If you've got five days in Rome, you will be able to see most of the city. Not just that, you will also have enough time to check out a nearby city on a day trip from Rome. Here is our dedicated itinerary to ensure you can see the best of Rome in 5 days.
5 Days in Rome - An Overview
Rome In 5 Days - Detailed Itinerary
Exploring The Ancient Ruins Of Rome
Colosseum
Roman Forum & Palantine Hill
Trastevere
- The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of ancient Roman architecture, known for its grandeur and impressive design.
- The Colosseum hosted thrilling gladiator battles, where skilled fighters would compete for their lives in front of large crowds.
- With an estimated seating capacity of 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, it was a remarkable feat of engineering.
🔥Hot Local Tip🔥
Do not visit the Colosseum on the first Sunday of the month: it is free admission and is, therefore, very crowded.
- The Roman Forum is an incredible archaeological site that was once the center of ancient Rome. It is filled with ruins of ancient buildings and monuments, giving visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history.
- Palatine Hill, located right next to the Roman Forum, offers stunning views of the city and is known as the birthplace of Rome. It is home to impressive imperial palaces and beautiful gardens.
🔥Hot Local Tip🔥
Don't want to splurge on a guided tour? Get the standard Colosseum ticket and download the Parco Colosseo app instead.
- Trastevere is a vibrant neighborhood in Rome known for its charming streets, lively piazzas, and authentic Roman atmosphere.
- The area is also dotted with beautiful churches and historic landmarks, such as the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
- It is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
A walk along the cobblestone streets with crumbling buildings towering over you is a local favorite.
Sauntering Through Central Rome
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
Villa Borghese
- Piazza Navona is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture and lively atmosphere. The square is home to three beautiful fountains, including the iconic Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini.
- Surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants, Piazza Navona is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
Piazza Navona is known for being very crowded throughout the day. At times, it may get so crowded, you'll want to keep an eye on your belongings.
- The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman engineering with its impressive dome and elegant interior design.
- The oculus at the top of the dome allows light to enter the building, creating a captivating effect.
- Stepping inside the Pantheon, you'll be in awe of the grandeur and peaceful ambiance.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
The best time to visit the Pantheon is between 11 AM and 1 PM to see the sunlight streaming through the Oculus.
- The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762.
- The fountain gained worldwide fame through movies like Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita," attracting tourists from around the globe.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
Make sure to follow through the age old tradition of tossing a coin into Trevi fountain.
- The Spanish Steps are a monumental stairway of 135 steps in Rome, Italy. They are located in the Piazza di Spagna, at the bottom of the Pincian Hill.
- The steps are a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a picturesque view of the city.
- The Spanish Steps are also infamous for being featured in many films and literature, making them a must-see attraction.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
If you're a John Keats fan, you can visit the house he lived and died at near the Spanish Steps. At the corner on the right as one begins to climb the steps, you will find a house converted museum dedicated to his memory, full of memorabilia of the English Romantic generation.
- Borghese Gallery houses a stunning collection of artwork, including pieces by renowned artists such as Bernini and Caravaggio.
- The gardens surrounding the gallery are expansive and offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- You can stroll through the landscaped grounds, admire the fountains, and even rent a rowboat to enjoy the lake.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
Do things the Roman way by renting a bike and exploring the Borghese Gardens in peace. You can rent a bike from either Viale Goethe or Viale dell'Uccelliera.
Discovering The Vatican City Jewels
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
Necropolis
- The Vatican Museums house an incredible collection of art and artifacts, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael.
- The collection is constantly growing, with new acquisitions and exhibitions being added regularly.
- The Vatican Museum also boasts a vast collection of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, as well as Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
The Vatican Museums remain extremely busy throughout most of the day. But you can beat the crowds by booking your visit early in the morning or late in the evening (closer to opening/closing times).
- The Sistine Chapel, although a part of the Vatican Museums, deserves a special mention just because of how spellbinding it is!
- One of the main reasons the Sistine Chapel is a must-visit is its stunning artwork. The most famous of these is Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes, including the iconic "Creation of Adam."
Entry into Sistine Chapel is free (if you have a ticket to the Vatican Museums). However, for the full experience, it is recommended to buy the guided tour of Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel.
- St. Peter's Basilica is renowned worldwide for its grandeur, historical significance, and architectural marvels.
- The basilica holds religious importance as it is said to be built upon the burial site of Saint Peter, the first Pope.
- Its awe-inspiring size, adorned with intricate statues and breathtaking artwork, makes St. Peter's Basilica truly captivating.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
You can just walk into the St. Peter's Basilica as it grants free entry to all. If you want to avoid standing around in line for hours, book skip the line tickets or guided tours.
- This ancient burial site, located underneath St. Peter's Basilica, houses the tombs of many popes throughout history.
- The journey through the Necropolis provides a unique opportunity to explore the roots of Christianity and the legacy of the papacy.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
The Vatican Necropolis is located 5-12 meters under the St. Peter's Basilica. Make sure you carry a light jacket with you even if it's hot outside.
A Day Trip Escapade From Rome
Amalfi
Florence
Naples
Pompeii
- The scenic drive to Amalfi Coast along the coastline offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the charming coastal towns nestled in the cliffs.
- The colorful houses, narrow streets, and picturesque beaches create a postcard-perfect setting.
- Florence is a city of unparalleled beauty and artistic heritage. The birthplace of the Renaissance, it is a treasure trove of art and culture.
- The city is also known for its charming streets, lined with boutiques, cafes, and gelaterias.
- Naples is renowned for its rich heritage, evident in its ancient ruins and magnificent architecture.
