The Best 3 Days in Rome, Italy: A First Timer’s Itinerary

I recently had the opportunity to spend an entire month in Rome, Italy. I’d seen a TikTok video about someone doing an adult study abroad program in Rome and I jumped at the chance. For the month of May, I joined 37 other adults from around the world to study Rome’s history, art, food, and culture. Together, we visited more churches than I can count, ate at some of the best restaurants in Rome, and soaked up the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rhythms of daily life in Italy’s capital city. 

I understand that not everyone has the ability to take off for a month and if you did, you’d probably want to spend time in different places in Italy besides Rome. So, in this blog post, I’ve taken my favorite things to do in the Eternal City and put them into a 3-day Rome itinerary. 

I’ll share with you the best time of year to visit Rome, what to pack, the best neighborhoods to base yourself, and of course, the best places to eat. Are you ready to plan your perfect three days in Rome? 

Let’s go!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out my disclosure. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

I have only been to Rome once, and it was for the entire month of May and the first week of June. Those first two weeks of May, the weather was perfect. It was warm, but not sweltering; it was crowded, but not overwhelmingly so. As May progressed the heat intensified with the crowds, but it was still manageable. When I left in early June, the weather was forecasting 90-degree days that weren’t letting up!

While there, I talked to my professors as well about their favorite time to be in the city; they all mentioned early Spring and Fall. 

Here’s what to consider throughout the year when planning your trip to Rome.

Rome in the Winter

I can imagine that winter in Rome is something special. It will be the coolest season of the year with temperatures in the 40s-50s and it will probably rain, but it won’t snow in the city. The city decorates well for the holiday season and you can likely score some decently priced accommodations in January and February. 

The days will be the shortest of the year, so any outdoor activities will need to well planned for, but it could be the perfect time of year to linger in one of the city’s great museums. Al fresco dining won’t really be an option. But many restaurants have a lovely cozy atmosphere inside as well. 

What to do in Rome in the Winter: Linger in museums, visit the city’s thousands of churches, have a spa day.

Rome in the Spring

As I mentioned above, Rome in the Spring is absolutely beautiful. Flowers are blooming in the city’s parks and along the Appian Way. The days are starting to get longer and the temperatures are beginning to increase (60s-mid 70s) which means you can fit a bit more sightseeing into your day, take long meandering walks, and enjoy an outdoor meal!

What to do in Rome in the Spring: The city is coming alive, enjoy a hugo spritz in a piazza, visit Villa Borghese, or catch sunset from a rooftop bar!

Rome in the Summer

Summertime in Rome is the busiest time of the year and the hottest. To be honest with you, I can’t imagine spending summer days in Rome. It’s doable, but uncomfortable. Most days, temperatures will be in the 90s and the long lines will be intense for Rome’s must-see attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Remember, in August, most Italians leave the city for their own vacations, so some local shops and restaurants may be closed; however, main sites and tourist spots will remain open.

What to Do in Rome in the Summer: Take advantage of the long days by getting up early for a walk through the city or booking an early morning tour for any outdoor sites like the Roman Forum. Make sure to book accommodation with air conditioning to return to for a rest in the late afternoon. In the evening, head back out for nighttime food tours or an after-dark Colosseum tour (only offered in the summer). Trastevere also hosts outdoor movie nights which are fun!

Rome in the Fall

When I go back to Rome, I will plan a fall trip. I imagine September still feels summery with longer days (similar to May), but the temperatures start cooling off in October and November going from the mid 70s to the 50s. The summer tourists will also be heading home making walking through the city and visiting museums more relaxed.

What to Do in Rome in the Fall: Eat in one of Rome’s top restaurants, indulge in seasonal truffles, and snag tickets to popular tourist sites.

How Many Days to Spend in Rome

I’ve heard it said that you could spend a lifetime in Rome and still not see it all. After being there for a month, I understand that now. Because after a month, my Rome bucket list only grew and I didn’t even check off everything that was on my pre-trip bucket list. 

