On this guide packed with all of Rome’s must-sees we will cover what to do in Rome in 4 days!
Mix one part “1000-year ancient empire”, one part “European cultural rebirth” and one part “Baroque architecture sweetheart”. Leave it to stir in the sun for 2000-odd years and what do you get? Rome!
What to do in Rome
If you decide to give this 4-day in Rome itinerary a try, I promise you will not regret it. You can mix and match the top activities and sights mentioned here to best fit your schedule but to see more of the city and explore at your own pace, I recommend a minimum of 4 days.
How to get to Rome’s city center?
Getting from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to the city center is very easy. Fiumicino airport is well connected to Rome’s city center. From here you can take the express train to Termini (Rome’s biggest train station) in approximately 30 minutes. Once in Rome’s Termini station, you can reach the rest of the city by either metro, taxi, or express bus.
The ticket price for the 45-minute express bus is between €7 to €10 euros one way.
Note: The express train runs every 15 minutes during the day and every half hour at night. The price for a one-way ticket is €14 euros for adults. Remember that you must validate the ticket on the machines on the platform before getting on the train.
Tip: When purchasing tickets for the train online in advance you must select a departure time. In case of flight delays, you are allowed to get on a train that departs after the one you originally selected.
How to get around in Rome?
Rome is a big city with a well-connected public transportation system of buses, trams, metro, and taxis.
- Metro: The fastest and most reliable way of getting around in Rome is to opt for the metro. The metro contains 3 different underground lines (A, B, and C) with stops in the major city attractions.
- Bus: Due to the limitations of the three metro lines in Rome, you will often find yourself taking the bus. Patience is key since most buses tend to run late or not show up at all.
- Walking: Wandering around the city on foot is a great way to explore the city’s hidden gems.
- Driving: People in Rome drive somewhat recklessly and parking in the city center can be tricky and expensive.
- Taxi: I wouldn’t advise this option as it is quite expensive and traffic in the city is at times unbearable.
- Uber/My Taxi: If you really want to use an app to book your taxi, I suggest either Uber or My Taxi. Especially if you’re going further distances outside the city center.
Tip: If you’re in town for at least 72 hours, try the Roma Pass City Card— for just €33 euros will get you full access to public transportation, admission to two museums, and discounts on performance and exhibition tickets.
Where to stay in Rome
- Historic Center: Close to most sights (Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori) this is one of the most beautiful and central areas to stay in.
- Piazza di Spagna: Although it is part of the historic center, this area deserves a spot of its own due to the fancy hotels and apartments that set it apart from other parts of town. If you’re looking for a luxury stay here is where you should be.
- Prati: Near the Vatican and Castel Sant Angelo this area is still great for reaching all the sites by foot. The prices are better and you’re away from the center’s crowds of tourists.
- Monti: Close to the Colosseum, you’re on the edge of where tourists frequent the city, so nearby you have many great bars and restaurants that cater to Romans instead of tourists, so better quality and fairer prices.
- Trastevere: While it’s a bit further from many of the common tourist attractions it makes up for it by being the coolest district of Rome. Made up of small roads and classic buildings you will find the highest concentration of amazing restaurants and bars here and buzzing nightlife.
- Termini: The area nearby the station can be a great budget option for accommodations, it is however much further from the center compared to the other options on this list. I only recommend Termini if you are traveling on a tight budget.
Did You Know:
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Where to eat in Rome
A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without indulging in authentic Italian cuisine! Start your day with brioche and a cappuccino, stop by a local market for takeaway food, whether it is a panini or a pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), dine at one of the cozy restaurants in Trastevere, and try the famous yet simple cacio e pepe dish (pasta with butter and pepper), and of course, don’t forget to treat yourself to tiramisu or gelato!
- Caffé Sant’Eustachio: This spot is a short 2-minute walk from Piazza Navona. Recommended for an authentic Italian breakfast on-the-go experience. It is one of the oldest coffee shops in Rome. Famous for its home-roasted beans, blended with water from an ancient aqueduct. Besides cappuccino and espresso, they also serve amazing pastries (brioche).
- Tonnarello: Located in the cozy neighborhood of Trastevere, this chain restaurant serves delicious, big portions of pasta at a decent price.
- Pizzeria Nerone: Popular with locals and tourists this pizzeria in Trastevere is a great place to get that authentic wood-fired pizza experience.
