This article may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a qualifying purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Why you should visit Rome

Rome is a beautiful city with a lot of history, delicious food, stunning architecture, and friendly people. You can spend weeks in Rome without getting bored as there are so many things to do there. Most people don’t have that much time exploring though, but if you have a longer weekend, like 4 days, I have the perfect itinerary for you. My itinerary for 4 days in Rome includes the best sights to see, the best restaurants to eat at, which bars to have drinks at, and other hidden gems. Read on to start planning your own getaway in Rome! If you have more time to explore Italy and want to get out of the city, see my 2-week road trip itinerary for the Region of Lazio here. 

Practical tips for your trip to Rome

How to get to Rome?

Rome has two airports, Leonardo Da Vinci (Fiumicino) International Airport (FCO), which is the bigger one, and Ciampino Airport (CIA), which is the budget-friendlier one. Actually, flying to Rome is rarely expensive as there are many low-cost airlines that service this city, especially from other bigger cities in Europe. I always use Momondo when searching for flights. 

How to get from the airport to the city center

From Fiumicino, it’s best to take a train or coach bus into the city center. From Ciampino, there are direct buses and taxis to get you into the city. See more info about the different options to get into the city center of Rome here. 

Where to stay in Rome?

Rome consists of 22 neighborhoods, so there are many places to choose from. See my top-rated neighborhoods of where to stay in Rome here.  It includes hotel recommendations for every neighborhood as well!

Want to check the accommodation yourself? Search below!

How to get around in Rome?

The best way to get around Rome is on foot, mostly because many of the best attractions are clustered together in traffic-free zones. However, some places, like Vatican City, are pretty far from the central historic district which might make you consider using the metro, a bus or a taxi. The public transportation system in Rome is actually super reliable and easy to use. With one pass only, you can use the metro, buses, trams, and a suburban train network throughout all or Rome. Get your pass below!

If you want a more fun way of getting between places, look out for bicycles or scooters to hire, often easily available through different apps like lime et.c.

What to eat in Rome?

I will just say one thing. Rome is foodie heaven! Rome is the birthplace of pizza, some of the best pasta dishes in Italy, and street food like supplì and trapizzino. And let’s not forget about gelato. Read my guide of the top 17 regional dishes to try in Rome, or even better, my full food guide of the region of Lazio. Let’s try our best to try it all when in Rome!

Rome itinerary overview

Before providing a day-by-day breakdown of this 4-day itinerary, I want to give a few pointers on the map above and the article as a whole:

• – This itinerary is built up by two half days, arrival day and departure day, as that’s how it often is when traveling. If this isn’t the case for you, you can still do it in chronological order, however, you might want to change up a few things. You would always want to visit the Colosseum in the morning, for example.
• – You can open the above map within Google Maps to give you a full-scale interactive view and a little more detail on directions, distances, etc. I always make these maps before going to a certain destination and then download it to have destinations and navigations offline. You should do the same!
• – Starred locations are places that I recommend visiting on this itinerary – you don’t have to go to all of them but I would say that all of them are worth visiting.  I give a more in-depth description of all starred locations in the day-to-day itinerary so if there is someone you don’t fancy, simply remove it from your itinerary.
• – Yellow marks indicate the restaurants I recommend you try during this road trip. I have specific suggestions in the day-to-day itinerary, but I have put in a few extra restaurants, just in case. You can never have too many food suggestions right?
• – This post is a general overview to help you plan your own itinerary for visiting Rome. I have written several guides in more detail to help you plan your time in Rome – such as ‘Top 17 regional dishes to try in Rome’ – and they are linked in the end of this article.

Rome 4-day itinerary: Day by day

Day one – Introduction to Rome

Try to get a flight early on your arrival day so you have more time to explore the city. Not that it will be super stressful to see all the sights but more for the food scene. There are just so many restaurants to visit and dishes to try in Rome, so the more time you have there, the better. 

After you have checked into your accommodation it is time to head out and explore. Click here to see my accommodation guide for Rome.

There is no point in rushing away to the biggest sights like the Colosseum or the Vatican on this first half day. Instead, book a food tour for the evening and until then, do some sightseeing in the center of Rome. You will be surprised by how many sights there are to be found in less than 15 minutes of walking.

If you arrive for lunch, take a quick stop by the Trevi fountain before heading to Pane e Salame for a lighter lunch spot, where you can find delicious sandwiches and charcuterie boards. The prices here are very affordable and the food is very tasty. 