If it’s your first time in Rome, I suggest at least three days. Three days in Rome is enough time to see a few places on your bucket list, while also being able to visit a few hidden gems. Now, please note that I mentioned a few places on your bucket list – you won’t be able to see them all and enjoy your time. You’ll need to prioritize!

Three days also works well when you have a larger Italian itinerary of places to get to like Siena, Florence, or Sicily (among many other beautiful places in Italy).

If it’s not your first time in Rome, then you already have a baseline knowledge of how the city works and what you enjoy doing there. This itinerary will give you some new ideas and fresh insight on some of your favorite places.

No matter how long you plan to stay, I believe the best way to plan an itinerary is to pick a morning and an afternoon or evening activity. This will allow you to see quite a bit, without feeling rushed. Honestly, some of the best times I had in Rome was when an aperitivo turned into dinner turned into cocktails. So this way of planning an itinerary also leaves some room for spontaneity.

And don’t forget, Italian meals take quite a bit longer than US meals, so factor that into your trip planning as well.

Essential Items to Pack for Rome

While there are some variables for what to pack for Rome depending on the season you visit, there are some essential items to include on every Rome packing list.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You’ll be walking at least 15-20k steps every day. Make sure you have one pair of comfortable shoes that are already well broken in. You don’t want to break them in while in Italy, only to find out they cause blisters or back pain. I wore these Keen sneakers every day and absolutely loved them. They were super comfortable and went with everything I brought. I also wore these Teva sandals when the temperatures started to rise. While they’re not the cutest, they were really comfortable even after 20,000 steps!

Crossbody Bag

If you haven’t converted to the Uniqlo style crossbody bag for travel, what are you waiting for? This bag holds so much! I was able to fit a small wallet, my DJI Osmo camera, portable charger, sunscreen, lip gloss, and sunglasses in here! 

Portable Charger

You’ll be out all day long in Rome! There were days I left my apartment at 8:00 in the morning and didn’t get back until 11:00 pm! Bring along a portable charger. I was excited about this MagSafe charger to avoid the need for cords, but it caused my phone to overheat each time and only worked for one full recharge. So I had to buy a second charger while there! I’ll be going back to the mophie charger, which is able to re-charge my phone and camera multiple times from one charge.

Universal Travel Adapter

Don’t forget a universal travel adapter to use in your accommodation to recharge all of your devices. I really like this one because it has USB outlets as well. You can charge multiple devices at once with this.

I also traveled with this charging pad for my phone, airpods, and apple watch. This way it only took one of the USB ports to charge all of the smaller electronics. The second USB port I used for my camera or power bank. And the plug insert I used for my laptop as needed. 

Modest Layer

To enter churches, you need to cover your shoulders; exposed knees seem to be acceptable. In the fall and winter, you’ll probably wear short sleeves and have a jacket, so this is not as much of an issue as the summer months. For the summer, pack a lightweight shawl or button-down shirt to cover up when entering a church. Keep it in your bag if possible because you’ll probably pass a church and spontaneously decide to go in to check it out! 

Refillable Water Bottle

Throughout Rome, there are fountains with potable water called nasoni, you can use them to fill up a water bottle or just drink from. When it got hot, I didn’t want to bring my backpack out with me for the day, so I didn’t bring my Hydro Flask water bottle because I didn’t want to carry it. I ended up just purchasing water bottles from little shops as needed. Which to be honest, worked out fine, but if you’d like to be able to have water as you need it, I’d recommend a collapsible water bottle, so you can fill up as needed and tuck it away in a smaller bag when it’s not in use. 

The Best of Rome: 3-Day Itinerary

Now that we’ve got some of the basic Rome travel tips out of the way, let’s dive into how to spend three days in Rome!

Day 1 in Rome: Ancient Rome and Monti

Your first day in Rome is going to be focused on ancient Rome with morning visits to The Colosseum and the Roman Forum, with a quick stop to check out the views from Palatine Hill. Whether it’s your first or 100th trip, I think you can learn more with each visit to these places in Rome.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to the historic neighborhood of Monti!

