Rome is famous for being one of the most historical, cultured and romantic destinations in the world. While it’s true that Rome is chock full of enough things to do (and eat) that it can occupy a traveler for a lifetime, the city is actually a fairly simple one to get an overview of on a short trip. That’s why I have put together this Rome Bucket List over a 3 day itinerary to show you the best of the city–all of those highlights that are world-renowned and utterly unmissable during your first trip to Rome–and also help you fall in love with the city so much that you leave already planning to come back!
If you have been following you would know by now that Pete and I road tripped through Europe in 2017, starting from the UK, then flying over to Paris and continuing on the road through Portugal and Spain before finally reaching Italy. So after we explored Florence and seen what all it had to offer we made our way down to Rome which only about a 3.5 hour drive from Florence!
We had heard so many mixed reviews on Rome- it was too busy, too expensive, too crowded etc. In my honest opinion, Rome surprised me. I think I was expecting an overcrowded, untidy and overrated city but Rome was so beautiful, full of history, amazing architecture and full of culture.
Here’s the thing about Rome: whether you’re spending 2 days in Rome or 2 weeks, you will 1) never run out of things to do, and 2) have plenty of time to see the highlights.
So without further ado- Here is the Ultimate Rome Bucket List set over a 3 day Itinerary!
The Ultimate Rome Bucket List: 3 Day Itinerary: Day 1
Start at the Colosseum
First things first: you’ve come all this way to Rome, so number one at the top of your Rome Bucket List is to see its most iconic sight ASAP!
After ducking into a bar (aka coffeeshop) for a traditional Italian breakfast of a cappuccino and a pastry, head directly to the Colosseum to soak in some incredible history!
It’s impossible to get lost heading here– you can take the metro to the stop marked “Colosseo”, and it will practically smack you in the face as you walk out of the station.
Some say that there can be long lines to get in when you arrive however for us we were lucky not to have to wait at all even in the middle of June- maybe it was just luck?
Next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, one of the largest of Rome’s ancient triumphal arches. The arch celebrates Emperor Constantine the Great’s victory and the battle that made Christianity the religion of Rome.
Make your way over to the Roman Forum
Right next door to the Colosseum sits the impressive Roman Forum.
You will be blown away by how big the forum actually is once you start strolling through the remains of the buildings and avenues. It is fun and surprisingly easy to imagine what it must have looked like in all of its glory during the height of the Roman Empire.
You can also explore the Via Biberatica, which is the most intact ancient Roman street in the city.
Climb Palatine Hill
Within the complex of the Roman Forum sits Palatine Hill, where a short climb will reward you with even more ruins and incredible Roman history, but also gorgeous views of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the city of Rome itself–including a view of St. Peter’s Basilica sitting in the distance.
The climb is easy, short and well worth the time spent. Definitely don’t forget to bring your camera up there! Enjoy the beautiful garden areas and fragments of ancient villas.
Watch the Sunset from Piazza del Campidoglio
Make sure that before sunset you slip around the backside of the central building in Piazza del Campidoglio, on top of Capitoline Hill. You’ll see a beautiful panorama of the Forum from above, with the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum in the background.
The Ultimate Rome Bucket List: 3 Day Itinerary: Day 2
Visit the Pantheon
The famous Pantheon is home to many mysteries, such as exactly how old it is and what it is made out of!
Definitely a sight you CANNOT miss in Rome, it is the only ancient Roman temple to survive the millennia virtually intact. The architecture will blow your mind, and you will need a few minutes just to sit in the piazza and take in the stately sight before heading inside.
Unlike many places in Rome, this one is free to enter, so no need to open your wallet!
Right outside the Pantheon sits the beautiful Piazza della Rotonda–while you’re there, be sure to take a few moments to admire the view of the Pantheon from the piazza and the piazza itself.
Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
8 minute walk from Pantheon
No Rome Bucket List would be complete without seeing the Trevi Fountain! The tradition is to toss a few coins in, to ensure that one day you’ll return to the Eternal City.
