Rome is a very large and busy city, particularly in the summer with millions of tourists descending! So although it’s an amazing place to visit, I’d say that 3 days in more than enough time to fit in the major sights and a few other things too. Then you can spend more of your trip exploring the countryside, smaller towns or heading towards the beach for some downtime.
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The Perfect Rome Itinerary
So where should you visit in Rome? What are the main sights that everyone should see? Obviously the Colosseum is top of the list and everyone wants to visit! I’d recommend booking a tour ahead of time as they can sell out, but also there are children’s tours or special tours visiting areas most don’t get to see.
But don’t miss out on some of the smaller museums or walking around smaller historic sites. And if you are going with kids I recommend staying somewhere with a pool. There are a few hotels in the city centre with pools, but you can also stay outside the city centre, such as at Camping Fabulous Village. It works well when it’s hot to have half a day sight-seeing and half a day at the pool.
Rome Itinerary Day 1
The Colosseum is the main thing everyone wants to see in Rome, so do that first! Book a morning tour that gives you entry around early in the day. There are so many tours to choose from that I can’t suggest any particular tour. We’ve been on two and I wouldn’t say either is better than the other.
However, if you are travelling with children I’d recommend a small group tour with Rome 4 Kids. A maximum of 12 people in the tour and tailored towards children and families. You can also choose from a variety of other tours, but the minimum you would want is the colosseum tour with access to the arena floor. The cheapest tours are usually cheap because they are massive groups, and although I wouldn’t say the most expensive are the best, the smaller groups will be much more interesting (and they cost more!).
Wander around the outside of the colosseum and across to the Roman Forum to look around. Then head to a local cafe or restaurant for some authentic Italian pizza for lunch!
In the afternoon take a leisurely walk to the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, a massive temple built for Italy’s first king. From here walk to Piazza della Cancelleria to visit the Museo Leonardo da Vinci. This museum is excellent at exploring the Italian inventor and artists many ideas, art works and inventions. With interactive exhibits it is perfect for both adults and kids. Definitely a highlight of our visit to Rome! The museum also has air conditioning, so it’s a nice relief from the heat during the summer months too. Plan at least 2 hours for the museum.
Rome Itinerary Day 2
For your second day in Rome I suggest booking a Rome food tour for the morning. I’m not a foodie in any sort of way, but this was an excellent way to explore areas away from main tourist destinations. I wouldn’t say the be careful in choosing the food tour, as some seem to be focussed more on pizza and sit down meals than others.
If you can afford a private food tour then go for that, but whatever you do choose a tour that goes to the market and tries street food. You don’t want to be sitting in a restaurant having pizza, which you can do anywhere yourself! Highlights of our food tour were trying out various suppli from the market, fried courgette flowers, roman flat peaches (donut peaches!) and patisserie desserts. If you are taking a tour with kids make sure you have a few extra snacks with you in case they don’t like the food offered!
If you start the food tour late morning then you’ll probably not want much for lunch! But if you’re still hungry find somewhere nearby with a good view!
This afternoon it’s time to take the metro over to Ottaviano where you can then walk down the street and into the Vatican City. Crossing over the border into the world’s smallest country! There is not much here aside the Basilica Di San Pietro. But you can choose to just walk into the city and people watch, then leave again. Or book tickets to explore the basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. We aren’t religious, so we chose to simply walk around the square and leave, but I know others are more interested in visiting the buildings here.
Depending how long you stay, it’s also possible to catch the metro across to Flaminio to visit Villa Borghese gardens. These are beautiful gardens with a variety of sculptures and lakes. You can even hire a rowing boat to cross the lake at Temple of Aesculapius.
Rome Itinerary Day 3
For your third day in Rome head into the centre to visit the Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of Rome’s oldest buildings. The current building was built by Emperor Hadrian in around 126CE, although it occupies the same location of the earlier temple built by Agrippa. The main draw is the architectural wonder of the huge dome, which is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Inside it is now a church rather than a Roman temple and it has some interesting roman paintings and sculptures to admire.
After visiting the Pantheon walk along to Trevi fountain. It can get incredibly busy here, so it might be preferable to head here earlier, before the Pantheon. However, unless you’re going to visit during the early hours in mid winter, you’re unlikely to get it to yourself! Grab a gelato from a shop beside the fountain to eat whilst watching the crowds around the fountain. But don’t sit on the edge of the fountain with it, otherwise the guardia will be blowing their whistles and moving you on! However, it is entertaining to watch this happening to other people.
Spend the afternoon at leisure wandering the streets and finding little cafes and beautiful piazzas. Or book a workshop. There are plenty to choose from, including cooking classes, making Italian sandals or even galdiator school!
Read more about our other travels through Italy:
- Find out the best way to tour the vast ancient city of Pompeii.
- Take the train from the UK to Sicily, using the world’s only remaining train ferry!
- Learn more about what to expect from the Rome to Sicily sleeper train.
- The perfect 3 days in Rome with Itinerary, plenty of time to explore the city!
- Enjoy the best of both worlds with Rome Eurocamp on the outskirts of the famous city.
- Find out if a food tour around Rome is worth it with kids.
- Follow our tips and hacks on visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa with kids.
- Embrace the tranquility of Tuscany at Villa Pia, an excellent family holiday!
- Find out 5 great things to do with kids in Tuscany.
- The 10 best places to visit in and around Venice with kids.
- Visit Italy from the comfort of a family friendly cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.
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