How to Spend 4 Days in Rome

It’s easy to see why this city is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. From sipping on espresso at a cozy café to taking in the stunning architecture around each corner, you 4 days in Rome will be time well spent.

If visiting Rome is on your bucket list, and you’re short on time, this guide to Rome is perfect to help get you started in planning your trip.

Rome is a large city, but when thoughtfully planned out, can allow you to cover a lot of ground.

The historic center (where you’ll spend most of your time) is compact enough to cover in under a week.

From ancient ruins to modern art galleries, Rome offers a unique blend of history, food, and culture making it the perfect place to explore day or night. 

To help you plan your 4 days in Rome here are some of my recommendations for what should be on your list, so you can get the most out of your time in this beautiful Italian city!

Arriving in Rome & Transporation Options

Most likely, you’ll be flying to Rome’s main airport, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (FCO).

From the airport, you have a few options to get to the city center. Shuttle buses will be your most affordable option at about 6 euros a person. Booking your ticket online is easy, and you get a reduced rate when you book in advance.

The Fiumicino Aeroporto train station is within a 10-minute walk. The Leonardo Express train goes directly from Fiumicino to Roma Termini Station in about 30 minutes fo 14 Euro a person, making it another affordable option to get to the city center or near your hotel.

Taxis are also readily available outside the airport and have various rates depending on which route you are taking in Rome. Rates can vary from 25 Euro-120 Euro depending on where you need to go in Rome.

Where to stay with 4 Days in Rome 

When planning your 4 days in Rome, you’ll there’s a variety of options available to fit any budget.

You’ll have your pick of small, independent hostels, apartment rentals like Airbnb, and luxurious five-star hotels. and Airbnb’s. But, with thousands of options, it can feel a bit overwhelming where to stay.

For easy access to many of Rome’s main attractions, stay near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona.

The Trastevere neighborhood offers a thriving restaurant scene paired with charming streets that will make you feel you’re one of the locals.

The Roma Termini section of Rome is best for budget travelers but offers a quick train or bus ride into the city center.

The train system is excellent in Rome and easy to navigate. If you’re looking to save money on your trip to Rome, consider booking your stay away from the city center.

Now let’s get to what you’ll want to see on your 4 Days in Rome.

The Trevi Fountain 

Begin your first morning in Rome admiring the Trevi Fountain. Designed by Nicola Salvi in 1762, it stands an impressive 85 feet tall!

The Trevi Fountain is one of the busiest tourist spots in Rome, and gets crowded fast. Try to arrive before 8 a.m. if possible for a peaceful experience, without all the crowds.

While the fountain is pretty during the day, this place is just as magical at night. The fountain lights up and offers a unique sight that should not be missed.

People traditionally throw coins into the Trevi Fountain while making a wish and it is said that they will eventually return to Rome. This act has become such an iconic symbol that you can’t miss out on it when visiting this incredible landmark!

So be sure to bring a coin with you to toss into the fountain and make your wish.

The Pantheon

Continue to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture by visiting the Pantheon—one of the best-preserved monuments from Ancient Rome. 

This magnificent structure was built to honor all of the gods of Ancient Rome and remains one of the most impressive architectural feats throughout history.

Be sure to look for its famous Oculus (eye) at the top, which is an opening that was used to let light in during the day and even rainwater during storms.

Piazza Navona 

Afterward, take a stroll through Piazza Navona—one of Rome’s many beautiful squares.

Located near the Pantheon, it features stunning sculptures like Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers).

There are several restaurants and cafes that line the Piazza, but I would not recommend getting a meal here. We found the restaurants in this area overpriced, with little variety on each menu.

Something that I always try to do when visiting a new place- As a general rule of thumb for finding the best food when traveling, walk about 10-15 minutes away from the major attractions.

This way you’ll start to get into the side streets and neighborhoods where the locals eat.

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill 

On your second morning in Rome, start your day at the Colosseum—one of the city’s most iconic ancient monuments. Just like the Trevi Fountain, you’ll want to plan an early start time if you plan to get a ticker to explore the Colosseum. 

This enormous amphitheater was built during the Roman Empire and was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and even animal hunts.

Today it’s one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites.

A combined ticket to enter the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine is €16 for a general ticket, and you’ll need to buy one in advance in order to skip the line at the entry gate. An official ticket for the Colosseum can be purchased here 

If you’re just looking to see the Colosseum and enjoy moving at your own pace, you’ll want to book a general ticket.

