This plan balances ancient Rome, the historic center, and the Vatican, grouping sights by area to keep getting around simple. Costs are rough per person in euros; book major sights ahead, especially in peak season.
Budget
About €180–€280 per person for three days, excluding accommodation, flights, and most lunches.
Best time to visit
April–May and September–October, when the weather is generally pleasant and the summer crowds are less intense.
Ancient Rome and Monti
Explore Rome’s ancient heart, then wind down over dinner in nearby Monti.
Morning
Tour the
Allow around two hours to explore the amphitheater. From Termini station, it’s about 15 minutes by Metro or 25 minutes on foot.
About €18Morning
Walk the and Palatine Hill
Continue through the connected archaeological area; the walk from the entrance is about 5 minutes. Your ticket typically includes entry here.
About Included with Colosseum ticketAfternoon
See and the Vittoriano
Walk about 15 minutes from the to this monumental square. Visit the Vittoriano terraces for wide city views.
About €0; Vittoriano terrace lift about €17Evening
Dinner in Monti
Head about 15 minutes on foot from to Monti for dinner and a relaxed wander through the neighborhood’s lanes.
About €25–€45
The historic center
Take in Rome’s iconic fountains and piazzas on a mostly walkable route through the historic center.
Morning
Visit the
Start inside this remarkably preserved ancient temple. From , it’s about a 10-minute walk.
About €5Morning
Stroll
Admire the fountains and Baroque architecture; the walk from the takes about 10 minutes.
About €0Afternoon
Toss a coin at the
Walk about 15 minutes from to the fountain. It’s a lively stop, so visiting in the afternoon means sharing the space with crowds.
About €0Afternoon
Climb the
Continue about 10 minutes on foot to Piazza di Spagna and its famous staircase.
About €0Evening
Dinner in Trastevere
Take a taxi for roughly 15–20 minutes from the , depending on traffic, and settle in for dinner among Trastevere’s atmospheric streets.
About €25–€45
Vatican City and Prati
Spend the morning among Vatican treasures, then enjoy St. Peter’s Square and an easy evening in nearby Prati.
Morning
Explore the
See the galleries and Sistine Chapel; reserve a timed ticket in advance. From Ottaviano Metro station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the entrance.
About About €20, plus booking feeAfternoon
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
Walk about 20 minutes from the entrance around the Vatican walls to the basilica. Entry is free, though security lines can take time.
About €0; dome climb about €8–€10Afternoon
Take in St. Peter’s Square
Step straight out of the basilica into the square to admire Bernini’s colonnades and the central obelisk.
About €0Evening
Dinner in Prati
Walk about 15 minutes from St. Peter’s Square to Prati, a convenient neighborhood for a quieter final dinner.
About €25–€45
Good to know
Tickets
Reserve timed entry for the and as early as you can. Check official sites for current prices and opening hours.
Getting around
The historic center is best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for crowds and cobblestones.
Church visits
For St. Peter’s Basilica, dress with shoulders and knees covered and expect airport-style security.
Water
Carry a refillable bottle: Rome’s public drinking fountains, called nasoni, are handy throughout the city.