3-Day Rome Adventure: Sightseeing, Cuisine and Hidden Gems

Rome, Italy

3 days

Pantheon
Old street
Coliseum
Basilica St Peter
Vatican city

About Rome, Italy

Experience the timeless allure of Rome, Italy's captivating capital. Walk through centuries of history at iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Marvel at the Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, showcasing Michelangelo's masterpieces. Wander through charming piazzas, like Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna, and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at local trattorias. Explore the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere and nightlife. Don't forget to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, ensuring your return to this eternal city. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or art lover, Rome offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Italian culture.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Local Life in Testaccio and Aventine Hill

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the lesser-known but equally fascinating Testaccio neighborhood. Explore its vibrant market and taste some local delicacies.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Roman lunch in a local trattoria. Try some classic dishes like pasta alla carbonara or saltimbocca.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Aventine Hill. Visit the Orange Garden for a stunning view of the city and peek through the famous keyhole at the Knights of Malta's gate.

Dinner

For dinner, head to the Trastevere neighborhood. Enjoy a meal in a cozy osteria, where you can try some Roman-style pizza.

Evening

End your day with a stroll along the Tiber River. The area is less crowded in the evening, offering a peaceful end to your day.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Villa Borghese Gardens. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and sculptures.

Lunch

Have lunch in a local café in the Parioli district. Try some traditional Italian sandwiches or salads.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the Quartiere Coppedè, a hidden gem filled with unique and eccentric architecture.

Dinner

Enjoy a seafood dinner in the Ostiense district. This area is known for its excellent seafood restaurants.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Monte Testaccio, a man-made hill composed of broken amphorae. The view from the top is breathtaking.

Morning

Start your last day with a visit to the Prati district. Explore its wide boulevards and elegant buildings.

Lunch

Have lunch in a local restaurant in Prati. Try some Roman-style artichokes or supplì (rice balls).

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon in the Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, but also explore the less crowded areas.

Dinner

For your last dinner, head to the Campo de' Fiori area. Enjoy a meal in a traditional Roman restaurant.

Evening

End your trip with a night walk around the historic center. The city's monuments are beautifully lit, offering a romantic atmosphere.

Attractions in Itinerary (9)

Orange Garden

1
Orange Garden

A beautiful garden offering panoramic views of the city, located on the Aventine Hill.

Parks
Gardens
Knights of Malta's gate

2
Knights of Malta's gate

A famous keyhole through which you can see a stunning view of St. Peter's Basilica.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Villa Borghese Gardens

3
Villa Borghese Gardens

A large public park featuring beautiful gardens, museums, and villilas.

Parks
Gardens
Quartiere Coppedè

4
Quartiere Coppedè

An architecturally unique neighborhood known for its ornate buildings and whimsical designs.

Architecture
Neighborhoods
Monte Testaccio

5
Monte Testaccio

An artificial hill made entirely of fragments of broken pottery, offering a unique cultural experience.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Prati district

6
Prati district

A stylish neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and proximity to Vatican City.

Neighborhoods
Food and Drink
Shopping
Vatican Museums

7
Vatican Museums

One of the world's largest museum complexes, containing some of the most significant classical sculptures and Renaissance works of art.

Attractions
Museums
Tours
Cultural Experiences
Sistine Chapel

8
Sistine Chapel

A chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope, in Vatican City. It is famous for its Renaissance frescoes, which include works by Michelangelo.

Attractions
Museums
Tours
Cultural Experiences
Religious Sites
Testaccio Market

9
Testaccio Market

A bustling local market known for its fresh produce, food stalls, and local atmosphere.

Shopping
Food and Drink

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Pizza al Taglio

Pizza al Taglio

A popular street food in Rome, Pizza al Taglio is a rectangular pizza that is sold by weight. It's a must-try for its variety of toppings and authentic Roman style.

Carbonara

Carbonara

A classic Roman pasta dish made with egg, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (pork jowl), and black pepper. It's a staple in Roman cuisine.

Supplì

Supplì

These are Italian snacks made of risotto, usually filled with mozzarella, coated with bread crumbs and then deep-fried. They are a popular appetizer in Rome.

Cacio e Pepe

Another classic Roman pasta dish, Cacio e Pepe is made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. It's simple yet full of flavor.

