What to see in Rome in 1 - 3 days?
Rome, also known as the eternal city, attracts its visitors for its tourist offer, its delicious gastronomy and its cultural and monumental heritage.
Located on the banks of the Tiber River, the Italian capital has become one of the favorite travel destinations in the Lazio Region. Walking through its streets is like being in an open-air museum where you can enjoy hundreds of monuments and unique collections. From throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, visiting monuments with more than 2,000 years of history such as the Roman Colosseum, to enjoying the best tiramisus in Rome in Piazza Navona.
You can also take advantage of your trip to Rome to get to know the surrounding towns that offer all kinds of activities.
In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know before planning your trip to Rome.
How to plan my visit to Rome?
At Yoorney we have local tour guides who offer you the best selection of guided tours, free tours and excursions in Rome and in other cities around the world.
The best way to discover a city!
Perhaps you don't know where to start creating your travel itinerary to Rome. It is normal, since you still do not know the city. Because going with a professional guide is not the same as doing it on your own, that's why Yoorney's tours will make you feel like one more local.
Why visit Rome?
If you have in mind going to one of the most important cities in Italy, do you want to know the essential places to visit in Rome?
They say that all roads lead to Rome. This city is famous for being considered "the eternal city", since it seems anchored in time. On this trip you will be able to walk through the capital of the ancient empire and enjoy emblematic buildings that are more than 1000 years old. Visiting Rome is always a good plan.
These are the essential places to see and visit in Rome in 3 days (or a weekend getaway). Take note!
12 essential places to see and do in Rome
1. The Trevi Fountain
When you visit Rome, one of the obligatory stops is the Fontana di Trevi, the most beautiful fountain in Rome and probably in the whole world. This fountain located on one of the sides of the square was built in 1762. It receives this name because it was located at the junction of three tracks (Tre Vie). In it, the enormous sculpture of Neptune stands out on a chariot pulled by sea horses and tritons.
The most emblematic thing about this fountain is that it hides a myth, which consists of throwing coins into the water with your right hand over your left shoulder. If you throw a coin it is believed that you will return to Rome, if you throw two you will find love and if you throw three you will marry the person you met. That is why it is practically impossible to find this place alone, it is always crowded with tourists trying to fulfill one of these wishes.
2. The Colisseum
The emblem of the Czech capital is undoubtedly its famous astronomical clock, and not only because it tells the time, but because, according to the belief in the capital, the proper functioning of the clock means the proper functioning of the city. There is something magical about it and surely the legend that accompanies it will surprise you, this legend is related to its creator, the master watchmaker Hanus, who, due to his magnificent work, was blinded by the councilors precisely so that he would not repeat it.
This clock was built in 1410 and is made up of three parts, the Josef Manes calendar, the astronomical clock and the animated figures.
The calendar is the part represented in the lower sphere, where the months of the year are indicated and the signs of the zodiac also appear, in addition to the coat of arms of the Old City. You will also be able to observe small sculptures, four specifically, where a philosopher, an angel, an astronomer and an orator are represented.
The astronomical clock is the part located in the upper sphere, where both the solar orbit and the lunar orbit are represented.
Lastly, the most anticipated part by all the spectators who pay close attention to the clock every hour on the hour, are the animated figures, who parade from window to window. These figures are the twelve apostles, but there are also four more figures, apart from the apostles, that will catch your attention, a Jewish merchant, a Turkish prince, a man with a mirror and a skeleton, three of these figures represent the deadly sins , the Jewish merchant represents greed, the Turkish prince, lust and the figure with the mirror, vanity. The skeleton represents death, which is the figure that rings the bell, warning that the same end awaits us all.
In short, observing the famous astronomical clock is a spectacle that you cannot miss on your visit to Prague from 09:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and do not forget to climb the Clock Tower if you want to enjoy incredible views.
3. Piazza Navona
In Rome there are many squares to explore, but Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful in the city and is full of life, with restaurants and street performers.
In it, three Baroque fountains stand out mainly: the Fontana of the Moor, the Fontana del Nettuno and the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, this is the fountain located in the center of the square and probably the most important of all, with an obelisk that stands out with its 16 meters high. Its name means "Source of the Four Rivers" and represents the four most important rivers of that time, which were the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges and the Silver river.
4. The Forum
During the Roman Empire, this place was the heart of the city, the center of social and religious activity in ancient Rome, which is why it is a fairly large area, full of temples and buildings in ruins.
With the fall of the Empire, the area was abandoned, beginning to deteriorate until it was buried, and it was not until the 20th century that excavations began.