Continue leisurely strolling towards the Galleria Sciarra. This galleria is actually portrayed as a museum of modern art but truthfully you should visit it just to see the stunning decor of the inside. It has beautifully decorated walls and a glass ceiling that is stunning. 

Next, you will pass the Church of Sant’Ignazio, so be sure to admire the stunning decorative details in the ceiling, painted by Andrea Pozzo Trompe-L’oeil. Seek out the magnifying mirror in the middle so you can check out the ceiling without breaking your neck. 

Continue on to the Pantheon and admire this very well-preserved ancient Roman building from 118 A.D. This mighty building with its dome and renaissance tombs is truly impressive for its age. 

The next stop is the Piazza Navona, which is an elegant square just four minutes of walking from the Pantheon. This square has not only one but three quintessential fountains and is outlined with a bunch of restaurants and bars. Enjoy some entertainment from one of the street performers and take in the charm of Rome. 

On your way back to the accommodation, where you will get ready for your food tour, be sure to stop by Gelateria Frigidarium. Although you will go on a food tour later this evening, you have to get a gelato before. It’s just so good! Pick out one of your favorite flavors, but I also challenge you to try a new one. If you haven’t tried gelato before, you will soon find out that gelato is far better than normal ice cream. The gelato is made from milk and is stirred very slowly during the freezing process which makes up for the creamy consistency. It is really something special, so don’t be ashamed if you eat a gelato per day in Italy. It is OK. I think it might even be a crime to not have gelato when sightseeing in this city.

Now, freshen up at your accommodation and get ready for the evening’s food tour. A food tour is truly the best way to get to know a city as it usually is the perfect combination of sightseeing, learning about the culture, and eating delicious food. Check out some great alternatives below!

Depending on how full you are after the food tour, head straight home to get ready for the next day. Or go out for a drink at Freni e Frizioni, which is a bar with a cool metro concept. The drinks are fabulous and the prices are not too bad.

Day two – Colosseum and more food

Start your first full day in Rome with breakfast on the go. Maritozzi is a famous pastry from Rome and it is often eaten for breakfast. It is essentially a classic Italian sweet bun filled with cream – and it is delicious. There are many places in Rome that serve this pastry for breakfast but one of the most recommended places to get it from is the Regoli Pasticceria which is situated pretty close to the morning’s activity. Order a maritozzi and a cappuccino and slowly see the city wake up. You should also try the cornetti which is somewhat like a filled croissant.

It is now time to visit the most famous sight in Rome – the Colosseum. My highest suggestion is to book a guided tour for this activity and make sure it is one of those where you can skip the line as you don’t want to spend any unnecessary time queuing. Also, make sure the tour includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to get the full experience. Spend the morning taking in the surroundings and learning about the history. I recommend any of the tours below!

When the tour is over and all your photos are taken, it is time to find some lunch. I recommend Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere, which is a small detour but almost on the way toward your afternoon activity. At Da Enzo you should try the Fiori Di Zucca Fritti (deep-fried zucchini flower) as well as the Carciofi alla Giudía (fried artichoke) and Carciofi alla Romana (marinated artichokes). Fulfill the meal with some nice pasta and a glass of good wine. Their Cacio e Pepe is really good!

When you are finished, it’s time to move towards the Testaccio market which is a good place to try a lot of good food and get more involved in the culture. This market is made up of both normal vendors selling fresh produce, but there is also a street food part where you can sample some food. My recommendations to try are:

• – Roman tripe panino at Mordi e Vai (allesso di bollito is another great choice)
• – Supplì at Food Box
• – Pizza from Casa Manco (which is one of the top-rated ones in Rome)
• – Pasta from Le mani in Pasta

Make sure the pasta you order is one of the four original pastas of Rome, read more about them here. Be aware that this market is closed on Sundays, so if today’s itinerary happens to be on a Sunday, switch with tomorrow’s itinerary since Bonci isn’t open on Mondays. Funny how these things work out huh?

If you fancy a guided tour of the Testaccio market, book this one!

To end your first day in Rome, you will have an aperitivo at a rooftop bar just next to the Spanish steps. Make your way to Il Palazzetto just before 6 pm to get a table on the hotel’s beautiful rooftop/patio. Order a drink or two and admire the view. 

Continue on to Cantina Belsiana which is rated as the locals’ hidden gem of this area. Try to order the most local dishes you can to get a true romanesque feel. Find inspiration here.

Come il Latte is a gelateria situated a bit outside of the city center but I assure you it is worth the trip. This also brings you to a less touristy area which can be a nice experience. Use the time to stroll around and really get the feel for Rome.

