5 Days in Rome: My Tried & Tested Rome Itinerary (+ Map)

I spent 5 days in Rome and here’s my exact itinerary.

Dear travel friends, do yourselves a favor and visit Rome. I fell in love with it and visited it twice in 3 months, first solo and then with my husband.

This message isn’t just for traveling couples but also solo travelers and groups of friends. The eternal city of Rome is known to be stunning, romantic, and arty, but in my experience, it has an amazing nightlife scene too.

The only travel group that I’d not recommend Rome to are those who are traveling with small children because this city requires a lot of walking, sometimes waiting in lines, and historical wonders, and these aren’t typically the things that small children enjoy. (I travel often with my little girl so I know.)

Most of us have seen Rome already on the big screen, after all, it is the backdrop of many famous movies.

But for me the beauty of Rome wasn’t just visual, it was the feeling of walking through the pretty streets with the aroma of sweet summer flowers, the melodies of street musicians, and the feeling of happiness – la dolce vita.

Considering there are many Rome itineraries all over the internet, what sets my itinerary apart is that I experienced everything firsthand, I researched well in advance to find the most scenic photo spots, I didn’t waste time standing in long queues and yet I spent my time well with a mix of many kinds of things to do. So this is the perfect itinerary for Rome.

👉 Rome travel tip 1: When visiting Rome, prebook a timeslot at famous attractions as early as possible.

My first visit to Rome was a solo trip in June 2024, and I tried my best not to plan too much and to go with the flow. If you’re visiting with your partner, then check my list of romantic things to do in Rome.

But here’s the thing – if you’re visiting a city like Rome in summer, then you have to book a time slot for the famous attractions, otherwise you can forget about getting to see them.

Thankfully I was offered a GoCity Card which included 3 tours/attractions and I was able to book everything using their app.

So I picked the most expensive tours that I wanted to do (like the ones at the Vatican) on GoCity and booked the affordable ones on GetYourGuide.

Honestly, I hate waking up too early because I like to enjoy my evenings as well when I’m traveling, but I found the perfect solution, and that brings me to the second tip.

👉 Rome Travel Tip 2: The best way to see Rome is to start every single day early, and then come back to the room for a nap, and then get out for sunset and a nice evening out. (After all, this is how the Italians live their life)

So, are you ready to visit Rome and let your Instagram explode with stunning photos and videos? Mine definitely did and one of the reels also got 37 million views (mind-blown!).

• This Rome itinerary has been designed keeping nap time in mind during the late afternoon because of the early start each morning. This way you will avoid long lines.
• Rome’s Public transportation is very good, so download an offline version of Google Maps on your phone so that you can use it for walking and public transport info.
• I used a GoCity Card, which included 3 guided tours/attractions. It was completely worth it because if I had booked those tours separately, I would have spent more than the cost of the “Explorer Pass”.
• Consider getting a Roma Pass to avail easy Public transport access and attractions. The GoCity Explorer card is cheaper than the Roma Pass. But Roma Pass also includes public transportation.
• Don’t try to do it all. Enjoy the local culture and slow evenings. Rome has more than 900 churches, and you would probably need a few years here to see it all.

For more tips, check out my post with travel tips for Rome. You asked and I’m delivering, here’s my five days in Rome itinerary that is tried and tested, which you can steal.

Day 1: Trastevere

Rome tends to get very crowded so preserve your energy on the first day so that you can explore with vigor during the next days. In case your first day is full because you arrived last night, then move this day’s itinerary to the last and start from Day 2.

Considering you have just arrived in Rome, I would suggest you start slow in Rome’s coolest neighborhood – Trastevere.

In fact, consider booking a place to stay right in Trastevere like I did, it is away from loud busy spots but still close to places that you would want to visit in the evenings.

It is easier to reach Trastevere directly from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino airport because of the direct Regionale (REG) train that runs from the airport.

Explore Trastevere

Originally a residential area, Trastevere has emerged as Rome’s bohemian neighborhood with artists, students, fun bars, and interesting viewpoints. It is the area across the River Tiber from main Rome and on the same side as the Vatican.

