One Week in Rome: The Perfect 7 Day Rome Itinerary

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Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by sydabroad

Are you looking for a 7 day Rome itinerary? Then keep reading! 

Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world with a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and of course, delicious cuisine. I’ve visited the city a couple of times now it’s one of my favorite European destinations. 

There are so many amazing cities to explore in Italy including Milan, Venice, and Florence, Rome, – each unique in their way. In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know before visiting Rome. 

Although this is a 7 day Rome itinerary, even if you are staying for a weekend in Rome, you will find this guide helpful. I’ll cover the best things to do in Rome, where to stay, how to get around, a map with all the spots mentioned in this article, and more. Alright, let’s get into this travel guide!

Looking for more Italy travel guides?

• How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan
• The Best Photo Spots in Rome, Italy
• How to Spend One Day in Venice
• The Perfect One Day in Florence Itinerary

Keep reading for the perfect 7 day Rome itinerary. 

7 Day Rome Itinerary – The Basics

Currency = Euro

The currency in Rome is the Euro (EUR)
1 USD = .90 Euro

Many places in Rome will accept card payments but I find it helpful to keep some cash for small purchases. Cash on hand helps if you are out to dinner and plan to split the bill with others. In most European cities they will not split the bill with card payments.

Having small bills is also helpful if you are negotiating at a local market. There are also plenty of ATMs around the city.

Language = Italian

Although Italian is the official language, you will find that many people speak English here. It is helpful to have the Google Translate app downloaded on your phone. And if you don’t speak the language I would prepare a few basic phrases and sentences just to be polite.

Phone & Internet

From my personal experience, I never had a problem with the phone and internet service. I found that many restaurants and cafes had fast reliable wifi and my accommodation did as well. If you are a digital nomad and will need to reliable internet connection during your trip, I would check with your accommodation just to be sure.

Daily Budget

Compared to cities like Florence and Bologna, Rome can be on the more expensive end. It is one of the most visited by tourists in the world. For a mid-range budget, I would put aside about $150 euros per day. However, it is possible to travel to Rome on a backpacker’s budget. Stay at a hostel, cook some of your meals, and avoid shopping a lot, this will help you save money in Rome.

Tipping in Rome

There is not a strict tipping rule in Rome, however, it is considered polite if you are provided with good service. In general, tips are not expected in restaurants so it’s entirely up to you.

Something to keep in mind is a coperto, which is a table charge. This is common in many restaurants and will be a separate line item on the bill usually for table service and bread.

Is The Tap Water Drinkable?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Rome, and most of Italy. You will find old fountains throughout the city and it’s completely safe to drink out of these! If you do like taking extra precautions when traveling I suggest purchasing a water bottle with a filtered straw.

When is The Best Time to Visit Rome?

Rome is a dream to visit year-round, but the best time to visit Rome is from October through April. During this time there will be fewer tourists, which means better travel deals. 

The weather will also be cooler. If you want to avoid cold weather, consider visiting during shoulder season in the spring, mid-March through early May.

Both times I’ve visited Rome have been during the summer. From my experience, I still had an amazing time. There were larger crowds and it was hot. If you go in the dead of summer expect very high temperatures. 

My first time in Rome was with a group tour through EF Ultimate Break. During this tour, we saw many amazing places in Italy including Venice, Florence, Burano, Orvieto, Lake Como, and Bologna. 

If you want to avoid the stress of planning a trip, I highly recommend EF Ultimate Break. They make the travel process so easy. You can save money on your first trip through this link. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about traveling with EF Ultimate Break.   

The Perfect 7 Day Rome Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Colosseum 

We are starting this 7 day Rome itinerary exploring ancient Rome and all of its iconic landmarks. You simply cannot miss the Colosseum when in Rome, so this is first on the itinerary. 

There is fascinating history to learn here so I recommend doing either a guided tour of the Colosseum or purchasing an audio guide. Make sure you plan for about two to three hours here. 

Pro-Tip: Buy the combined ticket here that gives you access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. The ticket costs 29 euros. 

Roman Forum 

The Roman Forum fell to ruins after the fall of the Roman Empire. Now, you can see all the ruins of what used to be ancient government buildings in the city center of Rome. If you’ve purchased the combined ticket, entrance to the Roman Forum is included. 

Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. This is where the Roman Forum is located, visiting gives you a glimpse into the rich history of ancient Rome. 

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Day 2: Rome’s Historic Center

Trevi Fountain

Your second day in Rome is starting bright and early at the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is located in the Trevi district in Rome. It’s one of the oldest water systems in the city and a very popular tourist attraction. The Trevi Fountain is a must on your 7 day Rome itinerary. 

If you want good photographs of the Trevi Fountain, you need to wake up at sunrise and head over to the fountain. Not only will you get a great photo without the crowds, but it’s such a different atmosphere when you have the entire place to yourself. Seeing the Trevi Fountain empty is well worth the early wake-up call. 

