There’s so much to see and do in Rome that a mere 3-days in the city is almost a shame. But before you get overwhelmed by limited time in the Eternal City, we can narrow down the sights to eight must-sees that you can accomplish with ease in a few days time…
1. Trevi Fountain
The fountain that makes dreams come true—if returning to Rome is a dream of yours—is understandably packed by tourists all hours of the day and night. The Baroque-style fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi, the famed Italian architect.
2. The Pantheon
Almost completely consumed by fire, the Pantheon rose from the ashes like a phoenix when Hadrian restored it to its former glory in 118 A.D. This engineered marvel will leave you in awe with its massive, open dome, sprawling piazza, and mystical tomb of Italian artist, Raphael. The best thing about the Pantheon is that its free for tourists to visit and explore.
3. The Colosseum
The ultimate in sports arenas dates back to 72 A.D., when Vespasian started the stadium and his son, Titus, completed it in 80 A.D. The massive entertainment complex still stands in all of its glory. You can actually see the specific gates, walk the rows, and sit in the seats where the ancient Romans once sat.
4. The Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museum
Gaze up in awe at Michelangelo’s greatest work. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is captured in many literary works, but seeing it in 3-D is something, well, heavenly! Plus, you get the adjoined benefit of the Vatican Museum, which houses pieces from ancient Greece all the way to the modern Renaissance period.
5. St. Peter’s Basilica
After you take in the Vatican, take a wander over to St. Peter’s, it’s only the most enormous church on earth. Let Michelangelo’s Pieta, his stunning marble sculpture work leave you gaping. You won’t believe an artist could do this at the ripe age of just 23-years old. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, Bernini’s Baldacchino sculpture, plus the elaborate tombs of several dead popes (including Saint Peter himself who is entombed under the famous altar) can be seen on the tour.
6. Il Vittoriano
This massive, white tiered structure if often referred to humorously as the “Wedding Cake”. The monument to Italy’s Unknown Soldier is rather new by Roman standards (constructed in the early 1900s), or the Typewriter. But after you climb the stairs at Piazza Venezia to the mid-balcony, and let the glass elevator whisk you to the top terrace, you’ll understand all the fuss as you take in the very best view in all of Rome.
7. Galleria Borghese
Titan, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Berninis are just a few of the names on display at Rome’s most famous museum and palace. Tucked away in the Villa Borghese Park, you need to make a reservation ahead of time to lay eyes on the master works of Italy.
8. Piazza Navona
Once you’ve taken in his other works, an enjoyable walk to Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, set in the lively Piazza Navona is worth the short jaunt from the Pantheon. The square here is set with an Egyptian Obelisk, which watches over the many tourists, artists, and restaurants in its midst.
