How to spend 4 days in Rome and see the best of the city – complete Rome Itinerary

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Detailed itinerary to help you plan 4 days in Rome. Learn what to see, how to get the best tickets, where to eat, stay and how to get around in this handy guide by a Rome local.

If you are planning on spending 4 days in Rome, let me tell you: you are in for a treat!

Rome is wonderful city, a place so full of things to see and do, you will never finish getting to know it and four says are a great length of time to get a first taste for it!

With four days in Rome, you will not be able to see ‘everything’.

However, you will be able to visit Rome’s most famous attractions and have the time to leisurely stroll along Rome’s pretty cobbled streets and lunge in its beautiful piazzas. 

However, Rome is busy and chaotic. So, while you will have the time to do all this, some planning is necessary.

Tickets to the Colosseum and the Vatican, for instance, must be booked well in advance and it is worth planning where to stay and how to get around to make sure transport time doesn’t eat too much into your time.

I am here to help!

I am from Rome and I love hewing people discover my stunning yet difficult city.

In this guide, you find all my best tips to plan 4 days in Rome and my recommended itinerary. I hope you enjoy it!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

Rome in 4 days: itinerary for first time visitors

If this is your first trip to Rome, you will want a four-day itinerary that touches on Rome’s must-sees.

Therefore, I made this itinerary so that it includes the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and a little more. Here it is. 

Rome Itinerary Day 1 – ancient Rome, Capitoline Hill, Trevi

Morning: Colosseum and Roman Forum

Start your day with a morning tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum to get a taste of Ancient Rome.

The two sites are beside each other and, together, will require a full morning, spent visiting at a leisurely pace.

If you decide to only see one of the two, usually people spend:

• 1-2h at the Colosseum
• 2h+ at the Forum

I highly recommend you get a tour of the Colosseum at least: get one that includes the underground for the best experience – you do not need to break the bank for this!

Find my guide to the best Colosseum tickets here or see our top pick at the following links:

You can choose whether you want a guide for the Forum too or explore on your own. 

The choice depends on your interest in history.

The Forum has few info panels and, on your own, you will only learn a little about it.

However, it is a delightful place for a walk so even just a stroll here to see what it is all about is pleasant.

Top Tip: make sure you climb up to the top of the Palatine Hill, just above the Forum (already included in your ticket). It is stunning and one of the best places to catch a view over Rome!

Lunch – After your morning exploring Ancient Rome, you will be ready for lunch.

There are several nice places in this area but a couple you may like are:

• Cafe Cafe: informal, breakfast / brunch / light lunch type of place with salads, hummus, lasagne and some nice dessert.

La Naumachia: pleasant and delicious restaurant on Via Celimontana, close to the Colosseum, suited for a proper sit down meal with pasta, meat etc

La Polveriera: informal bar with kitchen on Via della Polveriera (on top of the hill in front of the Colosseum) with good quality hot dishes, cafe staples and outdoor tables. Honest prices especially considering the location, great for an informal lunch.

This ares has the facility of engineering of the University of Rome and has a dynamic, young, buzzy feel during the academic year

Top tip! If you are in La Polveriera, make sure you enter the church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St Peter in Chains) nearby. Free to enter, it has a famous statue of Moses by Michelangelo!

Afternoon – Piazza Venezia, Capitoline Hill, Monti

The Colosseum and Roman Forum is just beside Piazza Venezia so it makes sense to spend the afternoon in this area.

There are several things to see in this piazza, including:

The Vittoriano / Altare della Patria – this is a large, white, neoclassical monument and one of the most famous landmarks in Rome.

It was built as an altar united Italy (altare della patria means Altar to the motherland) and a monument to the first kind of Italy Vittorio Emanuele. Hence its other name: Vittoriano).

Nowadays has symbolic value but it is also home to museums and exhibition space as well as one of the most beautiful panoramic terraces in Rome.

