3 Days In Rome | The Perfect Italian Itinerary
Embarking on a 3-day family trip to Rome guarantees you an unforgettable experience filled with ancient wonders, art, tasty cuisine, and the vibrant spirit of Italian culture.
In our experience, three days in Rome is the perfect itinerary length to explore and discover the city’s rich history. You’ll have time to view some of the world’s most famous art, savour traditional Italian cuisine, tour its iconic landmarks and leave without feeling you’ve missed something.
We have visited Rome several times and will happily visit again. Rome is a truly vibrant city and a great, family-friendly place to spend a few days, whatever your budget.
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3 Days In Rome Itinerary | Overview
Whether you’re planning a short Italian trip or are visiting as part of a longer itinerary, this three-day adventure covers Rome’s must-see highlights.
Day 1 | The Treasures of Ancient Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon & Altar of the Fatherland
Day 2 | Embracing Renaissance and Vatican City – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trastevere & Trevi Fountain
Day 3 | Discovering Baroque – Spanish Steps, Campo de Fiori & Piazza Navona
There are traditional Italian dishes for every meal that celebrate Italy’s rich heritage. Try authentic trattorias (rustic family run restaurants) serving traditional Roman dishes like pasta carbonara or a bustling pizzeria offering hand made pizzas topped with fresh ingredients.
Day 1 | The Treasures of Ancient Rome
Your first day in Rome starts at the iconic Colosseum. This impressive theatre is a testament to ancient Rome. If your budget allows, book skip-the-line tickets with a guide and step inside this grand amphitheatre. The tour will transport you back to the days of gladiatorial combat and roaring crowds.
Next, venture along the road to the Roman Forum, once the heart of the ancient city’s political, religious, and commercial life. You will walk among temple ruins, basilicas, and government buildings while you take in this once-bustling area.
Next, make your way to Palatine Hill, where Rome’s legendary founders, Romulus and Remus are said to have been raised by a she-wolf. From this vantage point, savour panoramic views of the city below, imagining the splendour of imperial palaces that once adorned this hilltop.
Take a leisurely lunch at a quaint trattoria before exploring one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks, the Altar of the Fatherland (also called Altare della Patria). This National monument contains an eternal flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
As the sun sets, conclude your day with a trip to the awe-inspiring Pantheon, a marvel of ancient engineering and architectural brilliance. Standing beneath its magnificent dome, reflect on the enduring legacy of Roman ingenuity.
>> Book Skip The Line combo tickets Here <<
Day 2: Embracing Renaissance and Vatican City
The second day in our Rome Itinerary embraces the Renaissance, a time of unparalleled artistic achievement and cultural flourishing. Head out early to the Vatican City, home to the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Navigate through the vast galleries of the Vatican Museums and be captivated by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci masterpieces. The highlight of your visit will be Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes adorning the ceiling and walls of the Sistine Chapel.
Take lunch in the charming neighbourhood of Trastevere before crossing the Tiber River to explore the historic centre of Rome. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets while soaking up the timeless charm of the Eternal City.
Day two completes with a visit to the Trevi Fountain, where you can join fellow visitors in tossing a coin into the water. Folklore has it that this will ensure your return to Rome one day.
Day 3: Discovering Baroque
This final tour in Rome will round off your three days in true Baroque style, with lavish palaces, ornate churches and splendid fountains. The first stop is the Spanish Steps, a monumental staircase offering a picturesque backdrop for a family photo.
Next, explore the markets and street performers in the vibrant neighbourhood of Campo de Fiori. Indulge in a gelato while wandering the cobblestone streets, savouring the Italian vibe.
Your last stop of the day is Piazza Navona, a beautiful open square adorned with the Fountain of the Four Rivers, a masterpiece by Bernini. Soak in the atmosphere and savour your final hours in Rome.
Where To Stay In Rome
Italy is extremely family-friendly, so accommodation options are available to suit any budget. Although more expensive, it is worth staying in the centre of the main attractions to maximise your time. However, due to the city’s popularity, it is advisable to book well in advance.
A superb, well priced, family-friendly option located close to the Vatican City is the Hotel della Conciliazione. This hotel has comfortable family rooms that sleep up to 5 people and has an excellent breakfast included in the price.
If you are looking for a true budget option, the Two Ducks Hostel is located next to Central Station and while it is about as cheap as you will find, it is clean, comfortable and safe. You’ll find rooms that sleep up to 4 and although there is no restaurant, there are plenty of options nearby.
Getting Around Rome
With a little simple planning, navigating Rome’s bustling streets can be straightforward. Here are our top tips for getting around Rome efficiently and comfortably.
Walking
Walking is one of the best (and cheapest!) ways to explore Rome’s compact city centre. Most of the major attractions, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, are within walking distance of each other. We suggest putting on your comfortable shoes, collecting a city map and enjoying wandering the cobblestone streets and piazzas.
Public Transport
Rome has one of Europe’s most extensive public transport networks. Take advantage of its buses and trams for short hops and use the metro (subway) to avoid traffic while travelling longer distances across the city. We saved a small fortune with a Roma Pass that gives unlimited use of public transport and discounted or free entry to sites and museums.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Consider a hop-on hop-off bus tour with commentary in multiple languages for a convenient way to see the city’s highlights. This is an excellent option for young kids or those with reduced mobility.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxi, Uber and Lyft are reaily available throughout Rome for convenience. Make sure to use licensed taxis with meters to avoid being overcharged.
Bike Rental
Cycling can be a fun and eco-friendly way for older families to explore Rome’s sights. Bike lanes, rentals, and tours are available throughout the city.
Best Time To Visit Rome With Kids
Rome is worth visiting at any time of the year, but you may wish to avoid the crowds or be assured of warmer weather, especially when travelling with kids. Here are our thoughts to help you choose the best time to suit you.
Spring (mid-April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Rome for mild and comfortable weather. These seasons are ideal for exploring Rome’s outdoor attractions, avoiding the intense heat summer and winter’s chill. You’ll also find that the city tends to be less crowded during these months compared to the peak tourist season in Summer. This will allow you a more relaxed family experience while having more availability for tickets at the cities top attractions..
Winter can also be a great time to visit Rome, especially around the Christmas festivities, if you want to avoid crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures.
FAQ Three Days In Rome With Kids
Rome is a great destination, offering a mix of history, culture, and entertainment for all ages. The city is very family-friendly, with many of its attractions and museums having engaging activities aimed at keeping kids entertained. Through in a traditional pizzeria and you are all set for a memorable visit!
If you are not mobility impaired, it is possible to walk between all of Rome’s major attractions. It is a very compact city and public transport, hop-on / hop-off buses, and bikes are easily available if you don’t want to be on your feet. Wear appropriate shoes for the day on the cobbled streets.
Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Rome’s historical and cultural treasures, especially with kids. For a truly memorable experience without feeling rushed, focus on a few highlights, like the Colosseum and Vatican City.
The best things to do in Rome with kids include exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum, stepping into the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City, visiting Piazza Nova and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Kids will be doubly happy if it’s all done while licking a traditional Gelato!
Final Thoughts | 3 Days In Rome
Rome certainly captured our hearts and we’re sure it will capture yours too! It is an enchanting city that will leave you with memories of its culture and timeless wonders. Its unique blend of ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces, makes this a true ‘must-see’ destination.
Visit late Spring or Autumn for the perfect weather and crowd combination.
