How to Visit Rome & Rome Itinerary
In December 2021 we made a 5 days trip to Rome, the Italian capital. With this we had quite enough time to visit most of the main landmarks of Rome and got to do most of the best things to do in Rome.
In 5 days, we spent 4 nights there and had a total of 4 full days of visiting as we needed one day to travel there. We arrived in the late afternoon of the first day and left in the evening the last day. We stayed in the city center near Campo de’ Fiori which was perfect as we could reach everything walking. Vatican was up north 25min, Coliseum was south, 20min and so on.
We tried making sense of this Rome itinerary in order to avoid going back and forth. This guide is based mostly on how we did it with a few corrections to improve it.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay
For us, a big part of the travel experience is where you stay. In Rome, the right accommodation can truly enhance your visit, offering comfort, convenience, and a sense of local charm. Here are some great options we recommend for your stay in Rome:
- (€): Residenza Maritti
- (€€): Martius Private Suite
- (€€€): Umiltà 36
Rome Itinerary Day 1: Main landmarks
Map of the Rome Itinerary
Churches and Basilicas
Let’s start by the day going out. We stayed at Campo di Firoi, so on our way to Piazza Venezia we popped by a few churches. You can either enter them quickly or just pass them. There are so many of them that’s hard to truly recommend one or the other. During your stay in Rome, you should go to explore as many as possible. Most of them are breath-taking.
Piazza Venezia & Altar of the Fatherland
First stop of the Rome Itinerary day 1, is Piazza Venezia, one of the main squares of Rome. As this square is only a big roundabout, it’s a quick stop to simply enjoy the Altar of the Fatherland. If later during the day, you have some free time, you can always visit it, but personally we didn’t. Most of those recent monuments are often more majestic from outside.
Be careful on Venice square, it is not easy to cross and there are lots of cars. Unfortunately to pursuit the day, you will have to.
Trajan Forum
Next, and on your way to the Colosseum, you will walk along the Trajan Forum which was the was the last of the Imperial fora to be constructed in ancient Rome. The ruins are simply amazing and super big. You just need to walk all along them toward the colosseum.
In the middle there is a bridge where you can seat for a while and enjoy the Roman sun and the ruins altogether. This is one of our favourite spots in Rome. Perfect to enjoy some suns in the middle of an unique landscape.
If you feel like it, the ruins can also be also visited.
Arch of Constantine
Right next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch dedicated to the emperor Constantine the Great. The arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312.
You can simply admire it a few minutes before entering the Colosseum.
Colosseum
Now, the main attraction of the Rome Itinerary day 1: The Colosseum. with a capacity of more than 50,000 spectators, it was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman empire.
Before entering it, you can go around it as well as on the small hill on its left side for some nice views. You can get a great view from the small hill on its left. To get there, you need to go straight and then up left.
In order to visit it, you need to buy a ticket online. We bought the “Full Experience ticket” for 22€ that gives access to some additional parts of the Colosseum, as well as the Roman forum, the Palatine and other attractions made by the Parco archeologico del Colosseo that manage all those sites.
Also, we personally got an audio-guide in the colosseum, and we found it worth it. It was nice to lean about the place directly in it.
With the full experience, you will get access to the small inner court of the arena and get a better view of its underground. If you want go get in the underground, this can be done with a group or private tour.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Next to the Colosseum, you will be able to access the Roman forum which is a huge archaeological complex where the life Rome was taking place. You can either first walk the Palatine Hill or the Roman forum. To do both you need to go back and forth. In the past there was an exit from the Roman forum toward the Capitol square, but it was closed in December 2021.
Still, we would recommend starting will the hill, get an amazing view of the site, stroll on it, visit the Palatine Museum. Take a small break on one of the benches in front of the old center and and then go to the forum. In the forum, you can also visit temples and other sites.
From the forum, if you go backward within the complex, you can also get nice views of the Colosseum.
