3 days in Rome: itinerary

Three days in Rome works best as one day of ancient Rome, one day at the Vatican and one day in the historic centre. That covers the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and Trastevere without rushing.

If you have a fourth day, use it for the Borghese Gallery, the Appian Way or a day trip. Trying to add the Amalfi Coast or Pompeii to a three-day Rome stay is what makes trips fail — those need their own nights.

Rome's big sights run on timed entry. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill share one ticket and one booking system; the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel use another. Book both online before you travel, especially April–October and around Easter.

Most museums close one day a week — the Vatican Museums typically on Sundays except the last Sunday of the month, the Borghese Gallery on Mondays. Churches open early and close around midday, then reopen in the afternoon. Always check the official site the week you travel.

Rome has two airports. Fiumicino (FCO) is the main one, about 30 km from the centre; the Leonardo Express train runs to Termini in roughly 32 minutes, and buses take longer but cost less. Ciampino (CIA) is smaller and served by buses to Termini.

High-speed trains from Florence, Naples, Milan and Venice arrive at Termini or Tiburtina. From Termini, metro lines A and B cover most of the tourist centre; the Vatican is on line A. Buy single tickets or a 24/48/72-hour pass from machines or newsstands.

Within the centre, walk. The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps sit within about 20 minutes of each other on foot. Use the metro for the Vatican and buses for the Appian Way.