The Best 5 Days Rome Itinerary: Landmarks, food & hidden gems

🕒 Duration: 3 hours

🚇 How to reach: Metro Line B – Colosseo Stop

Your Roman adventure begins in the heart of its ancient past. Start with the Roman Forum, once the center of public life. Stroll through the remains of temples, basilicas, and arches, picturing the political intrigue that unfolded here.

Next, step into the Colosseum, the legendary amphitheater where gladiators fought. A guided tour is highly recommended, as it grants access to restricted areas like the underground chambers and upper tiers, offering a more immersive experience of the history of this iconic landmark.

From there, climb Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome and a fantastic spot for panoramic views over the city.

🎟 Recommended experience:

• Entry to Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
• Guided tour of Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

📍 Nearby photo spot:

The view of the Colosseum from Via Nicola Salvi.

🍔 Lunch:

Head to Aroma, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a stunning view of the Colosseum. Their refined take on Roman cuisine and impeccable service make it a standout experience.

🕒 Duration: 4 hours

🚇 How to reach: walk south along Via di San Gregorio

After lunch, take a short stroll to the Circus Maximus, once the largest chariot-racing stadium in ancient Rome. Today, it’s a vast open space, but standing here, you can imagine the roaring crowds cheering on the racers.

Continue to the Garden of Oranges (Giardino degli Aranci), a peaceful terrace offering one of the best sunset views in Rome, overlooking the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica. Just a short walk away, don’t miss the Aventine Keyhole, a unique peephole view that perfectly frames the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

🍦 Gelato stop:

After exploring the Garden of Oranges, head to Gelateria ai Cerchi, just 7 minutes away, for creamy, handcrafted gelato in classic and seasonal flavors.

Alternative option:

If you're up for a short 13-minute walk, visit Gelateria Tiberina, located on Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)—Rome’s only island. The detour lets you experience this historic spot in the middle of the Tiber River while enjoying some of the best artisanal gelato in the city.

🕒 Duration: 5 hours

🚇 How to reach: Metro Line A and get off at Ottaviano - San Pietro station

Start at the Vatican Museums, which open at 8am. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines and give yourself about three hours to explore the vast collection of art, including the Raphael Rooms, ancient sculptures, and Michelangelo’s stunning Sistine Chapel.

Afterward, head to St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Vatican City. Check out Michelangelo’s Pietà, the enormous dome, and Bernini’s grand altar. If you're up for a climb, ascend to the top of the dome for amazing views of the city.

For a more unique experience, book a tour of the Vatican Necropolis, the underground tombs believed to house St. Peter himself.

🎟 Recommended experience:

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

📍 Nearby photo spot:

St. Peter’s Square, best captured from the steps of the basilica.

🍝 Lunch:

Head to Ristorante Arlù, a cozy spot just outside Vatican City known for its homemade pasta and welcoming atmosphere.

🕒 Duration: Upto you

The morning will be hectic, so slow down and explore some of Rome’s best shopping streets and markets. Instead of major shopping districts, opt for charming streets and hidden gems that are close to each other:

• Via Cola di Rienzo: A refined shopping street near the Vatican, featuring local boutiques and Italian brands.
• Campo de’ Fiori Market: A lively open-air market with fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs.
• Via del Governo Vecchio: A charming street lined with vintage stores, artisan shops, and stylish boutiques.

Along the way, stop by some of Rome’s best free attractions:

• Piazza della Rotonda: A great spot to sit and admire the Pantheon from a café terrace.
• Piazza di Pietra: A quiet, picturesque square featuring the remains of the Temple of Hadrian.
• Piazza del Popolo: A grand public space with fountains, twin churches, and a great view from Pincio Terrace.

After a long day exploring the Vatican and shopping, unwind with an aperitivo, a cherished Roman tradition. Head to II Goccetto, a charming enoteca near Campo de’ Fiori, beloved for its extensive wine selection and delicious small bites. The cozy atmosphere, rustic wooden interiors, and walls lined with bottles make it a perfect spot to relax. Enjoy a spritz or a glass of local wine while sampling their crostini topped with truffle or prosciutto.

For dinner, we suggest Roscioli, one of Rome’s most famous spots for elevated Roman cuisine. Located near Piazza Navona, this family-run institution serves some of the best cacio e pepe and carbonara in the city. Their impressive cheese and cured meats selection, along with an expertly curated wine list, makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

🕒 Duration: 3 hours

🚇 How to reach: Take Metro Line A to Spagna Station, then walk 15 minutes to the gallery.

Start your day at the Borghese Gallery , home to some of Italy’s most treasured artworks. Marvel at Bernini’s surreally real sculptures, including Apollo and Daphne, and Caravaggio’s dramatic paintings. Since entry is limited to two-hour slots, booking tickets in advance is a must.

After your visit, take a leisurely stroll through Villa Borghese Gardens. Rent a bike or simply enjoy the shade of umbrella pines as you make your way toward your next stop.

📍Nearby photo spot:

Pincio Terrace—offering one of the best panoramic views of Rome.

🕒 Duration: 2 hours

🚇 How to reach: From Villa Borghese, take a 20-minute scenic walk down Via di Ripetta along the Tiber River.

Continue your journey at Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, later a papal fortress. Its spiral corridors, secret passages, and terrace views of St. Peter’s Basilica make it an unforgettable stop. If you're a fan of Angels & Demons, you’ll recognize it from a key scene in the film.

📍 Nearby photo spot:

The terrace at Castel Sant’Angelo offers views over the Vatican and the Tiber.

🕒 Duration: 2 hours

🚇 How to reach: Take Bus 118 from Castel Sant’Angelo to the Catacombs of Priscilla.

