Rome in 3 Days: Ancient Rome, the Vatican and Trastevere

Destination: Rome, ItalyCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 2nd October 2026
Give ancient Rome and the Vatican separate days, then walk between the Pantheon, city squares and Trastevere. A first visit built around the major sights, with evenings for neighbourhood walks and dinner.
City Break
2
Day 1 — Ancient Rome
Image of Colosseum

Colosseum

Ancient Site, Landmark
$$
The standard Colosseum ticket covers the visitor levels overlooking the arena. Walking onto the arena floor requires an arena-inclusive ticket. Book the entry time through the official site, then visit the Roman Forum and Palatine next door.
Image of Roman Forum

Roman Forum

Historic Site
Follow the ancient streets past the temples and basilicas, then climb to the Palatine for views over the Forum. This fills the rest of the morning after the Colosseum; head into Monti for lunch afterwards.

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Restaurant, Italian Restaurant
This restaurant in Monti makes a convenient sit-down lunch after the Colosseum and Forum. The surrounding streets also have cafés and other places to eat.
Image of Capitoline Museums

Capitoline Museums

Museum, Archaeological Site, Art Gallery
$$
The Capitoline Museums are an optional afternoon stop for Roman sculpture and paintings. If the Colosseum and Forum have filled your day, walk up to Piazza del Campidoglio for the square and view over the ruins instead.
Day 2 — Vatican

Vatican Museums

Museum, Art Gallery, Religious Site
$$$
Spend the morning following the museum route to the Sistine Chapel. Buy a timed ticket through the Vatican Museums’ website. Most Sundays are closed; use another day for this route if your visit falls on one.

Ristorante Arlu

Restaurant, Italian Restaurant
Arlù on Borgo Pio is a lunch option between the Vatican museums and St Peter’s. Eat here or along the neighbouring streets before returning to the basilica.
Image of Basilica di San Pietro

Basilica di San Pietro

Place of Worship, History Landmark
After lunch in Borgo Pio, enter St Peter’s for Michelangelo’s Pietà and the vast nave. The dome climb is a separate addition to the visit. Finish in the square before walking towards Castel Sant’Angelo.
Image of Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo

Historic Site
Walk past the fortress to Ponte Sant’Angelo, whose statues frame the view back towards the castle. This is a riverside finish to the Vatican day; the museum inside is an optional extra.
Day 3 — Pantheon & Trastevere
Image of Pantheon

Pantheon

Monument
Begin among the ancient columns and beneath the Pantheon’s open dome. The surrounding centre is best explored on foot: continue to Piazza Navona, stopping for coffee in the streets between them.
Image of Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

Public Square, Landmark, Art Destination
Pause at Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and walk the length of the square. From here, head towards the Tiber and cross into Trastevere for the afternoon and dinner.
Image of Trastevere

Trastevere

Quarter, Core Attraction
Cross the Tiber and walk to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Follow Via della Lungaretta through the neighbourhood, then turn towards the quieter lanes around Santa Cecilia and Da Enzo al 29 for dinner.

Da Enzo

Restaurant, Restaurant
Finish with Roman cooking at Da Enzo al 29 on Via dei Vascellari. The small trattoria is known for dishes such as carbonara and cacio e pepe, and queues are common at dinner. The walk through Trastevere comes before this stop.