Choose your perfect 4 days in Rome itinerary and discover the Eternal city! Here is the complete guide to organise your 4 day trip to Rome.
Rome, the Eternal city, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Italy’s capital, the fifth largest city in Europe, reflects its greatness in the wide choice of activities and attractions that you can do and see.
From the countless monuments and museums for a journey through history and art, to the fantastic parks surrounded by greenery, not forgetting a food and wine offer with few equals.
Don’t worry! By reading this article, you will have a ready-to-use 4 days in Rome itinerary. Of course, you can customise it to suit your own needs and tastes, but there are plenty of tourist attractions that you won’t want to miss from your itinerary for Rome!
Want to visit Rome and its surroundings? Discover it with Italia Delight!
4 day trip to Rome? Yes, you can!
If you want to explore this city but think that it is impossible to visit Rome in 4 days, keep reading and I will make you change your mind.
The city offers a lot in the following areas of interest: history, art, culture, parks, shopping, monuments, food and wine.
Of course, the variety of experiences is endless, but with 4 days in Rome you can enjoy the main attractions.
To make it easier to organise your 4 day trip to Rome, I have divided the itinerary into days and areas of the city, so that it is also easier to get around.
What to see in Rome in 4 days:
Day 1: Historic Centre
For your 4 days in Rome itinerary, I decided to start with the historic centre. Thanks to its monuments and history, the historic centre of Rome was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
What to see in Rome in 4 days? Your tour can only start from one of the seven wonders of the new world, the Colosseum. Also known as the “Flavian Amphitheatre”, dating back to 70 AD, this monument is the largest amphitheatre in the world. In ancient Rome it was used for gladiatorial shows, naval battles, performances of famous battles or mythological dramas. Its majestic elegance is evident from the outside, but you can also admire it from the inside thanks to the guided tours that are organised.
The Arch of Constantine, which can be seen very well from the amphitheatre, is a triumphal arch dedicated by the Senate to Emperor Constantine I, in honour of his victory over Maxentius. It is 21 metres high and in Corinthian style. This arch is one of the best preserved and most beautiful works of art in Rome.
A few steps away from the Colosseum, I recommend you to see the Roman Forum, a very large area between the Palatine, the Capitol, Via dei Fori Imperiali and the Flavian amphitheatre. There are many buildings and monuments inside the Forum, testifying to the centrality of the place in ancient times. Some of the main attractions are certainly the three triumphal arches built by the emperors to commemorate their victories. The first was the Arch of Augustus, of which only a few remains are left, followed by the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Septimius Severus. The Basilica of Maxentius as well as the temples of Saturn and Vespasian are also very interesting.
Via dei Fori Imperiali, also known today as “Via dell’Impero”, is one of the most beautiful streets of Rome. Thanks to the monumental remains of the forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva, Trajan and the Forum of Peace, which can be admired during the walk, you will have the feeling of being in ancient Rome!
Walking along it from the Colosseum, you will arrive at the famous Piazza Venezia, another symbol of the city. Also known as the Altar of the Fatherland (“Altare della Patria”), it was completed in 1911 by Koch, Manfredi and Piacentini, after work begun by Sacconi in 1885. Its structure is powerful and ascending, enriched with impressive bronze sculptures. Since 1921 the monument has housed the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
From here, going straight ahead, you cannot miss the Trajan Column, built by Apollodorus of Damascus in 113 AD to commemorate the victories of Emperor Trajan against the Dacians. Its beauty is enhanced by the frieze that wraps around the column from bottom to top, depicting the emperor’s two military campaigns with over two thousand figures.
At this point, you can take a break to enjoy the famous Roman pizza and recharge your batteries to continue this fantastic 4 day Rome itinerary. This type of pizza is thin, light and crispy and will win you over with its taste.
After this break for refreshments, you can set off again to see Piazza del Campidoglio, a monumental square on top of the hill of the same name.
A few metres further on you will reach the Capitoline Museums, the oldest public museum in the world. Its construction is linked to Pope Sixtus IV, who donated a group of bronze statues of great symbolic value to the Roman population. One of the many works of art is the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, not to be missed during your 4 days in Rome itinerary!
Walking along Via del Corso, as well as looking at some of Rome’s most beautiful shop windows and do some shopping, you will arrive at Piazza di Spagna. One of the main tourist attractions is the Spanish Steps, connecting the square to the church of Trinità dei Monti. Another characteristic element is the Barcaccia fountain, designed by Bernini and completed by his son in 1627.