The points of interest that you cannot miss are:
- Via Sacra, which, as its name indicates, was the main street of ancient Rome, connecting Campidoglio Square with the Colosseum.
- Arch of Titus, which commemorates the victory of the Roman people over Jerusalem
- Arch of Severus Seventh, erected in commemoration of the third anniversary of Severus Seventh as emperor.
- Temple of Antonino and Faustina, the best preserved temple in the Roman Forum.
- Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, which was one of the most important buildings in the Roman Forum.
- The Curia, the meeting place of the Senate for administrative and governmental decision-making.
- Seal Column, raised in honor of the emperor of Byzantium and one of the few that have remained standing since it was built.
5. Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps is one of the best known and busiest places in the city, its popularity is largely due to its location, as it is surrounded by some of the most famous and important streets in Rome, Via dei Condotti, the Via Frattina and Via de Babuino.
In the square is the Fontana della Barcaccia that was designed by Pietro Bernini, but without a doubt the most outstanding point of the square is its staircase that was built in the 18th century and contains 135 steps that connect the square with the Church of Trinità dei Monti. These steps serve as a resting place for hundreds of people who stop here to rest or enjoy a beautiful sunset.
6. Agrippa's Pantheon
This architectural work is also known as the Pantheon of Rome and is one of the best preserved buildings of ancient Rome.
In the heart of Piazza de la Rotonda with a most entertaining atmosphere, between restaurants and street artists, stands an imposing rectangular façade with 16 columns that hides the most outstanding part of the construction, its dome, where an oculus opens to let in a natural light that illuminates the entire building. Inside you will find the tombs of some kings of Italy and the Renaissance artist Raphael.
7. The trastevere
The Trastevere neighborhood is located on the west side of the Tiber river and is one of the most beautiful in Rome. Strolling through its streets is a delight, here you will find all kinds of places with a bohemian atmosphere, restaurants, craft shops and charming corners that will leave you mesmerized.
If you visit this area, don't forget to visit Via della Scala and Via della Lungaretta, the Church of San Pietro in Montoro, the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Basilica of Santa Cecilia, Ponte Sisto, Piazza Trilusa, the Porta Portese, one of the ancient entrances of the wall and of course, the view from Giancolo Hill, one of the most beautiful in Rome.
8. The Vatican
It is a city-state, located in the heart of Rome and which happens to be the smallest country in Europe, as well as the nerve center of the Catholic Church.
What to see and do in Vatican City?
- St Peter's basilica
This is the most important Catholic temple, as it houses the Holy See. Inside, works such as Michelangelo's Pietà, the statue of Saint Peter enthroned or Bernini's Baldachin stand out. You can also visit the Vatican Necropolis, which is just below the Basilica and, it is said, rests the remains of Saint Peter. , one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Finally, we cannot forget the incredible dome started by Michelangelo, continued by Giacomo Della Porta and finished by Carlo Maderno, if you manage to go up, you will get wonderful views of Piazza San Pero and the city of Rome.
- Saint Peter's Square
Located at the foot of St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most spectacular and largest squares in the world, with capacity for more than 300,000 people. It was built by Bernini in 1667 and its main features include 284 columns that surround almost the entire square, the 25-meter-high obelisk brought from Egypt and the two fountains, one also by Bernini and the other by Maderno.
- Vatican museums
In the year 1503, Pope Julius II donated his private collection, thus creating the famous Vatican Museums. Since then, this collection has been growing thanks to other private donations, thus making it one of the largest in the world. The Vatican Museums are made up of no more and no less than 17 museums, but without a doubt the indisputable jewel is the Sistine Chapel.
- Sistine Chapel
In this place is where the election and coronation of the Popes take place, and it is known worldwide for being the masterpiece of Michelangelo. All the frescoes that decorate the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are the work of Michelangelo, who took no more and no less than 4 years to finish the vault, in these frescoes the nine stories of genesis that are in the central part stand out, being the most characteristic images are those of The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.
9. Catacombs of San Callisto
The catacombs are underground galleries used as a burial place from the 2nd to the 5th century due to lack of space, the high cost of land and the disagreement on the part of Christians to cremate the bodies.
These catacombs are located on the outskirts, since the law at that time prohibited burials inside the city. To bury the corpses, they were first wrapped in a sheet and placed in the niches, closing them with marble or terracotta tombstones, where the name of the deceased could be seen engraved.
