page.
Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum and Palatine
Next to the Coliseum you can visit one of the most impressive arches of the triumph of Rome, the Arch of Constantine. A few meters away, you will reach the Roman Forum, the ancient center of social, political and religious life in Rome.
If as I do, you like to take pictures of everything, there are two good stops to get some amazing views. From the square in front of the church of Santos Luca and Martina and from the Campidoglio square.
Surely it’s time to eat, because seeing the Colosseum and the Forum can take you the whole morning. I am more of eating something fast and continue to take advantage of the day. I always stopped to eat a quick pizza or take something and walk while I eat. Yes, it’s not the best plan I know, but if you want to see everything, you have to run!
Venice Square – National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
The next stop is at Plaza Venecia, also a few meters from the Roman Forum. In this square stands the huge national monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also called the altar of the fatherland.
Church of Gesú
On the other side of Piazza Venezia, you have the church of Gesú, the mother church of the company of Jesus.
If you still have strength and want to go around the center of the city, you are very close! It always happens to me, I arrive the first day and I want to see everything or the vast majority of things 😂. From the church of Gesú you are only 10 minutes from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon of Agrippa.
Piazza Navona, for me the most beautiful square in Rome, stands out for its three Baroque fountains. Although undoubtedly, the most important fountain is the fountain of the four rivers, which represents the 4 most famous rivers of that time: the Danube, the Nile, the Ganges and the Plate River. And, please, do not hesitate to eat an ice cream in any of the establishments that are in the square! 🍦
Pantheon of Agrippa
And finally, the Pantheon of Agrippa. The best preserved building of the Roman Empire, with its impressive dome and its “oculus”.
For today it’s over! Now let me make a recommendation for dinner, the restaurant Da Fortunato, a few meters from the Pantheon. It is a bit expensive, but it is worth paying 40 euros per person because the pasta is impressive. I ordered spaguetti carbonara with truffle and I still remember them after almost a year 🤤.
What to see in Rome: day 2
Vatican City
The second day starts strong and again with a great classic of the city of Rome. The Vatican City, a sovereign country we could say that within Rome.
There are 3 essential points: St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
My most important recommendation: go soon. The first day I went about 3:00 PM, and St. Peter’s Square was full of people. The next day I arrived there around 8 in the morning and I was able to enter the Basilica without queuing.
The incredible St. Peter’s Square, designed by the architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667, is considered the explosion of the great baroque theater of the time as a systematization of the power of the Catholic Church. It could take a whole morning to see its 140 statues of saints decorating its colonnade, but there are many things to see!
The Basilica of St. Peter, the most important religious temple of Catholicism, and which houses the Holy See in its interior, is the church where the Pope celebrates the most important liturgies. One of the things that most attracts the attention of the basilica is its incredible dome, from which you have magnificent views of Rome. In the interior of the basilica there are works of art such as: the Baldachin by Bernini and the Pieta by Michelangelo and the statue of Saint Peter on his throne.
Finally, the Vatican Museums, which have one of the most important art collections in the world. Inside you will find the spectacular Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo, the headquarters of the conclave. The fame of the Sistine Chapel is due mainly to its fresco decoration. Especially to the vault and the head, with The Last Judgment, both works by Michelangelo.
Prices:
Access to the Basilica is free.
Ascent to the dome: With lift: € 10. You have to climb the last 320 steps (equivalent to 17 floors). Without elevator: € 8. You climb 550 steps (equivalent to 30 floors).
Vatican Museums: general admission is 17 euros, but if you want to avoid the queue (good idea because there are always many people), book in the official website of the Vatican Museums and pay 4 euros more. Last Sunday of the month is free!
Sant’ Angelo Castle
After a short break to eat, we will leave the Vatican City, on the way to Castel Sant’Angelo. Located on shore of the Tiber River, it was built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family.
Trastevere neighborhood
I would take the opportunity to walk down the Tiber river shore to the Trastevere district. Life in the neighborhood is especially concentrated around the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which houses the ancient Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Trastevere is one of the best restaurant areas in Rome. Both for those who seek traditional establishments, as for those who prefer the most modern premises, will have many options in Trastevere.
What to see in Rome: day 3
Today we start the day with churches! Because as I told you at the beginning, Rome is full of them. It’s the last day of the trip to Rome and we have to see what’s left, so here we go.
The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, with its famous mausoleum of Pope Julius II and his sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo. The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas of Rome and the only one that has preserved its Paleochristian structure. And, the Basilica of Santa Maria de los Angeles and the Martyrs, projected by Michelangelo on the frigidarium of the baths of Diocleciano.
Piazza Barberini
Now we head to Piazza Barberini, known for housing the fountains of the Triton and the Bees, made by Bernini. In the same square is Palazzo Barberini, which has two of the most famous staircases in Italy: the Borromini spiral staircase and Bernini’s staircase of honor.
Church of Santa María de la Concepción
Yes, another church! In this church, you can visit one of the most gloomy corners of Rome: its crypt of the Capuchins.
Fontana di Trevi
Another emblematic icon of the city of Rome, the Fontana di Trevi, a truly authentic work of art. With dimensions of 20 meters wide by 26 meters high, it is also the largest fountain in the city. For me, without a doubt, the most beautiful fountain I have ever seen.
Piazza di Spagna
Another must! The Spain Square is located in one of the best areas of Rome. Between Via dei Condotti (famous street for shopping), Via Frattina and Via del Babuino. It stands out for two factors. The stairs of the square, Trinità dei Monti, built to communicate the square with the Church of Trinità dei Monti. And, the fountain located in the center of the square, which was designed by Pietro Bernini for Pope Urban III. Its construction concluded in 1627 at the hands of its famous son, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Walking along Via del Babuino you will reach the Plaza del Popolo, where you will find the Flaminio obelisk. With a 24 meter high, the obelisk once adorned the Circus Maximus. The Piazza del Popolo was the entrance to the city during the Empire.
And the tourist guide of Rome is over!
There are more things to see, such as the Campo de ‘Fiori or the Bocca della Verità. But if you follow this guide, you can say that you have seen all the essentials of Rome!
If you need help organizing a trip to Rome ask me about my travel consulting service!
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