This is always the question, right? How many days should you spend in Rome. I read article after article trying to sort it out. Most of them say around 3 days and that you can cover it, so that’s what we did. But if I were to go back I would spend so much more time. That said, it really depends on what your interests are. For me, Rome is full of so much history. I mean, walking around you can see it everywhere. If you’re a history or art lover, I’d look at spending 5 days to a week at least just in Rome, soaking up what this beautiful city has to offer.
- 3 Days in Rome
This is how I’d spend 3 days in Rome if that’s all the time you’ve got.
- Day 1: Start with a morning walking tour so you understand the history and hear the stories behind what you’re seeing. Depending on the tour you book, you’ll get shown different things along the way, for example we got shown what a shopping mall used to be like back in the day, and what they considered entertainment at the time.
Tours:
The hidden gems walking tour is A$7
Rome Walking Tour: Pantheon, Trevi, Navona & Hidden Gems for A$41.
- Day 2: Do the Vatican, and do it in the morning. Standard ticket price is €20. This gives you time to take your time, take in the art, and the history. You can stop halfway through and have lunch at a cafe. We realized how many directions the Vatican went in, and headed towards the Sistine Chapel, which is no cameras allowed and they ask for you to be quiet. In that moment it felt so surreal. End the evening with a nice dinner. One of our favourite spots was Otello alla Concordia.
- Day 3: Wake up and go to the Colosseum. Standard ticket price is €18. This is a must, even from the outside it’s so beautiful. A few good photo spots are shared below. This is a place I’d recommend doing a tour for, so you get the full picture and information behind it. Afterwards, I recommend going to the Pantheon, which is €5 to enter, walking up to it was so beautiful, just a huge piece of architectural art. Around the area there’s great shopping, which I shared in a separate article here. I also recommend grabbing a classic tiramisu from Two Sizes.
Where to stay in rome
Magic Trastevere suite on roof terrace- Click to check availability
Affordable homestay in the centre of Trastevere
White Flat Termini- Click to check availability
Near the train station, giving you comfort and easy access to everything around Rome, with a real local feel.
Antica Dimora dell’Orso- Click to check availability
Right in the centre of it all, saving you money and time, with everything at your doorstep.
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Where I Ate & Drank in Rome
Rome’s food scene is absolutely amazing, I wish I had the stomach and the budget to eat my way through the whole city.
Otella alla Concordia –This place was recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint. We got the cacio e pepe and fried anchovies, and it was beautiful.
Vox Populi – We stumbled across this place. They have a large menu of sandwiches, and it was so simple but so delicious.
Masa Rooftop – This place is perfect for an afternoon drink. You get a beautiful view of the city.
For the full list of where to eat and drink in Rome, I’ve put together a separate post.
Best Souvenirs & Shopping in Rome
Rome makes it so easy to bring a piece of the trip home with you, whether that’s something practical or just a little reminder of how much you fell in love with the city.
A few favourites:
Manufactus Made in Italy –A leather shop where you can buy journals, wallets, really anything leather. I got my partner a wallet, and they were able to add his initials right there in-store, which made it feel that much more special and unique.
Booktique-This place has the cutest gifts, from local artist prints to postcards to random unique gifts.
Eternal Charm Roma- Now if you’re a 90s baby like me, you’ll remember Italian charm bracelets. This place has them, with such cute charms like the Colosseum and anything else to remember Rome by.
How Much Does a Trip to Rome Cost?
This is one of the questions I get asked the most, so here’s a rough breakdown based on our trip.
Accommodation: We spent around $50 each per night, depending on the area, with places in Trastevere and Municipio sitting on the higher end, and San Lorenzo being more budget-friendly.
Food: You can eat well in Rome without spending a fortune. A sit-down meal with wine ran us around $20 per person, and if you stick to the local spots away from major piazzas rather than the tourist menus, you’ll save even more.
Transport: Bus tickets were $2.00, and honestly between walking and the occasional bus, we didn’t spend much getting around at all. No car needed, which saves you a good chunk too.
Attractions: This is where it adds up. The Vatican tour was $32 and the Colosseum was $29. Walking tours range from pay-what-you-can (free walking tour) to around $40, depending on the guide and group size.
Overall: For 2-3 days, budget around $270-420 per person, covering accommodation, food, and attractions, excluding flights.
Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and use the free nasoni fountains around the city, it’s an easy way to cut costs without even trying.
Getting Around
It’s very easy to hop on the buses, as they take bank cards, so getting around is accessible. I don’t really recommend renting a car for Rome, between the traffic and the narrow streets, it’s more hassle than it’s worth.
Final Thoughts
Rome completely stole a piece of my heart. This city deserves to be savoured, not rushed. Whether you have a few days or two weeks, just remember to slow down, look up, and let yourself get lost in it, because that’s when Rome really gets you.
If you’re planning your own trip, I hope this helped you figure out how many days you need in Rome, and gave you a few spots to add to your list. Happy travels!
