The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Rome, Italy
Welcome to Rome, where ancient history meets modern flair in a mesmerizing fusion of culture, cuisine, and charisma.
5 Days in Rome, Italy
Explore the iconic Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, and the majestic Pantheon, a testament to Roman engineering ingenuity. Lose yourself in the winding alleys of Trastevere, alive with vibrant street art and the aroma of traditional Roman dishes. Stand in amazement before Vatican City, home to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, dripping in Renaissance splendor. And as the sun sets, experience the magic of Rome's piazzas, where the past blends seamlessly with the present, creating unforgettable moments at every turn. Rome isn't just a city; it's an eternal journey through time, where every cobblestone has a story to tell and every corner beckons with the promise of discovery.
Travelers could spend weeks in the Eternal City and still only experience a small portion of its majesty. Many only spend 2-3 days visiting Rome’s hot spots before moving on with their continued travel itinerary. If you stop and slow down just a bit, there’s so more much of this great city to uncover.
With a few more days, truly immerse into the culture and discover its magic. Read on for the perfect itinerary to experience Rome in 5 days.
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Just getting started? → Plan a Trip to Italy in 5 Easy Steps
In a hurry? Here’s the Quick Guide:
Day One:
Day Two:
Day Three:
Day Four → Take a Day Trip:
Day Five → More Activities:
Visit the Galleria Borghese and beautiful gardens
Explore the Catacombs
Take an EBike Tour of Appian Way
Recommended Hotels:
→ NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento
Read More from the Blog:
→ Best Boutique Hotels in Rome
Where to stay for 5 days in Rome
Before deciding what you’re doing, let’s first decide where you’re staying. I love being in the center of the action, where sites, shopping, and fantastic restaurants are all within walking distance. For convenience to all of Rome, I recommend staying near the city center.
The area near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona offers a fantastic location that is very central and extremely walkable. It’s such a lively area, so always something to do and plenty of people to watch. There’s also plenty of hotel options in this area so prices are affordable. This is by far my favorite area to stay in Rome.
Hotels near Pantheon / Piazza Navona
Recommended hotels in Rome’s City Center:
Rating: 3 stars | 9.2 Wonderful | Affordable and FANTASTIC location overlooking the Pantheon
Rating: 3 stars | 8.8 Excellent | Steps from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon; heart of the city
The Ancient Rome area where the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are located is also a nice, central area of Rome with lots nearby to do and see.
Recommended hotels near the Colosseum:
→ Palazzo Manfredi – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Rating: 5 stars | 9.0 Wonderful | Ridiculous views of the Colosseum
Rating: 3 stars | 9.0 Wonderful | Comfortable hotel a quick walk to Colosseum
The North Rome neighborhood is close to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Borghese Gallery. This area offers fantastic high-end shopping with plenty of dining options.
Hotels near Trevi Fountain / Spanish Steps
Recommended hotels near Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps:
Rating: 5 stars | 10.0 Exceptional | Luxury hotel, steps from the Trevi Fountain
Rating: 3 stars | 9.2 Wonderful | Art Deco hotel near Spanish Steps and high-end shopping district
For anyone looking for a younger, more trendy neighborhood, check out Trastevere. This bohemian neighborhood is hip, lively and a “foodies” paradise. Trastevere is Rome’s version of New York City’s Greenwich Village. It’s located on the other side of the Tiber River and a bit further from the city center, so not quite as walkable to get to the rest of the sites in the city. But taxis and public transit are easily accessible.
Recommended in Trastevere neighborhood:
Rating: 4 stars | 9.4 Exceptional | Upscale hotel near Campo de’ Fiori
Rating: 4 stars | 9.0 Wonderful | Beloved boutique hotel in the heart of Trastevere
Accommodations near the Roma Termini train station offer lower priced hotels, near plenty of public transportation. But Termini is further away from the city center and all of Rome’s main sites. If staying 5 days in Rome, more than likely, the money you’re saving on a lesser hotel will get eaten up by transportation into the city center. This area is convenient if only staying a night or 2 and traveling by train.
Recommended near Roma Termini:
→ NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento
Rating: 5 stars | 9.0 Wonderful | Luxury hotel conveniently near Rome’s train station
Rating: 4 stars | 8.8 Excellent | Upscale hotel, a short walk to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Read More → Best Boutique Hotels in Rome, Italy
Top Hotel Pick
The Pantheon neighborhood is highly recommended. Centrally located, easily walkable, and taxis are readily-available just to the right of the Pantheon columns.
View from our hotel room - Albergo Abruzzi, a small boutique hotel that offers 24-hour assistance and breakfast daily. The hotel front door is literally located on the square!
Here’s your guide to spend 5 perfect days in iconic Rome!
