A Perfect Rome Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Rome

Planning a trip to Rome can be overwhelming… Let’s make it easy!

Whether you’ve visited before or not, I’ve jotted down my idea of the perfect Rome itinerary (for up to 4 days) – just for you!

This Rome itinerary includes great restaurants, cool neighborhoods, hidden gems, ancient ruins, and fun activities.

Check into your hotel; I prefer staying in Trastevere or near Piazza Navona.
Stroll through the Centro Storico to see Rome’s main monuments and piazzas, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza de Navona, and Campo de’ Fiori.
Some say that Gelateria del 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 all’amatriciana, and local gelato.

Meander through the quiet, charming neighborhood of Monti.
In Monti, stop at Ai Tre Scalini for lunch. Plus, don’t 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.

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, you’ll 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, it’s 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 one’s a must!).
People watch in Trastevere’s “living room” (the Piazza di Santa Maria) and pop into the Basilica of Santa Maria there.
Walk up to the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola for one of the very best panoramic views of Rome.

Start your day with this guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica. It includes skip-the-line access. Or better yet, open the doors to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel with the key master before the public arrives.
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, you’re all set to have the best four days in Rome – ever! I hope you find these ideas helpful!

Hello! I'm Maddy.