The Ultimate 4 Days in Rome Itinerary
This post is all about how to spend 4 days in Rome.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Rome is an incredibly enchanting city to visit – especially if it’s your first time in Italy!
I recently spent 4 days in Rome and it was the perfect amount of time to see all of the major sights without feeling too rushed or burnt out.
In this four days in Rome Itinerary, I’ve mapped out what to do, where to stay, and what to eat if you only have 4 days to visit Rome.
4 Days in Rome Itinerary
Day 1: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps
Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the most well-preserved buildings from ancient Rome. It was built in 126 AD! This building is famous for the massive domed ceiling that is actually open to the sky in the center.
The Pantheon is free to enter and definitely a must-see sight during your 4 days in Rome.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 9am to 7pm every day. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is less than a 10 minute walk from the Pantheon so I highly recommend heading here next.
This fountain is one of the most iconic spots in Rome. It gets incredibly busy here during the day so I highly recommend waking up early in the morning to get here before the swarms of tourists arrive.
Make sure you have a few small coins with you to throw over your shoulder into the fountain.
All of the coins that are thrown into the fountain are gathered, cleaned, and given to a charity that helps support international emergency relief programs, as well as migrants and refugees in Rome.
Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy.
Hours: The fountain is open 24 hours a day.
Spanish Steps
Nearby to the Trevi fountain you’ll find the Spanish Steps – another popular stop on your 4 days in Rome itinerary.
The 135 stairs that make up the Spanish Steps are a very popular place for tourists and locals to hang out during the day. They date back to 1735 and connect the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper Piazza Trinita dei Monti.
Important info: You are no longer allowed to sit on the steps. You could face fines of up to $450 if you are caught sitting or eating here.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy.
Hours: The steps are open 24/7.
Day 2: Colosseum and Roman Forum
The Colosseum
You can’t visit Rome without a trip to the Colosseum! This massive structure is actually the largest amphitheater ever built.
The doors typically open at 8:30am but you’ll want to get there as early as possible to avoid standing in line for too long. If you want to be one of the first ones inside, buy your ticket in advance and skip the line.
Your priority ticket to the Colosseum will cost around $25 and will also include entrance into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.
Hours: 8:30am to 7pm.
The Roman Forum
As I mentioned above, your Colosseum ticket also gives you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The Roman Forum was home to some of the most important buildings in ancient Rome. Walking through the ruins that make up the Roman Forum is such an incredible experience.
This was actually one of my favorite things we did in our 4 days in Rome.
Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
Hours: 9:30am to 7pm.
Day 3: Trastevere Neighborhood
The Trastevere neighborhood is one of the most charming areas in Rome. This neighborhood is a maze of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings covered in vines, and cute cafes.
We spent so much time just wandering around this neighborhood and enjoying the views and fresh pasta.
Getting to this neighborhood is easy from Rome’s Termini Station. Grab the H bus, which runs regularly and takes about 20 minutes.
Some things to do in Trastevere:
- Get lost and take incredible pictures
- Relax in one of the many piazzas
- Eat fresh pasta at Pasta e Vino Osteria
- Visit Basilica of Santa Maria Church
- Sip wine at Mimi & Coco
Day 4: Vatican City
The Vatican City is at the heart of Rome but it is actually a different country. This tiny country is home to just 1000 residents but it contains some of the most important sights in Rome.
Visit St. Peter’s Square & Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
Get your Vatican City Tickets here.
The Best Time to Visit Rome
Rome is an incredible city to visit year-round, and you’ll find plenty to do here in any season.
Spring is my favorite time to visit Rome because the weather is beautiful and the crowds are still pretty minimal. Just make sure you avoid the week leading up to Easter if you don’t want to experience insane crowds.
Temperatures are cool but comfortable in the winter (November-March) and there are far fewer crowds.
The summer months are the most popular time of year to visit Rome, but it can be crazy hot during the day. This is also the time of year that you’ll find the most crowds and the highest prices on accommodations.
Getting Around Rome
Walking is my favorite way to get around Rome. Most of the historical sights can be reached on foot and it’s a great way to soak in more of the charm of the city.
Public transportation in Rome isn’t quite as good as other major European cities. The subway system doesn’t run through the majority of the historical center, making it pretty useless for tourists.
Buses can help you get to places in Rome that the subway doesn’t reach. Bus tickets can be purchased at Metro stations and Tabacchi shops around the city.
If you want to find out more about the different bus routes in Rome, check out the official bus website here.
Where to Stay in Rome
Hotels
Here are some of the top rated hotels in Rome:
Budget: ($50-100 per night)
Prince’s Suite Luxury Business Collection
Mid-Range: ($125-200 per night)
High-End: ($225-1000 per night)
Hostels
There are countless options for places to stay in Rome for every budget. We were on a pretty tight budget when we visited, so we stuck to hostels.
Our favorite hostel in Rome (and one of my all-time favorite hostels) was called The Yellow. The concept was very unique – the hostel includes just about everything you’d ever need. There’s a restaurant, bar, laundromat, gelato shop, bike rental, escape room, and even a barber shop located within the property.
We also stayed at the Generator for one night. This hostel was great but after staying at the Yellow, the atmosphere here seemed a little lacking.
Where to Eat & Drink in Rome
Pasta E’Vino Osteria
We literally stopped in our tracks when we walked by the fresh pasta displayed in the window at Pasta e’Vino Osteria. If you’re looking for fresh, delicious Italian pasta dishes, this is the spot you’ll want to go first.
La Forchetta D’oro
If you want to stuff yourself with pasta, bruschetta, and wine for under 10EUR, La Forchetta D’oro is a great spot to grab dinner. We were shocked at how much food we got for such a low price and it was all delicious.
Li Rioni a Santiquattro
This is a great little pizza spot near the Colosseum. The pizza is thin and crispy, the wine is cheap, and the staff is incredibly friendly. This was definitely one of our best meals in Rome.
Mimi & Coco
We stumbled upon Mimi and Coco while we were wandering around Trastevere. The 1920s Art Deco interior is what initially drew us in but the friendly staff is what really made the experience so special.
This is a great place to grab a mid-day glass of wine and a plate of bruschetta and watch the world go by.
Il Gelato Di Cremilla
You wouldn’t expect some of the best gelato in Rome to be located in the train station. The gelato is so delicious and creamy at Il Gelato Di Cremilla and we seriously came back here almost every day during our 4 days in Rome. They also have plenty of vegan gelato options!
Fior Di Luna
Another delicious gelato shop you need to try while you’re in Rome. They offer plenty of vegan options as well.
This post was all about how to spend 4 days in Rome. Looking for more Italy posts?
