How many days should you spend in Rome, the best itineraries for 2023! 

Rome is a city that’s always full of surprises, and this is most evident when you’re just getting started on your first trip. One thing I love about Rome, aside from the incredible food is how much history you can see in every corner! 

Rome is a city that is easy to get around, especially if you want to see more than one place in one day! If you can’t make it for a whole week or two, here are some tips on how many days in Rome would be ideal for you:

How many days in Rome

During my trip to Rome, I was able to see all the top sightseeing tours during my 3-day Itinerary. Although the itinerary was packed and it was a bit exhausting, I felt it was perfect and it even allowed me to visit other parts of Italy. 

If you are visiting, try to stay at least 3-4 days! You can stay longer if you want to have a slow pace, but if you are like me and like to see as much as possible in a short time, 3 days is perfect.

3-day Rome itinerary:

A 3-day Rome itinerary will be a bit intense, but if you only have a few days to enjoy Italy. 3 days can be perfect in Rome and then you can use the other days to visit other cities like Florence or Venice.

Day 1:

• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Pantheon
• Plaza Navona

During my first day, I always like to take things a bit slow. Doing these fun and simple activities will be a great first day, especially if you are adapting to the time change. 

This list is also great if you do it on the very first day in Rome. I had an early flight and was in my hotel by 10 a.m.! This allowed me to do a lot of things but it also kept me busy to make sure I did not fall asleep until nighttime (the best way to deal with jet lag).

What is also great about visiting these sights, you will not need to book any tickets ahead of time. This is more walking around and getting to see the amazing city! 

Start in the Spanish steps, they are right next to a metro station! So it will be a great starting point. There are some good cafes if you want to have breakfast around that area. The steps are near the Trevi Fountain, it will only be a few minutes to walk to each place. Curious Tip: The legend says if you throw a coin into the Fountain you are bound to return to Rome. 

I recommend you finish at the Plaza Navona, there are a lot of restaurants for you to sit in and have a great night with drinks and PIZZA!

Day 2:

• Vatican City
• Vatican Museum
• Sixtine Chappel
• St. Peters Basilica 

This is a pretty exhausting second day! You can end the night in a charming Italian restaurant near the basilica or go to Plaza Navona again. 

I recommend you purchase tickets ahead of time! The line to enter the Vatican Museum is really long and there are a lot of people. Start early! If you get the time slot for the 9:00 a.m. window, it will be less crowded than later. 

Plan to be in the Vatican for quite a few hours. I was there for about 4 hours!!! And I still feel I missed a few things. The chapel is inside the Museum, so make sure not to miss it. 

Start with the Vatican and finish with the Basilica. They are near each other and watching the sundown from the plaza is an amazing view. If you feel up for it, try going up the basilica. There are a lot of steps through narrow hallways, you can also take the elevator. The view from the top is really unique and the pictures will be AMAZING!! Worth the $10. 

Day 3:

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Arch of Constantine 
• Trastevere 

This was one of my favorite days! I loved the Colosseum and I had dinner at one of the best restaurants in Trastevere. 

The Colosseum is also a place you want to purchase tickets ahead of time. This is very crowded and it will take you a few hours to get through the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. 

I recommend you see it all!! Try getting there early in the morning so you can be done at around noon! This will give you plenty of time to see more things or have a calm night before you leave.

4-day Rome itinerary 

The four-day itinerary is designed to showcase Rome’s most iconic sights, while also allowing you time to discover lesser-known gems! A 4-day trip will give you more time to relax! I still keep the same pace of itinerary but give you 2 calm days in between each hectic one. 

Day 1:

• Vatican City
• Vatican Museum
• Sixtine Chappel 
• St. Peters Basilica 

The heaviest or most packed day will be the day you visit the Vatican. You will be amazed by the size and how much there is to see there. 

As I mentioned before, try getting the tickets ahead of time. You can purchase them directly at the Vatican or book with a tour company. 

The benefit of booking the tickets with a guided tour is the time!! You will be able to use a specific entrance and the guide will most likely walk you through the important highlights quickly. The downside is you will not be able to take your time or go at your own pace. 

If you finish the Vatican by Noon, you will be able to enjoy a lot more of Rome! But you will be exhausted at the end of the night, you can go to bed early and sleep in for Day 2. 

Day 2:

• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Pantheon
• Plaza Navona

One of my favorite things to do when traveling to a new country is just walking around. This is why Day 2 is one of my favorite itineraries for how many days in Rome. 

You can sleep on this day, I am sure you will be exhausted from Day 1. Have a calm morning and have breakfast on the Spanish steps. There is a cafe I love called Il Gianfornaio! 

