We can’t get enough of the “Città Eterna,” the eternal city. It’s an apt nickname, as it feels like you could spend an eternity there and still not see everything there is to see. Regrettably, none of us have an eternity to spend exploring Rome, but we can spare a few days here and there. If you’re looking to make the most of a trip to Rome for the weekend, here’s a little itinerary you can follow to ensure you check all the big sights off the list!

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Rome: Day 1

If you’re anything like us, when you arrive in Rome, you’ll be excited to get stuck in right away. Fortunately, you’ll find many of the biggest and best attractions literally right next to each other. Here’s how we did it.

Circus Maximus

On the morning of day one, we jumped off the metro at Circo Massimo Station. When you climb the steps out of the station, you’ll be met with quite a sight - the Circus Maximus itself, looked down upon by the colossal Palace of Domitian on the Palatine Hill. We usually start the day with a cappuccino (if we’re in town before 11am) and a cornetto at Gusto Massimo Bar, feeling the warm breeze on our faces as we look out across the Circus Maximus itself.

Colosseum

When you’re done with your coffee, head on up the Via di San Gregorio and, in ten minutes, you’ll be at the Colosseum. If you really don’t fancy the walk, you can also jump back on the Metro and ride one stop to Colosseo - you’ll be right there in minutes. A word of advice: when you get there, you’ll be met with throngs of self-professed tour guides insisting they can help you skip the queue. Ignore them! You cannot. You can book ahead, however, with one ticket that unlocks the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, all for 18 euros. Get yours here.

Palatine Hill

Once you’ve taken in the Colosseum, you can head to The Palatine Hill, which is just across the road. Head up to the Palace of Domitian and see how the emperors of the ancient world lived life. You can even make your way back to the Circus Maximus, viewing it from the top down, as the ancients would have done.

Roman Forum

One of the most famous and important places in Rome was the Forum. It was the great meeting place of the city, for everyone from senator to civilian. It’s where the Senate sat and is a fascinating spot to explore, incorporating history spanning hundreds and hundreds of years. Making your way through from opposite the Colosseum will lead you to…

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

A relatively modern, but nonetheless iconic fixture in the Roman skyline, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument completed construction less than 100 years ago, in 1935. When you’ve made your way through the Forum, you’ll come out right next to it, on the Via dei Foro Imperiali. Entry is free! In addition, if you have energy left and don’t mind a few steps, you can ascend the stairway behind it and visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, a particularly stunning church among the many stunning churches in Rome - the climb is worth it!

The beautiful ceiling of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli

Rome: Day 2

We’re in the swing of things now! Head north for day 2, enjoying a stroll along the river Tiber until you reach The Vatican. We’re leaving the city without leaving the city. Don’t worry about passports or visas or anything like that. When you go to enter Vatican City; you can just walk right in.

St Peters Basilica

We’d recommend starting with St Peter’s Basilica. As entry is free, the queue tends to get really long really fast, so be sure to arrive early if you’d rather not wait outside in the heat for an hour! The Basilica is vast and beautiful - in our opinion, the most beautiful church on earth. When you’re there, be sure to visit the crypts as well. Entry is off to your right when you approach the main doors. Once you’ve made your way through, you’ll ascend a staircase that takes you right to the centre of the church (a very instagrammable way to enter)!

Saint Peter's Basilica — St Peter's Basilica at sunset

Vatican Museum

Filled with treasures beyond count, the Vatican Museum is a must-see if you’re short on time in Rome. That said, it will take a good few hours to make your way through the priceless artworks, marble statues and exquisitely-painted halls (not to mention the Sistine Chapel), but we promise it’s worth it. Another thing we recommend is not queuing for St Peter’s Basilica expecting it to lead straight through to the museum. It does NOT. We almost missed our entry slot. Check Google Maps and head to the right of the Basilica to find the entrance. On that note, be sure to book before you go! Tickets are available here.

Castel Sant’Angelo

One of the lesser-appreciated sights in Rome, we think. It’s often reduced to “that round building you walk past to get to the Vatican, but it’s so worth stepping into if you have the time. Built as a mausoleum to Emperor Hadrian, the castle features beautiful apartments, fortifications and even a cafe at the top if you fancy a coffee and a sit-down while you’re making your way through. Fans of the old Assassin’s Creed games (like Andrew) will recognise it from “Brotherhood” too! We will say, they did a great job recreating it for the game and now, to walk around it for real, is uncanny. You can buy tickets on the door (or gate), for around 16 euros.

Rome: Day 3

We’re taking it a little easier today! As we’ve said, we like to walk around Rome, from one place to the next, rather than getting the bus. It allows you to really absorb the atmosphere of the city, but it does have a trade-off if you’re not fit (too much tasting, not enough trekking). Fortunately, today’s excursion is all centred in pretty-much the same place. Let’s go!

Trevi Fountain

The classic! Far more “modern” than the other major sights in Rome, being built in the 18th Century. It’s absolutely beautiful and a must-see if you’re only in the city for a weekend! It will be busy, no matter what time of day you get there, so just try and take it in while ignoring the mulling crowds if you can. Be aware of scammers, too! They’ll offer to take your photo, but it will come at a cost.

Pantheon

One of the greatest churches in Rome (a high bar), the Pantheon is another must-see, just down the street from the Trevi Fountain. Do be aware that it is an active church and, as such, open drinks are not permitted to be brought inside. Get inside, take a seat on one of the pews and take in the atmosphere of this historic building.

Piazza Navona

The final stop of the day is the famous Piazza Navona. Take a stroll across the piazza and view the beautiful fountains and stunning churches as the day begins to wind down. The piazza, naturally, is filled with restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy an aperitivo or a meal.

Rome: BONUS DAY

Three days of Rome not enough? For us, it never is! One thing we will admit is that, while we can’t get enough of the history, culture and incredible food, our feet can only walk so far. With that in mind, this is our recommendation for a “wind-down” day. Take it easy.

Piazza del Popolo

Jump off the Metro at Flamini station, cross the road and you’ll see the Piazza del Popolo open up before you - one of many beautiful piazzas you can find across the city. Dual churches, both with beautiful interiors stand before you and, between them, a colossal Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome by Caesar Augustus in 1BC. There’s also the museum on Leonardo da Vinci!

Villa Borghese Gardens

When you stand in the pizza, you can make the choice to walk straight down the main road between the two churches to the shopping district and pick up some souvenirs, or you can head up the stairs off to the left, and ascend to the Villa Borghese gardens. We were tired and a little socially frazzled by just how busy Rome is - here is the cure. Sweeping gardens filled with statues, green trees, parakeets and peace. We spent most of our last day there, drinking iced tea in the park, sunbathing and watching the world go by. A lovely way to end a busy weekend in Rome.