5 Days in Rome Itinerary- Complete Guide 2024

Rome is often high on bucket lists and it earns the spot. If you have a week off you can spend 5 wonderful days in Rome. I’ve done this itinerary for 5 days in Rome. It was the itinerary I used to take some family members on their first visit to Europe.

I tested it so you don’t have to. I include everything you need to enjoy a memorable 5 days in Rome!

5 Days in Rome – Itinerary

For this itinerary, I don’t include travel days. You can shift time around or spend your day eating and wandering.

It always takes a bit longer to get through the airport and to the city than you expect.

Most days in this itinerary allow you to see amazing sites and still have time for long, restful meals.

Day 1– Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pallatine Hill

Day 2– Vatican City, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica

Day 3– Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps

Day 4– Pompeii Day Trip

Day 5– Tiber, Castel St Angelo, Trastevere

The sites in my itinerary are linked on this map.

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Day 1 – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pallatine Hill

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pallatine Hill are all in the same area of the city. This is a day that takes you back in time to when the Roman’s controled the city.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is the most well known landmark in Rome, it has to be on your list. It’s a world wonder, and rightfully so.

I’ve done a self-guided tour, a sunset tour, and a traditional guided tour of the whole area.

Without question, get an in-person guide for this day. That’s not my usual recommendation but it’s the best way to see this area of the city and not feel like you’re missing something.

There is so much to learn and an in-person guide is the best way to learn it. Here are a few Colosseum fun facts I remember from our tour:

• Gladiators never fought animals because hunters did that.
• There were particular types of gladiators with different protection and weaponry.
• The Colosseum came by its name because there was once a giant statue in front of it. So, it was by the Colossos and eventually became known as the Colosseum. 

There are a few different options for tours at the Colosseum:

• A traditional tour of the upper two levels. You’ll see down to the floor but you won’t get to go down there. This is the cheapest tour option.
• A tour including the arena floor and entering through the gladiator gate. See one of the upper levels and walk on the arena floor and take in the spectacle from a different vantage point.
• A tour including the underground part of the Colosseum. Walk where the gladiators and other “performers” would have walked. This is a newer tour of the Colosseum and isn’t offered every day or by every tour operator. If you really want to see the dungeons book carefully.

You could also take a sunset tour of the Colosseum. The pictures are incredible and the crowds are thin. But, you’ll skip entering the Roman Forum since time is so limited at the end of the day.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

A tour of the Roman Forum and Palatin Hill is typically included with your Colosseum ticket. These take your through some of the other ruins near the Colosseum. There are temples and homes and so much more.

It may feel like you can see it all from walking around the edges but you can’t. This part of the tour is so interesting.

Palatine Hill is known as the birthplace of Rome. There are ruins of some of the upper-class homes complete with frescos and baths!

The Roman Forum is more exposed than other parts of the city. There is little shade so the sun beats down on you; even in the shoulder seasons. But, it’s worth it.

Lunch

The tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum will take several hours.

Take your tour early in the day. The crowds only get worse as the day goes on.

You’ll be hungry and ready for a meal afterward. There are several restaurants around the Colosseum that offer views and good food. Yes, it’s a tourist food spot. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it to eat a meal while looking at the Colosseum.

Pasqualino Al Colosseo S. R. L. Pasquale is one of my favorites- they can cater to Celiacs.

After Lunch

There’s more to see in the area after lunch. Walk around and get any pictures of the Colosseum you still want. You can come back but it’s nice to feel like you don’t have to. The Giardinetto del Monte Oppio is a good photo opp.

Head down to the Via dei Fori Imperiali. This pedestrian rode is lined on either side by various forums built by Roman Emperors. Each one added their own gathering place (forum) for the people. Their statue is in front of their addition to the rode.

There are other ruins you can go into along this road. But, you don’t need to.

At the end of the road you’ll see Trajan’s Column and the Emmanuel II monument.

It looks like a big wedding cake. It really stands out as a more modern monument in the heart of the ancient city.

There is another park here to sit and rest your feet if you’d like.

Day 2- Vatican City, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City is another must-do when in Rome. It’s technically its own country, but you don’t have to go through customs or anything like that to get there.

Visiting Vatican City consists of two main attractions: the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Musuems are a giant art museum. You could spend hours wandering through them.

I’ve toured the Vatican Museums three times. The first time I did the audioguide version. It was so long. If you’re an art person you’d likely love it. But it made my brain melt.

Things to know before visiting the Vatican Museums

• You can’t bring large bags. Stick with a small bag or backpack.
• The Sistine Chapel is considered a holy place. This is where the new pope is voted on and where the pope will worship. You can’t take pictures, and silence is expected.
• Consider what you wear. Shorts aren’t permitted, and you should plan to dress modestly. You won’t be let in if you don’t meet the dress code.
• The museums are open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The last entrance is at 4:00 p.m.

Tickets and Tours

Opted for a skip-the-line ticket here and do your own tour. Note that the ticket comes with timed entry. Don’t be late or you won’t be able to get in.

