Must See Rome in 3 Days: A Comprehensive City Guide

Rome is one of the oldest and most iconic cities in the world. Known for its deep history, impressive monuments, and vibrant culture, it’s a city that draws in travelers from all over the globe. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll find plenty to do and explore in Rome.

A Brief History of Rome

Rome has been inhabited since at least the 8th century BCE, with the founding of the city traditionally attributed to Romulus in 753 BCE. During its long history, Rome has seen some of the most important events in human history. It was once the center of the Roman Empire, one of the largest and most powerful empires in the world. After the fall of the Western Empire in 476 CE, Rome slowly declined until it was transformed into the Papal States in the Middle Ages. In 1870, Rome became the capital of a unified Italy and has been the political and religious center of the country ever since.

Today, Rome is home to over 2.7 million people and is Italy’s third-largest city. It’s a bustling metropolis that is filled with ancient monuments, world-renowned art galleries, and delicious cuisine. As one of the most important cities in Europe, Rome offers something for everyone.

Must See Attractions in Rome

Rome is filled with iconic attractions that you simply must see if you’re visiting for three days. Here are some of the highlights that shouldn’t be missed:

The Colosseum

No visit to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum. This iconic amphitheater was built in 70-80 CE and could hold up to 50,000 spectators. It was used for gladiator fights, hunts, executions and other public spectacles for hundreds of years until it fell into disrepair in the Middle Ages. Today, it stands as a symbol of Rome’s imperial past and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is another must-see attraction in Rome. This ancient Roman temple was built around 118-125 CE by Emperor Hadrian and is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient Rome. The Pantheon is famous for its unique design, which features a large dome with a circular opening at the top that allows natural light to flood into the building. Inside, the Pantheon is filled with intricate artwork and statues that pay tribute to the gods of Ancient Rome.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and a must-see attraction in Rome. This Renaissance church was commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1506 and features an impressive array of artwork and architecture. Highlights include Michelangelo’s famous Pieta sculpture, a stunning dome designed by Michelangelo, and stunning frescoes by Raphael.

The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic attractions. This stunning fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1762 and features a dramatic statue of Neptune surrounded by sea creatures and Tritons. The fountain has become a symbol of Rome and is one of its most popular attractions. Visitors typically throw coins into the fountain to make a wish, a tradition that has been going on since at least the 16th century.

Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is an expansive public park located in central Rome. This park was once owned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and features stunning gardens and plenty of green space for visitors to explore. Highlights include a lake, botanical gardens, and sculptures from famous artists like Bernini and Canova.

Popular Activities In Rome

Rome is filled with plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the most popular activities to enjoy during your visit:

Taste Authentic Roman Cuisine

Rome is known for its delicious cuisine, so be sure to sample some traditional dishes during your visit. Some popular dishes include carbonara (pasta with cheese, eggs, bacon and black pepper), amatriciana (pasta with tomato sauce and bacon) and supplì (fried rice balls). Don’t forget to try some gelato or a pizza al taglio (rectangular pizza slice) for dessert!

Explore Trastevere

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Located on the west side of the Tiber River, this area is filled with narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings. Trastevere is known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent restaurants, making it a great place to explore during your visit to Rome.

Visit an Art Gallery

Rome is home to some of the world’s finest art galleries, including the Vatican Museums and Galleria Borghese. These galleries are filled with masterpieces from renowned artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Bernini. A visit to one of these galleries will give you an insight into Rome’s artistic past and present.

Take a Food Tour

If you want to sample some of Rome’s best cuisine without having to search for it yourself, consider taking a food tour. These tours will take you through some of Rome’s best restaurants and introduce you to some traditional Roman dishes while providing insight into the local culture.

Popular Tours

Finally, here are two popular tours that you might consider taking if you have time during your visit to Rome:

VIP Colosseum Tour

This tour takes visitors on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Colosseum with an experienced guide. Visitors will get priority access to restricted areas like the gladiator arena and will learn about the building’s unique history and architecture with plenty of time for questions and answers. In addition, visitors will get access to exclusive areas like the underground chambers and third tier balcony usually off limits to other visitors.

Vatican Museums Tour

This tour takes visitors on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Vatican Museums with an experienced guide. Visitors will get access to exclusive areas like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms usually off limits to other visitors. In addition, visitors will learn about the museums’ unique history and architecture with plenty of time for questions and answers.