The Colosseum

The Colosseum, built between 72-80 AD under two different emperors and originally called the Flavian amphitheater, is a must-see in Rome, whether or not you decide to go in! The Colosseum is still the largest amphitheater in the world. In its prime, it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.

Spectators would gather, for free, to watch executions, animal hunts, gladiator battles, and battle re-enactments. These spectacles continued into the 6th century, and over the years, the Colosseum was used for different purposes until it fell into disuse in the 14th century.

If you decide to book an entry, I’d recommend trying to get an underground tour. If you can’t get one, no worries. Without it you’ll have entry to the main level of the colosseum which looks down into the arena and offers views out to Palatine Hill. 

To be honest, if you’re going to need to choose skipping something, you could skip going inside the Colosseum. It’s beautiful from the outside. I’d recommend spending more time in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

If you’re visiting in the summer, I’d highly suggest doing the night tour of the Colosseum. It’s an hour-long, small-group tour that takes you into the underground tunnels. You’ll avoid the large crowds and the heat of the day by doing this tour! It was one of my favorite things I did while in Rome.

Book your Colosseum tickets through the official website here.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

After the Colosseum, head into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Palatine Hill is the birthplace of Rome, and on and around it are the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum. Standing at the top of Palatine Hil,l you have great views to appreciate where Rome started and how it grew to what it is today.

The Roman Forum was the center of political, religious, and social life for ancient Romans. 

Via Sacra is the ancient road through the Forum, and entering from the Colosseum, you’ll pass under the Arch of Titus. To the right is the Temple of Venus, as well as the archeological museum, where you can see items found in the Forum. At the other end of the Forum, near Capitoline Hill, you’ll see the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, and the Septimius Severus Arch.

You need a few hours to take in everything at the Roman Forum and I’d recommend booking a guided tour or at least an audio guide. I went solo, and in retrospect, I think a lot was lost on me because I didn’t understand what I was looking at. 

There are combination tickets for the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Usually, they come with a specific entry time for the Colosseum and then a 24-hour pass from that time to visit the Roman Forum. 

If you want a guided tour of all three, check out these options.

Alternate Morning Activity: Capitoline Museums

If you’ve already been to the Colosseum and Roman Forum and don’t want to go again, visit the Capitoline Museums!

At the top of one of the seven hills of Rome, Capitoline Hill, Musei Capitolini is the world’s oldest public museum. You could spend hours in this museum, which is filled with beautiful sculptures, artwork, and great views. Here are a few highlights:

• The colossal statue of Constantine is visible as soon as you enter the museum. You can see the almost 9ft tall head of Constantine as well as a foot, and a hand. These were all once put together in one giant statue of Emperor Constantine.
• The iconic bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius. The statue in the outdoor courtyard, Piazza del Campidoglio, is a replica; the original is inside.
• The statue of the She Wolf, which myth says raised the twins Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
• The view of the Roman Forum from the Tabularium – a great photo spot!

There are so many other amazing pieces of artwork in the museum, like a Medusa by Bernini and two Venus statues. 

Book your ticket to the Capitoline Museum here.

Lunch in Monti

Monti is where I stayed during my month in Rome and I absolutely loved it. There are plenty of great places to eat in Monti, but here are a few suggestions for a quick lunch.

• Mizzio’s Street Food: Excellent paninis. Perfect for a quick bite. There’s nowhere to sit, but you can take it to the square and eat it on the fountain steps.
• Zia Rosetta: Creative slider style sandwiches and fresh juices. Great for a quick lunch. 
• Mercato Monti: There is a small food market in Monti that has a great sandwich spot. 

Afternoon in Monti

There are so many cool things to do and see in Monti, and now that you’re fueled up, you’re going to check them out!

If you like shopping, then you’re in the right place! Monti is filled with thrift and vintage shops as well as leather, perfume, and other clothing shops. You’ll definitely find a unique souvenir in the cobblestone streets of Monti.

