Here’s what to do in 5 days in Rome with all the information and tips you need for an incredible itinerary.
First day in Rome
When planning your 5 days in Rome, we recommend that you start by going to the Colosseum, one of the biggest tourist attractions. It was built in 72 AD and served as an arena for gladiator fights against ferocious animals. Visiting the site is a must, as it has great importance in local history.
- Special tip: you can go to Piazza dell Colosseo and buy your ticket at the Colosseum ticket office. However, to avoid the huge queues, we recommend that you buy your ticket online here.
In the afternoon, enjoy the local cuisine and try a great glass of wine. After lunch, we recommend visiting Piazza di Spagna, famous for the 135 steps that lead up to the Trinità dei Monte church. Interestingly, the name of this square was conceived because in the 17th century the entire area where it is located belonged to the Spanish embassy in Rome, even before Italy was defined as a nation.
At the end of the day, visit Rome’s Pantheon, which is the only building from the Greco-Roman era that is still in a perfect state of preservation in the entire world. It is also known as the Pantheon and was built in honor of all the Roman gods.
Today, however, several personalities are buried there, such as the painters Raffaello and Annibale Caracci, kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, and Queen Margherita. It’s a place that shouldn’t be left off your sightseeing list, as it’s very beautiful, admission is free and, right in front of the Pantheon, there’s a very charming square with great restaurants.
The main tip is to visit during the day, taking the opportunity to explore the place and take some beautiful photos. But we also recommend returning in the evening and enjoying one of the great restaurants around it.
Second day in Rome
After a day full of sightseeing, we recommend that you take a stroll around the city and visit the beautiful Trevi Fountain. The place is always very popular and legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, your wish will come true and you will return to the city.
Next, head to one of Rome’s most famous squares: Piazza Venezia. It is home to the incredible Vittoriano, a monument dedicated to King Vittorio Emanuele II. It is considered to be one of the greatest museums in the world and offers a beautiful view of the city. That’s why you’ll need time to see it. At the end of the day, take the opportunity to visit a local restaurant and have a pleasant meal.
Third day in Rome
On the third day of your 5 days in Rome, we recommend that you visit the beautiful Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. It is the oldest cathedral and one of the five most important papal cathedrals in the world. The basilica was built at the beginning of the 4th century and inaugurated in 324 on the orders of Constantine.
Today, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is well preserved and in the Baroque style. In fact, the Pope himself, who holds the title of Bishop of Rome, celebrates mass every Thursday in the basilica.
Next, discover the attractions of the Capitoline Hill, which has been the center of political activity since Rome’s beginnings. There are three palaces: Palazzo Nuovo, Conservatori and Senatorio. The Capitoline Museums are housed in the first two and the last one is the seat of Rome’s city hall.
It’s worth noting that the Capitoline Museums are divided into 6 spaces: the Palazzo dei Conservatori, which houses the original work of the Capitoline Wolf from Romulus and Remus, the Palazzo dei Senatori, the Palazzo Clementino-Caffarelli, the Palazzo Nuovo, the Lapidary Gallery and the Central Montemartini.
In addition, in the center of Piazza Campidoglio is the well-known equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. However, the one on site is a replica, while the original is inside the Capitoline Museums.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Rome, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
Fourth day in Rome
On the penultimate day of your 5 days in Rome itinerary, we recommend a more leisurely stroll off the beaten track. A great place for this is the Villa Borghese Gardens, which have an incredible green area with many species of flowers.
The main tip is to set aside some time for a walk or even a picnic. There you’ll see lots of people doing physical activities or just contemplating nature. Next, take the opportunity to go shopping and visit the famous Via Del Corso, which is considered the main street for finding great clothes and accessories. There you’ll find well-known brands such as Yamamay, Zara, Diesel, Puma and others.
To end the day, we recommend one of the best restaurants in Rome, Pizzeria Da Baffetto. It offers typical Italian pizza and is close to the city’s tourist attractions: Piazza Navona and the Museum of Rome. It is often crowded, but the wait is worth it. After a few minutes, you’ll be delighted by the thin and crispy pizzas. It’s even recommended that you enjoy the pizza with a glass of wine.
Fifth day in Rome
On your last day in the Italian city, we recommend you visit the Vatican. The Vatican is the seat of the Catholic Church and also a city-state with a historical and cultural context that should not be missing from your Rome itinerary.
Start by visiting Piazza di San Pietro, opposite St. Peter’s Basilica. It is an emblematic square with a beautiful Baroque style. Then head to the Basilica mentioned above. If you prefer to take this tour with a guide, we recommend that you buy a ticket for the Vatican Guided Tour. It’s well worth it.
The interior is home to several important works of art dating back to the 11th, 17th and 12th centuries, as well as having a lot of gold, which makes it very rich in detail. It’s worth noting that to enter the basilica, both men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered. It is also forbidden to enter with cleavage, and the entrance has a metal detector.
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. Both are on the list of the best tourist attractions in this destination, as well as being Rome’s heritage sites. The tip is to book your tour online to avoid queues and delays. It’s worth noting that the museums are open every day from Monday to Sunday, except on certain public holidays.
At the end of the day, we recommend you visit one of the restaurants near the Vatican. They are great and you can enjoy typical local dishes.
Save on tickets for paid attractions in Rome
To save time and money, buying travel tickets online is always the best option, in our opinion. We’ve traveled a lot and, after a lot of research, testing and getting to know each other, we discovered the company that offers the best tours in Rome, at very good prices.
So, the great tip is to go to the Tickets for Rome website and check out the best options for tours along with their prices, in the order of the best sellers. The platform is very safe and well known, and sells the main tickets so you don’t waste time on your trip with long queues, or run the risk of having tickets sold out.
Main tickets sold for Rome:
- Tickets for the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Arena of the gladiators
- Free tour of Rome
- Guided tour of the Vatican
- Underground Colosseum and Arena Forum and Palatine Hill
- Illuminated Rome night tour
Save money on your trip to Rome:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Rome cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Rome. You will find out the best area and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
