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Use this list of 18 top attractions to build your perfect three days in Rome itinerary.

Rome Three Day Itinerary Builder: (Jump To)

Colosseum

At the top of everyone’s list of Roman sights is the iconic Colosseum. Completed in 80 AD, it holds the title of the largest amphitheater ever built. It is an absolute must that tickets be reserved in advance of your visit.

Neptune Fountain

Standing in the center of the Piazza Navona is the Neptune Fountain. While water has been flowing from the fountain for over 500 years, the statues were added toward the end of the 19th century. The sculpture, Neptune fighting with an Octopus, is a stunning work of art.

Pantheon

One of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, the Pantheon is one of many free sights in the city. The center dome and skylight are awe-inspiring.

The Bottom of a Pasta Bowl

Take note of the four “mother dishes” of Roman cuisine: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and alla gricia. Make it your goal to try all four during your visit.

Roman Forum

This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the ruins of the heart of Ancient Rome. The open-air walking museum is huge. To make the most of your visit it is best to hire a guide (or carry a great guidebook) that can give you some context to the history under your feet.

Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is adjacent to the Roman Forum and is a great companion to the main site. It also contains many ruins but served more as the playground to the rich and elite in Ancient Rome. The ruins of numerous temples and palaces are on display.

The Mouth of Truth

Located inside the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church is a fun piece of medieval legend. According to tradition visitors may dare to put their hand inside the mouth of the giant stone face. If the hand belongs to a liar the mouth will bite it off.

Piazza del Campidoglio

The ancient piazza was designed by Michelangelo in 1536. It is a beautiful example of civil design that ushered in a new age away from Ancient Rome toward the future. The piazza is now home to art and architecture museums.

Altar of the Fatherland

The Altar of the Fatherland is a giant monument built to celebrate the first ruler of unified Italy. Its location near the end of the Roman Forum makes it a perfect place to get a raised view of the historic ruins. It’s free to enter, with elevators available inside. There is a small fee to visit the very top of the monument, but the view from the free area is just as good.

Tiber

The main river through Rome is the Tiber. There are many opportunities to enjoy the river, but my favorite is to walk or bike along the trail that lines the embankments. Some of the most beautiful views in Rome are caught at a bend in the river.

Trastevere at Night

If you’re looking for a more authentic night out in Rome make plans for dinner and an evening stroll in the Trastevere region of the city. You can make dinner reservations for some of the more popular establishments, or you can just wander until the right place comes to you. It’s likely impossible to get a bad meal in Trastevere.

Trevi Fountain

It is tradition to take coins in your right hand, turn around, then throw them into the Trevi Fountain over your left shoulder. The €1.4 million annual coinage goes to charity. If you want to beat the crowds visit as early as possible in the day. The beautiful Baroque sculpture is one of the most famous fountains in the world.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Once the tallest building in Rome, the Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum. Throughout history the cylindrical building has had many uses, it is currently home to the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo, a museum celebrating the history of the building as well as various pieces of art, weaponry, and furniture.

Spanish Steps

In the 1953 film, Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn takes a memorable walk up the Spanish Steps. Without this film, likely, the stairs would just be a simple staircase leading to a church. It’s a nice spot for a selfie, or to sit for a bit to rest your feet.

St. Peter's Basilica

While technically in Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica towers over Rome both literally and figuratively. This is a must-see in the city as a holy site for Catholics and as an architectural marvel for anyone outside of the faith. The size and beauty of the church are impossible to write about. Make sure to save time for a climb up into the dome.

St. Peters Dome - Vatican City - Rome - Italy

The Vatican Museums

Art and history lovers could spend an entire vacation inside the nearly seven kilometers of gallery space inside the Vatican Museum. Much of the collection, as expected, is religious paintings and sculptures. There is also an Egyptian mummy collection, galleries of historical maps, and a carriage pavilion with fancy Cinderella-esque carriages.

Read our guide to the Must See Art at the Vatican.

Sistine Chapel

Part of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel. It is world-famous for the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The vastness and scope of Michelangelo’s masterpiece must be seen in person.

Gelato

Though many can debate otherwise, gelato is Italian ice cream. It sometimes seems like there is a gelato shop on every block in Rome. I don’t know how to describe it, but somehow Gelato tastes special on the streets of the Eternal City.

If you’re looking for a quick one-day cruise port itinerary for Rome, check out our post here.

Places mapped by Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android