Alternatively, visit two beautiful churches in Rome: St. Peter in Chains and St. Mary Major. 

Inside St. Peter in Chains, you can see the chains that bound St. Peter. But you can also see the Moses carved by Michelangelo!

St. Mary Major is one of the four most important churches in Rome as it’s one of the Papal Basilicas. You can walk through the Holy Door during a Jubilee Year. Once inside, there is wood that’s said to be from Jesus’ crib. Also in St. Mary Major is the tomb for the late Pope Francis.

Afterwards, grab a gelato from Fatamorgana.

Also in the area is the Domus Aurea, which was Emperor Nero’s home. It’s only open on the weekends, but it’s supposed to be one of the best things to do in Rome. You can book tickets on the Colosseum website.

Aperitivo + Dinner in Monti

Are you thirsty yet? As I mentioned above there are so many great restaurants in Monti and sometimes the best one is the one you’re closest to. That being said there are a few hot spots to check out for an aperitivo and you can stay for dinner.

Here are a few of my restaurant recommendations for an aperitivo and dinner:

• Ai Tre Scallini: Lovely spot beneath an ivy-covered building for an apertivo. Their dinner is really delicious too and well priced.
• La Barrique: A neighborhood wine bar with excellent service and food.
• Al42: Not an aperitivo spot, but a great budget-friendly dinner. You do need to get in line, but I waited about 15 minutes before getting in so it wasn’t too bad. The pastas were delicious and the staff was super friendly.

Monti gets extra lively in the evening and there are plenty of cocktail bars on almost every street. If you’re feeling it, pop by one of them before heading home to rest for your second day in Rome.

Day 2 in Rome: Vatican City and Trastevere

Your second day in Rome is another big one with a morning in Vatican City. But it chills out afterwards with an afternoon food tour in Trastevere. 

Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica

Block off a few hours in the morning for a visit to Vatican City and bring your patience. I think the Sistine Chapel is something that you have to see; however, everyone thinks that. So it’s the busiest place in Rome.

My travel writing teacher said she went during the pandemic, thinking that it wouldn’t be crowded, but she was wrong. She said they were packed like sardines in there too.

So yes, book the earliest time slot available, but just know that it will still be busy. You have to walk through quite a bit of the Vatican Museums before getting to the Sistine Chapel. There are some great artifacts in the museums and I loved the map room. But the focus is to get to the Sistine Chapel.

Once in the Sistine Chapel, try to snag a seat along the side of the wall so you’re out of the crowd and can view the stunning ceiling created by Michelangelo.

I have no photos of the Sistine Chapel, because you’re not allowed to photograph it, and honestly, no photo could’ve done that ceiling justice. Go see it for yourself!

Book Your Sistine Chapel Ticket Here

After the Vatican Museums, visit St. Peter’s Basilica. 

St. Peter’s Basilica was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine on the burial site of St. Peter. The current Papal Altar is located directly above the Saint’s tomb. In the 1500s, Pope Julius demolished the original church and rebuilt it with the help of Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

You can enter through the Holy Door, during a Jubilee Year, and see the emotional statue chiseled by Michelangelo, La Pietà. La Pietà depicts Mary holding the dead body of her son, Jesus Christ. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s an incredibly emotional piece that beautifully depicts grief and compassion.

If you’re up for it, you can climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica dome. You can take an elevator to the apse, but then it’s about 300 steps from there to the top of the dome. It’s very claustrophobic-inducing, but you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in Rome!

You do need to book entrance tickets for the Vatican Museum well in advance. St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter, as are all churches in Rome. However, if you want to climb to the top of the dome, you should book your ticket in advance as well.

Alternate Morning Activity: Castel Sant’Angelo

If you’ve already been to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City on a previous trip, consider adding a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo to your itinerary. 

It’s just down the road from the Vatican Museum on the banks of the Tiber River. It was built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, and throughout the years, it also served as a papal hideaway and prison. Today, you can see beautiful Renaissance frescoes, papal apartments, and beautiful panoramic views from the terrace. 

