Here is my 3 day itinerary for Rome!

Day 1

St. Peter’s Basilica: my recommendation is to get here early and avoid a super long queue. Spend the morning exploring the Basilica then head to climb the Dome.

Dome Climb: offers an outstanding view of Piazza San Pietro.

Duecento Gradi : fresh sandwiches on the route to the Vatican in Piazza Risorgimento.

The Vatican: I think the trick here is coming mid-afternoon to avoid a long wait. Also, the last Sunday of every month admission is free–but they close at 2!

Castel Sant’angelo: sits majestically beside the river, beautiful scene.

Stroll along the Tiber River

Day 2

Villa Borghese Park: another amazing view of Rome. The park also offers a great place to sit and relax; maybe grab a bottle of vino and have a picnic while people watching.

Spanish Steps: overly crowded but you have to see it.

Barcaccia Fountain

Caffe Greco: the first caffe in Rome, a little pricey but grab something to go.

Trevi Fountain: be sure to throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish! But you have to promise to return to Rome!

Piazza di Trevi

Via del Corso shopping: all the major brands, so when you need a little break from all the history.

Pantheon

Piazza Navona: Grab a seat at one of the many restaurants surrounding the square and have a drink and watch the tourists flood in and out!

Gelato at Frigidarium: Delicious gelato!

Day 3

The Forums: BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE… I cannot stress that enough. This ticket allows entrance into the Coliseum and the waiting is so much longer there!

The Coliseum: BUY YOUR TICKET AT THE FORUMS! 🙂 Also, free entrance on the first Sunday of the month.

Pane & Vino: great, authentic sandwich shop.

Aventine Hill: highly recommended, see below!

Trastevere District: grab dinner here and stroll the winding streets!

You can read about these and a few others on my post called The Rome Less Traveled.

Warning: these are high tourist areas and you should be prepared to alter your plans based on long waits. Also, there will be no shortage of individuals offering you tours, an opportunity to skip the line, selfie sticks, roses, etc. Extend your hand and make eye contact with others at your own caution 😉

3 days is the perfect amount of time to see Rome– but if you threw a coin in Trevi Fountain, you’ll have to return! 🙂

And don’t fret about where to eat in Rome, read this!