7 perfect days in Rome

Is a week long enough to see everything in Rome? No, not by a long shot. But seven days is a pretty good start, letting you check off all of the Eternal City’s highlights—the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Galleria Borghese. You’ll also have enough time to duck into ornate palazzos that few travelers ever see and even travel outside the city limits to take in some ancient ruins.

But Rome isn’t just about seeing the sights, which is why the itinerary below includes plenty of time for exploring neighborhoods, sipping glasses of wine, and downing plate after plate of pasta. We’ve combed through hundreds of Tripadvisor to zero in on the top-reviewed places. And we’ve organized each day by location so that you’re not wasting precious energy rushing back and forth across the city when you could be chilling with another cup of gelato. When in Rome, after all…

When you’re seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the last thing you want is hundreds of people blocking your view. To really soak in Rome’s 2,000-year-old Colosseum, beat the heat and the crowds by arriving as early in the day as possible. Be sure to book tickets ahead or spring for skip-the-line tickets to avoid long lines at the entrance.

Your Colosseum ticket gives you access to a couple of other magnificent ruins. Start at the Palatine Hill, the center of Rome’s seven hills. The views alone make it worth the climb. From there, head downhill to the Roman Forum. Hiring a guide to take you around these ruins is a good idea, because otherwise they might feel like piles of rocks. Budget at least three hours exploring the Colosseum and the surrounding sights.

For a quick, affordable, and delicious lunch, head to Pizza della Madonna dei Monti, on a side street not far from the Colosseum. Pizza here is sold by weight, so you can decide how big of a slice you’re in the mood for. Afterward, continue on to the massive marble Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, named for the first king of a unified Italy. For epic views of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, take the glass elevator up to the rooftop terrace.

After soaking in the city views, head to the nearby Musei Capitolini. Its palatial buildings are overflowing with historic pieces like the bronze Lupa Capitolina, a symbol of the city that dates back to the 5th century B.C. Shell out the extra euro for the informative app—artwork descriptions aren’t the museum’s strong suit.

North of the Colosseum, the artsy Monti neighborhood is the perfect place to kick back after a day of art and ancient history. It’s a pleasant 15-minute walk to Blackmarket Hall, a retro cocktail bar that’s perfect for an early evening aperitivo. Stay for dinner here, or head around the corner to Trattoria il Tettarello, a classic Italian eatery that’s always buzzing. Get here early, as it fills up fast.

After dessert, the Ice Club is the perfect place to chill out—literally and figuratively. The interior of the cave-like club is made entirely of ice, and the temperature is kept a few degrees below zero. Besides a cocktail served in a glass made of ice, the admission charge includes a coat to keep you warm.

Start your second morning at Rome’s best-preserved ancient building, the Pantheon. During the week there might be a line to get inside, but it moves fast and is worth it to see the massive dome lit by the oculus. On weekends, you’ll definitely need a reservation. Make sure you’re wearing church-appropriate attire (no bare legs, shoulders, or backs) or you’ll be turned away. The visit shouldn’t take more than an hour, even with an audio tour.

Afterward, treat yourself to an espresso at the nearby La Casa del Caffe Tazza d’Oro, run by the same family for three generations. Take a cue from the locals and drink it standing at the counter. Then head south to explore Campo de’ Fiori, where every morning (except Sunday) there’s a colorful open-air market packed with fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers and plants, and all types of souvenirs.

For lunch, try Rosamunda’s for its classic Italian dishes. Tripadvisor reviewers love the Roman-style pizza, displayed in a glass case near the front door. Follow up with a mind-blowing gelato from Gelateria del Teatro, which has fun flavor combos like raspberry and sage or lemon, honey, and rosemary.

From here, strike out in any direction and you’ll find yourself on the narrow streets of Rome’s Centro Storico. There’s something to gawk at on just about every corner, so you don’t have to follow a map to enjoy the afternoon. If you need a break from the sun, duck into the Church of St. Louis of the French. While the ornate, gilded interior is pretty impressive, it’s the three famous Caravaggios that steal the show.

As the sun begins to set, wander down to the Piazza Navona, famous for its fountains decorated with chiseled dudes and sea monsters. The square is a popular hangout spot once aperitivo time rolls around. Stroll over to Mr. 100 Tiramisu, which pairs excellent cheese boards with fine Italian wines. There’s more than 100 kinds of tiramisu on the menu, so we wouldn’t blame you if you sneak in some dessert before dinner.

