Rome Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Unforgettable Days in the Eternal City
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Rome is a unique city with a delicate blend of modernity and antiquity.
It’s very rare to walk amongst ruins older than the oldest cities, while simultaneously viewing art and architecture from Renaissance and Baroque periods, built centuries later. But Rome offers it all.
You’ll feel like a time traveler – transported to an age of progress and power, artistically and architecturally – yet still enjoy modern shopping and food, like H&M or McDonald’s. After traveling to Rome on multiple occasions, I can confidently say that Rome is a great place for your first trip abroad! With a plethora of breathtaking sites, ornate churches, and stunning art collections, Rome has something unique for everyone! And with healthy, delicious food options (and gelato!) on every corner, Rome is a food-lover’s Italian paradise.
I’ve compiled the perfect 5-day Rome itinerary for your Roman holiday, covering everything from ancient landmarks to modern gems.
Day 1: Ancient Rome Itinerary
Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill
For your first full day in Rome, travel back in time to the age of togas and Roman emperors!
After grabbing a delectable cornetto and cappuccino for breakfast, start your journey to antiquity at the Roman Ruins. The Roman Ruins are a spectacular collection of the once powerful Republic’s gathering sites, sacred temples, and forums. I recommend doing a guided tour of the ruins to learn more about what made ancient Rome so powerful.
Get Your Guide is my go-to tour operator for booking activities in Rome!
From the Roman Ruins, climb to one of Rome’s seven hills, the Palatine Hill to learn about the story of Romulus and Remus. Only one could rule over the land, and Romulus reigned supreme, founding the ancient Roman Republic. The Palatine Hill is a highlight of the ruins for its exceptional view of the Colosseum.
Visiting the Colosseum is a REQUIREMENT for your Rome itinerary. You’ve seen it in magazines and all over instagram…time to see it in person! Book your guided tour BELOW!
From the Palatine Hill head towards the Colosseum, making sure to stop and stare at the two triumphal arches, Arch of Constantine and Arch of Titus, which commemorated the epic battles fought, and won by the powerful emperors.
If your guided tour of the Roman Ruins includes a tour of the inside of the Colosseum, you get to imagine the epic battles that once took place inside the amphitheater! Otherwise, the view is just as spectacular from outside the monumental structure if you’d rather experience its splendor for free.
If you’re on the hunt for more budget-friendly adventures in Rome, check out my guide:
From ancient landmarks to hidden gems that won’t cost a single euro, this extensive guide will help you create the perfect Rome itinerary!
By the end of your ancient adventure, you’ve probably worked up an appetite! Divin Ostilia Food & Wine Bar is a picture-perfect enoteca with amazing food and wine, making it a great place to grab a quick bite!
Just beyond the Colosseum is an ancient church called Basilica di San Clemente, an excavated structure with archeological evidence of former ancient Roman structures built during the reign of Nero. Like a three-tiered cake, this church has ancient layers! Basilica di San Clemente is a must-visit basilica for your five perfect days in Rome!
No Rome itinerary is complete without a stop at the iconic Trevi Fountain. Built on ancient Roman aqueducts where three roads — tre vie — meet, this stunning masterpiece is carved from the same travertine stone as the Colosseum. Toss a coin, make a wish, and check this must-see landmark off your Rome itinerary!
The perfect way to end day one of your Rome itinerary is with a visit to one of the city’s oldest and most awe-inspiring landmarks: the Pantheon. This ancient architectural marvel is a must-see, offering the perfect finale to an unforgettable first day in Rome.
Day 2: Renaissance Rome Itinerary
Galleria Borghese, Spanish Steps, and More!
On day one, time-travel brought us back to ancient Rome…but for day two of your Rome itinerary, we are reminiscing on the Renaissance!
If there is one art museum you must visit in Rome (besides the Vatican Museums), it’s Galleria Borghese. Day two will have you exploring one of Rome’s most breathtaking collections of art.
Starting in Piazza del Popolo make your way up to Terrazza del Pincio, a great viewpoint over the city of Rome. Early mornings make for a peaceful stroll in Rome’s largest park. As you’re walking towards Galleria Borghese, you’ll pass by Piazza di Siena, which is the location of many of Rome’s equestrian events. On my first trip to Rome, I had the opportunity to watch the equestrian dressage and showjumping events in Piazza di Siena. It was spectacular and so inspiring! If you plan on visiting Rome at the end of May, this is a great time to see equestrian events!
Next stop is my all-time favorite museum (and I’ve been to A LOT of museums…), Galleria Borghese!
The best way to learn about the art in the former private villa and gallery of the Borghese family, is to take a guided tour of the museum. Get Your Guide offers the best guided tours (with skip-the-line entry!) of the museums most notable art pieces. Your guide will discuss the symbolism behind the sculptures and make sure you always look up at the decorated ceilings! The Italian villa – home to notable artworks by Bernini, Caravaggio and other famous artists – was once a part of the Borghese estate. The wealthy Machiavellian family were lavish art collectors.
Booking a guided tour at Galleria Borghese was one of my FAVORITE activities in Rome! Book your guided tour BELOW!
After your guided visit to the Galleria Borghese, head back down to Piazza del Popolo for a bite to eat. I recommend Babette and Ristorante Ad Hoc, which are a short stroll beyond the busy piazza.