The lines can be so long at the Vatican Museums. Definitely purchase your ticket early.

Before you head to Vatican City, download the Rick Steves’ Europe app and the Vatican tours. You’ll want the Vatican Musuems and the St. Peter’s Basilica tours.

Then, pack your headphones and your set.

Vatican Museums Visit

You can meander through the museums stopping to admire the Vatican’s collections along the way. I am a big fan of the map room. I love the massive maps that show how the world changed through the time of the Vatican. 

Of course, the highlight of the Vatican Museums tour is the Sistine Chapel. This is truly an intricate and awe-inspiring masterpiece. It’s hard to put into words, but your neck will hurt when you leave from looking up.

Your ticket to the Vatican Musuems comes with access to the Sistene Chapel.

St. Peters Basilica

St. Peters Basilica should be on your list even if you don’t enjoy visiting churches.

The church is massive, ornate, and very intentionally designed. You can also go into the Vatican’s crypts to see the popes’ tombs. It’s definitely an exciting and holy place. If you aren’t Catholic, try to be respectful.

There are things we don’t get that are very special to Catholics. Witnessing a mass in St. Peter’s is one of the most powerful experiences I’ve had, and I’m not Catholic!

Admission into St. Peters is free. The lines to get in can be intimidatingly long. Be patient though it moves pretty quickly.

Before or after going into the Basilica, make sure you spend some time appreciating St Peter’s square. Try to catch a glimpse of the guards in their colorful uniforms.

Why I love The Rick Steves’ App

We had great luck with Rick Steves’ Europe app. It has audio tours you can download to your phone. Take headphones with you, and then it’s like you have a condensed version of the Vatican audio guide. I’d done the Vatican audio guide before, and it took so many hours to get through the museums.

There are so many options, and I felt like I needed to listen to all of them!

My husband would never have made it, and I wasn’t itching to do it again. Rick Steves’ guide gave the right amount of information with good directions to help us find our way around.

There are audio tours for the Vatican Museums and St Peters as well as much of Rome (and Europe). We were tipped off by an ex-pat at the airport, and it made the trip, so I’m passing that knowledge on to you.

Planning your Day

I recommend seeing St Peter’s Basilica in the morning, having lunch, and then touring the Vatican Museusms. You’ll need a break in the day.

And, since there aren’t admission tickets to St. Peter’s the lines can get long. Best to get through them it before it gets to crazy.

Just give yourself plenty of time for lunch so you don’t miss your entrance time to the museums.

La Soffitta Renoviato is my go to in the Vatican area.

Day 3-Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps

After you’ve see the Colosseum and the Vatican, you’ve seen the two biggest draws to Rome. But, there is still so much more of the city to see!

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is a beautifully ornate fountain in the city of Rome.

Supposedly, throwing a coin in Trevi Fountain (right hand over your left shoulder) means you’ll return to Rome.

Throw two coins to fall in love with a Roman. Three coins to marry the one you fall in love with.
If you believe the legend anyway.

Visiting the fountain when it’s not super busy is critical, whether you want a picture with no one else around or want to sit for a minute and admire the scene.

Going early in the morning will give you the best chance; most people aren’t up and going until around 9 a.m., but the earlier, the better! Aim for sunrise for the best opportunity.

After about 8 a.m., there will always be a crowd. If you have a chance to see Trevi Fountain at night, you should. It will be busy at night, but the scene is still stunning.

Even at midnight, there will be a small crowd at the fountain. Nothing like earlier in the day, though!

For a good picture even with a crowd, head to one of the corners. They aren’t as busy as the stairs in the middle.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon isn’t far from the Trevi fountain.

The Pantheon is now a church, but it has a complicated history.

It started as a temple built by the Romans in 25-27 BC. It was redone around 112-118 and officially became a Christian church in 608. It’s the only Roman building that’s still fully intact.

Walking around the interior of a place like that is just mind-blowing. You feel like such a small part of a much bigger story. It’s humbling and is something you shouldn’t miss out on.

The Pantheon is open from 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (the last entry is 6:30 p.m.)

Tickets are required for entry and you should purchase them early.

Rick Steves’ App has a tour for the Pantheon but there is also an audio guide from the Pantheon if you’d prefer that option.

Lunch

Pizza in Trevi would make a great dinner or lunch since you’ll be nearby all day. It’s right near the fountain and has lots of street entertainment. Another tourist meal but, it’s delicious.

There are several restaurant choices in the area with amazing gluten-free options.

Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori

Piaza Navona and Campo di Fiori are close to each other. Piazza Navona is a beautiful square. The buildings lining it are picturesque and the fountains in the middle add to the wonder.

You can walk through the Piazza or stop to sit a while (if you find a seat).

There is a market at Campo de’ Fiori Monday- Saturday from 8 am – 5 pm.

Go and wander if you can. Do some souvenir shopping or by some fresh fruit to snack on.

Spanish Steps

Finish out the day walking to the Spanish Steps. In spring time they are covered in beautiful flowers. They are always busy. Much like Trevi fountain.

Find upscale shopping and street performers with beautiful steps and fountains.