Ever seen pictures of Rome’s opulent residential buildings along narrow cobbled streets? Most likely the pictures were clicked right here in Trastevere.

While many restaurants in Rome’s city center are touristy, Trastevere also has some of Rome’s best eating and drinking places where the locals go without long lines.

Consider booking one of the below food tours in Trastevere:

• Guided Food Tour in Trastevere – Treat yourself to at least ten tastings of authentic Roman cuisine & delicious Italian wine.
• Trastevere Guided Food and Wine Tour with 20+ Tastings – Indulge in 20 delicious tastings with your guide, who will take you to 4 locally loved restaurants.
• Trastevere & Campo de Fiori Street Food Walking Tour – This is a walking tour and a food tour combined where you sample the best local street food classics, such as pizza, suppli, gelato, and traditional Roman sandwich while meeting the truly “trasteverini”, the vendors and artisans who have been living and working there for generations.

Walk along the Tiber River or get lost in Trastevere’s pretty streets. That’s what I did on the first day and fell in love with this peaceful neighborhood.

There are pretty houses that are covered with bougainvillea, and some of the best nightlife spots where locals pretty much party on the streets. I will share more about the nightlife later.

Porta Portese (+ Flea Market on Sundays 7 am – 2 pm)

Porta Portese is an ancient city gate that was built in 1644 and is located at the end of Via Portuense (road). A flea market “Mercato di Porta Portese” is held here every Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm.

This flea market has everything that you can buy for very cheap prices. Expect to see loads of pre-owned items, kitchenware, toys, books, and even furniture. There are around 1000 shops like a maze and it is visited by locals and tourists.

Porta Portese flea market is sometimes marketed as a “vintage market” by Instagram influencers but it is just a normal flea market with just a few vintage shops.

It took us a while in this market before we even arrived at the first vintage shop but it was an amazing one. Later we discovered a few more vintage shops with interesting furniture and art pieces.

Now this isn’t just for those who love to shop but is an interesting thing to do in Trastevere because you get to participate in the local culture.

Lunch – Roma Sparita

One of my most memorable lunch experiences in Rome was at Roma Sparita, which is in Piazza di Santa Cecilia. Their Cacio e Pepe (pasta with Parmigiano cheese and pepper) is legendary because it is served on a crispy bowl of cheese.

Like most of the Italian restaurants, this one also has outdoor seating and you can enjoy a romantic lunch outside with a glass of wine, even if you’re alone. I surely did.

Interestingly, this restaurant was also recommended by Anthony Bourdain in “No Reservations”. For more epic restaurants, check out my Rome food guide post.

Optional Nap

Honestly, I am not into naps but I discovered that’s the only way to experience Italy after I spent a month in Puglia.

Considering the Italian weather, the mid-afternoon heat, the early start to avoid crowds, the long dinners, and the unmissable evenings – the only way to make the most of Rome is by pausing mid-day for a nap.

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola

I arrived at Fontana dell’Acqua Paola just by chance as I was walking from Janiculum Hill to Piazza Trilussa on my very first evening in Rome. After that when I spoke to some locals and asked for Rome’s hidden gems, many of them suggested this very spot.

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola was built in 1612 to mark the end of the Acqua Paola aqueduct. It is also called Il Fontanone or “The Big Fountain”. The church of San Pietro in Montorio is next to it. Rome has many beautiful fountains and over the next days, we will see some of the best ones.

As you stand on the road across the fountain, you will witness an amazing view because it is located on top of Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo). You will of course experience a better view as you watch the sunset on the main terrace of Gianicolo (next point).

Janiculum Hill (Sunset Views)

Janiculum Hill or Belvedere del Gianicolo is the best place to experience sunset in Rome because of the breathtaking views. I did mention this spot in my best viewpoints in Rome post already.

You can arrive here on bus 44 or 115 from many parts of the city. Get off at P.Le Garibaldi G. or Carini/Bonnet bus stops and walk from there.

