There is nowhere quite like Rome. Few cities make the past feel so much a part of everyday life.
Walk almost anywhere and history appears around the next corner. Ancient ruins sit beside busy roads, Renaissance fountains fill lively piazzas, church doors open to reveal extraordinary works of art, and locals drink their morning espresso within sight of buildings that have stood for thousands of years.
Rome Has Changed – Even If the Landmarks Haven’t
I’ve visited Rome five times over the past twenty years, and while the landmarks haven’t changed, the experience of visiting certainly has. The Colosseum is still as impressive as the first time I saw it, throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is still irresistible, and sitting in a piazza with an Aperol Spritz as the city moves around you never gets old.
But Rome today requires more planning. Major attractions sell out, timed tickets are increasingly common, crowds can be relentless, and an ambitious itinerary can quickly become an exhausting one. For a first-time visitor, Rome can feel exhilarating and overwhelming in equal measure.
What First-Time Visitors to Rome Need to Know
Three days won’t cover everything — and that’s not the aim. The key is knowing which experiences are worth making time for, which sights to group together, what needs to be booked before you arrive and when it’s better to stop sightseeing and simply enjoy being in Rome.
This guide brings together what I’ve learnt over five visits, including a few mistakes I’ve made myself, to help you make the most of your time without feeling as though you’re racing through the city.
For a more detailed look at where to stay, getting around, tours worth booking and the attractions I’d prioritise, read my Rome Travel Guide: What to See in 3 Days. Here, I’m focusing on the things first-time visitors often don’t realise until they arrive — and what I wish I’d known on my first visit.
Is 3 Days in Rome Enough?
Three days is enough for a very good first introduction to Rome. You can experience Ancient Rome and the Colosseum, visit the Vatican, see the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona, and still spend time exploring neighbourhoods such as Monti or Trastevere.
If you can stay four or five days, even better. You’ll have more time for places such as the Jewish Quarter, Villa Borghese and Testaccio, take a food tour or simply enjoy Rome without feeling you need to be somewhere every hour.
But if three days is all you have, don’t worry. You’ll see a remarkable amount — and probably leave with a reason to return.
Essential Rome Tips First-Time Visitors Should Know
Bring a reusable water bottle from home. Rome has thousands of public drinking fountains, known as nasoni, where you can refill your bottle with fresh, cold drinking water. There’s really no need to keep buying single-use plastic bottles. Bring a reusable bottle from home, refill it throughout the day and you’ll save money while helping reduce unnecessary plastic waste. If you’re drinking directly from a nasone, cover the main spout with your finger and the water will shoot from the smaller hole on top.
Dress appropriately when visiting churches. Rome’s churches aren’t simply tourist attractions; they’re active places of worship. Shoulders and knees may need to be covered, particularly at major religious sites. During warmer months, carrying a lightweight scarf or wrap can be useful.
Don’t walk past an ordinary-looking church. Some of Rome’s greatest artistic treasures are hiding behind surprisingly modest façades. You’ll find works by artists including Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Bernini and Raphael in churches across the city, often without paying an entrance fee. If a church door is open as you’re walking past, take a few minutes to step inside. You never quite know what you’ll find. Smaller churches may close for several hours during the day, so if there’s one you particularly want to visit, check its opening hours rather than assuming you can return later.
Be wary of unsolicited help around major attractions. Like most heavily visited cities, Rome has its share of tourist scams and pickpocketing. Be particularly aware around Termini, crowded public transport and major attractions. Don’t hand your phone or camera to a stranger offering to take your photo, ignore anyone trying to give you a bracelet, flower or other “free” item, and keep bags zipped and close to you on busy buses and Metro trains. There’s no need to be nervous about Rome — just use the same awareness you would in any busy European city.
Use a little Italian. You don’t need to speak Italian to visit Rome, but a few words go a long way. Buongiorno (good morning/day), buonasera (good evening), per favore (please) and grazie (thank you) are easy to remember. Even if the conversation immediately switches to English, making the effort to greet someone in Italian is a nice way to begin.
Some of Rome’s most fascinating history is beneath your feet. Modern Rome has quite literally been built on top of ancient Rome, and there are several places where you can head underground and see those layers for yourself. Beneath Piazza Navona, you can explore the remains of the Stadium of Domitian, the ancient arena that explains the piazza’s distinctive long, oval shape. Near the Trevi Fountain, Vicus Caprarius — often called the City of Water — reveals Roman houses, archaeological remains and an ancient aqueduct below the surrounding streets. At the Basilica of San Clemente, near the Colosseum, you can descend through centuries of history, from the present-day church to an earlier basilica and Roman structures even further below. Once you realise how much of ancient Rome is still down there, you start looking at the streets above very differently.
Use official white taxis. Rome’s licensed taxis are white and you’ll find designated taxi ranks throughout the city. Don’t assume you’ll always be able to hail one from the street. If you have a tour, train or reservation you can’t afford to miss, arrange your transport beforehand rather than leaving it until the last minute.