If you only have a few days, the first 3 days of the itinerary will hit all of the top spots. With more than 5 days, linger a bit longer at the sites and take more time to just simply stroll through the streets. Wander in the evenings with another cup of gelato. Sit for hours at a café and just watch the passersby. Plan another Day Trip or hit a couple more less-known spots suggested in Day 5.
Rome Itinerary: Day 1
Travel Day
Whether you’re landing in Rome after a long flight or traveling by car/train from another location in Italy, a good part of your morning will be dedicated to travel. Gather your belongings and head to your hotel to drop off your bags if you cannot yet check-in. At this point, you’re probably ready for some delicious food! Ask your hotel for a recommendation for a causal, nearby osteria or trattoria for lunch. Take a casual stroll after your fulfilling meal. Check into your hotel and settle in.
Take a Golf Cart Tour
A great way to quickly see the sites around Rome and get a good “lay of the land”, is to join a Golf Cart Tour! A Golf Cart Tour is also great for the weary traveler. You’ll be walking a TON during your 5 days in Rome! Especially if you’re experiencing jet lag, this is a great way to spend a couple hours that doesn’t require much energy but still allows you to spend quality time in the Eternal City before getting that first night’s deep sleep!
For a less expensive option and to get those steps in - join a walking tour!
Dinner near your hotel
Again, if this is your first day of arrival in Italy after an overnight flight, you are probably exhausted! Grab a pizza slice or arancini at Antico Forno right next to the Pantheon for a quick bite. Or if it’s still earlier in the evening, many restaurants offer Aperitivo from around 6pm to 9pm; Italy’s version of the American Happy Hour! Grab an Aperol Spritz for around 10€ that usually comes with some snacks and small bites. (or try my personal favorite - the Hugo Spritz with Elderflower liquor - YUM!). Another option - no one is judging you if you choose gelato for dinner and call it a night!
Get a good night sleep for some major sightseeing on Day 2!!
Rome Itinerary: Day 2
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Plan on starting Day 2 early in the morning. As they say, “the early bird gets the worm”. This goes double-time for visiting the Vatican. Plan to book your reservation as early in the day as possible. Booking ahead to visit the Vatican Museums is an absolute MUST. I’m going to repeat that for emphasis…make sure to book your visit to the Vatican Museum ahead of time. Lines to purchase tickets and tours day-of will be HOURS long…first thing in the morning, even in the off-season. I don’t care how much of a non-planner you are, absolutely book your Vatican visit in advance!
Please note - The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica have a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders should be covered - including all women, men and children. I love this wrap from Zestt Organics for its versatility and style!
Vatican Museum tickets - to purchase from the Vatican Museum official website, click here. There are options to purchase regular admission tickets or a guided tour. I highly recommend a guided tour for the Vatican Museums. There is just SO much history and incredible art. It’s well-worth the additional cost for the guided tour to hear more about the details. Tickets on the official site are available for booking 2 months prior to your date of visit. They usually book up very quickly.
If you’re unable to book on the official site or want to get them further in advance to ensure you get an ideal timeslot, Viator has lots of tour options available. See below for some of the top recommended Vatican tours.
St. Peter’s Basilica and Square
After viewing the Sistine Chapel and all of the beauty of the Vatican Museums, head over to St. Peter’s Square and take in the massive sight in awe. If you choose to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, tickets can be purchased in the square. Again, prepare for long entry lines, especially in the summer months and weekends throughout the year. For a guided tour and timed entry, book the St. Peter's Basilica Dome, Basilica & Underground Grottoes Guided Tour.
Trastevere
After a busy day of sightseeing the Vatican, head over to the bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere in the evening. The area comes alive at night. Less touristy, Trastevere has a more authentic Roman vibe. Stroll along the cobblestone alleys and immerse in the energy of the city! Trastevere is well-known for it’s food, offering modern takes on Roman classic dishes for bold palettes. Wander through the streets and grab a pizza and gelato when it entices you. For the full “foodie” experience, book a food and wine tour around the neighborhood!
Rome Itinerary: Day 3
Morning Walk through the Heart of Rome
To see the sites around Rome, head out early in the morning to beat some of the crowds. Grab a quick café and pastry and be on your way!
Depending on where you’re staying, head out of your hotel to the nearest of these sites and continue on the leisurely stroll visiting each on the list. Rome is an outdoor museum with so much architectural history and stunning statues spread all across the city. Take it all in! Be sure to carry a small wrap or scarf with you to cover your shoulders if visiting any churches.
Piazza Navona - a lively square adorned with Baroque architecture, bustling cafes, and Bernini’s iconic Fountain of the Four Rivers, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and vibrant street life.