If you have just one evening in Rome, then this is where you need to experience the sunset. I did mention this spot already on my Italy road trip itinerary. I did enjoy the Pincio Terrace too (on the 5th day of my Rome itinerary) but the sitting area to view the sunset there wasn’t as expansive as Janiculum and the range of view is broader here.

Sit on one of the walls of this belvedere like many locals do and admire the views. You will see a view of Vatican City from here, with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica lit up like a jewel in the sky.

You can buy water, coffee, or even other drinks because there is a stand.

Piazza Trilussa (Restaurants & Nightlife)

After the sky gets dark, walk to Piazza Trilussa, the best place in Rome for an evening out. Bars, restaurants, live music – Piazza Trilussa has it all.

If you arrive in Piazza Trilussa before 9 pm, you can also catch the performance of some famous street musicians and dance with the locals.

You can sit on the steps and watch the street musicians of the Piazza. It is possible to get a “takeaway” cocktail from a nearby stand. I didn’t get but I saw many people did.

Dinner at Osteria da Zi Umberto (Si Umberto)

I had many meals in Rome but one of the best was at Si Umberto. This restaurant is just next to Piazza Trilussa so you can eat here before or after you go drinking.

When I visited, I sat outside and ate Amatriciana Pasta, which is a specialty of this region and is better than any pasta that I have ever tasted. It is worth mentioning that I did have to wait for 5 minutes but I was able to get a nice table outside.

Nightlife

If you are keen on exploring Rome’s nightlife further, then here are the bars I recommend:

• Cencio la Parolaccia (my favorite bar with outdoor seating which had the best atmosphere)
• Mimi e Coco Trast (Right next to Cencio la Parolaccia)
• Freni E Frizioni bar, or walk 200 meters to two of – Cencio la Parolaccia and Mimi e Coco Trast.

Day 2: Ancient Rome

I have created a map only for the first half of the day because of the Vespa tour in the evening. Alternatively, you can also visit the spots of the Vespa tour on your own, but you won’t be able to move as fast as a Vespa and might miss the sunset at some places.

Colosseum

Start your second day in Rome by visiting the Colosseum, which is unmissable, even though it is touristy. Like most of the things to do in Rome in this itinerary, I suggest you start as early as possible.

I had my breakfast and I was at Colosseum before 9:30 am. Yes, there were lines but I never had to wait because I had a priority entry ticket (skip the line entry) and this place is managed efficiently. The entry for the Roman Forum is included in the same ticket as the Colosseum.

Booking entrance tickets in advance or joining a guided tour can save you from the long lines. Personally, knowing Rome has so much to offer, I’d suggest you pick a guided tour just for 1-2 places so that you can explore the rest at your own pace.

I decided to book a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and decided to explore the Colosseum at my own pace.

Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus

After you have had enough of the Colosseum, make your way to the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) which is next door also in Ancient Rome. The entry for the Roman Forum is also included with the Colosseum ticket.

The Roman Forum was once a bustling marketplace in ancient times and is now one of the most significant archaeological sites.

Don’t miss the Palatine Hill, which was the birthplace of Rome. Enjoy the best views of the city from this historical spot.

Campidoglio or Capitoline Hill & Piazza Venezia

From the Roman Forum, the walk to Capitoline Hill & Piazza Venezia – they are just 400 meters away but that depends on which exit you take. I took the exit which isn’t close to the Colosseum but the other side (closer to the Palatine Hill).

Rome is built on seven hills and this right here Capitoline Hill is one of them. (And also the Palatine Hill which you visited earlier).

By this time I hope you are wearing a hat and are well hydrated because Capitoline Hill is at a height and you have to climb steps to reach it. If you want, you can visit the Capitoline Museums, but I had no interest in visiting them.

The nearby Victor Emmanuel II monument and Capitoline Hill are a part of Piazza Venezia that you should surely not miss since you are so close to it.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Lift to the Altar of the Fatherland)

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II is also called the Wedding Cake building, or Vittoriano and it has a glass lift that goes to the very top, which is called Altare della Patria or the Altar of the Fatherland. It is right behind Piazza Venezia.

