4 Days In Rome Itinerary (2024) – Your Eternal City Planning Guide

Rome Sweet Rome. This incredible Italian city belongs on every bucket list, and we were recently lucky enough to visit as a family ourselves! In this post, we’re sharing all that we’ve learned about the Eternal City and put together this 4 days in Rome itinerary, so you, too, can enjoy this beautiful city.

This Rome itinerary allows you to see all the main attractions in 4 days, as well as add some additional attractions and activities that are bound to become highlights of your trip.

Rome is abundant in historic and artistic delights, is culturally diverse and has a superb foodie scene – what more could you wish for from a family vacation?

It’s not all about touring ancient churches and vast collections of art – and we know only too well. Touring Rome with kids can be difficult due to their limited patience. The promise of a trip to the local gelateria can go a long way. Trust me.

One of the most enjoyable activities for us as a family, for example, was a pizza and pasta-making class. This gives you a real insider’s perspective on Italian food – and is also great fun for singles, couples and families alike.

If you’re wondering “how can I spend 4 days in Rome?”, then join us as we take you through the ideal itinerary.

From famous sights like the alluring Spanish steps, the enthralling Sistine Chapel or the captivating Vatican museums, to taking a detour from the well-trodden tourist trail, these are the best things to see and do in Rome in 4 days.

6 top Rome travel tips

Before we get to the Roman must-see sights, pay attention to these top Italy travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Rome. 

Wear comfortable shoes

The top of our list of Rome travel tips is to wear comfortable shoes. This applies to everyone, even teens! There’s no way you’ll end each day with a smile on your face if your footwear doesn’t feel good. 

Make sure everyone has sturdy, well-fitting sandals, sneakers or boots to suit the season – and that they’re worn in before your visit. There are seven hills in Rome, so you sure are going to need footwear that you can walk for miles in. 

Take a break 

You’re highly likely to walk a lot in Rome, so your feet will thank you for taking some respite now and then throughout the day – and where better to take a break than in Rome? Finding appealing places to stop each day is like creating your own micro food tour of the city too. 

There are so many appealing cafes and gelaterias selling coffee, ice cream and more, and finding your favorite venue and flavor is one of the simplest pleasures of a vacation in the Italian capital. We thought so, anyway!

Buy tickets in advance

Getting hold of a Roman pass like the Omnia card or Roma Pass is recommended since they cover a lot of the main tourist sites. If you like, you can get this just to cover your first three days in the city. 

Other top tips regarding admission include taking an underground tour at the Colosseum and buying skip-the-line Vatican tickets in advance. You’ll find more about both of those options in the sections below.

✅ Click here to save money on Rome attractions and purchase the Omnia travel card 

Make pasta and pizza in Italy

One of the things we enjoyed most didn’t even involve ancient Rome at all!

Taking a pizza and/or pasta-making class was one of the best parts of our vacation, and kids in particular absolutely loved the hands-on experience. 

We took a four-hour pizza and pasta-making class and Little K especially loved it because we had been touring churches and art galleries for what seemed like ‘forever’ (her words). The entire family participated and enjoyed this activity.

✅ Book the exact pizza & pasta making tour we took here

All sorts of people took part, including singles, couples and families. 

Stay centrally

Rome’s a bucket list kinda place and it’s really not worth skimping on accommodation. It’s easy to find decent three-star hotels that are centrally located, so why would you bother spending hours on public transportation each day?

Several hotel choices are suggested further down this post to help you to make the most of every moment in the Eternal City. 

It’s your itinerary

Don’t forget – this itinerary is just a general guideline, and can be switched around how you like to suit your plans. If you want to save the Colosseum for a later day, then of course feel free to do exactly that!

Focus on what you want to see and get out of your visit to Italy. If tracking down an authentic local trattoria is more important to you than seeing yet another ancient structure, then why not make that a priority? 

Also, some doubling up may occur, so plan around that. For example, if you book a street food tour then you may visit the Jewish Quarter or Trastevere during that. Or you may stay in that area. Also, make sure you check opening times – the Vatican City is usually closed on Sundays and Catholic holidays, for instance.  

Furthermore, this 4-day Rome itinerary does not include times. That’s because no one wants to be on a strict schedule on vacation. This is your itinerary and your time. Make the most of these tips on what to see in Rome, but don’t feel like you need to do everything.

4 days in Rome itinerary overview

Day 1

Today you’ll take in a number of sites that are clustered close together in the city center. Unless you’re walking, head to Colosseo metro station to see what’s arguably the most famous landmark in Rome. 

You can also take in Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, the ancient sites along Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza del Campidoglio, Piazza Venezia and the city’s riverside Jewish quarter before heading back in the evening via Colosseo or Circo Massimo metro stations. 