Campidoglio & Capitoline Museums
Once out, and if the exit from the Roman forum is still closed, you can just walk back out and toward the Altar of the Fatherland. A bit before turn left to go up the Capitol square. Once there, hike up the stairs and visit the church in the right side then if you feel like it you can visit the Capitol Museum.
We did visit the museum and it was Ok and cool to see the famous statue but that was all.
End of Rome Itinerary Day 1
If you still have some time and want to add to this Rome Itinerary and how to visit Rome day 1, from there you could slowly stroll back, passing by the pantheon or plaza Nueva. If not, this is the end of How to Visit Rome Day 1
Rome Itinerary Day 2: Vatican & North
Rome Itinerary Map
St. Angelo Bridge
Let’s start our Rome Itinerary and how to visit Rome day 2 by going toward the St. Angelo Bridge. This will give you a top view of the Castel Sant’Angelo. And in the morning, it won’t be crowded at all.
The Vatican
From there head toward the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square which is 5min walking distance from St. Angelo Bridge. On your way you will get one super famous picture of the Vatican.
St. Peter’s Square
At the end of the street, you just step in the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square. You just changed country. At the centre of the square is an ancient Egyptian obelisk, erected at the current site in 1586. Early morning the square shouldn’t be too crowded and from it you can admire the from façade of St Peter’s cathedral. This is the spot where all believers gather when the pope is talking from the small balcony on St. Peter’s Cathedral.
Vatican Museums
From there head out from the left (with St Peter’s Cathedral behind you) and walk around the Vatican wall until the museum.
There are a total of 13 museums and the collections in them are just amazing. There is an order to follow within the museum, but you can go as you want as well.
Here we would recommend that you also go into the smaller museums where much less people are. Even though at the time we were there, it was apparently not crowded.
Sistine Chapel
At the end of the museum, you will visit the Sistine Chapel where Cardinals unite to elect the new pope. From there keep toward the exist, make a small stop at on the small garden before going out on the square.
Vatican Step
At the end and on your way out, you will use the famous Vatican Step. A Picture that became famous lately.
St Peter’s dome
Now, you can line up to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world.
But before entering the huge Basilica, you can get to its dome to get the best view of St Peter’s square. To access the rooftop, you can either take the stairs or an elevator and then walk some stairs. While going up, it gets pretty tight in there.
St. Peter’s Basilica entrance is free, but the dome is 8 or 10€.
St. Peter's Basilica
At the exist of the dome, you will be in the Basilica. This one is the largest on earth and is quite beautiful.
Swiss Guard
While in Vatican, try to stop the Swiss Guards which are a minor armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City. Established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is among the oldest military units in continuous operation.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Time to walk back the Fortress. On your way, you could grab a pizza from a smaller street near the Vatican and then go eat it in the park around the Castel Sant’Angelo.
Then, you can visit the Castel Sant’Angelo. The entry is not free but it’s an impressive monument to visit as it was The Mausoleum of Hadrian, and then used by the popes as a fortress and castle and is now a museum.
Flea Market
On your way toward the modern city center, walk along the river where you will find a small flea market after Castel Sant’Angelo. On your way, you will also get to see amazing buildings.
Modern city center
You are now int the modern part of Rome with shopping streets. Simply stroll around those streets, stop a Venchi for the best Icecream and then head to Piazza Del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo or people’s square is the end of all the main streets of the area. Famous for its obelisk and churches.
You can get to a small viewpoint on the right side of the square.
Spanish Steps
Then walk back to Piazza di Spagna where the Spanish Steps are located. A 135 steps stairway built in Rococo style between 1723 and 1726. There are 135 steps and three different terraces, referring to the Holy Trinity and was actually made by the French and are famous for being a place to chill and relax in Rome.
Finish your day with a sunset there.