In the city of Rome there are countless catacombs, most of them are located near the Via Appia, one of the most important roads of the time. One of the most visited is that of San Calixto, which has an enormous network of galleries of about 20 kilometers, where 16 pontiffs and a large number of Christian martyrs were buried. If you want to visit other catacombs, the Catacombs of San Sebastian, the Catacombs of Priscilla, the Catacombs of Domitilla and the Catacombs of Santa Agnes are also open to the public.
10. Mouth of truth
One of the photographs that is never lacking in Rome is the selfie with the hand inside the famous Bocca della Veritá, but many are unaware of the legend behind all this.
This large and extremely heavy marble mask that represents the God of the Sea, is found on one of the walls of the St. Mary's Church in Cosmedin and according to legend, this perforated mouth closes when someone puts their hand in and lies, formerly it was tried people accused of perjury or adultery. So you have to be very sure before you put your hand in that mouth, you know!
This mysterious face, which has holes for eyes, a mouth and nostrils, became a world-famous tourist destination thanks to the 1953 film "Roman Holiday" starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
11. Castel Sant'Angelo
This castle was built with the intention of being a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the year 135. The fortress is divided into 5 floors and during the tour you can visit the rooms that were used as a Papal residence, and which also preserve some of them in perfect condition. frescoes from the Renaissance period. Also, on the top floor, there is a huge terrace that offers unbeatable views of the city.
One of the most curious facts that this castle hides is the 800-meter-long fortified corridor that connects the castle with the Vatican City. This corridor was built in 1277 with the intention of offering the Pope an exit in case of emergency.
12. Museums
One of the attractions of Rome is its great cultural offer, but in this guide you will find the most important and famous museums in the capital.
- Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is one of the most reputable art museums in the world. Inside is exhibited what was the collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who was the nephew of Pope Paul V and Bernini's first patron. In this collection, you can see works by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Rubens or Botticelli, and a large number of classical antiquities such as mosaics, sculptures and frescoes.
- Capitoline Museums
This museum located in Piazza del Campidoglio, is made up of two buildings joined by the Galleria Lapidaria, the Palace of the Conservators and the New Palace.
In the Palacio de los Conservadores you will find an art gallery with works by Caravaggio, Titian, Rubens and Tintoretto, but the piece that stands out the most is the original figure of the Capitoline Wolf. In the case of the New Palace, you will find a large collection of sculptural works, where the Capitolina Venus and the Discus thrower stand out, among others.
- National Roman Museum
The National Roman Museum was founded in 1889 with the aim of collecting antiquities from the 5th century BC. until the 3rd century AD, today it boasts of having one of the best archaeological collections in the world. Actually it is a set of museums made up of four venues divided into various places in the city:
- Palazzo Massimo alle Terme: the most outstanding part of the exhibition is the upper floor, where the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world are displayed, these frescoes were decorating the House of Livia and the Villa Farnesina.
- Altemps Palace: this palace houses one of the most important collections of Greek and Roman sculptures from the 16th and 17th centuries. The largest part of the exhibition is the Boncompagni Ludovisi collection with pieces such as the figure of the Suicide of Galata or the sarcophagus of Ludovisi the Great.
- Baths of Diocletian: these baths were the largest thermal complex in Roman times, which had a capacity for more than 3,000 people. During the visit you will be able to enjoy the remains of this impressive structure, as well as an imposing funerary construction.
- Balbi Crypt: in this headquarters of the National Museum, the excavations carried out in this site are shown. You will be able to see some objects from Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the most outstanding part of the museum is the one located in the basement, where you will go through dark passages and see the excavations that were carried out next to the Balbus Theater.
Where to eat in Rome?
