Wondering how to maximize your 4-day in Rome itinerary?
You have come to the right place. You are about to have an amazing vacation because there are so many amazing things to do, see, and explore in Rome in 4 days.
This Rome itinerary covers it all – from visiting the best landmarks in Rome to visiting the best restaurants, and the best areas to stay.
If you are wondering: How many days do I need in Rome? – Know that you can have a great trip with any amount of travel time. In this article, you will find how to best explore and maximize Rome in a 4-day itinerary. After all, Rome is my favorite city in the world and a wonderfully diverse place that is full of a neverending array of Roman landmarks. So, regardless of how many days you spend in Rome, you’ll never run out of things to do.
This 4 days in Rome itinerary was carefully crafted to be your one-stop guide. This guide is perfect to take you to see all the top attractions. Also, here you can find very helpful insider tips to save money in your Rome itinerary, find the best areas to stay in Rome, and tips on how to get around. At the end, you will also find a FAQ to help answer all the questions you may have.
You may also love these articles ❤️:
- 4-Day Rome Itinerary | Quick Guide
- 4-Day in Rome Itinerary Overview
- MUST-HAVE: Passes to Save Money & Skip the Lines in Rome for 4-Days
- The Best 4-Day in Rome Itinerary
- Other Fun Things to do During 4 days in Rome
- How to Get Around Rome for 4 Days
- Best Areas to Stay in your 4-day Rome Itinerary
- What to Pack for a 4-Day Rome Itinerary
- 4-Day Rome Itinerary FAQs
- 4-Day Rome Itinerary Conclusion
4-Day Rome Itinerary | Quick Guide
🏨 Best Places to Stay: Hotel Martis Palace (⭐️ 9.2) | Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Small Luxury Hotels of the World (⭐️ 9.2)
💡 Must-Read: Lonely Planet Rome | Must-have | Universal adapter
🎫 Skip the Line + FREE Transportation: OMNIA Card
✈️ Airport Transfer: Private Transfer
🚌 Hop-on-hop-off-bus | Bus day ticket
🏆 OVERALL Best Tour | Ancient Rome Tour (⭐️ 4/5)
🍕 Best Food Tour | Traditional Food Tour & Wine Taste (⭐️ 4/5)
📸 Best Guided Tour | Colosseum with Arena Floor, Forum, and Platine (⭐️ 4/5)
🌟 Best-Rated | Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (⭐️ 4/5)
4-Day in Rome Itinerary Overview
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 take advantage to enjoy the best of Rome at night, 4 days is just perfect!
Rome is an exciting 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. 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.
MUST-HAVE: Passes to Save Money & Skip the Lines in Rome for 4-Days
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:
🏆 TOP-PICK: OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card ⭐️
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.
🏆 BEST 72-HOURS PASS: 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
The Best 4-Day in Rome Itinerary
Day 1 in Rome: Explore the Ancient Rome
Start your day 1 of your 4-day Rome Itinerary by 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 discover where Julius Caesar was murdered.
1. Marvel at the Colosseum
The Best way to start the first day of your four-day 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.
⭐ INSIDER TIP: The best way to explore is to join the Colosseum on a guided tour. It is the fastest 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.
2. Discover the Roman Forum
Just a 3-minute 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 had 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.
⭐ INSIDER TIP: I recommend this tour to visit the Colosseum including access to unique areas such as the Underground, Arena, and upper tiers. Plus, you get to visit the marvelous Roman Forum and Palatine Hill views.
3. 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.
4. Take a pause for Lunch
After a morning of walking tours 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 is 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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 the nearby museums of the Museum of the Risorgimento and the National Museum of the Palazzo di Venezia.
7. 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 the 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.
⭐ INSIDER TIP: This is a perfect last stop for your first day of the 4-day Rome Itinerary. It is only an 18 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.
1. 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
⭐ INSIDER 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
2. 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.
3. 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).
⭐ INSIDER 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.
