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How many days in Rome do you need? An itinerary for a four-day trip

Wondering how many days in Rome to spend? Use this itinerary to visit sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City, with a few underrated gems.

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering how many days in Rome will be enough? With Rome’s rich history, ancient ruins, and world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when figuring out how to fit everything about the eternal city into four days.

For most visitors, four days can offer the perfect balance between seeing Rome’s major highlights and taking in the local culture without feeling rushed. Here’s a complete itinerary including famous attractions such as Trevi Fountain, Vatican Museums, and Palatine Hill and the best neighborhoods including Trastevere and Testaccio. Without further ado, here’s a four-day plan ensuring an authentic, unforgettable experience.

In this article

Day 1 in Rome: Explore Ancient Rome and the city center

The Colosseum once housed over 80,000 spectators to witness bloody gladiator battles and executions of prisoners of war and criminals. Source: Unsplash

Begin your first day in the Eternal City by jumping straight into Ancient Rome’s rich history.

Stop 1: The Colosseum and Roman Forum

Visit two of the city’s most famous landmarks across the street from each other: the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We advise booking fast-track tickets in advance to save time and make the most of your day.

Here, you can spend 3-4 hours in both locations where gladiators once fought and powerful emperors influenced famous historical events. Did you know a replica of the Colosseum in Malta features in the famous Gladiator movies? The Colosseum itself is not allowed to star in any movies, no matter how amazing the script is.

Stop 2: Palatine Hill and nearby attractions

Next, head to Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s seven famous hills, and enjoy the best-preserved archeological sites and ancient ruins. It is said that Palatine Hill is the birthplace of Rome, warranting a visit. Capitoline Hill, nearby (redesigned by one of Italy’s most famous artists, Michelangelo), hosts beautiful piazzas and the Capitoline Museums.

Don’t miss a leisurely stroll to Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden), a lush green space for a break offering one of the best views over the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica. A little further ahead lies the Circus Maximus grounds, where thrilling chariot races once took place.

Stop 3: Enjoy the local cuisine

Finally, it’s time to discuss the best part — the food. Enjoy classic Roman dishes at local restaurants, including Roman-style pizza (Cimarra 4 Cocktails & Pizza), creamy carbonara (Mimì & Cocò), and crispy supplì (Supplì). For dessert, go for some artisanal gelato from the many gelaterias across the city or a 1-euro coffee at a local bar.

Insider tip: Climb the Aventine Hill or Janiculum Hill close to sunset to catch orange hues and admire the famous skyline views of the Eternal City for the perfect end to your first day.

Day 2 in Rome: Spend the day in Vatican City

Did you know Vatican City is actually one of the world’s smallest city-states? It came into existence on February 11th, 1929, after the signing of the Lateran Treaty. Source: Unsplash

No trip to Rome would be complete without visiting Vatican City. This iconic country is home to some of the world’s most magnificent historical artifacts and art collections.

Stop 1: The Vatican Museums

Start your day bright and early with a visit to the Vatican Museums; book your tickets in advance to avoid same-day additional charges and inconvenient times. You should also consider getting a tourist card for Rome, which bundles access to top attractions, skip-the-line benefits, and public transportation into one easy purchase.

Explore the incredible Raphael Rooms and other impressive collections spanning centuries. The highlight for most visitors tends to be the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. The captivating frescoes cover the high ceilings and are the epitome of the artistry that defines Vatican City.

Stop 2: St. Peter’s Basilica

Head to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest and most magnificent churches. Climb the dome for a panoramic view of Rome’s charming neighborhoods and skyline views on a clear late afternoon.

Stop 3: Castel Sant’Angelo

After exploring Vatican City, take a short walk to Castel Sant’Angelo, a towering fortress that has served many roles over the centuries. Today, it’s a museum with important history within its walls. You can even witness the hidden passageway used by popes during sieges — the Passetto di Borgo — between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Enjoy a stroll along the Tiber River and pass iconic bridges such as Ponte Sant’Angelo, lined with intricate statues.

Stop 4: Prati

Head to Prati, one of Rome’s charming neighborhoods, packed with local restaurants. Indulge in Roman-style pizza (Siciliainbocca In Prati), cacio e pepe (Casa Prati), and end your meal with tiramisu.

Insider tip: For photography enthusiasts, the best time to capture St. Peter’s Basilica or Castel Sant’Angelo from the Tiber River is right before sunset, when the light catches the ancient ruins in a soft, warm glow.

Day 3 in Rome: Tour the famous Trevi fountain, piazzas, and hidden gems

Wondering how many days in Rome you need? A single moment at the breathtaking Trevi Fountain will make you wish for more time in the Eternal City. Source: Unsplash

Of the question “How many days do you need in Rome?”, one thing is certain — visiting Trevi Fountain, one of Europe’s most famous fountains.

