The Perfect 4-Day Rome Itinerary + Tips to visit Rome in 2022

If you are planning a trip to Italy and wondering where to start, I recommend a 4-day Rome Itinerary.

Rome is one of the most enchanting cities in Europe; stacked with treasures from ancient times, art masterpieces, centuries-old churches, amazing history, and mouth-watering cuisine. With history on every street corner, it’s the perfect destination for lovers of heritage sites.

A trip to Italy is one of the best dream vacations and you cannot go wrong with any itinerary.

This 4 days in Rome itinerary is perfect to take you to see all the top attractions. Here you can also find very helpful tips that will help you to see and explore as much as you can, and tell you how to skip the lines. Also, you can find the best tours that will take you to the most amazing spots in Rome.

Here you will also find the best areas to stay in Rome, from budget accommodations to luxury – so you will find the best options for you without having to bounce around and waste hours trying to find a hotel and areas to stay.

You may also enjoy these articles:

• How to Travel from Rome to Tuscany
• The Most Beautiful Towns in Tuscany

If you are wondering ” How many days do I need to explore Rome?” – My answer would be a 4-day Rome Itinerary is a perfect length of time! You can visit Rome in less time and still see the main highlights, but if you are looking to really dive into the top Landmarks, plus explore some hidden gems in Rome, 4 days is ideal.

Rome is a very interesting city with so much to see and do. There is almost an endless list of incredible sights at every corner of the city, which is why an itinerary is absolutely important to direct your movement and help maximize your time in Rome.

I tried to make this 4-day Rome Itinerary as perfect as possible – also, take advantage of the section Best Areas to Stay in Rome as you want to stay at a location where you can walk to the main attractions.

One last very helpful tip is to try to book your tickets to attractions in advance as the city is very busy throughout the year.

You will want to visit the main attractions in Rome, or maybe join one of the best cooking classes in Rome – therefore, you will need to purchase tickets or join a group tour. The advantage of a guided tour is that you will spend a short time in line, and with a local guide, you will learn and appreciate Rome’s history better. In this 4-day Rome Itinerary, you will find the best tours in the city.

• Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Piazza Venezia, Altare della Patria, Largo di Torre Argentina, Doria Pamphilj Gallery and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
• Day 2: Pantheon, San Luigi dei Francesi,  Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, and  Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
• Day 3: Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, Pincio hills, Galleria Borghese, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Trevi Fountain, Galleria Sciarra, and Temple of Hadrian.
• Day 4: The Vatican City, Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere

Day 1 in Rome: Explore the Ancient Rome

Day 1 of your 4-day Rome Itinerary discovering the many wonders of ancient Rome. Rome is a city with an incredibly rich historical heritage, and there are many mind-blowing sights to explore. You will have to do a lot of walking, so make sure that you wear very comfortable shoes. Start your day by touring the iconic Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine hills, then proceed to Piazza Venezia and also discover where Julius Caesar was murdered.

Marvel at the Colosseum

The Best way to start the first day of your four days Rome itinerary is by exploring the most iconic symbol of the city and one of the top landmarks in Italy — the majestic Colosseum.

The Colosseum is a massive complex built in 80 A.D and used for many bloody gladiator fights. This piece of ancient history has a circumference of 573 yards and can hold up to 50,000 spectators.

Although the Colosseum is amazing to behold, you really have to step inside to marvel at the real beauty and the history it holds. This site is one of the most visited in Rome, so expect a very long queue, but I’ll advise you to get the legendary skip-the-line tickets for this.

PRO-TIP: The best way to explore is to join the Colosseum on a guided tour. It is the fasted way to get in, as you will skip the long lines, and it is the best opportunity to learn the incredible history behind this important site. Note that the Colosseum is the most visited site in Rome, and the lines are always long, even if you book your ticket in advance. there will always be a long line at the entrance, even if you book your tickets online.

