Rome in 3 Days: The Best Itinerary for Stay, Food & Iconic Sights
The Best way to enjoy Rome in 3 days: Discover Rome’s iconic sights, from the Colosseum to Sistine Chapel, while savoring exquisite Italian dishes and staying in a hotel that offers the most picturesque view of the city with ancient architectures including Saint Peter’s Basilica. Let this ultimate 3-day itinerary guide your worry-free adventure through the Eternal City’s culture and flavor.
Day 1: Reaching Rome and getting used to the jet lag and light sightseeing
We landed mid-morning at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport after that long overnight flight from Atlanta, the sort where the boys nodded off in fits and starts, and we all climbed out feeling like we'd jumped through a time machine. The plane rolled in under a bright sky, and you could feel the change right away—warmer air, people talking in Italian over the announcements. It's the big spot for flights coming into Rome from abroad, so once we got off, things went pretty smooth, with English signs pointing the way.
Fiumicino is a large airport, split into four terminals, but since we flew in from the States, we came through Terminal 3, which handles most international arrivals. It's up-to-date, with tall ceilings and lots of natural light pouring in. Immigration was quick—we cleared it in under 10 minutes. I'd seen some YouTube clips about rough baggage handling and got a bit worried, but our bags showed up fine. We waited around 25 minutes at the carousel.
If you're planning to use Uber, keep in mind that in Rome, it's only the premium stuff like Uber Black or Lux—no regular UberX because of local rules.reddit.com A good backup is Welcome Pickups, which gets solid reviews for reliable service and high marks from folks.trustpilot.com Tripadvisor has a bunch of transfer options too, many with perfect five-star ratings. Best to book any of these ahead. If you forget, taxis are easy to grab right outside—expect about €60 from the airport to places like our hotel, though it can vary based on traffic and exact spot.
Our drive into central Rome took longer than expected since we hit the city's edge around 9:00 a.m. on a Tuesday, right in rush hour, and got caught in some jams. After the all-night trip with two restless boys, that ride felt like it dragged on forever. But the car was comfy, and the driver stayed patient. Unlike some others we met later, this one spoke clear English, a real help. He answered all our questions, even the goofy ones from the kids.
Rolling up to the Waldorf Astoria, you get that first wave of peace—the entrance is impressive but friendly, with staff there to smooth things out. We headed to the main check-in desk, which had a line. We'd reserved through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, but I overlooked the separate area for that. When I got to the counter and handed over my passport, the guy spotted the booking type right away and walked me over to the dedicated spot for AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts guests. I've used AmEx for bookings plenty of times, and I have to say, the warm welcome from the receptionist felt special. She wrapped up our paperwork fast—it was about 9:45 a.m.—and politely let us know the rooms weren't ready yet. To be clear, one room was open, but we'd asked for two next to each other, and those weren't set. She grabbed my phone number and said they'd text as soon as they were.
We skipped breakfast at the airport—there weren't many decent choices anyway—and went straight to Uliveto, the hotel's restaurant, for a bite.
Man, was it worth it. For our first nice surprise of the trip, that breakfast made us feel pampered. The buffet stretched out under wide windows looking onto the gardens: fresh fruit cut up, yogurts topped with local honey, eggs cooked how you like, crisp bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes and eggplant that seemed right from the farm, and a stack of pastries like cornetti and tarts that the boys jumped on. To top it off, there were fresh omelets and squeezed juices on the spot—the green "detox" one with celery, apple, and ginger had a great kick and woke us right up. We settled at a table with clean white cloths, drinking coffee that hit the spot, and it was like a gentle easing in—good value with our deal, but still that bit of treat to brush off the travel tiredness. The real surprise hit when I went to settle the bill: turns out the first day's breakfast was half off, an unexpected perk.
Feeling better, we hopped on the hotel shuttle to town—it's free, runs every hour, and got us near the Spanish Steps in roughly 20 minutes. We kicked off at the Trevi Fountain, that grand baroque piece from the 1700s, with water flowing over carvings of Oceanus and sea creatures in local stone, the basin shining blue. The boys spun around to flip coins over their shoulders, chuckling at the custom for coming back to Rome, as we sidestepped the spray and claimed a spot on the steps. It was packed, even in late May, and snapping a clear photo took a minute. Then we strolled to Piazza Navona, the long oval built over an old stadium, where Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers sits in the middle with its obelisk and figures for rivers like the Danube. After that, the jet lag caught up, so we hailed a cab and headed back to the hotel.
