5 days in Rome: All the highlights and a day trip

From its grand monuments to the incredible food scene, an entire lifetime wouldn't be enough to explore every part of Italy’s capital. But if you only have 5 days in Rome, it’s quite possible to fit in all the main attractions and even squeeze in a day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. During your 5 days in Rome, remember to take the time to visit some good restaurants to experience some amazing local food.

Start your trip with a visit to the most iconic symbol of Rome—the Colosseum. This massive amphitheater has been around for more than 2,000 years and it once held up to 80,000 spectators gathered there to cheer on their favorite gladiator. Tip: Buy a skip-the-line ticket to avoid standing in line in the scorching heat; you’ll also benefit from the commentary from your guide. The ticket to the Colosseum covers entry to the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

After exploring the arena and admiring the Arch of Constantine, head to the Roman Forum as it complements the Colosseum beautifully. If you choose to explore the Colosseum on your own, we recommend a guided tour of the Roman Forum to learn more about the fascinating history. Complete your morning by climbing to the top of Palatine Hill to enjoy breathtaking views of the ruins from above.

After walking up an appetite, head to the delightful Monti district for lunch. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rome with a cool and charming vibe that attracts many locals. Here, you can find many boutique stalls and artisan works, alongside some of the best bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica di Santa Prassede.

In the late afternoon, head to Piazza Venezia and marvel at the Altar of the Fatherland, an imposing monument that’s hard to miss. The Vittoriano offers breathtaking views of Rome (the first two terraces are free but the third and highest has an admission fee), and we recommend taking the glass elevator to the top for one of Rome’s best views. Next to Vittoriano is Capitoline Hill that also offers stunning views of the city. Check out the Piazza del Campidoglio, a unique square designed by Michelangelo. Alternatively, go with a guided tour that will take you to the famous attractions in the area.

Start your second day in Rome with a leisurely stroll around Centro Storico. Wear comfortable shoes and lose yourself in the heart of Rome, where surprises await you around every corner. Wander through the picturesque cobblestone alleyways and spot some of the city’s iconic attractions: the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona (known for its art market) and Campo de’Fiori (known for its outdoor food market). This walking tour will take you to the main attractions in the area.

On the third day, take a day trip to the smallest country in the world—the Vatican City.

Start early at the Vatican Museums, which consist of 26 museums with an enormous collection of artifacts; it’ll take days and weeks to appreciate all the pieces on display. With only one day, we recommend a guided Vatican Museum Tour to see the main highlights. Explore the Sistine Chapel, which boasts two of the world’s greatest masterpieces: Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and his Giudizio Universale (Last Judgment).

Next, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches and a great work of art. Take the chance to explore the lofty dome; the view from there is spectacular.

After leaving St Peter’s Square, walk down Via della Concilliazione which will lead you to the Castel Sant’Angelo. Sitting on the banks of River Tiber and one of the oldest buildings in Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo has a fascinating history: it was used as a fortress and a castle, and is now a museum. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best views of Rome.

End the day with dinner at Trastevere. It is bursting with restaurants and has a bustling nightlife. Join a food tour to experience the local food scene or check out this list for some of the best trattorias in Rome – there’ll be at least one in Trastevere.

While you’re in Rome, don’t miss two of southern Italy’s UNESCO-listed destinations. Take a day trip to the ancient city of Pompeii and then embark on a scenic drive along Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Few places in the world will wow you like the lost city of Pompeii; it’s frozen in time and is one of the most popular archeological sites in the world. After visiting the ancient ruins, drive along the Amalfi Coast for some of the most picturesque views in Italy. Stop by the terraced city of Positano before calling it a day and heading back to Rome.

On your last day, take a relaxing walk through one of Rome's largest parks, the Villa Borghese. Whether you’re into sculptures, museums, beautiful gardens or even animals, you can find it all here. The Borghese Gallery is a must-visit as it holds one of the most impressive collections of Roman, Renaissance and Baroque artwork.

Spend less time queuing and more time admiring the artwork with a skip-the-line ticket. You can also explore Villa Borghese on a bike and spend some time amongst the beautiful flowerbeds, fountains and temples.

For a spot of shopping, head to Via Veneto, one of the most elegant and famous shopping streets in Rome which boasts some of the best shops and restaurants. Continue shopping on Via del Corso, which is the longest street in Rome with dozens of high-end shops.

You’re bound to pass Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo on your shopping excursion. If you have a bit more time on your hands,, take a cooking class. Try your hand at making pizza and gelato or pasta and tiramisù—it could be a fun family activity.

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