Any trip to Europe is incomplete without a stop at Rome. You possibly need a lifetime to discover the city and still leave some pieces out. You might exhaust yourself by wanting to see everything in a limited amount of time and that is not good. However, some tips could give you a whole flavor of Rome in 4 days without tiring you out.
I have been to Rome a few times and every time I have had new experiences and new stories to tell. But, is not easy to navigate Rome on your first trip and I hope these tips would be helpful. Naturally, you can interchange the days as you go but this is the easiest and most efficient way for me to enjoy Rome. To sum up, perfect itinerary could be planned with 4 days in Rome.
Best time to visit
Rome is good to visit all year round. However, it is especially crowded during the summer months of July and August. So, it would be best to visit Rome during the shoulder months of June and September to enjoy beautiful weather.
If you don’t mind the cold, you could also visit Rome in the winter to enjoy all the sights undisturbed.
Getting around
Rome has a very organized transport system. In fact, there are several buses, trains, and cabs to get to the city centre. For instance, the metro is especially intricate and you could reach any corner of Rome in minutes with the metro.
How to spend 4 Days in Rome
DAY 1 - Scenic walking tour of Rome
Arrive and rest for a while before you start your adventure. As a matter of fact, Italians usually start their days late so why not follow in their footsteps. Put on your best walking shoes before you step out (Trust me on this, Rome is all about cobbled streets and long walks). And then, grab lunch at one of the many Pizzerias or try some good old Italian Pasta or Spaghetti.
Pantheon
After lunch, point your Google Maps towards the Pantheon. If you are staying a bit outside the center you could take the Metro or the Bus, both of which have very good service.
The Pantheon should be your first stop because it has fixed opening times and you should not miss it if you can’t make it back there during the trip. The entry is free and it is truly a place of wonder. Read all the signs inside and be amazed by the fascinating history of the place.
Trevi Fountain
After Pantheon, follow the map to visit the Trevi fountain which is impossible to miss. It is a short 8 minutes walk and absolutely a wonder to see. In addition, it’s also free to enter. It seems like the spirit of a young Audrey Hepburn never left the place. Normally, this place tends to get very crowded. Nevertheless, everyone gets a chance to take the perfect photo. So don’t forget to take one or a few.
Tip: You must be a bit tired from the stops so do grab a Gelato from the many Gelaterias around the corner.
Tip: You might want to try out this store right across the fountain for some unique jewelry for yourself or as a souvenir/ gift. (No they are not paying me to write this, I just love them)
Spanish Steps and more
Next stop, the Spanish Steps. If you are an old-time movie buff like me, you can’t miss this. Although it might be overcrowded it is simply beautiful and to imagine so many great people have stood in those steps is an out-of-the-world experience in itself. However, it is best to reach during the late afternoon or sunset to take some amazing photos.
If you want to try something new with your photographs, like remove the crowd from the background, you might want to try this app.
After the steps, just stroll around the many alleyways and check out the Souvenir shops. If you want some directions, you could stroll towards the Piazza di Popolo with Google Maps. Be amazed on the way with the cobbled stones, beautiful marble sculptures, many Churches, and fountains.
End the day with some Spritz and Italian bread before heading towards your Hotel or Bnb.
Day 2 - Watching the 3 wonders of Rome
This is an important day because you will visit 3 of the most important and unmissable wonders of Rome today. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Palatine hills. However, I would strongly recommend you to buy the tickets well in advance. Otherwise, you might have to stand in a queue the whole day. You can find official tickets only here, don’t trust any other sites.
They have a few combo offers, which you can choose as per your interests. But, you are required to buy a ticket for all three sites at once.
Tip: Try to schedule your visit to the Colosseum later in the afternoon (from 2:30 pm to 4 pm). If not, we can still make it work.
Palatine Hills
Start the day early and take public transport or walk straight to the Palatine Hills. Skip the queue and walk straight through the entrance. After that, take a walk around and take many pictures. But try to hold your excitement. However, don’t tire yourself out because this is going to be a long and unforgettable day with too much to hold in.
Roman Forum
After spending an hour or so move on to the Roman Forum. There is a shortcut to the Roman Forum directly from the Palatine Hills. These are steep stairs so be careful. Try to soak in all the history, read the placards, and be surprised. Get ready to take some wonderful pictures.
The view of the Colosseum from the Roman Forum is absolutely unforgettable.
After the tiring walk, it is time to take a break. Across the street from the Roman Forum, there are unlimited eateries. Grab a heavy lunch and get your batteries recharged for the last and most exciting site of the day, The Colosseum.