By then, our rooms were good to go, and the rest of check-in was a breeze—they bumped us up a notch thanks to AmEx, passing along the keys with a layout map and a note. We stepped into a light-filled room, around 45 square meters, with plush rugs, a king bed plus pull-outs for the boys, and that balcony facing out toward the Vatican. It's styled in soft beiges and golds, with artwork on the walls and large windows pulling in the warm glow. The bathroom stood out—marble everywhere, a deep tub for soaks, a standalone rain shower with good flow, twin sinks to skip lines, and thick robes with slippers that made settling in cozy. The products were from a solid Italian brand, fresh-smelling, and a window kept it bright and open.
We set down our bags, the boys tossed off their shoes and sprawled out, while we wandered onto the balcony for a quick breath—the view out there calmed us like an old friend saying everything would be fine. To end the day on a good note, we went back to Uliveto for dinner, the hotel's main place with its terrace looking over the pool. It has that easy mix of inside and out, tables with fresh linens and bits of olive branches, and a menu that pulls in Roman flavors with a twist—we shared plates that turned the meal into something we'd remember long after.
We started with the linguine con astice, funghi cardoncelli e limone sotto sale for the two of us, where the lobster chunks mixed with those earthy cardoncello mushrooms and a hit of preserved lemon that added a bright, salty lift without overpowering, making each bite feel fresh from the sea and garden. Then came the gamberi rossi di Mazara del Vallo with strawberries and cherry tomatoes, those sweet red prawns from Sicily paired with the fruit's tang and the tomatoes' juice, creating a light, surprising combo that woke up our tastes after the travel. For mains, we split the spigola in crosta di pane alle spezie with seasonal veggies, the sea bass wrapped in a spiced bread crust that kept it moist and flaky inside, the herbs blending with whatever greens were fresh that day for a simple, satisfying warmth. The boys liked the galletto grigliato with its millefoglie di patate and marmellata di cipolle rosse, the grilled young chicken tender and smoky next to layered potatoes that crisped just right, and that red onion jam adding a sweet-savory note they kept dipping into. I have to admit that I have never enjoyed this unique taste and consistency of potato before. We added the melanzana perlina in marinatura di soia e zenzero on a creamy Pachino tomato base with capers and turmeric chickpea couscous, the small eggplants soaked in soy and ginger for a subtle Asian nudge, sitting on that smooth tomato mix punched up by capers, with the couscous bringing a nutty, spiced fluff that tied it all together. For dessert, the frutti di bosco with fior di vaniglia gelato brought wild berries tart and juicy under vanilla ice cream that melted smooth, and the bouquet di frutta di stagione was a fresh pile of whatever was ripe, like a colorful close to the evening. The staff talked us through picks for the kids, like simpler pastas or grills, and as the sun dipped, the pool lights flickered on below, making the whole dinner feel like a shared family story unfolding slow and easy.
We headed straight to the rooms and tumbled into those beds, the ones with thick mattresses that hugged you without a single sag, wrapped in smooth sheets that felt fresh every time. The pillows were just the right mix of soft and support, and with the room's quiet up on that hill, away from any street hum, we'd all drop off in no time, sleeping straight through till the light crept in. It was like the hotel knew we'd been out chasing Rome all day and made sure we woke up ready feet for more.
Tips:
If you're going with family and booked two rooms next to each other, know they might not be ready before official check-in, even with AmEx. It's no big issue, but hanging in the lobby after an overnight flight isn't ideal—maybe plan a light activity or snack.
Carry some cash. It's simple for paying cabs, though they take cards; I just felt better handing over bills without the card hassle. No real downside to using a card, but cash speeds things.
Remember, lots of shops and services don't take AmEx. If you're relying on plastic, bring a Visa or MasterCard, ideally with no foreign transaction fees.
If you're heading out in summer, pack water with you.
Day 2: Colosseum
We kicked off the day with breakfast down at Uliveto, the spot by the pool where everything's laid out just right—bowls of cut fruit like melon and berries, eggs scrambled or fried or poached, some sausage and bacon on the side, roasted eggplant and tomatoes that added a nice touch, and a pile of pastries that kept the kids reaching for more. The room's bright with big windows looking out to the gardens, and since we'd booked through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, the whole thing came free, which made starting the morning feel easy before we headed out to the Colosseum, that old arena where crowds once cheered for gladiators.
