Are you planning your first trip to Rome? Here’s an itinerary for 5 days in Rome to help you make the most of your visit.
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Italy is the first non-fictional land I can remember ever wanting to visit. From my earliest elementary school days, I can remember sitting in the back of the library, devouring book after of Ancient Roman mythology. I watched The Lizzie McGuire Movie and Roman Holiday on repeat. And I dreamt of the day when I would be there myself.
My excitement was so built-up that, when I first started planning my trip, I was nervous! What if Rome wasn’t as special as I imagined it to be? What if the so-called ‘Eternal City’ couldn’t live up to the sky-high expectations I had of it?
Thankfully, I needn’t have worried — my week in Rome was everything I could have wished for and more.
8 Can’t-Miss Activities In Rome
In Rome, something astonishing waits around every corner. You’ll stumble across amazing statues that you’ve never heard of before, mixed with iconic attractions you’ve only seen in the movies. And you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of pizzerias and gelaterias (truly what dreams are made of).
I arrived solo, but met a couple of American girls on my first day there. On the train ride from the airport into the city, I overheard the two of them speaking English together (your own language always cuts through the noise when you’re abroad). Hours later (after arriving at my hostel to find the front door locked) guess who stepped out of the elevator in front of me? It was one of the girls! We chatted as we waited and, by the time the hostel owners finally opened the door, we had struck up a friendship. I found out that she and the other girl on the train had planned to meet up for supper (they had also just met). The three of us went together, had the best time, and then stuck together for the next 5 days of exploring!
My love for solo travel comes not from a love of being alone (although I have to admit I don’t mind it!), but from my love of meeting other travellers abroad! It’s truly one of my favourite things. Whether you’re travelling as part of a group or alone, Rome has something for you!
Here are 8 can’t-miss activities to include in your Rome itinerary!
1. The Trevi Fountain
This recommendation is less about the Trevi Fountain itself, and more about WHEN to see it.
The first time we found the Trevi Fountain, it was completely by accident! It was the end of our first day in Rome, it was dark, and we were wandering the streets, slowly making our way back to our hostel (and seeking out as many gelato shops as we could). We’d just talked about getting up early the next day to see the fountain for the first time at sunrise… and then heard the sound of rushing water. A huge crowd stretched before us. It couldn’t be! We’d accidentally stumbled across the Trevi Fountain. Even crowded with thousands of people, it was a glorious sight.
The next morning, we got up at 5:00 and walked over from our hostel, arriving at the Trevi Fountain at 6:00, just as the sun was rising. The best part? The fountain square was basically empty. We took a ton of pictures and then relaxed as the streets started to slowly fill with people. Over the course of the next few days, we doubled past the fountain at least a half a dozen more times and, each time, it took my breath away… but none of those visits beat the calm of arriving in early morning, when you can hear the hum of the rushing water and the city coming alive around you.
2. The Collosseum
This was one of our first stops in Rome, and on the top of my itinerary! Such an iconic symbol, it was a beautiful introduction to the ‘Eternal City’. Admission was €20, so we chose to admire it from the outside, but if your trip coincides with “Free Sunday”, then consider using your free admission at the Colosseum.
3. The Vittoriano
This monument goes by several names. You might know it as the Altar of the Fatherland, or maybe one of its local names: the “typewriter” or the “wedding cake”. But no matter what you call it, the Vittoriano is impressive!
This immense monument was erected to commemorate Italy’s unification (which occurred in the latter half of the 19th century). It’s relatively new in terms of Roman architecture, but it’s mighty in its beauty and grandiosity. Fun fact: the statue of Victor Emmanuel II atop a horse (seen below, left) is so absolutely massive that in 1911, a banquet with 24 guests was held inside of it!
This monument was truly one of my favourite things that I experienced in Rome. Climb to the top, and be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city!
4. The Spanish Steps
Before visiting, watch Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s 1953 rom-com, Roman Holiday. It was the first American film to be shot entirely in Italy, and it’s packed full of landmarks you’ll soon recognize.
Audrey eating a cone of gelato on the Spanish Steps? Absolutely iconic. Unfortunately, eating, drinking, and sitting on the steps are now all activities of the past (sitting was banned just after our trip, and there are guards to make sure tourists abide by the rules). Still, this monument remains an undeniable icon of Rome, and no itinerary would be complete without it. Built between 1723 and 1725, it links the lower Piazza di Spagna with the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top.
