The Rome Index5 days in Rome
Five full days — the city covered properly, with time to actually stop.
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Colosseum at opening (pre-booked), Roman Forum, Palatine Hill. Lunch in Monti. Evening: explore Monti's wine bars and streets.
Day 2: Vatican
Vatican Museums earliest available slot (pre-booked). St Peter's Basilica including dome if time allows. Lunch in Prati. Afternoon: Castel Sant'Angelo, walk along the Tiber.
Day 3: Historic center
Pantheon at opening. Piazza Navona and surroundings. Jewish Ghetto for lunch (carciofi, supplì). Afternoon: Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Farnese. Aperitivo at Trastevere.
Day 4: Museums and parks
Galleria Borghese (pre-booked, morning slot). Lunch in the Villa Borghese gardens. Afternoon: Capitoline Museums, view over the Forum. Spanish Steps at sunset, Trevi Fountain at night.
Day 5: Slow day + something unexpected
Morning: San Clemente basilica (the underground is extraordinary and rarely crowded). Lunch in Testaccio. Afternoon: Baths of Caracalla, then slow wandering in Testaccio. Final dinner — book ahead, your best meal yet.