Rome: Planning Your Time
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After considering Rome's major tourist sights, I've covered just my favorites. You won't be able to see all of these, so don't try — you'll keep coming back to Rome. After several dozen visits, I still have a healthy list of excuses to return.
Rome in a Day
Some people actually try to "do" Rome in a day. Crazy as that sounds, if all you have is a day, it's one of the most exciting days Europe has to offer. See Vatican City (two hours in the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel — if the line's not too long — then one hour in St. Peter's), taxi over the river to the Pantheon (picnic on its steps), then hike over Capitol Hill, through the Forum, and to the Colosseum. Have dinner on Campo de' Fiori and dessert on Piazza Navona. (With typical crowds, you'll likely have to skip the Vatican Museum. But the rest is entirely doable.)
Rome in Two to Three Days
On the first day, do the "Caesar Shuffle" from the Colosseum to the Forum, then over Capitol Hill to the Pantheon. After a siesta, join the locals strolling from Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps. On the second day, see Vatican City (St. Peter's, climb the dome, tour the Vatican Museum). Have dinner on the atmospheric Campo de' Fiori, then walk to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. With a third day, add the Borghese Gallery (reservations required) and the National Museum of Rome.
Rome in Seven Days
Rome is a great one-week getaway. Its sights can keep even the most fidgety traveler well-entertained for a week.
Day 1
Do the "Caesar Shuffle" from the Colosseum to the Forum, Mamertine Prison, Trajan's Forum, Capitol Hill, and Pantheon.
Day 2
Morning — National Museum of Rome and the nearby Baths of Diocletian. Afternoon — "Dolce Vita Stroll" and shopping.
Day 3
Vatican City — St. Peter's Basilica, dome climb, and Vatican Museum.
Day 4
Side-trip to Ostia Antica. Walk from Campo de' Fiori to the Spanish Steps.
Day 5
Borghese Gallery (reservation required) and Pilgrims' Rome (the churches of San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Clemente).
Day 6
Side trip to Naples and Pompeii.
Day 7
You choose — Hadrian's Villa, Appian Way with Catacombs, E.U.R., Castel Sant'Angelo, Testaccio sights, Baths of Caracalla, Cappuccin Crypt, shopping, or more time at the Vatican.
Updated for 2009. For lots more information, check out our best-selling Rick Steves' Rome guidebook — or join us on one of our free-spirited tours in Rome.