If you start walking again from the Spanish Steps, you will find yourself on Via del Babuino, famous for shopping. Continuing straight ahead will take you to Piazza del Popolo, a meeting point for young people and tourists. In the middle of the square stands the Flaminian Obelisk, moved by Sixtus V from the Circus Maximus in celebration of the victory in Egypt. After this, the twin churches of S. Maria in Montesanto and S. Maria dei Miracoli are also of great importance.
From Piazza del Popolo, go up a few steps to one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in Rome: the Pincio. This is in fact one of the most popular tourist attractions thanks to the breathtaking scenery it offers. From the terrace, in addition to seeing Piazza del Popolo from above, you’ll have a view over St. Peter’s Dome, the Janiculum and much more!
What to do in Rome in 4 days? You can’t leave Rome without seeing Piazza Navona. The square was built on the remains of the Stadium of Domitian and is a symbol of Baroque Rome. In the past, popular festivals and races were held here to entertain the citizens. Some of the monuments to admire in Piazza Navona are the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and the three fountains that adorn the square.
From here, a few metres away, you will easily reach Campo de’ Fiori, a meeting place for young people, and then the famous Trevi Fountain, the best known of the Roman fountains. With the statue of Ocean in the centre, and many other representations and sculptures, you can’t leave without flipping a coin and making a wish. Remember, it has to be tossed from the back!
Our day ends with a visit to the Pantheon, a short distance from the Trevi Fountain. As its name suggests, the temple was erected in honour of all the past, present and future Gods. The most remarkable part of this structure is the dome, the largest one built of unreinforced concrete, characterised by a circular opening called “oculus”.
Day 1 ends like this. In a Rome itinerary 4 days couldn’t have started better! With this first day, you have seen the Historic Centre of Rome in all its grandeur and beauty. Of course, this route can be done entirely on foot and is well worth the effort to fully enjoy all the open-air works!
DAY 2: Vatican City, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere
Good morning! Did you sleep well? Are you ready to continue our journey to discover what to do in Rome in 4 days?
Being in Rome for 4 days, it’s impossible not to visit St Peter’s Square. The square is located at the foot of Saint Peter’s Basilica. It was built towards the end of the 17th century, designed by Bernini. The architectural complex is truly impressive and in the middle of the square you can admire an obelisk and two fountains. I’ll tell you a little curiosity: in a precise point of the square, you can observe a beautiful perspective game that will leave you breathless!
When you enter the Vatican Museums, you will have the chance to see some of the most beautiful works of art in the world. The Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of painting by some of the most important artists of the time, such as Botticelli, Pinturicchio and, of course, Michelangelo, stands out. Michelangelo is the author of one of the most breathtaking works of art in the world: the Last Judgement.
When you have finished your tour in the Vatican Museums, walk down Via della Conciliazione and you will arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo. This building was built to house the tombs of Emperor Hadrian and his family, but it has also been a prison, the home of Michelangelo, a war fort and now a museum. Visiting its structure you will notice how the building has in some way preserved the past events of the Eternal City that are linked with those of the present.
I almost forgot! To enter the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo you must be appropriately dressed. Sleeveless clothes, shorts and even tattoos that are too visible are not allowed.
A pleasant walk along the Tiber River will take you to one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the world, known for its art, history, food and wine.
We are talking about the Jewish Ghetto, perhaps one of the capital’s hidden treasures. It was unfortunately the site of the Nazi-Fascist persecution that ended in 1943 with the largest round-up of Jews in history. The names of the deportees are engraved on the so-called “memorie d’inciampo”, cobblestones with a brass plate, so called because they are placed on the ground. The symbols of the ghetto are the Tempio Maggiore, an ancient synagogue, and the Portico d’Ottavia, the only one remaining of the other porticos that delimited the ghetto.
A short walk from the Ghetto is one of Rome’s most mysterious sights, the Mouth of Truth. This sculpture in ancient Rome was a manhole, depicting a river deity. The legends about this “mouth” are varied, but don’t be afraid and as a tradition put your hand inside it!
To conclude this second day, we arrive in Trastevere, another of Rome’s districts, which is really impressive at night. Its name means “on the other side of the Tiber” and actually indicates the district’s location.
In this place, you can enjoy excellent traditional Roman dishes in many bars and restaurants. Carbonara, amatriciana, tripe and coda alla vaccinara are all local specialities that you must try during your 4 days in Rome!
There are also some very nice shops in Trastevere, perhaps to make some gifts or take some souvenirs from the Eternal City.
