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
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Rome In 5 Days - Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Colosseum
Roman Forum & Palantine Hill
Trastevere
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. 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.
- The Colosseum is one of the most crowded landmarks in Rome, so be prepared to stand in long queues. Avoid this by booking skip the line tickets. Browse through the best Colosseum Skip the Line tickets to beat queues & crowds anytime, anyday.
- Check the weather forecast the day before- you do not want to see the Colosseum when it's raining as the tour is almost entirely open-air.
- A trick to beat the crowds would be to visit the Roman Forum before the Colosseum- it's usually less busy.
- Signing up for a Colosseum Underground tour is a great idea to explore an exclusive part of the Colosseum, lesser known to most people.
Local Travel Tip
Do not visit the Colosseum on the first Sunday of the month: it is free admission and is, therefore, very crowded.
Roman Forum
Head next to the Roman Forum! 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
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. A visit to Palatine Hill gives you the opportunity to discover even more of such amazing legends.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the season you're in Rome.
- Bring a bottle of water with you- there is a fair bit of walking through the site and you'll need to hydrate!
- Bring along a snack to munch on. There are a few benches in the area or you can plop down on the grass for a quick bite if you'd like. Keep in mind that picnicking is not permitted here, so don't plan an elaborate picnic.
Local Travel Tip
Don't want to splurge on a guided tour? Get the standard Colosseum ticket and download the Parco Colosseo app instead.
Restaurant Recommendations
Feeling hungry? There are many great places to sit down for a scrumptious lunch after your spirited tour of the Colosseum. Here are some local recommendations:
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.
- Stroll along Via del Moro and walk in and out of its many colorful shops and cafes.
- There are many exciting food tours you can partake in to truly relish the local cuisine.
Local Travel Tip
A walk along the cobblestone streets with crumbling buildings towering over you is a local favorite.
Restaurant Recommendations
If you're not too hungry after your Colosseum tour, we highly recommend waiting until you reach Trastevere. After all, Trastevere is dubbed the "foodie neighborhood of Rome". There are many great places to sit down for a scrumptious lunch, replete with an aperitivo! Here are some local recommendations:
Day 2
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
Villa Borghese
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. 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.
- For the first 3 activities of day 2, we recommend booking the Navona Underground, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain Walking Tour in advance.
- Try roasted chestnuts while walking through Piazza Navona- a quintessential activity here!
- The best time to visit would be during spring (mid-March to May) or autumn.
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 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 interested in visiting the Pantheon with no or less crowds, push your visit to an hour before closing (6:00 PM). Make sure you are not too late as they don’t let people in just before the closing time, but once inside you can stay till it closes and everyone leaves.
- The best time to visit is around noon because this is when the sun shines through the oculus. Stand right under the oculus and look straight up!
- Be careful on rainy days as the floor may be slippery.
- For the first 3 activities of day 2, we recommend booking the Navona Underground, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain Walking Tour in advance.
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.
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. Make sure to 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. After all, who wouldn't want to return to the Eternal city?
- For the first 3 activities of day 2, we recommend booking the Navona Underground, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain Walking Tour in advance.
- Be alert of your surroundings: people will be brushing up against each other, so keep your belongings and valuables safe.
Local Travel Tip
Make sure to follow through the age old tradition of tossing a coin into Trevi fountain.
Restaurant Recommendations
Time to refuel your body? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
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. 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 staple when visiting Rome!
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.
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 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!
- Avoid visiting the Borghese Gallery during the weekends. This is when the attraction is most crowded.
- The first Sunday of the month is free of cost- but avoid booking as the visitor numbers are very high.
- The zoo is a ticketed entrance, so if you want to include that in your itinerary, buy the tickets online.
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.
Day 3
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
Necropolis
Day 3 begins at the Vatican, with St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most visited churches in the world. Situated on Vatican Hill, St Peter’s Basilica dominates the skyline of Rome. 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.
- Consider booking the Priority Entrance Tickets to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel ahead of time to get the first two activities on day 3 sorted.
- If you can't make it to the Vatican Museums at or before 9 AM, we recommend you go later on in the day. It is one of Vatican City's most frequented landmarks and is therefore very busy through the day.
- Avoid St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday mornings.
- Remember to dress appropriately when visiting the Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica: shoulders, thighs, knees, midriffs, and cleavage should not be exposed.
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! 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. The Last Judgement Altar Fresco and The North Wall of the Sistine Chapel are also a must-see here.
- All tickets to the Vatican Museums get you access to the Sistine Chapel.
- Consider going on a Tuesday or Thursday (dates around a weekend are usually busier and Wednesday there is the Papal audience).
- Winters are typically the low-season months, so if you want to beat crowds, head out to the Vatican then.
Local Travel Tip
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.
Restaurant Recommendations
Most of the restaurants surrounding the Vatican City are tourist traps. Take a 10-15 walk to get to some of the more authentic eateries. Our favorites are listed below:
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.
- The waiting period can be between 45 minutes to 3 hours! We highly recommend you buy tickets online to decrease your wait time.
- No shorts, mini skirts, or bare shoulders allowed in the basilica.
- The closest metro station is Ottaviano- it is a quick 10-min walk to the attraction.
- Know which St.Peter's Basilica entrance you must enter through depending on your ticket type beforehand to save time.
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.
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. 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.
