When I visited this past May with my daughter, and a few friends (eight of us total), we knew the itinerary was going to be ambitious: Vatican City, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, shopping on Via del Corso, and even a sandwich shop where Bobby Flay has been spotted.
We only had three days and we packed then full and made the most of our time!
Here’s how we managed to see Rome’s greatest icons without feeling like we were stuck in an endless game of tourist traps — and how you can do the same.
Day One: Vatican City Without the Chaos
If you take one piece of advice from me: book early-entry tickets for the Vatican Museums. I’m talking before general opening hours early. Yes, they cost more, but you’ll see the Sistine Chapel before the crowds flood in, and you won’t have to fight for space.
Our must-see list:
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Gallery of Maps – Instagram perfection.
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Raphael Rooms – worth slowing down for.
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Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s masterpiece in (relative) peace. ( Pay attention when you enter, the staff wisk you thru the chapel fast, blink and you will miss it!
From there, we headed into St. Peter’s Basilica. Even in a city overflowing with architectural beauty, this is the one that will make you stop talking mid-sentence. If you have the energy, climb to the dome for an unbeatable view over the city.
Dress code tip: Your shoulders need to be covered — but choose breathable fabrics.
Day Two: Gladiators and the Colosseum
We booked tickets for the Colosseum at 1 pm . However our self guided tour was delayed until 5 pm. — it worked ok tho... we had time to look at all the ruins and take a break. More importantly, it meant no endless line baking in the sun.
I reccomend visiting Rome in the spring, even then- temps seem warm. It gets toast waiting in line. to enter the Colosseum.
We paired our Colosseum visit with the Roman Forum next door. Go in the late afternoon if you can — the ruins glow in the golden light, and the crowds thin out.
Bonus Tip: Show up only 10 minutes before the time shown on your e-ticket, they will NOT let you in early!
Day Three: Trevi Fountian, Spanish Steps and Shopping
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Spanish Steps: Empty at sunrise, packed by mid-morning. If you want that cinematic photo, set your alarm. Unfortunately we didn't make it til 9:30 a.m. - it wasnt too bad yet.
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Trevi Fountain: Visit twice — once during the day, and once after dinner when it’s beautifully lit and far less chaotic. Don't forget to toss your coin, ya know what they say- this means you will return to this exact spot again someday!
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Shopping on Via del Corso: From fast fashion to high-end boutiques, this main street has plenty to tempt you. Bonus: the side streets are just as good for window shopping and people-watching. This was definitely a highlight of our 3 days in Rome.
The Bobby Flay–Approved Sandwich Shop
In the Centro neighborhood near Piazza Popolo , La Vita e un Mozzico is a sandwich lover’s dream. The bread? Chewy perfection. The fillings? Generous and enough to sastify your hunger. The line? Long — but so worth it. We arrived around 11 a.m. and the line was still dobale. Don't miss this stop; you'll devour the best sandwich in Rome!
Pro tip: Go off-peak, then find a sunny piazza to enjoy your lunch.
Where We Stayed — and Why the Walk Was Worth It
We booked a BNB about a 20-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain. It wasn’t in the center of the action, which turned out to be perfect. It is listed as "Virgilio Suite" on Platforms for reserving accomodations.
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Quieter mornings
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Cafés with budget priced cappuccinos.
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A reason to stroll through streets most tourists never see.
Walking to the sights gave us some of the best moments — like discovering a tiny gelateria we’d have missed if we’d taken a cab.
Crowd-Dodging Strategies
- Book everything online in advance — Vatican, Colosseum, even popular restaurants.
- Reverse the schedule — big sights late in the day can be blissfully quiet
- One “anchor” activity per day — leave space for wandering, coffee breaks, and getting lost in a good way.
- Accept some chaos — Rome isn’t tidy, and that’s part of the magic.
Final Thoughts: Rome in 3 Days Is a Sprint — but a Beautiful One
Our Rome trip was short, and occasionally chaotic. It was also delicious, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable. With the right planning — and the right attitude — you can see the icons, eat like a local, and still have energy for a bit of nightlife!
Because in Rome, even a sprint leaves you with memories that linger. Rome "The Eternal City " lives up to its name with it's historical charm and magic that compels you to visit!
