A Perfect Rome Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Rome
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Planning a trip to Rome can be overwhelmingโฆ Letโs make it easy!
Whether youโve visited before or not, I’ve jotted down my idea of the perfect Rome itinerary (for up to 4 days) – just for you!
This 4-day Rome itinerary includes great restaurants, cool neighborhoods, hidden gems, ancient ruins, and fun activities.
Day 1 in Rome
- Check into your hotel; I prefer staying in Trastevere or near Piazza Navona.
- Stroll through the Centro Storico to see Romeโs main monuments and piazzas, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza de Navona, and Campo deโ Fiori.
- Some say that Gelateria dei Gracchi is the best gelateria in Rome. I tend to agree! Try it for yourself.
- For dinner, book this food tour of Trastevere to try Roman food, like Jewish fried artichokes, suppli, cacio e pepe, pasta allโamatriciana, and local gelato.
Day 2 in Rome
- Meander through the quiet, charming neighborhood of Monti.
- In Monti, stop at Ai Tre Scalini for lunch. Plus, donโt miss the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
- Go on this small-group tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Late afternoon is great to avoid extreme crowds and summer heat.
- Have dinner at Osteria 44 or Osteria Barberini.
Day 3 in Rome
- Visit the Pantheon, an incredibly preserved Roman pagan temple; go on this guided tour, or purchase tickets on arrival – the long line moves fast.
- Around the corner, stop by the Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva. A hidden gem!
- Two blocks further, youโll find the lesser-known ruins of Lardo di Torre Argentina – and its dozens of resident cats!
- Have a traditional Roman lunch at nearby Osteria del Sostegno. A secret local spot!
- Enjoy some of the best gelato in Rome at Giolitti – no matter how long the line, itโs worth the wait!
- Spend more time in Trastevere. Arrive early to dine at great restaurants like Trattoria da Enzo, Tonnarello, and Spirito di Vino (this oneโs a must!).
- People watch in Trastevereโs โliving roomโ (the Piazza di Santa Maria) and pop into the Basilica of Santa Maria there.
- Walk up to the Fontana dellโAcqua Paola for one of the very best panoramic views of Rome.
Day 4 in Rome
- Start your day with this guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peterโs Basilica. It includes skip-the-line access.
- Then, you decide: do this ravioli, fettuccine, and tiramisu cooking class or go check out the Roman Catacombs.
- Finally, spend the evening in your new favorite area. Go for an aperitivo and enjoy a long, leisurely last supper in the Eternal City!
And with that, youโre all set to have the best four days in Rome – ever! I hope you find these ideas helpful!
Hi Maddy, I have got some much info your website for our holiday this June. I’m traveling with my husband and our wonderful friends (another couple who we have travel with in the past). We are doing Athens, Greek islands (Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, Mykonos) then onto Rome, Florence, Milan & hopeful of a day trip to Lake Como. This is our first time to Europe, with plans of a much bigger trip in a few years to explore other areas. We are on limited time this trip with just over 3 weeks, we love to get out and see as much as possible when traveling, so they will be a busy 3 weeks! I’m really interested in your itineraries and would love any printable copies to these locations I have mentioned that you would be able to email me. Thanks so much and I look forward to continuing to learn from your travels!!
I’ll email them to you now! :)
Hi, I love all the stuff you post and I have subscribed to find out more. I’m planning a trip to Italy with a friend of mine in Oct 2026. Italy is on my bucket list and I have dreamed of going there for as long as I can remember.
Do you have a pdf on Rome (as you do for Murano, Florence, Venice etc)
Warm regards,
Jodie
Thank you, Jodie! I’ll email you a PDF version now :)