Don’t wait until you’re desperate to find a toilet. Public toilets aren’t always easy to find in Rome, so use the facilities when you’re visiting a museum, attraction or restaurant. And don’t be afraid to walk into a café and politely ask to use their toilet. I’ve done this many times in Rome and have never been reprimanded or turned away. If you feel uncomfortable asking without buying anything, order a quick coffee at the bar.
In many smaller cafés and restaurants, you’ll find just one male and one female toilet, both private rooms with lockable doors. If the one marked for you is occupied and the other is free, it’s often practical to use the available one — simply lock the door behind you. Use your judgement and follow any instructions from the venue.
Make time for the evening passeggiata. As the sightseeing crowds begin to thin and the temperature drops, Rome takes on a different atmosphere. This is a wonderful time to wander through Monti, Trastevere or the historic centre without another attraction to tick off your list. Browse the streets, find somewhere to sit and watch the city transition from day to evening.
Look up, look down and occasionally forget the itinerary. Rome rewards curiosity. Look up and you’ll notice faded frescoes, tiny religious shrines, ornate balconies and rooftop terraces. Look down and there may be an ancient city beneath you. Walk through an open church door, follow an interesting laneway or sit in a piazza longer than you’d planned. Some of the best things you’ll experience in Rome won’t be on your itinerary at all.
Discover Rome’s Arty Side
Rome may be famous for ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces and the Vatican Museums, but its art scene goes well beyond the places most first-time visitors know.
If you’re around Piazza Navona, step inside the Museo di Roma at Palazzo Braschi. Even the building is worth seeing, and the museum offers a fascinating look at Rome through paintings, photographs, costumes and objects that document how the city has changed over the centuries.
For something completely different, seek out some of Rome’s smaller contemporary galleries. Maja Arte Contemporanea, near Campo de’ Fiori, is a small independent gallery that would be easy to walk straight past. That’s part of the appeal. Smaller galleries like this give you a glimpse of contemporary Rome away from the ancient monuments and Renaissance art that dominate most first visits.
If contemporary art particularly interests you, head beyond the historic centre to MACRO – Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome. Its changing exhibitions provide a very different perspective on Rome’s creative side.
You don’t need to dedicate an entire day to art. Choose one museum or gallery and incorporate it into the neighbourhood you’re already exploring. Sometimes the places you weren’t planning to visit become the ones you remember.
Eating and Drinking in Rome
Don’t just order a “latte”. This is one I learnt the hard way. In Italy, latte simply means milk, and I was served warm milk a couple of times before I realised my mistake. If you want the coffee we Australians know as a latte, ask for a caffè latte. A caffè will get you an espresso, while a cappuccino is another good choice if you prefer milk with your coffee. It’s a small difference, but one worth knowing before your first morning in Rome.
Know a few Roman dishes before you order. Rome has its own distinctive cuisine, and trying some of the local specialities is part of experiencing the city. Look for cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana and gricia. When artichokes are in season, try carciofi alla romana or the crispier carciofi alla giudia, traditionally associated with Rome’s Jewish Quarter.
Consider doing a food tour early in your stay. A good food tour is about much more than eating. It’s a chance to explore a neighbourhood with someone who knows it well, visit local food markets and family-run businesses, and learn about the foods Romans actually buy and eat.
On one of my Rome food tours, I was introduced to a local mortadella served in a fresh roll — something I’d never really taken notice of before, despite having visited Italy several times. We also visited local food shops and markets and learnt about Roman ingredients, dishes and traditions that I would never have discovered simply by walking around on my own.
That’s what I enjoy most about food tours. You’re not just tasting different foods; you’re learning about the district, meeting local producers and understanding a little more about everyday life in Rome. You’ll also discover places you may want to return to later.
If you can, book a food tour near the beginning of your stay. You’ll come away with local recommendations, a better understanding of Roman food and plenty of ideas about what — and where — to eat for the rest of your time in the city.
Ask your accommodation host where they eat. Restaurant menus around Rome can look surprisingly similar, but the quality and experience can be very different. Some of the best meals I’ve had have come from asking our accommodation host where they would eat locally, rather than choosing somewhere simply because it looked inviting or was close to a major attraction. Their recommendations often lead you to smaller neighbourhood restaurants filled with locals, sometimes only a street or two away from the busy tourist areas. If your host recommends somewhere popular, ask if they’ll make a reservation for you too.
Don’t rely on online reviews alone. Reviews can be useful for spotting consistent problems or getting a general feel for a restaurant, tour or attraction, but they’re only as useful as the person writing them. We all have different expectations, tastes and ideas about what makes somewhere worth recommending. I don’t know how many times I’ve followed glowing online reviews only to wonder what all the fuss was about.
In Rome, I’ve often had better results asking an accommodation host, local guide or someone who actually lives in the neighbourhood where they would go. Instead of asking, “What’s a good restaurant?”, try asking, “Where would you go for dinner?” You may get a very different answer.
Wait a little longer for dinner. It can be tempting to eat early after a long day of sightseeing, but waiting until around 7.30 or 8 pm can give you a very different experience of Rome. Restaurants begin to fill with locals, neighbourhoods become livelier and dinner feels less like another stop on the sightseeing itinerary and more like being part of the city. Have an aperitivo beforehand, then settle in for dinner without rushing. For me, this is when Rome feels at its best.
