Rome is one of those cities that never loses its magic, no matter how many times you visit. Iโve been lucky enough to explore it over the years and keep finding new reasons to fall in love with it. With the Conclave currently taking place in the Vatican, Rome has been on my mind even more than usual, and I just helped a friend plan her upcoming trip, which inspired me to put this guide together. If youโre heading to the Eternal City soon, Iโd recommend spending at least 4 to 5 days there to truly soak it all in. Hereโs how to make the most of 4 days in Rome, Italy.
Oh, and grab a passport cover before you go! Made in Milan, Italy.
Day 1 – Vatican & Vatican Museums
Start your trip off at the Vatican and the Vatican Museums. If you’re a museum lover like I am, this will easily take up the majority of your day. Did you know that Vatican City is its own country? Add it to the list!
The Vatican Museums are some of my favorite museums in the world, with the Gallery of Maps being the highlight. Book your Vatican tickets ahead of time HERE. I love to get up early so that I can grab a hearty breakfast (and multiple cappuccinos!) outside of Vatican City in the Prati neighborhood before I head into the museums.
Within Vatican City, you can see the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel. the Vatican Gardens, the Gallery of Maps, and more. Everything you will see here is incredibly impressive.
I can not overstate how unbelievable the Vatican Museums are. Originally started by Pope Julius II in the early 1500s, the collection just kept growing over the centuries, th ,anks to popes who had a thing for art and antiquities. You’ll wander through countless rooms full of tapestries, art, sculptures, maps, and paintings, including the Raphael Rooms, which are a huge highlight. I also recently saw the Raphael Cartoons at the Victoria & Albert museum in London, if you see some of his work there.
Last but not least the Sistine Chapel. As I mentioned before, the Conclave is happening as I type the, so the Sistine Chapel is at the forefront of that election.
Day 2 – The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill
This is another must see when in Rome and if done correctly, it should take up most of your day. Start your morning (early) at the Colosseum, especially if you’re there during the hot summer months. The Colosseum and Forum can typically be booked on the same tour if you’re looking for a tour. I highly recommend booking a tour for both of these sights so that you can have a better understanding of the historical significance of what you’re looking at. There are many things in the Forum or Palatine Hill that you might walk right by without noticing without a guide.
Getting into the Colosseum can, quite frankly, be a huge pain during the busy months. There is typically a long wait outside (in the heat) and lots of people selling tourist trinkets to those in line. With all of that being said, it is so beyond worth it. The Colosseum is one of the most magical sights in the world. Construction on this ancient monument started in 72 AD and is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. When you think about the history that this monument has seen, it’s hard to wrap your head around it. Seeing the Colosseum is up there with seeing the Acropolis and The Great Pyramids of Egypt.
You don’t necessarily need a tour guide in the Colosseum, but if it’s your first time in Rome and if you’re into the history of Ancient Rome, you will learn a lot more with a guide.
After exploring these ancient wonders, take a stroll through nearby Monti on Via Leonina for some fantastic vintage shopping. It’s also relatively easy to get to Trastevere from the Colosseum area which is a lively and fun neighborhood to grab dinner. Make sure to stop at the Tiber River for sunset! Looking north on the Tiber River from Trastevere at sunset is one of the best views in Rome (see below).
Day 3 – Borghese Gardens & Explore Rome by Foot
Start your third day at the Borghese Gardens near Piazza del Popolo. This is one of my favorite spots in Rome! The Borghese Gardens is one of the most beautiful parks that sits high atop the city with amazing views as you get closer to Piazza del Popolo. Exploring these gardens feels like stepping more into the real lifestyle of the Romans. You will see kids playing soccer, families having picnics, and artists painting different areas of the gardens. I like to schedule this on day three so that it breaks up the many days of museums and tourist crowds.
In the Borghese Gardens, you have the Borghese Gallery. This is a very impressive art museum with a sound component that I have yet to experience anywhere else in the world (if you know you know). You definitely need to schedule this museum ahead of time, especially during the busy season.
You can also rent bikes in the gardens to see more of the park and have fun with it! A few years ago, my fiancรฉ and I biked through the gardens for an hour and it was one of the highlights of our trip. When you’re done in the gardens, head over to the exit nearest Piazza del Popolo for sweeping panoramic views of the city.
Grab lunch near Piazza del Popolo (there is no shortage of amazing restaurants to stumble into) and then start walking south by foot. By taking this route, you will walk past the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Turn right and you will see the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
History buffs – I highly recommend taking the time to go inside of the Pantheon. It is one of the most incredible architectural feats of the ancient world and it’s surreal to stand inside of it.
Close out your day by having dinner in the Ponte area and go back to the Trevi Fountain to see it lit up at night!
Day 4 – Castel Sant’Angelo & a Cooking Class
Day four is a mixture of one final museum and an immersion in the local food, as if you haven’t done enough of that already. ๐ Let’s face it, it’s impossible to have too much of the food in Rome!
Start your day by walking up the Castel Sant’Angelo. I booked an entry ticket with the audioguide, which I really enjoyed. With the audioguide, you can explore the museum at your own pace and even listen to things over if you missed any information. I didn’t visit this museum on my first visit to Rome, and now that I have visited it, it’s one of my number one recommendations in the city. The views from the top alone make it worth it.
Castel SantโAngelo is one of those places in Rome that feels like it belongs in a storybook. Sitting right on the edge of the Tiber River, this round stone fortress has seen it all. It started out as a giant tomb for Emperor Hadrian back in the second century, but over the years itโs been a fortress, a castle, a prison, and even a hiding spot for popes thanks to a secret passage that leads to the Vatican. Today itโs a museum with stunning views of the city and layers of history around every corner. If you are wandering near the Vatican, it is definitely worth a stop. Definitely do not miss this museum on your visit to Rome!
During and after your visit to Castel Sant’Angelo you will get stunning views of the Vatican, which is the best way to close out your trip to Rome!
Grab a light lunch and then head over to Piazza Navona for a cooking class. This class is seriously so much fun. You make tiramisu and pasta in a restaurant, and then the restaurant cooks what you made and you sit with the group to eat it in Piazza Navona. This is such a fun experience to do while in Rome as you can learn how to prepare some of the local cuisine and you get to meet travelers from all over the world.
You can book this cooking class HERE.
Enjoy Your Four Days in Rome, Italy!
Rome is easily one of the most magical cities in the world, full of beauty, history, and charm. I put this guide together to help you plan an unforgettable trip that you will be thinking about long after you return home. Whether you are exploring on your own, traveling with friends, or bringing the whole family, chances are you will be dreaming about your next visit before this one even ends. After all, Rome really is what dreams are made of.
@lauravogelle 4 Days in Rome, Italy. One of my favorite cities in the world! Get all of the info on the blogโค๏ธ๐ฎ๐น๐ #vogelle #rome #italytravel #italy #romeguide #rometips #vatican #romanholiday โฌ On an Evening In Roma (Scott'er Celo De Roma) – Dean Martin