Saltimbocca alla Romana

Saltimbocca alla Romana

A traditional Roman main course, Saltimbocca alla Romana is made of veal lined or topped with prosciutto and sage, and marinated in wine, oil or saltwater.

Roman Artichokes

Artichokes are a staple in Roman cuisine. They are usually fried (Carciofi alla Giudia) or braised with herbs and garlic (Carciofi alla Romana).

Bruschetta

Bruschetta

A popular Italian starter, Bruschetta is grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and sometimes mozzarella.

Gelato

Gelato

Gelato is Italian ice cream and is a must-try when in Rome. It's denser and milkier than regular ice cream and comes in a variety of flavors.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu

A classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, and flavored with cocoa.

Espresso

Espresso

When in Rome, trying an Espresso is a must. It's a concentrated form of coffee served in small amounts.

Negroni

Negroni

A popular Italian cocktail, Negroni is made of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel.

Prosecco

Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy. It's a popular choice for aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) in Rome.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Rome, Italy is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September and October) when the weather is comfortably warm. During these periods, the city is less crowded with tourists compared to the summer months, allowing you to explore the city's attractions at a more leisurely pace. The off-peak season, particularly in November and early December, can also be a good time to visit if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. However, keep in mind that some attractions may have shorter opening hours during these months.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

April 25

Thu

Liberation Day

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

June 2

Sun

Republic Day

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

December 8

Sun

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

St. Stephen's Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Rome's public transportation system includes buses, trams, metro (subway), and suburban trains. The metro has three lines (A, B, and C) that can take you to many of the city's main attractions. Buses and trams cover the entire city and are a good option for reaching places not served by the metro.

Taxis are plentiful in Rome and can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or called by phone. All official taxis are white and have a 'TAXI' sign on the roof. They are metered, so the cost will depend on the distance and time of travel.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Rome. They can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're not familiar with the city's public transportation system. However, they can be more expensive than taxis or public transportation.

Rome has several bike rental companies, and the city is increasingly becoming more bike-friendly with the addition of bike lanes. Biking can be a fun and active way to explore the city, but be aware that Rome's hilly terrain and chaotic traffic can be challenging.

Renting a car can give you the freedom to explore Rome at your own pace. However, driving in Rome can be stressful due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, and limited parking. Additionally, the city center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL) where only authorized vehicles are allowed.

Many of Rome's attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the historic city center. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city, but be prepared for cobblestone streets and occasional lack of sidewalks.

Renting a scooter can be a fun and efficient way to get around Rome. However, this option is best for those who are experienced in riding scooters and comfortable navigating Rome's busy streets.

Private tours, often with a chauffeur, can be a comfortable and convenient way to see Rome's sights. These can be customized to your interests and typically include pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

Hop-on hop-off bus tours are a popular way to see Rome's main attractions. These double-decker buses follow a specific route and you can get on and off as many times as you like at the designated stops.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;

Drinking waterYes, but some opt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type FPower socket type L

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Rome, Italy as a first time visitor

1

Rome is a busy city, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist season (April to June, September and October).

2

Pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas and on public transportation, so always keep an eye on your belongings.

3

The city is very walkable, but it also has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro.

4

Tipping is not customary in Italy, but you can leave a small amount if you receive exceptional service.

5

Many shops and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon for 'riposo', similar to the Spanish siesta.

6

It's common to pay a small cover charge ('coperto') in restaurants, which is not a tip but a charge for the bread and service.

7

Rome's tap water is safe to drink and there are numerous public fountains where you can refill your water bottle for free.

8

It's considered rude to order a cappuccino after 11 am, as Italians typically only drink it for breakfast.

9

Most museums and attractions are closed on Mondays.

10

Rome can be very hot in the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 86°F (30°C), and very cold in the winter, with temperatures often dropping below 32°F (0°C).

11

It's customary to greet people with a handshake, or two kisses on the cheek (starting from the left) for friends.

12

Italians are generally relaxed about dress code, but you should dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

13

Many Romans speak English, especially in the city center and tourist areas, but learning a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful.

14

The voltage in Italy is 220-240 Volts, so you may need a converter if your devices use a different voltage.

15

The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash.

16

Pharmacies in Rome are marked by a green cross and are the best place to go for minor health issues.

17

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places in Italy, including bars and restaurants.

18

Rome is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

19

Emergency numbers in Italy are 112 for general emergencies, 113 for police, 118 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire.