The Colosseum

Closest Metro: Colosseo 

For your first day in Rome, why not start at the Colosseum? It’s surely the number one most instantly recognizable archaeological site in the city. As you might expect, the Colosseo metro station on line B is the closest to the iconic landmark. It’s a short walk between the metro stop and the site. 

Make sure you snap some selfies and family shots of the exterior before venturing inside. Sitting or standing on the wall at the top of the steps makes for great pictures, but do take care, especially if you have young kids in tow.

Waiting in line is such a waste of time when you’re only in Rome for a few days, so we highly recommend buying skip-the-line entry tickets in advance. This eliminates waiting in long lines just to purchase tickets.

We took an underground Colosseum tour, and it was well worth it. Visitor numbers are strictly limited, so this one fills up quickly. Tickets should definitely be purchased ahead of time.

✅ Click here to book an underground Colosseum tour here – they will sell out & spots are limited

Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum

Closest Metro: Colosseo

While you’re in the area, you cannot miss the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. They aren’t far from the Colosseum at all and are easy to find – simply follow the signs or the crowds to Foro Romano, and look out for the hill when you’re outside the Colosseum. 

If you want to make the most of your time or forget about finding your way, you can book a guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. The small group tours include access to all the main ancient sites including the Arch of Constantine and Tempio della Pace and are highly rated by past visitors. 

✅ Book a 3-hour guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Via dei Fori Imperiali

Closest Metro: Colosseo

If you (or the kids) haven’t yet had your fill of Rome’s ancient sites, then it makes sense to head from the Forum to Via dei Fori Imperiali while you’re in the area. This thoroughfare runs between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. 

You can see more Roman remnants named after Augustus, Trajan, Caesar, Traiano and Nerva here, located just by the side of the road. 

Piazza Venezia & Piazza del Campidoglio

Closest Metro: Colosseo

Via dei Fori Imperiali leads you from the Colosseum or Forum to Piazza Venezia. Piazza del Campidoglio is worth stopping by along the way, as this beautiful city square was designed by none other than Michelangelo himself. 

Campidoglio square is positioned between the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia. Take a left into Via di San Pietro in Carcere from Via dei Fori Imperiali, just after the Temple of Venus Genetrix to find it at the end. 

Piazza Venezia also has photogenic monuments and pretty fountains, so it’s also worth a look. 

The Jewish Quarter

Closest Metro: Colosseo or Circo Massimo

After all that time on your feet, why not wander around the Jewish Quarter to simply take in the sights, sounds and delicious smells? There are plenty of places to eat around here and it’s close to the banks of the Tiber River. 

It doesn’t take too long to walk to the area from the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia or Piazza del Campidoglio.

You could then head along by the river towards the Circo Massimo metro station via Bocca ella Verità – or The Mouth of Truth. This stone carving is located in the Piazza Bocca della Verità, to the left of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church portico. It’s huge, so you can’t miss it!

If you’re planning to leave from the Circo Massimo train station, stop and walk around its namesake, the Circus Maximus. This was the largest chariot stadium in all of ancient Rome, with a capacity of 150,000 spectators. Not much is left of this from ancient times because most of the stones and rocks were used to build new churches and palaces.

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Day 2

On day 2, head to the global headquarters of the Catholic Church worldwide – the Vatican City. Ottaviano is the nearest metro stop. 

Explore all there is to see here – including Michelangelo’s ceiling at the Sistine Chapel, the museums and the opulent St. Peter’s Basilica – before heading to the Mausoleum of Hadrian that’s pleasingly set within a riverside park. You can then head back to your accommodation from Ottaviano or Lepanto station. 

Vatican City

Closest Metro: Ottaviano

If you only plan one day in Rome in advance, then make it this one. Skip the line tickets for the Vatican are recommended because the line to get in is always so long. Even so, arrive as early as you can. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano. 

The Vatican is actually a city-state, so officially it’s not part of Rome. It’s home to the Pope and acts as the worldwide headquarters of the Catholic church. You can also find Michelangelo’s famous frescoed ceiling at the Sistine Chapel here – and certainly cannot miss that iconic sight when you’re following a Rome in 4 days itinerary!

✅ Book your skip-the-line Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s tour here

Other highlights include St Peter’s Basilica. Here it’s worth paying extra – and the effort – to climb the stairs for the most breathtaking views over Rome and the Vatican. A conservative dress code applies in the churches, so do take care to cover your knees and shoulders before visiting. 

