3 DAYS IN ROME

HOW TO EXPLORE THE CITY’S KEY LANDMARKS ON FOOT

There are some cities I’ll never tire of revisiting, and one of these places is Rome. The ‘eternal city’ boasts numerous neighbourhoods to explore, countless monuments to discover, and a myriad of little alleys to walk through; a lifetime won’t suffice to explore everything. As I usually mention, walking is the best means to explore a city — to meet its people and discover its true essence. Due to the absence of metro lines running through its historic center and the challenges of driving in its narrow and crowded streets, Rome is the ideal place to explore on foot. Here’s a 3-day walking itinerary to help you savour the city’s main sights and areas, as I experienced it in February 2024.

DAY 1

Start your day early to avoid crowds at the Vatican Museums, admiring an unparalleled collection of art before reaching the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel (early pre-booking is essential). Some of the world’s most famous artifacts can be seen here, like Raphael’s School of Athens, the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoon statue.

Then exit the Museums and visit St. Peter’s Square, a stunning elliptical plaza designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Marvel at the grandeur of the square, surrounded by a colonnade adorned with 140 statues of saints. Take a moment to appreciate the central obelisk known as the Vatican Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monument relocated to Rome from Alexandria during Caligula’s reign.

Lastly, enter the Grand St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Marvel at its size and artistry, and consider taking an elevator (pre-booking recommended) or climbing the stairs to the dome for breathtaking city views. Don’t miss the famous Pieta statue inside the Basilica, sculpted by Michelangelo.

After finishing exploring Vatican city, head to Castel Sant’Angelo. This historic fortress, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, offers more than panoramic views. Discover its fascinating history, from a tomb to a papal fortress, and explore the various chambers, including the prison and the Papal Apartments (entry ticket needed).

Cross the Tiber River via the Ponte Sant’Angelo, marveling at the bridge’s statues and the stunning Castel Sant’Angelo that you leave behind, and admire some stunning views of the city reflected on the river water.

Continue walking through Via dei Coronari, one of the most picturesque street of the old city, that has maintained the character of an Italian Renaissance road to end up at Piazza di Tor Sanguigna, so that you can enter the magnificent Piazza Navona.

Piazza Navona, one of my favourite places in the city, is a lively square with Baroque architecture, cafes, and restaurants all around, including beautiful fountains adorned with statues and another obelisk. Enjoy a gelato and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The church facing the square is called “Sant’Agnese in Agone,” and entry is free if you want to take a look at its impressive frescoed cupola.

If you are up for more, explore the nearby Campo de’ Fiori (south of Piazza Navona), another vibrant square bustling with fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. The vendors vacate the square at sundown, but that’s when the bars and restaurants “awake” and take over the piazza with their lively and cheerful vibes.

Cross the river Tiber again through “Ponte Sisto” to find yourself in one of Rome’s most charming areas, Trastevere, for an aperitif or a delicious dinner.

Fun fact: Campo de’Fiori has been the set for the city’s public executions during previous centuries. The philosopher Giordano Bruno, whose monument can be seen at the square, was burnt alive for heresy on the 17th of February 1600.

DAY 2

Start your day at the magnificent Piazza del Popolo, a captivating square adorned with yet another Egyptian obelisk, stunning fountains, and iconic twin churches. Don’t miss the breathtaking view from the Pincio Terrace.

From there you can continue to Villa Borghese Gardens (free entrance) and explore its vast landscapes and sculptures. If you are an art enthusiast, continue to the Borghese Gallery (pre-booking essential) for a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings, including works by Bernini and Caravaggio.

Then, make a beeline towards the world-famous Spanish Steps, which cascade gracefully between the Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church. This iconic staircase, consisting of 135 steps, is not just an architectural marvel, but also a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. If you are into shopping, this area is lined with luxury boutiques.

A bit further along, you can see one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Trevi Fountain, a true gem of Baroque art adorned with intricate sculptures and featuring a figure of Neptune in the centre. Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to the eternal city (be mindful of the regulations).

Head towards the Pantheon, and on the way, make a stop at the Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola. The Church is known for its incredibly realistic optical illusion of three-dimensional space ceiling frescoes. Entry to the church is free, but there is a small fee if you want to see the impressive ceiling through the large mirror that people are usually queuing for.

Only a few blocks away, you can visit the Pantheon and admire this well-preserved ancient temple, renowned for its impressive dome. Take some time to appreciate its unique architecture and historical significance. Entry is free, but the queues are usually long.

Lastly, wander around Piazza della Rotonda, the square in front of the Pantheon, and embrace the lively atmosphere, perhaps indulging in some people-watching at a nearby café.

Interesting facts: The remarkable dome of the Pantheon remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome to this day, built by the ancient Romans in 126 AD. “Rotonda” in Italian refers to the round shape of the Pantheon, while “Pantheon” means “temple of all the gods” in Greek.

DAY 3

Start your day at Piazza Venezia and the impressive Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II. Built to honour Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, the monument stands as a symbol of the country’s unification. Its striking white marble facade, intricate sculptures, and commanding presence make it a prominent landmark in the city. Access is free, and it offers panoramic views of the city. If you’re interested, consider visiting the museum inside for historical exhibits (paid entry).

Just behind the grand monument, you can climb the stairs of the Capitoline Hill, renowned as the symbolic centre of ancient Rome. It is also home to the Capitoline Museums, which house a vast collection of art and artifacts. Its iconic Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, graces the hill and features a bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius at its center. From this elevated vantage point, you are treated to breathtaking views of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

You can continue along Via del Teatro di Marcello and admire, on your right-hand side, the Teatro di Marcello (a predecessor of the Colosseum), then the Tempio di Portuno, Tempio di Ercole Vincitore, and finally the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) on your left-hand side. It’s a captivating ancient sculpture located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, believed to bite off the hand of those who place it in their mouth and speak a lie.

Walking alongside the Palatine Hill, you can see the Circus Maximus (only its outline is visible), once the largest chariot racing stadium in ancient Rome, and then finally turn towards the Colosseum.

Walk towards the Colosseum (pre-book tickets if you want to enter), immersing yourself in the grandeur of this iconic amphitheater. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this colossal structure could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators who gathered to witness gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and mock sea battles.

After some well-deserved shots at one of the country’s most famous landmarks explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum next door, walking among ancient ruins and imagining life back in the Roman Empire. To access the Palatine Hill, you can purchase a combined ticket that usually includes entry to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

End the day at the Parco del Colle Oppio, a large green area located on the Oppian Hill. Apart from magnificent views of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, you can also get picturesque views of the archaeological remains of the Domus Aurea (a palace built by Emperor Nero), the Baths of Titus and the Baths of Trajan.

Fun fact: The “Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II”, also known as the “Altar of the Fatherland” or simply “Il Vittoriano”, has a nickname among locals in Rome – “The Wedding Cake” (La Torta Nuziale). This affectionate nickname is a playful nod to the monument’s grandiose and imposing white marble structure, which, with its layers and pillars, bears a resemblance to a tiered wedding cake.

Additional Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be covering significant distances each day.
Purchase a Roma Pass for discounted entry to many attractions and free public transportation.
Follow the etiquette guidelines provided, especially when visiting landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City.
Pack water and snacks for your walks.
Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Be wary of restaurants with overly aggressive touts or those located on heavily touristed streets and squares. These establishments often prioritize quantity over quality and offer subpar food at inflated prices.
Learn some basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience.
Enjoy the relaxed pace and savour the local atmosphere!

Remember, this is a flexible itinerary and can be adjusted based on your interests and preferences. Enjoy your walking adventure in Rome!