Discover the Roman Forum

Just a 3 minutes walk from the Colosseum will bring you to the Roman Forum. Once upon a time, this was the center of cultural and political life in Rome, it was the meeting place for the Roman people and has a long line of shops, temples, monuments, courthouses, and all the important buildings.

Today, what’s left are the ruins and a handful of buildings, including the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Vesta. I recommend visiting the site with a guided tour. I have visited both ways, and I really recommend joining a local guide to take full advantage of your visit.

PRO-TIP: I recommend this tour to visit the Colosseum including access to unique areas such as the Underground, Arena, and upper tiers. Plus, get to visit the amazing Roman Forum and Palatine Hill views.

Explore the Palatine Hill

Palatine hill is just a few minutes’ walk from the Roman Forum. Rome was built on seven hills, and of all the hills Palatino is the most famous.

In Ancient Rome, Palatine Hill was the neighborhood for the rich and wealthy, nobles, emperors and aristocratic families lived here. Palatine hill is big with lots of interesting things to see, it’s essentially a large archeological site with many ancient ruins and structures. From there you can get beautiful views of the city.

Take a pause for Lunch

After a morning of walking tour and discoveries, you should find a good restaurant near the Colosseum and enjoy a delicious Italian dish. You can choose to grab a quick bite and continue your tour, or take a break and replenish your energy.

Stop by Largo di Torre Argentina

After a beautiful time at the city’s central hub, your next stop should be the Largo Di Torre Argentina; an ancient square in Rome.

This is among the oldest ruins in the city and is said to be the spot where Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 BC. Largo di Torre Argentina is a very peaceful place and a cat sanctuary with lots of stray cats hiding in every corner. You should certainly visit if you’re a cat lover.

Explore Piazza Venezia and Altar of the Fatherland (Altare Della Patria)

A 6-minute walk from Palatine hill will take you to the Piazza Venezia. This is the central square of the city, and usually very busy.

Right in the square is the famous national monument (Altar of the Fatherland) with an equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II; the first king of Italy. If you have the time and would love to explore, climb to the top of the monument to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

PRO-TIP: You can visit the monument for free, but you can buy a ticket to the panoramic terrace for around US$28. You have the option to book in advance a Panoramic Glass Elevator with an audio guide. The ticket also includes a visit to visit the nearby museums of Museum of the Risorgimento and the National Museum of the Palazzo di Venezia.

 Piazza Deal Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill)

Located just a short walk from the Altare Della Patria, is Capitoline Hill, one of the most important seven hills located in Rome. It symbolized the epicenter of the Roman empire and housed the most important temples in the city. This is not only a beautiful square designed by Michelangelo, but it is also quieter than most of the attractions in Rome.

Here you can find a couple of important sites. The Palazzo Dei Conservatory and Palazzo Nuovo house the Capitoline Museum – the two buildings are connected by an underground corridor. You can also find the beautiful statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius sitting on his horse, he was one of the last exponents of the Roman Stoic doctrine.

PRO-TIP: If you have time I really recommend skipping the line to visit the Capitoline Museums, and exploring the extensive collection of art and artifacts all telling the fascinating history of Rome. You can also take a 3-hour guided tour in the Capitoline which includes the Hill complex and the museum’s visit with a professional guide.

Visit the palace full of paintings – Doria Pamphilj Gallery

The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is a large art museum housed in the 16th century Palazzo Doria Pamphilj (Palace of the Doria family). This museum is full of paintings from the private collection of this family including masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, Correggio, and Vélazquez.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, it’s one of the seven Pilgrim Churches and four papal basilicas in Rome. 

It was built in 432 by order of Pope Sixtus III, and many of the mosaics in the nave and arch were part of the original building. This church also has a 14th-century bell tower which is 75 meters tall and the highest in Rome.

PRO-TIP: This is a perfect last stop for your first day of the 4-day Rome Itinerary. It is only a18 min walk from Piazza Venezia. It is a really stunning basilica, and actually, a hidden gem in Rome. I just visited it on my fourth visit to Rome, and I was amazed by its beauty.

