Rome – a destination you will find on most travellers bucketlists. With cosmopolitan culture, awe-inspiring art, rich history, and appealing street life, Rome is certainly one of the most amazing cities to visit.
Indeed, this one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Italy, a city all about culture, history, faith, and modern lifestyle, it is quite hard to know what to explore and experience first.
If you have 4 days to explore Rome to its fullest, we’ll make sure you won’t miss out on anything. So, here is a 4-day Rome itinerary for an indelible break in Italy.
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The Perfect 4-Day Rome Itinerary
Rome quickly became one of our favourite cities in the world. The architecture, culture and atmosphere is one to be explored. In this guide, we will discuss the best time to go to Rome as well as the following
- Where to Stay in Rome
- The Best time to visit Rome
- Are 4 days in Rome enough?
- Staying safe in Rome
- The Colosseum
- Palatine Hill
- Roman Forum
- Trastevere
- The Trevi Fountain
- Galleria Borghese
- The Spanish Steps
- Piazza Navona
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- St Peter’s Basilica
- Climbing the Dome of St Basilica
- The Pantheon
- Doria Pamphilj Gallery
- Pyramid of Caius Cestius
- Non-Catholic Cemetry
- Aventine Hill
- Preparing for your trip to Rome
Where to Stay in Rome
Luxury – Singer Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel in the Italian capital. It is located right on the famous Via del Corso shopping Street, nearby the Trevi Fountain. The rooms are all elegantly decorated and breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace.
Read more and book your stay at Singer Palace Hotel here.
Mid-range – The Code Hotel is a short walk from the Spanish Steps in the city centre of Rome. It is set in an elegant building and features a rooftop terrace. The rooms have an ensuite bathroom and come with aircon and wifi.
Read more and book your stay at The Code Hotel here.
Budget – Relais Barberini is a brilliant hotel located a 15 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, perfect to get there in the morning to beat the crowds. The hotel is small but each room has a comfortable bed and desk area with an en suite. There is a bus stop a short walk away and some of the main tourist sights in Rome are within walking distance of this hotel.
Best Time to Visit Rome
Did you know that Rome is the third most-visited city in Europe? The city receives a continuous footfall of tourists throughout the year. The best time to visit Rome if you are looking for less crowds and cooler weather, is between October to April when the hotel rates are lower and it is less touristy.
The temperature during this time hardly dips below freezing but make sure to pack some warm clothes for this time of the year just incase. If winter isn’t your season, you can also consider planning a trip to Rome in the months from May to September, however be prepared for exploring the city in very hot weather.
Are 4 Days Enough in Rome?
Are 4 days really enough to explore the best of Rome?
Well, within Rome itself, 4 days are more than enough to explore the city at a leisurely pace. If you were travelling on a 3 day Rome itinerary we would still say you have enough time to see our favourite sights in Rome.
This 4-day Rome travel itinerary itinerary covers all the best tourist attractions of Rome to give you the experience of a lifetime.
Safety Tips For Your Rome Itinerary
Undoubtedly, Rome is one of the safest destinations to visit in Europe. However, the city still has a reputation as a pickpocket hotspot due to how busy it is. However, if we see it in general, the city is extremely safe.
In crowded areas, you need to be aware all the time and keep an eye on your bags and pockets. Also, be aware of the people you interact with as there are also scammers in crowded areas who try present the public with roses in order to elicit payment from them. They offer a bracelet which is said to be free until it is tied to your wrist.
Another common scam you may see on the streets is the selling of fake designer goods.
Day 1
When in Italy, begin your day by savouring the delicious Italian breakfast. We would recommend grabbing a croissant from La Biga on Via Nicola Salvi where you can enjoy stunning views of the first attraction of this trip, the iconic Colosseum. You may wish to also stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Rome nearby the Colosseum for your early morning start.
- The Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome is an architectural marvel in its true sense which construction dates back to 72AD . However, it was inaugurated in 80AD. Today, it is one of the most iconic tourist landmarks to visit in Rome.
Once this attraction used to be the centre of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum is so huge that it was also used to host gladiator games along with the theatre performances and many more.
Beside the Colosseum, there is the Arch of Constantine – another sought-after tourist landmark in Rome. It is a triumph arch installed by the Senate in order to commemorate the emperor as the liberator of the city and bringer of peace. It is one of the three surviving Roman triumphal arches in Rome from ancient times.
- Palatine Hill
Located beside the Colosseum, is another ancient part of the city, Palatine Hill. This is also a must-see sight in Rome. The region shows the evidence of earliest settlement of Rome which includes rock cuttings found at the site of the Temple of Cybele. For history enthusiasts, Palatine Hills is the place that provides a fresh perspective on Rome and its history. There are hundreds of ruins as well as secret pathways to explore and witness what was once prevailing in the region.
