With this 5 day Rome itinerary you’ll explore classic Roman sites, discover the best places for people-watching, and experience Rome beyond its downtown core, away from the crowds. As a solo female traveler who has been to Rome more than 10 times, I’ve done all this and more, giving you the absolute best itinerary.

If you don’t have a full five days to spend in Rome, don’t worry, at the bottom of this post I’ve included a weekend trip itinerary that covers all the essentials for your Roman holiday.

With five full days, you can see all of the classic sites, while also taking your time to venture outside the city center and enjoy all that Rome has to offer. Take it slow and enjoy the sights, or use the extra time to visit one of the many Roman museums for an enriching cultural experience.

Day 0: Arrival

Upon arriving in the evening, I recommend staying near the Termini train and bus station as it is close to all the public transportation needed to start your day. If traveling by train, you won’t have to walk far to your hostel/hotel. 

Recommended Accommodations (where I have personally stayed!)
For budget travel: The Beehive Hostel
For midrange travel: Roman Holidays Boutique Hotel  

Day 1: Free Classic Rome Sites

Get ready for an active day of walking through Rome’s streets seeing some of the classic Roman sites.

Start your day with  breakfast at a bar (the Italian version of a coffee shop). You can order coffee and a pastry or if you’re looking for something more filling, check out Centro for both Italian and American fare.

Head to Campo de’Fiori piazza where you can find one of the oldest markets in Rome. Enjoy the atmosphere and grab some snacks for later. Afterwards, check out the area and side streets. There are many cute shops, including a great glass and jewelry store off the piazza. 

Campo de’Fiori Market
Hours: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed on Sundays 

Once you’re done shopping, walk over to Piazza Navona, a personal favorite of mine. Take time to relax as this is one of the best piazzas for people watching and finding street performers. There are also some cool fountains to see in the middle of the piazza. 

TRAVEL TIP: Come back at night to check out the nightlife and see the fountains lit up

After resting your feet, take a 5 minute walk over to see the Pantheon, a masterpiece of ancient architecture and one of the best-preserved ancient structures. Originally built as a temple, the Pantheon is now currently used as a church. The most interesting thing about the Pantheon is its  huge dome with a hole in the middle. Imagine 2,000 years ago trying to build that dome with no modern construction equipment!

Pantheon
Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission: €5
Tickets: Can be purchased online from the official site or in person
Note: This is a major tourist attraction so expect crowds during the busy summer months.

If you’re hungry after visiting the Pantheon, stop in any of the pizzerias nearby for a quick bite to eat. You’ll see many places selling pizza by the slice. If you would prefer a more sit down meal or aren’t hungry yet, wait until you get closer to the next stop where it is not as over crowded with tourists. 

Head to Villa Borghese, a massive park in the middle of downtown Rome for a place to rest and relax. There are wide open paths, benches to sit on, beautiful fountains to look at, and grassy shaded areas to hang out. If you are traveling with others who may be wanting to do any activity or two, they can ride bikes through the park or visit the famous Villa Borghese Gallery and Art Museum.

Villa Borghese
Park Hours: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Museum Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, last entrance is at 5:45 pm. Closed on Mondays 
Museum Admission: €25 for adults
Note: Tickets must be booked in advance

Once you’re ready to see more of the famous Roman sites, make your way to the Spanish Steps, famous for the views and beautiful architecture around the piazza. Although you’re no longer able to sit on the steps, you can still enjoy the view from the top.  

TRAVEL TIP: Sitting or eating on the Spanish Steps is now forbidden but the public drinking fountains in the piazza below the steps are a great source of free tap water while you explore Rome, especially on those hot summer days

Take 10 minutes to walk to the Trevi Fountain. This beautiful fountain built in the 18th century Baroque style has been featured in countless movies and is not to be missed. Don’t forget to toss a coin in the fountain and make a wish! 

