What to See in Rome in 3 Days: My Personal Guide to an Amazing First Visit
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I think you could spend weeks in Rome and still feel like you missed something, but if you’ve only got three days, don’t worry. You can still see some of the most spectacular sights, have your “pinch me” moments, and even throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to make sure you’ll be back.
I’ll show you exactly what to see in Rome in 3 days based on my own recent trips, complete with tips I wish I’d known, photos I maybe wasn’t supposed to take, and a few surprises that made me fall in love with the Eternal City all over again.
Day 1
Trevi Fountain
Plan to spend at least 15 minutes.
This fountain is breathtaking the first time you see it, and equally so the following times you see it! It’s one of those things that just doesn’t translate well in photos as to how stunning it is in person. The Trevi Fountain is right in the midst of a neighborhood, surrounded by shops, apartments, and offices. There’s something magical about masterpieces of civilization just sitting there in the middle of everyday life. That’s the kind of thing that endlessly enchants me about Rome!
I read many tips before my visit warning that you must arrive at the crack of dawn for a chance of a close photo of the fountain. It’s certainly a good idea to attempt to get there with few crowds and heat in the summer. However, I found that each time I went, even if it was really crowded, you could just wait a few minutes and get right up to the edge of the fountain for your photos and selfies. So don’t worry too much if you oversleep a little!
Definitely visit it twice if you can: once during the day and again at night. It lights up beautifully and feels totally different after dark.
Don’t forget to follow the tradition set by the movie Three Coins in a Fountain : throw a coin with your left hand over your right shoulder to ensure you will return to Rome someday! It’s worked for me so far, so I’m not taking any chances.
There’s a hotel directly across from the Trevi Fountain where you can get a room with a view! I am so tempted to try this someday, though I can understand that for some people this might be their worst nightmare! Here’s the link to the hotel in case you’re interested: Hotel Fontana.
Click below for a live view of the Trevi Fountain!
Church of Saint Ignatius
Plan to spend at least 30 minutes.
I’d never heard of this church, but our wonderful Rome tour guide, Tiffany (see below), showed us this marvel which was right on our way walking from the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon. (It’s about a 5 minute walk from Trevi Fountain to the Church of St. Ignatius.)
I was “floored by the ceiling” (haha)!! I wish I had more time to spend there and can’t wait to go back. I’ve never seen anything like the beautiful 3D paintings before. Of course it is hard to see the magnificence of this in the pictures. But look how the baroque artist, Andrea Pozzo, extended the painting past the surface, like in the second photo below where the man’s hand extends into the window frame!
There’s also a “dome” over the altar that’s not a dome at all, it’s completely flat, just another trick of the eye. Truly astounding, and I’m not even exaggerating! Honestly, I didn’t want to leave. I’m already planning to go back and spend more time soaking it all in.
It’s free, peaceful, and right on your walking route. Don’t miss it, even if churches aren’t usually your thing, this one might convert you (tee hee).
Pantheon
Plan to spend at least an hour.
After you close your mouth from the jaw dropping St. Ignatius, walk about 3 minutes to the Pantheon.
The Pantheon is one of those places that makes you stop and wonder how on earth they pulled it off, especially since it was built around 125 AD. That massive dome? Still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. It even beats out St. Peter’s in size.
What really amazed me was the oculus, the round opening at the top of the dome, which is completely open to the sky. Yes, when it rains, the rain comes right in. But the ancient Romans had it figured out: the floor is slightly tilted and has drainage holes. Ingenious.
The Pantheon is an active Catholic Church with regular service Saturdays at 5PM and Sundays at 10:30AM (free mass admission). Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and not yell like a maniac while visiting!
Fun fact: the Pantheon has been in continuous use since it was built. That’s almost two thousand years of people walking through the same doorway you will. Gives you goosebumps, right?
Day 2
Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica
Plan to spend at least 3 hours.
Even if you’re not usually one for museums, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are simply musts when visiting Rome. Technically, Vatican City is its own country (population: under 1,000), but it’s easy to walk there from central Rome, about 30 minutes from the Trevi Fountain.
I highly recommend taking a tour of the Vatican Museums and NOT doing it on your own. It’s seriously so vast, and sooo crowded that I’ve heard it can feel like a waste of time going on your own. Tour guides can actually tell you what you’re seeing, and are savvy at helping you quickly weave through the crowds.
We booked a private guided tour, and it was worth every Euro. Not only did our guide, Barbara, make sense of all the art and history (there’s a lot) and make it come to life for us, but we also got to skip the mile-long line baking in St. Peter’s Square. Entry to the Basilica is free, but unless you’re into standing in the sun for hours, I highly recommend booking something ahead.
Some highlights that stuck with me: the Hall of Maps, the Raphael Rooms, the glimpse of the Vatican Gardens, and of course, the Sistine Chapel (yes, I may have sneakily snapped a photo for you, don’t tell the Swiss Guard). St. Peter’s Basilica itself is massive and jaw-droppingly beautiful, (and it’s cool inside even on a scorching hot day.)
Don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà—it’s behind bulletproof glass now, but still deeply moving.
If you only do one “touristy” thing in Rome, make it this, and get a guide if you can. It turns what could be an overwhelming maze of art into an unforgettable experience.
Piazza Navona
Plan to spend at least an hour.
Piazza Navona is one of those places where you find yourself saying, “Oh, this is why people fall in love with Rome.” It’s a long, oval-shaped plaza that used to be a Roman stadium, and now it’s filled with fountains, street artists, restaurants and the kind of energy that makes you want to sit with a spritz and just people-watch for hours.