- Roman Forum
In ancient times in Rome, Roman Forum was the beating heart of the city. This was the place where you will get to see all the important temples, monuments, and courthouses. Today, there is still so much to explore in this part of Rome. There are ruins of the royal residence, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Saturn, and more such significant constructions.
- Trastevere
Trastevere is the perfect place to spend an ideal evening in Rome. As one of the most beautiful districts in Rome, it has everything to conclude day 1 of your Rome tour.
From small markets to cobblestone streets to Roman trattorias to cosy coffee shops to artisan workshops, there is literally so much to experience and explore in this part of Rome.
Day 2
Get ready to spend another amazing day exploring the best of Rome. We would recommend your first stop being the Trevi Fountain as this spot gets more busy as the day goes on. Enjoy some breakfast at Bar Trevi with views of the Trevi Fountain
- Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain stands true to its popularity and is the largest fountain in Rome. It is a gorgeous and truly magnificent fountain in its own sense and is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The Trevi Fountain’s first basic structure was built in in 19 BC during the period of Ancient Rome and is 20m wide and 26 high.
We would recommend visiting the Trevi Fountain early as it can get extremely busy throughout the day.
- Spanish Steps
A short 15-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain is the Spanish Steps, the next stop on your 4-day tour to Rome. This tourist site is located on the Piazza di Spagna, Spanish Steps is a 135-step stairway.
This tourist attraction isn’t just a normal site to explore, but also a must-see place for art connoisseurs as it has impressive Baroque-style architecture. Sitting on the stairs as it was banned in 2019, however this is not policed and many people continue to do this today.
- Galleria Borghese
Only a 20 minute walk from the Spanish Steps, Galleria Borghese is undoubtedly one of the best places to witness an impressive collection of art in Italy. Located in the Borghese Gardens, Galleria Borghese was once a palace and is now a converted art gallery. It houses a great collection of ancient sculptures and Baroque paintings.
- Piazza Navona
Just a 10-15 minutes walk from Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona is a happening square that has everything from fountains to baroque palazzi. Along with that, you can also expect to see a colorful cast of street artists, tourists, hawkers, and tourists.
There are three gorgeous fountains and churches that dot the place. Along with that, there are also artists performing and creating a vibe around the piazza. The most interesting thing about this place is that it has served as a food market, a stadium, and even a place for public water parties.
- Castel Sant’Angelo
From Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo is located within walking distance. The place has a unique charm that surprises its visitors. Though the name presents it as a castlet, it is a mausoleum in reality.
The site is around 2000 years old and serves as the resting place of Emperor Hadrian and some of his family members. Apart from the history and architecture, the place is also ideal to capture the scenic sunset sight.
Day 3
After having your breakfast, get ready to spend another amazing day in the city of Rome. Today, we’ll be going to the internationally-renowned Vatican City.
- St. Peter’s Basilica
In Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the highly revered Christian religious places in the world. Not just this, St. Peter’s Basilica is also one of those four major basilicas in Eternal City.
Apart from its huge religious significance, the basilica is also an architectural marvel as it is home to Baroque and Renaissance art. Once it used to be the tallest building of its kind in the world, however, it still has the tallest dome in the world.
You can know more details about St. Peter’s Basilica entry ticket here.
- Climbing the Dome of St. Basilica
From the dome of St. Basilica, you can capture the sweeping views of the surroundings. Reach the roof level of the basilica using the elevator from there, take the stairs to reach the top.
There are 320 stairs which can make the climb pretty challenging. The walls are slanted and the stairway is narrow making it a bit of a challenging climb. If you are thinking of climbing the dome, do it before the basilica because the exit of the domes takes you directly in the church.
- Pantheon
The next stop on your 4-day Rome itinerary is the Pantheon. Today, it is one of the best-preserved monuments from ancient Rome. Though its exact year of construction is still a mystery, it is said that it dates back to 126 AD.
The Pantheon is known for its dome which is the largest unsupported dome in the world and is not covered by a roof. Once a formal Roman temple, the Pantheon is served as the church in the present time. It is free to enter the pantheon.
- Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Doria Pamphilj Gallery is known to house one of the richest art collections in Rome. Apart from its art collection, a special mention should also be given to the strategic location of this art gallery.
The palace, in which Doria Pamphilj Gallery is located, is one of its kind in the city and dates back to the 16th century. The entire gallery tour is supported by a free audio guide which is narrated by Jonathan Pamphilj himself.
