City Guide | 4 Days in Rome
Rome is a beautiful city, chock-full of history, delicious food, and cobbled streets. It’s not hard to understand why around 10 million travellers choose Rome as their travel destination every year.
The city is sprawling with so much to see, and it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. To help you plan, I’ve built a “mix-and-match” 4 Days in Rome Itinerary. I’d suggest taking one block for the morning, and one block for the evening, joining the Italians in their mid-day riposo in between!
Let’s get planning…
Block 1 - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
This block is for the history lovers — walking around this area feels like stepping back into another age to see how the Romans lived during the times of the Ancient Roman Empire.
I would suggest doing this earlier on in the day if possible, crowds only get busier as the day goes on. And if you’re visiting in the summer, that sun can be brutal. Nearly all of this block is in full sun. That said, if morning doesn’t work for you, it can easily be slotted in as a afternoon or early evening activity.
Stop 1 - The Colosseum
If you don’t visit the Colosseum, can you even say you visited Rome?
Today, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but it has a gruesome past. If you’ve ever seen Russel Crowe in Gladiator, you’ll be familiar with the Ancient Romans’ favourite form of entertainment. Commoners and emperors alike would fill the stands to watch men fight to the death for sport. Imagine, cheering for blood instead of your favourite football team!
The structure is now known for its incredible size, remaining the world’s largest amphitheatre nearly 2000 years after its construction.
If you are going to book anything in advance, make it this. Tickets on the official site drop 30 days in advance here. If you’re like me and forget to book ahead, you can find tickets later through third-party sites (i.e. Get Your Guide), but the price will be considerably higher.
Not sure what ticket to get? Consider spending a bit more to get access to the arena, attic or underground levels. You can stand where the gladiators fought for their lives, or get a bird’s eye view of the space and take in the Colosseum from a whole new perspective. On my most recent visit, we were able to snag some tickets for the Attic Access. The space has limited guests (only 8 people per time block), which means they aren’t easy to get; but you feel like a VIP as you get shuttled through back entrances to the top floor of the Colosseum.
The Roman Forum
Stop 2 - The Roman Forum
Located just down the road from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum.
Visitors can walk the streets of Ancient Rome, experiencing the beauty and incredible architecture of the city from a different time.
This area was used for discussing policies, hosting outdoor markets, and gatherings.
Stop 3 - Palatine Hill
With your ticket to the Roman Forum you also gain access to Palatine Hill, so don’t leave before checking it out.
This is the oldest part of the city, dating back to 1000 BCE. Essentially, this is where the Roman Empire began. Don’t miss it!
Bonus Stop - Aventine Key Hole*
Depending on where you’re planning to head next, sneak in a quick 20-30 minute detour over to the Aventine Keyhole.
With social media, it’s become pretty well known, but if you have some time to kill, join the line and catch a glimpse through the keyhole. You’ll be standing in Italy, looking through the gardens of Malta, at the Vatican… three countries in a single moment!
Block 2 - Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo
Bramante Staircase, Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world, located in the middle of Rome and is home to the iconic Sistine Chapel. I’ve heard people say that it doesn’t interest them because they aren’t religious, but you truly don’t need to be religious to appreciate the incredible beauty of this place.
This is another stop that I would say is best done earlier in the day, as tickets only have entry times, but people are allowed to stay for as long as they want, meaning that the crowds only increase as the day goes on.
Stop 1 - The Sistine Chapel
You know the iconic painting of God and Adam’s hand reaching out to touch? That is the Creation of Adam, painted in fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The intricate piece was painted by Michelangelo (the painter, not the Ninja Turtle) between 1508 and 1512. It is well worth the stop.
If you do visit, be respectful and adhere to the rules: no talking and no photos.
Tickets can be purchased online here. These tickets also give you access to the other Vatican Museums which are well worth checking out as well. On that note, to access the Chapel, you actually have to walk through some of the other museums for about 45 minutes before you arrive to the main event.
Exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica
Stop 2 - St. Peter’s Basilica
Another gorgeous space to explore, with incredible, high, arched ceilings and fresco-painted domes.
If you want to get an amazing view of the Vatican and Rome, consider paying extra to go up to the Duomo. There are options for both an elevator and the stairs, depending on what works best for you.
Tickets for the Basilica can be purchased here.
Stop 3 - Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian, it has since been converted into a museum.
The Castel is located a short walk away from the Vatican, on the Tiber River. Tickets to the museum are available on their website, here.
If you’re museum-ed out for the day, though, make sure you walk around the exterior and cross Ponte Sant’Angelo, a pedestrian bridge originally built in 134 AD. Today, it is lined with incredible statues of angels, St. Peter, and St. Paul.
Bonus Stop - Mercantilo del Libro*
About a 15-minute walk along the river is an outdoor used book market, open between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Walking amongst the previously loved books is the perfect way to end this block.
Block 3 - Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and The Pantheon
Walking through the winding, thin streets of this part of Rome you will be surrounded by that classic “European” feel, with cobblestone streets, restaurants with seating sprawling out into the road and mind-blowing beauty all around.
Feel free to get a little lost, stumble upon gelaterias, cafes and picturesque side streets.
Stop 1 - Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is over 260 years old and is the oldest water source in Rome. Today, it attracts thousands of people every day. If you’re visiting during the high season, you will be hard-pressed to avoid the crowds at any time of day. Don’t let that stop you, though; the fountain is incredible and worth braving the crowds.
Legend has it that if you throw in a coin, you'll return to Rome, two coins to fall in love, and a third if you're looking for marriage. So if you’re looking to live out your Lizzie McGuire dreams and maybe hoping for your own Gordo, wait to make your way to the front and toss your coin!
Face away from the fountain, and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder and wait for the magic to find you.
