How to see Rome in 3 days
To see Rome in three days, you must focus on one neighborhood per day to minimize travel time. Start early at 7:30 AM to beat the massive crowds at major landmarks and use the city's bus and tram network for cross-town transit.
- Buy your tickets in advance. Book tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums at least 4 weeks before your trip. Print the vouchers or keep them accessible offline; the queues for walk-ins can exceed 2 hours.
- Use the Roma Pass for transport. Purchase a 72-hour Roma Pass. It covers all public transport and provides discounted entry to your first two museum visits, which should be the Colosseum and the Capitoline Museums.
- Master the early start. Arrive at sites like the Trevi Fountain or St. Peter's Square by 7:30 AM. By 10:00 AM, these areas become too crowded to enjoy, so plan to be indoors or in quiet residential pockets by mid-morning.
- Is Rome walkable?
- Yes, but it is larger than you think. You will likely walk 8-10 miles per day. Use the bus or tram for distances over 1.5 miles to save your energy.
- Do I need to tip at restaurants?
- No. A small 'coperto' (cover charge) is often included. You can leave 1-2 euros for exceptional service, but it is not expected.