72 hours in Rome – Ultimate travel guide

Rome is an ancient city full of history, museums, and monuments. Known as the most beautiful city in the world, Rome is home to one of the seven wonders of the world. This fascinating city deserves your attention for at least 3 days, and I assure you that you will come back again.
I have been to Rome twice and pulled together this travel guide on how to pass the perfect 72 hours in Rome.

In this guide are included all the must-visit sites of Rome and is planned to walk around 8 hours a day for three days. If you don’t want such a busy itinerary, you can add one more day.

72 hours in Rome – first day:

Colosseum

The itinerary of your 72 hours in Rome starts in the most visited part of the city. As early as possible, because later in the day it can be very crowded. Known also as Flavian amphitheater, it is the largest amphitheater in the world. To enter the Colosseum, you need to buy a ticket starting from 16€.
One of the best photo spots is the one shown in the picture.

Palatine Hill

Just in from of the Colosseum, you can visit Palatine Hill with the same ticket. It is worth noting that on first Sunday of every month, the entrance is free to both sites.
Palatine Hill is one of the seven Hills of Rome. Is full of history and important archeological sites including the Palatine Museum, the House of Augustus and Livia, the Stadium of Domitian, and the Farnese Gardens.

Roman Forum

Just a few steps away you can reach the Roman Forum, the most important forum in ancient Rome. The Roman Forum was used as the scene of public meetings, law courts, etc., and it was lined with shops and open-air markets.

Rion of Rome or Rione Monti

Get lost in the roads of the most antic and scenic neighborhood of Rome. Here you can take a break for lunch and enjoy the vibes of the city.

Capitoline Square/ Piazza Campidoglio

Capitoline Square / Piazza Campidoglio – During the 8th century, this square was the government base. But what makes it even more special is that all the existing design was conceived and created by Michelangelo in the 16th century.

Piazza Venezia

Located in the heart of the city, this is the main square of Rome. Surrounded by unique buildings, piazza Venezia takes its name from Palazzo Venezia known as Altare delle Patria. This is one of the most iconic monuments, which is worth spending some time visiting and enjoying the views.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain – With plenty of details attached to it, this is one of the most beautiful monuments in Rome, and in the world too. Don’t forget to throw a coin in the fountain. According to traditions, it brings good luck and promises you to get back to Rome soon.

Tip: To take a decent picture of this site, you must visit it early in the morning, and no, 7 AM is not early, 5 AM yes.
The fountain is usually cleaned every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting from 8 AM. I found this a good time to take pictures too. When people leave the fountain as required, you can profit for 5 minutes to take a picture with no people in the background.

Pantheon

Known as the best-preserved monument of ancient Rome. The Pantheon is famous for its giant dome with the famous hole in the top (The eye of the Pantheon). Nowadays is uncertain why they built the Pantheon and who built it. But certainly, you can’t leave Rome without visiting it.

Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps – Decorated in Roman Baroque style, not only the Spanish Steps, but even the Spanish Square and Spanish Palace, are famous for their beauty and history. This is a very touristy site in Rome and the best way to finish your day in Rome. Nearby you can find several cute bars for an aperitivo.

72 hours in Rome – second day:

St. Peter’s Basilica

Starting our second day in Vatican City, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. I suggest getting there as early as possible because it is a very crowded tourist spot, and also welcomes a lot of pilgrims every day. To enter the church is free but if you don’t hire a guide you may end up waiting as long as two hours in the line. This church is considered as the largest church on earth. The artworks and décor in the St. Peter’s Basilica definitely are not to miss.

You need a ticket if you want to visit the Basilica roof. From there you can see a beautiful view of Rome. The ticket costs 8 euros and you can pay extra 2 euros to skip some stairs and use the lift.

Note: There is a dress code, so take care to dress properly. You are not allowed to enter inside the church if you don’t cover your shoulders and knees.

Vatican Museums

The most comprehensive museum with some of the greatest masterpieces including some of the finest art and historical pieces. Some of them are known as the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. To visit this museum you will likely need an entire day to visit it, especially if you are an art lover.
To visit it will need a ticket that costs 17 euros.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Just a few steps away from the Vatican you will find Parco Adriano, which is located at The Mausoleum of Hadrian, or known as Castel Sant’Angelo. Even if you decide not to enter inside, you can admire the views from the bridge toward the castle or the Vatican City. The pedestrian bridge over the river is a romantic place for a walk, and if you are lucky you will find also people who play slow songs on the guitar, which makes your experience even better.
The ticket to get inside the castle costs 19 euros and I suggest booking it in advance, in such a way you may see the opening days and hours.

