Here's How Many Days In Rome is Enough for a PERFECT Trip! (2024)

I am often asked – how many days in Rome is enough to cover all its fascinating attractions? So, here’s my Rome itinerary with insider tips and delas so that you will understand why visit Rome and how many days to spend you spend in Rome to make the best of your time.

For as long as I can remember, Rome has always been the postcard image of the ancient Colosseum. But, this capital city of Italy is so much more than that.

The rich canvas woven with sombre ruins, awe-inspiring museums, delicious cuisine, and the famous Vatican that lies in the heart of the city, are the reasons why you should visit Rome in Europe.

With so many interesting sights awaiting, how many days do you need in Rome? You can spend 2 days in Rome and cover only the most popular places like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and Vatican City.

How many days in Rome is enough to get the city’s beat?

Spend 5 days in Rome and you will be able to explore the Roman streets at your own pace. From lesser-known Roman attractions to Pompeii day trip, you can cover everything in 5 days.

Take a look at this detailed travel guide to Rome and decide how many days in Rome are enough for you.

Popular tours for a last-minute Rome getaway- 

• Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour
• Day Trip to Pompeii with lunch and a guide

Best hotels in Rome – 

• Singer Palace Hotel
• Domus Helena 
• Hotel Virginia

Why visit Rome Italy and How many days do you need in Rome?

How many days to spend in Rome?
Why should you visit Rome?

The answer depends on your interests. Rome offers a diverse selection of places and activities that can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days.

If you want to cover all the major tourist attractions in Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant’Angelo, and visit the Vatican City, you will need at least 3 days in Rome.

If you want to explore the lesser-known places in Rome as well as go for day trips like Pompeii ruins, Tuscany, and Amalfi Coast, then I would suggest you need 5 to 7 days in Rome.

Is 2 days in Rome enough?

How many days for Rome do you really need?

2 days in Rome will give you a chance to cover the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and The Pantheon on the first day. Then, you can head off to the Vatican City on the next day.

These are the major tourist attractions in Rome and deserve at least 2 days to understand the true significance of all you will explore. Here is how to plan 2 days in Rome –

Day 1 in Rome

Start your day with the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum

Dedicate half a day to these most popular Roman attractions

It is necessary to start your day early to beat the crowds as well as the heat. It will also allow you to complete the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum before lunch, leaving plenty of time for other places.

How many days in Rome are enough to cover these popular tourist attractions? I would suggest keeping at least a day for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum along with a few others.

You may choose to explore these sights on your own, but with so much history packed within the ruins, booking the tour of your choice is advisable. Wear comfortable footwear as lots of walking around is involved when it comes to these Roman points of interest.

Here are a few Rome tours I found helpful when it comes to understanding the true historical, cultural, as well as political importance of the Colosseum and Roman Forum –

This popular guided tour cones with Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine. The best part about this tour is it gives you free time in between to wander the ruins and soak in the grandeur without hurrying.

This interesting Guided Tour of the Colosseum Underground is for those who want to walk through the Gate of Death, step inside the Colosseum Dungeons, and skip the line to explore the restricted areas of the Colosseum.

Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Via dei Fori Imperiali for the second half

For the second half of the day, you can start by taking a walk across Via dei Fori Imperiali.

This street in the heart of the city will take you from the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia while covering important landmarks like the Forum of Trajan, the Forum of Nerva, and the Forum of Augustus.

You will also find numerous cafes and restaurants lining the street where you can grab your lunch.

Head to the Trevi Fountain and The Pantheon after your lunch. How many days in Rome do you need to explore such popular sights? I would say dedicating half a day will be good enough to visit these two places.

You may feel that Trevi Fountain is an over-praised attraction, but believe me when you stand in front of the Trevi Fountain, you will be in awe of the beautifully sculpted figures and the stunning architecture.

If you even think ‘why visit Rome?’, then know that it is for the impressive sights like Trevi Fountain.

It is believed that if you stand with your back to the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin with your right hand in the fountain water, you will come back to Rome. Now, you may not care about such travelling traditions, but if it guarantees you will be back to this beautiful city, then why not, right?

Next it is time to visit the famous Pantheon, a Roman temple standing since AD 609.

It also has a dome and Renaissance tombs. You can spend around an hour learning about the transitions this place has been through and how it has shaped the history of the city.

Booking this Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide in advance is the best way to explore this impressive structure.

Remember that the Pantheon closes at 7 pm and the last entry for the audio-guided tour will begin before that. So, Plan your visit accordingly.

Day 2 in Rome

The Vatican City and Trastevere Neighbourhood

As almost all travellers prefer, the second day in Rome is reserved for the Vatican City.

Even though Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign state and is located in the heart of Rome, it is an integral part of Rome trip plans.

So, how many days you need in Rome to visit the Vatican City? I would suggest a minimum of 3 days where 2 days are dedicated to Rome and one entire day is reserved for the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

If you start your Vatican City trip as early as 8 am, then you can cover this smallest country in half a day and get more time to explore Rome.