If you’ve already found your person, head to the far right side and find the smaller, Lover’s Fountain. It’s said that a couple who drinks from the fountain will stay in love and loyal forever.
The first time I went, we had to slowly make our way through the crowds to get to the front. Most recently, in 2025, there is controlled entry on the right side of the fountain, where you will see a line. The line moves quickly and makes the overall experience much more enjoyable, so don’t let it deter you.
Not to Miss: Explore beneath the fountain for €4, open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-5 pm. Find tickets here.
Trevi Fountain
Interior of the Pantheon
Stop 2 - Spanish Steps
Quite literally a huge, ornate staircase connecting two piazzas (squares). But an iconic staircase that is worth walking past to see.
If you’re visiting, just note that you are not allowed to sit on the steps, people who do will be fined, so snap a pic and keep walking!
Stop 3 - Pantheon
A true architectural marvel — I highly recommend paying the €5 entrance fee to see the incredible dome from the inside.
The Pantheon is the resting place of the first king of Italy, along with many other notable figures, including Raphael (again: artist, not turtle).
Now bear with me while I nerd out on the architecture for a moment… The dome above was the largest for around 1300 years. Larger ones have been built since then, but none are free-standing; the Pantheon remains the largest of its kind in the world! The dome has perfect proportions — its diameter is exactly the distance from the floor to the oculus (the hole in the top) — the engineering of it is brilliant and beautiful to take in.
It is one of my favourite places for a quick stop in Rome and I cannot recommend it enough.
Bonus Stop - Piazza Navona
Five minutes from the Pantheon is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, Piazza Navona. The square features three fountains: Fontana del Moro, Fontana de' Calderari, and Fountain of the Four Rivers.
The square is a great place to stop and people-watch or fill your water from one of the fountains.
Block 4 - Explore Trastavere
Trastavere is a lively neighbourhood, full of amazing food, street markets, and lights. It is wonderful during the day, but night is when the real magic comes out. Spend a few hours wandering the streets, popping into shops and soaking it all in.
Stop 1 - Tiber Island*
Start your exploration slightly outside of Trastavere on Tiber Island — the only island on the Tiber River in Rome. The small island has a rich history, and a handful of restaurants to stop at.
Streets of Trastavere
Stop 2 - Ponte Sisto and Piazza Trilussa
If you’re timing your visit for the evening, try to catch sunset at the bridge, it gets crowded, but you can watch the sun dip over the river. After the sun goes down, cross over to the west side of the river and into Piazza Trilussa where you will often find live music and people dancing in the street, enjoying the music and the community.
Stop 3 - Markets
Trastavere is home to plenty of markets, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to vintage finds.
There are markets set up in both the day and night, especially during the summer, so no matter what time of day you choose to visit, you’re sure to find some.
If you’re around on a Sunday, make sure to check out the Porta Portese Market, its the biggest and most famous. So join the crowds and enjoy wandering through the tents.
Bonus Stop - Movie Night in the Square*
During the summer months, there are movies every night at 9:15 in Piazza di S. Cosimato with English subtitles for non-English films. If you’re exploring the streets of Trastavere in the evening, grab a bottle of wine, a blanket, and enjoy the cool evening air with a movie!
Independent Activities
Now that we’ve covered the big things, here are some suggestions for what else to do during your visit!
Visit the Catacombs*
Spend a couple of hours exploring the intricate tunnels filled with tombs below Rome. I’d recommend paying for a guide, many of the tours will include transportation from the centre of the city to the entrances and provide a lot of interesting information. Here is a company you can book online. Plan for 2-3 hours between transportation and walking the tunnels.
Restaurants in Trastavere:
- Da Enzo al 29 (pasta)
- Fradiavolo Pizzeria (pizza)
- Mimi e Coco Trast (pasta and appertivos)
- Trattoria da Augusto (Roman traditional)
Restaurants Near the Trevi Fountain:
- Forno Campo de 'Fiori (sandwiches)
- Old Bar Pasticceria (gelato)
- Emma Pizzeria (pizza)
Restaurant near the Vatican:
- Hostaria Dino e Toni (Roman traditional)
- Mama Eat (pasta and pizza)
Eat the Local Dishes
Every region of Italy has its own traditional dishes, perfected after years of being passed down through generations. These are some that you should seek out in Rome:
Pastas
- Carbonara: Eggs, cheese, black pepper, pancetta pork
- Cacio e Pepe: Literally “cheese and pepper”
- Amatriciana: Tomato, cheese, pepper, pancetta pork
Sweet treat
- Marritozzo: A light bun filled with sweet whipped cream. Indulgent and delicious.
Take a Cooking Class
Some Cooking Classes in Rome:
Pasta and Tiramisu €43 near the Vatican
Four Course Meal €95 in Trastavere
Pasta Making €51 in Piazza Navona
Cooking classes may be one of my absolute favourite things to do while travelling. They’re a fun way to meet people, and conveniently cover a meal too. Whether it’s ceviche in Peru, pesto in Cinque Terre, or pasta in Rome, it’s always a 5-star experience!
There are so many to choose from, some more reasonably priced than others. Pick one that works for your budget. Take advantage of the experience and go home with a few new recipes in your back pocket to wow your friends and family!
Go on a Walking Tour *
One of the best ways to get a little insight into the city you’re visiting is by signing up for a walking tour. Love food and want to try some local dishes? Check out this food tour through the heart of Rome. Or do ghost stories and historical tales interest you? The Dark Hearts of Rome might be more your speed.
Sunset at Piazza del Popolo
Visit Piazza del Popolo for Sunset
Pack a bottle of wine or grab a takeaway spritz and walk up the stairs to the east of the square and catch the sunset featuring St Peter’s Duomo. The perfect end to a day of wandering the eternal city!