After you have walked around and hopefully had a few gelatos on your way through the city, I would end the night walking through Plaza Navona. There are so many great restaurant options and the plaza looks beautiful at night. 

Day 3:

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Arch of Constantine 
• Trastevere 

This day will be another busy one! The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are all in the same area. You can purchase the tickets for all 3 in the same place. 

I recommend you get there in the morning around 10 AM and you should be done at around 1 PM. Depending on how crowded it is! These places are most crowded in the afternoon, I like to get the tourist destinations over with during the morning.

Ending the night at Trastevere is one of my favorite things to do. I love this place so much, I even recommend you go more than once! I had the best pasta I ever had there! In this post, I will not only talk about how many days in Rome. But! you’ll see a list of my favorite restaurants and hotels. Also, you can see the Hidden Gem Restaurants in Rome for the best food tips in the city.

Day 4:

• The Aventine Keyhole or Buco della Serratura
• Italian Cooking Class
• La Cannoleria Siciliana
• Rome Catacombs and Crypts

I made this day a bit adventurous. The most important sightseeing and tourist attractions are within the first 3 days! Day 4 will take you to a few unique places!

I would start in the Catacombs! This is another great opportunity to learn more about the history of Rome. It is also a fun experience to see how some Romans were buried (it’s not scary! I promise). 

After the catacombs and Crypts. Have an exciting experience with an Italian cooking class! Learn to make Italian cruising, in Italy from an Italian chef!! This is a fun experience you will love.

5-day Rome itinerary

A 5-day itinerary will give you plenty of time to see Rome and much more. Each day is packed with incredible sightseeing and learning about the amazing history. But you will also have calmer days for you to recharge! 

Day 1:

• Vatican City
• Vatican Museum
• Sixtine Chappel 
• St. Peters Basilica 

I would start the first day with the most packed Itinerary. The amount of time you will spend in the Vatican is a lot and you will be mentally exhausted with soo many things you will be learning and seeing. 

I would start going to the Museum early in the morning and end the day at the Basilica. You can sit in the plaza and relax, I recommend you grab some Gelato along the way. 

Day 2:

• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Pantheon
• Plaza Navona

For this day, you can either start at the Pantheon and end at the Spanish Steps or vice versa. I would start in the Spanish Steps, there is a metro station right there so you can take the metro. 

Once you have made your way through each stop and even tried the amazing Tiramisu near the fountain, you can end your trip to Plaza Navona. I like leaving this last, there are so many awesome restaurants and you can have a nice dinner at sundown. 

Day 3:

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Arch of Constantine 
• Trastevere 

Another busy day! You will be exhausted by the end of this day. I walked a total of 32,000 steps when I finished this itinerary. 

The Colosseum is absolutely incredible and when you are done you can make your way to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Start early in the morning and consider taking a tour to get through everything much faster. 

Once you are done, you will have time to take a quick afternoon nap in the hotel and continue the adventure! To end this incredible day, go to Trastevere. This is a great area with good nightlife, you can either go to a bar or have dinner in a great restaurant! 

Day 4:

• Day trip to Tuscany or Pompeii

I know when you are thinking about how many days you should spend in Rome, you might not think about using a whole day for a day trip. But going to Pompeii or Tuscany will be an incredible adventure!!

You can purchase a train ticket at Italiarail, they are really inexpensive and range between 49-70 euros. If you want to see more than just Rome, I recommend a day’s adventure to see more unique cities in Italy. 

Day 5:

• The Aventine Keyhole or Buco della serratura
• Italian cooking class
• La Cannoleria Siciliana
• Rome Catacombs and Crypts

For your last day in Rome, I think you should do a few fun things. Start this day at the Catacombs and then continue to have a great Italian experience by learning how to cook pasta or pizza. 

If you are in the mood for something sweet, I recommend going to this incredible pastry shop that sells the most amazing cannolis. The place is really far! But if you feel like walking around, make sure you visit here. 

Once you are done with this day, head over to this unique experience. I recommend going near sundown so you can experience the peak hole with a great view. It is a bit hard to get there and it is a long walk. But you will not want to miss Buco Della Serratura also known as the Aventine peephole. 

You will be there for a short time, the walk is what takes time. You will get to a door with a peephole and you will be able to see what lies behind it. Truly an amazing experience!

Itinerary Comparison Table

How many days in Rome FAQs

What are the best months to travel to Rome Italy? Best times to visit Rome

Rome is a year-round destination, so you can visit at any time of the year. However, if you’re planning to go during peak tourist season (May and October), it’s best to book your hotels early. Summertime in Rome can be hot—but don’t let that keep you away! It’s still possible to enjoy all the sights without breaking a sweat. 