TRAVEL TIP: If you’re visiting during peak times and there are too many tourists, come back late at night (i.e., midnight or later) to take in the beauty of the fountain lit up with fewer tourists around

Make your last sightseeing stop at the Column of Marcus Aurelius, a 5 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain. This massive column is almost 2,000 years old and depicts scenes from the battles of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius’s military campaign. Similar to the Pantheon, it was considered an engineering feat at the time. 

After all that walking around, head back to your accommodation to rest before going out for dinner. If you are staying near Termini Station, I recommend Trattoria al Tettarello. The food is amazing and at a good price. They don’t take reservations so be prepared to wait in line but it is worth it! 

TRAVEL TIP: If you don’t want to navigate these sites by yourself check out a free walking tour. However, these tours tend to be quite large. If you’re looking for a more individualized experience, check out some of these Roman sightseeing tours. Tours are a great way to meet others if you’re traveling solo and I’ve met some great friends this way!

Day 2: Paid Classic Rome Sites 

While you won’t be visiting as many sites today, be prepared to walk and be outside. You’ll spend most of your day visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and then head over to Castel Sant’Angelo. I recommend visiting these sites in this order: Colosseum – Roman Forum – Castel Sant’Angelo.  The Colosseum will become more crowded as the day goes on, so it is important to get there early.

After having  breakfast, head over to the Colosseum. Similar to the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum is one of the most famous sites in Rome. Built 2,000 years ago, it was originally used for gladiatorial games and could seat 80,000 visitors. Over time, it was damaged and the floor was removed so you can see the underground tunnels. Nowadays, you can walk throughout the multiple levels of the Colosseum as well as marvel at its beauty from afar.

Colosseum
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm in the winter and 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in the summer. You can check out the most up-to-date Colosseum hours here. 
Admission: €18 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month. The ticket that includes the underground tunnels of the Colosseum is €24 (full experience ticket) .
Tickets from the official Colosseum site
Full Experience Tickets official site (includes Colosseum underground tunnels). Note: This books up a month in advance. If it is fully booked, you can check out a guided tour, though these are often expensive.
Note: The last entry is 1 hour before the Colosseum closes. Admission to the Colosseum uses a timed entry system, so you must arrive at the time of your ticket. This ticket is also valid for the Roman Forum for entry at any point during the day. 

TRAVEL TIP: Visit the Colosseum late at night to see it lit up with few tourists around and you might even catch some fireworks around midnight if you’re lucky

After spending time at the Colosseum, head over to the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was built over 2,000 years ago and was considered the commercial and political center of Rome. It used to hold temples, churches, and government buildings, as well as being a place for the public to gather. During the Middle Ages, stone from the buildings was repurposed, leaving the Roman Forum in disarray. Nowadays, the Roman Forum is a collection of remnants from these ancient buildings that you can walk up to, explore, and imagine what life was like back then.

Roman Forum
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm in the winter and 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in the summer. You can check out the most up-to-date Roman Forum hours here. 
Admission: €18 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
Tickets from the official Roman Forum site
Note: You can enter at any time with your ticket but last entry is 1 hour before the Roman Forum closes

TRAVEL TIP: Your ticket to the Colosseum will also allow you entry into the Roman Forum

In the afternoon, head over to Castel Sant’Angelo. For those who want to wander through Rome, take a scenic walk either along the Tiber River or through the busy Roman streets to arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo. If you’re tired of walking, take one of the many buses from the Roman Forum or your hotel to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Castel Sant’Angelo is a mighty-looking well preserved fortress. Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a tomb for the Roman Emperor Hadrian a few thousand years ago. Later it was turned into a fortress and papal palace. Nowadays, Castel Sant’Angelo is open as a museum and you can explore the whole castle, but the best part of Castel Sant’Angelo is the view of Rome from the top.

