4 Days in Rome : The perfect itinerary for first-time visitors
The Eternal City should be on everybody’s bucket list. It is one of those destinations that can be revisited many times and rediscovered as well. But if you are visiting Rome for the first time it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. That is why I prepared this guide for you. So that you can spend 4 amazing days in Rome.
DAY 1
Arrived at Fiumicino Airport at 6 o’clock local time. The airport is decent, but the best part is that is well connected to the centre of Rome. You have the option of taking a bus for around 8€ or the train for 14€. I chose the last one because you arrive at Rome Termini (central station) in half an hour.
Started the day early with an Italian breakfast, with a cornetto( the croissant in Italian) and some orange juice.
When you think about Rome, the first thing that pops into your head is Fontana di Trevi. It must be an iconic monument for the city. Even if I got there before 10 am, it was already getting a lot of tourists. There are some people who try to get here at sunrise to take their photos, but if you are patient you can get your turn at any point.
Don’t forget to throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. According to tradition that means that you will return to Rome.
The streets of Rome are like an outdoor museum. The architecture, the colorful buildings make walking in Rome a pleasure. Even if it started to get hotter outside, most of the alleyways are in the shade so you don’t get to experience the same heat.
Stop for a Gelato. It’s never to early for that in Italy!
Don’t forget to check Campo de’Fiori. An outdoors market that offers authentic Italian products. Loved how colorful everything was- the oranges, the lemons, the tomatoes. I got a little bit thirsty, so I had to try a freshly squeezed orange juice. I think it was the best I had.
This area is not as touristy as the one near the Trevi Fountain, but worth a visit. Keep in mind that it is open until 2 pm.
If you follow the course of the road you will reach the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Originally a church, it had a unique feature that makes this place worth visiting. The rotunda with a massive domed ceiling that was the largest of its kind when it was built. The price for entry is 5 €.
Around the Pantheon there are a lot of cute cafés. I found “Mr. 100 Tiramisu” that looked amazing, but it didn’t have any seating available, so I went to the other location on my list “Ginger”. They have a great variety of breakfast and brunch options. So I went with the pancakes. Delicious!!
The next place you want to check out is Piazza Navona. In the middle you can see Bernini’s impressive Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, which translates to the fountain of the 4 rivers. Take a stroll around the trattorias and wine bars. And don’t forget to take your photos.
DAY 2
The first tourist attraction of the day was Piazza di Spagna. It is known for the architecture of the Spanish Steps, recognizable due to the fact that many movies have used them as their backdrop. A while ago you were allowed to sit on them, but not anymore.
At the top of the stairs you will find the church of the Trinità del Monte. I recommend you to go up anyway because the view from there is spectacular.
No trip to Rome is complete without trying a Tiramisu. In the proximity of the steps there is a location called Pompi Tiramisù that offers some delicious desserts.
From Piazza di Spagna follow Via del Corso, the main shopping street of Rome, and you will reach Piazza del Popolo, the largest square in Rome. Walk around to see the twin churches and the fountains.
For a better view, go to Terrazza del Pincio. To arrive there follow the narrow street behind the fountain as it will take you up the hill. Do not walk fast, because I know that it looks easy and accessible, and instead I was a little bit sweaty when I reached the top. The view from up there though made it soul- satisfying.
As I went back on this street I stopped for a little shopping. You can find some well known Italian brands, and if you are lucky, at sales.
One of the largest parks in Rome hosts so many various attractions. You can go inside the museums, but I was more interested in the Gardens. Look out for the Temple of Diana, Fonte Gaia or my favorite Tempio di Esculapio( the one in the photo).
You can easily spend 4-5 hours here.
I know that this one is not a classic place to go to, but in every city I travel to I have a tradition of visiting its Hard Rock Cafe.
DAY 3
Excited for a new day, although my feet were hurting a bit from the day before.
Had breakfast and I was ready to start exploring . Used the Metro for the first time in Rome. It is pretty easy to find your way around. Arrived at the Colosseum station which is located exactly near the tourist spot.
The moment you see this construction that serves as a symbol of Rome’s rich cultural heritage you will remain speechless. It is unbelievable how this building survived through so many changes along history.
And if you didn’t know the Colosseum is now on the list of the 7 wonders of the world. I would advise you to purchase your tickets before as if you wait until the day you visit you will have to stay in a pretty big line to get inside.
Photo tip: there is a small street that goes up the hill behind the metro station. You will have a better view from there!
When you purchase the ticket for the Colosseum you will also have included the Palatine Hill. Although it is not that well known and not that spectacular, it is still impressive to look around at the birthplace of Rome.
Walking around the Colosseum you will encounter many historical artifacts and constructions like the Arch of Constantine or of Nero. Look around and then head towards the Roman Forum. Admire buildings that resisted the test of time, and still found here from the founding of Rome. You don’t have to pay an entry fee.
When you walk past this building it is impossible not to notice that it has a unique design. The buildings in Rome usually have an orange or yellow hue, but this one is enormous and painted in white and covered with white marble.
You have to climb the stairs to get inside, and it wasn’t quite pleasing to do that in the middle of the summer, but the view from the top made it worth it. In the first rooms you can walk around for free and then you have to buy a ticket to access the main exhibitions. You can take the elevator to go on the terrace for 10€.
For the rest of the day I strolled around the streets looking to admire the architecture. I also enjoyed a really good slice of pizza. You can find many locations as you walk, so you don’t necessarily have to sit in a restaurant.
DAY 4
Trastevere is a chic neighborhood filled with cafes and narrow streets. Go across Ponte Sisto for the most beautiful area. I walked for 2 hours, stopped for a great gelato( don’t have a photo because until I decided how to pose with it, it kinda started to melt and didn’t look great anymore) and went back to the hotel to pack.
Arrived by train 3 hours before departure because I wasn’t sure if I will need more time since I didn’t purchase the ticket before. But that was the best way to spend 4 days in Rome. Arrivederci Roma!
