Where to Stay in Rome for 3 Days?

Are thinking about planning a three day trip to Rome? If so, then you need this guide on where to stay in Rome for 3 days.

Rome, the Eternal City, is a dazzling mix of ancient history, artistic masterpieces, and mouthwatering cuisine.

With its sprawling neighborhoods and endless attractions, putting things in place for a trip for a short trip can feel overwhelming.

This guide will help you choose the best area, save money, and maximize your time—if you are a first-time visitor, a budget traveler, or a luxury seeker.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know.

When to Visit Rome: Timing Your Trip

Rome is a year-round destination, but timing your visit can significantly affect your experience.

Below is a seasonal breakdown:

Spring (April–June):

• Weather: Mild temperatures (15–24°C / 60–75°F)
• Pros: Blooming gardens and fewer crowds in early April
• Cons: Crowds build by May

Summer (July–August):

• Weather: Hot (often exceeding 32°C / 90°F)
• Pros: Long daylight hours
• Cons: Crowded; many local businesses close in August
• Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid queues

Fall (September–October):

• Weather: Warm days and cooler evenings
• Pros: Fewer tourists, ideal for outdoor dining
• Cons: Occasional rain in October

Winter (November–March):

• Weather: Cool and rainy (5–15°C / 41–59°F)
• Pros: Quiet attractions; magical Christmas markets
• Cons: Shorter daylight hours

Pro Tip: Avoid Easter week and Ferragosto (August 15), when prices surge and crowds peak.

Break down of where to stay in Rome for 3 days

Getting Around Rome: Transport Made Simple

Rome’s historic center is best explored on foot, but below are your transport options:

Walking:

• Most iconic sights (Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps) are within a 30-minute radius
• Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—cobblestones are uneven

Taxis:

• Official taxis are white with a “TAXI” sign. Use apps like Free Now or ItTaxi
• Tip: Ensure the meter is running

Public Transport:

• Buses/Metro: Two metro lines (A and B) connect key areas
• Tickets:
  • Single ride: €1.50 (valid for 100 minutes)
  • 24-hour pass: €7
• ATAC – Rome’s Public Transport

Scooters/Bikes:

• Rent electric scooters via Lime or Bird
• Avoid: Rush-hour traffic

Uber:

• Only Uber Black (luxury cars) operates in Rome. Reliable but expensive

Avoid Renting a Car:

• Narrow streets, ZTL zones (traffic-restricted areas), and limited parking make driving impractical

Rome’s Best Neighborhoods: Where to Stay

1. Trastevere: Rome’s Bohemian Soul

Why Stay Here?

• Atmosphere: Cobblestone alleys, ivy-draped buildings, and lively piazzas
• Food: Authentic trattorias like Da Enzo (famous for cacio e pepe)
• Nightlife: Bars like Freni e Frizioni and live music venues

Top Attractions Nearby:

• Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere: 12th-century church with golden mosaics
• Janiculum Hill: Free panoramic views of Rome (ideal for sunrise)

Accommodations:

• Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá (five-star hotel with a pool and gardens)
• Hotel Santa Maria (family-run hotel with a citrus garden)
• Tree Charme Trastevere (steps from Piazza Santa Maria)

Ease of access:

• 25–30 minute walk to major landmarks like the Pantheon

2. Centro Storico

Why Stay Here?

• Proximity: Five minutes to the Pantheon, 10 minutes to the Trevi Fountain
• Dining: Chic cafes like Giolitti (historic gelateria)
• Shopping: Designer boutiques on Via del Corso

Top Attractions Nearby:

• Pantheon: A 2,000-year-old architectural marvel
• Piazza Navona: Baroque fountains and street performers

Accommodations:

• Six Senses Rome (wellness-focused with a rooftop spa)
• Hotel Campo de’ Fiori (overlooks a vibrant market square)
• Rome as You Feel – Grotta Pinta (apartments with kitchens)

3. Salotto Monti

Why Stay Here?

