Before starting with this specific guide to visit Rome in 3 days, we are going to analyze some general questions about this great city:
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The main topics that are usually considered when planning a trip are the weather and the amount of people.
In general, Rome's weather is very pleasant mostly all year. But to avoid extremes temperatures, it is best to travel between April and June or September and October.
The months that tend to be more "quiet" and less people are April, May, September and October.
The truth is that being in one of the most famous capitals in the world, it is difficult to avoid people traffic, but the busiest months are July and August.
WHERE TO STAY
This topic depends on each type of trip and the preferences of each person. It also depends on what each one prioritizes (luxury, proximity, price...) and the different experiences.
That being said, a hotel that we recommend based on the experience we had and its location is Welcome Piram Hotel. An ancient but very clean hotel, with great customer service, and pretty well located (a few blocks from Termini). If you have just few days and you travel with many suitcases, it's good to be close to the Termini.
Another area that we recommend is by the Centro Storico. Since most of the main attractions are nearby to do on foot or with a tram.
There are those who prioritize a nice area and don't mind moving, if that's your case you can be closer to Trastevere, for example. Since either way you will have to move because the main attractions are far from each other.
Trastevere is one of the most cool and emblematic neighborhoods. We heard very good things about Hotel Locanda Cairoli.
It is also important to take into account that during the night there is a lot of movement here (hence, more noise); especially near Piazza dei Fiori.
HOW TO MOVE
The best way to explore Rome is by motorbike! Easy to move around and to park. By car you'll suffer the traffic and it is very difficult to find a place to park. Walking or by public transport takes longer and its more exhausting, especially if you already come from a long previous journey.
All this being said, lets see a 3-day guide based on nearby zones. You can change the order of the days, they are just a reference to make it easier for you to visit this beautiful city that has so much to see:
DAY 1
If you arrive early you can start at the Colosseum. The iconic elliptical amphitheatre, the largest ancient one ever built, and is still the largest standing in the world, despite its age.
Its usually very crowded and it is always best to have the tickets in advance, but if this is not your case, we leave you one of our #GuestTravelTips: If you say you want a "human guide" you skip the entire queue and buy the ticket directly.
It's good to do the tour with a guide, it's only an hour, they give you more information and then you can continue on your own. The same tickets can be used to enter the Palatine and the Roman Forum that are located on the other side of the street. We recommend including a visit to the Colosseum Arena.
If you leave through the Piazza Venezia exit, you can walk up until you reach Fontana di Trevi.
If you continue going up you will reach Piazza Spagna.
All around this area there are streets with very good stores, specially along Via Corso and Via Condotti, the main ones.
While being here, be sure to visit Piazza del Popolo. And in front, the Villa Borghese park.
To eat in this area we highly recommend: Ristorante Nino.
It is on Via Borgognona street.
DAY 2
The Vatican.
Make sure to book the ticket in advance and better if it is with a guide. If you are interested, you can find out the schedule of the mass that the Pope gives to thousands of people.
It is a long visit that takes time, but it is worth it. It is best to go as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
From there you can walk to the Basilica of San Pedro, see the Castel Sant'Angelo and cross the Ponte Sant'Angelo to walk around that area.
You have several options to eat along Borgo Pio street, or you can go to the Prati neighborhood, which is very close and there are even more options.
In the afternoon you can visit Trastevere. As we said before, one of the most beautiful and emblematic neighborhoods. On weekends there are fairs of all kinds. You can stay for dinner while you are here, it gets even more beautiful at night and there are usually musicians and some shows in the square.
DAY 3
Start very early to visit the Pantheon. On the way out, we recommend eating at Bar Restaurante Sergio, it's located right infront and serves an incredible pizza.
Then you can continue through Campo di Fiori, drink a delicious coffee at Barnum, and spend the rest of the day just going around in your motorbike feeling the Italian air.
Its important leaving free time to random touring and discover new places. In addition, the cities are better known when you just wander around the residential neighborhoods.
Therefore, follow another of our #GuestTravelTips and leave some time of your itinerary to just get lost into the streets aimlessly and get to know this incredible city beyond the tourist spots.