---

Day 2 in Rome: Explore Ancient Rome and the Centro Storico

Your second day of your 4-day Rome Itinerary will be as busy and eventful as the first. There are many more sights to be discovered, and you are only just getting started.

I suggest you begin your day with a tour of one of the oldest buildings in Rome; over 1900 years old. Prepare to be amazed as you walk through the ancient streets of Rome.

Visit the Pantheon

Ancient Romans were great engineers and built some mind-blowing structures, the Pantheon is one of those. This building is almost 2000 years old and still intact.

It’s one of the few buildings from ancient Rome that is still fully whole. It was once a Temple to a Roman god but was converted into a Church. It is also a burial location for important Italians such as the first king of Italy – Vittorio Emanuele II

PRO-TIP: The Pantheon is an architectural wonder that is worth visiting, and it’s free. You can also book a Pantheon Guided Tour and take the opportunity to explore the well-preserved interior of the Pantheon

Take a Gelato Break

 Only a 2-minute walk from the Pantheon is the Gelateria della Palma; a grand ice cream parlor with 150 flavors of gelato. Stop by and grab your favorite flavor or try some new flavors.

Stop by San Luigi dei Francesi

After a refreshing gelato break, head over to the San Luigi dei Francesi (The Church of Saint Louis of the French) A 16th-century French national church built as the French’s liaison to the Vatican.

The baroque-style church is home to the renowned trio of Caravaggio paintings. The Calling of Saint Matthew (Vocazione di San Matteo), The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (Martirio di San Matteo), and Saint Matthew and the Angel (San Matteo e D’Angelo).

PRO-TIP: Admission into the church is free. If you are visiting the interior of the church, you will need to wear appropriate clothes and cover your legs and arms. I recommend always carrying a pashmina shawl with you.

Relax at Piazza Navona

The Navona Square is only a min walk from San Luigi dei Francesi. This beautiful piazza houses many Baroque-style architectures.

Spend some time admiring the Bernini sculptures and the fountains. You can also relax on a bench and appreciate the buildings, wander around and browse through gift shops, restaurants, and cafés. Get yourself a souvenir or take a lunch break.

Visit the Amazing Bone Chapel Santa Maria Della Concezione Dei Cappuccini

The Church of Santa Maria Della Concezione Dei Cappuccini, or as it is also called the Bone Chapel, is a fascinating place to visit. The interior has a single nave with 5 chapels on each side, raised and closed by wooden gates, and embellished with paintings, and relics.

In the basement, there is the suggestive Crypt, the ancient Capuchin cemetery, built towards the first half of the 18th century and consisting of five chapels, decorated with the skulls and bones of 4000 friars, whose ornaments form rosettes, pilasters, stars, flowers, festoons, lamps and crosses

PRO-TIP: You can try and buy your ticket at the entrance, or you can buy the skip-the-line ticket in advance. With this tour, you will discover a macabre art collection completely made of human bones with an English-speaking guide.

Visit the oldest church in Rome

Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is the oldest church building and basilica in Rome. It is also the cathedral of the diocese of Rome.

This church was originally built in 324 and has an amazing interior with 12 amazing sculptures of the Apostles. This building survived a severe earthquake in 896 and was rebuilt centuries later to give it the current baroque-style look. The 5th-century octagonal baptistery is the only connection to the medieval era. 

Have a drink and dinner at Campo Dei Fiori

After a relaxing time at Navona Square, take a short 4-mins walk to the Campo Dei Fiori.

This is a square with a very famous and bubbly market. In the mornings, this square is very colorful and lively with fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. And in the evenings, it’s very cozy, with lots of drinking and chatter going on in all the bars around the lively square. Campo dei Fiori is a fun place to visit.