The museums are fascinating. However, for this 4 day Rome itinerary I recommend you stick to the Vittoriano terraces only.

Climbing up is free up to the second storey, it only takes a few minutes to visit and the views over Rome are stunning! 

After catching views from here, go back down and climb the hill just beside it: this is the Capitoline Hill and its top was designed by Michelangelo. 

This is a stunning place with a long history that goes from ancient Roman times to the Renaissance and even modern Rome – you can find my travel guide to visiting the Capitoline Hill here. 

Good to know: the Capitoline Hill hosts the wonderful Capitoline Museums. They are amazing but they are big and a visit will take a whole morning.

Top tip: if you find you end your visit to the Colosseum and Forum early and you are in Piazza Venezia with time to fill, head to the Monti district nearby. Seek out streets such as Via dei Serpenti, Piazza della Madonna ai Monti, Via degli Zingari, Via Urbana for a full immersion in Rome’s cobbled streets, cafes, restaurants and charming corners!

Evening 

I recommend you spend your first evening in Rome strolling around the area of the Trevi Fountain. 

This area is busy and touristy but you cannot come to Rome and not see Trevi (it is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, if not the most beautiful) and it is most pleasant in the evening, when the crowds are thinner and the fountain lit up.

Osteria il Chianti, Il Piccolo Arancio and Il Piccolo Buco are nice restaurants in the area worth trying. 

Top tip! If you are in this area at sunset, go to the top of La Rinascente, the department store on Via del Tritone, a couple of minutes from the Trevi Fountain: it has a lovely rooftop terrace perfect for aperitif!

Top tip! If you like drinks with a view, you can find a list of my favorite rooftop bars in Rome here.

Rome itinerary day 2 – The Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trastevere

I recommend you spend your second day in Rome by exploring the city centre, specifically the area of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

I always say that, in Rome, you have the landmarks and you have the city and on this day, I want to help you discover the city, at its very best

This area is best discovered at leisure and without obsessing too much about which road to take to get where.

It is the area of Rome people usually refer to as an open air museum and it truly is the case: as well as main attractions such as the Pantheon, here is were you find pretty streets, endless churches, cafes, statues and fountains.

Places I recommend to seek out in the area are:

Morning – Pantheon Area

The Pantheon – stunning and unique, the Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple then converted into Catholic Church.

It overlooks a stunning piazza (piazza della Rotonda or Piazza del Pantheon) and it is so beautiful and special I recommend you see it twice: in the morning to visit the inside and in the evening to enjoy the sunset on its facade. 

The Pantheon is famous for being the best preserve ancient Roma building in the world and is famous for the large oculus on its dome, a large opening that lets air, light (and rain) in, but also for being the resting place of the Italian royals and of artist Raphael.

Close to the Pantheon, make sure you also:

Visit Piazza della Minerva, with the pretty statue of the elephant by Bernini and the the stunning church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

See Piazza di Pietra, with the incredible columns of the temple of Hadrian – also a lovely piazza for a snack thanks to the restaurants crowding its side

Have coffee in either Tazza d’oro or Sant’Eustachio il Caffe’, two oetsabliments battling for the title of serving the best coffee in Rome (personal opinion: get espresso in Sant’Eustachio and Coffee Granita in Tazza d’Oro, you’ll thank me later!

Visit San Luigi dei Francesi (church) and admire the stunning Caravaggio frescoes here. Access is free, the frescoes are in the chapel at the top lefty of the church.

Afternoon – Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori

Piazza Navona is one of the most famous piazzas in Rome and one of the most grand and beautiful.

It is universally recognised as a masterpiece of baroque architecture and it is indeed stunning!

In origin, Piazza Navona was an ancient Roman Chariot circus: the original shape and out foundations are still well visible!

However, over the centuries it became an important square that attracted residents as powerful as the Pamphili family, who gave to Rome many of its Popes.