My entry to the Altar of the Fatherland was included with my GoCity card. I just had to reserve a time slot and pick up the physical ticket from the tourism office that was right outside this attraction.

On the other hand, you can also book this glass elevator ticket without the GoCity card on GetYourGuide.

Unfortunately, this lift won’t take you up during the sunset time because it closes early. So if you read a travel guide that tells you to visit the Altar of the Fatherland at sunset time, be sure to know that they haven’t actually visited because they don’t know about the operating hours.

I have a thing for views so I didn’t want to miss this one and I had to visit twice. The first time was when I tried to visit at 6 pm and they said that the last lift entry was closed for the day and they suggested prebooking a slot for another day. So I went back and book one immediately for the next day.

Victor Emmanuel II building is lovely on its own but when you go up to the Alter of the Fatherland terrace, you will see a breathtaking panoramic view that shows the entire ancient Rome with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and everything.

Lunch with a view at Monument to Victor Emmanuel II Cafe

When you visit the Vittoriano building, there is a cafe with a view right next to the lift entry, and is the perfect place to eat a light lunch with a drink.

I had a tuna panini here with coffee and loved it. I could see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum from my chair while eating. Normally you would pay so much for this view in other restaurants.

Bocca della Verità (Mouth of the truth)

Take bus 170 / 44 / 176 from Piazza Venezia to reach Bocca della Verità, a church with a sculpture outside of a man’s face carved on a manhole cover.

Bocca della Verità is a popular attraction because of a myth that if you put your hand in the mouth, the monster will eat it if you have been lying.

The time I visited Bocca della Verità, the line was long but it moved quickly and I waited for maybe just 5-6 minutes before it was my turn.

Nap

Go back to your room for a much-needed nap or a break to chill during the mid-day heat. You will get out again close to sunset time but I recommend taking a break till then because of the early start.

Sunset Vespa Tour

Believe it or not, the best thing I did in Rome was a Vespa tour during the sunset time. Vespa is an iconic Italian symbol and what better way to see this lovely city and experience its amazing weather and sights than on a Vespa?

I didn’t know how to ride a Vespa so I decided to book a tour where I just had to sit behind and click nice photos and videos. And they took us to some amazing viewpoints which I would have never visited on my own.

This tour lasted 1.5 – 2 hours and included 25 professional pictures too, which turned out great.

After the tour ended, they dropped me at Campo de Fiori upon my request where I wanted to eat dinner. The professional photos that were a part of the package were sent to me on that same night via Google Drive – I didn’t expect it to be so fast.

Orange Garden Sunset (& Terrazza Belvedere Aventino)

One of the sevel hills of Rome is the Aventine Hill and there are two viewpoints built on it – Giardino degli Aranci and Terrazza Belvedere Aventino.

Giardino degli Aranci or Orange Garden is a scenic and secluded public square that offers stunning views. It was included as a stop in my sunset Vespa tour but I wanted to mention it here in case you didn’t opt for the tour.

Orange Garden is on the other side of the River Tiber as Janiculum Hill so the views are different and shouldn’t be missed. Unlike Janiculum Hill, you can’t stay here post-sunset because they close this space.

Right next to Orange Garden is the Terrazza Belvedere Aventino, which isn’t as stunning as Orange Garden but the views are the same. The good part about Terrazza Belvedere Aventino is that it doesn’t close right after sunset, unlike Orange Garden.

Keyhole View of Rome at Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta

Now this is an optional thing to do because of the queues. Right next to the Terrazza Belvedere Aventino is a spot that was once considered a “secret viewpoint” but now thanks to Instagram, it isn’t.

There is a famous keyhole (the Aventine Keyhole) from where you can see the views of St. Peter’s Basilica. I saw how long the queue was and I decided to skip it, but if you’d like to go, here are the Google Map coordinates.