Understand the bill before you tip. You may see a coperto or cover charge per person, which should be shown on the menu. Tipping isn’t expected in Italy in the same way it is in countries such as the United States. You can round up the bill or leave something extra when you’ve had particularly good service, but don’t feel obliged to add a large percentage.
Head to a Rooftop Bar for Aperitivo
Rome is beautiful at street level, but seeing it from above gives you a completely different perspective. Rooftop terraces are scattered across the historic centre, with views over church domes, terracotta rooftops and some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Go in the late afternoon, preferably before sunset, and stay as the lights begin to come on across the city.
If you’ve never experienced aperitivo, think of it as the Italian ritual of having a drink before dinner, usually accompanied by a few small snacks. It’s less about drinking and more about slowing down at the end of the day, catching up with friends and easing into the evening. It generally starts from around 6 pm and is one of those Italian traditions that’s very easy for travellers to embrace.
What to Drink at Aperitivo
An Aperol Spritz is an easy introduction, while a Campari Spritz is more bitter. If you prefer something stronger, try a Negroni, made with gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. A glass of Prosecco or Italian wine is just as appropriate — there’s no need to order a particular drink to enjoy aperitivo.
You don’t usually need to be staying at the hotel to visit its rooftop bar, although it’s worth checking ahead and reserving a table if you have somewhere particular in mind.
For a first visit to Rome, I’d make time for at least one rooftop aperitivo. Watching the sun set over the domes and rooftops of the Eternal City with a drink in hand is one of those experiences worth slowing down for.
3 Rooftop Bars with Great Views of Rome
You don’t have to visit one of Rome’s most famous rooftop bars to enjoy a spectacular view. These three are worth considering if you’d like somewhere a little less obvious.
Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar – Monti/Esquilino
On the rooftop of the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti, Mùn has wonderful views across the rooftops towards the domes and towers of central Rome. Its location near Santa Maria Maggiore makes it a good choice if you’re staying around Monti. Go around sunset for aperitivo and watch the city change as the lights come on.
8th Floor Rooftop – Trastevere
If you’re spending the afternoon or evening exploring Trastevere, head to the rooftop of the Trilussa Palace Hotel. Being slightly away from Rome’s historic centre gives you a broader perspective across the skyline rather than a close-up view of one famous monument. It’s a lovely option for a drink before heading back into Trastevere for dinner.
Paparazzo Bar & Rooftop – Prati
Over in Prati, Paparazzo offers another perspective on Rome from above and is a good choice to combine with a day around the Vatican or Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s stylish without being one of the rooftop names that seems to appear on every Rome itinerary.
Whichever you choose, I’d arrive before sunset rather than after dark. Watching Rome gradually change from terracotta rooftops and church domes in the afternoon light to an illuminated city is half the experience. Rooftop bars can also be popular with locals and visitors, so check opening times and reserve ahead if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
Discover a Rome Speakeasy
For something completely different after dinner, seek out The Jerry Thomas Project, now known as the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy.
Hidden away near Campo de’ Fiori, this Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar has been part of Rome’s nightlife since 2010. Don’t expect a large sign or obvious entrance — finding it is part of the experience.
The focus is very much on cocktails, with bartenders drawing on classic recipes, traditional spirits and the history of cocktail making. The secret-word tradition that helped make Jerry Thomas famous is also still part of the experience.
It’s a late-night venue, currently opening from 9 pm, so this is somewhere to visit after dinner rather than for aperitivo.
Entry arrangements have changed over the years, so check the current requirements and make a reservation before you go. That’s part of the fun of a speakeasy — just don’t turn up assuming it works exactly as it did a few years ago.
A Final Thought on Your First Visit to Rome
You won’t see everything in three days, and you really don’t need to. See the places you’ve travelled all this way to experience, but leave enough room for the Rome you didn’t plan — an unexpected church, a long lunch, a rooftop aperitivo or a laneway that simply looks worth following.
That’s often the Rome you’ll remember most.
Continue Exploring Italy
Rome was the final stop on our journey through Italy before we flew to Lisbon and continued our travels through Portugal.
If you’re planning your own Italian itinerary, you may also enjoy my other guides from this trip:
- 2 Days in Lake Como: The Ultimate Travel Guide – why we chose Varenna as our base and how we explored Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo by ferry.
- 2 Days in Verona: The Ultimate Travel Guide – what to see, where to eat and why I think Verona deserves more than a quick stop.
- 2 Days in Venice: The Ultimate Travel Guide – how to make the most of a short stay, from the Rialto and St Mark’s Square to exploring Venice by vaporetto.
- Rome Travel Guide: What to See in 3 Days – my complete Rome planning guide covering where to stay, getting around, what to see, tours and practical advice.
From Rome, our journey continued to Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto, with a day trip to Braga and Bom Jesus do Monte. If Portugal is also on your itinerary, that’s where we’re heading next.