Colosseum
Every person has their own way of enjoying the Colosseum and it is meant to be that way. There is a queue for security checks that you have to go through even if you have bought the tickets in advance. Once you are through, enjoy every part of the Colosseum and take as many pictures as you can because this is a sight to behold.
End the day with a fine glass of wine and some more of the delightful Italian food. Rest well for the next day.
Day 3 - Vatican City Trip
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to Vatican City. Although it is not a part of Rome or Italy, it is just a 30 min Metro ride or a 1-hour walk from Rome. You could buy your tickets for the Vatican Museums online but you have to pay 4 Euros more for each ticket. Usually, you could buy the tickets at the Museum with a short waiting time.
St. Peter's Basilica
Start the day early if you want to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. There is an impossibly long queue during summer months all across St. Peter’s Square. Visit early around 7 am or 8 am to seamlessly enjoy this treat. You might encounter the Papal Guards on your way in. This site is free to enter so don’t believe anyone trying to sell you tickets.
Vatican Museums
After this, grab some lunch and make your way around to the Vatican Museums. Buy your ticket after arriving to avoid the surcharge for tickets. It is a short wait. Then, make your way in and enjoy the grandeur of this place because this will be a walk you will never forget in your life.
Tip: Don’t be fooled by the many people outside the Museum claiming to buy you tickets and skipping the line because it is completely untrue. For instance, waiting time is a maximum of 1 hour and there is no option of skipping the line.
Tip: Take the Audio Guide to get an immersive experience at the Museum. It is in fact quite informative and inspiring.
Tip: Note that the ticket is only for the Vatican Museums and not for Sistine Chapel or St. Peter’s Basilica so if anyone suggests they are selling you a combo ticket for 50 euros it is completely false.
Sistine Chapel
There is a narrow passage that leads directly to the Sistine Chapel from the Museum. Most importantly, there are directions written everywhere. However, if you can’t spot them just follow the crowd. Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the Sistine Chapel and breathe in the silence and peace.
Tip: Try to wear clothes covering your knees and shoulders both for men and women and please do not take photographs. They are quite strict with the entrance to Sistine Chapel.
After encountering one of the oldest and most beautiful places in human history, now its time to enjoy some food. Usually, I would take the Bus or Metro into Rome and find a place to eat because the prices in the Vatican could be quite steep. Rest.
Day 4 - My Day of exploring Rome
My 4 days in Rome are never completed without this day, which I conveniently call “Me Day”. Truthfully, everyone has their special interest when it comes to Rome. In fact, I have tried different things every time but believe me, this is optional and you could have completely different reasons to visit a place.
For example, you could take a stroll across the river. As a matter of fact, the view of St. Peter’s Basilica from the riverside is magical. Also, you could grab some lunch or even take a cruise across Rome. Additionally, you could also take a detour and visit the Castel Sant’Angelo for unbelievable views of the city.
Tip: Try to catch at least one sunset by the river because it is truly magical.
If you are a movie buff like me, you could visit the Palazzo Colonna where the last scene of Roman Holiday was shot. However, it is only open on Saturdays to the public so make sure to plan your days around accordingly. It is totally worth it. There is an entry charge of 12 Euros. But no need to buy online tickets. Instead, it is best to buy at the entrance desk. Check for the timings here.
In the evening I would recommend a walk to the Piazza Navona to appreciate the many street musicians playing there. You can also grab a drink or sit by the fountain or get yourself a caricature made from the street painters at every corner. Visit the Souvenir stores and buy some amazing things to remember your ‘4 days in Rome’ by.
P.S.: Rome is best enjoyed on foot. Therefore, take as many strolls as you can around the streets of Rome at any time of the day or night to experience some magical memories!
What to eat
There are restaurants for all cuisines in every corner of Rome. Do enjoy the Italian Cuisine. As a matter of fact, it is not overhyped and tastes every bit as tasteful as described everywhere. Of course, mix it with some fine Italian wine.
Tip: Avoid eating near famous sights to avoid getting robbed and, find eateries in the residential areas.
Where to stay
It is tricky to decide where to stay in Rome. The connectivity is good from every corner but Rome is a very big city and you could end up spending a long time in commuting. I would suggest you book a place at least 3-4 months in advance to get the right price and location.
Fun fact: We found a wonderful place in walking distance to the Colosseum at a very good price on our last visit. Whereas, on the trip before, we spent twice the amount for a place which was 50 minutes by metro to the centre. On one hand, both apartments were booked from Airbnb and were almost the same size. On the other hand, we booked 3 months in advance for our last trip while on the trip before we booked only 15 days in advance.
Budget
Hotel or Airbnb: 80 Euros and more per night
Food: 50-60 Euros per meal for two with local wine
Other: 50-60 Euros per person per day