- Tickets for the Necropolis are high in demand, so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
- The Necropolis is underground with little ventilation and dimly lit: guests with serious medical conditions must take caution.
- Please be dressed appropriately: shoulders must be covered.
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.
Day 4
Amalfi
Florence
Naples
Pompeii
The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfitana) is a beautiful and renowned stretch of mountainous coastline south of Naples, in Campania. 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.
- The entire coast of Amalfi is famous for its citrus fruits. Do not leave without picking up a bottle of limoncello, lemon candies, and lemon chocolate from here.
- Amalfi is also famous for its fresh seafood- this is also a good lunch option.
Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Full Day Tour from Rome
Headout Price: €179
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.
- It is always best to carry cash when traveling in the Tuscan region- ATMs charge a high fee on Visa and Mastercard.
- Florence has a high rate of petty crime, so make sure you keep your valuables safe.
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. 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.
- Many museums are free of charge on the first Sunday of every month (Pompeii, Herculaneum, etc.)
- Trams are the most convenient means of transportation in Naples- use it!
- Most cafes, shops, and restaurants only accept the local currency (Euro) so make sure you have it on you.
- Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Naples
- Discover Italy’s Largest Collections of Ancient Artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum Naples
Pompeii & Naples Full Day Tour from Rome
Headout Price: €179
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
- Try not to carry large bags with you to the excavation site. There is only a small number of lockers at the entrance too.
- There is a lot of walking in Pompeii which simply cannot be avoided. Carry water, a hat and sunglasses with you.
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. 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.
- Do not leave Venice without trying a Gondola ride.
- Might be best to keep a map handy: you are likely to get lost with its many alleyways.
- Want to try some Gelato? Head over to Gelateria San Leonardo, a small gelato shop with quirky gelato flavors waiting to be devoured!
- 20 Venice Travel Tips & Hacks
- Venice Travel Guide 2021 - Everything you must know
- 10 best museums in Venice
- 12 Utterly Romantic Things To Do In Venice
- Venice Public Transportation Guide 101
Full Day Tour of Venice by High-Speed Train from Rome
Headout Price:
Day 5
Castel Sant’Angelo
Jewish Ghetto
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
Roman Catacombs
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.
- The good news is- for visiting Castel Sant’Angelo, no major planning is mostly required (although this cannot be guaranteed).
- You can purchase tickets at the attraction without waiting for too long- but you can avoid that by buying tickets online. This is always the preferrable option.
Local Travel 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. 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.
- Do not be put off by the title- the Jewish Ghetto is neither dangerous nor boring.
- 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.
Restaurant Recommendations
There are some really good restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto. Give some of our favorites a try:
After lunch, 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.
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.
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.
- The catacombs are entirely underground in narrow tunnels. Guests suffering from claustrophobia must be cautious.
- Most catacombs are not within close proximity to shops, so we recommend you carry water and snacks with you.
- The catacomb tunnels are not entirely flat- it is therefore recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
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.
Other Rome Itinerary Options?
Don't have 5 whole days in Rome? That's alright, we've got other options for you. Check out our other itineraries for further inspiration:
How To Spend 5 Days in Rome Under 270 Euros?
Setting aside your accomodation and food expenses, here's an approximate of how much you'll spend in Rome over 5 days. Headout guarantees the best price on the internet, so simply buy your attraction tickets from the Headout website and get 5% Cashbacks and 6 Euros Discounts on every other purchase!
Day 1 : Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, Trastevere
€20
Day 2 : Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps,
Villa Borghese
€54
Day 3 : Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St.Peter's Basilica,
Vatican Necropolis
€54
Day 4 : Day Trip From Rome
€120
Day 5 : Castel Sant’Angelo, Jewish Ghetto, Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, Roman Catacombs
€89
Total
€265
Book your Rome Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend just €265 on your 5 day vacation in Rome! Hit up all the prime attractions in the Eternal city and save more while you explore more.
Recommended Experiences for your 5 day Rome itinerary
• Priority Entrance Tickets to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill• Best of Rome: Walking Tour with Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain & Pantheon
• Villa Borghese Gallery: Skip The Line Guided Tour
• Skip-the-Line Tickets: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Vatican City Tour with St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb
• Castel Sant Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket with an Audioguide
• The Original Rome Capuchin Crypts and Catacombs Tour
Where To Stay in Rome?
Another important component that goes into your planning phase is arranging for accommodation. Wondering what the best place to stay in Rome is? If you’re looking for good places to stay for sightseeing, look no further than the city center. There are plenty of good hotels around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, both atmospheric and convenient locations if you’re looking to get some sightseeing done. Staying in the city center can get pricey, though, so if you’re looking to stay for 5 days and more, look further afield.
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)
Public Transportation In Rome
While you can explore the city by car, the traffic in Rome is a nightmare. This is why it is best to travel around the city using the metro or the buses.
The most reliable and convenient mode of traveling in Rome is via metro. Another convenient and cheap way to travel in the city is by using buses. Buses are great for reaching the areas the metro is not connected to. There are also 3 tram lines operating in the city that can be used for short distances.
Visitors will need to buy tickets to use any of the above-mentioned transportations. You can buy the tickets each time for your journey or a travel pass that is valid for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours. If you will be staying for a week here, then you can buy the weekly ticket for traveling around the city.
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.
More Rome Guides
Here are a few detailed guides that will help you plan your trip to Rome better.