10 places to eat in Rome
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Osteria Da Fotunata: if you travel to Rome you have to try their delicious fresh pasta, and this restaurant offers delicious pasta dishes that they make themselves, what's more, you can see how they make it live. Some of the most recommended dishes are the strozzapreti carbonara and the tagliolini Cacio Pepe.Grazia e Graziella: This restaurant located in the Trastevere neighborhood offers typical Roman food and is good value for money. It is a perfect place to combine good food and a unique atmosphere.Tonnarello: Another restaurant in the Trastevere neighborhood is Tonnarello, one of the places where they make the richest cacio e pepe pasta in Rome and at a very affordable price, only 8.5€.Rione XIV: This restaurant is located in the Vatican and serves fresh pasta and delicious pizzas. In addition, the place is very elegant and offers very good service.Mercato Centrale: If you want to find a wide variety of food, this is the perfect place. In the Mercato Central you have no more and no less than 18 gastronomic points with all kinds of food, from pasta, risotto and other typical dishes of Roman cuisine, to sushi, for example. There are also pastry stalls and cafeterias, you will not lack for anything in this place.Garden Risto: Very close to the catacombs of San Calixto and the Via Apia is this place that offers delicious dishes, including pizzas for about 12 euros.Antica Salumeria: This establishment is actually a delicatessen, and they sell sandwiches for 9 euros that are delicious.Da Baffeto: It is one of the most famous pizzerias in Rome, it is here where a multitude of public figures come to eat delicious pizzas.100 Tiramisu: Don't forget to save room for dessert. If you come to Rome you cannot miss the tiramisu. Although Pompi boasts of selling the best tiramisu in the area and it is true that it is very good, in this small place that is located near Piazza Navona, you will find about 100 varieties of tiramisu, you can even order several as a tasting if you do not know which one decant.Fior Di Luna: In this place in the Trastevere neighborhood they serve one of the best ice creams in Rome, the price of a small tub or cone is 2.5€.
10 typical dishes of Rome
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Suppli alla romana: This is one of the most typical starters in Rome. They are very similar to croquettes, but they are filled with rice, tomato, meat and mozzarella.Fiori di Zucca: This is another of the delicious starters that you can try in Rome. They are simply breaded and fried zucchini flowers, but they are delicious.Carciofi alla giudia: We continue with the appetizers, this time it is a typical artichoke in Rome, which is served fried as if they were French fries. You will love it!Spaghetti alla carbonara: When you try the original carbonara recipe you will be surprised, because surely you have been deceived all your life thinking that carbonara has cream, and no, it does not have cream or anything similar. Actually these spaghettis are prepared with beaten raw egg, guanciale and pecorino romano. Simple but delicious!Bucatini all'amatriciana: This pasta dish is original from Amatrice and it may surprise you, because this type of pasta is not very well known outside of Italy, these spaghetti are thick and have holes inside and are prepared with tomato sauce, guanciale , pecorino romano and pepper.Tonnarelli cacio e pepe: A simple dish, but one that is scrumptious. The only thing that the pasta has is pecorina cheese and black pepper, that is the meaning of cacio and pepe (cheese and pepper). Despite its simplicity, the secret of this recipe is that it has a perfect creaminess when it comes to mixing the cheese with the cooking water itself.Porchetta di Ariccia: This dish is very typical of central Italy and it is an emptied and boneless pork, stuffed with herbs and roasted in the oven. They are usually eaten sliced as a filling for sandwiches.Saltimbocca: This dish is based on rolled veal with ham, the sauce is the special touch, as it is cooked in butter and sage leaves.Maritozzo: Moving on to the sweet, these buns made with flour, egg, honey and butter, are filled with cream and are perfect for breakfast.Tiramisu: This is the most popular dessert in Italian gastronomy, it is served cold and consists of several layers of savoiardi dipped in coffee, as well as egg, mascarpone and sugar.
Rome with children
Museo dei Bambini di Roma
This place is like paradise for the little ones, if you travel with your family to Rome, you cannot miss this museum. Actually, more than a museum as we know it today, it is a space for children to play and experiment.
In this museum there are several areas such as laboratories, a supermarket area so that they can do the shopping themselves and calculate their expenses, or orchards where they can become farmers. This visit will be an experience for them and they will have a great time.
Vila Borghese Park
If you are looking for some nature, so that the children can run and have fun for a while, the best option is the Vila Borghese park.
Since the center of Rome does not have many green spaces, this place is perfect for spending time with the family, it has swings, attractions and even a train that runs through the interior of the park. Also, if the weather is good, this park is perfect for a picnic and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Biopark
Just inside the Vila Borghese park, is the Biopark, Rome's zoo. Here children will learn about the animal world, visiting the enclosure of different animals that live in this zoo, such as elephants, bears, big cats, camels, tropical birds and a host of others. This zoo also has an area dedicated to botany, where you can discover all kinds of plants.
The Gianicolo canyon and the puppet theater
The Gianicolo Hill offers incredible views and is a perfect place to visit with the little ones. Don't forget to go up at exactly 12:00 noon, since that is the moment when the cannon is fired. This is due to the tradition imposed by Pope Pius IX to synchronize all the churches of Rome when ringing the bells. It will be fun to attend this historic moment with the children, they will be amazed when the cannon is shot!
We recommend that you make this visit on Sunday, since it is when on the same hill right next to the Garibaldi statue, there is a puppet theater that children will love, it is also free, although it is advisable to make a donation.