20

Public restrooms can be hard to find in Rome, and many charge a small fee. Restaurants and cafes often reserve their restrooms for customers.

Basic Italian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Ciao

Chow

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Arrivederci

Ah-ree-veh-der-chee

Saying goodbye

Please

Per favore

Pehr fah-voh-reh

Making a request

Thank you

Grazie

Graht-see-eh

Expressing gratitude

Yes

See

Agreeing or confirming

No

No

No

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Mi scusi

Mee skoo-zee

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Mi dispiace

Mee dee-spya-che

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Parli inglese?

Par-lee in-gleh-zeh?

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Non capisco

Non ka-pee-sko

Expressing confusion

Where is the bathroom?

Dove è il bagno?

Doh-veh eh il bahn-yo?

Asking for directions

How much does it cost?

Quanto costa?

Kwan-toh kos-ta?

Asking the price of something

I would like...

Vorrei...

Voh-rey...

Making a request

Help!

Aiuto!

Aye-oo-toh!

In an emergency

Can I have the bill, please?

Posso avere il conto, per favore?

Pos-soh ah-veh-reh il kon-toh, pehr fah-voh-reh?

Asking for the bill in a restaurant

Good morning

Buongiorno

Bwon-jor-no

Greeting someone in the morning

Good evening

Buonasera

Bwoh-na-seh-ra

Greeting someone in the evening

Good night

Buonanotte

Bwoh-na-not-teh

Saying goodnight

I'm lost

Mi sono perso

Mee soh-noh pehr-so

Asking for help with directions

Can you help me?

Puoi aiutarmi?

Pwoy aye-oo-tar-mee?

Asking for help

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3-4 pairs)

  • Socks (3-4 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3-4)

  • Long-sleeve shirts (1-2)

  • Jeans or comfortable pants (2 pairs)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Light jacket or sweater

  • Pajamas

  • Swimsuit (if planning to visit the beach or pool)

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat or cap for sun protection

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-sized body wash or soap

  • Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Travel-sized lotion

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Prescription medications (if any)

  • First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash (Euros)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and tour reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Map of Rome

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal power adapter

  • Headphones

  • Camera (if not using phone camera)

  • Charger for camera

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel guidebook for Rome

  • Notebook and pen

  • Umbrella or raincoat

  • Laundry bag

  • Zip-lock bags for organization

Weather Conditions

When visiting Rome, Italy, it's important to be aware of the city's Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer months, from June to August, temperatures can reach highs of 86°F (30°C) during the day. It's advisable to stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable. Don't forget to apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors exploring the city's historical sites. The winter months, from December to February, are generally mild with temperatures ranging from 37°F to 57°F (3°C to 14°C). It's a good idea to pack a warm coat, as well as an umbrella or raincoat, as this is when Rome receives most of its rainfall. Spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit Rome. The weather during these seasons is typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). These periods also tend to be less crowded with tourists, making it easier to explore the city. Regardless of when you visit, remember that weather can be unpredictable. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Also, keep in mind that many of Rome's attractions are outdoors, so be prepared for any weather conditions.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

13° / 3°

January is the coldest month in Rome, with occasional rain and snow. It's a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

February

14° / 4°

February is still quite chilly, but the days are getting longer. It's a good time to visit museums and historical sites.

March

18° / 6°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to rise. The city starts to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

April

22° / 8°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city on foot.

May

26° / 12°

May is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with flowers and greenery.

June

32° / 16°

June is the start of summer, with long, hot days. It's a great time for beach trips and outdoor dining.

July

35° / 19°

July is the hottest month in Rome, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. It's a great time to visit if you love the heat and sunshine.

August

35° / 19°

August is equally hot, with many locals leaving the city for vacation. It's a good time to visit if you don't mind the heat and smaller crowds.

September

30° / 16°

September sees the start of autumn, with temperatures starting to drop. It's a great time to visit for comfortable weather and fewer tourists.

October

24° / 12°

October is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city on foot.

November

18° / 8°

November is cooler, with shorter days and more rainfall. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

December

14° / 4°

December is chilly, but the city is beautifully decorated for Christmas. It's a great time to visit for holiday festivities and shopping.

Did you know?

Did you know that Rome is known as 'The Eternal City' and is almost 3,000 years old?

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