Rome in 3 days: first time in the Eternal City

3 days

The classic itinerary for first-timers: the Colosseum and ancient Rome, the Vatican, the Baroque centre and Trastevere. Intense but perfectly walkable.

Day 1

Ancient Rome

Day one belongs to the two thousand years everyone comes for.

Colosseum at opening

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Enter at 9:00 sharp: the light is perfect and tour groups arrive after 10.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

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Included in the ticket: climb the Palatine for the Circus Maximus view.

Lunch in the Jewish Ghetto

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Fried artichokes and supplì around Portico d'Ottavia.

Capitoline Hill at sunset

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The terrace behind city hall has the finest view over the illuminated Forums.

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Day 2

The Vatican and the Baroque

Michelangelo in the morning, Bernini in the afternoon.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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Book the 8:00 slot: head straight to the Sistine, then double back at leisure.

St Peter's Basilica

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The dome (551 steps) is Rome's most famous view.

Castel Sant'Angelo and the Bridge of Angels

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Cross Bernini's bridge at sunset.

Dinner in Trastevere

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Cacio e pepe in the lanes: avoid menus with photos.

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Day 3

The Baroque centre

The last day is a stroll through squares and fountains.

Trevi Fountain at dawn

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At 7 am you have it almost to yourself: this is when the coin goes in.

Pantheon

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Rome's most perfect monument opens at 9.

Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori

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Bernini versus Borromini, then the historic market.

Spanish Steps

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The classic finale, with Via Condotti shopping or sunset from the Pincio.

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