Stop 1: Trevi Fountain

This is one of the Eternal City’s must-visit landmarks and should definitely be a part of your day trips in Rome. Start your day by visiting the pristine Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return trip to Italy and Rome!

We recommend visiting Trevi Fountain as early as possible to avoid crowds and capture beautiful images of the sparkling waters before the big city wakes up.

Stop 2: Spanish Steps

The famous 18th-century Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) are a short walk away. This area is home to vibrant hubs and fashionable streets. Climb to the top of the stairs to be rewarded with stunning views over Rome’s rooftops.

Stop 3: Piazza Novana

Next, head towards Piazza Navona, a stunning neighborhood built around a Baroque square scattered with street artists and gorgeous fountains. After enjoying the heart of central Rome, wander north towards the Villa Borghese Gardens for a much-needed breather and relaxing break. The cobbled streets are packed with hidden gems like sculptures, fountains, and small lakes to explore.

In the evening, tour the areas surrounding Piazza del Popolo or return to Piazza Venezia for a laid-back dinner. You’ll find cozy local restaurants and authentic flavors to enjoy.

Insider tip: Try scheduling your visit to Villa Borghese around sunset. It’s a perfect way to escape crowds and enjoy the serenity of Rome’s green heart.

Day 4 in Rome: Explore the local life

The Via Appia was one of the earliest and most strategically important roads of the ancient Republic. Today, it’s surrounded by grassy fields, ancient structures, and pine trees. Source: Unsplash

For your final day in the Eternal City, head away from the bustling big city vibe and explore Rome’s hidden gems, such as the Via Appia Antica.

Stop 1: Via Appia Antica

This ancient Roman road once connected Southern Italy to Rome and remains well-preserved. Start your day trip by renting a bike or even joining a guided walking tour along the Via Appia to learn more about its past. You’ll pass the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, which are ancient aqueducts stretching across fields.

Stop 2: Pantheon or the Santa Maria Maggiore

After returning from the Via Appia, spend the next half of your day squeezing in any major highlights you may have missed, such as the Pantheon or the Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s oldest basilicas.

Stop 3: Trastavere and Testaccio

End your final day in Rome by exploring its best neighborhoods, Trastevere and Testaccio. Trastevere is perfect for restaurant-hopping and sipping wine on fairy-lit terraces. Testaccio is where you can explore traditional markets, artisan bakeries, and old-school trattories.

Insider tip: After exploring Rome’s main attractions, get a taste of the local culture at one of the many bars and restaurants in Trastevere and Testaccio. They offer fantastic rooftop or piazza seating to enjoy the breeze and reminisce on your trip to Rome.

Tips for planning a trip to Rome

Your initial question of “How many days do you need in Rome?” may be answered with this four-day itinerary; however, here are some additional tips to make your travels to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities smoother.

Maximize your time in Rome by booking red-eye flights/trains

If you’re wondering how many days in Rome you need to experience the major highlights, one of the smartest travel tips is to book red-eye flights or overnight trains whenever possible.

Arriving early in the morning means you can hit the ground running, giving you an entire day to explore. Every hour counts when you’re exploring things to do in Rome.

Book your accommodation in the heart of Rome

After deciding how many days in Rome are enough, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to stay. Book your accommodation close to the city center and within a short walk of famous attractions. This way, you’ll maximize sightseeing and spend less time navigating transport.

Plan your trip based on different times of the year

Along with figuring out how many days in Rome you need, planning your trip based on the time of year is essential. For example, head to Sicily if you’re wondering where is hot in August in Italy. But for Rome, April to June and September to October are ideal for pleasant weather, lighter crowds, and easier access to skip-the-line tickets.

Enjoy a four-day trip in Rome with Holafly

One final and crucial tip is to ensure you have constant internet access while on your trip. Rome’s cobbled streets, famous landmarks, and hidden gems can be tricky to navigate, especially on a tight schedule. Consequently, getting Holafly’s Italy eSIM is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

You’ll have instant unlimited mobile data as soon as you land in Italy and unlimited hotspots for the rest of your devices. With reliable, fast-speed 5G internet, you can easily find your way to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, or Vatican City without relying on patchy public WiFi or expensive roaming charges.

On the other hand, if you plan to spend an extended vacation in Italy or other neighboring countries, consider Holafly Connect instead. This monthly subscription service is perfect for frequent travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads who need fast internet on the go without constantly switching SIMs or upgrading their plans.

For only $64.90/month, you can get unlimited data (with unlimited hotspots) in over 170 destinations, so you never have to worry about staying connected ever again.

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