Note– I’ve seen the flower scam more in on the Spanish Steps than any other area. If a vendor walks up to you and holds out a flower (or drops one) just keep walking. Otherwise, they’ll insist you pay for it and will likely follow you along while yelling at you. Just don’t take or pick up anything and you’ll be fine. You’ll likely notice a large police presence in the area too.

Day 4 in Rome- Day Trip to Pompeii

Okay, Pompeii isn’t in Rome. But, it’s close and it’s incredible.

It doesn’t appear on many itineraries, and it looks like it would be too far to get to in a day, but it isn’t. It was the perfect day trip! It will be a long day but it’s worth it.

Take an early high speed train from Roma Centrale to Naples.

Honestly, you can take some time to see Naples if you want to. It wasn’t worth it for me. So, the second time I did this day trip I skipped it.

Transfer to the Circumvesuviana train and ride to Pompeii Scavi. The ticket attendants are helpful in getting you to the right train. You won’t be the only one!

Spend the day touring the ruins of the amazing city of Pompeii and reverse the trains to head back.
You can eat the train station in Naples or in Rome.

Tips for Touring Pompeii

• It’s hot in Pompeii with almost no shade. Sunscreen, water, and/or a hat are a must.
• Wear your most comfortable shoes.
• Don’t be fooled by the guys selling tour and tickets at the train stop. You can buy your ticket from the official office at the ruins.
• Download the Rick Steves Tour for Pompeii. It’s the perfect length and provides amazing details.
• Pack your lunch. There is a cafe on site but it’s very busy.

Read here for all of the specific details to plan this day trip.

Day 5 in Rome- Castel Sant’angelo, Sant Angelo Bridge, Trastevere

One your last day in Rome you’ll be able to get off the beaten path a bit. These are still beautiful areas. But, most tourists are in Rome for a quick weekend and won’t have time to make it out to them.

But, in your 5 days in Rome you’ll have the time!

Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber

Walk long the Tiber to Castel Sant’Angelo.

There are vendors selling books, postcards, and gifts.

The castle sets right on the Tiber so you can wander through the vendors before or after your visit.

The casle boasts excellent views of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The castle is home to Emperor Hadrian’s tomb.

Then it was built into a fortress by the popes. There is a tunnel that connects it to St. Peter’s. There is a statue of the archangel Michael on top of the castle.

I’d recommend checking the time of day that would be best to go since the sun right behind St. Peters will ruin your pictures.

The visit to the castle and the bridge will be good no matter when you go!

You can purchase tickets early during high season.

Fun fact, it is also in the opening scenes of Red Notice.

Trastevere

Trastevere is relatively close to Castel Santangelo. It’s a beautiful walk along the river.

Trastevere is picturesque.

There are vining plants and flowers throughout this town.

Some from Trastevere pride themselves on never having been across the River into Rome. It’s an old town feel with cute shops, the best restaurants, and streets that beg for you to lose yourself in them.

Spend some time wandering before dinne. Trastevere is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a long dinner on your last night in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome

There are so many options in Rome!

For an experience, check out the Rome Cavalieri, especially if you have certificates from Hilton.

The hotel is on one of the hills that overlook Rome. The views are incredible. It is even more special at night when the monuments are lit up. The shuttle from the hotel drops and picks up near the Spanish steps, so it’s easy to get around as long as you keep track of the shuttle times.

Otherwise, I recommend staying near Piazza Navonaa or the Trevi Fountain for a great location near everything.

Getting Around Rome

Rome is a big city. But, it’s actually quite walkable.

My favorite way to see Rome is by walking. As much as possible. Everywhere you turn you can stumble upon something new and beautiful.

The underground system isn’t extensive because there are so many ruins underground that digging the tunnels is a chore.

But, the bus system is extensive.

Buy bus tickets from a tabbacchi or edicola. You’ll see them everywhere.

They usually have green roofs with magazines and postcards all around. Buy one ticket at a time or buy multiple if you know you’ll be taking the bus.

You can use Google Maps to see which bus to take and where to take it from. And, you can watch your bus go along the route so you don’t lose track of where you are.

The buses in Rome were good about having the destination listed so you knew where the bus was stopping and didn’t have to guess.

Are 5 Days in Rome Enough Time?

5 days in Rome is perfect.

I don’t like to travel faster than I have to, and wandering around the eternal city and the surrounding areas makes you feel like you’re being transported back in time.

Having time to leave the city for day trips but still felt like we were able to see Rome in a way that wasn’t rushed.

I loved it so much I did the exact same thing when I took family to Europe for the first time. No regrets either time.

Only have 3 days in Rome?

Days 1 and 2 from my itinerary are musts. Then you can pick and choose what you like from Days 3 and 4. With only 3 days, plan to cut out any day trips.

The eternal city is certainly worth the trip, no matter how much time you can give it.

Enjoy your 5 Days in Rome

No matter what you choose to see you’ll love your time in Rome. The combination of history and food makes it spectacular. There’s a reason I’ve been back so many times!

Let me know it goes and what you like!