---

Day 3 in Rome: Climb the Pincian Hill and Spanish Steps

On your 3rd day of your 4-Day Rome Itinerary, prepare to do some climbing and make sure you wear very comfortable shoes. 

You should be ready to climb the iconic Spanish Steps and the Pincio hills for some splendid views of the City. You will also stop by the most famous fountain in the world and toss a coin in to make sure you return to Rome.

Spanish steps in Piazza Spagna

The 18th-century Spanish Steps are the widest and longest staircase in Europe, with 12 ramps and 135 steps to climb. This famous staircase leads up to the 16th-century Gothic-style Trinità Dei Monti church in the Piazza di Spagna (Square of Spain). At the foot of the Spanish steps is the Fontana Della Barcaccia, a Baroque-style fountain.

PRO-TIP: While you can climb the steps you are not allowed to sit on them – in order to preserve this UNESCO Heritage Site – sitting on the steps attracts a fine of 400 euros.

Tour the Piazza del Popolo

The People’s Square (Piazza del Popolo) is a popular square in Rome. It houses many ancient structures including the twin churches which are opposite each other (Santa Maria Dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto). The 36-meter-high Egyptian obelisk, and the 15th-century Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo; are one of the most significant buildings of the Roman Renaissance.

Climb the Pincio hills and do a picnic at the Galleria Borghese

A 2-minute walk from the Piazza del Popolo will take you to the Pincio hills and Villa Borghese, the largest public park in Rome. Climb the Pincio hills using the steps for breathtaking views of the square. From the beautiful Pincio terrace, stroll through the Borghese Gardens to the galleria Borghese to view some of the most impressive collections of artworks.

I recommend having a picnic at the park for a fun and laid-back experience during your busy 4 days in Rome itinerary. You can also rent a boat and row around the lake Laghetto Di Villa Borghese, or you can rent a bike to explore the park.

PRO-TIP: The Galleria Borghese is a must-visit for art lovers, and I recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket to not have to wait in line. It costs a little more than buying the ticket direct there, but it will save you time.

Step inside Santa Maria Della Vittoria

Another ancient structure worth visiting is the Santa Maria Della Vittoria (Our Lady of Victory). This 17th-century church was built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Ferdinand II at the Battle of White Mountain. The church doesn’t have an impressive façade, but the lavishly-decorated interior more than compensates for that. Santa Maria Della Vittoria was mentioned in the novel Angels and Demons by the American author Dan Brown.

Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain

Trevi fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome and probably the entire world! At almost 26 meters high and 49  meters wide, this is the largest baroque fountain in Rome. The fountain has a statue of the nautical god of Neptune being pulled on his shell-shaped chariot by two winged horses and Triton (son of the sea god, Poseidon).

While at the Trevi fountain, make sure you participate in the Roman tradition of throwing a coin in the fountain, so you can return to Rome.

Stop by Galleria Sciarra

Only a 2-minute stroll from the Trevi fountain, Galleria Sciarra is a glass-dome palace atrium decorated in spectacular and colorful frescoes depicting female virtues. It was built in the 19th century as a courtyard for the Palazzo Sciarra Colonna, although it’s not one of the major attractions in Rome, it’s still worth a visit.

Visit the Temple of Hadrian

The temple of Hadrian was built in the 2nd century in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. At the time of its construction, it was one of the largest temples. The façade has a curved arch supported by 4 Corinthian columns. The center of the arch contains a relief of Tyche, the goddess of victory.

PRO-TIP: This site is free to visit, and I suggest you step inside and watch the 20 minutes movie showing the temple’s history and facts about ancient Rome. This is a beautiful night show and a fantastic way to end your day.

---

Day 4 in Rome: Visit the Vatican City & Trastevere

The last day of this 4-day Rome itinerary covers the marvel of Vatican City. It is an independent state spanning over 43 hectares. As an independent state, it has its own government with the pope as the head.

