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!

Ultimate 4-Day Rome Itinerary

This 4-day Rome itinerary includes great restaurants, cool neighborhoods, hidden gems, ancient ruins, and fun activities. 

DAY 1

• 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 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 all’amatriciana, and local gelato. 

DAY 2

• 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.

Day 3

• 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.

Day 4

• Start your day with this guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s 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, you’re all set to have the best four days in Rome – ever! I hope you find these ideas helpful!