4 Days in Rome: Ancient History & Modern Life
Rome wasn't built in a day, and you shouldn't try to see it in one either. Four days allows you to peel back the layers of history while actually enjoying a gelato or two. You'll walk on 2,000-year-old stones, see the world's most famous ceiling, and eat carbonara where it was invented.
Day-by-Day Snapshot
Ancient Rome
Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
The Vatican
St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Baroque Rome
Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
Trastevere
Wander the cobbled streets, eat authentic pasta, and hike Janiculum Hill.
- •Visiting the Vatican on a Monday (crowded).
- •Ordering cappuccino after 11am (a cultural faux pas).
- •Wearing uncomfortable shoes on cobblestones.
- •Buying water bottles (Rome has free nasoni fountains everywhere).
April, May, or October.
The keyhole view on Aventine Hill.
- Monti: Hip, central, and very Roman.
- Trastevere: Bohemian, nightlife-heavy, and charming.
Getting Around
Get a 72-hour pass (€18). Metro runs 5:30am-11:30pm. From Fiumicino Airport: Leonardo Express train is €14, takes 30 mins. Taxis are €48 flat rate to the center.
Where to Eat
Eat pizza al taglio (by the slice) for lunch. Trastevere has authentic trattorias. Avoid restaurants with pictures on menus. Testaccio Market is where locals eat. Da Enzo is worth the wait.
Common Questions
Is 4 days enough?
For the main sites, yes. You'll get a feel for Rome but won't exhaust it.
Do I need to book everything?
Colosseum and Vatican absolutely. Everything else you can wing.
How much should I budget?
€80-100/day is realistic (food + transport + entry).
Explore More Travel Trends
Looking for something more unique for your next trip?