I’ll be honest: this fountain was incredibly high on my list of things I wanted to see on our first trip to Rome, beating out even more “worthy” historical sites.
And… it was worth it.
The architecture is just so incredible, and the brightly colored water is magnificently beautiful set against the white stone.
Yes, you will inevitably share the lovely view with hundreds of others, but it is surprisingly easy to snag a prime location near the front to get up close and personal with the Trevi Fountain.
Walk on the Spanish Steps
8 minute walk from Trevi Fountain
These steps straddle two gorgeous Roman piazzas: Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinita dei Monti at the top.
Sitting on the Spanish Steps has unfortunately been outlawed recently, ending a decades-long tradition of lounging there, the good news is that it is now easier than ever to snap photos of the steps!
While visiting the Spanish Steps is fun at any time of day, bear in mind that it is frequently crowded You would need to get up at dawn to get a photo of the steps when they’re empty!
Go to Piazza del Popolo
9 minute walk from Spanish Steps
Make your way north to Piazza del Popolo, and if it interests you, check out the fabulous church of Santa Maria del Popolo.
Walking from the Spanish Steps to the Piazza del Popolo is a lovely stroll in its own right. Be sure to climb up to the Pincio Terrace while you’re there for a beautiful view of Piazza del Popolo and of Rome itself from above.
The Ultimate Rome Bucket List: 3 Day Itinerary: Day 3
Head straight to the Vatican Museums.
I recommend doing the Vatican Museums last as it is a big day in itself and there is a lot to explore and see! You can spend the whole day here if you really wanted (but don’t because you will miss out on the other things I have below!)
Magnificent sculptures, historic globes, some of the most beautiful maps in the world, endless paintings, a chance to visit an entirely new country without traveling outside of Rome, and–of course–the Sistine Chapel.
No Rome Bucket List itinerary could be complete without including a visit to Vatican City and the famed Vatican Museums! Read my full guide on Tips on Visiting the Vatican: Travel Guide, Tricks + FAQ!
The Vatican Museums are something that you’re going to want to buy tickets for in advance: the lines are almost always ridiculously long, and with only a couple days in Rome, you absolutely want to avoid waiting in them.
That being said, the museums are incredibly memorable, and we are so glad we braved the crowds in order to tour them.
While we personally visited the museums during the day, if you’re particularly interested in seeing the Sistine Chapel without a few hundred of your new closest friends, there is the opportunity to buy first-entry tickets, where you can gain access to the museums and Sistine Chapel before they officially open for the day.
While it is a slightly pricier option, word on the street is that if it’s in your budget, it’s 100% worth both the money and the effort spent getting out of bed early in the morning.
Also, bear in mind when planning your 2 day Rome itinerary that the Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month, when the museums are open and free to visitors who are able to enter before 12:30pm (they then close at 2:00pm). On Fridays between April and October, they’re also open at night, so be aware of that option as well.
On your way out of the museums, be sure to stop by the Vatican City post office to send something to yourself from the smallest country in the world if that’s something you’re interested in!
Exit toward St. Peter’s Square.
Feel free to wander around the square, and when you’re ready, jump into line to head into the Basilica itself. The Basilica is free to enter, but there is a small charge for climbing up to the top of the dome.
Keep in mind that St. Peter’s Basilica has a dress code that is enforced, so cover your shoulders and knees before entering!
If you’re interested in seeing the Pope, public addresses are given most Wednesday mornings when he is in town. Tickets are required, but supposed to be fairly easy to get–be sure to plan this one in advance!
Stroll to Piazza Navona
The legend is that 2,000 years ago, the Romans built a stadium named Circus Domitianus. Over time, the stadium was torn down, the area paved, Baroque fountains were put in, markets gathered, Popes ordained summer splash pools… and eventually, out all of this activity and change, the area eventually became what is now known as Piazza Navona, and remains one of the best known and most popular piazzas in Rome to this day. It is a must-see Rome Bucket List itinerary–perhaps with a gelato in hand!
More on Rome…
Tips on Visiting the Vatican: Travel Guide, Tricks + FAQ!
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