Rome - itinerary help please?

[35pEnergyDrink]

Could anyone help me plan out an itinerary for three whole days in Rome (we aren’t travelling on these days).

I’ve been before but ages ago, and know of a few things we must see - the forum, Palatine hill, Coliseum, San Clemente and Campo de Fiori. Also I guess the Trevi fountain, Spanish steps and the Pantheon. And St Peter’s/the Sistine - which I haven’t been to before - and would love a gallery or museum. It’s me and one teenager (17yo); we’re both good walkers/plenty of stamina and don’t speak much Italian (but can understand it in writing, enough to get by)

How do I group these things together to make a sensible plan? We’ll be staying a short distance from the “centre” (quick metro) and are happy to be out all day (any good lunch/dinner/ice cream recommendations?) Would love any advice so we can make the most of the three days!

And finally - which are the official websites for booking tickets in advance? I would hate to get scammed…

Thank you if you are able to help!

For the Sistine, you will need a Vatican Museums ticket and should plan for a minimum of 2 hours, including walking and security. For St Peter’s, at least 1-2 hours, or 2-3 hours if you want to climb the dome. You cannot buy a stand-alone ticket for the Sistine - it’s part of the Vatican Museums experience. Do the Sistine Chapel first and it provides a direct, ticketed access path to St. Peter's and also lets you bypass the long security line especially if you book a tour that allows access through the Sistine Chapel's special exit. If you start early, you could be out for lunch at nearby Mercato Trionfale.

The Colosseum, Forum and Palatine hill are usually visited together as they are beside each other. We got a ticket with exact entry time for the Colosseum and could enter the Forum/Palatine area anytime 24hours before or after our time at the Colosseum. I think we spent around 5 hours covering all three in total and we did the hill, then Forum, then the Colosseum.

To visit the Trevi fountain, go after 9pm for free, unrestricted access, or be prepared to queue to enter the basin area between 9 am and 9 pm. We ate dinner near the Spanish steps, then went there straight afterwards as they’re close. When you go, definitely visit Pompi Tiramisu for dessert. They do the most amazing flavours, fairly reasonably priced. We actually went back again as we enjoyed it so much!

Thank you - that sounds great!

It’s really helpful to think through how long it takes to see each place properly (and of course the 17yo wants to see everything)

Museum definitely Capitoline Museums- amazing!

Oh thank you - I’ll have a look! I have found an old “top 10 in Rome” book and it does mention the Capitoline so that is helpful to hear

@35pEnergyDrink. I’m a huge fan of Lonely Planet recommendations for spending time in a city. I think you want to see a bit too much! Palatine Hill etc is not as good as the forum or coliseum in my view. There’s a good underground system in Rome but you will walk! Piazza Navona is better than Trevi in my view. Look at possible itineraries and then cut a few things out!

Generally, less is more..... But allow one day for the Vatican (plus Castel Santangelo, if you're feeling energetic).
One day for Forum/Palatine/Colisseum. Maybe add on Campo de Fiori/Jewish Quarter.
One day for central areas - Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi - maybe add Galleria Borghese, if you book well in advance.

The thing is, you can't see it all, so be selective and make a plan to go back again.... and again!

Thank you both - yes I think I have finally got it across to the teen that there will be other opportunities to visit! I’ll have a look at all these suggestions and hopefully come up with a sensible plan 😀

Trastevere is really lovely in the evenings for good reasonably priced food and street entertainment