Rome in 3, 4 or 5 days: our itineraries for a stay in Rome

Did you take a few days of vacation to go to Eternal City? Discover how to visit Rome in 3, 4 or 5 days!

Rome is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. And for cause, this city was the theater of the greatest hours of our history. From the Romans to today, through fascism and the economic boom, Rome has experienced all the scenarios. This is why millions of visitors arrive in the Italian capital every year. However, visiting whole Rome would take months or even years. Indeed, nothing but by wandering at random, one always finds a place of interest to discover. Moreover, it is possible to establish hundreds of itineraries in Rome! Therefore, visiting the Eternal City in 3, 4 or 5 days limits the stay to visit only the essentials.

Is this your case soon? In this article, we give you ideas of itineraries for visit Rome in 3, 4 or 5 days . Andiamo!

Rome in 3 days

Day 1: Roman times

Start your Roman stay with one of the most popular Rome routes: the remains of ancient Rome. Rome has countless vestiges of the time when the city reigned over Europe and the Mediterranean.

Start the day by visiting the Pantheon , temple erected by the Emperor Hadrian in the second century after Jesus Christ. Admire the marbled floor and the impressive bronze doors, where the greatest figures of the peninsula rest.

Link by the mythical Colosseum . Discover the ruins of the greatest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. At the time, more than 50,000 people could admire the biggest entertainment games like gladiators’ fights. Note: The Colosseum is part of the activities included in the Roma Pass .

In the afternoon, visit Mont Palatin . The opportunity to see old imperial houses or the villa Livie and the Farnese gardens. End the ancient day in the heart of the ancient city, the Roman Forum, which was the high political, commercial and religious place.

If time allows, you can also stop at the Domus Area and the Théâtre de Marcellus. Think about taking a long enough break to take your gourmet break of the day. For example, you can eat near the Colosseum, at the excellent restaurant Contractrio , located via Ostilia, 22.

Day 2: Centro Storico and Saint-Ange

The visit of the Centro Storico

Among the must-see routes of Rome is the Centro Storico . It is in the heart of Rome that the second day begins with a passage on the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most beautiful in the city. Then take a look at the Obelisk and the Stairs of the Trinity-des-Monts. For the anecdote, the obelisk was imported directly from Egypt.

Then direction the most famous fountain in the world: the Trevi fountain . The one you can see in the Dolce Vita de Fellini is the largest fountain in Rome. Built in the 18th century, it is one of the most beautiful baroque buildings of the Città Eterna . Do not forget to throw a piece and make a wish. But stay disciplined and respected. Indeed, given the growing intoxicity of tourists, its access could be limited. Let us therefore ensure that access to this masterpiece remains as it is.

Once the fountain is admired, it is now time to visit the Chiesa di Gesù, one of the most beautiful churches in Rome. Admire his octagonal dome and keep your head in the air to contemplate the Triumph in the name of Jesus, a work of Baciccia .

If you didn’t hang out too much in bed in the morning, you arrive at the Campo de’ Fiori Island for lunch. This place welcomes daily its famous market where you can taste the best local products. Enjoy it to make some purchases and improvise a small tasting. Then follow a good meal. Why not The Carbonara , an excellent restaurant located a few steps away.

For the digestive ride, a small walk leads to Piazza Navona, another well-known place in Rome. A true must in the city, it welcomes the not less famous Fontaine des Quatre de Fleuve, carved by Bernini . Next to that, we also find the Domitian Stadium, the epic race of ancient Rome.

The Château Saint-Ange

We finally arrive at the last point of the day. For this, you must cross the Tiber and pass through the Ponte Sant’Angelo, decorated with statues carved by Bernini (again he) and then visit the homonymous castle: the Château Saint-Ange. This rotunda fortress houses the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. It is also here that you can admire some of the most beautiful paintings of the Italian Renaissance.

Have you finished yet? Congratulations! If you only stay for three days, enjoy the remaining time to make a hook in Piazza del Popolo. If you stay longer, let yourself be tempted by an aperitif. Hi. !

Day 3: Vatican City

For those who stay only three days, here is the last of your three routes in Rome. The Vatican is the smallest state in the world, enclaved in Rome. The papal city, the main residence of the Pope, is the most beautiful place dedicated to the Catholic religion. Everything is majestic and even the less passionate about art will be blown away.

