Rome in 3 days

Just know that you probably won't be able to avoid crowds. You're traveling in the highest of high seasons. Book tickets ahead of time for all attractions that allow it (e.g. Colosseum, Vatican). St. Peter's is usually less crowded in the afternoon.

Thanks Kelly. I will book all tickets in advance. I appreciate the advice. Do you think early morning is less crowded?

Kevin - first thing in the morning. I would book everything at the first time of the day. I always do this for several reasons: Im a morning person, so love to get up and going, far fewer people love to do this on their vacation ;), so far fewer people are at sites at the first time available (with exceptions), and lastly, the weather is perfect in the morning. I have had the experience frequently that as I am departing a site at 10:30-11 (after having arrive by 9 or earlier) the lines are far longer and crowds far worse than when I arrived. My family and I high-five, and then head out for a snack or lunch. In Rome, some afternoon things that would not be as affected by crowds would be the Borghese museum (they allot a set number of entry tickets per 2 hours time slots all day, so there is no time that is more crowded than another), the Capitoline museum (we went in July in the afternoon, and it was nearly empty - I dont think this is a first tier site for most people, but it turned out to be a big highlight for us), wandering from Piazza, to statue, to Gelato, to fountain, to Borghese park, etc, with lots of stops in the shade - yes its crowded, but at least you are outside. The other reason to schedule things in the morning is that it allows you to follow your energy levels and the weather more in the afternoons - if you have spent 3 hours at the Colosseum and Forum (which will get very hot by 10-11), you may want to have a picnic at Borghese park or wander indoors at the Capitoline (air conditioned) rather than wait in line at the Pantheon...

Hi Kevin,

Helpful tips: Please read all their fine print/policies as some sites may have been amended

If you want to visit The Pantheon Piazza della Rotonda - gorgeous, active Church. During a service, you won't be allowed to 'tour.' Free admission. Visiting hours: Monday-Saturday 8.30am-7.30pm (last admission 7.15pm); Sunday 9.00 am-6.00 pm (last admission 5.45 pm)

The Borghese Gallery tickets sell out fast. A timed visit. http://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/it No bags allowed. To protect your valuables, maybe wear a money belt (under your clothes) or put stuff into a secure pocket. Always be protective of your valuables.

The Colosseo tickets also sell out fast. A timed visit. https://www.coopculture.it/en/it/colosseo-e-shop.cfm Small to medium bags/backpacks are allowed.

The Trevi Fountain will be crowded; no way around it. "The fountain at the junction of three roads (Tre Vie)" I would encourage a visit. It's worth it! Until you are up close, it's almost unimaginable the majestic beauty. Little side streets will take you to shops and restaurants.

Piazza Navona is also very beautiful and lively. The Fountains are really something to marvel at and have a great history behind them. You can take a little break, cool down with some water, maybe grab a slice or a Panino and enjoy people watching.

Great pictures of the fountains and piazza. Shops and restaurants surround the Piazza. You may catch street musicians. I caught the same, great group of guys a few times in different Piazzas - first discovering them as I exited The Pantheon.

Campo de' Fiori is an outdoor market by day - it's a wonder to see them set up and take down their tents. By early evening, Campo is transformed into a hopping, fun, lively atmosphere.

Sometimes, the street musicians play in the Piazza. Stop to say hello to Giordano Bruno. His staunch beliefs cost him his life. Interesting history. There are many shops and eateries (as most of the Piazzas) have. Try going a bit off the "tourist path." You may discover a nice, little restaurant; good prices and good food.

A Vatican visit needs a ticket. https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?action=booking. A security check and no big bags allowed. Small to medium sized bags were ok'd by guards. There is a coat check, but, that will definitely impede your time and visit to go to St. Peter's.

It will be shoulder-to-shoulder viewing, so be prepared. Maybe a very early timing might be better. There are tour groups who do a 7AM (or similar) entry. The Sistine Chapel is definitely worth seeing. We were allowed at least 20 minutes of viewing. No cameras and no talking - security keeps reminding everyone. After a visit in the Sistine, you can go directly to St. Peter's Basilica.

St. Peter's Basilica free entry on your own even if you choose to not visit The Vatican. There is a security check. Same policies - no big bags, etc. But, there is a free 'coat check' at the lower level of St. Peter's (bottom of the stairs.) I can't speak on the total security of it. I would not leave anything of great or non-replaceable value. There is also a restroom on that level.

(I may be a bit biased, lol) I visited St. Peter's a number of times in the last two years and love, love, love it! It's my very favorite sanctuary. It's a gorgeous Basilica.