• Proximity: 10-minute walk to the Colosseum and Roman Forum
• Vibe: Trendy wine bars (Ai Tre Scalini) and vintage shops
• Transport: Near Termini Station for day trips

Top Attractions Nearby:

• Colosseum: Book a guided tour to explore gladiator tunnels
• Via dei Fori Imperiali: Avenue lined with ancient ruins

Accommodations:

• Luxury ($$$$): Palazzo Manfredi (rooftop restaurant with Colosseum views)
• Mid-Range ($$–$$$): The Fifteen Keys Hotel (stylish vintage decor)
• Budget ($): Hotel Romano (simple, central rooms)

Key to note:

• Crowds near the Colosseum by midday
• Limited budget-friendly hotels

4. The Inn at Spanish Steps

Why Stay Here?

• Tranquility: Quiet streets and green spaces like Villa Borghese Gardens
• Luxury: High-end shopping on Via dei Condotti (Gucci, Prada)

Top Attractions Nearby:

• Villa Borghese Gallery: Home to Bernini’s sculptures (book tickets in advance)
• Via Margutta: Artistic street featured in Roman Holiday

Accommodations:

• Hotel de la Ville (rooftop bar overlooking the Spanish Steps)
• Hotel Locarno (1920s glamour near the Tiber River)
• Stay Inn Via del Corso (basic rooms near shopping streets)

Key to note:

• Expensive hotels and restaurants
• 20-minute taxi ride to Trastevere

Accommodations

Stay near Termini Station, Rome’s central transportation hub, for affordable lodging and easy access to metro lines and buses. Budget-friendly picks:

• The Beehive Hostel: A sustainable, artsy hostel with dorm beds from €25 per night. Offers free city maps and a cozy café for mingling.
• Hotel Sonya: A mid-range gem (€90 per night) with vintage charm, five minutes from the station.

Why Termini?

• Walking distance to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Monti, Rome’s hipster district.
• Night buses depart here for late returns after exploring.

Free Attractions

Pantheon

• Marvel at the 2,000-year-old dome (still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome).
• Visit at noon to see sunlight stream through the oculus. Free entry, but arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Official website: Pantheon Rome

Trevi Fountain

• Toss a coin over your left shoulder (legend says this ensures a return to Rome).
• Best visited at sunrise for photos without tourists.
• More info: Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps

• Climb the 135 steps for views of Via dei Condotti’s luxury shops.
• Avoid sitting (fines apply since 2019).
• More info: Spanish Steps

St. Peter’s Basilica

• Free entry to the main basilica (open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. April–September).
• The €8 dome climb offers panoramic views of Vatican City—worth the 551-step hike.
• Official website: St. Peter’s Basilica

Your Three-Day Rome Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Rome & Icons

Morning

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

• Opt for a three-hour guided tour (€45) to bypass lines and learn about gladiator battles and imperial politics. Pre-booking online is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially save money.
• The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, is a must-see. Explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can wander through ancient streets and imagine life in ancient Rome.
• Insider tip: The Palatine Hill offers serene gardens and panoramic views of the Forum. It’s a great spot for photos and a quieter experience away from the crowds.

Lunch

Trapizzino

• A hybrid of pizza and sandwich. Try the pollo alla cacciatora (€5) in Monti, a bohemian neighborhood with vintage shops.
• Monti is also known for its artisan workshops and independent boutiques. Take some time to explore the neighborhood after lunch.

Afternoon

Trevi Fountain

• Drop a coin in the fountain—€3,000+ is collected daily for charity. Arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the largest crowds. Take some time to admire the Baroque architecture and intricate sculptures of the fountain.

Pantheon

• Admire Raphael’s tomb and the marble floors. Free audio guides via the Pantheon App. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings and offers a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s past.

Piazza Navona

• Baroque masterpiece with Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. Sip €3 espresso at Caffè Sant’Eustachio. This vibrant square is a great place to relax and people-watch. The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers) is a stunning centerpiece.