Castel Sant’Angelo
Hours: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. Last entrance is at 6:30. Closed on Mondays
Admission: €12 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
Castel Sant’Angelo Tickets from the Official Website or here are some options for a guided tour

Head back to the hotel/hostel for some relaxation before dinner. If you still have some energy after dinner, check out the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum at night. Both are beautifully lit up, and you’ll find fewer tourists around.

Day 3: Relaxation/Museums

After two busy days walking around Rome, you may want a relaxing day. Sleep in and take it slow today. For those who would like something to do, Rome has a plethora of great museums. Take some time and visit a museum or two.

Recommended Museums/Activities 

• Palazzo Valentini: This is an awesome guided tour of ancient ruins that were found under the palazzo and a video recreation of Trajan’s Column. This is a personal favorite and I have taken the tour a few times. 
  • Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
    Admission: €12 for adults 
    Official Tickets
    Note: Need to reserve tickets ahead of time for a specific time and date
• Palazzo Altemps: Located near Piazza Navona, this palazzo has some unique Greek and Roman sculptures and Renaissance artwork. I loved the nice quiet area in the middle of the palazzo.  
  • Hours: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Mondays
    Admission: €10 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
    Official Tickets
• Centrale Montemartini Museum: This museum is in an old electricity factory! It houses some ancient sculptures and other Roman artifacts from the Capitoline Collection. This was a favorite museum of mine when I was younger.
  • Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays 
    Admission: €7.50 for adults
    Official Tickets
• Baths Of Caracalla: These ancient ruins used to be thermal baths, swimming pools, exercise areas, and gardens. Much of the structures are still there and it is fun to explore the area.
  • Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm in the winter and 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in the summer. Closed on Mondays
    Admission: €10 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
    Official Tickets
• Palazzo Massimo (National Roman Museum): This museum houses Roman sculptures, frescos, and artwork. 
  • Hours: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Mondays
    Admission: €10 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
    Official Tickets
• Stadium of Domitian: This smaller cool museum showcases the ancient ruins of the stadium that was uncovered under Piazza Navona! I enjoyed learning more about ancient sports.
  • Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
    Admission: €9 for adults
    Official Tickets
• Go shopping at the Rinascente and check out ancient ruins: In the lower level of the Rinascente (a higher-end shopping mall), they uncovered some ancient aqueducts from 2,000 years ago. You can now see the aqueducts and a video explaining it.
  • Hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (Food hall is open until 11:00 pm)
    Admission: Free 
    TRAVEL TIP: The Rinascente has a nice rooftop bar/restaurant and free bathrooms

Day 4: Crossing The River (Vatican and Trastevere)

Today you’ll spend time on the other side of the Tiber river visiting the Vatican and the Trastevere neighborhood.
Not interested in the Vatican? Check out a day trip to Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman city preserved similarly to Pompeii. 

The Vatican Museums can get crowded quickly, so I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds later in the day. The museums house thousands of artworks from paintings and frescoes to sculptures, tapestries, and so much more. My personal favorite is the Map room. Additionally, you’ll see artwork from famous artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. Your ticket also includes the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.

The Vatican Museums
Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry is at 4:00 pm). Closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month 9:00 am to 2:00 pm 
Admission: €17 for adults
Official Vatican Museums Tickets
Note: Tickets are available 2 months in advance and often sell out, so set a timer for 2 months before you want to go to purchase tickets. If they are all sold out check out a guided tour of the Vatican Museums  

After visiting the Vatican Museums, check out St. Peter’s Basilica, which is free to enter. If you’re up for the challenge, buy a ticket to the dome and walk up all 551 steps to arrive at the top of the dome with an amazing view of Rome. I highly recommend doing this! If you are looking to avoid long lines, I recommend waking up even earlier and climbing the dome before visiting the Vatican Museums (the dome opens 1 hour before the museums do). 

St. Peter’s Basilica
Dome Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm/6:00 pm depending on month 
Dome Admission: €8 if you take the stairs, €10 if you take the elevator part way
Dome Tickets: Purchase at kiosk when you arrive 
TRAVEL TIP: Do not wear anything that stops above your knees (i.e., shorts), or shows your shoulders (i.e., tank tops). You will be turned away at the Basilica and generally in any church in Italy. 

