Day 1
9 min walk
7 min walk
16 min walk
Day 2
10 min walk
9 min walk
5 min walk
Day 3
17 min walk
18 min walk
Day 4
9 min walk
15 min walk
34 min walk · take transport
How many days do you need in Rome? Four days is enough to see the main sights without rushing. This 4-day Rome itinerary covers one area per day, so you walk between nearby stops and never backtrack across the city.
Day 1 is ancient Rome: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, ending at Piazza Venezia. Day 2 is the historic centre: the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Day 3 is the Vatican: the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, then Castel Sant'Angelo. Day 4 is Trastevere, up to the Gianicolo Terrace and across to the Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill for sunset.
Day 1
About 2.4 km between stops, all inside or around the archaeological park.
Open day 1 in Google MapsStart here · Attraction · Amphitheatre
The largest amphitheatre of ancient Rome, finished in 80 AD. One ticket covers the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
Tip: Book a timed ticket online. It also covers the Forum and Palatine, valid for 24 hours.
Stop 2 · Attraction · Archaeological site
The heart of ancient Rome: temples, basilicas and the Senate house, in the valley between the Palatine and Capitoline hills.
Stop 3 · Attraction · Archaeological site
The hill where Rome's emperors built their palaces, with gardens and views over the Forum and the Circus Maximus.
Stop 4 · Attraction · Square
Rome's central square, dominated by the white Vittoriano monument. Its terrace has one of the best free views over the ancient city.
Tip: Take the lift to the top of the Vittoriano for the view.
Day 2
About 1.8 km between stops, through the lanes of the centro storico.
Open day 2 in Google MapsStop 5 · Attraction · Landmark
The 135 steps from Piazza di Spagna up to the Trinità dei Monti church. Sitting on the steps is not allowed.
Stop 6 · Attraction · Fountain
Rome's most famous Baroque fountain. Throw a coin over your shoulder to make sure you come back to Rome.
Tip: Go early in the morning or late at night for fewer crowds.
Stop 7 · Attraction · Ancient temple
A 2,000-year-old temple and church with the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and its open oculus.
Tip: Entry needs a ticket. Book online to skip the queue.
Stop 8 · Attraction · Square
A Baroque square built on an ancient stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers at its centre.
Day 3
About 2.6 km between stops, from the Vatican Museums to the Tiber.
Open day 3 in Google MapsStop 9 · Attraction · Museum
The popes' art collections, from ancient sculpture to the Raphael Rooms, ending in the Sistine Chapel.
Tip: Book tickets well ahead. The museums are closed on most Sundays.
Stop 10 · Attraction · Basilica
The world's largest church, with Michelangelo's Pietà and dome. Climb the dome for the view over St Peter's Square.
Tip: Cover shoulders and knees. Climb the dome if you have the energy.
Stop 11 · Attraction · Castle and museum
Hadrian's tomb, later a papal fortress, with a rooftop terrace over the Tiber and St Peter's.
Day 4
About 4.4 km between stops, with an uphill walk to the Gianicolo.
Open day 4 in Google MapsStop 12 · Area · Neighbourhood
Rome's most charming neighbourhood across the Tiber: cobbled lanes, ivy-covered houses, trattorias and bars.
Stop 13 · Attraction · Church and square
The neighbourhood's main square, with one of Rome's oldest churches and its golden 12th-century mosaics.
Stop 14 · Viewpoint
The terrace on the Janiculum Hill, with a panorama over the domes and rooftops of Rome. A cannon is fired here every day at noon.
Tip: Be there just before noon to hear the daily cannon shot.
Stop 15 · Park & garden · Park and viewpoint
A small park of orange trees on the Aventine Hill with a sunset view over the Tiber and St Peter's. The Aventine Keyhole is a short walk away.
Tip: Arrive for sunset, then peek through the Aventine Keyhole at nearby Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.
Recommended hotels
Spanish Steps
Best for: Splurge
Legendary five-star hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps, a short walk from Pompi.
Check pricesVia Nazionale
Best for: Central base
Elegant, central hotel with a rooftop restaurant and easy walks to the Pantheon and Trevi.
Check pricesTrastevere
Best for: Foodies
A quiet courtyard hotel in Trastevere, a short walk from Merisù and Tonnarello.
Check pricesRecommended activities
3 hours
Skip the line with a guide for all of ancient Rome in one visit.
Book3 hours
Skip-the-line entry with a guide, often including St Peter's Basilica.
Book3-4 hours
Taste supplì, pizza, cheese and gelato with a local guide.
BookBefore you go
Rome · 8 spots
Where to find the best tiramisu in Rome: 8 places on one map, from famous takeaway cups to classic trattoria tiramisu, with addresses and directions.
Open map
Prague · 8 markets
All 8 Prague Christmas markets for 2026 on one map: opening dates, hours, where each market is and which one is best for you.
Open map
Paris · 8 markets
8 Paris Christmas markets for 2026 on one map: dates, where each market is and which one is best for you.
Open map