4. Relax at Piazza Navona
The Navona Square is only a min walk from San Luigi dei Francesi. This beautiful piazza houses many Baroque-style architecture.
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.
5. 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
⭐ INSIDER 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
1. 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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.
2. 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 some of the most significant buildings of the Roman Renaissance.
3. Climb the Pincio hills and 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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.
8. Aventine Hill and Testaccio
Known for being one of the seven hills that ancient Rome was built on, Aventine Hill played an important role in the story surrounding the founding of the city. Therefore, it was home to the Temple of Diana in ancient times and is where, today, you can find a wealth of quiet churches and gardens that offer a much-need respite from the chaos of the city during your four days in Rome itinerary.
In particular, the Garden of Oranges is a great place to stop as you enjoy local terraces with sweeping panoramas of the city. Also, be sure to visit the Aventine Secret Keyhole, at the door of the Institute of the Knights of Malta (Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 3, 00153 Rome), so that you can enjoy one of the best views in Rome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Finally, continue to Testaccio and, if you’re hungry, have some cacio e pepe pasta at Felice.
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.
1. 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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.
2. 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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.
3. 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 its 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.
⭐ INSIDER 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.
4. 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.
⭐ INSIDER TIP: Getting into the gardens requires a private tour ticket, making it the least crowded tourist attraction in Rome.
5. 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 the River Tiber, the Pantheon, and St Peter’s Basilica. As you’d expect, the castle also has some amazing sculptures, paintings, and artworks.
⭐ INSIDER 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
6. 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.
Other Fun Things to do During 4 days in Rome
If you have a bit of extra time during your 4 day in Rome itinerary or just looking for some unusual things to do in Rome then here are some other top Rome activities you might enjoy.
Explore Ostia Antica
Situated at the start of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica is an amazing archeological site in Rome that is regularly compared to Pompeii. Therefore, in ancient times, it served as a vital port and an important Roman city that dates back to the seventh century B.C.
If you choose to visit, don’t miss out on the House of Diana, The Thermopolium, The Bakery of Silvano, The Piazza of the Corporations, The Theatre, The Capitolium, and more. You can also book an amazing tour of the complex if you’re worried you might miss something.
Caracalla’s Baths
Carcalla’s Baths are another exceptional archeological site in Rome that give visitors keen insights into what life was like in Ancient Rome. In fact, these baths date back to the third century A.D. and were the city’s second-largest public baths after the Baths of Diocletian.
In terms of design, they were like many imperial baths of their time and served as a restorative place where people could bathe, walk, read, reflect, study, and practice self-care. And if you decide to visit, be sure to combine a trip here with a visit to Aventine Hill.
Enjoy a Cooking Class
One of the best things to do in Rome is to enjoy an authentic Italian cooking class. After all, many people visit Italy – and Rome in particular – to sample delicious, traditional Italian fare. Plus, there is no better way to become acquainted with a country’s culture than through its local fare.
So, try your hand at cooking real Italian cuisine by signing up for one of the best cooking classes in Rome. And while there are many great cooking classes in Rome, InRome Cooking Classes are my fave. Not only will you learn how to make homemade, authentic, Italian pasta, but the staff are exceptionally friendly and make the entire experience wonderfully fun and informative.
Explore the Jewish Ghetto
What many travelers don’t know is that Rome has its very own Jewish ghetto. It’s a beautiful part of the city that is conveniently located right in the center of Rome. And because this neighborhood is known for its delicious Roman cuisine, you could easily visit as part of a local food tour (try pizze for dessert, which is not to be confused with pizza) or explore on your own and enjoy the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of this incredible hidden gem in Rome.
However, don’t leave this part of the city without visiting Isola Tiberina, Palazzo Mattei, Largo Argentina, Teatro Marcello, Turtle Fountain, Via Del Portico D’Ottavia, The Synagogue, and Pons Fabricius.
How to Get Around Rome for 4 Days
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.