This way, you can be out in out of the Colosseum in about an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore other parts of Rome. 

There are plenty of more in-depth tours you can book online that will get you access to specific parts of the Colosseum, but they can take up to 3 hours of your day.

At Palatine Hill, you’ll find beautiful gardens and ruins from ancient churches, palaces, and other structures that once stood on this site. It also boasts stunning views over Rome’s skyline and the Roman Forum below.

Finish your tour at the Roman Forum, once that sight of public meetings, shops, and open-air markets. 

If you want to go inside some of the sites at the Roman Forum, plan to go in the morning, as it’s busiest between 11:00 am-2:00 pm. 

Campo de Fiori 

Next, explore Campo de’ Fiori—an outdoor market located nearby selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to authentic souvenirs to take home with you like pasta, spices, and olive oil 

This market runs Monday- Saturday, and most vendors at there 7:00 am-2:00 pm, so plan to go in the morning hours for the best selection. 

While it can be touristy, going to a market is a great way to see the local produce, meets the locals, and try fresh foods.

Vatican City

With its world-famous religious landmarks, historical artistry, and unique culture, there’s so much to explore in this tiny city-state.

Planning ahead is key to a successful visit to Vatican City. Booking your tickets online in advance will ensure that you are able to visit the major attractions without long lines or wasted time standing in queues.

Purchase tickets at least two weeks before your planned trip. Weekdays will generally be less crowed.

You’ll want to avoid going to the Vatican on a Wednesday, as this is a day the Pope gives a blessing papal audience each week.

There are four main sections to Vatican City: St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, The Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

You do not need tickets to walk around Vatican city, but do need tickets to enter The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Entry into St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge,

St. Peter’s square is your main starting point as you enter Vatican City.

St. Peter’s Basilica & The Sistine Chapel

No trip is complete without a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the Christian world, located in the heart of Vatican City.

The Sistine Chapel is another highlight of Vatican City and one of Italy’s most treasured sites. Located just steps away from St. Peter’s Basilica, this chapel houses some of the greatest works of Renaissance art.

The Vatican Museum complex offers another thrilling experience for visitors in search of cultural enrichment while visiting Vatican City.

This sprawling complex contains numerous galleries showcasing an extensive collection of artwork spanning centuries – from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance paintings.

With just 4 days in Rome, those are all the main attractions you’ll want to add to your itinerary. Now, let’s talk about where to eat (arguably the most important part of your visit).

Where To Eat In Rome

While on our last trip to Rome, we went to 3 places that I can highly recommend.

Mimi e Coco is a cozy restaurant with amazing pasta, cheese, and wine. Need I say more? We stumbled upon this restaurant on the way to find a place for dinner, and I’m so glad we stopped in.

The food was some of the best we had in Rome, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been invited into a local family’s home.

For another cozy dinner spot, you have to go to Alfredo e Ada. I’m convinced that this place has the best lasagna in the world.

Coming from the United States, lasagna is actually not one of my favorite dishes. Here it tends to be overly packed with meat, dry ricotta cheese, and drenched in cheese.

But the lasagna in Italy? Life changing. It was covered with a light layer of sauce and filled with just a thin layer of soft ricotta cheese. So delicious.

Paired with the house wine, your dinner meal could be any better.

Enoteca Il Piccolo is a wine bar down the street from Mimi e Coco. While this isn’t a place to get dinner, it’s the perfect place to stop in before or after a meal for a glass of wine.

About 20 small tables fill the space, and the walls showcase the wine from floor to ceiling. Another delicious spot for your Italian adventure.

Rome Travel Tips

If it’s your first time in Rome, here are some tips to make your trip even more enjoyable:

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on foot for most of your day walking over cobblestones, and uneven sidewalks.

Download a map of Rome before you arrive. Even with an international phone plan, the connection was spotty in Rome.

Head to Google Maps and download a map of the city center, or any section of Rome you plan to see. This way, you can navigate around Rome without depending on a wifi connection.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but there are some exceptions where you’ll want to carry cash. You’ll need cash for smaller shops, some vendors at markets, and tipping.

While it’s not required in Rome, tipping around 10% at a restaurant or for your tour guide is much appreciated.

With 4 days in Rome, you can experience the best that this magnificent city has to offer.

From visiting iconic landmarks like Colosseum and Trevi Fountain to shopping at local markets or indulging in some delicious Italian cuisine -4 days spent in Rome will give you memories that last a lifetime.