We set up our visit through GetYourGuide, and I always tell folks to go with a guided tour for the Colosseum—it's the way to skip those long lines that eat up your time, plus the guides know the history inside out and point out spots you'd miss on your own. They walk you through it step by step, from the upper levels down to the underground, so you don't wander lost. I'd say pick the 9 a.m. slot; it's quieter then, and we had whole areas to ourselves, like the underground chambers where it was just our group. That gave us space in those tight spots for photos without bumping elbows. The morning air stays cooler too, especially in Rome's summer heat—afternoons can wear you out fast, and with little ones along, it's no fun pushing through when everyone's tired. One thing: bring your ID; the guards check it at the gate.
Our guide turned out to be a gem—she kept things light and knew every corner, even chatted with the guards like old friends. It paid off in the gladiator tunnel, where one flipped on lights behind a screen so we could peek the full length of it, a little extra that not everyone gets.
By midday, we found lunch at Giano, tucked in a garden terrace at a nearby hotel but open to anyone, with that easy Sicilian vibe in the air. I'd point anyone there—the setting wraps around you like a quiet backyard, and the food lingers in your mind long after, turning a simple meal into something you talk about later.
We made it back to the Waldorf Astoria by early afternoon and headed straight for the indoor heated pool under its big glass roof, complete with a small waterfall and jets that work like a back rub. The boys played in the shallow end by the cozy fireplace nook, while we grabbed drinks from the bar and stacked towels on the loungers—it became our family's quiet corner to shake off the morning, all warm and inside so no need to step out.
Dinner kept things close to home; we walked over to Pizzeria Pizza Magna on a side street for slices from their wood oven—thin crusts with fresh mozzarella, maybe bacon or prawns with greens on top, cut into squares that make sharing simple. We paired it with tiramisu from Gelateria Quadrani nearby, smooth and not too heavy, the sort locals wait for as the sun dips. Back in the room, we spread it out for a picnic on the balcony, city lights below turning it into our own ritual that felt right after the day.
Tips
For the Colosseum, guided tour is a must and start at 9 a.m. to miss the rush and heat.
Take ID with you.
Wear shoes that handle the old uneven stones.
Water is also must.
Day 3: Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Brasilica
That morning, we let ourselves sleep in a bit too long, and it almost threw off the whole day. We'd set up a guided tour with The Tour Guy starting at 8 a.m., and they wanted us there by 7:45. I wasn't thrilled about skipping the hotel's breakfast spread, the kind that sets you up right with fresh bites and those garden views, but we grabbed a cab and rushed over to Vatican City. The meeting spot was at the top of the wide staircase between the Tmark Hotel and Caffé Vaticano, an easy landmark even in the early bustle. The ride was quick, maybe 20 minutes from our hilltop spot, and we pulled up around 7:40. We scanned the area for our guide, spotting folks from other companies holding signs, but no one from ours yet. It made me a touch nervous, like when you're waiting for a friend who's running late, but it gave us a chance to duck into Caffé Vaticano for a fast breakfast. The place was already full, folks grabbing their morning coffee, and we snagged a table after a short wait. We kept it simple—cornetti and cappuccinos that hit the spot, nothing fancy but enough to steady us after the hurry. By 7:55, a group of guides from The Tour Guy showed up; they checked our booking and paired us with Elena in a small bunch of families, maybe 12 people total. She was this friendly local who'd been showing folks around for years, the type who knows every shortcut and story. Right off, she gave the boys these simple booklets with quizzes and spots to draw, turning the walk into something fun for them, like a hunt through history.
We breezed past the lines with our tickets—no waiting in that growing crowd, which was a smart pick for us with the kids. Elena chatted about how the Vatican Museums are like a chain of old palaces pieced together since the 1500s, popes adding art as they went, with way more hidden away than what's out. Over 70,000 items total, but she focused on the bits that wouldn't tire out little ones, promising we'd see the good stuff without dragging.
