Seven Days in Rome
Lucky you—seven days in Rome! That’s enough time to see the famous sights and discover the hidden corners that make the city so magical. You can wander the Colosseum and Vatican, stroll through Trastevere’s cobbled streets, explore charming piazzas, and still find time for long lunches, leisurely gelatos, and people-watching over espresso.
This itinerary covers the essentials but also leaves room for spontaneity—because some of Rome’s best moments happen when you stumble across a quiet fountain, a street musician, stop in a quiet church or a trattoria tucked around a corner.
Just like with shorter trips, booking ahead is key for major attractions. Pre-book timed-entry tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums (the only way to see the Sistine Chapel), and Borghese Gallery to skip the lines and maximize your exploring time. With a full week, you’ll get to experience Rome at a relaxed pace and truly soak in its history, art, and charm.
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive in Rome and make your way to your hotel to check in and settle into your room. Take a few moments to unwind from your journey, freshen up, and soak in the atmosphere of the city before heading out to explore. If time allows, enjoy a short walk around the neighborhood to get your first glimpse of Roman streets, cafés, and piazzas.
Explore your hotel or apartment’s neighborhood: enjoy the winding streets, shops, and cafés and walk off your jet lag!
One of the best ways to explore Rome is to step into every church you pass. With over 900 scattered across the city, each one is like a tiny museum—quiet, cool, and full of surprises. Every doorway is an invitation—push it open, look up, and let Rome reveal its treasures. Make sure to stop in a few each day to get the full experience from Rome.
Savor your first Roman dinner at a charming trattoria, where you can indulge in classic local dishes and soak up the warm, authentic atmosphere of the city. One of our favorite ways to start a trip to Rome is visit to Piccolo Arancio hidden away in a small alley near the Trevi Fountain.
Day 2 – Ancient Rome & Domus Aurea
Morning: Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill—the heart of ancient Rome. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to maximize your time. Wander through the Colosseum’s iconic arches, imagine gladiatorial battles, and then stroll the Roman Forum’s ruins, once the political and social center of the empire. Finish on Palatine Hill, where emperors lived, enjoying panoramic views over the Forum and the city below. Plan your visit to Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill here.
Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s opulent “Golden House,” to marvel at its spectacular underground frescoes and intricate architectural design. Explore the once-luxurious halls and vaulted rooms while imagining the grandeur of ancient Rome, and enjoy an immersive VR experience that brings the palace and the city as it looked in Nero’s time vividly to life.. Reserve your spot here.
Evening: Climb The Capitoline Hill for sunset – Make your way up this historic hill for stunning views over the Roman Forum as the city glows in golden light. If time allows, step inside the Capitoline Museums for a special treat: from the Tabularium terrace, watch the sun dip behind ancient ruins while surrounded by incredible classical art—a truly magical Roman moment. Begin your adventure at the Capitoline Museum here.
Day 3 – Vatican City & Castel Sant’Angelo
Morning: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – The only way to visit the Sistine Chapel is by booking a ticket to the Vatican Museums. Secure tickets ahead of time to beat the long lines and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Wander through the museums’ incredible galleries, including the Raphael Rooms, before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and The Last Judgment up close. It is a MUST to book ahead of time to avoid hours long lines to enter. Check out the many tour options here.
Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome Climb – Visit the world-famous basilica to admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s magnificent baldachin over the papal altar. For a truly unforgettable experience, climb to the top of the dome, either by stairs or a combination of elevator and steps, and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Gardens, and the rooftops of Rome stretching into the distance. The Basilica is free to enter but you may want to reserve your dome climb to avoid long lines. Reserve your dome climb here.
Late Afternoon: Visit Castel Sant’Angelo – Walk along the scenic Tiber to this iconic fortress, originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum. If time permits wander inside and explore the papal apartments, armory, and prison cells, uncovering centuries of history. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Tiber, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Rome skyline. Grab an aperitivo at the cafe and watch the sunset over the Vatican making it a memorable stop on your Roman adventure. Start your visit here.
Evening: Finish your day in Borgo Pio, a charming, quiet neighborhood just outside the Vatican walls. Wander its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with small boutiques, cafés, and traditional trattorias. Stop for a relaxed aperitivo or enjoy dinner at a local eatery, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and glimpses of daily Roman life, all while still being just minutes from the heart of the Vatican.
