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

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

After visiting Rome more times than I can count, 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 where to eat in Rome, cool neighborhoods, hidden gems, ancient ruins, foodie experiences, and fun things to do.

Whether it’s your first time in Rome or your fifth, this guide is packed with insider tips you’ll be glad to have!

Morning

• Ready for breakfast? For specialty coffee and pastries (or even a full sit-down brunch), head to Barnum Coffee.
• Stroll through the Centro Storico to see Rome’s main monuments and piazzas, including Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
• Not excited about taking 20,000+ steps in a day? This Rome private golf cart tour is a popular alternative.

Afternoon

• For an on-the-go lunch, Forno Campo de’ Fiori and Antico Forno Roscioli are two of Rome’s all-time best bakeries. Roscioli Salumeria is my pick for a relaxed sit-down lunch (order the carbonara!), but you need to book it weeks in advance.
• You don’t need much more of a plan for the Centro Storico. Finding the quiet backstreets, popping into little shops, and having an Aperol spritz or two is all the agenda you need.

Evening

• For dinner, book this twilight food tour of Trastevere to try authentic Roman food, like supplì, Jewish fried artichokes, cacio e pepe, pasta all’amatriciana, and local gelato. The lively neighborhood of Trastevere is unmissable – and all the foodie stops on this tour are truly Roman and well-curated. This Roman food tour is a must-do!

Day 3 in Rome: Vatican City, Prati, Galleria Borghese

Morning

• Start your day with this guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It includes skip-the-line tickets. (See all my tips for visiting the Vatican here!)

Afternoon

• After, eat your way through Prati – the lively neighborhood next-door to Vatican City. First, beeline it to Love Specialty Croissants for fabulous coffee and some of the best pastries you’ll ever try. (Sorry, Paris. But it’s true.)
• Then, head across the street to Mercato Trionfale (closes at 2 PM, closed Sundays), a traditional food market that may just be Rome’s best-kept secret. Try the porchetta, gawk at the cheeses, say “sì, grazie” to all the samples the friendly shopkeepers offer…
• Still hungry? When in Rome… Panificio Bonci or Bonci Pizzarium are the obvious choices for Roman-style pizza al taglio.
• Some say that Gelateria dei Gracchi is the best gelateria in Rome. I tend to agree! Try it for yourself.
• Walk over to Castel Sant’Angelo next. You can admire the bridge and the fortress from outside, but I recommend going in! The view from the rooftop alone – of St. Peter’s Basilica and the rest of Rome – is worth the ticket price.

Evening

• If (and only if) you love Renaissance and Baroque art, then the Galleria Borghese is a must. Think Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian. Hop in a taxi and get dropped off at the Via Pinciana gates! I prefer snagging the last evening time slot (5:45 PM) to avoid the crowds. If official tickets are already sold out, your other option is to book this exclusive Borghese Gallery tour with skip-the-line tickets included.
• If you can’t get tickets or a tour, a peaceful stroll through the leafy Villa Borghese is still worth it.
• For your last stop, a splurge-worthy rooftop dinner does the trick. And Settimo is just the place.

Day 4 in Rome: Pantheon, Jewish Quarter, Trastevere

Morning

• Visit the Pantheon, an incredibly preserved Roman pagan temple. Go on this Pantheon guided tour, or purchase tickets on arrival – the long line moves fast.
• Around the corner, stop by the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva. A hidden gem!

Afternoon

• Have a traditional Roman lunch at nearby Armando al Pantheon. Book online way in advance, or show up ~10 minutes before opening with fingers crossed for a walk-in (I’ve done this before – even on weekends!). Osteria del Sostegno is another great local spot.
• For an after-lunch pick-me-up, a historic Roman coffee institution: La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro. Espresso doppio, per favore!
• Then, grab some of the best gelato in Rome at Giolitti. No matter how long the line, it’s worth the wait.
• Nearby, you’ll also find the lesser-known ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina – and its dozens of resident cats.
• From there, wander into Rione XI Sant’Angelo (Rome’s Jewish Quarter). Stroll past the Portico d’Ottavia, the Teatro di Marcello, and the Great Synagogue of Rome. If you still have room, the ricotta-and-sour-cherry pastries at Boccione are so good!

Evening

• And for your last night, spend more time in Trastevere! People-watch in Trastevere’s “living room” (the Piazza di Santa Maria) and pop into the Basilica of Santa Maria.
• Walk up to the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola for one of the best panoramic views of Rome.
• For dinner, get in line way before opening at Trattoria da Enzo. Otherwise, Spirito di Vino is one of my faves (make a booking). Osteria La Gensola is great for seafood. Or for a casual but epic meal, Trapizzino.
• And finally, go for drinks. I love Milea for cocktails, Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà for craft beer, and Latteria Trastevere for wine.

And with that, you’re all set to have the best four days in Rome – ever! I hope you found my Rome itinerary helpful!