How to Plan the Perfect Itinerary to See Rome in 5 Days

Top 10 Rome Attractions

Historic Landmark

Walking Tours

Start your day with the most iconic landmark in the city - The Colosseum. This amphitheatre was used for gladiator contests and other public spectacles like animal fights, mock sea battles, etc. This oval amphitheatre, with ties to the Roman Catholic Church, was made entirely of sand, and could hold up to 80,000 spectators back in the day. At 157 feet, the Colosseum was also the tallest amphitheatre ever built, falling only 26 feet short of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Colosseum stands tall as an architectural marvel from a time long past and each nook and corner in its 6-acre area has a story to tell. Check out the best Colosseum guided tours available online and grab them at discount on Headout.

Historic Landmark

Family Friendly

Roman Forum

Head next to the Roman Forum! Once the city centre of Rome, the landmark looks strikingly similar to something straight out of a fantasy movie, with tall buildings, pillars, columns, arches, etc. Today, the Forum is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and intermittent archaeological excavations. And while much of the Forum is in ruins, there’s still plenty left to admire, which is why over 4 million tourists visit it every year! The Forum holds remains of some iconic buildings like the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Castor and Pollex, and the Arch of Septimius Severus among others.

Palatine Hill

Having explored the heart of Ancient Rome, take a trip back in time to discover the birth of the city. Right in the middle of the seven hills of Rome, the Palatine overlooks the Roman Forum on one side and the Circus Maximus on the other. There are numerous exciting legends associated with the Palatine Hill. One such legend is of when Hercules struck Cacus with his characteristic club. The blow was so hard that it formed a cleft on the southeast corner of the hill, where later a staircase bearing the name of Cacus was constructed. A visit to Palatine Hill gives you the opportunity to discover even more of such amazing legends.

Iconic Square

Must-Visit Neighbourhood

Take an afternoon siesta like the Romans do and set off to explore Trastevere early evening. In Trastevere, you can experience the colorful, Bohemian side of Rome. Located on the west bank of the Tiber river, this area is known for craft beer pubs, artisan shops, trattorias, budget hotels, and B&Bs. The narrow, cobbled streets are loaded with charm and outside the major squares the area can be quite quiet at night. As evening approaches, street performers, poets, bearded skateboarders, and exuberant merrymakers flood Trastevere’s countless clubs, bars, and piazzas in fits of reckless abandon and indiscreet enthusiasm. Trastevere is the 13th rione of Rome, and one of the city's most cherished neighborhoods for tourists to stay in.

Famous Square

Baroque Architecture

After you've had your most important meal for the day, head over to Rome's most treasured squares, the Piazza Navona at around 10:30 AM. Centered around 3 lavish fountains - Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana di Nettuno ; Piazza Navona is a true example of a hive of activity. And the best part? It's free! Flaunting Bernini sculptures, this piazza has elaborate fountains, a magnificent church, colourful casts of street artists, quaint cafes and lots of open space, bathing in sunshine and brimming with tourists. If you like a slow start to your day, grab a coffee, catch a nook and spend an hour simply people watching. Locals like to call this place where the liveliness of Roman life is explicitly tangible and we absolutely agree.

Historic Landmark

Top 10 Rome Attractions

The Pantheon is undoubtedly the best-preserved monument from Ancient Rome. Situated about 350 m away from Piazza Navona, a quick 5 minute walk will take you to this magnanimous structure, built around 126 AD! Pantheon in a Greek translates to “Honor all Gods” and was first built as a temple to all gods. While the exact age of the Pantheon remains unknown, legend goes that it was built on the very site where Romulus, the mythological founder of Rome ascended from heaven. If you're a Roman Mythology fan, a tour of the Pantheon is an absolute must! The Dome of the Pantheon, also known as the eye of the Pantheon or the oculus remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome till date! Once you step out of the Pantheon, make sure to see the “Fountain of the Pantheon” sculpted out of marble by Leonardo Sormani in 1575.