Expect it to be busy everywhere within Vatican City as this is a popular tourist attraction. Even when you’ve bought those oh-so worthwhile skip-the-line tickets, you’re going to have to wait around to see things up close or take your turn at snapping selfies. 

You’ll need at least four hours to explore all the Vatican has to offer, and could easily spend a lot longer – like all day – in this part of the city.  

Castel Sant’Angelo

Closest Metro: Ottaviano or Lepanto

Castel Sant’Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel) is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian and is on the same side of the Tiber River as the Vatican City. It was originally constructed as a burial chamber for the emperor Hadrian and his family.

The unusual and very striking cylindrical building can be found in Parco Adriano. It was later used by the popes as a fortress and is now home to a museum.

Take time to wander across the bridge of Angels on your way to the castle.

Not only is this an interesting site to visit, but the green park by the river is a refreshing place to be after a day of discovering the Vatican City – alongside thousands of other tourists. 

✅ Check prices on Castel Sant’Angelo skip-the-line tickets here

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Day 3

When in Rome for a third day, tick off more of the city’s must-see icons, including an art gallery, landscaped gardens, a fountain, some unusually structured steps and the Pantheon.  

Use Barberini station to visit the Trevi fountain, followed by the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and Galleria Borghese. You can then catch a metro back from Spagna station. 

If you have time (and energy), wander around the Piazza del Popolo to view more famous fountains in Rome, people watch and grab a gelato.

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

Closest Metro: Barberini

Stop here and you can see Rome’s most famous fountain, the Trevi Fountain, en route to your next destination, the mighty Pantheon. 

It’s one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy, and as you might expect, it can get a little busy here. Do hang around to get the perfect shot, though – as you may never visit again, it is worth the wait and the perfect place for a family photo. 

Hours: Open 24 hours

The Pantheon

Closest Metro: Barberini

The Pantheon is another of Rome’s must-see sights. It’s situated on the Piazza della Rotonda, a Roman square with the Pantheon on its southern side. It’s a very busy and popular place, and the square’s name comes from the Pantheon’s proper name – the church of Santa Maria Rotonda.

The largest unsupported dome made from concrete still stands here some 2,000 years after construction. It’s 43 meters to the top and in diameter. You might like to take a guided tour to make the most of your experience. 

Piazza Navona

Closest Metro: Barberini

Piazza Navona dates back to the 1st century AD, so it’s an incredibly historic square. Now it’s a refined plaza lined with cafes and bars, but the Stadium of Domitian once occupied this site. 

In fact, the shape of the piazza follows the original form of the stadium. This was formerly known as Circus Agonalis, as ancient Romans went there to watch the games. Now street artists often perform in the square. 

Hours: Open 24 hours

The Spanish Steps

Closest Metro: Spagna

The famous Spanish Steps (135 of them!) are located at the Piazza di Spagna and are famous for their unusual shaping – almost like a winged insect such as a butterfly. The steps were built for a French diplomat during the 18th century. 

Spagna square is also a popular meeting place, and of course, is one of the main stops for taking those once-in-a-lifetime pictures of the city. Dei Monti church – aka Trinità dei Monti is also worth a look – this Gothic structure dates back to the 16th century.

Although you will see people sitting and eating on the Spanish steps, technically, it is against the law. In 2019, the law went into effect in order to protect cultural relics. Fines can be as hefty as 250-400 euros.

Hours: 24 hours

Galleria Borghese & Borghese Gardens

Closest Metro: Spagna

Visiting Galleria Borghese (also known as the Borghese Gallery) allows you to take a deep dive into Rome’s artistic heritage. This art gallery is fairly close to the Piazza di Spagna. 

The Galleria Borghese is a Roman art gallery housing extraordinary works of art. This attraction does sell out. You can buy skip-the-line tickets for both entry and an English-guided tour.

The gallery is magnificent, not least because it’s housed in a former palace. For the best panoramic views over Rome, don’t miss the Pincio Terrace. As well as works by the likes of Caravaggio, you can also marvel at the ceiling frescoes within the gallery. 

The gardens are one of the most peaceful places in this ancient city. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore them and this beautiful palace. Limited attendance is in force at the Gallery, only allowing 360 people in per day on timed tickets.

✅ Purchase your timed-entry ticket to the Galleria Borghese here.

Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday – Sunday, no entrance after 5:00 PM

Closed: All Mondays, January 1st, December 25th

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Day 4

Day 4 is your last day in Rome. If you haven’t yet seen all of the above sights, then you can use some or all of this day to do that.

Alternatively, use your final day in the Italian capital to delve a little deeper. Get under the skin of the local food scene by taking a cookery class or foodie tour, or head to the glorious Orange Trees garden for those stunning last views over the city.