Down the street, cozy Mimì e Coco serves up masses of freshly made pasta. Tripadvisor reviewers rave about the cacio e pepe (long strands of tonnarelli pasta with cheese and cracked black pepper). If you’re looking for a post-dinner hang, order some cocktails at the graffiti-covered Mons.

Spend your day in another country altogether: Vatican City. It’s the world’s smallest nation folded inside Rome, and in a way, it’s also the world’s biggest church. There’s a pretty strict dress code for all the chapels, the museums, and even the gardens, so skip the shorts and tank tops or you won’t be allowed inside.

Start at the Vatican Museums, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s masterpiece directly over your head in the Sistine Chapel. You can’t really make a beeline to the chapel, so go with the flow and take in the other marvels, especially the four rooms dedicated to Raphael’s frescoes known as the Stanze di Raffaello. It’s surprising just how quickly this place gets mobbed, so arrive early with your pre-booked ticket in hand. In high season, it'll be crowded no matter when you arrive. The only way to get a little elbow room is by taking a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel before the museums officially open (or after they close).

For lunch, grab a plate of pasta carbonara at nearby Pastasciutta. It may be part of a small chain, but the pasta is handmade on the premises and all the dishes are cooked to order in two or three minutes. Afterward, head to St. Peter’s Basilica. Admission is free, but you’ll have to line up at the entrance. Insider tip: It’s smart to skip the line with a guided tour. Some tours that include both the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica let you enter the church through a separate entrance.

Once you’re inside, make sure to get a look at Michelangelo’s famous marble sculpture called La Pieta. The artist also designed the basilica’s dome, known as the Cupola di San Pietro. For an extra fee, you can get a quad-burning workout climbing up a couple of hundred steps to the top. Up there, you’ll get a close-up look at the gold-coffered ceiling and a spectacular view of St. Peter’s Square below.

For a night on the town, head to the lively neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its waterfront eateries and old-Italy vibes. Rest your feet at Freni e Frizioni, a hip cocktail bar across from the river. Starting at 7 p.m., the place unveils a massive buffet of appetizers. Duck around the corner to La Tavernetta 29 Da Tony E Andrea, a favorite of Tripadvisor reviewers. The food is amazing, but it’s the welcoming staff, friendly owner, and classic Italian eatery vibes (think red checkered tablecloths) that make it a true standout.

If you still have gas in the tank after a day of international travel, hit up one of the dozens of surrounding spots for a nightcap. Or even better, book a ticket for Live Alcazar—once a movie theater, now a popular late-night hangout with live music.

Spend your morning at an ornate 17th-century villa hanging out with Italy’s top A-listers—we’re talking Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, and Titian. Galleria Borghese is one of Rome’s best museums for many reasons, but besides the lineup of big-name artists we love the lack of crowds. The gallery limits the number of visitors at any given time, so definitely book tickets ahead.

Feeling hungry about now? One of the closest restaurants to Villa Borghese is Sapori Sardi, the place to score Sardinian-style fish dishes like seafood gnocchi or an outstanding octopus salad.

After you’ve refueled, take your time exploring the sprawling Villa Borghese Gardens. This 200-acre public park has plenty of shady spots where you can escape the heat—you can even borrow bikes to pedal the paths or row in a boat on the lake. Head to the northwestern edge of the gardens and make your way to Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, yet another palace filled with ancient artifacts. A highlight is the cheeky couple from the 6th century B.C. lounging on a sarcophagus lid.

Take the tram up to the modern Parco della Musica Auditorium, an architecture gem that’s a stop on many of the city’s guided tours. It’s also one of the Rome’s most popular concert venues, with three theaters and a packed schedule ranging from classical music to pop (book tickets ahead). Concerts are usually on the late side, so stop at 7 Cereali before the show. It serves up incredible pizzas, including the Diavola (with spicy peppers) and the Boscaiola (with earthy mushrooms and bacon). Several Tripadvisor reviewers say that the place has the best pizza in Rome. We won’t argue with that.

Start your day in the stunning Piazza del Popolo, making your way first to Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo. (This is one of three churches named “Santa Maria” on the square. Look for the one standing alone on the northern edge.) People come for the massive paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael’s ornate chapel, and to follow the “Path of Illumination”—at least if you’re a fan of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons novel. Leave some time to wander around the neighborhood, especially the quaint, cobblestone Via Margutta, lined with artist studios and antique shops.

Be sure to stroll down the Via Del Corso, Rome’s upscale shopping street linking Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia. Take a 10-minute detour east and you’ll reach the Spanish Steps, covered in flowers in the spring and tourists throughout the year. Pause here for a photo op.

