5 Days in Rome: My In-depth Adventure to the Eternal City

Rome isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. A living, breathing museum filled with ancient wonders, bustling piazzas, and the best pasta you’ll ever eat. When I first visited Italy many years ago I spent 3 days in Rome seeing the main sites. This time, I wanted to spend more time re-exploring those famous sites and then venture beyond. Having five days to explore meant I could dive deeper into its history, hidden gems, and local life—without feeling rushed. If you want to truly soak in La Dolce Vita, here’s how to spend five unforgettable days in the Eternal City.

Day 1: Ancient Rome & the Heart of the City

Morning: The Mighty Colosseum & Roman Forum

There’s no better way to begin your Roman adventure than at the Colosseum. Stepping inside this ancient amphitheater was surreal—I could almost hear the echoes of cheering crowds as gladiators fought for glory. A guided tour gave me fascinating insights into the brutal yet captivating history of this world-famous landmark.

Next, I wandered through the Roman Forum, once the epicenter of Roman civilization. Walking among the ruins of temples, arches, and markets felt like traveling back in time.

Afternoon: Trevi Fountain & Pantheon

The magnificent Trevi Fountain in Rome stands elegantly against a vibrant blue sky, showcasing its intricate sculptures and cascading waters.

A short stroll from the Forum led me to the Trevi Fountain—a masterpiece of Baroque art. I tossed a coin over my left shoulder, ensuring my return to Rome (because that’s just what you do!).

From there, I headed to the Pantheon, one of the most perfectly preserved ancient buildings in the world. Its massive dome, with an open oculus letting in a beam of light, was breathtaking.

Evening: Dinner in Trastevere

As night fell, I crossed the Tiber River into Trastevere, a charming district full of winding alleys and lively trattorias. I grabbed a seat at Tonnarello and indulged in my first (of many) cacio e pepe—a simple yet divine Roman pasta dish. With live music filling the piazzas and the scent of freshly baked pizza in the air, I knew I was in for an incredible trip.

Day 2: Vatican City & Baroque Beauty

Morning: The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

An early start was essential to beat the crowds at the Vatican Museums. Room after room of priceless art led me to the crown jewel—the Sistine Chapel. Seeing Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in person left me speechless.

Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica & Castel Sant’Angelo

Walking to St Peter's Basilica

After marveling at the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, I climbed to the dome for one of the best panoramic views of Rome. Next, I walked along the Tiber to Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress with an incredible history as a papal refuge and military stronghold.

Evening: Piazza Navona & Campo de' Fiori

I ended my day at Piazza Navona, home to Bernini’s magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers. A short walk took me to Campo de' Fiori, where I enjoyed a lively atmosphere and a plate of saltimbocca alla Romana at a cozy trattoria.

Day 3: Hidden Gems & Local Flavors

Morning: Villa Borghese & Galleria Borghese

I started my day in Villa Borghese, a peaceful green escape from the bustling city. The highlight? The Galleria Borghese, where I admired masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael.

Afternoon: Testaccio & Aventine Hill

For lunch, I ventured to Testaccio, a neighborhood known for authentic Roman cuisine. I devoured a plate of carbonara at Flavio al Velavevodetto before heading to Aventine Hill.

A quiet gem, the Orange Garden offered stunning city views. I also peeked through the Knights of Malta Keyhole, where a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica surprised me.

Evening: Sunset at the Spanish Steps

As golden hour approached, I made my way to the Spanish Steps, where I grabbed a gelato from Venchi and watched the city lights start to twinkle.

Day 4: The Appian Way & Underground Rome

Morning: The Appian Way & Catacombs

I started the day with a bike ride along the Appian Way, one of Rome’s oldest roads. Along the way, I explored the eerie yet fascinating Catacombs of San Sebastiano, where early Christians were buried in underground tunnels.

Afternoon: Basilica di San Clemente & Jewish Ghetto

Next, I visited the Basilica di San Clemente, a hidden gem with three layers of history beneath it—an ancient Roman house, a pagan temple, and a medieval church.

Afterward, I wandered into the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. I tried carciofi alla giudia (crispy fried artichokes) and marveled at the Portico of Octavia, a lesser-known Roman ruin.

Evening: Rooftop Aperitivo at Terrazza Borromini

For my last night in central Rome, I treated myself to an aperitivo at Terrazza Borromini, overlooking Piazza Navona. Watching the sunset with a glass of Prosecco in hand? Pure bliss.

Day 5: Day Trip to Tivoli & Farewell to Rome

Morning: Exploring Villa d’Este

For my final day, I took a short train ride to Tivoli, home to the stunning Villa d’Este. Its cascading fountains and Renaissance gardens felt like something out of a fairytale.

Afternoon: Hadrian’s Villa

Just a short ride away, I explored Villa Adriana, the once-lavish retreat of Emperor Hadrian. The sheer scale of the ruins was awe-inspiring.

Evening: Farewell Dinner at Piazza del Popolo

Back in Rome, I ended my adventure with a final dinner overlooking Piazza del Popolo. With a plate of bucatini all'amatriciana and a view of the twinkling city lights, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to say goodbye.

Piazza del Popolo

Final thoughts

Five days in Rome allowed me to explore both the famous landmarks and the lesser-known treasures. Every turn revealed something new—an ancient ruin, a hidden café, or a breathtaking view. If you’re planning a trip, embrace the chaos, eat all the pasta, and take the time to get lost in this incredible city.

One thing’s for sure—I’ll be tossing another coin into the Trevi Fountain soon. Arrivederci, Roma!