Arrive in Rome and admire Place Saint-Pierre. This gigantic esplanade is the front door of the place, giving access to the Saint-Pierre Basilica . It is here that every year many faithful meet to attend the greatest celebrations, such as blessing urbi and orbi .

Then visit the Basilica. It was built where the first pilgrims came to pay tribute to Saint-Pierre, the first pope of history. It was a will of Constantine I, the emperor having established freedom of worship. Inside, there are many things to admire.

Among the most important, Sixtine Chapel . It is simply the largest chapel of the Vatican Palace, where the greatest celebrations take place. It is worldwide known for its fresco of Michelangelo, housed on the ceiling of the chapel. It represents nine scenes of Genesis , including the Creation of Adam, the most popular part of the ceiling. It is simply one, if not the, most beautiful work from the Renaissance.

However, everything else Vatican Museums valent the detour. Moreover, we recommend that you devote all day to the Vatican, both the place is unique and provided. The programme includes the Pinacoteca or the Vatican Apostolic Library.

Rome in 4 days

Day 4: Villa Borghese, Gallery and Bioparco

Still here? You are right, Rome is an exceptional city and staying there long is a logical choice. After discovering three important routes from Rome, the visit continues with Villa Borghese.

Villa Borghese is the largest park in Rome, with no less than 80 hectares. The place is ideal to escape a little from the city. Within the park there are several museums and monuments. Among them, the Villa Medici, seat of the Academy of France in Rome. This is where we invite you to start the day.

The Villa Medici

Villa Medici is a palace built during the Renaissance. He owes his name to Cardinal Ferdinand de Mécidis, who became the owner of the place at the end of the 16th century. It is from this period that the palace serves as a place of artistic exhibition. He later became the seat of the Academy of France in 1793 by the will of Napoleon, after the former seats were burned down.

The villa is also known for being used as a shooting place, especially for Habemus Pappam and the series The Young Pope . In addition, for filmmakers, Villa Borghese also houses the Maison du Cinéma, which you can visit.

Back outside

Once you leave the Villa Medici, take the air and stroll through the park to admire the many places of interest available, such as:

• The Temple of Esculape,
• La Porta Pinciana,
• La Terrazza del Pincio, which overlooks the city, as well as its clock-house,
• The Piazza di Siena, sport square inspired by Piazza del Campo.

Borghese Gallery

Among the places not to be missed during your visit is the Borghese Gallery. This public museum offers visitors to discover masterpieces of Antiquity and Renaissance. Among the most beautiful paintings, you can contemplate:

• _Virgin to the Child_Sandro Botticelli,
• ♪ _self-portraits_Bernini,
• Danae and the golden rain, from the Corrège,
• The Portrait of a man and The Lady at the unicorn, painted by Raphael,
• La Madone des palfreniers and _Portrait of Pope Paul V_Caravaggio,
• _Sacred love and profane love_Titian,
• Saint Sébastien, painted by Le Pérugin,
• _Lamentation on Christ dead_Rubens,
• And finally _Moses and the tables of the Law_Guido Reni.

Note: the Borghese Gallery is part of the visits included in the Roma Pass .

The Bioparco

If you have come with a family, then take a tour at the Bioparco, the zoo in the city of Rome. The zoo covers 17 of 80 hectares of the park where more than 1,100 animals live, from 222 different species. For the anecdote, Bioparco is the oldest zoo in the country. Opened in 1911, it welcomes thousands of visitors every year. This is the ideal place to entertain the smaller ones.

Leg bad? This is quite normal! This rural day has necessarily asked your legs. To reward all your efforts, give yourself an ice cream! Get out of the park, go to the Centro Storico and stop enjoying the excellent ice creams La Romana . If you don't know what taste to choose, we recommend it Croccante della Nonna . A pure delight.

Rome in 5 days

For your fifth day in the Italian capital, we offer three different routes. The aim is to offer you a journey that looks like you, that touches your passions.

Campidoglio and the Capitol Museums: for art and history lovers

If you love history, especially Italian, as well as art, you must necessarily go to Piazza Campidgolio (Capitol in French). Located on the homonymous hill, this gigantic square is one of the most beautiful in Italy. There are also three palaces on the square:

• The Palazzo dei Conservatori,
• The Palazzo Nuovo,
• and the Palazzo dei Senatori.