Campo de Fiori (Dinner & Nightlife)

Campo de Fiori is my favorite square in Rome for the choice of restaurants it offers. Moreover, it is a stunning square with a market that runs here during the day and at night it turns into a lively hub of activity.

I ate at Magus Bistro, where I had the most delicious Spaghetti Carbonara topped with crispy parmesan. I love how Italian food doesn’t feel heavy in Italy because of the way they prepare everything but if you eat the same thing in another country, it would be full of heavy cream and whatnot, and you would feel like you ate for 10 people.

Day 3: Rome’s Famous Landmarks

Today is the day when we will visit Rome’s most famous landmarks. If you see long lines anywhere, just observe how quickly it is moving. If they move slowly, then nothing is worth waiting for because Rome has too many attractions for you to waste time waiting.

Pantheon

If you thought the lines outside the Colosseum were long, you will get a shock when you see the situation at Pantheon. So, book a time slot otherwise you should forget about it.

I missed booking a slot for Pantheon in June 2024 and had to miss it. But I visited it in August 2024 with a “skip the line” entry ticket.

Pantheon is an iconic temple built around 118 to 125 A.D. which is famous for its hole on top of the done. Inside it are Renaissance tombs, including that of the historical artist Raphael.

The most popular feature of the Pantheon is the “oculus” – the hole on top of the dome which is a source of natural light. The oculus casts a heavenly beam across the interior, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere.

The Pantheon is a marvel of ancient engineering and it is said that if it rains, no water can come inside through the oculus because of the way it has been designed.

Biblioteca Angelica (optional)

Biblioteca Angelica is a hidden gem that may not appeal to many except book lovers. It is in front of Piazza Sant’Angostino and many people miss it and walk past it.

One of the oldest libraries in the world, Biblioteca Angelica is definitely a unique place to visit. I request you to be quiet here and follow the rules because it is a functional library that’s where people come to study and research.

Biblioteca Angelica library features a vast collection of Augustinian manuscripts. Tourists can only go beyond a particular point and not where the researchers and students sit.

Piazza Colonna and Via del Corso

Piazza Colonna is in central Rome, just a short walk away from Biblioteca Angelica. It is recognizable with its marble column of Marcus Aurelius dating back to AD 193. Walk around here, click some photos if you have time, or take a break. This Piazza is along Via del Corso.

Via del Corso is Rome’s most famous street. Many pretty and narrow cobblestone streets open from Via del Corso. It stretches 1.5 km from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia, you don’t have to walk on the entire length but just a part of it.

Largo di Torre Argentina & Lunch

Area Sacra di Largo Argentina or Largo di Torre Argentina is an ancient site that houses a cat sanctuary. It is where Julius Caesar was believed to have been killed.

I love cats but I understand that some people don’t so it is good to know that this site is more than just about cats. It is an archaeological site with three Roman temples and isn’t busy like Rome’s more famous places.

There are many restaurants around Largo di Torre Argentina where you can sit and enjoy a nice lunch.

Nap

Post lunch, make your way to your room for a break. Clean up and take a nap so that you have your energy for the evening.

Galleria Sciarra

I happened to find myself in Galleria Sciarra just by chance while getting to Trevi Fountain and realized that the glass roof looked stunning in photos.

This building houses offices but is often called a hidden gem because of its ornate atrium and lovely glass ceiling covered in frescos. It is newer than the surrounding historical attractions and depicts Art Nouveau style.

Galleria Sciarra is free to visit and isn’t crowded at all, so take 10 minutes of your time for this gem.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most famous attraction, is super stunning but is always crowded unless you’re visiting at 5 am.

I wouldn’t wake up at 5 for this but I was here right before sunset and it looked stunning even with hordes of people.

Trevi’s water is magical blue and the sculptures are beyond magnificent. Before you ask, no I didn’t throw a coin inside the fountain. I didn’t want to get close to it because it was so crowded, so I started looking for a viewpoint.