Technotown
A great visit to make with the family is the Technotown museum. It is a creative science workshop where everyone can participate in the different workshops and activities they carry out, from the smallest to the largest, thus promoting the collaborative spirit and making you all have a great time together.
Pet-friendly Rome
Dog parks in Rome
Restaurants in Rome to go with dogs
Places in Rome to go with dogs
- Otivm Hotel (4*). Via d'Aracoeli 11, Panteón, 00187 Rome, Italy
- San Anselmo (4*) Piazza San Anselmo 2, Aventino, 00153 Rome, Italy
- Baglioni Hotel Regina - The Leading Hotels of the World (5*) Via Vittorio Veneto 72, Via Veneto, 00187 Rome, Italy
- Charme Spagna Boutique Hotel (3*) 37 Via della Mercede, España, 00187 Rome, Italy
- Concept Terrace Hotel (4*) Via Barberini 50, Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy
- Hotel Locarno (5*) Via Della Penna 22, España, 00186 Rome, Italy
- Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere (4*) 14 Via di San Francesco di Sales, Trastevere, 00165 Rome, Italy
Accessible Rome
Adapted tourism is not a pending issue in Rome.
We were able to experience it first hand and here are some of our favorite adapted and accessible sites:
- Transportation: The ground in Rome is quite cobbled and uneven and you are likely to encounter some unevenness on the sidewalks. Therefore, a good option is to travel around the city using public transport, if you arrive from the airport using the train, you will also see that all trains are accessible, they even have adapted bathrooms. The same is true of the buses, most of them are very well adapted with boarding ramps for wheelchairs.
- Attractions: The monuments of the city of Rome, such as the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Forum, etc... are almost entirely accessible. Also keep in mind that you will not have to pay for the entrance nor will your companion and of course you will not have to wait in line.
Nocturnal Rome
Enjoy the night life of Rome. The city hides a multitude of corners with a special charm to have a good time in good company and where you can walk, have a drink and toast.
These are some of our favorite places to party in Rome!
Beer lovers in Rome
It is true that Italy is more associated with wine than with beer, but the latter has gained more and more strength and in Rome today there are many places where you can have a cold beer accompanied by good food. Here are some recommendations: BrewDog, Open Baladin, Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà, Bir & Fud, HeyHop, Birra + and Brasserie 4:20.
Cocktails in Rome
For those who prefer cocktails, in this city there are many places where you can have a drink. Some of these places are: Salotto 42, Blackmarket San Lorenzo, Stravinskij Bar, The Jerry Thomas Project, Freni e Frizioni, Co.So. and Zuma.
Live music in Rome
Rome has a number of venues where you can enjoy the best live music. From live jazz, rock and house music, you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. Here are some places you'll love to check out: ConteStaccio, Big Mama Live Music & Bar, Boogie Club, Traffic Live Club, and Le Mura.
Rome nightclubs
In Rome there are plenty of clubs, if you are looking for one to party, in this city there are many options depending on the musical style that you like the most.
La Cabala, is a most exclusive discotheque, it has a piano-bar and incredible views, Goa, is named after the Indian state of Goa and its ethnic decoration is in keeping with the theme, Qube, the favorite for the LGBT community and Piper, in the purest 70's style with dance music.
How to get to Rome?
How to get to Rome by plane
The most common option is to go by plane. Rome has two international airports, Fiumicino airport, the largest in Italy, and Ciampino airport, where low-cost companies such as Ryanair and Easyjet operate. Once there, there are several alternatives to go to the city from the airport, such as public buses, taxis or private transfers.
How to get to Rome by car
Although it all depends on the origin. If you decide to go to Rome from the main Spanish cities, you are going to take a road trip through the cities of central Europe, covering more than 1,500 kilometers until you reach Rome.
How to get to Rome by train
How to get to Rome by bus
If you choose to do it by bus, the Alsa company has connections between the main Spanish cities. The price is around 100 euros and the duration of the journey is about 30 hours.
How to get around Rome
- Meter
- Train
- Bus
- Bikes
- Trolley Car
- Cable car
- Cab
- Uber
- Tourist bus
- Electric scooter
20 most beautiful towns to visit in Rome
- Hadrian's Villa
- East Villa
- Ancient Ostia
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum
- Florence
- Capri
- Castelli Romani
- Cerveteri
- Naples
- Tivoli
- Viterbo
- Venice
- Chianti
- Pisa
- Amalfi Coast
- Orvieto
- Salerno
- Terni
- Assisi
Rome Overview
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