Day three – Spanish Steps and the Vatican

For your third day in Rome, the Vatican is on the schedule, but not until the afternoon. Remember though, that you need to dress properly to visit the attractions there, so you should wear something that covers your knees and upper arms.

Start your morning early with either breakfast at home or maybe you will stop by some café on the way? Trecaffé and Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria are very well recommended. However you choose to do, be sure to get up early and head towards the Spanish steps. You want to see this sight before the crowds arrive to be able to get a photo without another soul in it. 

After admiring the steps for a while it is time to move on to Villa Borghese. This villa is surrounded by a beautiful park with many fountains and statues. You can also find a lake and zoo there, so spend some time walking around the park and enjoying nature.

The time is now approaching lunch. Walk towards the Vatican and stop by the very well-rated Gelateria La Romana on Via Cola di Rienzo before finding your lunch spot. 

Lunch will be picked up at two different places today. First, stop by Angrypig Birretta e Porchetta and order a sandwich with the famous Porchetta meat inside. Don’t be surprised if the meat is served cold, that is how it is supposed to be. Porchetta from Ariccia is a culinary icon and needs to be tested while in the city. Read more about the famous Porchetta here. 

The other part of lunch will be picked up just a few blocks away in the most top-rated pizzeria that sells pizza by weight in Rome, so be prepared to queue for a while. Pizzarium Bonci was opened in 2003 by the famous chef Gabreiel Bonci who is called the Michelangelo of Pizza for turning this earlier considered poor man’s food into art. In Pizzarium Bonci you will find the most creative toppings and the dough is famous throughout Rome. Since the pizza is sold in smaller squares, it’s perfect for ordering some different toppings. Bonci also makes supplì so try one of those as well!

If you want to sample some more local delicacies, one of the most famous gourmet shops is around the corner. Explore the many different delicacies in Paciotti Salumeria. The owner is a very lovely person so don’t be afraid to ask for some recommendations or samples. Read my Lazio food guide for some local cured meats and cheeses you might want to taste. 

Now, it is time to meet your guide for the tour of the Vatican. Of course, you can visit this microstate without a guide but I do recommend booking a tour to get the full experience. If you book a guided tour, you won’t have to queue for several hours in the scorching heat and you will appreciate the surroundings much more when you learn all the history. You can choose tours that only cover some of the sights in the Vatican but you can also choose a tour that covers most of them. The most famous sights are St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the many museums. I recommend the tours below:

On your way back towards the city center, you should stop by Grattachecca Sora Lella for a cooling flavored drink. This is a little stand on the street that has sold cold hand-shaved ice for centuries and the family who owns this place is really sweet. They have so many different options but do try at least one with lemon since it is the original. 

Next, you will arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo. Do climb to the top of the castle ramparts for fantastic views across to St. Peter’s square and the city of Rome. Coming from the Vatican you should make sure you cross the Bridge of Sant’Angelo and look back again, to get the best angle of the castle. 

You are now really close to another famous place that sells supplì: Supplizio. If you aren’t tired of supplì yet, get one from this place too. Now, head to your accommodation to freshen up for dinner. 

Tonight, dinner will be served in the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. Start with an aperitivo at VinAllegro which is a stunning wine bar with a big assortment of wines by the glass. They usually have an aperitivo buffet but during covid, they had to close it down. Hopefully, it will be up and running soon again, otherwise, you can still get some plates of treats with your drink. 

For dinner, you will have to book a table at Osteria da Zi Umberto. This restaurant has some really good pasta along with other roman dishes and the prices are affordable. Try to get a table outside for a cozy ambiance.

The most famous gelateria in Trastevere is Otaleg so my recommendation is that you end the evening there.

Day four – Various sights and cooking class

For your final full day in Rome, it is time to head out and see some more sights of the city. Start your day early by the Trevi fountain which is a true work of art. This fountain is stunning in the morning light and if you want a nice photo without a crowd it is best to be there before 8 am. Don’t forget to throw a coin in the fountain over your left shoulder with your right hand (very important ;)) as it is said that it will bring you back to Rome someday (and that wouldn’t be so bad right?). After some time has passed admiring the fountain up close, it is time for another breakfast in Italian style. There is actually a good-priced espresso bar just next to the Trevi fountain called L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi so get yourself a nice espresso and some pastries and enjoy the best breakfast view of the trip.

Fori Imperiali is next up, which used to be a public square in the former roman empire. The ruins of this place are certainly spectacular. 