5. Piazza del Popolo
We spent a whole lazy afternoon basking in the sun in the gorgeous Piazza del Popolo, literally translated to “Square of the People”. Once, this it was the first view any traveller would have of Rome. For centuries, it was the setting of many public executions. But in modern times, it has simply become a lovely spot to sit back and people watch! If you ever need a break from the hustle and bustle, grab a book and relax in the Piazza del Popolo while being serenaded by the many buskers who perform here.
6. Yellow Bar
No travel itinerary (least of all Rome) would be complete without a nightlife recommendation, and the Yellow Bar is the hottest spot to go for travellers! The Yellow Bar is part of a hostel (I didn’t stay there, this time, but would, next time!), but anyone can go to the bar/club, where you can dance your heart out. You’ll meet tons of fellow travellers, and you never know where a night at Yellow might take you!
For our part, we met a bunch of people and danced the night away (literally) before passing the wee small hours of the morning away at an after-hours bar, and then walking back to our hostel (by way of the Trevi Fountain) as the sun rose. We finally fell asleep in our hostel beds at the very same time we’d woken up the day before… Such a different way to experience Rome, but not to be missed!
7. Vatican City
A country within a country, Vatican City is the smallest in the world! Signed into existence by Mussolini in 1929, this tiny country has an absolute monarch in the form of the Pope, and is home to one of the most incredible museums and art collections in the world. Once you get inside, spend the day exploring, and make sure you don’t miss the Sistine Chapel, which is every bit the marvel you might expect. In Saint Peter’s Square, you can see the Pope speak by attending a Papal Mass on Wednesday mornings. Tickets are free, and audiences are large. We missed it ourselves, but had a lovely afternoon in the square so don’t worry, either way. Depending on where you stay, consider taking public transit to the Vatican, and then…
8. Pont Sant’Angelo
…walking back into Rome by way of the Pont Sant’Angelo! Cross the Tiber river via one of Italy’s most beautiful bridges — a landmark in and of itself, and a worthy addition to any Rome itinerary.
There are so many incredible sights to see in Rome that describing them could make this post go on forever. Some others to try to squeeze in are The Roman Forum, The Pantheon, The Capitoline, and so many more! Since it was all of our first time in Rome, we were mesmerised enough by all the free sights that we didn’t pay admission for anywhere but the Vatican, which kept our visit very affordable.
If I were to do it all again, I would do it in the following order:
The perfect 5 day itinerary for your trip to Rome —
- Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vittoriano
- Day 2: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon
- Day 3: Vatican City, Ponte Sant’Angelo
- Day 4: Spanish Steps, Yellow Bar
- Day 5: Trestavere, Piazza del Popoplo
In following this itinerary, you’ll pass through more piazzas and see more statues and structures than you can count. There’s really something around every corner, so leave yourself some space for spontaneity, if you can. I stayed a little longer (7 days) and went back a couple of times to the sites that I was most enraptured with, which was really lovely. If Rome isn’t the place for following your whims, where is?
Where To Stay In Rome
I stayed at Sandy Hostel, and was quite comfortable there. It was very quiet, but within walking distance of all the major attractions. It did the trick for what we needed it for (decent beds, good location, quiet and safe). However, my roommate and I were the only guests, so we were very lucky that we hit it off! If it hadn’t been for her, I know I would have missed the socialisation aspect of a bigger hostel. So, if you’re looking for a streamlined, social hostel experience, this isn’t it.
On the other hand, many of the major hostels are situated right next to the Roma Termini. This is known as a not-so-safe area of Rome, so having a few blocks of distance was a plus.
PROS AND CONS OF SANDY HOSTEL
Pros: great location, decent price, quiet, felt safe
Cons: small, no 24h reception, no common room or activities (difficult to meet people)
A quick word about safety:
I loved Rome (it’s truly my favourite city I’ve ever visited). But I felt super lucky that I didn’t end up exploring it solo. When the other girls left the day before me, I could feel myself being perceived somewhat differently. I had to be more cautious. Rome is do-able as a solo female traveller, but it’s a huge city… With all of the good and bad of what that implies. There are tons of tourists, lots of pedlars, and an unfortunate number of pickpockets. So make sure to stay vigilant and always keep your belongings in hand!
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