The city of Rome in Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and of course, delicious cuisine.
When I traveled to Rome, I spent only five days there and to be honest, it wasn't enough. While I was able to see all the places on my bucket list and more, I would've wanted to spend more time there and just enjoy the city.
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| Villa Borghese |
So if you're planning to visit Rome and you only have four days, here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time.
Itinerary for 4 Days in Rome
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Start your day at the Colosseum, which is an iconic symbol of Rome. There may be long queues to enter so I'd highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance. This would give you a timed entry to the Colosseum so you get to skip the line.
The same ticket will also give you entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which is right next to the Colosseum. This is where you can explore the ruins of ancient temples, basilicas, and imperial palaces.
Visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill can easily take up your entire morning.
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| the famous Colosseum in Rome |
After lunch, head over to Capitoline Hill. Enjoy the stunning view over the Roman Forum and visit the Capitoline Museums, which house an impressive collection of ancient Roman art and artifacts. Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Tiber River, crossing the historic Ponte Sant'Angelo, and end the day at a trattoria for some authentic Italian dishes.
Day 2: Vatican City
Begin your day at the Vatican Museums, where you can marvel at the stunning collections, including the Sistine Chapel. I'd also recommend getting your tickets in advance for this so that you get to skip the long queues to enter the museums.
Explore St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, known for its breathtaking architecture and works of art. Climb to the top of St. Peter's Dome for a panoramic view of Rome. Afterward, visit Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress and museum with beautiful views of the city.
In the evening, wander through the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its narrow, cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere. You'll also find lots of excellent dining options in this area.
Day 3: Modern Rome and Shopping
Spend the morning at the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna, a popular meeting point and a great spot for people-watching. Then head over to the Trevi Fountain, which is one of Rome's most famous landmarks. Don't forget to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain for good luck.
Visit the Pantheon. Originally built as a temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome, it stands as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in the world. Afterward, walk for a few minutes to Piazza Navona, which is a lively square with magnificent Baroque architecture and street performers.
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| Piazza Navona |
Then spend the rest of the day exploring the upscale shopping street, Via Condotti, where you'll find famous fashion brands and luxury boutiques. You'll also find some local restaurants near this area.
Day 4: Art and Culture
Start your day at Villa Borghese, which is a public park that's home to several art galleries. One of which is Galleria Borghese - a renowned art gallery that houses works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and other masters.
Right across from Villa Borghese is the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art. And here's a pro tip: if you visit on the first Sunday of the month, you get free access to all these galleries and museums. Then have lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area.
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| inside one of the galleries in Villa Borghese |
After lunch, go to Piazza del Popolo, which is a vibrant and historic square located in the heart of Rome. The piazza is surrounded by impressive landmarks and architectural gems with the towering Obelisk of Ramesses II at the center. On either side of the obelisk are twin churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, which add to the square's visual charm.
From the piazza, climb up some steps going to Terrazza del Pincio where you can get overlooking views of the city.
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| view from Terrazza del Pincio |
And that's it! That's how you explore and experience Rome if you only have five days. For more travel tips and itineraries in Italy, you can click here. If you have any questions about Rome and traveling, feel free to comment below and I'll be more than happy to answer them.
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