Best Areas to Stay in your 4-day Rome Itinerary
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:
📍 Overall Pick: Hotel Martis Palace
⭐️ RATING: 9 /10 Wonderful (518 Reviews)This is a great option at the heart of Rome. The property features a large roof terrace overlooking the whole city, with incredible views and breakfast included.
📍 Budget: Boutique Hotel Galatea
⭐️ RATING: 8.8 /10 Wonderful (1,477 Reviews)
This is a great option if you are traveling on a budget. Set on the corner of Via Nazionale you are right in the heart of one of the most popular shopping districts in Rome, a 10-minute walk from Termini Station.
📍 TOP Luxury: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
⭐️ RATING: 8.8 /10 Wonderful (564 Reviews)
This beautiful boutique hotel overlooks the Colosseum in Rome. The rooms are beautiful and welcoming, and an amazing breakfast is included.
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.
📍 Overall Pick: Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere
⭐️ RATING: 9.1 /10 Wonderful (1,630 Reviews)
Saint Peter’s Square and the Vatican City are a 15-minute from the hotel, while Campo de Fiori is 0.6 mi away. A great breakfast is included, and the facilities in this hotel are just amazing!
What to Pack for a 4-Day Rome Itinerary
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 the 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.
4-Day Rome Itinerary FAQs
Is 4 days in Rome enough?
While 4 days isn’t enough time to enjoy all that the city has to offer, you will be able to visit famous Roman sites like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museum.
Plus, with careful planning, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most unusual things to do in Rome when you visit vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere and Monti.
How can I spend 4 days in Rome?
With four days in Rome, you can see a majority of the most famous landmarks in Rome. So, expect to visit a lot of historical sites, see world-famous museums, stroll along the city’s charming cobblestone streets, and relax in some of the incredible piazzas Rome is famous for. Also, you can join one of the best cooking classes in Rome – therefore, you will need to purchase tickets or join a group tour.
How many days do you really need in Rome?
Because this city is brimming over with iconic attractions that will be at the top of any Rome bucket list, you’ll probably need between four and five days in Rome.
This will give you enough to explore offbeat neighborhoods, tour incredible museums, and see all the most beautiful landmarks in Rome without feeling rushed.
Yes, you can plan a two or three-day Rome itinerary but it will feel very fast-paced and you’ll miss out on some major Rome highlights since this amazing city has so much to offer visitors.
How Can I cover Italy in 4 days?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to cover Italy in 4 days. This historic and stunningly beautiful country has too many Italy landmarks for you to explore. However, you can see some of the most beautiful places in Italy if you spend:
Is Rome an expensive city?
Yes, Rome is easily one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Overall, prices are quite high and backpackers should expect to spend between $50.00 and $80.00 per day if they really stick to all of the free things to do in Rome.
However, if you have more of a midrange budget then expect to spend between $140.00 and $160.00 per day. For this amount of money, you’ll be able to eat out, enjoy some drinks, stay in an Airbnb, and enjoy fun landmarks like the Colosseum.
Should I spend more time in Rome or Florence?
While Florence is an amazing city and has a lot to offer, given its location near Tuscany and its wealth of Renaissance art, I would spend more time in Rome if it’s your first time in Italy.
This is mainly because Rome is home to a lot of big-name sites that will be at the top of your Italy bucket list. So, if you spend more time in Rome then you’ll see places like Pantheon, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, etc.
How much money do you need for four days in Rome?
How much money you need for four days in Rome will really vary based on your budget and your style of travel. However, on average, visitors tend to spend $180.00 per day, with $60.00 per day spent on food and $20.00 per day spent on transportation.
4-Day Rome Itinerary Conclusion
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 up 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 Milan 2 Days Itinerary
- Best ways to travel from Milan to Lake Como
- Lake Como Best Itinerary
- Top-Rated Lake Como Boat Tours
- The Best Places to Stay in Lake Como
- The 20 Top Coastal Towns in Italy you need to visit
- The Best Towns and Villages in Tuscany for your bucket list
- Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
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