I Did Rome in 24 Hours: Here's What I Recommend for a 3-Day Itinerary

If you love history like me, Rome is among the most spectacular destinations in the world. You really feel like you’re wandering a living museum as you pass ancient stone columns that have stood for thousands of years, mythological fountains and marble, and structures like the Colosseum that feel straight out of a movie. 

But modern Rome is just as worthwhile, with some of the best food in the world, a living culture full of art and artisans, and a slow-paced rhythm best spent in an outdoor piazza. While a three-day itinerary is a quick trip for Rome, it can definitely be done; I did the city once in 24 hours, but easily walked 30,000 steps!

This itinerary will get you the highlights of both ancient and modern Rome, while keeping each day centered in particular parts of the city. 

What to Do Before You Go

Many attractions sell out of tickets fast, especially in the busy summer months, so book them as soon as possible. The Vatican and Colosseum in particular typically need to be booked the farthest in advance. Even if they’re sold out on the website, don’t stress; you may be able to find a tour that includes tickets as tour companies often buy tickets in bulk — though often at a markup than you’d pay alone. 

Shoulder season, especially April and October, is one of the best times to visit Rome, before it gets too hot in the summer or too wet in the winter. The height of summer can be excruciatingly hot, especially with how much walking you’ll probably do. Pack great shoes and light layers; also, be mindful of your wallets, purses, and passports. Pickpockets are relatively common here, especially on public transportation and in tight spaces. 

Day 1: Ancient Rome

As soon as you get into the heart of the ancient city, it’s impossible to miss the monuments that dot the landscape. Even without buying a ticket to anything, you can wander around the city to see and appreciate its history. 

To really see everything up close and personal, it’s worth buying the 24-hour ticket that gets you into the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine. I recommend starting your day in the Colosseum, as it’s one of the most iconic places in the world, and the engineering is spectacular. It’s easy to see how this was the model for today’s sports stadiums! 

Right next to the Colosseum, the Roman Forums is where a lot of people truly feel the weight and history of this place. While the Colosseum was for special events, the Forum was really the marketplace and day-to-day center of ancient Roman life. Surviving structures include government buildings, temples to gods and Caesar, and arches commemorating military victories. Leave the most time for this in your day, as it can easily take 2-3 hours to walk the grounds and see everything there is to see. 

Palatine Hill is also worth seeing, as it is one of the most ancient places in the city, and mythologically, the birthplace of Rome. According to legend, a she-wolf nursed two twin boys, Romulus and Remus, to keep them alive. Romulus decided to build the city on Palatine Hill and killed his brother, who disagreed on its location. The site continued for centuries to be the home of imperial palaces. 

With all this packed in, it may be hard to remember to eat, but the nearby Monti neighborhood is a charming place with plenty of bakeries, cafes, and wine bars to grab a snack or a light meal in. 

In the afternoon, you can walk over to Capitoline Hill with its abundance of museums and history. Don’t miss Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michaeangelo, and walk behind Palazzo Senatorio, where you’ll have a great (free) view of the Forums for epic photo opps. 

Day 2: Vatican & Centro Storico

Whether or not you’re religious, the Vatican has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the world, and it’s well worth seeing for both its historical and artistic importance. It also has its own post office, so I especially love writing and sending postcards from here to myself and to my friends around the world. 

Even though the Sistine Chapel is constantly crowded, the ceiling work of art by Michelangelo is a must-see. My personal favorite art piece in the Vatican is Pieta, also by Michelangelo. The stunning marble statue of Mary holding the body of her crucified son evokes so much human emotion, and the flowing fabrics look so lifelike, you can barely believe it’s made out of solid stone. 

Depending on how much you want to see, the Vatican alone can take three to four hours, so leave plenty of time to see everything. 

In the afternoon, cross over to the Centro Storico, a dense part of the city’s core that feels like the heartbeat of Rome. Stop into the Pantheon, a 2nd-century temple dedicated to all the gods, and an amazing architectural feat with its unreinforced concrete dome. Entry is very affordable at € 5,00, and you don’t need to spend a lot of time here to appreciate the gravity of the place. Afterward, grab an espresso at San’ Eustachio Caffe, which has been operating since 1938.

As the sun sets, the Trevi Fountain comes to life, as lights illuminate the titan Oceanus and his water-bound compatriots. Though this attraction is traditionally very crowded, a new € 2,00 fee to get near the fountain and throw a coin in (as a wish/insurance to return to Rome someday) is meant to control the chaos. 

Day 3: Borghese & Trastevere

Start the day at the Villa Borghese gardens (it's free!), and wander the relaxing green space. Art lovers should also stop by the prestigious Galleria Borghese to see works by Caravaggio and Raphael. 

For lunch, grab a slice of pizza, and head toward the Spanish Steps, the widest and longest steps in Europe, and a link from ancient Rome to the Baroque period. 

Finish the day by heading to the west back of the Tiber River in Trastevere. This modern, Bohemian neighborhood is a great place to take an agenda-less passeggiata or stroll, and hop into any boutiques or shops that catch your eye, as this is a great neighborhood to find artisan crafts, vintage fashion, and antiques. 

This is the place to also grab a meal outside. Order a carbonara or cacio e pepe, two of the city’s most iconic pasta dishes. 

A Return to Rome

No matter what you see in Rome, it is a city worth seeing again and again. And if you throw a penny in the Trevi Fountain, legend says you’re bound to return and see all the things you missed the first time around.

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