Day 4 – Baroque Rome & National Museums
Morning: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Barberini – Start your morning early to beat the crowds at these iconic landmarks. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome, then stroll up the Spanish Steps for great people-watching and city views. Continue to Piazza Barberini, where you can admire the elegant Fontana del Tritone by Bernini, and enjoy a quieter glimpse of Rome before the day’s tourists arrive.
Late Morning: Then head over to Palazzo Massimo of the National Roman Museum to see classical sculptures, ancient frescoes, and mosaics, continue to the Baths of Diocletian, and end your museum tour at Palazzo Altemps. All three museums are included in The National Roman Museum (Museo Nazionale Romano) ticket. Crypta Balbi is also included in the ticket but is currently under renovation. Buy your tickets here.
Afternoon: Begin at the Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings, marveling at its massive dome and the oculus that lights up the grand interior. Step inside to see the tombs of Raphael and Italian kings. Then wander a short distance to Piazza Navona, a lively Baroque square famous for Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, colorful street artists, and elegant cafés—perfect for a gelato or espresso while soaking in Rome’s vibrant atmosphere. Then wander over to Piazza Navona, a lively Baroque square alive with street performers, artists, and stunning fountains. Make sure to grab an aperitivo at one of the piazza’s cafés, sip a drink, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful surroundings—it’s people-watching at its finest!
Evening: For a truly special experience away from the crowds, take a taxi to Testaccio and enjoy an authentic Roman dinner at Piatto Romano.
Day 5 – Trastevere & Baths of Caracalla
Morning: Stroll through Trastevere’s charming cobbled streets, where vibrant cafés, trattorias, and artisan shops showcase the neighborhood’s rich food culture. Stop at Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches, to admire its 12th-century mosaics and serene interior. Enhance the experience with a food tour, sampling local specialties like supplì, fresh pasta, gelato, and Roman-style pizza, while learning about Trastevere’s culinary traditions and the stories behind its beloved recipes.
Afternoon: Explore the massive ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, once one of ancient Rome’s grandest public bathing complexes. Wander through the remains of towering brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and intricate mosaic floors, imagining the bustling social life of Romans who came here to bathe, exercise, and socialize. Don’t miss the remnants of the gymnasiums, hot and cold pools, and lavish decorations that hint at the grandeur of this imperial spa. Booking ahead isn’t required, but joining a guided tour is the best way to truly appreciate and understand the history and significance of this remarkable site.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner in the Jewish Ghetto, a historic neighborhood rich in culture and culinary tradition. Sample classic Roman-Jewish specialties like carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes), pasta with ricotta and eggplant, and Jewish-style fried cod. For a memorable meal, visit our favorite spot, La Taverna del Ghetto.
Day 6 – Borghese Gallery & Villa Gardens
Morning: Galleria Borghese (advance reservations required) – Visit one of Rome’s most celebrated art museums, housed in the stunning Villa Borghese. Admire masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian, including Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne and Caravaggio’s dramatic paintings. With limited entry and timed tickets, advance reservations are essential to enjoy this intimate collection without the crowds, making it a must-see for art lovers. Book your visit here.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through the Villa Borghese Gardens, enjoying shaded pathways, charming fountains, and scenic views over Rome. Afterward, head to the Baths of Diocletian museum complex, part of the National Roman Museum, to explore the impressive ruins of ancient Rome’s largest public baths. Discover the vast halls, intricate mosaics, and architectural feats that once hosted thousands of Romans for relaxation, socializing, and exercise.
Evening: Enjoy sunset the Pincio Terrace, perched above Piazza del Popolo, watch the sunset over Rome in a spectacular display of light and color. The terrace is the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, and capture unforgettable sunset photos in one of Rome’s most picturesque locations.
Day 7 – Farewell to Rome
Farewell, Roma
Spend your last day soaking in the Eternal City one more time. Start with an early walk through the historic center, stopping by favorites like the Colosseum Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (toss one last coin, a must if you want to return!), and Spanish Steps before the crowds arrive. Stroll past Piazza Navona for a final look at Bernini’s fountains, then enjoy a leisurely coffee at a sidewalk café as you watch Roman life unfold around you.
Rome always leaves you wanting more—and ensures you’ll be back.