Four Days in Rome

This four days in Rome itinerary is packed with exciting activities and plenty of walking, but now better distributed to fully enjoy the city without rushing. It was my second time in this incredible city. Almost ten years ago, I tossed a coin into the Fontana di Trevi, legend says it ensures your return to Rome. Turns out, the legend was right!

Rome, Italy’s eternal capital, is a city where ancient history and modern vibrancy blend seamlessly. Once the heart of the Roman Empire, it captivates visitors with world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, alongside stunning Renaissance masterpieces on nearly every corner.

Rome isn’t just a walk through history. It buzzes with life, from lively piazzas filled with street performers to bustling trattorias serving authentic Italian cuisine. Food lovers will feel right at home here, and vegetarians will find plenty of delicious options like fresh pasta, eggplant parmigiana, and bruschetta.

Top tip: On the first Sunday of every month, many iconic sites are free to enter! We were lucky enough to visit on one of these Sundays and explored the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Castel Sant’Angelo completely free, saving about €60.

Day 1 – Ancient Rome & Imperial Landmarks

This first day focuses on the heart of Ancient Rome. Expect a fair amount of walking, but everything is close together.

Colosseum

We’ll start with the most iconic monument in Rome. Watching the Colosseum appear in the distance and grow larger as you approach is unforgettable. Standing next to it, you truly feel the weight of history.

Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this amphitheater hosted gladiatorial games, wild animal hunts, and public spectacles. The entrance ticket includes access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Opening hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (last entry 3:30 pm)
Ticket: €18 | Reduced €2 (EU citizens 18–25)

Arch of Constantine & Roman Forum

Just steps away stands the Arch of Constantine, built in 315 AD to celebrate Constantine’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.

The Roman Forum, dating back to the 7th century BC, was the political, religious, and social center of ancient Rome. Walk along the Via Sacra, admire the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Rostra, where history-shaping speeches once took place.

Palatine Hill

Inside the Forum, climb up to Palatine Hill for one of the best views in Rome. According to legend, this is where Romulus and Remus were raised by the she-wolf.

Trajan’s Column

A short three-minute walk brings you to Trajan’s Column, erected in 113 AD. Its spiral relief tells the story of the Dacian Wars with astonishing detail. Viewing it is completely free—and absolutely worth the time.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Eight minutes away stands the Altare della Patria, a massive white marble monument honoring the first king of unified Italy. From its terrace, you’ll get panoramic views over Rome. You can also get inside this massive building and walk through the many corridors and beautiful rooms.

Entrance: FREE

Day 2 – Churches, Piazzas & Rome’s Historic Center

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

A Baroque masterpiece famous for its optical illusion ceiling painted by Andrea Pozzo. Though Instagram made it popular, the church itself is stunning and well worth visiting.
Please don’t get in line to take the video with the mirror as every tourist do. Just get inside and appreciate it.

Entrance: FREE

Lunch at Taverna del Seminario

A fantastic place to slow down and enjoy a proper Roman meal. We had Cacio e Pepe and Spaghetti all’Arrabbiata—both unforgettable.

Pantheon

Just around the corner, step into one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. Its massive dome and central oculus are architectural marvels.

Entrance:
Adults €5
18–25 €3
Children FREE

Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva

Hidden behind the Pantheon, this Gothic-style basilica features beautiful frescoes and Bernini’s famous elephant statue outside.

Entrance: FREE

Piazza Navona & Sant’Agnese in Agone

Once a Roman stadium, today Piazza Navona is alive with artists and cafés. Don’t miss Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and the stunning Sant’Agnese in Agone church.

Via dei Coronari & St. Angelo Bridge

Walk along one of Rome’s most charming streets, lined with Renaissance buildings, until you reach St. Angelo Bridge. Decorated with Bernini’s angel statues, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Tiber.

Day 3 – Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps & Borghese Area

Fontana di Trevi

Arrive early to enjoy it without crowds. Toss a coin over your shoulder—it’s said to guarantee your return to Rome.
Have in mind Mondays and Fridays they clean the coins of the fountain. The close the nearest part of the fountain so you can’t take the classic picture.

Entrance: FREE

Basilica Sant’Andrea delle Fratte

A peaceful hidden gem just five minutes away, redesigned by Borromini in the 17th century.

Entrance: FREE

Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps

A Rome classic. Climb the 135 steps for great views, admire the Fontana della Barcaccia at the base, and soak in the atmosphere.

Trinità dei Monti

At the top of the Spanish Steps, this French Gothic church offers stunning views and Renaissance artwork.

Open: 10:15 – 19:00
Entrance: FREE

Terrazza Viale del Belvedere & Villa Borghese

A quieter alternative to Terrazza del Pincio with fantastic panoramic views. Behind it lies Villa Borghese, the green heart of Rome—perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Piazza del Popolo & Museo Leonardo da Vinci

End the day at Piazza del Popolo, home to an Egyptian obelisk and twin churches. If you’re a Leonardo fan, the nearby museum offers interactive exhibits of his inventions.

Museum ticket: €13

Via del Corso & Historic Churches

Walk down Via del Corso, stopping at Chiesa San Giacomo in Augusta and the Basilica of SS. Ambrose and Charles on the Corso.

Day 4 – Vatican City & Castel Sant’Angelo

Save a full day for Vatican City—you’ll need it.

Vatican Museums

One of the most important museum complexes in the world. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel.

Tickets:
Adults €20
Skip-the-line €25
Free on the last Sunday of the month

St. Peter’s Square

Designed by Bernini, this grand square symbolizes the embrace of the Church. Don’t miss the optical illusion created by the colonnades and the statue Angels Unawares.

St. Peter’s Basilica

The largest basilica in the world and one of the most breathtaking. Inside, admire Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin.

Entrance: FREE

Castel Sant’Angelo

Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, later a fortress and papal refuge. Try to visit at sunset for incredible views over the Tiber and Vatican.

Ticket: €18

If you are travelling through Italy check out my other guides of this incredible country!

• Naples
• Florence
• Venice
• Amalfi Coast
• Pisa