You can also visit October-March, but the temperatures will be cold! I do love Rome when it’s a bit chilly! With so much walking around, March is always the perfect weather to go in.’

If you do go during summertime, when temperatures rise above 30°C/86°F or so, many Romans take advantage of this fact by going swimming in nearby lakes or seaside beaches (or both). You might even see some people riding bikes under umbrellas! If these activities aren’t for you though – well then maybe just stick with walking around town instead. 

Where to stay in Rome

In Rome, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodations to suit your budget and style. If you need an affordable place to stay, consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb property. If you’re planning on visiting during peak season (June through September), plan ahead! Because many of these places book up fast—and because they charge high rates during this time

• Spagna Suite de Charme: 

This is where I stayed during my days in Rome. This is a small boutique hotel that is right next to the Spanish Plaza. It had a great location and the metro is only 2 minutes away. The prices vary depending on the season but the average is around USD $120 per night.  

• Villa Spalletti Trivelli:

If you want a more luxurious hotel, this hotel is really great and it is right next to the Trevi Fountain. It is a really nice old Villa, that has the best staff! Everyone was really helpful and the hotel is in really good condition. The average price is around USD $400 per night. 

• Otivm Hotel:

Right next to the Pantheon. This hotel is in great condition and they offer a variety of amenities! Everything is remodeled and it is quite spacious. They offer breakfast as well and the staff is really awesome too! The night varies on the season but the average is around USD $220 per night. 

Where to eat in Rome

Anywhere you eat will be incredible!!! From Pasta, Pizza, and Gelato, Rome has incredible food. If you are looking for a list of restaurants to eat at, click here! I created a list of authentic food that locals recommend. 

Here are my favorites:

 Il Gianfornaio:if you want a great place to have breakfast, I recommend you visit this little Cafe. They are located in a lot of different areas, so you will find them really easily. The Capuchinnos and cornettos are incredible and the prices are really low! Be careful when you eat in a tourist area! They can charge a lot, but these cafes have a constant menu! So you know they are not charging you a ridiculous amount. 

Sorbillo: If you are looking for a great Pizza that even the locals love, try this pizza. There is a line to get in, but it is worth waiting. The pizza is incredible and the price is really good! There is a place near the Pantheon, only a 9-minute walk. You can plan to have lunch here on the day you visit the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. 

Tonnarello: This restaurant is located in Trastevere. This was my favorite Pasta experience!! Make sure you order the Amatriciana pasta, it was absolutely incredible. I like going at night and seeing the area around, but you can also go for lunch. There will be a line! Whenever you go, you will have to wait at least 20 minutes or more. But the line is worth it. 

How to get around Rome

Getting around Rome is really easy. Depending on where you stay, you will have a lot of places nearby that are walkable. But! you will need to take public transportation when visiting the Vatican or the Colosseum. The distances might be too far to walk!

The metro and busses are really easy. I use Google Maps for everything and it tells me what I have to take and the times. They have day passes for public transportation, so depending on how many days in Rome you are actually staying, make sure to buy the 24-48 hour pass. This will be a lot cheaper than paying for a ticket each time.

How many days do I need in Rome to see everything?

Rome is a place where you can do almost anything. It’s huge, ancient, and full of history. Of all the places I have visited, Rome was one of my favorites. There is just so much to see and you will be amazed at the beauty. 

If you are visiting Rome, make sure you are there for enough time. In this post, I talk about how many days in Rome are the best. I planned out a whole Itinerary if you are visiting for 3,4 or 5 days. 

During my trip, I stayed in Rome for a 3-day itinerary. It was absolutely perfect! Although it was a bit exhausting, I loved every minute. If you want to slow down or even plan for some exciting day trips to places like Pompeii, a 5-day itinerary is perfect. 

Do not miss this incredible city, you will enjoy your time here and have the best food! Who doesn’t love pasta and gelato? If you are planning to go to Europe and want to plan an awesome trip, here is my post on my 2-week European adventure.

Is 3 days in Rome too long?

The short answer is No. If you ask “How many days in Rome” I will answer “How much do you want to see?”. Ancient Rome is one of the most fascinating cities in the world filled with millennia of history.

 Exploring Rome could take a lifetime, but if you only have 3 days you could easily spend them here. In our 3 days in Rome itineraries above, you will get all the information to see the best of Rome and enjoy Rome.

What to do in Rome for 5 nights?

When planning a trip to Rome for 5 nights, it is essential to create a detailed itinerary to make the most of your time in the eternal city. There are plenty of ways to spend your days in Rome, ensuring you get a taste of its rich history and vibrant culture.