We started at the double helix staircase, that twisty one shaped like DNA, winding up with steps that let folks go up and down without crossing paths— the boys thought it looked like a giant slide, and Elena said it was built back in the 1930s but inspired by older designs. From there, into the Gregorian Egyptian Collection, a quiet room with statues of gods like Anubis with his dog head and even a wrapped mummy from way back. The kids got close to a sarcophagus, imagining the stories behind it, and Elena linked the hieroglyphs to modern emojis, getting them to sketch a few. It wasn't packed, so we took our time before heading out to an open spot with a side view of Saint Peter's Basilica. The morning light hit it just right, but the crowds were picking up, and I couldn't quite frame a photo with the trees in front like I wanted—too many heads in the way. We kept moving, passing through the Cortile della Pigna, that big courtyard with the massive ancient pinecone fountain in the center, gleaming under the sun like it owned the place. The boys snapped pictures, and Elena pointed out the Sphere within a Sphere nearby, this bronze ball by Arnaldo Pomodoro that spins and cracks open to show another inside. She mentioned it's the same size as the one up on the basilica's dome, which blew the kids' minds—they spun it gently, feeling like they were part of the secret.
Through a curved archway into the Octagonal Courtyard, an airy spot Bramante dreamed up ages ago, sunlight washing over old statues that seemed ready to step down. Elena pulled us to the Laocoön and His Sons, that coiled marble of a Trojan priest and his boys fighting sea snakes—dug up in 1506, she said, kicking off the whole collection. The kids followed the twists with their fingers in the air, hooked on the tale of gods and warnings. Inside next to the Hall of the Animals, her "stone zoo" full of marble lions, horses, even a lobster mid-crawl, all set up in the 1700s. The boys darted around naming them, tying them to myths like Hercules' lion, and it felt like playtime in a museum.
The Gallery of the Maps was next, a long hallway with 40 wall-sized paintings of Italy from the 1580s, like a puzzle of the boot-shaped country with seas full of hidden monsters the boys hunted for. The ceiling had history scenes overhead, but we stuck to the walls, me clicking photos of those detailed towns and hills that jumped out. It stretched far, but Elena let the kids call out finds, keeping it light.
Nearing the Sistine Chapel, she huddled us in a calm corner to explain the rules—no chatter inside, as it's where popes are chosen. She shared how Sixtus IV built it in the 1470s, then Julius II pushed Michelangelo to ceiling duty in 1508, four years on his back for those 600 figures. We entered, and the colors grabbed us—blues and reds glowing soft in the low light, no snaps allowed so we just soaked it in. The ceiling told Genesis like a strip: God splitting light from dark, making Adam with that near-touch finger. Prophets framed it, and the Last Judgment wall swirled with souls rising. The boys whispered wows, necks craned, spotting Jonah and his whale from her earlier tease. Benches let us sit, the room humming quiet, easy on small feet even with folks around—our group size helped us breathe.
Elena took us through a side exit right into Saint Peter's Basilica, dodging the outer queue, a tour treat with the kids still chatting ceilings. Inside hit like a shift to a giant's home, whispers from history in every nook—the biggest church anywhere, over five acres under roof, light from tall windows making marble shine from below. We stopped in the entry with its doors, one the Holy Door bricked up except every 25 years for pilgrim luck. Side paths held saint altars. Mosaics everywhere, glass bits mimicking paintings to last. The dome, Michelangelo's idea finished later, climbed 448 feet with a top light hole, ringed in gold-blue saints. To the back, Peter's throne in bronze glowed, church doctors around, dove window haloing it—shows pope power from Peter. We rubbed Saint Peter's statue foot, worn from touches for luck—like history's handshake.
Lunch followed at Pastasciutta nearby, a spot locals hit for fresh pasta—we spun carbonara with guanciale crunch and pecorino, or amatriciana on firm noodles, perching on stools like regulars. Quick, but the kind that lingers, a neighborhood find after the morning's walk.
Afternoon was pool time back at the hotel, the boys' daily ask, splashing in the warm indoor spot under its dome while we lounged close. Dinner at Anima sealed it, in that green courtyard like a hideaway, dim lights and soft spots with shared plates that made the night feel like catching up with friends over bites we'd talk about forever.
Tips:
Book Vatican tours early through sites like The Tour Guy for skip-the-line and guides who handle kids well—Elena's group was small, under 15 people, which helps in the crowds.
Wear shoulders and knees covered; they check at the door, and it's air-conditioned inside but bring water as lines can form.
Make sure you have your ID ready.
Pastasciutta takes cards now, but cash speeds things for small bills, and try the house pasta—locals mix in chili flakes from the counter.
At Anima, reserve a courtyard spot ahead.