The Pamphili family wanted to improve and upgrade the appearance of the piazza and are responsible for the masterpieces we now have here and that are piazza Navona must- see:

The Fountain of the Four rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini – beautiful and interesting, worth learning some facts about its they are fascinating!

The church of Santa Agnese in Agony by Borromini, rival to Bernini and himself one of the most significant architects ever active in Rome.

You can find here >>> my full guide to Piazza Navona <<<

The area os Piazza Navona is full of places to eat. Some I enjoy are Cul de Sac on Piazza Pasquino and Mimi and Coco, a little further up the road.

For a sweet treat on the go, head to Two Sides for tiramisu or get tiramisu and a glass of wine while sitting in Mr 100 tiramisu nearby.

Campo de’ fiori

On the other side of the road from Piazza Navona you find Campo de’ Fiori, a lovely medieval piazza with a busy, buzzy feel.

In the past, the piazza was most famous for its market.

However, the market is now touristy and pricey so I don’t recommend to come to Campo de’ Fiori for it. Instead, come for the piazza itself and its many cafes!

Sitting here in the afternoon or evening is lovely and also puts you in a great position to then hop to the next destination: Trastevere!

You can fin here >>> my guide to Piazza Campo de’ Fiori

Evening – Trastevere

In the late afternoon / evening I recommend you make your way to Trastevere.

This area of Rome is just on the other side of the river from Campo de’ Fiori and it is famous for its glorious food.

If you come here early enough, take the time to take a stroll around lovely Via Garibaldi, and Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere – enter to admire some of the best mosaics in Rome – but even better: stretch to Santa Cecilia for a quieter feel and adorable corners.

A little like the area above, Trastevere is best enjoyed by just strolling. However, if you prefer you can follow my recommended Trastevere itinerary.

There are infinite places to eat in Trastevere but some you may enjoy are:

• Tonnarello – two addresses one close to the other, popular with tourists but the food is excellent! Expect to wait in line (it moves fast)
• Da Enzo al 29 – a Rome institution
• La Gattabuia – in one of the nicest areas of Tratevere too

Rome itinerary day 3 – The Vatican

I recommend you devote your second day in Rome to the Vatican and surrounding area.

The Vatican is a destination in its own right and how long you need to spend here depends on what you want to see.

The main things to see in the Vatican are:

St Peter’s Square: built by famous architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St Peter’s square is one of the most famous square in Rome and one of the most scenic, being overlooked by the incredible Basilica of St Peter.

Access to the square is free and easy, you can come in anytime like you would into any other square

Access to the basilica is free but requires to wait in line for security checks. If you can, come here at opening time to skip the line.

Early morning is also the best time to get tickets to climb up St Peter’s dome. Tickets are only available on the day and usually easy to get for early risers.

The climb to the top it tiring but wonderful: make sure you only tackle it if you are not afraid of heights and you don’t have claustrophobia as the last part gets a little problematic if you do!

Find here:

>>> My guide to St Peter’s Basilica

>>> My guide to St Peter’s Square

The Vatican Museums

If you love art, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are a must see however, they are big and crowded to be ready for a long day!

If you are not interested in art, I recommend you skip them – not because they are not beautiful (they are stunning) but simply because they are not the type of museum you can leisurely dip in and out from: you need at least a few hours here. 

Going to the Museum requires advance booking, a certain attire and a few hours so I highly recommend you plan your visit carefully.

The best tickets to get to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are:

Vatican tickets sold directly by the museum – a great budget option, available with or without tour guide.

The tickets are timed so you don’t need to wait in line at the ticket counter. The only line, and usually a short one, is for passing security: this cannot be skipped, no matter what tickets you get. Get tickets from the official website >>> here <<<

Vatican early morning semi-private tour by LivTour – this is a fantastic tour that allows you to enter the museums before the official opening hours and therefore visit its most stunning area with a fraction of the crowds!