Close to Piazza del Popolo is an ornate staircase that makes for a buzz-worthy instagram photo! The Spanish Steps, known for their Baroque-style architecture, are one of Rome’s most “instagrammable” spots. First-time travelers to Rome will love adding the Spanish Steps to their Rome itinerary! Just beneath the cascading steps is Piazza di Spagna, Rome’s most elite shopping district. Louis Vuitton. Dior. Prada. You name it. The “Spanish Square” is a great place to end the day, people watching, or shopping!
Day 3: Vatican City Itinerary
Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Hidden Gems!
Vatican City is worth setting aside a whole day in your five-day Rome itinerary. If you’re lucky, you might even see the Pope!
Much like the Louvre in Paris, if you don’t reserve your time slot early (months in advance during peak season), you’ll miss out on a coveted spot to see Italy’s largest collection of artwork. There are over 70,000 pieces of art in the Vatican Museums, so you can bet that tourists will be lined up and ready, very early.
Getting a skip-the-line pass for a museum of this size is worth every penny. I highly recommend booking your skip-the-line ticket with Get Your Guide. I’ve visited the Vatican Museum multiple times with and without a tour, and I HIGHLY recommend booking a guided tour to see the highlights in the museum.
Don’t waste time! Skip-the-line at the Vatican Museums with this special entry ticket to Rome’s most incredible museum!
travel tip!
WHERE IS THE ENTRANCE TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS?
The entrance to the Vatican Museum is on the NORTH SIDE of the small country (yes, Vatican “City” is one of the smallest countries!), while the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is on the SOUTHEAST SIDE of Vatican City!
I recommend starting day three of your Rome itinerary with the Vatican Museums. Once you’ve had enough art for the day, be sure to pass through the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Botticelli doesn’t get much credit for his frescoes in the chapel, but long before Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the iconic Creation of Adam and other biblical scenes, Botticelli painted scenes from the Life of Moses and Temptation of Christ!
Ceiling art is the trending topic for Rome, so again, don’t forget to look up! NOTE: Photographs are strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
Despite being the smallest country in the world, Vatican City has one of the largest, and certainly most ornate, basilicas. St. Peter’s Basilica is beautifully adorned with gold details and enough art to fill its own museum. This basilica has a strict dress code for men and women, so be sure to keep your shoulders and knees completely covered.
After your visit to Vatican City, I recommend spending lunch or dinner at the Italian restaurant Angelo’s, a warm and welcoming environment with exceptional food. Make your way to Castel Sant’Angelo, a Medieval fortress turned Papal residence turned museum. Castle Sant’Angelo, the last stop on your day three Rome itinerary is the perfect place to watch the sun set on Vatican City.
Day 4: A Local’s Rome Itinerary
Exploring Trastevere and Piazza Navona
The best way to see a city in its entirety is to traverse every cobblestone pathway and make your own discoveries. Consider the exploration a personal scavenger hunt to find your favorites parts of the city, and build your own favorite itinerary for the Eternal City!
Every via. Every viale. Walk as much as you can!
Day four of this five-day Rome itinerary is the perfect day for exploring Rome’s buzzing squares. Piazza Navona is my favorite location in Rome because of its central location, which makes it accessible to nearly all of Rome’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. And there is no shortage of restaurants nearby! This makes it the ideal place to book your hotel.
I recommend Terrazze Navona, a quaint guest house just outside the bustling piazza, which offers balcony views of the Roman skyline that will make your jaw drop. Also located near Piazza Navona are two of my favorite restaurants in Rome: Ristorante Montevecchio and La Pace del Palato.
Obviously this Rome itinerary would not be complete without dessert recommendations! Two Sizes, Rome’s best tiramisu, is located just steps away from Piazza Navona.
Walk across the Tiber river to the “Montmartre of Rome”, Trastevere. It really is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods, with a collection of amazing dining options! At Trapizzino Trastevere you can get a “trapizzino”–A pizza/sandwich hybrid created in 2009 by pizza maker Stefano Callegari. Another great option is Osteria Der Belli, a fan favorite in the neighborhood of Trastevere that specializes in fresh seafood and pasta at an affordable price! For dessert, I highly recommend Otaleg and Fiordiluna, two gelaterias that rival everywhere else!
Day 5: A Modern Rome Itinerary
Vittoriano, MAXXI, and Beyond
By now you’ve time-traveled from ancient Rome to the Renaissance, so day five of this five-day Rome itinerary is the time to head back to the future!
Ancient Rome screams, but modern Rome whispers. For the sake of simplicity we’ll call “modern” 1800–present (although historians might disagree with this claim…)!
The Vittoriano is a grand monument that commemorates Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the independent, unified Italy. The Italian parliament began construction of this monument on the Capitoline Hill where it would represent Italy’s risorgimento, a time period of unification and freedom. Though it’s hard to miss, standing tall over the ancient ruins, Vittoriano is worth adding to your 5-day Rome itinerary.
Another more recent development is the Museum of 21st Century Arts, MAXXI. MAXXI is a modern art museum and an architectural feat much like the Colosseum and the Vittoriano. In contrast to the ancient art and architecture all over Rome, this museum is certainly a palate cleanser!
Modern art lovers will really enjoy the MAXXI museum in Rome! To book a skip-the-line entry ticket, click BELOW!
Your final day in the city should bring you into the present, giving you the opportunity to contemplate Rome’s grandeur and power…from then to now!
Ready for your Roman holiday?
Let me know what you’re most excited to see, or drop your own Rome travel tips and itinerary recommendations in the comments!
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