One does not have to be religious to appreciate the mesmerizing beauty and overall structure of this important Church. The Pieta - no words...Due to some vandals a number of years ago, The Pieta is behind some protective 'glass.' Keep that in mind if taking a photo

There is a Prayer (Reflective) Chapel that is just as gorgeous. It's definitely a peaceful place. No cameras and no talking. Guards will do spot checks. If they catch you taking a pic, they may escort you out. I saw it happen with 2 peeps.

(Continuing from above)

St. Peter's Basilica and the Piazza have a lot of discoveries (around the bend.) Some shops and some eateries away from the Piazza. Maybe get a meal or a slice.

You can bring an empty water bottle and fill up with the cold, flowing water from the nasoni around Rome. I think there is a position map, not sure how up to date it is, that will alert you to the fountains. I know there is one around the same level of the terrace at St. Peter's. Upon exiting, ask the guards; I forget the exact spot.

If you have time; maybe check out some Rome videos from The Roman Guy https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+roman+guy+rome

They give a lot of helpful hints for the new traveler to Rome. Maybe check out itineraries they offer and (copy) customize it to your shorter schedule.

There is also Walks of Italy https://www.walksofitaly.com/rome-tours/

Each of the above groups have experienced leaders with extensive backgrounds.

Piazza di Spagna - the Spanish Steps - climbing to the top will afford you another beautiful Church - Trinità dei Monti and a beautiful view. Read up on the interesting history.

Castel Sant Angelo Near The Vatican/St. Peter's (sorry for the out of order) - Visiting the Bridge of Angels is a short walk from St. Peter's. Even just walk the bridge to get a sense if you don't have time to visit the museum.

Piazza del Popolo - dubbed "The People's Square" - Really great history.

It may be fun in your down time to check out Rome's webcams to get an idea of crowds, etc. https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio/roma.html

Another very famous, gorgeous, and equally important Church is The Basilica of St. John Lateran
Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Obviously, map out your destinations (in real time) to make the most of your visit so you are not "backtracking." (rookie mistake, lol!) Have fun!

Update to add: Take a walk to Altare della Patria - "Altar of the Fatherland" (The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument) Beautiful and commanding monument. Built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. It occupies a site between the Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill.

Catch the bustling activity (from the webcam link) all day and night around the Piazza!

I love Churches (having grown up in that particular environment) but, a traveler does not necessarily have to have certain religious beliefs to appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty and bewilderment of the ornate structures. All have fascinating. interesting histories.

Updated to add in case you may like to visit from an architectural point:

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42, 00185 Rome, Italy
(The architect, Bernini, is buried there)

Basilica S. Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri - Piazza della Repubblica Roma (Via Cernaia 9), 00185, Rome

Basilica of San Clemente - Via Labicana 95, 00184 Rome - I think this is closer to the Colosseo
(San Clemente is not one, but three churches built one above the other, with ruins dating from the earliest Christian times.)

HI Kevin,

Girasole’s advice is spot on. I went to Rome mid-June last year and while it was crowded, there are ways to minimize the crowds. To add to Girasole’s advice:

• Borghese Gallery was one of our favorite museums in Rome. Tickets are timed and they usher you out at the end of the 2 hours, but that is why this museum is not crowded. If you can take a docent led tour, I would highly recommend it, one of the most knowledgeable tour guides not only about the art, but the history of the Gallery and Rome.
• If you go in the morning, then I would plan to explore the park. It is especially fun on weekends when families are picnicking with their kids and people are walking their dogs. There is a little cafe (with an outdoor movie theatre in the evening) that is a great place to rest and people watch. From their, we went to the Spanish steps (the good news it is a 20 minute walk and you get to walk down the steps not up), have lunch near the Spanish steps and then if you like high-end shopping, this is the place. I actually purchased my Murano glass here and had it shipped home.
• The Vatican Museum is a zoo, we went mid-day on a combo tour and while the guide was fantastic, the crowds in the Museum itself were unbearable. If I were to do the tour again, I would opt for one of the early entry tours. As Girasole mentions that artwork is spectacular, but if you go mid-day you will be wrestling crowds.
• Same for the Colosseum, we went early to visit (first entry) and it was actually pleasant, not too hot and not too many people. We went to the Forum and Palatine Hill mid-day and it was hot and long lines. The trick that the guard at the first door gave us was to go to the third door entrance, much smaller lines. Take water as there is really not a place to buy it when you are there.

Enjoy Rome, it was one of our favorite cities on the trip.

Sandy

Wow, I'm blown away by all of the great advice. Thank you!

Kevin, you're welcome. Happy planning :)

This is great info. Thank you!!

:) Have fun.