Trevi Rooftop

The best place to enjoy the view of Trevi Fountain is by finding a bar that overlooks it. I found Trevi Rooftop just by chance and loved it. It is tiny and the cocktails are overpriced because you are paying for the view but I didn’t mind.

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola (Magic Mirror)

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola is a church with an intricately painted ceiling which can be appreciated better with a “magic mirror” that’s here.

This place has become very popular thanks to Instagram, so visit late. It closes at 11 pm, so enjoy the sunset, maybe also dinner, and then visit this church.

I visited post-hours at around 8 pm but stood in line for 5 minutes and decided to leave when I saw the queue was hardly moving.

There must have been 30 people before me in the queue but everyone took 5-10 minutes admiring the details on the ceiling from the magic mirror and clicking hundreds of photos.

I realized that 10-11 pm would have been a better time to visit. Don’t even think of visiting it during the day because the lines are till the end of the street.

Dinner in Monti or Campo Marzio

Depending on how much energy you have in you, you can walk to Monti neighborhood (1.5 km) or Campo Marzio (500 meters) for a nice dinner.

Monti is the most beautiful neighborhood of Rome with lovely ancient sites, a bohemian vibe, tattoo studios, hip bars, and hidden gems. Visit vias Nazionale or Cavour here.

Alternatively, you can visit PaStation restaurant in Campo Marzio for an affordable and yet delicious meal. I had pistachio pesto spaghetti with shrimp and it was amazing.

Day 4: Vatican City, a separate country

Before I visited Rome, I always said that I don’t visit touristy spots but I made an exception while I was here and didn’t regret it.

The Vatican City, which is accessible from Rome is an entirely separate country and my visit was super memorable.

To visit the Vatican City, you can get on the REG train to Rome Saint-Pierre station and walk for a kilometer from there. But I ended up taking a taxi because I was late and it was under 20 euros from Trastevere.

Even though it is common knowledge, I feel I must remind you to cover up when you visit the Vatican City. Cover your upper arms and your legs. So no camisoles, strappy tops, miniskirts, or shorts. I talk about it in detail in my what to wear in Rome post.

St. Peter’s Basilica and Cupola Guided Tour

If there’s just one church that you would like to visit in Rome, then let it be this. St. Peter’s Basilica is technically in the Vatican and is the most stunning church that I have ever seen in my life.

I had booked a guided tour that included breakfast and entry to the dome (Cupola). This tour was booked via my GoCity and I hundred percent recommend it. I had an English-speaking tour guide who told us very interesting things. My tour also included breakfast.

This card offers three tours or tours in Rome and was completely worth the price. On the other hand, a similar tour is also available on the GetYourGuide app.

Our tour started at 7:30 am and I was shocked to see how long the lines were even that early. Thankfully our guide kept us entertained while we were in the queue with the history.

When we stepped inside, the details on all the walls, chapel, doors, and sculptures took my breath away. I didn’t know where to look first because of the stunning beauty in all directions.

I was reminded of my favorite Dan Brown book – Angels and Demons because the book describes the Roman Catholic Church in detail. I must have clicked hundreds of photos in this stunning church but I can’t share them all.

In order to visit the dome, one has to climb around 700 steps. Thankfully there is a rest stop with toilets and a water refill fountain midway. You can also take a lift up halfway but there was a queue so I decided to climb the steps. The lift isn’t free but was covered in our tour.

The last flight of steps wasn’t easy because the passage was narrow and I felt somewhat claustrophobic. But the view from the top definitely was rewarding.

After that, our guide showed us the interiors of the church and also took us to the church where there are tombs and effigies of the former popes.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

I wanted to see the Sistine Chapel which is Michelangelo’s masterpiece, so I visited the Vatican Museums where the chapel is situated.

Just like most of Rome’s attractions, I recommend you book a “skip-the-line” entry with a time slot for entering the Vatican Museums.

I booked via the GoCity card app and received a QR Code. To enter one has to pick up the physical ticket from the tourism office right outside the Vatican Museum entry point, which had no crowds and was empty.

