Three days in Rome
Where do I even start?! In a city filled with rich history, bustling streets and restaurants on every corner, it’s easy to get lost in the atmosphere. Luckily for me, I had a pre-planned itinerary for my three days in Rome. It would have been far too difficult choosing what to see and do first, if I hadn’t come prepared. Coming from a country (Australia) which is not known for being steeped in history, it was a wonderous experience.
With so much to choose from, it is difficult to select a few sites to visit. Difficult, but not impossible. You’d be amazed at just how much you can see in only three days.
If you are not interested in knowing too much of the history, then of course, you can see much more. If you’re anything like me though, and want to find out more about this amazing city and its past, you can easily get a more in-depth experience in just three days in Rome.
The following itinerary is how I spent my three days in Rome, traveling solo.
Day 1: Get your bearings
· Arrive in Rome
· Drop your luggage off at your accommodation
· Get to know the layout of the city.
There are so many wonderful places to see and things to do in Rome. The best way to get your bearings is to take your own or a guided walking tour through Rome.
Walking through Rome is the absolute best way to get around, if you don’t want to miss any interesting, quirky areas.
Below is a list of sites I walked through on my first day in Rome. It took a few hours, and a couple of stops to rehydrate, but it allows you to see the main attractions.
Piazza del Popolo
In modern Italian, ‘Piazza del Popolo’ translates to The People’s Square. During the time of the Roman Empire, it was the main entrance to the city, so it seems only fair that your introduction to Rome should start here.
Spanish Steps
Everyone has seen the floods of pictures taken on the Spanish steps. At the bottom of these stairs there is the Barcaccia Fountain, where tourists and locals fill up a bottle with the flowing pure spring water.
Trevi Fountain
Built in the 15th century, this fountain has become a huge tourist attraction for people all around the world.
Tourist cliché (if you can get close enough):
Ever wanted to return to Rome, OR find love?? Well, you’re in luck if you believe in superstitions. If you can spare some coins, you can throw them into the fountain for some rewards…interested? One coin means you’ll return to Rome; Two coins mean you’ll find a new romance; Three coins lead to marriage. Just remember to throw the coins with your right hand over your left shoulder! Wonder if that’s where I went wrong?!
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Tempio Adriano (Temple of Hadrian)
Only a short walk from the Trevi Fountain, stands the remains of the Temple of Hadrian.
History check: Only eleven columns still remain as part of the original seventeenth century stock exchange building.
Pantheon
Located a street up from Tempio Adriano, the Pantheon is a must see. An impressive structure outside, it’s amazing to see something so ancient, standing so close amongst modern shops and restaurants. The Pantheon continues to hold regular Catholic mass there.
History check: The Pantheon was built around 128 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. In the center of the dome on the ceiling is the oculus. This opening was made as a connection to the Gods. Fun fact: barely any rain falls through due to its construction!
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Area Sacra
If you can, come back to see this site at night. Under the golden glow of the lights, this area is stunning! During the daytime, you’ll notice some friendly little faces. Hundreds of cats have made their homes within the ruins. They’ve taken over and the local/governing bodies welcome it!
History check: Area Sacra are the ruins of the oldest temples in Rome.
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Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II
A stunning architectural piece! While the views at the front are amazing, if you can make it to the top terrace, the panoramic views of the city are well worth it.
History check: If you are a history buff, and enjoy finding out about local history, you would be interested in the Museum of the Risorgimento which holds weapons, flags and other important objects related to the unification of Italy.
Colosseum
The final stop for site seeing in Rome (day 1) is the Colosseum.
History check: After opening in 80 A.D., the Colosseum was the site of sports, gladiator games, wild animal fights and, of course, bloodshed, for around 4 centuries.
Day 2: Become a history buff
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
If you travel to Rome in Summer time, I would suggest seeing the Colosseum earlier in the day as it can get quite hot. Don’t let this dampen your spirits about visiting this site though as you will be missing out!
When visited, I didn’t take a tour, which I now regret. There are a few reputable tour groups that can take you through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, while giving you an in-depth insight into the history of the structures.
If a guided tour really isn’t your thing, but you still want to learn more about the heritage, you can pay for an audio tour, which means you can look through at your own pace.
Side note: I would recommend pre-booking tickets to jump the que. Don’t be put off by the lines if you have not pre-booked tickets however. I was standing in line for almost 1 hour, but only a short time was standing in the sun.
Details:
Open times
All days – the hours change depending on the time of year.
Click here for the Get your Guide website
Price guide:
If bought on site, the tickets are about €12 full price.
You can buy packages through ‘get your guide’ website for guided tours through the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
What to do for the rest of the day:
With the remainder of the day, why not look through the shops or enjoy a drink and food outside one of the many restaurants that line the streets.
While you’re at it, try Della Palma gelato shop. With 150 flavours, you’ll definitely find something you love! For those who have allergies and intolerances, they cater for this too!!
Day 3: Vatican City
Possibly my favourite part of Rome! I would recommend booking a tour so you don’t miss any of the hidden gems. You’ll get an in-depth tour of the Pope’s cars.
If you are interested in a tour, check out the Musei Vaticani. You can choose from a selection of tour itineraries, whether you are an individual visitor, in a group, family, or have certain needs.
If you’re feeling like you’re ready to do some climbing, I would recommend doing the climb up St Peter’s Basilica’s dome. You’ll get a lovely view of Vatican City and a view down on the Basilica from inside the dome. This will cost about €10 if you want to use the elevator, €8 if you use the stairs.
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Details:
Open times
Monday to Saturday
9:00am – 6:00pm (final entry at 4:00pm)
Çlick here for the ‘Musei Vaticani’ website
Price guide: tickets start from €8.00 – €17.00 (add €4.00 to ‘skip the line’)
Even if you don’t get the in-depth experience you originally wanted, during your three days in Rome, it will give you a taste of Rome and help you decide whether you will come back in the future – I know I sure did!!
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