Keep on walking past Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emmanuele II which is a grand temple made out of marble, in memory of Italy’s first king and soldiers in the First World War. It is situated in the Piazza Venezia along with many other impressive buildings, so check out a few of them if you want. 

The last sight of the morning is Teatro Marcello which was founded by Julius Caesar. This place is even older than the colosseum so stroll around the ruins and admire the history for a while. 

Did you know that there is a cat sanctuary in the middle of the ruins of Rome? If you fancy cats, be sure to take some chill time at the Largo di Torre Argentina in the middle of the day to spoil some cuties with cuddles.

Now you have surely worked up an appetite so head on to Osteria da Fortunata for lunch. This spot might be a little touristy but I have only heard good things about it. This restaurant focuses on homemade pasta and you can actually watch the pasta being freshly made in the restaurant. I have heard they make a really good Coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew) and cacio e pepe, so try those! 

Next up on the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Rome is a Cooking Class. This is a really funny activity to do as you will learn something for life. How cool wouldn’t it be to just make your homemade pasta instead of the store-bought kind from then on? It is also a really good opportunity to learn more about the culture, because in Italy food is everything. You will probably find your instructor talking and talking about the different ingredients, how you make the dish perfect and what you should pair it with.

Dinner tonight will be near Piazza Navona. First head to Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara to pick up the oldest street food in Rome: Filetto di Baccalà. Continue on for aperitivo at Il Goccetto which is a highly-rated wine bar so ask if you can try some different wines and they will serve you some cheese as well. They also have bigger cold platters that you can order.

When time is approaching 9, it is time to move on to your reserved table at Mimì e Cocò for a delicious dinner. This place has a really friendly staff and is a hidden gem in this touristy area around Piazza Navona. Order some local pasta and have some delicious wine with it. They are also famous for lasagna and the tiramisu is a must!

If you have some space left in your stomach, walk through the beautiful Piazza Navona to Giolitti for a delicious ice cream. 

Enjoy the rest of the evening however you like but be sure to seize the little time you have left. If you are up for a last drink before you go home, you can visit either Salotto42 or Jerry Thomas Speakeasy. Salotto42 is a cool bar in the Navona district. Jerry Thomas speakeasy is a hidden bar where you will need a password to get in. The last time I was there the password was metropolitan, so stop by and see if it still works! 

Day five – Departure day

It’s now sadly the last day of the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Rome. If you have some spare time on this day, get some last-minute meals in before you fly home. Here are some highly recommended places that I haven’t managed to squeeze into the itinerary yet. You might have visited a few of them already during your food tour but I would say they are worth visiting twice in that matter. 

Ai Marmi is a pizzeria that is known for its roman pizza. Be sure to order a pizza with the traditional combination that includes mozzarella, anchovies, capers, chopped basil, and pecorino. 

Supplì Roma is one of the city’s first places that made supplì. If you want a true authentic supplì, you need to get one at this place.

Trapizzino is a fairly new street food in Rome if you compare it to other ones. Born in 2013, a trapizzino is a triangular pizza pocket that can be filled with different stews. Try this delicious snack at Trapizzino in Trastevere. 

Luciano is a restaurant hosted by the famous chef Luciano Monosilio that is renowned as the king of carbonara. Be sure to try his carbonara when in Rome!

Pompi is a place that specializes in Tiramisu and it is highly recommended. If there is one dessert you need to eat in Rome, it is Tiramisu. The original one is very good but you also have to try the pistachio one, if that is a taste you like. That one is amazing!

Prosciutteria Cantina dei Papi is a charcuterie shop where you can order some really nice charcuterie boards. You can also pick up some different charcuterie that can be enjoyed later in the evening if that suits you better.

If you want more tips on what to eat in Rome to have a truly authentic experience, click on my Rome food guide here. There you’ll find both dishes to try and which restaurants I recommend trying when in Rome.

---

It is time to say goodbye to Rome for this time, but if your wish at the Trevi fountain will come true, you will certainly be back soon. I hope this itinerary for 4 days in Rome gave you some inspiration on how to spend your days in this magical city!

If you want more tips on what to do and eat in Rome, check out the posts below:
Best Restaurants In Rome
Top 10 Things To Do In Rome

If you have additional time in Italy and want to get outside of the city, I have the perfect 2-week road trip itinerary for the region of Lazio. The region of Lazio is so underrated. It really has everything you’re looking for. Beautiful coastal towns, rolling hills filled with olive trees, and alpine mountain valleys. Feeling intrigued? Read it here. 

Ciao Rome!

Liked this post? Pin it!