Your Go-To 3-Day Rome Itinerary: From the Vatican to the Roman Ruins
Embarking on a three-day journey to Rome at the start of January offered a fresh perspective on the Eternal City, allowing us to explore its wonders with a sense of renewal. Our adventure was meticulously planned to include all the essential experiences, ensuring we soaked in every bit of Rome's majestic history, culture, and gastronomy.
Day 1: A Gastronomic and Architectural Evening
Upon our arrival, our first evening was a delightful promenade starting at the Trevi Fountain. Marvelling at its architectural grandeur and understanding its significance as a symbol of Rome's rich history was truly captivating. We continued to the Pantheon, awe-inspired by its ancient dome and the oculus opening to the sky, a testament to Roman engineering and architecture. Our stroll took us next to Piazza Navona, where the elegance of the Baroque art forms left us mesmerised.
Dinner was a culinary journey at Catina and Cucina, where we shared classic Roman dishes: carbonara, amatriciana, and Cacio e Pepe, embodying the soul of Roman food. The night concluded with a takeaway tiramisu, a sweet nod to the city's flavours.
Day 2: Ancient Ruins and Vatican City Exploration
The following morning, we found ourselves at the highly TripAdvisor-rated 'Bar La Licata' for breakfast. The food was deliciously fresh, and the bustling atmosphere, teeming with locals, offered an authentic slice of Roman life. We had some delicious cappuccinos, fresh fruit, and beautifully presented pancakes to start our day. Their selection of fresh toppings, cured meats and cheeses, served in crusty rolls, focaccia, and croissants make this a great spot for a quick lunch.
Our journey led us to the Colosseum, where we opted to admire its imposing structure from the outside. The Colosseum stands as a testament to the Roman Empire's grandeur and its fascination with spectacle and entertainment. This iconic amphitheatre once hosted gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and theatrical performances, drawing tens of thousands of spectators from across the empire. The Colosseum remains a majestic ruin, captivating millions of visitors annually with its history of human triumph and tragedy, and serving as a powerful reminder of ancient Rome's legacy. The surrounding ruins, including the Arch of Constantine and the Temple of Venus and Rome, spoke volumes of Rome's ancient glory and its architectural advancements.
Our exploration continued to Circo Massimo, an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, where VR headsets brought the Roman era to life. Once the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome, it could accommodate over 150,000 spectators for a variety of public games and festivals, but it is most famous for its thrilling chariot races. Now a public park, it provides a serene spot for picnics and leisurely walks, with a stunning view of the Palatine Hill. We meandered across towards the River Tiber, passing by the Temple of Hercules Victor, and crossed the river via Ponte Fabricio, the oldest Roman bridge, to enjoy a scoop of pistachio gelato.
Selection of Gelato in Trastevere
Entering the Trastevere neighbourhood felt like stepping into a different era. By day, Trastevere is a picturesque embodiment of Roman charm, the district invites leisurely exploration, revealing artisan workshops, vintage stores, and small galleries at every turn. The area exudes a laid-back atmosphere, encouraging strolls that offer a glimpse into the authentic Roman lifestyle amidst the backdrop of vibrant community life. The old streets led us to Osteria de Nonnarella for lunch, where we delighted in Roman pizza and Caprese salad. This lunch spot was delicious, but we did have to wait half an hour for a table. For us, this was no trouble, as we spent the time admiring the beautiful artwork inside the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Our afternoon was dedicated to Vatican City, the spiritual and cultural epicentre of Rome. We visited St. Peter's Basilica at the last entry, which was a highlight, showcasing magnificent architecture and art. St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and a crowning achievement of Renaissance architecture. Visitors are captivated by its vast scale, artistic masterpieces, such as Michelangelo's Pietà, and the opulent decorations that adorn every corner. Though we missed the Vatican City Museum and the Sistine Chapel this time, they remained on our list for future visits and are must-sees when in Rome. If you have time, please don’t miss these cultural gems that display the great art and history this city is renowned for.
Day 3: Roman Forums and Sunset Views
Our final day started with coffee at Caffe Teatro Roma, followed by a walk through the extensive ruins of Caesar's Forum and the Temple of Venus Genetrix, nestled within the historic heart of the Roman Forum, which is emblematic of Rome's ancient splendour and its significant role in history. Commissioned by Julius Caesar as a manifestation of his power and to honour Venus, the divine ancestor of his lineage, this area was the epicentre of Roman public, political, and religious life. Today, these ruins offer a vivid window into the past, allowing visitors to traverse the same grounds where Romans once gathered. This area stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman civilisation and its lasting influence on Western culture.
The Campidoglio, or Capitoline Hill, designed by Michelangelo in the mid-16th century, stands as a testament to Rome's rich blend of history, architecture, and culture. This iconic piazza, with its elliptical design and a central bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, is surrounded by the Capitoline Museums, housing an extensive collection of ancient and Renaissance art. Once the heart of Rome's religious and political life, the hill continues to play a significant role in the city's civic events, symbolising Rome's enduring legacy as the "Eternal City." Its breathtaking views of the Roman Forum and beyond make the Campidoglio a microcosm of Rome's vast narrative, showcasing the city's ability to preserve its heritage while evolving through the ages.
Descending towards Piazza Venezia, we admired the white marble of the Victorian monument known as 'the typewriter' and the Palazzo Venezia, its great stature and amazing views make this a must-see monument when in Rome. Its architecture, a blend of Renaissance and medieval styles, encases the Museo del Palazzo Venezia, which displays a rich collection of Italian art and decorative arts. Notably, Mussolini's use of its balcony for speeches adds a poignant layer to its historical significance, making Palazzo Venezia a unique symbol of Italy's artistic grandeur and complex political past, all while nestled in the vibrant heart of modern Rome near Piazza Venezia.
Palazzo Venezia
Lunch in the quaint Piazza Sant'Ignazio was a pasta feast, after which we revisited the Trevi Fountain to see it by day. We stopped on the way indulging once more in gelato from Venchi on Via del Corso, with its impressive melted chocolate wall drawing us in.
The day ended with a walk through the impressive Via dei Condotti, lined with designer retailers at the base of the Spanish Steps, where sunset views were a breathtaking finale to our Roman holiday. A pair of pistachio and Nutella cream pastries added a sweet touch and an energy boost before our evening exploration of Trastevere, where vintage shops and a taverna dinner on the bustling old town streets wrapped up our magnificent trip.
As night falls, Trastevere transforms into the pulsating heart of Rome's nightlife, buzzing with energy as bars, restaurants, and cafés overflow with locals and tourists alike. The district's bohemian spirit shines under the moonlight, with live music and street performances filling the air with vivacity. Dining in Trastevere becomes a culinary adventure, offering everything from traditional Roman fare in cosy trattorias to innovative dishes in trendy eateries. The convivial atmosphere, enhanced by the warm glow of street lamps and the lively chatter of al fresco diners, makes Trastevere the quintessential Roman experience, marrying the old-world charm with contemporary vibrancy.
This three-day itinerary through Rome was a testament to the city's timeless allure, seamlessly blending the best things to do in Rome, where to get delicious Roman food and the essential Rome sightseeing spots.
From the Vatican to Trastevere and the iconic landmarks in between, our Rome city break was an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy, making every moment a cherished memory before flying home.