The Rome Index72 hours in Rome
Three full days — the most efficient first visit possible.
Day 1: The ancient city
Colosseum at opening (pre-booked), Roman Forum and Palatine Hill through the morning. Lunch in Monti. Afternoon: Capitoline Museums and the view over the Forum from the terrace. Evening walk through Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Navona for dinner nearby.
Day 2: Vatican & the river
Vatican Museums first thing (pre-booked, earliest slot). St Peter's Basilica. Lunch in Prati. Afternoon: walk to Castel Sant'Angelo, cross the river, aperitivo in Trastevere. Dinner in Trastevere, then walk back through the illuminated historic center.
Day 3: The living city
Breakfast at a local bar. Pantheon at opening. Trevi Fountain on the way to lunch near the Spanish Steps. Afternoon: Galleria Borghese (if pre-booked) or Villa Borghese gardens + Gianicolo Hill for sunset. Final dinner in Monti or Testaccio.