The option comes at a higher price point than standard entry but if you love art and want a good view of the Sistine Chapel, it is worth the cost. Find info and prices >>> here <<<

Vatican evening tour – another great option to see the Vatican Museums without the crowds is taking an evening tour.

Like the early morning ones, this tours comes at higher price point but can be a good way to extend the sightseeing hours in Rome, as well as seeing the Vatican masterpieces when they are the least busy.

Find tickets and info >>> here <<<

You can find my guide to planning your trip to Vatican City here. 

As well as the Vatican itself, this area has some lovely neighborhood you should explore. Pretty ones are:

Borgo – in between the Vatican and the river, a lovely and small neighbourhood with plenty of cute restaurants with outdoor tables. One I enjoy is Pastificio Borghiciana and, immediately outside Borgo, Il Sorpasso.

Rione Ponte – on the other side of the river, in front of Castel Sant’Angelo, this is lovely area with cobbled streets, cafes and charming shops.

The best way to visit this area is by getting lost! You won’t stay lost for long as you will quickly regain main landmarks but following your curiosity is by far the best way to enjoy this part of Rome!

If you want to have dinner in this area, have a look at Taverna Agape, Cul de Sac and Mimi and Coco, all great options with local good quality food and reasonable prices.

Rome day 4 – Borghese Gallery, Spanish Steps, Aventine and Testaccio

You may have noticed there is one landmark that needs to be added to this itinerary: the Spanish Steps. Have no fear, I lead you to them today!

You may have noticed there is one landmark missing from this itinerary: the Spanish Steps. Have no fear, I lead you to them today!

Spanish Steps aside, however, the fourth day in Rome is maybe the hardest for me to give advice about: not because there is not much to see, but because once you have seen the main landmark, which you covered on the days before, what to see next depends on your taste and interests.

I will share how I recommend to spend it, then give other options to suit different tastes.

Morning – Borghese Gallery and Gardens, Spanish Steps

The Borghese gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world and a wonderful one to start you last day in Rome with!

Located in the beautiful Borghese Gardens, among the most beautiful parks in the city, the Gallery hosts some of the best statues in Rome and paintings by world reknown masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Canova And may other.

You can find here >>> how to visit the Borghese Gallery

After your visit, stretch your legs by strolling across the beautiful gardens and make your way to the Pincio Terrace. On the opposite side of the gartdens from the gallery, this terraces is free to access and offers one of the most beautiful views over Rome you can ask for!

The park has several food kiosk for a snack or a couple of cafes and restaurants, at different price points.

After the Borghese Gardens, take the short walk to the left of the Pincio terrace and let the road lead you to the top of the Spanish Steps!

A baroque masterpiece and one of the most distinctive landmarks in the city, the Spanish Steps are wonderful and free to visit.

Take your time to stroll down their large steps and stop to admire they obelisk and the famous fountain at their feet: la barcaccia by Bernini father and son.

Find here >>> my guide to the Spanish Steps. !

Once at the Spanish Steps you are back into the very heart of Rome and, more precisely, in its upscale shopping district.

Here it is where you find designer stores and upscale boutiques, although as you get closer to Via del Corso you will also start seeing high street choices, usually accompanied by large crowds. This area is beautiful but very busy!

You can find here >>> my guide to the best shopping in Rome.

Evening

For your last day in Rome, I recommend you invest in a taxi or tram ride and make your way to the Aventine Hill and Testaccio.

The Aventine Hill is one of th seven hills of Rome and is a lovely place for a goodbye to Rome since it has a lovely park with panoramic terrace worth seeing: the Garden of Oranges.

From the Aventine, make your way down to Testaccio, making sure you pass the Aventine Secret keyhole.

Find here >>> my guide to the Aventine Hill to help you find your way around.

and treat yourself to dinner at Felice, THE place in Rome for cacio e pepe pasta, but more in general a great place for a last meal in a true Rome institution!