Piazza Navona

Known as one of the most important Baroque squares in the world, Piazza Navona is surrounded by several masterpieces from the greatest artists as Bernini and Borromini. It’s a fantastic place to sit and people-watch while enjoying a drink or a meal. You can also enjoy the performers who find this a social environment to perform different arts as well as dancing, singing, etc.

Campo de Fiori

Located just south of Piazza Navona, this is another square known as a meeting place in Rome for its very central location, which you can visit while you are in Piazza Navona. Every Monday and Sunday it becomes a market, where you can find souvenirs and Italian products such as homemade pasta, olive oil, etc.

Ghetto Ebraico

Is one of the oldest ghettos in the world, leaving behind only that of Venezia. The Sinagog represents one of the favorite tourist attractions, a place of worship, and an important point of cultural reference for the entire Jewish community.

Isola Tiberina

Became a tourist attraction mostly because of the location, combined with the history and the beautiful architecture, Tiberin Island is totally worth a visit.

Trastevere

This charming medieval neighborhood is located across the Tiber River. Find the main square: Piazza di Santa Cecilia and visit the church of Santa Cecilia. Other sites not to miss in Travestere are Porta Settimiana, Villa Farnesina, Galleria Corsini, Orto Botanico, etc.

72 hours in Rome – third day:

Villa e Galleria Borghese

Starting our third day in Rome in one of the most famous sites of the city. Villa Borghese is a large 198-acre park with so much to see which means lots of walking. It is full and rich in history, with beautiful monuments, and many picturesque views and it contains several museums. It can be visited any time of the day, as it has a lot of shade during the day and the best viewpoints in the sunset.

Terrazza del Pincio

Tip: Villa Borghese has also biking trails, so if you are tired or don’t prefer walking so much, you can rent a bicycle and explore the park in a comfortable way.

A must-see sunset view in Rome, which offers an amazing and romantic view at night for free. Also during the day is a great escape from the city chaos, as it has a lot of trees and shade nearby.
Note that it can be very crowded during the sunset, especially on the weekends.

Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square)

Just going down the stairs you will reach Piazza del Popolo, another amazing place to see in your 72 hours in Rome. The view from the three main streets you can observe there is breathtaking and the twin churches are so beautiful inside and out. You can find also an Obelisk and a fountain at the center of the square. Mind that the fountain water is super cold and refreshing, especially on summer days.

Circo Massimo

To be honest, not much is left of this ancient horse racing track, but it’s still an interesting place to visit, and imagine how it must have been in its full glory. It’s a lot less crowded than other Rome attractions, offering a peaceful and relaxing break from the city’s fast pace.

High Point of Sacrifice

Hike to High Point of Sacrifice for the Sunset. There is one more hike left to complete your hiking season in Petra (lol). This is one of the most popular hikes and you can easily take it by following the stairs and checking the location on maps. This is the best way to enjoy the last sunset in Petra. You can get out of the park from the main entrance and get one last look at The Treasury by the night.

Colle Aventino

Is one of the 7 hills on which ancient Rome was built. A very quiet and peaceful garden with a great view of the city. Here is located also the door of the “secret gardens”, the gardens of the Priorato di Malta. You know that St Peter’s Dome is visible almost everywhere due to its big dimension. From this door, you also have the chance to look at the famous Dome directly from a keyhole. Looking through the hole, you will be able to see the Cupola surrounded by trees and flowers too.

Piramide

You don’t expect to visit a 2000-year-old pyramid when in Rome, right? Well, Piramide of Caius Cestius, is an impressive pyramid that shows the influence of Egypt in Roman culture. Worth a visit without a doubt, especially if you are a history lover.

Tip: Despite Google claiming that the pyramid is temporarily closed, this is not true. There is a sign with a telephone number on the gate. It is possible to come on-site by appointment.

Testaccio

Close your 72 hours in Rome in Testaccio. Known as the main hub of Rome for the nightlife, Testaccio is also home to great restaurants and a big market. Do not go to Rome without visiting the area, the market, it’s where the Romans go.