Italy / City guide

Rome

Ancient Rome, the city's squares and the Vatican

Three days cover the Colosseum and Roman Forum, a walk through the historic centre and the Vatican area. Book the Colosseum first if you want to go inside, then organise your days geographically using the routes below. The Vatican Museums require dedicated time rather than a quick stop on the way to St Peter's Square.

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Rome, Italy

Length of stay3 days; 4 with the Vatican Museums

SeasonApril–May or September–October

Getting aroundWalk each route; use public transport between areas

01 / Suggested itinerary

Three days in Rome

Follow the stops in order or choose the parts that interest you. Rearrange the days around your booked entry times.

01
Day 1
The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Monti
1. Colosseum — enter at the time shown on your ticket.
2. Roman Forum — continue to the ruins with a ticket that includes the area.
3. Piazza della Madonna dei Monti — finish in Monti for food and a neighbourhood walk.
Let your booked Colosseum time determine the order. The Roman Forum and Palatine form a larger archaeological area; choose the ticket around what you want to see, not just its name.
02
Day 2
The Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trastevere
1. Pantheon — start in Piazza della Rotonda and make an interior visit if planned.
2. Piazza Navona — continue west to the square.
3. Santa Maria in Trastevere — cross the Tiber and finish around the church square.
Follow the route from the historic centre across the Tiber. If you want to enter the Pantheon, check its ticket and opening information before setting out.
03
Day 3
St Peter's Square, Castel Sant'Angelo and Prati
1. St Peter's Square — start outside the basilica and decide whether to enter.
2. Castel Sant'Angelo — follow Via della Conciliazione towards the fortress and river.
3. Via Cola di Rienzo — continue into Prati for lunch or shopping.
This route centres on outdoor places. Entering St Peter's Basilica or Castel Sant'Angelo adds to the day. If you also want the Vatican Museums, give them a separate half-day.

02 / Areas

Areas to explore

Monti

After the Colosseum and Forum

Monti conveniently combines the ancient sights with places to eat and small streets. Head towards Piazza della Madonna dei Monti after visiting the archaeological sites.

Trastevere

Squares and dinner

Choose Trastevere for a walk around Santa Maria in Trastevere and dinner nearby. For accommodation, check evening noise on the street and the route to your booked visits.

Prati

Near the Vatican

Prati combines well with St Peter's Square and Castel Sant'Angelo. Continue to Via Cola di Rienzo for shopping or lunch in the area.

03 / Season

When to go

Spring and autumn

March–May · September–October

Suitable for longer walks between squares and archaeological sites. September can still be warm, so do not plan a full day in the Roman Forum without sun protection.

Summer

June–August

July and August can be hot. Choose an early Colosseum slot if possible and carry water for the exposed archaeological areas.

Winter

November–February

Shorter daylight and rain affect outdoor routes. Check winter opening hours for the Roman Forum and Colosseum before fixing the order of your visits.

04 / Arrival

Airports and transfers

Your airport affects both journey time and cost. Check which one is on your ticket.

FCO

Fiumicino–Leonardo da Vinci

The Leonardo Express runs non-stop to Roma Termini. Check the onward journey to your accommodation; the station is not the final stop for every central address.

CIA

Ciampino–G. B. Pastine

Ciampino Airlink combines a bus to Ciampino railway station with a train to Roma Termini. There is no railway station inside the terminal.

05 / Before you travel

Practical tips

The Colosseum requires a time slot

Check exactly which areas your ticket includes. Tickets are named, and you must be able to show identification at the entrance.

Vatican dress requirements

The Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica have dress requirements. Avoid sleeveless clothing and short garments above the knee when including them in your day.

Distinguish the Vatican visits

St Peter's Square, St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums are distinct visits. Check the entrance and booking arrangements for each part you want to see.

Sources and updates11 November 2026

The itineraries are compiled by Nemello. Practical details have been checked against the sources below. Check current opening hours, tickets and transport with each operator before travelling.

Three days in Rome

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Monti

The Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trastevere

St Peter's Square, Castel Sant'Angelo and Prati