The Rome IndexSuggested itineraries
3-day, 5-day and 7-day routes through the city, built around how Rome is actually laid out.
3 days: the essentials
Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill. Day 2: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's. Day 3: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps.
5 days: add depth
Add a full day in Trastevere and Testaccio, plus a slower morning at Galleria Borghese (book ahead — timed entry only).
7 days: a day trip
Ostia Antica or Tivoli both make an easy half-to-full-day trip by train, without needing a car.