Baroque Fountain

Free Attraction

Next, make your way to one what's considered to be one of the most famous fountains in the world. The Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain, is one of the most breathtaking fountains and stands out starkly from the other 1,352 fountains in Rome. Designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi, it makes for a great sight at both day and night, but do be aware that it’s likely going to be crowded here at pretty much any time of day! Make sure follow through the age old tradition of tossing a coin into Trevi fountain. Legend goes that you will one day return to Rome if you stand with your back facing the fountain and flip a coin into the water, and you definitely want to return to the Eternal city. Right?!

Iconic Roman Staircase

Ideal Meeting Point

The Spanish Steps constructed in 1725, earns its moniker from the Spanish embassy that stands on the on the square, also known as Piazza Spagna, or Spanish Square. The steps lead from the baroque fountain - Fontana della Barcaccia at the base, up to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. It's passport to fame was when the 1953 film, Roman Holiday featuring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck shows a scene here. After the movie, pretty much everyone came searching for these steps and have their Audrey Hepburn moment here. The steps are free to visit, and a photo of you on them (ideally eating gelato), is pretty much a staple when visiting Rome!

Roman Artwork

Europe's Largest Urban Park

Family Friendly

The Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery is a dream come true for art lovers who want to admire Roman art without having to deal with the massive crowds in popular tourist attractions like Vatican Museums. The Galleria Borghese, or Borghese Gallery, features one of the world’s greatest private art collections assembled by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century in his Roman garden villa. The collection is rich in ancient Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque art, with major works by Bernini, Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, Correggio, Rubens, and Canova. Check out the top 10 Borghese Gallery highlights

The Borghese Gardens

Make a stop at Villa Borghese, dubbed Rome's green lung. Located close to the Spanish steps, you'll be surrounded by 80 hectares of greenery- Rome's most extensive gardens. The cherry on top of your perfect day is that this attraction is free of charge!

Top Vatican Attraction

Renaissance Masterpieces

Day 3 begins at the Vatican, with St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most visited churches in the world. This beautiful landmark was the primary creation of Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini and rests atop the tomb of St. Peter. Situated on Vatican Hill, St Peter’s Basilica dominates the skyline of Rome. It has a capacity of over 60,000 people, covers 22,300 square meters and is one of the world’s largest churches. There are two levels below St Peter’s Basilica; the first level is known as the Vatican Grottoes, and is a large underground graveyard where the tombs of 91 Popes are buried. The level below this is the Vatican Necropolis and houses St Peter’s Tomb.

Revered Vatican Attraction

Michelangelo's Frescoes

The Sistine Chapel, although a part of the Vatican Museums, deserves a special mention just because of how spellbinding it is! All tickets to the Vatican Museums get you access to the Sistine Chapel. Typically considered one of Michelangelo's finest work, it’s a certified highlight of a trip to Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel, situated in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope, is the last room you would visit while on your Vatican Museums tour. Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling and the altar are the most famous paintings in the Sistine Chapel. The Last Judgement Altar Fresco and The North Wall of the Sistine Chapel are also a must-see here.

Top 5 Vatican Attractions

Free Attraction

Next, head to the grand St. Peter's Basilica, the biggest church in the world. This beautiful landmark was the primary creation of Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini and rests atop the tomb of St. Peter. Situated on Vatican Hill, St Peter’s Basilica dominates the skyline of Rome. It has a capacity of over 60,000 people, covers 22,300 square meters and is one of the world’s largest churches. There are two levels below St Peter’s Basilica; the first level is known as the Vatican Grottoes, and is a large underground graveyard where the tombs of 91 Popes are buried. The level below this is the Vatican Necropolis and houses St Peter’s Tomb.

Archaeological Excavations

Under St. Peter's Basilica

Two floors under the massive St. Peter’s Basilica lies hidden one of the Vatican’s best kept secrets: the partially excavated Vatican Necropolis — a dark city of house-like mausoleums placed along the narrow, dark streets, and adorned with frescoes, inscriptions, and stucco decorations. It was here that, in the early 1940s, a grave was excavated, inscribed with the words “Petros Eni” (Peter lies here) in Greek, which was the language of early Christian community from the Eastern Roman Empire. Inside, the remains of a tall man were discovered, claimed today by the Vatican as the bones of St. Peter, one of the original Apostles.