Also for today the car is not necessary! Our day is over, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for a rich day between nature and history!
DAY 3: Villa Borghese, Catacombs and Appia Antica
As I mentioned, today you will have a day in contact with nature. Rome, in fact, also offers a lot of parks and gardens.
What to do in Rome in 4 days, if you love the open air? There are many parks in the city and if you’re considering a 4 days in Rome itinerary, unfortunately you can’t visit them all. Among the parks, how not to mention Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili, Villa Torlonia, the Orange Trees Garden, the Eur Park or the Parco degli Acquedotti.
I will take you to some of the parks listed above!
Villa Borghese is located in the heart of Rome and occupies a vast area of 80 hectares. Inside you can walk in the green in contact with sculptures, gardens and monuments such as the Casino del Graziano, the Meridiana, the Giardino del Lago, the Tempietto di Esculapio. The villa also offers a lot from a recreational point of view with play areas for children and other facilities for young people. If you are at Villa Borghese, you cannot miss the Galleria Borghese, the art gallery within the fantastic setting of the Villa, which houses the works of art by important artists such as Caravaggio, Canova and Bernini.
Here you can take a break to taste the famous maritozzi, typical Roman sweets, filled with cream! What are you waiting for?
After this well-deserved rest we head to the Appia Antica area, an ancient Roman road that connected the city to Brindisi, one of the most important ports in ancient Italy. Here you will find one of the most beautiful parks in Rome and it is no coincidence that it is the largest urban park in all of Europe. The Appia Antica Regional Park is a true open-air museum, with its monuments embracing nature. It will not disappoint you! You will be able to walk and breathe clean air in a beautiful landscape, observing works such as the Nymphaeum of Egeria, the Columbarium of Constantine or the Temple of Ceres and Faustina, but not only.
This area is also home to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, among the largest and most famous in Rome. The most impressive place in the catacombs is the Crypt of the Popes, also called “the little Vatican”.
We have finished for the day, but if you’d like, I can suggest a nice trip out of town to the Tuscia area. Here you can relax in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy, full of forests, lakes and spas that will give you experiences you will not forget!
Other charming places around Rome, suitable for a wonderful trip out of town, are Lake Bracciano, Frascati and the Castelli Romani area, the Sabina countryside and the village of Piglio.
- Discover Lake Bracciano!
- Admire Frascati and taste the wine of Rome
- Enjoy the Sabina countryside and its villages
- Explore Piglio and taste Cesanese del Piglio wine
DAY 4: Ostia Antica, Testaccio and Ostiense
We have now reached the last day of our itinerary, but there are still some unmissable things to see in Rome in 4 days!
The Basilica di San Paolo, for example, is one of the many attractions that is definitely worth seeing. This Byzantine-style church is one of the four papal churches in Rome, second only to St Peter’s Basilica.
In the Ostiense district, there is Rome’s disused thermoelectric power station, now converted into a museum, called “Centrale Montemartini”.
Staying in the area, a short trip will take you to the famous Cestia Pyramid. Egyptian in style, this Roman tomb was built between 18 and 12 BC to house the tomb of Gaius Cestius Epulon.
Why not stop for a break? Try the famous Roman supplì, homemade rice balls with mozzarella cheese that can be either fried or baked. What are you waiting for?
Taking Via Ostiense and going towards the sea you will arrive at Ostia Antica where there are important excavations of historical and artistic value. Together with Pompeii, the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park is the largest archaeological site in the world. Some of the main attractions are Piazza del Foro, the Temple of Rome and Augustus, the Temple of Hercules, the House of Paintings and the Domus of Cupid and Psyche.
After visiting the excavations, why not go shopping in Ostia? In Via delle Baleniere, there are some very nice shops waiting for you!
How to visit Rome in 4 days
Don’t know how to visit Rome in 4 days and how to get around the city? Don’t worry! As I have mentioned in these Rome itineraries, for the Historic Centre and most of the monuments, you don’t need a car.
For longer trips, the central stations are Tiburtina and Termini, and in the city you can also take the “hop on hop off bus”, to enjoy the view in complete comfort. Of course, Ciampino and Fiumicino airports are very well connected, thanks to the shuttle and taxi services available there.
To get around in peace, I recommend a season ticket for public transport and if you’re an art lover there are also season tickets for museums!
4 days in Rome Itinerary with Italia Delight
Want to spend 4 days in Rome? With Italia Delight, you can choose one of the many food & wine experiences available on our website. Each experience can be personalised with the Experts in Rome and the surrounding area! 😉
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