Here are some suggestions for the last day of your itinerary for 4 days in Rome. 

Trastevere

Closest Metro: Circo Massimo or Piramide

Trastevere is the quintessential Roman neighborhood. If you travel by metro to Piramide or Circo Massimo station, you’ll need to cross the Tiber to reach it. So it’s a lovely stroll to take on your final day. 

Trastevere’s charming cobbled lanes are packed with great eateries and cafes, and make sure you look around as there are lots of shuttered and colorfully painted buildings lining the streets. 

Pretty Piazza di Santa Maria is the main hub of the area.   

Giardino degli Aranci

Closest Metro: Circo Massimo or Piramide

Giardino degli Aranci park is just across the river from Trastevere, so it’s a good idea to combine the two if you’re up for more sightseeing. The park was designed in 1932 by Raffaele De Vico. 

Rome’s Orange Trees Garden is truly an oasis in the heart of the city. Located on the banks of the Tiber, there are lots of citrus trees dotted around the 7,800 square meter site. There’s a large terrace here too, offering sweeping views over the city and river.

Italian cooking class

Taking an Italian cookery class was one of our favorite things to do in Rome. There are lots to choose from – we took a four-hour pizza and pasta cooking class. Which we loved – particularly Little K. 

You can make authentic Neapolitan pizza in a proper oven and learn how to craft different shapes of pasta. Then the best part – you get to devour the lot, so make sure you’ll be hungry!

✅ Highlight of our Rome trip – book this pizza and pasta-making class here

Other cookery class options available in Rome include a 2.5-hour pasta and tiramisu workshop for those with a sweet tooth, a 3-hour pasta masterclass hosted by a local chef, and a shorter 1.5-hour class where you’ll be introduced to making pasta and gelato. 

Rome food tour

Alternatively, take a food tour of Rome led by a local expert. Options to choose from include a 2.5-hour street food tour with a local guide, and this may take place in either Trastevere or the Jewish Quarter. 

If you have the energy during the evening, you could also take a four-hour night tour of Rome’s foodie neighborhoods, sampling the likes of balsamic vinegar, pizza, buffalo mozzarella, truffles and wine along the way.

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Where to stay in Rome

It’s best to stay as close to central Rome as you possibly can in order to see the major attractions without much travel. Here are our suggestions for the most awesome three, four and five-star hotels in the city. 

Santa Maria hotel – 3 star

Closest Metro: Circo Massimo

Santa Maria hotel is a three-star property close to the River Tiber. It’s positioned in the Trastevere neighborhood, a delightful part of town that’s also typically Roman.

This property is packed with character, with a charming courtyard garden, citrus trees and outdoor verandahs. In fact, it was a convent during the 16th century.

The location is ideal for exploring the city too. Rooms are traditional in style, with terracotta flooring and modern amenities like LCD TVs and air-con. There’s a very welcoming atmosphere here and the bar is a great place to meet the owners or mingle with other guests during the evening. 

Accommodations here range from doubles to triples, quads and family suites. The hotel can even rent out bikes for exploring the city on two wheels. 

Pros:

• Glorious outdoor spaces
• Trastevere neighborhood near the Tiber
• Packed with charm, character, history and a local feel 

Cons:

• Rooms aren’t the most modern

✅ Book the Santa Maria hotel on Booking.com here

Condotti boutique hotel – 4 star

Closest Metro: Spagna

For a four-star property that’s close to everything, check into Condotti boutique hotel. The look of this place is incredibly luxurious, yet the four-star rating makes it more affordable than a five-star. 

The Spanish Steps and Spagna metro station are close to the hotel, so it’s very easy indeed to explore the whole city from here. Without, perhaps, spending as much as a cent on transport. Via Condotti is also nearby and heaven for those who love shopping at upmarket and designer stores.

Rooms at the Condotti range from standard doubles to one or two-bedroom apartments. Service is fabulous and a buffet breakfast is served here each morning, though there’s no on-site restaurant. 

Pros:

• In the city center near the Spanish Steps
• Great range of accommodations
• Deluxe boutique styling

Cons:

• No restaurant on site

✅ Book the Condotti Boutique Hotel on Booking.com here

Hotel Indigo Rome – 5 star

Closest Metro: Ottaviano

If you don’t mind splashing out on five-star luxury for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then Hotel Indigo in Rome offers great value for money for a hotel of this standard. The location is unbeatable: it’s by the banks of the Tiber and central for everything. It’s on a peaceful street, though, which makes for a more relaxing stay.

Hotel Indigo offers some impressive facilities. There’s a restaurant serving up authentic Roman specialties, and this has a lovely rooftop terrace for unforgettable al fresco meals. The hotel also has a small gym and a spa and wellness center with Turkish and spa baths and a sauna. 