Remember that there is a strict dress code for visiting the Vatican points of interest. Wear modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees while visiting these sights in the Vatican.

The three most important places in the Vatican City are the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you want to visit these places by yourself, without a local guide, then it is advisable to purchase Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket in advance. If you can skip the line at the ticket counter, you can easily save up to 2 hours. This is an ideal option for those travelling on a budget.

I have explored these Vatican treasures as a part of the guided tour and it makes a huge difference to your Vatican experience.

I would suggest this Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour with a local guide as it is one of the top-rated Vatican tours. It covers everything in detail from Michelangelo’s La Pietà at St. Peter’s Basilica to Pio Clementine Museum, Belvedere Courtyard.

You can choose the tour that will take you to St. Peter’s Basilica from the tunnel in Sistine Chapel. It will help you cut the lines and reach the cathedral in less time.

You can check the entire list of Vatican City tours to see which one fits you the best. As there are so many different tours in different price ranges, going through this list will be easier when deciding.

Many people wonder – how many days in Rome is enough when it comes to the Vatican? If you are booking a tour and exploring it on your own, then I would suggest keeping one entire day aside for the Vatican.

If you are spending only 2 days in Rome, I recommend squeezing Castel St Angelo in the afternoon after the Vatican. But, it is always better to spend more days in Rome and visit Castel St Angelo separately on the 3rd day.

Head to Trastevere for shopping and dining 

The groovy neighbourhood of Trastevere is the perfect place to relax after spending a day in the Vatican City.

This area is known for its craft beer pubs, boutiques, artisan shops, and craft stores. Its narrow alleys dotted with cute cafes and medieval buildings create a funky bohemian atmosphere where you can have a leisurely evening.

Taking a stroll in Trastevere, stopping in front of quirky Instagram-able corners for photos, sipping a cup of coffee or trying craft beer as the sun sets is definitely why you should visit Rome.

If you are not too tired, you can Discover Roman Street Food with a Local Guide where different street food tastings are included. Wandering around with a local will ensure you get to taste the best of food and visit the quirkiest sights in Trastevere.

You can go pub hopping or you can grab an early dinner and call it a night.

Day 3  in Rome

Castel St Angelo, Tibre River, and Jewish Quarters

After spending 2 days in Rome chasing some of the top sights, take the 3rd day a little slow. I am often asked – how long do you need in Rome to visit sights that are less touristy? So, here is the day 3 trip plan for such places.

No matter how leisurely, this day will also involve a lot of walking. So, bring your comfortable shoes along.

Castel Sant’Angelo is a circular building with a long history.

It started its journey as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, was used as a fortress in the later centuries, and is now converted into an interesting museum. This 2nd-century castle is full of beautiful paintings, furniture items, ceramics, medieval weapons, and different Renaissance objects.

You can tour the castle on your own without hiring a guide. But it is still suggested to book your tickets in advance. The ticket window usually has a long line and you may need to wait for an hour to get the tickets last minute.

Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Entry with Optional Audioguide is the life-saver when it comes to cutting the lines. Spend the morning here and then head out for lunch.

Take a walk along the Tiber River and you will find tiny shops selling souvenirs, books, and other pocket-sized items.

You can walk to Tiber Island which is around 20 minutes away from the Castle. The island doesn’t have many activities, but it makes for an interesting stop on your way to the Jewish Ghetto.

During Roman times, there was a temple dedicated to the god of medicine and healing.

Today, you can visit the 10th century Basilica di San Bartolomeo all’Isola. There is also Trattoria Sora Lella, a casual eatery that serves delicious Roman cuisine. Reserve your table in advance and enjoy a meal while soaking in the views.

Now, cross the island and head to the nearby Jewish Ghetto.

Many tourists skip over this neighbourhood thinking that it might be just another touristy experience. But in reality, the Jewish Ghetto in Rome is where cultural, religious, and historical sights come together, creating a colourful canvas.

It is also a culinary treat for food lovers with multiple restaurants offering Jewish cuisine. How many days to see Rome and this part of the city? You can easily spend half a day strolling around the Ghetto out of your 3-day trip.

You can offer your prayers at the largest synagogue in Rome – Tempio Maggiore. The Jewish Museum of Rome is another gem here where you can learn more about the heritage and culture of this district.

If you are unsure of how to navigate and where to go, consider opting for the Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour with a local guide. From the famous Turtle Fountain to other lesser-known landmarks, it will cover everything.

How many days do you need in Rome to visit Pompeii?

Day 4 in Rome – a day trip to Pompeii

Pompeii is a little over 2 hours from Rome and has train connectivity.

The archaeological site of Pompeii is a sombre place. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. without much warning, the entire Pompeii town was buried under almost 6 meters of ash and pumice.

This buried town was preserved in this state for centuries before being discovered in 1738 by accident. It took decades of excavation to understand the magnitude of this tragedy and to identify the town.

When I visited Pompeii, I decided to take a Day Trip to Pompeii with lunch and a guide as I wanted to make the most of my time.

It was easier to explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Pompeii with a professional guide as there are so many different sites and so much history. It can be overwhelming for a first-time traveller to explore everything without any help.