Just like the other parts of Rome, there are many interesting things to see in the Vatican, beginning with the St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Gardens, and lots more.

Marvel at St. Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of the Renaissance, is the largest and most famous church in the world. It is regarded as the holiest and most important Catholic Church in the world, St Peter’s Basilica was built from 1506 to 1626.

This basilica houses one of the spectacular Michelangelo’s Pietà and Raphael’s tapestries on the walls, and splendid frescoes. While at the Basilica, you can climb the 550 steps up to the dome for panoramic views of the Vatican and Rome.

PRO-TIP: Admission into the Basilica is free, but you have to wait in a very long queue. I recommend to book for skip-the-line tickets with a professional guide, plus you get to visit the Underground Grottoes and also, the dome – you will only be able to visit by booking a ticket.

Appreciate art treasures at the Vatican Museums

The 26 different museums that make up the Vatican Museum have some of the largest collections of ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts. Renowned Roman sculptures, Renaissance art masterpieces, and religious objects are on display.

The Vatican museums span 54 galleries with incredible art treasures collected over many centuries.

PRO-TIP: Queues to the Vatican Museums are usually very long, and tickets sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to get your skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Explore the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is only a few seconds walk from the Vatican museums, it’s located inside the Apostolic Palace (the official residence of the Pope).

The Sistine Chapel is famous for the artworks and frescoes by Michelangelo, Domenico Ghilandro, Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, etc.

Some of the most impressive Renaissance artworks include Michelangelo’s paintings of The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam. The Sistine Chapel is also renowned for being where the Cardinals meet for conclave when electing a new Pope.

PRO-TIP: The best way to visit is by purchasing the ticket in advance – the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel together skip-the-line tickets is sold together.

Tour the Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens span over 63 hectares, covering about half of the Vatican City. It’s the private garden of the Pope and has limited public access. The Vatican gardens were built during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and it’s decorated with sculptures and ornate fountains from both eras.

PRO-TIPS: Getting into the gardens requires a private tour ticket, making it the least crowded tourist attraction in Rome.

Visit the Castel Sant’Angelo

Away from the Vatican gardens, your next stop should be the towering cylindrical castle (a 6-story building with 58 rooms) located on the Ponte Sant’Angelo.

Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built in the 2nd century as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. If you decide to stop by this castle, make sure you go inside for a tour and slowly make your way to the top for the most impressive views of River Tiber, the Pantheon, and St Peter’s Basilica. As you’d expect, the castle also has some amazing sculptures, paintings, and artworks.

PRO-TIP: Admission into the castle requires a ticket, and I really recommend getting your ticket in advance. You will be given only 1.5 hours to tour the castle and they cap the number of visitors allowed inside. You also have the option to join a guided tour

Discover Trastevere

After an exhaustive tour of the Castle of the Holy Angel, an 8-minute drive will take you to Trastevere which is on the opposite side of the River Tiber. Trastevere is an old Italian neighborhood in Rome with medieval houses and alleyways. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and get a feel of the very Italian atmosphere, relax in one of the quaint cafés, and join the locals for a lively, fun night.

There are also a couple of interesting attractions that you might want to see in Trastevere;

• Basilica Santa Maria: this is an old Medieval church, it’s the oldest Marian Church in Rome and the main attraction in Trastevere.
• Piazza di Santa Maria: this is the heart of the neighborhood. It’s a central square with a fountain and a church.
• Villa Farnesina: a 16th-century villa surrounded by lovely gardens and the interior is elaborately decorated in Renaissance style, with the walls covered in lovely artworks. Admission into the mansion is 9 euros, and it’s open to the public from Monday to Saturday.

---

I am always looking for ways to save time and money when I travel – and if you are like me, I recommend you consider these options for your 4-day Rome Itinerary. These passes will provide you with great discounts and also, help you to skip the line – so you can save both, money and time.