Other things you can do with 4 days in Rome

Take a golf cart tour – a super fun way to see a lot of Rome in a short time is by golf cart tour. While this is a quintessential tourist experience, is is great fun to see the city while sitting down and its a guide and the goal cart has a great advantage over a bus: it can. get to small square and hidden spaces that are inaccessible to bigger vehicles! You can find prices and info >>> here <<<

Visit Ostia Antica – the ancient port of Rome, Ostia Antica is often compared with Pompeii and it is a wonderful archaeological site. You can combine this with a visit to the Aventine Hill, the Protestant cemetery of Rome and dinner in Testaccio, a famous foody area of Rome. All this would take one day.

Discover Caracalla’s Baths – the Baths of Caracalla are a huge ancient thermal complex dating back to the III century AD. This is one of the most beautiful ancient sites in Rome: a visit can be combined with seeing Circus Maximus, the Mouth of Truth and the Aventine Hill. 

Take a cooking class – a cooking class can be a lovely way to learn about a different side of Rome. A lovely one we took in a local’s home was with ‘Lucilla cooking class’ which was delicious, lovely and well priced. You can find my review here.

Visit the Jewish Ghetto – the Jewish ghetto is a beautiful and interesting part of Rome. Located in the city center, a great way to explore it is via local food tour (this area has a wonderful and unique food tradition and history) but you can also just take a stroll in your own time. It is easily combined with Campo de’ Fiori. Via dei Giubbonari is in between the two and is it a nice street for shopping. Visiting this area would talk half a day, you can then stretch to either Piazza Navona or Trastevere.

Where to stay for 4 nights in Rome

If you have 4 days in Rome I recommend you stay in the city center so you can maximize your sightseeing time.

The best place to stay in Rome for this length of time is the area of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona or Monti, a lovely area near the Colosseum with plenty of charm and restaurants / cafes for the evening. 

Hotels you may enjoy are:

Fifteen keys Boutique hotel in Rione Monti – cozy, stylish and welcoming hotel in Rione Monti, a lovely area of Rome with plenty of restaurants and cafes for lazy evenings out close to your accommodation

Otivm hotel, nice 4 star hotel near Piazza Venezia with lovely rooms and stunning rooftop terrace

You can find more recommendations in our guides to hotels close to the Pantheon and hotels close to Piazza Navona we like.

Slightly cheaper yet still very good options are in the Celio neighborhood, close to the colosseum.

How to get around Rome in 4 days

To find the best way to get from the airport to the city center, find my guide here >>> how to get from Fiumicino airport to Rome city center

Once in the city, you stay in Rome City center, you are able to cover most of this itinerary on foot.

For those times when you need pubic transport, I recommend you simply by a BIT ticket – this is valid on buses and metro and only costs 1.50 Euro for 70 mins (as many buses as you need / one metro ride).

If you need to use public transport regularly, you can look at ticket options in our guide to public transportation in Rome here. 

I usually do not recommend booking a Rome pass as you only really make your money back if you visit several museums in a very short length of time. 

What to pack for 4 days in Rome

What to pack for Rome depends on the time of the year of you visit however, you will need some essentials not matter what type of trip you have in mind:

Excellent walking shoes – there is tons of walking to be done in Rome and cobbles are not fun with the wrong footwear! You can find my recommended shoe style for Rome here.

Suitable attire to visit the Vatican and Rome main churches, namely long trousers/pants/skirts and tops that cover up your shoulders, cleavage and stomach.

A good day bag with internal pockets to keep your purse safe. Please be advised that it is mandatory in Rome to have ID on you all the time – make sure you store it in such a way you do not lose it.

Some cash – useful for small purchases.

Rome is not very dressy so unless you are planning on special occasion dinners out, you will not need evening attire or even heels – unless you want to!

You can fin my full packing list for Rome here.

I hope you found this guide to planning 4 days in Rome useful: safe travels!

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This post was first published in 2021 and has now been fully updated.

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