Travelers flock to the unassuming Ristorante Crispi 19 to devour to-die-for seafood dishes. The place can be pricey, especially if you order one of the multi-course tasting menus, but it’s worth a splurge. When you’re ready to hit the road, continue walking south along Via del Corso toward the iconic Trevi Fountain, where you’ll dodge tourists with selfie sticks as you make your way to the edge. If you want to return here one day, kindle a new romance, or marry the love of your life, face away from the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder into the water.

Now you’re within striking distance of several impressive palaces. The most impressive is Palazzo Barberini, known for its fantastic frescos, famous art (Raphael and Caravaggio, for starters), and grand spiral staircase. And you won’t encounter the crowds of Rome’s more famous museums.

One of the city’s best spots to chill out with an aperitivo, Pane e Salame is known for its impressive platters of meats and cheeses. Linger over a glass of wine, then head to Colline Emiliane, a family-run restaurant whose pasta is so delicious that it’s won a number of awards. You can watch three generations rolling it out by hand in the open kitchen. If you’re up for a post-pasta party, there’s live music around the corner at Gregory’s Jazz Club.

Part papal fortress, part mausoleum, the Castel Sant'Angelo dates back to the 130s (nope, that’s not missing a digit). As Roman sights go, it’s a bit of a hidden gem. You can easily spend a few hours here wandering through the exhibits and along the ramparts. Tripadvisor readers agree that the views from the top are the “best in the city.” To make the most of them, have a coffee and pastry in the castle’s café.

Afterward, walk across the angel-covered Ponte Sant’Angelo and back into the Centro Storico. Take a late morning break at Sweet Life, which serves up addictively delicious gelato. Our favorite might be the dark chocolate, but passion fruit is a close second.

Spend the afternoon enjoying more sights in Rome’s Centro Storico. But first head to Pizza e Mozzarella, a favorite spot for lunch. Oval-shaped pizzas arrive piping hot out of the oven. The Capricciosa—topped with ham, mushrooms, and artichokes—is a specialty here.

If you don’t have palace overload yet, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is just down the street. You can easily spend a couple hours here exploring these grand rooms—rumor has it there are more than 1,000 of them.

For dinner, sample contemporary Italian dishes at the charming Poldo e Gianna Osteria. This award-winning restaurant is surprisingly affordable and has an excellent wine list. It’s a good idea to reserve a table well in advance. Afterward, take a passeggiata—an evening stroll—through the Centro Storico. You’ll definitely see locals in the neighborhood doing the same.

If you’re in the mood for a nightcap, stop by La Botticella. Stocked with Italian wines and craft beers, this chill bar is popular with Italians and visitors alike. Plus, the delightful owner Giovanni is full of great restaurant recommendations.

Get up early this morning, because you’re headed to Porta San Paolo station. From there, it’s a 30-minute train ride to Ostia Antica, the sprawling ruins of an ancient harbor city dating back to the 4th century B.C. If you’re not taking a guided tour, we suggest spending a few euros at the visitor’s center for a map or an audio guide. Wear comfortable shoes, because either way you’ll be walking from one end of the city to the other.

Returning to Porta San Paolo, make your way north (either by walking uphill or taking the Metro one stop) and you’ll find yourself in ancient Rome again. There aren’t a lot of restaurants in the area, but Vi&Mi Aventino gets high marks from Tripadvisor reviewers for its breezy outdoor seating and small plates that are perfect for sharing.

Head to Circus Maximus, where you can channel your inner Ben Hur. Once the site of chariot races, this arena requires some imagination to conjure up all of the pomp and pageantry. From there, forge ahead to the afternoon’s real highlight, the Terme di Caracalla. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the massive ruins of the 3rd-century public bathhouse. The virtual reality headset tours are pretty cool, too.

If you have time, take the Metro two more stops to the Baroque Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, with its coffered ceilings, marble columns, and impressive mosaics. Even though this church is stunning, it’s a bit off the beaten path, so your visit may be shockingly crowd-free.

Once evening rolls around, head back to Trastevere for one last night out on the town in Rome. Grab some biscotti from Biscottificio Innocenti—they're downright addictive—while you consider your options. Er Pizzicarola serves up a truly tasty aperitivo. The cheese boards are both delicious and beautiful, and you can ask the staff to suggest the perfect wine pairing. You won’t regret following that up with a big plate of pasta (honestly, everything is good here, but we’d opt for the creamy carbonara) from Tonnarello Scala. And what better way to wrap up your visit to Rome than at a local joint like Bar San Calisto, where drinks are served in plastic cups? Later in the evening, the party of Romans and travelers pours into the street.