Here are my recommendations for you on the top 3 options:

OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card: This is the TOP CHOICE with over two thousand reviews and 5 stars! With this pass, you will skip the line with free admission to sites like the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museums. Plus, you can explore your 4-day Rome Itinerary on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and free unlimited public transport.

---

Roma Pass: This is a 48 or 72 hours pass that offers skip-the-line admission to many attractions included in the pass. Also, you will ride for free on the city’s public transportation network.

---

Best of Rome All Access Pass: With this pass, you will visit the most popular attractions in Rome, and enjoy unlimited access to all public transport for 72 hours

Rome is a very touristy city with large crowds and lots of traffic. And to get the best experience during your stay, you should be able to easily get around without any confusion. Rome has both private and public transport services, including buses, taxis, trains, and rental cars.

The public transportation system is run by the ATAC and includes buses, metro, trams, and a suburban train network. The main transport hub is Stazione Termini, with tickets for all forms of transport.

The easiest way to explore the city during your 4-day Rome itinerary is with public transportation. You can get an OMNIA Card for free bus & metro rides.

Deciding where to stay in Rome during your visit is just as important as having a clear itinerary. Since one of the very first things you’ll do is to get settled into your hotel or apartment, I shared some of the favorite neighborhoods in Rome.

I highly recommend staying at the Centro Storico which is the heart of Roman history. It is ideal for first-time visitors because it’s closest to all the major historical attractions.

And if you want to stay away from the crowds, I also included quiet neighborhoods that are more affordable and outside the major tourist attractions.

Centro Storico: the best area for sightseeing

If you want to be close to the best places to visit during your 4-day Rome itinerary, this is an ideal place to stay in Rome.

Centro Storico is the historic center and the heart of Rome. All the exciting attractions of ancient Rome including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are right there, others like the Trevi fountain and Spanish steps are within a walkable distance. Here is my top pick for you:

---

---

---

Trastevere: The best area for vibrant nightlife

This is another great neighborhood in Rome with a vibrant atmosphere and strong local vibes. Trastevere is largely car-free with narrow cobblestone streets, and ancient buildings, very walkable and lively. If you want to enjoy a cozy Roman neighborhood with vivacious nightlife, then Trastevere will be perfect for you. It’s worth mentioning that there is no metro stop here, there are some buses, but you can only connect to the other parts of the city by tram.

---

I have visited Rome in different stations, and it can be cold in winter and very hot during summertime.

If you are visiting in winter or cold months, be aware that it can be cold. The coldest months in Rome are from December to February, with average lows of 30.4°F (-1°C). So bring some layers. I recommend a warm jacket, comfortable boots, and a nice coat to wear in the evenings.

If you are also visiting during hot months, think about light clothes and comfortable shoes to walk and explore during the day. Leave your pair of high heels at home, as you won’t need them. Don’t forget your sunblock, and sunglasses and consider a hat too.

For the evening, especially if you are planning to have dinner at one of the nice restaurants, you can think about a comfortable summer dress and sandals. Or if you are not into dresses, a pair of jeans and a nice top and a nice pair of sandals.

I also recommend bringing a pashmina for the evening, and also, for visiting religious sites as you will need to cover your shoulders.

Besides being a big and busy city, the good news is that with a well-planned 4-day Rome Itinerary you will discover the top marvelous of the Eternal City.

The most important thing when you plan a visit to Rome for 4 days is to come with a pretty clear itinerary, book your hotel and tours in advance, and plan your transportation around the city. You will be surprised how much you will be able to see and experience in such a short period of time.

If you are planning to visit Italy, you may also enjoy reading the following:

• Ultimate Florence 3 Days Itinerary
• Ultimate Milan 2 Days Itinerary
• Best ways to travel from Milan to Lake Como
• Lake Como Best Itinerary in 1, 2, or 3 days
• 30 Most amazing Landmarks in Italy
• The 20 Top Coastal Towns in Italy you need to visit
• The Best Towns and Villages in Tuscany for your bucket list