If you’re intrigued by Rome’s hidden past, visit the Catacombs of Priscilla. This site is an eerie yet fascinating glimpse into the city’s underground history. These early Christian burial tunnels, lined with frescoes, date back to the 2nd century. A guided tour is highly recommended for historical context.

📍 Hidden gem:

Basilica of San Sebastiano fuori le Mura, near the Appian Way, is another historic site worth visiting.

If underground tunnels aren’t your thing, or you’re not yet full of Roman cuisine, we have another recommendation for you:

🍝 Dinner at Armando al Pantheon

Just steps from the Pantheon, this Michelin-recommended trattoria has been serving authentic Roman classics for over 60 years. Try the saltimbocca alla romana or their legendary gricia in a cozy, family-run setting.

📍 Night stroll:

After dinner, take a walk along Via del Corso toward Piazza Venezia, soaking in the illuminated cityscape.

🕒 Duration: 4 hours

🚇 How to reach: Take Metro Line B to Piramide Station, then switch to the Roma-Lido commuter train. Get off at Ostia Antica Station (30-40 min). From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the site.

If you’re fascinated by ancient Rome but want to avoid the crowds of Pompeii, Ostia Antica is the perfect choice. Once Rome’s bustling seaport, this well-preserved archaeological site gives a glimpse into daily Roman life, with baths, taverns, temples, and mosaicked houses still intact.

📌 What to see in Ostia Antica:

• The Amphitheater: A smaller but remarkably well-preserved version of the Colosseum.
• The Baths of Neptune: Featuring stunning black-and-white mosaics of sea gods.
• The Forum & Capitolium: The heart of civic life, lined with impressive ruins.
• Ancient Apartment Complexes (Insulae): A rare look at how ordinary Romans lived.

Stop on the way back:

If you have time, consider a quick detour to Lido di Ostia, a small seaside town where you can grab a drink by the beach before heading back to Rome.

🕒 Duration: 5-6 hours

🚇 How to reach: Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Tivoli (40 min) or Bus COTRAL from Ponte Mammolo Station (1 hour).

Tivoli was the ultimate luxury retreat for ancient Roman elites and Renaissance aristocrats. It’s home to two UNESCO-listed gems:

📌 What to see in Ostia Antica:

• Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa): The lavish palace complex of Emperor Hadrian, featuring Greek-inspired architecture, artificial islands, and thermal baths. (2 hours to explore).
• The Baths of Neptune: Featuring stunning black-and-white mosaics of sea gods.
• Villa d’Este: A Renaissance villa famous for its hundreds of ornate fountains, including the Fountain of Neptune. (1.5-2 hours to explore).

🔹Stop on the way back:

On your way to Tivoli, you’ll pass by Acque Albule, a set of natural sulfur springs once used by the Romans for their healing properties. If you have time, stop for a quick soak.

🕒 Duration: 5 hours (including travel).

🚇 How to reach: Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo Station (40 min).

Nestled in the Alban Hills, Castel Gandolfo is where popes retreated from Rome’s summer heat for centuries. Overlooking Lake Albano, it’s a quieter, scenic alternative to Rome’s busy streets.

📌 What to see in Castel Gandolfo:

• Papal Palace & Gardens: A stunning residence filled with frescoed halls and well-manicured gardens. Tours give access to the Pope’s private quarters and Vatican farm.
• Lakeside Promenade: A short walk from the town center, perfect for enjoying views of the crater lake.
• Collegiata di San Tommaso: A baroque church with artistic treasures.

🔹 Stop on the way back:

If time allows, consider a quick visit to Frascati, famous for its white wine and historic villas. It’s just 15 minutes away by train and makes for a great wine-tasting stop before heading back to Rome.

🕒 Duration: 2.5 hours

🚇 How to reach: Start at Piazza Navona, easily accessible by bus or a 10-minute walk from Metro Line A Spagna or Barberini Stations.

Begin your final day in Rome at Piazza Navona, one of the city’s most vibrant squares. Lined with lively cafés and baroque palaces, it’s home to Bernini’s masterpiece, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, symbolizing the great rivers of the world.

From here, stroll to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Originally a temple to all gods, its massive concrete dome and oculus remain an architectural wonder. Entry is now ticketed (€5 general, €3 EU citizens under 25), so pre-book to skip the queue.

🎟 Recommended experience:

• Rome Pantheon audio guided tour

📍 Nearby photo spot:

Capture the stunning view of the Pantheon’s portico from Piazza della Rotonda.

🍝 Lunch:

Grab a slice at Pizzarium Bonci, near Vatican City, where renowned pizza chef Gabriele Bonci crafts Michelin-worthy Roman-style pizza al taglio.

⛪ Hidden gem:

Basilica of San Luigi dei Francesi, just a few minutes from the Pantheon, is home to three breathtaking Caravaggio paintings, tucked inside a quiet and often-overlooked church.

🕒 Duration: 3 hours

🚇 How to reach: Take Metro Line A to Cipro Station, where many of Rome’s best cooking experiences take place.

For your final evening in Rome, go for a pasta-making masterclass. This hands-on experience teaches you how to make authentic fresh pasta and tiramisu—two Roman staples. Some classes also include a Spritz-making session, offering a fun, interactive way to wrap up your trip.

With a glass of wine in hand and homemade pasta on your plate, this is the perfect way to take a piece of Rome home with you.

After your culinary experience, head back to Piazza Navona for one last, leisurely evening. Find a quiet spot on a bench, soak in the energy of the square, and let the sounds of street musicians and trickling fountains be your final memory of Rome.