- One of the main reasons Naples is a must-visit place is its extraordinary culinary scene. The city is famous for its pizza, which originated here.
- Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that was preserved by a volcanic eruption. Exploring the ruins offers a unique glimpse into the past.
- Walking through the ancient streets of Pompeii evokes a sense of wonder and intrigue, making it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
- Ongoing excavations continue to reveal new insights about life in Pompeii, making it an ever-evolving destination.
- Venice is known for its extraordinary history, filled with art, architecture, and traditions. Exploring the city allows you to witness the grandeur of the Venetian Republic and its influence throughout Europe.
- From the magnificent St. Mark's Square to the stunning Rialto Bridge, Venice boasts breathtaking landmarks that will leave you in awe.
Exploring The Rest Of Rome
Castel Sant’Angelo
Jewish Ghetto
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
Roman Catacombs
- Castel Sant'Angelo, originally known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is an iconic monument that has captivated visitors for centuries. Its rich history and breathtaking architecture have earned it a place on our list of must-visit places in Rome.
- This impressive fortress stands tall by the Tiber River, showing off its Roman and medieval styles.
- Initially a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his successors, it later became a castle, a papal residence, and a prison.
🔥 Hot Local Tip🔥
If you can, try visiting in June (specifically around 29th June when the Festa di San Pietro e Paolo is celebrated in pomp with stunning fireworks!
- The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is one of the nicest areas in the city, free of cost! A magical, calming atmosphere is present where Via di Santa Maria del Pianto unites with Via del Portico D’Ottavia.
- The Jewish Ghetto became a walled neighborhood in 1555, where the Jewish community in Rome was forced to live. The quarters is located next to the Tiber river and only covers a couple of blocks.
- This area consists of an ancient market place, a theater, a synagogue, an island, plenty of exciting eateries, a picture-perfect fountain (for the 'gram), and lots and lots of gelato!
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
Contrary to popular belief, the Jewish Ghetto is one of the most lovely atmospheric areas in all of Rome. It is one of the locals' favorite places to stroll.
- This extraordinary basilica stands out due to its intriguing historical significance and remarkable architecture. The complex is composed of three levels, each unveiling different time periods.
- One of the highlights of this landmark is the breathtaking byzantine mosaic in the upper abyss of the church, which features the cross symbolizing the tree of life, with twelve doves as the apostles of Christ.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
Don't forget to visit the two levels under the Basilica. The 2nd level especially, which is a 4th century Christian Church.
- The Roman Catacombs are an underground burial complex that dates back to ancient times. These catacombs served as a burial place for early Christians and contain precious relics and artwork, providing a unique insight into the city's history.
- The catacombs are filled with intricate frescoes, sculptures, and tombs, making them a fascinating historical and artistic treasure.
🔥Local Travel Tip🔥
Even if it's scorching hot outside, make sure you carry along a lightweight jacket. The Catacombs of Rome are constructed underground, so it can get cold.
Where To Stay in Rome?
Recommendations:
1. Around Piazza Navona:
- Eitch Borromini (5-star)
- Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori (4-star)
- Hotel Damaso (3-star)
- Navona Residenza de charme (guesthouse)
- Grand Hotel de la Minerve (5-star)
- Otivm hotel (4-star)
- Hotel Abruzzi (3-star)
- NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento (5-star)
- The Fifteen Keys Boutique Hotel (4-star)
- Princeps Boutique Hotel (3-star)
Best Places to Stay in Rome
More Tips & Hacks For Making The Best of 5 Days in Rome
- Invest in Rome Skip the Line tickets: Would you rather spend 2 hours standing in queues or invest those 2 hours sauntering the length of Rome?
- Eat like a local. Head where the locals flocks and you can bite into some actually authentic Italian grub. If you're interested in squeezing in local food tour on your 5 day trip, check out our list of the top local food tours in Rome.
- Bike it, Segway it: While we are all for walking, it takes up a lot of time and tires you out quite fast. Why not segway through the city or maybe hire a cycle and peddle through the lanes? Here's our selection of the best bike tour and segway tour in all of Rome.
- The all new Walk On Walk Off Pass: This is a fairly new concept and we are completely blown by it ( you will be too!) If you like exploring a city on foot, nothing gets better. Check out our review of the Walk On Walk Off Pass.
- Mondays are slow: Most museums and sites are closed on Mondays, so if you're in Rome on a Monday, make sure you have a Plan B of things to do.
- Beware of Scamsters: Rome is infamous for its scamsters and fraudsters, so, keep an eye out for your belongings and keep them near and close.
- Don’t accept flowers, crafts or anything at all from strangers as you will be forced to pay for merely touching it.
- Stand at the bar: When ordering a meal, understand there will normally be two prices on the menu – one for standing at the bar/counter, and one for sitting down at a table. It’s obviously cheaper to order while standing at the bar so go for that if you're on a budget.
- Water Fountains over Water Bottles: There are many non-decorative fountains along the streets with free-flowing water. This water is perfectly safe to drink, so bring your water bottles along.
FAQs: Rome in 5 Days - Itinerary
The must-visit places in Rome are Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman catacombs, and more.
The cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation in Rome is the metro and buses. There are also trams and taxis available to tour around the city.
The best day trips from Rome are Florence, Orvieto, Pompeii, Capri, and so on.
If you wish to avoid the crowds, then spring (March - May) and autumn (September - October) is the best time to visit Rome. For discounts and cheap deals, you can visit Rome in the winter season.
For a trip to Rome, always pack a reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and a travel adaptor.