Beach Lovers

Home to limoncello liqueur

Southwest Coast

The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfitana) is a beautiful and renowned stretch of mountainous coastline south of Naples, in Campania. The southern end of the Bay of Naples stretches out in a steep and rocky peninsula that reaches towards the Isle of Capri. Sorrento, another major tourist destination, looks back towards Naples from the north coast of the peninsula. The southern side of the peninsula is dotted with picturesque villages and towns clinging giddily to cliffs. Read more on going from Rome to Amalfi

Renaissance Art & Architecture

Central Italy

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is one of Europe’s great art cities. Giotto’s frescoes, Michelangelo’s David, canvases by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and a host of other greats in the Uffizi Gallery, there’s so much exquisite art and architecture, it’s difficult to know where to start. But Florence is also a living city with a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, and a lively cultural movida that goes beyond old masters to embrace opera, classical music and contemporary art. Read more about your day trip from Rome to Florence

Near Mount Vesuvius

Southern Coast

A pizza lover’s paradise, Naples is resolutely beautiful. It was founded between the 7th and 6th centuries BC by the Greeks and was named Neapolis, which means new city. The historic centre of Naples has earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site denomination. It has one of the biggest historical city centres in the world, and its pride are the 448 historical and monumental churches, the highest number in the world for a single city. Naples’ subterranean gems include everything from ancient Greek aqueducts to pagan burial chambers, Christian catacombs to World War II air raid shelters. Read more on going from Rome to Naples

Archaeological Marvel

Southern Italy

The ghostly ruins of ancient Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) make for one of the world's most engrossing archaeological experiences. The world famous landmark is 150 miles south of Rome, making it fairly close to Naples. It’s a long day trip from Rome, or a quick trip from Naples or the very popular holiday area around Sorrento. Many people combine their trip to Pompeii in one full day with Mount Vesuvius, the famous volcano. Read more on going from Rome to Pompeii

Floating City

Northern Italy

Venice is a major seaport and capital of both the province of Venezia and the region of Veneto, northern Italy. An island city, Venice was once the centre of a maritime republic, and the greatest seaport in late medieval Europe and the continent’s commercial and cultural link with Asia. The city is unique environmentally, architecturally, and historically, and in its days as a republic the city was styled la serenissima (“the most serene” or “sublime”). It remains a major Italian port in the northern Adriatic Sea and is one of the world’s oldest tourist and cultural centres.Read more on going from Rome to Venice.

Hadrian's Tomb

Historic Mausoleum

Originally built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian, the Castel Sant’Angelo also known as the Hadrian’s Tomb sits on the banks of River Tiber and is one of the oldest buildings in Rome. From its construction to date, it has evolved from being a tomb, to a fortress, to a castle, and finally, a museum. Today it is open to the public, and you can climb right to the top from where you can experience gorgeous views of the city.

Europe's Oldest Jewish Community

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. While not a proper square by definition, the car restriction and presence of multiple restaurant tables that are spread out on the street give the place the appearance of a Piazza. Here you can see the local Signore seated on benches exchanging cooking tips and young children running around playing. 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.

Family Friendly Attraction

Dedicated to Pope Clement I

Grab some lunch and then head over the to the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano. 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. Be sure to visit the two lower levels; on the first you will find the fourth century Basilica, which was undiscovered until the late 18th century, after it had been covered with gravel around 1,100 after Christ. Then go down to the bottom level with its remains of an ancient roman house in brick from the first century after Christ and which was transformed into a Mithraeum between the second and third centuries.

Underground Burial Grounds

Roman Heritage

Peel off the many layers of Rome as you go underground to discover the ancient city. This unique tour showcases how the Eternal city developed through the ages and how many historic sites can be found below some of the historic sites. Some of the popular cataombs include the Catacombs of Domitilla and the Catacomb of Santa Priscilla. Some tours are paired in such a way that not only will you see the Catacombs, but also the Basilica San Clemente, a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Pope Clement I. A guided tour of the Roman Catacombs is recommended as simply walking through the ruins without knowing the history is simply spooky.