- 200 Gradi: Near the Vatican, this place serves a variety of tasty paninis.
- La Locanda di Pietro: Serves an amazing apple caponata.
- Pompi: A must-stop for Tiramisu in Rome! This chain has several stores in the city, after all, it is famous for its fantastic tiramisu, from classical to strawberry flavor.
- Grom: Personally, this is my favorite ice cream shop in Europe! On a hot summer day, make sure to try their lemon-flavored ice cream.
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Overview of your 4 days in Rome
As one of the most historical, richly cultured destinations in the world, with four days in Rome, you’ll get to explore the most important sights of the city while trying some delicious food!
Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome
- Roman Forum: Start by making your way to the Roman Forum. Here you will get a glimpse of what life used to be like during ancient Rome when this was the political, economic, religious, and commercial heart of the city. The Forum Valley hosted games, political meetings, and assemblies.
- Palatine Hill: The Roman Forum lies in the valley surrounded by the Palatine, Capitoline, and Esquiline hills. After exploring the forum climb up to see the ruins of the ancient city where its inhabitants once met for economic transactions and social activities. From here you will get to see some of the city’s important landmarks and its beautiful gardens surrounded by ancient villas.
- Colosseum: This impressive building is such an amazing sight to see. Take some time to walk around it and admire it from the outside. Go up the staircase next to the Colosseum metro stop to Via Nicola Salvi for some amazing photos with the Colosseum in the background. If you are interested in learning more about this impressive structure, consider buying a combo ticket to explore the inside.
- Piazza del Campidoglio: Take some time to walk around Capitoline Hill, snap some photos in this square, and take in the panoramic view of the Forum from above, with the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum in the background.
- Piazza Venezia:This magnificent monument was built to commemorate the first king of unified Italy, Victor Emmanuel. Entrance to this building is free of charge and you can roam around freely as you take in the views of the ancient city.
Day 2: Stroll the most-renowned Spots in Rome’s city center
- The Pantheon: This is a building you cannot miss during your trip to Rome. The architecture with the open dome in the middle will blow your mind.
- Spanish steps: This lively staircase of 135 steps is a great place to people-watch. You can sit and snap some pictures before grabbing some tiramisu from the famous Pompi tiramisu shop nearby.
- Trevi fountain: No trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the iconic Trevi fountain. Legend has it that if you throw a few coins in then one day you’ll return to the Eternal City. Designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 the fountain portrays the sea god Oceanus with his seahorses. Make sure to arrive just before sunrise to beat the crowds.
- Piazza Navona: This colorful square is home to some of the city’s prettiest fountains. Make sure to explore it in the early morning.
- Galleria Borghese: This impressive Sixteenth Century villa was once the party residence of the Borghese family. However, now it’s one of the best museums in Rome, with an impressive collection of art, statues, and elaborate rooms with painted ceilings. After visiting the gallery make sure to walk through the gardens.
- Piazza del Popolo: A scenic walk from the gardens of Galleria Borghese this square is famous for having two identical churches next to each other. I recommend going here in the evening to enjoy the sun setting in the distance.
Day 3: Visit the Vatican City
- Vatican Museums: Make sure to buy your tickets from the official website at least one month in advance. I recommend starting your visit as early as possible to beat the crowds.
- Sistine Chapel: Another must-see! Plus, it is included with the Vatican museum ticket.
- St. Peter’s Square: Beautifully decorated with tall columns, if you go during Easter weekend chances are you will get to see the Pope.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: The most impressive church ever built. I recommend climbing to the top of the dome of St. Peters Basilica for an epic view.
Day 4: Discover Rome’s treasures
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Initially commissioned as a mausoleum by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It later served as a fortress, prison, and Papal Quarters. Nowadays, it is a museum.
- Trastevere: Cozy neighborhood with cobblestone streets and amazing restaurants. The go-to place for a nice evening out in Rome.
- Jewish District: Roam around aimlessly in the streets of the Jewish district and discover some of the many treasures of Rome.
Final Thoughts
I hope that this Rome itinerary has inspired you to visit this wonderful city. Rome is one of those cities that you cannot miss! It is filled with so much history, beautiful buildings, wonderful sights, and amazing restaurants. Plus it has the Vatican! I created this travel itinerary to ensure that you do not miss out on anything during your visit to Rome. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about planning your next trip to Rome.
