A long weekend in Rome
The two classic days, plus a third with the Borghese Gallery and a slow afternoon in the park and the centre.
- Length: 3 days
- Pace: relaxed
- Rough cost: €140–€240 pp
- Best for: A first visit with time for Bernini and the gardens
The plan
Day 1 · Ancient Rome Colosseo, Monti, Centro
- 09:00–10:30 ColosseumBook ahead
- 10:30–12:30 Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- 12:45–14:15 Lunch in Monti
- 14:45–15:30 PantheonBook aheadIndoors
- 15:40–16:15 Trevi Fountain
- 18:30–20:00 Dinner near Piazza Navona
Day 2 · Vatican and Trastevere Vatican, Trastevere
- 09:00–12:00 Vatican Museums and Sistine ChapelBook aheadIndoors
- 12:15–13:15 St Peter’s BasilicaIndoors
- 13:30–15:00 Lunch in Prati
- 15:30–17:30 Trastevere
- 19:00–20:30 Dinner in Trastevere
Day 3 · Borghese and Piazza del Popolo Villa Borghese, Tridente
- 09:00–11:00 Borghese GalleryBook aheadIndoors
Strict two-hour slots; Bernini’s sculptures and Caravaggio. Closed Mondays.
- 11:10–12:15 Villa Borghese gardens
Rent a rowing boat on the small lake.
- 12:20–12:45 Pincio Terrace
View over Piazza del Popolo.
- 13:00–14:30 Lunch around Via Margutta
- 14:30–15:15 Piazza del Popolo and Santa Maria del PopoloIndoors
Two Caravaggios in the Cerasi Chapel — bring coins for the lights.
- 15:35–16:30 Campo de’ Fiori and Via Giulia
- 18:30–20:00 Farewell dinner in the Jewish Ghetto
Carciofi alla giudia in season.
Rough cost
Per person. Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums and Borghese tickets, transport, mid-range meals.
Prices checked November 2026 against official and widely published 2026 rates; they change, so confirm before you pay.
Book ahead
- Borghese Gallery — Timed slots only, no walk-ups. Book weeks ahead.
- Vatican Museums — Named tickets.
- Colosseum — Timed tickets.
If it rains
- Instead of Villa Borghese gardens: Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, at the edge of the park
Good to know
- Day three cannot be a Monday (Borghese closed).
Book it
- Tickets and tours in Rome (GetYourGuide)
- Hotels in Rome (Booking.com)
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Want some fresh air after the city? When to see nature’s big moments (Roamglade).