Book your ticket to Castel Sant’Angelo here.

Lunch near the Vatican

There are plenty of places to eat near the Vatican in the Prati neighborhood. Here are a few recommendations:

• Mama Eat: I had my birthday dinner here with the adult study abroad group, so almost everything on the menu was ordered, and there were no complaints. Plus, there are gluten-free options if that’s something you need!
• Il Sorpasso: I stopped in here for a bit of fuel before going into the Vatican Museums and it is such a lovely spot. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and the food was so good!
• Bibliobar: The Bibliobar is such a cool spot on the Tiber River. It’s a book swap spot, there’s a large chessboard to play on, and it’s an excellent place for a coffee and a small bite!

Afternoon in Trastevere

In the afternoon, either walk or take an Uber to Trastevere, a popular neighborhood to visit in Rome. 

The Ponte Sisto bridge leads you into the heart of Trastevere and has a great vantage point of St. Peter’s Basilica for a photo opportunity. 

As you enter the neighborhood, you’ll pass great restaurants and independent shops. Plus, there are plenty of beautiful ivy-covered streets to wander.

Also in Trastevere are a few churches to visit: Santa Maria in Trastevere and Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. 

Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, and possibly in the Catholic Church. Early Christians used it as a gathering space before it became an official church. In the apse of the church are beautiful mosaics depicting the history of Catholicism and the story of the Virgin Mary.

Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is a beautiful church dedicated to the patron saint of music, St. Cecilia. Her home was where the church now stands. In her home, she was tortured for three days for trying to convert her family in 230 AD. 

Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

In the evening, take a four-hour walking tour highlighting the delicious food in Trastevere. You’ll taste authentic Italian street food, skip the line at iconic restaurants like ‘Da Enzo al 29, and sip delicious wine! 

This tour is the perfect way to end your second day in Rome, secure your spot here!

On your way back home, pass by the Jewish Temple and stroll through the Jewish Ghetto. 

Day 3 in Rome: The Pantheon, Piazzas, and Churches

The last few days, you’ve done a lot of walking, and today is no different. Today you’ll be piazza hopping, seeing the Pantheon, and treating yourself to a delicious final dinner in Rome! If you’d like a later start today, take it because I’ll be recommending a late-night visit to the Trevi Fountain.

Morning Walk Through Villa Borghese Park

Start your morning at the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. Walk up the Spanish Steps toward the Trinità dei Monti church and turn left towards Villa Borghese.

Side note: If you’re hungry, there’s a great cafeteria called Il Gianfornaio just around the corner from the bottom of the Spanish Steps. It’s budget-friendly and a great place for a quick bite in the morning.

I absolutely loved the quiet mornings in Villa Borghese park. You’ll probably see families commuting through here on bikes or early morning runners. The gem of Villa Borghese is the beautiful Temple of Aesculapius at the heart of a lake. You can rent paddle boats for the lake if you’d like, but it’s just as beautiful to walk around it.

Also in Villa Borghese park is Galleria Borghese, one of the best museums in Rome. I didn’t have the chance to visit during my month in Rome, but if you can get tickets, plan your park visit around the time of the museum visit to avoid having to double back.

After the park, walk out the end towards Piazza del Popolo. This is a beautiful square where many events are held. At the entrance to Piazza del Popolo is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, inside there are two Caravaggio paintings to see. 

Walk Down Via del Corso

Via del Corso is the main shopping street in Rome. Here you’ll find international brands like H&M and Levi’s, but you’ll also find high-end fashion stores and Italian brands. As you make your way towards the end of Via del Corso, look out for a cross street called Via Seminario, and turn onto it. 

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

Along this road is Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, a church with stunning ceiling frescoes and a false dome. The dome is painted to give the appearance of a real dome! This is also the church you may have seen on TikTok with the selfie mirror. I visited during the day, and the line for the mirror was out of the church and down the block. A few days later, I happened to be passing it around midnigh,t and it was open. There was no line for the mirror, of course.

Don’t wait in line for the mirror. Just go in and enjoy the beautiful artwork of the church.