Pantheon - a timeless marvel, blending ancient grandeur with a cozy vibe, where you can marvel at the massive dome and soak in the serene atmosphere over a cup of coffee from nearby cafes. Also the site of Raphael’s tomb. The Pantheon opens at 7:30am (9am on Sundays). For fast track tickets with official audio guide, purchase here.
Caffé Tazza d’Oro - by this time, you may be ready for another café or small bite. Pop in to experience one of Rome’s top coffee shops!
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (with the Elephant and Obelisk) - the outer façade of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is rather plain and can usually only be spotted by the Elephant Obelisk out front (a snide from the artist to the government building set directly across from it). For this reason, many tourists will walk right past without a second look and actually miss the only Gothic church in Rome. Be sure to step inside to discover it’s ornate beauty and catch a moment of tranquility away from the crowds.
Trevi Fountain - an iconic masterpiece in the heart of the city. The glittering oasis will have you mesmerized by the cascading waters and the lively atmosphere surrounding it. Toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure you’ll return to its enchanting beauty someday.
Spanish Steps - this long and grand staircase with the Piazza di Spagna at its base and Trinità dei Monti perched at the top, feels like a stylish amphitheater where you can admire the elegant Baroque architecture and colorful flowers. While visitors are no longer allowed to sit on the steps and linger (in an attempt to protect the monument), slowly climb to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, continue to walk along the nearby streets and alleyways to window-shop the chic boutiques in the area.
Want a guided walk with a small group? Click here for an inexpensive walking tour.
Ancient Rome - the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill
Later in the day, head over to Ancient Rome to experience one of the Great Wonders of the World, the iconic Colosseum. To simply stand in front of the massive structure, with all of its powerful history is purely breathtaking. This is another spot where you want to be sure to book ahead of time as lines can be long and hot!
Official tours and tickets can be purchased here. Tickets go on sale 30 days prior to your date of visit. While you can usually still get entrance tickets when booking in advance, you’ll need to be vigilant (and extremely lucky!) to actually score guided tour tickets on the official site as the English-spoken tours sell out almost immediately. Personally, I thought the entrance tickets with an audio tour worked out great for a high-level overview. (Download Rick Steves Audio Europe app for free audio tours at all the main attractions around the city).
For less crowds, book later in the afternoon. The sunlight around 5pm provides stunning natural lighting, peaking through the columns, making for a perfect time to visit. Your Colosseum ticket also includes entrance into the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You have 24 hours to visit all 3 locations, which starts once you visit the first site. So you can visit the Forum and Hill before or after the Colosseum (or come back the next day if it’s within the 24 hours). Make sure you note the closing time of each site as it changes throughout the season to ensure you have enough time to experience all 3 locations.
If you are unable to snag tickets on the official site, here’s some other great options for tours and fast pass tickets. For a more immersive experience, book a Colosseum tour with underground access.
Rome Itinerary: Day 4
Day Trip
The Eternal City is filled with enough attractions to keep travelers busy sightseeing for days, weeks, or longer. But tear yourself away from Rome on a day trip, and you’ll uncover a world of sights beyond the capital. From the ruins of Pompeii, to Tivoli’s historic estates and medieval and Renaissance-era highlights of Tuscany, you’ll find plenty of worthwhile options to justify a day’s absence from Rome.
Here’s a few recommended tours, including transportation.
One of my favorite spots in Italy is the hilltown of Orvieto in Umbria. If you haven’t heard of Orvieto, it’s definitely worth a google search! This ancient town offers so much Etruscan history, culture, amazing Orvieto Classico white wine, and delicious hearty pastas for a foodies paradise. Orvieto is easily accessible by train from Rome and my Top Spot recommendation for a day trip!
For more on the mystical Umbrian town of Orvieto, Read More → Discover Orvieto
Rome Itinerary: Day 5
After 4 days in Rome, there’s still SO much of its magic left to discover! I’ll leave Day 5 a little open-ended so you can venture back to any spots that desire more exploration. But I’ve also listed some other fantastic sites and activities to fill your last day as your heart wishes!
See the churches
Visit the Galleria Borghese and beautiful gardens - requires advance ticket purchase
Victor Emmanuel Monument
Visit Castel Sant’Angelo
Explore the Catacombs
Take an EBike Tour of Appian Way
Gather items for a picnic from Campo de’ Fiori - the huge fresh produce market on the south end of the city center
Have lunch at the darling Cucina del Teatro
Try a sample of the 100 flavors of tiramisu at Mr. 100 Tiramisu
That wraps up our 5 Day Rome Itinerary!
Hopefully you have enjoyed reading and are inspired to begin your plan! There’s SO much history, culture and FOOD to experience in this magical Eternal City. This covers enough of the highlights for a perfect guide for a first-timer, but will still leave you wanting to return for more!