Here, any date of the Renaissance, which makes it a must-see place of the routes of Rome, even more for amateur and architecture lovers. It is also here, in the first two castles cited and in the Palazzo Caffarelli, located right next to them, that lodge them Capitol Museums . They are simply the oldest museums in the world, since they were born in 1471.

Inside, cross the epochs through important collections of marble and bronze statues, paintings and mosaics found on the present Rome and the Lazio region. If you are still not convinced, we could quote an incommensurable list of works. Just know that this is where the famous painting by Romulus and Remus, painted by Rubens .

For filmmakers: Cinecittà

The most passionate of the 7th art will have already noted it in their book, but Cinecittà is a perfect step to incorporate in your Rome itineraries. Cinecittà are simply the largest cinema studios in Italy, the equivalent of Hollywood or Bollywood.

The studios were born under the fascist regime in 1937 after the inauguration of Benito Mussolini. The objective is clear, to open a cinema complex capable of competing in Hollywood. It is also an opportunity for the fascist regime to promote the country abroad and thus create a positive momentum within the population.

A huge number of films have been shot in Cinecittà and its 21 studios. Among them, resounding successes such as The Dolce Vita , The Sponsor 3 or Ben-Hur .

For food addicts: a gourmet day

It is not a coincidence that Italy laughs with gastronomy. It is obvious that in all possible and imaginable routes of Rome, it is absolutely necessary to foresee moments of tasting. Especially since it is relatively simple to eat well in Rome. Indeed, in Italy the "catch-tourists" addresses are much less numerous than in France.

Some places are immanquable in a gastronomic tour of Rome. This is the case of the Campo de’ Fiori market, the most famous and frequented in the capital. Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables and improvise a tasting session, as previously said. It is also impossible not to take an ice. If we have already talked about La Romana , you must also taste those of San Crispino . They're the best in the city.

Finally, for those who have already visited Naples, taste a Roman pizza will compare it to Neapolitan pizza. Spoiler, in both cases it is a treat.

For sports fans: see a game at Stadio Olimpico

Every Roman has two loves. The one of his or her partner, and his football team. Rome is one of the largest football cities. Here, when Roma or Lazio play the most important games, time stops. And even if it is not one of the most recommended activities in the different routes of Rome you will find, see a match from Lazio or Roma to the Olimpico is a great experience.

You understood that in Rome there are two teams. AS Roma and SS Lazio. Each inhabitant of the city and even of the region has a preference for either. Moreover, in Italy the choice of a team is often linked to political opinions. Every year, Derby della Capitale leads to clashes of rare intensity. The winner springs with domination over the city. If you love popular culture, great fervours or sport, you must see a match of those who have become the new Roman gladiators.

Rome in a week

Are you staying for a week? Perfect! Therefore, you have the opportunity to visit all the places we listed you. Rest assured, it will be largely sufficient. However, if some of the places do not attract your curiosity, here is a list of other fantastic places you can include in your itineraries in Rome:

• Visit the Baths of Caracalla, beautiful vestiges of ancient Rome, included in the Roma Pass,
• Take direction Ostia, and go and see the sea and the remnants ,
• Go see her. Bocca della Verità,
• Visit the MACRO, the contemporary art museum of the city,
• Discover the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giuliaa fascinating archaeological site included in the Roma Pass,
• Also makes the unusual Catacombes San Sebastiano.

Transportation in Rome

Italy is a border country with France. Therefore, there are many ways to reach Rome. You can thus come to Rome:

• By plane, many French airports offer flights to Rome Fiumicino or Rome Ciampino.
• With the train, a line connects Paris Gare de Lyon to Roma Termini. The stations of Lyon Part-Dieu and Chambéry also allow to stop from another destination.
• By bus, companies like Flixbus and Blablabus offer routes to the transalpine capital.
• By car, a trip of about ten hours awaits you.

At the level of mobility in Rome, it is not optimal. Indeed, many tourists prefer to move to the maximum on foot. However, it is possible to use the various public transport:

• The subway, which counts two lines,
• The bus network, very developed and covering the whole city,
• The tram, and its 6 lines serving the city and its agglomeration.
• In Vespa, since you can rent one and move to Italian.

That's it! You know all the must-see routes of Rome! It's finally time to pack and leave!