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Three days is enough to see Rome's greatest hits without rushing, as long as you plan around a few timed tickets. This itinerary groups the sights by neighbourhood so you walk more and queue less, and it's updated with the new 2026 entry fees.
Before you go: the 4 things to book
- Colosseum and Roman Forum: entry is by timed ticket and popular slots sell out days or weeks ahead. Book on the official site or with a tour as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: book a timed entry in advance. The museums are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free and very crowded.
- Borghese Gallery (optional): entry is by reservation only, with a limited number of visitors per slot.
- Your stay: central areas fill up first, especially in spring and autumn.
If you'd rather not juggle official ticket sites, guided tours and skip-the-line tickets for all of these are listed on Trip.com's tours and attractions.
New fees in 2026
- Trevi Fountain: since February 2026, visitors pay €2 to go down the steps to the basin between 9:00 and 22:00. You can still see the fountain from the square for free, and children under 6 are exempt.
- Pantheon: the entry fee rose from €5 to €7 in July 2026.
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Morning: the Colosseum. Take the earliest slot you can get. It's cooler, calmer and the light is softer for photos. Allow about an hour and a half.
Late morning: the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Your Colosseum ticket usually includes them. Walk through the ruins of temples and the old political heart of the city, then climb the Palatine for the view over the Forum and the Circus Maximus. Bring water and comfortable shoes: there's little shade.
Afternoon: Capitoline Hill. Climb Michelangelo's staircase to Piazza del Campidoglio. The terrace behind it has one of the best free views of the Forum.
Evening: Monti. This small neighbourhood next to the Colosseum is full of wine bars and trattorias, and it feels like a village after the crowds.
Day 2: The Vatican and Trastevere
Morning: Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Start early with a timed ticket. The collection is huge, so pick a few highlights rather than trying to see everything. Dress code: shoulders and knees covered for St Peter's and the Sistine Chapel.
Midday: St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the basilica is free, but the security line can be long. Climbing the dome costs extra and rewards you with the best view in Rome.
Afternoon: Castel Sant'Angelo. Walk along the river to this fortress, or simply cross the bridge lined with angel statues.
Evening: Trastevere. Cross the Tiber for dinner in Rome's most atmospheric neighbourhood, with ivy-covered lanes, small squares and lively trattorias.
Day 3: Baroque Rome
Morning: the Pantheon. Go early, before the tour groups. The 2,000-year-old dome with its open oculus is unforgettable.
Late morning: Piazza Navona. A five-minute walk away, the oval square is built on the site of an ancient stadium and is lined with Bernini fountains.
Afternoon: Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Visit Trevi in the early morning or late evening if you can, when it's calmer. Then walk on to the Spanish Steps. Note that sitting on the steps is not allowed.
Sunset: Pincio Terrace or the Borghese Gardens. End your trip above Piazza del Popolo, watching the sun set over the domes. If you booked the Borghese Gallery, plan it for this afternoon.
Where to stay in Rome
- Centro Storico (around the Pantheon and Navona): walk everywhere, but rooms are pricier.
- Monti: central, close to the Colosseum and Termini station, with good restaurants.
- Trastevere: charming and lively at night; a bit further from the metro.
- Prati: calm and practical, next to the Vatican, with good metro links.
Compare hotels and apartments across these areas on Trip.com, and choose free cancellation where you can.
Getting from the airport to the city
Most international flights land at Fiumicino (FCO). The Leonardo Express train runs non-stop to Termini station in about 30 minutes, and there are cheaper buses. Taxis from Fiumicino to central Rome charge a fixed fare set by the city, which you should confirm with the driver before you get in.
If you're arriving late, travelling with kids or have heavy bags, a pre-booked private transfer takes you straight to your door at a price you know in advance. Enter Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino and your hotel below to compare options:
Staying connected in Rome
You'll want maps and ride apps from the moment you land. If you're coming from outside the EU, roaming can be expensive; a travel eSIM gives you data without hunting for a SIM shop. Type "Italy" to see plans:
Practical tips
- Best time to visit: April to early June and September to October are the sweet spot for weather and crowds. Our guide to the cheapest time to fly to Europe shows when flights cost the least.
- Getting around: the centre is very walkable. Use the metro for the Vatican and the Colosseum, and buses or trams for Trastevere.
- Water: Rome's public drinking fountains (nasoni) are free and safe. Bring a refillable bottle.
- Pickpockets: be careful on crowded buses and at busy sights.
- City tax: hotels charge a nightly tourist tax on top of the room price, usually paid at check-in.
- Insurance: a policy with medical cover gives you peace of mind abroad. Ekta gives you an online quote in minutes.
Plan the rest of your trip
Still need flights? Compare fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com, then use our trip planning checklist so nothing gets forgotten.
Opening hours, prices and booking rules change. Always check the official websites of each sight before you go.