It’s impossible to see all of Rome in a mere three days; however, armed with the right itinerary, you can take in the vibrant city’s must-see sites alongside a few quieter, enchanting stops. Therefore, it’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance (for the Musei Vaticani, it’s essential) and stagger your excursion through the capital with plenty of gelato and/or red wine. Here is our guide to a perfect weekend in Rome.
Friday morning
Centro Storico & Borgo
Start your weekend in Rome like a local with a strong espresso or a more laid-back cappuccino at Barnum Cafe. With a breakfast pastry in hand, check last-minute details of your morning using the café’s free wi-fi. From here, stroll towards Ponte Sant’Angelo. This magnificent bridge, lined with ten marble angels designed by Baroque master Gianlorenzo Bernini, leads pedestrians across the Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo. Initially built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this stout yet impressive castle later served as the fortress for future popes; today, it operates as a museum filled with extraordinary paintings and sculptures. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city, showcasing its domes, rooftops, and beyond.
Friday afternoon
Vatican City
Next, head up Via della Conciliazione to St Peter’s Basilica. Consecrated in 1626, this remarkable basilica showcases priceless masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà. While many tourists head straight to the Vatican Museums, consider enjoying a hearty lunch first; you’ll be well-fueled and can avoid the crowds, as the museums tend to be less crowded around 3 PM. Velavevodetto ai Quiriti is renowned for its authentic cucina romana, and nearby, Gelateria dei Gracchi serves some of the finest gelato in the city.
After lunch, explore the museums, home to treasures that range from Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronzes to works by old masters and contemporary artists. Most tours of the Musei Vaticani conclude at the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, which houses Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgement.
Friday evening
Monti
As the sun sets, make your way to the Monti neighborhood. Overflowing with wine bars and restaurants, this lively area (with views of the Colosseum) becomes bustling on the weekends; mingle with locals at Ai Tre Scalini for dinner and drinks, or grab a table at an outdoor bar during warmer months in the neighborhood’s vibrant Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.
Saturday morning
Ancient Rome & Testaccio
Continue your weekend by heading out early to the Colosseum. This famous amphitheater is unsurprisingly on every traveler’s to-do list, so be sure to order your tickets in advance to skip the lines. The Palatino and Roman Forum border the Colosseum and can be explored with the same ticket. Afterward, stroll past Circo Massimo towards the Testaccio neighborhood.
Saturday afternoon
Testaccio
Testaccio is ripe for exploration, nestled between the notable Egyptian pyramid Piramide di Caio Cestio and the Cimitero Acattolico per gli Stranieri (the non-Catholic cemetery). This cemetery is the final resting place of Romantic poet John Keats and showcases the poignant Angel of Grief tomb; it also serves as a green oasis amidst the city. The bustling farmers market Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio mixes longtime vendors with fresh-faced entrepreneurs. Browse the vegetable and cheese stalls and pick up a panino (filled bread roll) from Mordi e Vai, helmed by the undisputed panino master Sergio Esposito. Le Mani in Pasta offers fresh ravioli-to-go, while Casa Manco specializes in delightful pizza-by-the-slice.
Before leaving the market, take a moment to appreciate Monte Testaccio, a man-made hill crafted entirely from the remnants of shattered terracotta amphorae (testae in Latin, which is why the area is called Testaccio). Reflect on this incredible example of ancient refuse.
Saturday evening
Centro Storico & Trastevere
In the evening, savor a bottle of wine at the wine-bar/restaurant Rimessa Roscioli – you can enjoy à la carte dining or partake in one of their fascinating wine tastings. Continue your night at jazz bar Big Mama in nearby Trastevere if you desire live music, or explore the various bars scattered throughout the area.
Sunday morning
Tridente & Trevi
Dedicate your final day in the Città Eterna to the historic center. Fortunately, many of Rome’s iconic attractions are closely situated: start at Piazza di Spagna, where the Trinità dei Monti staircase rising from the square is an excellent place to people-watch. From here, meander towards the captivating Trevi Fountain, forever immortalized in Fellini’s *La Dolce Vita*. Toss a coin into the fountain’s waters; legend has it that doing so guarantees your return for another weekend in Rome.
Sunday afternoon
Centro Storico
For lunch, indulge in a plate of carbonara – or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try tripe – at dependable trattoria Grappolo d’Oro. Following lunch, explore Piazza Navona, adorned with Baroque palazzos and Bernini’s extravagant Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and the Pantheon, an impressive temple-turned-church dating back 2000 years that can be visited in quick succession.
Sunday evening
Trastevere
When your appetite calls, hop into a cab and head to Seu Pizza Illuminati. Their thick-rimmed pizzas, skillfully baked in brick ovens, are topped with a variety of seasonal ingredients. For a nightcap, raise your glass at Jacopa’s cocktail bar; it’s an ideal way to conclude a perfect weekend in Rome.