The Pantheon

After the church, continue walking until you reach the Pantheon. 

The Pantheon is an architectural marvel that has stood with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome with a hole in the middle for 2,000 years! Inside is the tomb of Raphael, the famous Renaissance painter. 

But it’s also just amazing to stand inside and watch the clouds move outside the dome and watch the light change.

You don’t need advanced tickets; you can purchase tickets on site for €5.00. There is a line to the left that is cash only and a line to the right that has machines to purchase tickets. 

In the middle of the day, it will likely be crowded, especially in the summer months. So if you want to adjust your day 3 itinerary to either start or end at the Pantheon, it will still work!

I also really enjoyed sitting on the steps of the fountain in front of the Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda and people watching. 

Lunch near the Pantheon

At this point, you’re probably ravenous from all of the walking, but there are some great places to eat around the Pantheon that are not tourist traps! Here are a few to check out:

• Ginger: Ginger has a few locations in Rome, and I ate there at least three times. They had some healthier options, Acai Bowls, as well as traditional pastas.
• Pizza Zazà: A great option for a slice of pizza enjoyed outside.
• Sant’Eustachio Cafe: I ate here with my art history class one morning and the hot chocolate was so good as were their pastries. But it’s more of a bar for coffee and pastries than a meal. That being said, if you’re in the area in the morning, it’s a must-visit!

Souvenir Shopping around the Pantheon

There are a couple of great souvenir shops around the Pantheon. 

The first is Booktique, which has unique prints, totes, plates, and other items about Rome and Italy. It’s a really cute shop and you’re bound to find something here.

Manufactus is the second place I recommend stopping in for leather goods like journals, bags, and notepads. You can also get a wax stamp!

Visit Piazza Navona

After you’ve fueled up and shopped a bit, head towards Piazza Navona. Piazza Navona is on the grounds of an ancient stadium, hence its oval layout. There are three fountains in the Piazza, but the main one is in the center. It’s the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini.

This stunning Baroque fountain highlights the four great rivers that were known at the time: The Danube, the Amazon, the Ganges, and the Nile. 

Enjoy Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

It’s time for a drink, don’t you think?! There are so many rooftop bars in Rome, many are at the top of hotels. Here are a few in the area to check out:

• Hotel Raphael: My art history professor said this was his favorite rooftop bar. 
• The Vista Rooftop Club: I loved this rooftop bar. There was great energy and stunning views. The cocktails were delicious too and they have small plates (a bit pricey).
• Palazzo Navona Hotel: This is where my travel writing class met for our last time! There’s a great view of the Pantheon dome!

Final Dinner in Rome

For your final dinner in Rome, I have a few suggestions, but they all require advance reservations. By that I mean, you will need to make them well before you arrive in Rome!

Armando al Pantheon: Recommended by Stanley Tucci, I was able to secure a 10:00 pm dinner reservation and had a wonderful experience. I enjoyed a pasta course, a meat course, and a dessert, along with a few glasses of wine. Armando’s was reasonably priced (especially for its location and fame). I think I paid around $60 for the meal!

Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro: We had our final group dinner at Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro, so I got to try a little bit of everything on the menu, and all of it was delicious! It’s near Campo de Fiori, which I haven’t had a chance to include in this itinerary, if you want to have a wander through this area before or after dinner.

Roscioli: I was able to eat pizza at the deli location of Roscioli, and it was so good! I was unable to score reservations at their main restaurant, but a classmate of mine was able to and said it was worth the hype!

Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain

It’s time to end your three days in Rome with a wish at the Trevi Fountain. I visited the Trevi Fountain at various times in the day during my month in Rome, including 6:00 am, noon, 4:00 pm, and midnight. Midnight was my favorite time to be there.

Of course, there were still people there, but it was the quietest time of the day.