Day 4
On the last day of your Rome, you will be visiting the last few remaining top attractions of the city along with a shopping tour.
- Pyramid of Caius Cestius
The Pyramid of Caius Cestius a must-visit site in Rome. This cultural site is more than 2000 years old and is been serving as a popular tourist attraction in the city.
To enjoy the best sight of the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, you will have to visit Non-Catholic Cemetry, which is also the next stop on your itinerary.
- Non-Catholic Cemetry
Located at a walking distance of just 5 minutes from the Pyramid of Caius Cestius. This is one of the most beautiful cemeteries that serve as the resting place of some notable non-Catholics such as John Keats and Percy Shelley. For tourists, it is a peaceful place from where you can also capture the iconic Pyramid of Caius Cestius.
- Testaccio Market
No trip is ever completed without shopping, right? So, here it is! The shopping destination on your Rome tour is Testaccio Market. There are a number of markets in the city but this one has a distinctly local feel.
In this indoor market, you will find plenty of options to shop for local Roman products. From clothes to shoes to housewares to souvenirs, you can find almost everything here in this market.
Please note: if you want, you can also replace this market with Campo de’Fiori market which is not only ideal for shopping but for food as well.
- Aventine Hill
This is the last stop on your Rome tour. Aventine Hill is one of the best tourist sites in the city. The main highlight of this place is the ‘keyhole’ which is a site known to offer a spectacular view that includes three countries – Italy, Vatican City, and Malta in a single frame.
The closest view behind the door of the keyhole is Maltese soil. The view just after that is of Rome, Italy. Whereas, the farthest vista is of the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City framed by the garden hedges.
If you love photography, this is certainly a not-to-miss tourist attraction that gives an opportunity to capture some beautiful shots from Rome.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to Rome
Before you set off on your trip to Rome, there are a number of things you will need to organise to ensure a smooth and successful trip. These include what to pack for Italy and what is the best travel insurance for your trip. Both of these will be discussed in the following section.
Where to Stay in Rome
Luxury – Singer Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel in the Italian capital. It is located right on the famous Via del Corso shopping Street, nearby the Trevi Fountain. The rooms are all elegantly decorated and breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace.
Read more and book your stay at Singer Palace Hotel here.
Mid-range – The Code Hotel is a short walk from the Spanish Steps in the city centre of Rome. It is set in an elegant building and features a rooftop terrace. The rooms have an ensuite bathroom and come with aircon and wifi.
Read more and book your stay at The Code Hotel here.
Budget – Relais Barberini is a brilliant hotel located a 15 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, perfect to get there in the morning to beat the crowds. The hotel is small but each room has a comfortable bed and desk area with an en suite. There is a bus stop a short walk away and some of the main tourist sights in Rome are within walking distance of this hotel.
Read more and book your stay at Relais Barberini here.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Italy
Regardless of what type of trip you are heading on, one thing that is essential for everybody is good travel insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime and unexpected hospital bills will ruin a holiday. Remove the stress from your next adventure and get covered for the worst.
World Nomads Travel Insurance provides budget reliable travel insurance that will keep you covered for any level of adventure.
You can get your quote before you leave on your trip right here.
What Should You Pack for your trip to Rome?
What you need to pack for Rome will rely highly on when you make your trip to Italy. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and rainy days. During the Summer, you are pretty much guaranteed nice weather with temperatures ranging from 20-35 oC. The hottest months are July and August, so these will be the most popular for a Summer holiday.
During the Winter months in Rome, the weather can go as low as freezing, so make sure you wrap up warm if you are coming between October and April. If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Italy is very strong, especially during the summer months. Apply a lot of cream regularly to prevent a nasty burn from ruining your trip. We use this specific sunscreen to protect us as it is not as oily and irritating as other sunscreens.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Italy, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Main Lens – Sony f/3.5-5.6 28mm-70mm
Wide Angle Lens – Sony FE f/2.8 16mm-35mm GM
Camera Stand – Neewer Portable 177cm
Vlogging Camera – Sony HX90v
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 8 Black
Drone Camera – DJI Spark
Camera Bag – Yahan Camera Bag
So there you have it, your ultimate 4-day itinerary to Rome. If you have been to Italy recently, let us know how you found it in the comments below. What were your favourite sights? What did you. Let us know in the comments below.
If you are planning a full trip to Italy, make sure you check out the rest of our guides and Italy content to ensure a stress-free adventure. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email.
Don’t forget that sharing is caring! Be sure to share this article with your family and friends to let them know all about your big plans. Maybe even inspire them to visit the Rome themselves! Catch up with us on social media and see what we are currently up to. Tag us in your photos from your Italian adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community.
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