After spending several hours in the Vatican, take a break and head back to your accommodation for a few hours to relax, just as the Italians do. Then spend the late afternoon/evening visiting Trastevere. 

If you don’t need a break, spend 40 minutes walking along the river from the Vatican or hop on a bus to go to the Bocca della Verità, which is across from the Trastevere neighborhood. In my 20+ years of visiting Italy, I never fail to get a picture at the Bocca della Verità! 

The Bocca della Verità, which translates to “the Mouth of Truth,” is a large marble disc located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria. The disc is carved into the shape of a human face with an open mouth, and according to legend, anyone who tells a lie while placing their hand in the mouth will have their hand chopped off…

Bocca della Verità
Hours: 9:30 am to 5:50 pm 
Admission: Free 

TRAVEL TIP: Do not wear anything that stops above your knees (i.e., shorts or short dresses), or shows your shoulders (i.e., tank tops) as you might be turned away. If you do, churches sometimes will provide a shawl for you to wear. 

If you are visiting in the spring, walk a few minutes up the road to the Rose Garden (Roseto di Roma Capitale) to see some beautiful roses in a relaxing garden.

In the late afternoon/evening, wander through the winding streets of Trastevere and take in the colorful buildings and quaint shops. Stop for an aperitivo (happy hour) at one of the many outdoor cafes, and visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome. The interior is adorned with stunning frescoes, and the piazza outside is filled with lively street performers. After exploring, enjoy an amazing meal at one of the nearby restaurants. 

Day 5: Outside Downtown Rome

After a few days in downtown Rome, use your last day to experience some of the awesome sites outside of the city center. I love these less touristy sites and always take friends here. 

Start with the Wall Museum (Museo delle Mura). The best part of this small museum is being able to walk on the ancient Roman Wall! You can go for a ways, take in the view from the top and look out of the slits in the wall. Inside, you will find some history and artifacts about the Roman Wall.

Wall Museum
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed on Mondays
Admission: Free
Official Website

Next make your way to the Aappian Way (Appia Antica). The Appian Way is one of the oldest and most important ancient Roman roads. It was a crucial military and commercial route that connected Rome to southern Italy. The road was paved with large stones, making it a smooth and efficient route for travel and commerce. You can walk for several hours along this road or rent a bike, seeing ancient ruins and monuments along the way. Additionally, you can stop at some cafes and restaurants for lunch before returning. 

Last stop of the day is to visit the Catacombs nearby. The Catacombs are underground burial sites, often consisting of a network of tunnels and chambers. In ancient times, Christians were not able to bury the dead in public cemeteries so turned to these Christian catacombs located on the outskirts of Rome. If visiting in the summer, this is an especially nice break from the unforgiving summer heat.

Each Catacomb tour will have different hours and prices. I personally took the Catacomb Domitilla tour and loved it.

Catacomb Domitilla tour
Hours: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays
Admission: €10 for adults 
Official Tickets for Catacomb Domitilla Tour

After visiting the catacombs, head back into the city to grab your bags and depart Rome in the late afternoon/evening. 

Quick Summary Of Each Day 

Day 0: Arrival

Arrive in the evening 

Day 1: Free Classic Rome sites –  visit on your own or do a free walking tour

Campo Di Fiori (market and great glass store and jewelry place off of the piazza)
Piazza Navona (fun to people watch and see all the street artists)
Pantheon (classic tourist site)
Villa Borghese (massive “central park” type area, great for midday rest)
Spanish Steps (classic tourist site)
Trevi Fountain (classic tourist site)
Column of Marcus Aureliusn (it tells a story of battles in stone carvings)