Here’s how to make your wish at the Trevi Fountain:

• Stand with your back to the fountain
• Hold a coin in your right hand
  • 1 coin means you’ll return to Rome someday
  • 2 coins mean you’ll fall in love
  • 3 coins mean you’ll return to Rome and get married there
  • (supposedly)
• Toss the coin over your left shoulder

What a beautiful way to end your time in Rome!

Where to Stay in Rome, Italy

Ok, so where do you base yourself in Rome so that you’re a short walk from all of these main attractions. There are quite a few neighborhoods in Rome and they all have their own energy. It also depends on your budget and travel style. Here are four neighborhoods to consider as your base for Rome. 

Stay in Monti

I stayed in Monti for the month and absolutely loved it. It was obviously close to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, but it was also a quick walk to all of the other places I mentioned in this itinerary.

• Hotel Grifo: This sweet little hotel is in the heart of Monti and offers clean, comfortable rooms with warm hospitality. The rooftop terrace is a lovely bonus. Check rates and availability here.
• Condominio Monti: I love a budget-friendly boutique hotel! The rooms are beautifully designed, there’s a buffet breakfast on the rooftop, and there is a restaurant on site as well! Check rates and availability here.
• Nerva Boutique Hotel: With only 20 rooms it earns the “boutique” in its name. While very close to the Colosseum, it’s on a quiet street, so you can get your rest. Plus, there is a continental breakfast on site! Check rates and availability here.

Stay in Centro Historico

Many people stay in the historic center, which I think is great for first timers. But it will always be crowded with tourists and doesn’t have much of an authentic feel. That being said, you’ll be really close to the must-visit locations in Rome and there are a variety of places to choose from in the area.

• Albergo del Senato: Talk about location, some of the rooms have a view of the Pantheon! It doesn’t get more central than this! Check rates and availability here. 
• Hotel Nazionale: Located in a quiet square, but around the corner from the famous Giolitti Gelato shop, this is a perfect base for Rome. It’s close to everything, but still on a quiet street so you can get your rest! Check rates and availability here.
• Hotel Raphael: A luxury hotel located on a quiet street just steps from Piazza Navona. If you want to treat yourself in the heart of the city, stay here! Check rates and availability here.

Stay in Trastevere

Trastevere is a charming neighborhood that has a good mix of a local and tourist vibe. You can head out into the city every day to explore and then return to your neighborhood for a good meal and lively nightlife. 

• Hotel Santa Maria: This hotel has nothing but 5-star reviews. It looks beautiful as its 19 rooms are in an ancient cloister. It’s just steps from all of the fun things to do in Trastevere and Rome, but you can retreat into the tranquil courtyard to relax. Check rates and availability here.
• Palazzo Baj: A beautiful guesthouse with a lovely host on the banks of the River Tiber that has excellent reviews! Check rates and availability here.
• Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere: Located between the Vatican and Trastevere is this charming hotel. It has a beautiful modern design with intricate details that give a luxury feel. Since it’s a bit removed, you’ll have a quiet place to rest, but still be about a 15-minute walk to all of the fun things on this itinerary. Check rates and availability here.

Stay in Prati

Most people in my program stayed in Prati and really enjoyed it. It’s the quietest of the neighborhoods mentioned here and has a very local vibe. It’s well served by public transit to get you closer to the tourist sites. If it’s not your first time in Rome or you’re looking for something more local, Prati is a great place to stay.

• Boutique Hotel Piedra Roma: A beautiful boutique hotel on the third floor of a historic building (don’t worry there is an elevator). It’s just steps away from Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican. A quick walk across the bridge and you’re in the center of Rome! Check rates and availability here.
• Hotel Dei Mellini: Another great hotel that has excellent reviews. It’s on the luxury side, but still decently priced! It’s on the banks of the river, but a short walk to the Vatican and to the bridge to cross into the historic center. Plus, there’s a rooftop terrace! Check rates and availability here.

And there you have it! Everything you need to know to have an epic three days in Rome! Rome is truly a beautiful city filled with ancient history, but I also loved the people I met there. I hope that you enjoy it just as much as I did. I have a feeling that after these three days, you’ll be planning your return trip to Rome to see more!

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