Discovering the Eternal City: A 5-Day Itinerary in Rome
Overview: Rome is a city that exudes history, beauty, and romance. With its iconic landmarks, ancient ruins, Baroque architecture, and delicious cuisine, Rome has been enchanting travelers for centuries. In this 5-day itinerary, we’ll explore the best of the city, from the Vatican City to the Colosseum, from the Spanish Steps to the Trastevere neighborhood. We’ll also share some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to Rome.
Day 1: Ancient Rome and the Colosseum
Start your first day in Rome by exploring the ancient city. Begin with a visit to the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. To avoid long lines, it’s best to buy tickets in advance or book a guided tour. The Colosseum is an architectural masterpiece that was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Learn about its history and construction and imagine the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
Next, head to the Roman Forum, the center of ancient Rome, and explore the ruins of temples, basilicas, and government buildings. You can buy a combined ticket that includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. A guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the significance and beauty of these sites.
Afterward, head to the nearby Piazza Venezia, where you can see the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as the Altare della Patria or the “Wedding Cake” due to its elaborate design. You can climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views of the city.
For dinner, head to Da Enzo al 29, a family-run restaurant that serves authentic Roman cuisine. Try the cacio e pepe, the amatriciana, or the saltimbocca alla romana, and wash it down with a glass of local wine.
Day 2: Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
Take a trip to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to some of the most impressive artwork and architecture in the world. Begin with a visit to the Vatican Museums, which include the famous Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. To avoid long lines, it’s best to book tickets in advance or book a guided tour. The Vatican Museums are home to an immense collection of artwork, ranging from classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings.
Then head to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, with breathtaking architecture and art. Admire the stunning dome, the intricate mosaics, and the sculptures that decorate the interior. You can climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city, but be prepared for a strenuous climb. Dress modestly and respect the religious atmosphere of the church.
For lunch, head to Pizzarium, a popular pizzeria that serves gourmet pizza by the slice. Try the pizza with potatoes and rosemary, the pizza with mortadella and pistachios, or the pizza with eggplant and ricotta.
In the afternoon, you can explore the Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress that was used as a papal residence, a prison, and a museum. The Castel Sant’Angelo offers great views of the Tiber River and the city.
For dinner, head to Il Margutta RistorArte, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves creative and delicious dishes. Try the vegan lasagna, the risotto with asparagus and truffles, or the seitan with porcini mushrooms.
Day 3: Vatican City and Trastevere
On the third day of your Roman adventure, start your day by visiting Vatican City, the smallest country in the world but with a huge impact on art and religion. Get there early to avoid the long lines and make sure to dress modestly as it is a religious site. Begin your visit at the Vatican Museums, where you’ll see works of art by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci, among many others. The highlight of the museums is the Sistine Chapel, where you can marvel at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling fresco.
Afterwards, head to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world and a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. You can see the stunning Pietà sculpture by Michelangelo and climb the dome for a panoramic view of Rome.
In the afternoon, cross the Tiber River to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. Wander through its narrow streets, admire the colorful houses, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Stop by the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, and visit the Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance villa with frescoes by Raphael.
For dinner, head to Da Enzo al 29, a cozy trattoria serving traditional Roman cuisine. Try their famous cacio e pepe pasta and finish with a tiramisu.
Day 4: Ancient Rome
On your fourth day in Rome, explore the city’s ancient history. Start your day at the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and the largest amphitheater in the world. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history of the monument.
After visiting the Colosseum, walk to the nearby Roman Forum, the center of ancient Rome’s political and social life. Here, you’ll see ruins of temples, basilicas, and public buildings, as well as the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Constantine.
Next, visit the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome and the legendary birthplace of the city. The hill is home to impressive ruins of imperial palaces and gardens, and it offers great views of the city.
In the afternoon, head to Campo de’ Fiori, a lively square that hosts a daily market selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs. Grab a bite to eat from one of the food stalls or head to a nearby restaurant for some pizza.
For the evening, explore the area around the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Grab a drink at one of the many bars in the Piazza della Rotonda and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 5: Catacombs and Appian Way
Take a break from the city and explore the outskirts of Rome. Start by heading to the Catacombs of Rome, an underground network of tunnels and tombs that were used for burials in ancient times. This eerie yet fascinating site will give you a glimpse into the history of early Christianity in Rome.
After the Catacombs, take a stroll down the ancient Appian Way, one of the most famous roads in Rome. This road dates back to the 4th century BC and was an important route for trade and military purposes. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and ancient ruins.
In the evening, head back to the city for your final dinner in Rome. You might want to try some traditional Roman dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, or amatriciana. Enjoy your meal and raise a toast to the beautiful city of Rome.
Travel Tips:
- The Catacombs can be quite chilly, so make sure to bring a sweater or jacket.
The Appian Way is quite long, so it’s best to rent a bike or take a guided tour to see the most important sites. - Book your tickets for the Borghese Gallery in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance.
- Rome, Italy is a very popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions. Consider visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for a more relaxed experience.