Day 2: Paid Classic Rome sites

Colosseum and Roman Forum (classic tourist sites) 
Castel Sant’Angelo (classic tourist site and cool castle with a great view) 

Day 3: Museums/Rest and Relaxation day

Relax at the hotel or check out one of the many Roman museums 
Visit the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum at night

Day 4:Vatican and Trastevere neighborhood

Vatican Museums
St. Peter’s Basilica and dome climb (part of Vatican city)
Trastevere Neighborhood (cute Rome neighborhood on other side of river with great food, and things to see)
Bocca Della Verità (classic tourist site)  
Rose Garden (botanical garden, Roseto di Roma Capitale in the Spring)

Day 5: Outside of downtown Rome

Wall Museum (walk on the ancient Roman Wall)
Appian way (really nice walk/bike)
Catacomb tour
Depart Rome in late afternoon/evening 

A Shortened Weekend Itinerary 

Only have a weekend to spend in Rome? Check out this shortened itinerary where you’ll still be able to see all the classic sites plus a few more. Note: Each site is linked to the above itinerary to learn more.

Friday

Arrive in the evening 
Visit the Trevi Fountain (classic tourist site) and Colosseum (classic tourist site) at night

Saturday 

Campo Di Fiori (market and great glass store and jewelry place off of the piazza)
Piazza Navona (fun to people watch and see all the street artists)
Pantheon (classic tourist site)
Villa Borghese (massive “central park” type area, great for midday rest)
Spanish Steps (classic tourist site)
Trastevere Neighborhood (cute rome neighborhood on other side of river with great food)

Sunday

Colosseum and Roman Forum (classic tourist sites) 
Castel Sant’Angelo (classic tourist site and cool castle with a great view) 
Leave in late afternoon/evening 

Common Questions

How many days should you spend in Rome?
A minimum of 2 days to see the classic sites, 5 days will allow you to see the best parts of Rome and off the beaten path spots

Where should you stay in Rome?
Stay near Termini Station. Transportation options are bountiful, close to sites and there are many hostels and hotels in the area 

When is the best time to visit Rome?
Visit in the Spring or Fall. There are fewer tourists and the weather is nicer for walking around all day

How do you get around Rome?
The best way is to use public transportation! You can take the somewhat limited metro or the vast network of buses. Note: You must buy bus tickets in advance. You can buy them in person at a Tabacchi store or using the app TicketAppy

A List Of Neat Roman Museums

• Palazzo Valentini: This is an awesome guided tour of ancient ruins that were found under the palazzo and a video recreation of Trajan’s Column. This is a personal favorite and I have taken the tour a few times. 
  • Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
    Admission: €12 for adults 
    Official Tickets
    Note: Need to reserve tickets ahead of time for a specific time and date
• Palazzo Altemps: Located near Piazza Navona, this palazzo has some unique Greek and Roman sculptures and Renaissance artwork. I loved the nice quiet area in the middle of the palazzo.  
  • Hours: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Mondays
    Admission: €10 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
    Official Tickets
• Centrale Montemartini Museum: This museum is in an old electricity factory! It houses some ancient sculptures and other Roman artifacts from the Capitoline Collection. This was a favorite museum of mine when I was younger.
  • Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays 
    Admission: €7.50 for adults
    Official Tickets
• Baths Of Caracalla: These ancient ruins used to be thermal baths, swimming pools, exercise areas, and gardens. Much of the structures are still there and it is fun to explore the area.
  • Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm in the winter and 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in the summer. Closed on Mondays
    Admission: €10 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
    Official Tickets
• Palazzo Massimo (National Roman Museum): This museum houses Roman sculptures, frescos, and artwork 
  • Hours: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Mondays
    Admission: €10 for adults, free the first Sunday of the month
    Official Tickets
• Stadium of Domitian: This smaller cool museum showcases the ancient ruins of the stadium that was uncovered under Piazza Navona! I enjoyed learning more about ancient sports.
  • Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
    Admission: €9 for adults
    Official Tickets