Dinner

Armando al Pantheon

• Family-run since 1961. Try cacio e pepe (€14) or abbacchio alla scottadito (grilled lamb chops, €18). Reserve weeks ahead.
• Be sure to make a reservation well in advance as it’s a popular spot with locals and tourists alike.

Evening

Giolitti

• Rome’s oldest gelateria (since 1900). Order stracciatella (€3) and stroll to the Spanish Steps for people-watching.
• This historic gelateria is a must-visit for gelato lovers. Stroll to the Spanish Steps for a leisurely evening walk and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Vatican City & Culture

Morning

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

• Pre-book €21 tickets for 8:30 a.m. slots to see Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam sans crowds.
• The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts, and the Sistine Chapel is a breathtaking masterpiece.

St. Peter’s Dome Climb

• 551 steps (or elevator to halfway for €10). The 360° view spans the Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo. Climbing the dome offers unparalleled views of Vatican City and Rome.

Lunch

Pizzarium

• Gabriele Bonci’s famed pizza al taglio. Try potato and mozzarella (€6 per slice) near Vatican walls.
• This pizzeria is known for its creative and high-quality pizza slices. It’s a great spot for a quick and delicious lunch.

Afternoon

Trastevere

• Cobblestone alleys lined with ivy-clad homes. Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere for golden mosaics.
• Trastevere is a charming neighborhood with a bohemian vibe. Explore the narrow streets, browse artisan shops, and soak in the atmosphere.
• The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest churches, known for its stunning mosaics.
• Browse artisan shops like Antica Caciara for pecorino cheese.

Dinner

Da Enzo al 29

• Tiny trattoria with Rome’s creamiest carbonara (€14). Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to snag a table.
• Da Enzo al 29 is a local favorite, and reservations are not accepted. Arrive early to secure a table.

Evening

Freni e Frizioni

• Aperitivo hotspot (€10 for a drink plus buffet) in a former mechanic’s garage.
• This unique bar offers a lively atmosphere and a generous aperitivo buffet.

Day 3: Local Gems & Leisure

Morning

Campo de’ Fiori Market

• Bustling morning market (6 a.m.–2 p.m.). Buy €5 truffle oil or snack on fresh porchetta sandwiches.
• This vibrant market is a great place to experience local life and sample Roman delicacies.

Lunch

Nonna Betta

• Jewish Ghetto staple. Carciofi alla giudia (crispy fried artichokes, €12) are a must.
• This restaurant is known for its traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine. The crispy fried artichokes are a signature dish.

Afternoon

Villa Borghese Gardens

• Rent a rowboat (€4 per 20 minutes) on the lake or visit the Borghese Gallery (book tickets) for Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne.
• The Villa Borghese Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city. The Borghese Gallery houses an impressive collection of art, including sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio.

Dinner

Imàgo

• Michelin-starred rooftop dining at Hotel Hassler. Splurge on the €120 tasting menu with views of St. Peter’s dome.
• This upscale restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with stunning views of Rome.

Evening

Giardino degli Aranci

• Sunset spot with fragrant orange trees. Peek through the Aventine Keyhole for a framed view of St. Peter’s.
• The Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) is a romantic spot to watch the sunset. The Aventine Keyhole offers a unique and picturesque view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Wrapping things up

There’s nothing like waking up in Rome, knowing you’ve got three full days to explore and enjoy.

Where to stay in Rome for three days doesn’t have to be a puzzle—once you know the feel of each neighborhood, it’s easier to find your fit.

Prefer something a little more chill and away from the main tourist flow?

Every option has its perks, and it just depends on what kind of trip you’re after.

Are you planning to walk everywhere?

Do you love the nightlife?

Are quiet mornings more your thing?

Keep it simple—choose based on your vibe and what matters most.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t see it all in three, but that’s just a reason to come back.

Until next time, ciao!

Frequently Asked Questions