You can also combine Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Group Day Trip if you are okay with a fast-paced itinerary. It will allow you to visit Pompeii and then head to either Positano or Sorrento to spend some time soaking in the Amalfi coastal area.

How many days do you need in Rome to visit Tuscany?

Day 5 in Rome – a day trip to Tuscany

Get out of the city and head to Tuscany where the picturesque vineyards await you.

When you book this Tuscany Guided Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting, you will be back in Rome in 13 hours.

It will be a fast-paced itinerary, but this is the only way to get a glimpse of what the stunning land of Tuscany has to offer. The tour includes a guided tour of Montepulciano, a visit to Pienza along with a 3-course lunch and wine tasting.

Other day trips from Rome – how many days in Rome is enough for this?

Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour with Transfers – This half-day tour to the mysterious underworld of crypts and catacombs will show you a part of history that’s hidden beneath the streets of the city. Explore these fascinating archaeological finds with an expert guide to make the most of your time.

Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Tivoli Day Tour – this 7-hour trip from Rome to Tivoli will take you to the finest Renaissance villas.

Florence and Pisa Day Trip – if you are wondering how many days in Rome and Florence you can spend, then book this day trip. You will need only one day to visit Florence as well as Pisa. It is a great option if you are travelling on a tight schedule, but still want to visit as many places as you can.

If you are spending more time in Italy, then take a look at 4 different Italy itineraries included in this 12 day Italy itinerary. These elaborately planned itineraries will help you decide which Italian cities you want to visit first.

Where to stay in Rome 

After you have decided how many nights in Rome you are spending, you can start looking for suitable accommodation.

The historic centre of Rome is a mesmerising place and I loved staying around Piazza Navona.

All the major sights were nearby, walking around was enjoyable, and a plethora of eateries, cafes, and shops made it worth every penny. You can look for hotels around Campo de’ Fiori as it is one of the best areas to stay in Rome for first-time visitors.

If you are a budget traveller, you may want to avoid this area as most of the accommodations are a little pricer. Instead, consider staying in the Esquilino neighbourhood.

This area is around 15 minutes away from places like Trevi Fountain. With Rome’s main train station here, it will be easy to get around using public transport. Dotted with street food stalls, budget hotels, and basic accommodations, the Esquilino area in Rome is perfect for budget travellers.

If you are looking for luxury hotels in Rome, Piazza di Spagna has so many options to choose from. Staying here means you will be minutes away from the famous Villa Borghese. Choose Trastevere or Piazza di Spagna if you are looking for the best areas to stay in Rome with a family.

No matter how many days to stay in Rome you choose, here are some hotels in Rome city centre as well as a few from nearby areas.

Luxury hotel in Rome – Singer Palace Hotel is located on the popular shopping street Via del Corso and is minutes away from the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. This is a kid-friendly hotel in Rome with family rooms, free wifi, and airport shuttle.

Mid-range hotel in Rome – Domus Helena is located near the Vittorio Emanuele Metro. It has modern furnished rooms with private bathrooms. This is an adults-only hotel in Rome that budget travellers will find convenient.

Budget hotel in Rome – Hotel Virginia is within walking distance from the central station, making it the best choice for tourists. The AC rooms come with free wifi and free toiletries. The 24-hour front desk will help you find the top walking and biking tours.

How many days to spend in Rome if you want to explore more?

Rome has so much more to offer apart from the places covered in this article. You can spend 7-8 days to explore hidden sights, lesser-known landmarks, and attractions that are often overlooked.

It will also allow you to plan more day trips from Rome. How long to visit Rome if you want an itinerary like this? Consider spending 5 days in the city and reserve 3 days for different day trips.

Rome is as beautiful as they say and no matter how many days in Rome you spend, it will always feel less.

With so much to offer, this beautiful historic city will steal a piece of your heart and then you will understand why do people visit Rome. So, plan your Rome trip and don’t forget to take a look at these quotes for Italy for more inspiration!

FAQs – How many days in Rome do you need?

• Is 3 days in Rome enough?

3 days in Rome is enough time for those who are okay with a fast-paced itinerary. 3 days in Rome are enough to visit the major tourist attractions. But it will not be enough to explore the ruins of Pompeii or go to the catacombs.

• Are 2 days enough for Rome?

Even though I feel 2 days in Rome do not do justice to this historic city, it will still give you just enough time to visit the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. Plan your 2-day Rome itinerary well, reserve skip-the-line tickets for all the major tourist attractions and stay in the heart of the city to make the most of your time.

• Is 4 days enough for Rome?

4 days in Rome are perfect if you plan your trip well. It will allow you to truly understand the magnitude of ancient wonders Rome has preserved. With 4 days in Rome, you will be able to dedicate enough time to all the major sights.

• Can you see Rome in 5 days?

Yes, you can see Rome in 5 days as it is enough time to visit almost all the major tourist attractions and also head to Pompeii on a day trip. It is recommended to spend at least 5 days in Rome so that won’t be running around from one place to another and you can take leisurely breaks to also try Italian cuisine.