There are three gorgeous fountains here, including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. If you look closely at the statues, you’ll notice tons of dramatic flair. The one representing the Nile has his head covered because no one knew where the river started at the time. I love that kind of detail.
This is a great spot to wander, soak it all in, and maybe grab a seat outside one of the cafés, even if it’s just for a cappuccino break. Bonus: a lot of movies have been filmed here, so there’s a good chance something will feel oddly familiar.
Definitely swing by at dusk when the lighting gets a little golden and everything feels extra cinematic.
Day 3
Colosseum
Plan to spend at least two hours.
You can’t come to Rome and skip seeing the Colosseum, it’s the city’s most famous landmark for a reason. Built in 72 AD, it’s still standing tall (well, mostly) and draws more than four million visitors a year.
Confession: I haven’t gone inside yet, but even just walking around the outside is an experience. It’s massive, iconic, and you can almost hear the echoes of ancient gladiators (and probably a few lions).
One of the highlights of a recent Rome visit was a big splurge dinner at “Aroma“, a Michilin-starred restaurant with a stunning view of the Colosseum. If you are a Rockefeller and/or want a really special experience, book dinner at sunset here.
If you do want to go inside the Colosseum, book your ticket well in advance. The lines are legendary, think “hours baking in the sun” long. Also, seeing the Colosseum both during the day and at night is worth it. At night, it’s lit up and somehow feels even more powerful.
This is one of those sights that makes you pause and go, “Wait… people built this almost 2,000 years ago?” Rome, you showoff.
Spanish Steps
Plan to spend at least 15 minutes.
The Spanish Steps are one of those iconic Rome sights you kind of have to see, even if you’re not exactly sure why. Built in 1725 with 135 steps, they originally connected the Spanish Embassy (now long gone) to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.
You might recognize them from movies like Roman Holiday, but full disclosure: I didn’t find them quite as magical as some other Roman spots. They’re undeniably elegant, but the vibe is more “glam photo shoot” than “awe-inspiring history.”
The surrounding area is packed with designer boutiques, so if window shopping (or real shopping) is your thing, this could be fun. I’ve heard they’re gorgeous in spring when they’re covered in flowers, and at Christmas time they are decked out with a manger scene. Something to keep in mind if you’re planning a seasonal trip.
And a heads-up: you’re not allowed to sit on the steps anymore. The police take this very seriously. Ask me how I know…
Even if they didn’t quite steal my heart, I’m still glad I checked them off the list. It’s Rome, you’ve got to see the legends, even if just for a quick photo.
Tour Recommendations!
My last visit to Rome was particularly wonderful because I booked a private tour with Bittersweet Life Podcast host, Tiffany Parks! Tiffany is an American who has lived in Rome for the past 20 years. She offers several different tours to choose from.
I took the “Rome’s Marvels” walking tour and it was perfect for a wonderful overview of Rome’s most famous attractions, plus some off the beaten path sights. Tiffany is fun, engaging and very knowledgeable about Roman history. I highly recommend looking into her tours. I think prices vary, but the 3 hour tour I was on was about 275 Euros (total, not per person).
Tiffany does not offer tours of the Vatican or the Colosseum but can connect you with an excellent tour guide who does. This is how we found our Vatican tour guide, Barbara.
If you’re a little nervous about navigating Rome solo or just want someone to show you the ropes without the big-group chaos, Tiffany is a dream guide. And bonus: her podcast, The Bittersweet Life, is packed with episodes on Rome, so you can start exploring from your couch before you even board your flight.
More Rome Resources
Still in the dreaming and planning phase? I’ve got a few more blog posts you might love, especially if you’re the kind of traveler (like me!) who likes to feel both inspired and prepared:
Movies to Watch Before Visiting Rome – A fun list of films to get you in the Roman mood. Some are classics, others might surprise you, but they’ll all have you Googling flights.
Smart Rome Travel Tips from a Repeat Visitor – These are the things I wish someone had told me before my first trip. From shoes to skip-the-line hacks, it’s all here.
Where to Eat Near Rome’s Top Sights – 7 Must Try Spots – If you want great food without wandering too far from the must-sees, this guide is for you. No tourist traps, just delicious meals close to the action.
Where to Stay in Rome: My Favorite Places After Multiple Trips – After a few visits (and a few hotel hits and misses), I’ve put together my personal favorites: safe, charming, and great for solo travelers.
Book Recommendation
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to know the story behind the sights, and maybe even impress your fellow travelers with a fun fact or two, this is the book for you.
Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things to Do in Rome by Corinna Cooke
This is hands-down my favorite Rome guide. It’s not your typical dry, map-heavy book, it reads like a conversation with a savvy, enthusiastic friend who’s already explored every corner of the city and wants to spill all the secrets.
It’s packed with unique ideas, charming detours, and thoughtful tips you won’t find in mainstream guides. I recommend it to anyone heading to Rome, whether it’s your first trip or your fifth.
Map of What to See
Wrapping Up Your Roman Holiday
If you’ve made it this far—grazie mille! I hope this guide helps you feel a little more confident and a lot more excited about planning your Roman adventure. Rome can feel overwhelming at first (so much to see! so little time!), but with a bit of planning and a pinch of spontaneity, it becomes absolutely magical.
Whether you’re throwing your coin in the Trevi Fountain, gazing up at the ceiling of Saint Ignatius, or simply sipping an espresso while people-watching in Piazza Navona, I hope you have those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
If you have any questions, or just want to share your favorite part of Rome, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. And if you’re still planning, don’t forget to check out the additional resources above for more Rome inspiration.
Buon viaggio,
Sue 💛