Most of Rome’s key sights are a mile or less from this hotel. Some rooms can accommodate families of up to seven, and a few even have balconies.

Pros:

• Exclusive yet quiet Via Giulia location
• On-site spa with baths and sauna
• Restaurant with rooftop terrace

Cons:

• Higher price range

✅ Book Hotel Indigo on Booking.com here

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Best Month to Visit Rome?

The high season typically is April through October. Meaning, more tourists and higher prices. In addition, summer is quite hot and sticky.

Rome was stunning and the weather was perfect in March. Just be careful when the Easter holiday falls as it gets quite crowded in this holy city.

If there was a best time to go to Rome for this 4-day Rome itinerary, it would have to be November – early December when the air is cool and crisp and the Christmas markets are in full swing.

Early spring such as March and April is the next best time. However, if you are looking for an absence of tourists, do check out January or February.

How to get to Rome

Rome is located in the central part of Italy, about halfway down the country’s west coast.

The best way to get to Rome is by plane.

There are two international airports that serve Rome: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). FCO is the larger of the two airports and is located about 19 kilometers southwest of Rome. Ciampino Airport is located about 10 kilometers southeast of Rome.

If you’re driving, Rome can be reached by car via the A1 highway from Florence or the A2 highway from Milan.

The easiest way to get from either airport into Rome is by taxi. Find taxis at both airports, and the fare into Rome will be fixed based on your destination within the city. If you are planning to take a taxi from FCO, be aware that there is an extra charge for luggage.

At FCO, there is a train service called “Leonardo Express” that takes passengers directly into Rome’s Termini train station. The journey takes about 30 minutes and tickets can be purchased at the airport or in advance online (the ticket is valid the entire day – you do not have to choose a specific time).

✅ Purchase your Leonardo Express train ticket to the city here

There are also several private shuttle companies that operate buses between FCO and Rome. For Ciampino Airport, there is a shuttle service called “Cotral” that goes to Rome’s Tiburtina train station. Tickets can be purchased on board the bus or in advance online. 


If you are traveling on a budget, take the local train from either airport to Rome. From FCO, take the regional train FL1 towards “Rome Tuscolana.” The journey takes about 45 minutes and tickets can be purchased at the airport or in advance online.

From Ciampino Airport, take the regional train FR1 towards “Roma Termini.” The journey takes about 35 minutes and tickets can be purchased at the airport or in advance online. 


Transportation in Rome

There are a few ways to get around Rome, whether you’re looking to take in the sights by foot, or want to cover more ground by public transportation.

Rome is one of the most walkable cities in the world, and one of the best ways to see its landmarks is simply to stroll through its streets.

However, if you’re looking to go further afield, or just want a break from walking, there are a few options for public transportation. The easiest way to get around Rome is by using its extensive metro system.

Three main metro lines cover most of the city and tickets can be purchased at any station. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, it’s worth considering purchasing the Rome all-access pass. This pass allows unlimited travel on all metro, bus, and tram lines as well as admission to the most important sites in Rome.

Of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without trying out one of its iconic Vespa scooters. While this may not be the most practical way to get around the city, it’s definitely a fun way to see Rome.

Discount tickets

One of the best ways to save money while visiting Rome is to purchase a tourist card such as the Omnia Card. This discount card provides access to many of the city’s most popular attractions, as well as unlimited use of the public transportation system.

The Omnia Card consists of two passes: a 3-day Omnia Vatican card and a 72-hour Roma Pass.

The Roma Pass gives you entry to 2 of the top 5 attractions within Rome, plus a transportation card good on all transit within Rome for 72 hours. You choose the 2 sites you want to visit for free, then receive discounted admission to over 15 additional sites.

In addition, the 3-day Vatican card allows entry to all the most important sites within Vatican City plus a 3-day hop-on hop-off bus tour.

We always purchase a discount tourist card whenever we travel. You definitely want to look into something like the Omnia Card if you are spending 4-days in Rome.

✅ Click here for prices on the Omnia Tourist Card.

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4 days in Rome itinerary | FAQs

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4 Days in Rome Itinerary Conclusion

As touched on earlier, this 4-day Rome itinerary is just a guide. You don’t have to do it all – and nor do you need to follow it in the order we’ve listed it in. We’ve simply clustered together attractions that are near one another to help save you some time.

It’s your trip, so do it your way. Simple things like discovering the best gelato you’ve ever tasted or wandering the city streets can be every bit as enjoyable as ticking off the major tourist sights. 

Whatever you do, we know you’ll have a fabulous 4 days in Rome. Just as we did!

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