Rome Itinerary Day 3: Castel Gandolfo
Rome Itinerary Map
Pantheon
Let’s start this Rome Itinerary and how to visit Rome day 3 by heading to the Pantheon. Be there 20min after its opening time to avoid the line. If you want to be the first in it, you will need to arrive at least 20min earlier.
At this hour it will also be quite empty. In the weekend, you need to reserve a spot (free). It says to do it 1-day in advance, but we did it in front and it was Ok.
Trevi Fountain
From the Pantheon, head to the Trevi fountains to admire the most famous fountains of Rome and maybe the World.
Within the fountains, numerous statues are representing an allegory of the Sea with the god Neptune in its center. Tradition has it that you should throw 2 coins in the fountain: one to make a wish and the other one to be sure to return to Rome.
As it is still early in the morning, it will also not be too crowded. Which is perfect to take a nice picture with it.
Quirinal Palace
Time to go to the train station. On your way pop by the Quirinal Palace which is one of the three current official residences of the President of the Italian Republic. You can just walk by it.
Castel Gandolfo
Take a train end of the morning. You have one at 10h28 and it last 53min or 12h21 which last 41min. From the train station of Castel Gandolfo, you will have 10min walk uphill to reach the village. Once there you will get an amazing view of the lake.
We found this place AMAZING and worth spending time there even though it is quite small. Once in the village, visit its main streets, stop at some shops and then go for lunch in on the restaurants there.
To book a train ticket, you can go on Trenitalia (Roma to Castel Gandolfo)
Papal Garden
Open since 2015, it is now possible to visit the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo. It is there that the pope rest but also work when staying in its summer residence. The garden is also the place where all the food for the Vatican is produced.
The garden can only be visited by walking tour or golf car tour. We opted for the walking tour. The guide was super friendly and made the tour really nice. The garden itself is of course stunning.
We visited them at 15h but depending on the season it could also be only in the morning. In this case, you will have to switch this guide.
You can book your ticket there under Castel Gandolfo Residence.
Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo
Once out of the garden, you can visit the huge 17th century villa that was used as a summer residence and vacation retreat for the pope. It is interesting to do but there is a lot to listen from the included audio guide. As you can get to know each pope! And there wasn’t only a few of them.
Then you walk by lots of different room within the villa. Once out, simply walk back to the train station to go back to Rome.
Rome Itinerary Day 4: Garden of Rome
Rome Itinerary Map
Campo di Fiori
Start this Rome itinerary and how to visit Rome day 4 by visiting Campo di Fiori and its flea market. It’s a nice market and there is a lot. Only downside, it’s a bit touristic and it feel likes there isn’t much Italian selling stuff on it.
Piazza Navona
Then head to our favourite square in Rome. It is one of the only squares in Rome that doesn’t have a road (so no cars in it!!!). Meaning it is quite nice to seat on a bench there and enjoy the view of the 3 magnificent fountains.
Later you can also visit the Sant’Agnese in Agone Chruch. The Breath-taking church in the center of the square.
Smaller streets
From there, just stroll around the smaller streets of the city. It took us a while to find those smaller streets but there are super nice. It is also great to get away from the main places and all the tourists. Our favourites streets were:
- Via dei Coronari
- Via di Monte Girodano
- Via del Governo Vecchio
There are located between Piazza Navona and the Tiber River. In them you can stop at a coffee shop and some boutiques.
Villa Borghese
Next head North toward people’s square and where you can find the Villa Borghese Garden, one of the nicest parts in Rome and a great place to take some fresh air.
Within the garden you can also find the Borghese Gallery and Museum showcasing paintings and sculptures as well as the Villa Medici if you are in for some historic visits.
End of Day 4 and the Rome Itinerary
From there, it’s time to end our Rome Itinerary and how tov visit Rome. Leave Rome and take the plane back home. If you have more time, you could go back a place you really liked in the previous day. We went back the Trojan forum and Colosseum 😊
Nessuna Nuova, Buona Nuova – “No News Is Good News”