Start your visit with a tour of the Vatican City, where you can admire the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Explore the iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum to immerse yourself in the ancient Roman Empire. 

Spend some time wandering through the picturesque streets of Trastevere, known for its charming atmosphere and delicious food. Don’t miss the opportunity to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, a tradition believed to guarantee a return to Rome. Venture to the vibrant Campo de’ Fiori market, where you can experience the authentic flavors of Italy.

With 5 nights in Rome, you will have time enough to see and appreciate the city’s history, art, and culture, ensuring a memorable trip for all travelers. You can also see our recommended 5-day Rome itinerary above.

What time of year is Rome least crowded?

Rome, being a popular tourist destination, tends to be crowded throughout the year. However, there are certain times when the city is less crowded than others. The best months to visit Rome are from November to February since are generally considered the least crowded times.

During this time, the city experiences fewer crowds, making it easier to explore and enjoy all that Rome has to offer. With fewer tourists, there is plenty of space and time to see the famous attractions, such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain.

On the other hand, the weather around this time tends to be colder since it is considered winter months. You could even find the center of Rome, which is typically bustling with tourists, much less crowded during this period, allowing travelers to easily navigate through the city without feeling overwhelmed. 

The decrease in crowds also means shorter queues for museums and historical sites, providing ample opportunity to have full days exploring Rome. Therefore, if you are looking for a less crowded part of Rome and have enough time to spend, visiting during the winter months can be a great option. 

Last Tips: Visiting Rome on a Budget

Are you wondering how many days you should allocate for your budget-friendly visit to Rome? The first step is to determine the amount of time you want to spend, considering how much you wish to see in this beautiful city, all while taking into account everything Rome has to offer. Remember, even though Italy is known for its affordability, the duration of your stay will still influence your budget. So, plan your trip to Rome, and spend some time exploring this captivating city. No matter the number of days there is always something to see in Rome, you won’t regret it.

In Conclusion: Plan your trip to Ancient Rome and see the Best of Rome city.

In conclusion, Rome is a city that effortlessly weaves its rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights into an unforgettable experience for any traveler. Whether you have 3, 4, or 5 days to spend in the Eternal City, there’s a perfectly tailored itinerary awaiting you even more if you are in Rome for the first time.

For a 3-Day Rome Itinerary: This option provides an action-packed journey through the city’s iconic landmarks. From tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain to savoring pasta in Trastevere, every moment is filled with discovery. You’ll have the chance to explore Vatican City, marvel at the Colosseum, and enjoy the charm of Plaza Navona. It’s a whirlwind adventure that captures the essence of Rome, leaving you with a sense of awe and wonder.

For a 4-Day Rome Itinerary: This itinerary balances exploration and relaxation. After immersing yourself in the Vatican’s treasures and the majesty of the Colosseum, you’ll have two quieter days to recharge. Stroll through Rome’s historic streets, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, and soak in the atmosphere of Plaza Navona and Trastevere. The addition of a day trip to Tuscany or Pompeii offers a unique opportunity to expand your Italian adventure.

For a 5-Day Rome Itinerary: With five nights in Rome, you’ll have the luxury of time. Begin by delving deep into the Vatican and the wonders of ancient Rome. Then, take leisurely days to explore charming neighborhoods, sample gelato, and appreciate the beauty of Campo de’ Fiori. In the heart of the city, you can experience the magic of the Trevi Fountain and the vibrant energy of the Campo de’ Fiori market. It’s a balanced blend of history, culture, and cuisine.

When it comes to the best time to visit Rome, the winter months of November to February offer fewer crowds and pleasant opportunities for exploration. You’ll have more space to savor the art, history, and flavors of this incredible city.

While in Rome, you can also choose from a range of accommodations, from boutique hotels like Spagna Suite de Charme to luxurious options like Villa Spalletti Trivelli. Dining in Rome is a culinary adventure, with fantastic eateries like Sorbillo for pizza, Tonnarello for pasta, and Il Gianfornaio for breakfast.

Getting around Rome is a breeze, thanks to an efficient metro system and buses. Consider purchasing day passes for public transportation to save on costs. Ultimately, the question of how many days to spend in Rome depends on your preferences and the depth of your wanderlust. 

Whether you’re on a whirlwind 3-day journey or a relaxed 5-day exploration, Rome’s timeless beauty and endless treasures will leave you with lasting memories. So pack your bags, bring some coins to toss into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you’ll come back to Rome, and immerse yourself in the magic of the city.

Safe travels! Ciao!