Considering my 7:30 am guided tour at St. Peter’s Basilica, I had booked a slot for 12:30 for the Sistine Chapel keeping a lunch break in mind, but I still had lots of time to kill before my entry.

Even if you book a skip-the-line entry, you may still have to stand in a line like I did. It looked long but moved very fast. I was inside the Vatican Museum in just 5 minutes.

Honestly, there is so much to see inside the Vatican Museums – sculptures, artwork, frescos, hallways, tapestries, and I couldn’t process it all. It was magnificent but it was too much at some point.

The Sistine Chapel is right at the end and one has to make an effort to find arrows for the shortest way to it. When in doubt, ask one of the staff members – there are many!

Once you reach the Sistine Chapel, you will have to put your phone inside your bag because you can’t click photos of it. The frescoes by Michelangelo aren’t just on the ceiling but also on the west wall behind the altar.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is close to the Vatican and that’s why I have suggested it as a stop in this itinerary. You can pretty much walk from the Vatican, enter Rome on foot, and arrive at Castel Santangelo.

Honestly, I was very done after spending hours in Vatican City and overwhelmed, so I decided not to visit Castel Sant’Angelo and went for a nap instead. But I’d still like to give this to you as an option.

When you visit, remember some of the best views of this castle are from Ponte Sant’Angelo (St. Angelo Bridge).

Reserve an entry spot for Castel Sant’Angelo. Climb the spiral staircase to reach the top of the castle for a lovely view. The castle closes at 7:30 pm so unfortunately you can’t see the sunset from here unless you’re visiting in winter.

Nap

Take your much-needed break and nap so that you have energy for the evening. After all, you started your day at 7:30 am at the Vatican. Honestly, I don’t do naps unless I’m in Italy because that’s when they make a lot of sense.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a lovely piazza where I witnessed live music because of a musician that was busking, dancing people, and lots of amazing restaurants. Sit on one of the benches to enjoy the atmosphere. Find a restaurant for a nice dinner with drinks.

Rome has some stunning town squares and Piazza Navonna is one of them. There is a baroque fountain in the middle of the piazza and it looks lovely at sunset time.

Ponte Sisto Bridge for Sunset

After eating dinner at Piazza Navona, walk on the historical Ponte Sisto Bridge that connects Rome to the Trastevere neighborhood. This bridge is pretty and is a nice place to see the sunset.

One evening in Rome, I saw someone busking here and many people were dancing. It was like one of those street parties that you see videos of on Instagram, and I’m happy I got to experience it in real life.

Piazza di Santa Maria & Piazza Trilussa

For nightlife, we have already visited Piazza Trilussa but if you want you can spend another evening here. I actually spent every single evening here because I stayed in Trastevere. Alternatively, you can head to another amazing nearby Piazza to experience the nightlife.

Walking from Piazza Trilussa to Piazza di Santa Maria will take you barely 5 minutes because they are less than 500 meters apart. Just like Trilussa, even Piazza di Santa Maria is bustling with people and excitement no matter what day of the week it is.

Sit near the sculptures in the middle or in one of the bars, and enjoy the vibe and the good mood around you as you make the most of your evening in Rome.

Day 5: Relaxing Rome

Here is the map of your fifth and last day in Rome. Most of the spots mentioned in today’s itinerary are next to each other except the last one, for which you can get on the tram / bus / train or even a taxi.

Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna

Start your last day in Piazza di Spagna which has Column of the Immaculate Conception and Fontana della Barcaccia.

Fontana della Barcaccia fountain is also called the Fountain of the Boat and was sculpted by the famous Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It depicts a half-sunken boat with water overflowing on all sides.

The Spanish Steps start right here from Piazza di Spagna and connect to Piazza Trinità dei Monti with the Trinità dei Monti church on top. The Spanish Steps have been featured in many movies and I have seen three of them – “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and “To Rome with Love”.

Villa Borghese

From Piazza di Spagna, walk for 900 meters to arrive at Villa Borghese.

Spend the rest of your morning in the serene Villa Borghese Park and visit the Borghese Gallery to admire works by Bernini and Caravaggio.

The Entry to the Borghese Gallery is carefully controlled, which means that, unlike the nearby Vatican Museums, this collection of art masterpieces is never crowded.

This is a perfect place for a stroll and some relaxation. Villa Borghese Park is free to enter but not Borghese Gallery. You need to book a time slot for this too and they sell out very fast.

Villa Borghese isn’t just a park; it’s a massive garden in the heart of Rome landscaped to perfection and filled with buildings, museums, and attractions.

Considering how rest of the Rome gets super busy, Villa Borghese is like a breath of fresh air. Yes, it does get busy but this natural oasis with sculptures provides a much-needed calmness.

When you are here, you can hire a row boat for €5 per person for 20 minutes. You can also rent a bike right here. There are plenty of shaded areas in this park and many food and drink vendors.

Lunch

Find a place to eat outside Villa Borghese or somewhere near your room to enjoy a nice lunch. I was staying in Trastevere so I picked a place to eat near my room and had an amazing Seafood Risotto with Wine.

Nap

Take a much-needed nap or skip it, after all, it is your last day in Rome. I still took a nap, showered, and made myself pretty for the sunset, which turned out to be my best evening out in Rome.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo surprised me because it is absolutely breathtaking. I visited right before sunset and it was amazingly lively with music, artists, children, and a fun energy.

Rome’s oldest obelisk is situated right here in Piazza del Popolo. You will also see Rome’s northern gate, which is massive. This piazza has Lion Fountains, which are called Fontana dei Leoni.

A lot of people start their day at Piazza del Popolo because it looks lovely at sunrise, but I suggest the opposite because the lovely Pincio Terrace is right on top of this piazza that offers the best sunset experience in Rome.

Terrazza del Pincio (Sunset)

I have saved the best sunset spot for the last. When you are done exploring Piazza del Popolo, make your way to Pincio Terrace for the best golden hour in Rome.

Arrive here at least 30 minutes before the sun sets and click photos. I clicked just 1-2 photos and it turned out to be the best photo of me in Rome. Should have clicked more!

Just like Janiculum Hill and Orange Garden, you will see many drinks and food stands here. Take time to walk through the Passeggiata del Pincio and see the sculptures.

San Lorenzo or Pigneto for Nightlife

I asked a local to suggest a nice place to experience nightlife in Rome and she told me about San Lorenzo and Pigneto.

San Lorenzo is an urban area that’s on the other side of Rome’s Termini Railway Station. Just 2.5 kilometers ahead is another fun area for nightlife – Pigneto, which is trendy, low-key key, and has lots of live music venues. It is also LGBTQ-friendly.

Now honestly, I’m a creature of habit and went to Piazza Trilussa like every other night. Also, being a solo woman traveler, I was more comfortable going somewhere near my room for an evening out instead of a new place that’s further away. But if you are visiting Rome with friends or your partner, then consider visiting Pigneto or San Lorenzo.

Where to Stay in Rome

As mentioned earlier, I had a room in Trastevere and I’m super happy that I picked this bohemian neighborhood because it wasn’t crowded, relaxed, just south of the Vatican City, close to all the nightlife spots, within walking distance to Janiculum Hill (viewpoint), and a 15 min train / 20-minute bus ride away from Ancient Rome.

I had booked a place called “My room at Tra Gianicolo e Trastevere, Rome“. My bedroom had a double bed, big windows, an en suite shower/toilet, and a nice big mirror for getting ready. This was actually a place for two, but I traveled solo and it was within the budget,

There was also a kitchen, which was a shared space with other guests. I never saw the other guests because no one wants to cook their own meals in Rome considering how good the food is. Breakfast was included.

Closing Thoughts about My Rome Itinerary

The biggest mistake people make when they visit Rome is trying to see too much. Chill, take a break, and enjoy the slow life of Rome. Don’t try to follow my 5-day Rome itinerary completely from point to point but leave a little room for unexpected fun.

---

PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.