Spanish Steps 

Did you know that the Spanish Steps are the longest and widest steps in Europe? Well, they are one of the best things to see in Rome and a short walk from the Trevi Fountain.

They represent figuratively and metaphorically the close relationship between the Sacred and the Eternal City. Like the Trevi Fountain, I suggest waking up early to have the Spanish Steps practically to yourself. 

Pantheon 

In ancient times, the Pantheon was a temple for Roman Gods. It is one of the most iconic ancient structures in the city of Rome. The Pantheon is a short walk away from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. 

There are all sorts of cafes and restaurants in this area. You can stop for a coffee or breakfast after visiting the Pantheon. More on the best places to eat in Rome later in this travel guide. 

Piazza Venezia/The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

This building was built to honor Victor Emmanuel who was the first king of unified Italy. Inside, there are historic sites, an observation deck, and a museum. Tickets to enter will cost about 7 euros. 

Shop Down Via Del Corso 

Next on the itinerary, is shopping! Via del Corso is a historic street in Rome with all sorts of shops, cafes, and boutiques. It’s a lively place to spend some time and shop around. 

Optional: If you have extra time during one of your days in Rome I suggest doing a food tour! You can find your street food at local markets or book a guided food tour. Eating your way through the city is an excellent way to get to know Rome! 

Day 3: Discover The Vatican 

Vatican City 

Start day three with a visit to the Vatican. This is a must in Rome. Vatican City is a city-state in Rome ruled by the Pope and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s also famous for its breathtaking art and architecture. 

I recommend giving yourself a good half-day to a day to explore all that the Vatican has to offer because it’s massive. Also, make sure you are dressed appropriately. Shoulders and knees should be covered on both men and women. 

As for tickets, you can purchase them ahead of time online to avoid the long line. I also suggest purchasing an audio guide if you aren’t doing a guided tour. There are so many fascinating things to learn here!

Tickets to the Vatican cost 8 to 17 euros depending on which tour you book. Purchase your tickets online here.

St Peter’s Basilica 

St. Peter’s Basilica is a major church located in Vatican City and one of the most significant religious landmarks in the world. It’s known for its exquisite Renaissance architecture and the iconic dome designed by Michelangelo. 

Sistine Chapel 

The Sistine Chapel is within Vatican City, you can’t miss it while touring the Vatican. You’ll see Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling paintings. The art is absolutely amazing. This is one of the best parts of the Vatican. 

St Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is also located in Vatican City and is an open space in front of St. Peter’s Basilica designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 

Pro-Tip: It was hot when I visited. Make sure you bring water and if you don’t want to wear long sleeves all day I suggest bringing a lightweight wrap or button-down that you can throw on before you go inside the Vatican. 

Ponte Umberto to Watch The Sunset

In the evening head to Ponte Umberto for sunset. You’ll get a beautiful view of the river and the Vatican in the background. It’s also a great photo spot in Rome! 

Day 4: Museums and Gardens 

The Capitoline Museums 

Begin your fourth day in Rome at the Capitoline Museums in Piazza del Campidoglio. These are a group of art and archaeological museums. 

The museums were designed by Michelangelo and here you’ll find a vast collection of Roman artifacts, sculptures, and art. Admission costs about 18 euros. 

Villa Borghese 

For a break from the city, head to Villa Borghese. This is a large public garden and park in the center of Rome. It’s home to Borghese Gallery, which is next on the itinerary! 

Villa Borghese has walking paths, beautiful gardens, a lake, and even a zoo. 

Borghese Gallery and Museum 

Next, visit Borghese Gallery, an art gallery within the former Villa Borghese Piciana. Here, you’ll find a vast collection of art by artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. 

Pincio Hill For Sunset

After exploring Villa Borghese in the afternoon, head to Pincio Hill (Passeggiata del Pincio) for an amazing view of the historic center of Rome. This makes for another perfect sunset spot in Rome. 

Day 5: Local Life 

Piazza Navona 

Piazza Navona is a beautiful and lively square in Rome and a great place to wander around and people-watch. It’s famous because it’s built on the site of the stadium built in ancient Rome during Emperor Domitian’s rule 

The square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and Baroque Palaces. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or sit down for a meal. 

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Pasta Making Class – A Must on your 7 Days Rome Itinerary

One of my favorite things I’ve done in Rome is take a cooking class! This was so freaking fun, you have to make sure to include a pasta-making class in your 7 day Rome itinerary. 

What’s better than learning to make handmade pasta in Italy? The best part is, you get to try everything at the end! Anyway, it was a great way to meet other travelers and learn about Italian cuisine. You can book a cooking class in Rome here. 

Campo de’ Fiori Market  

This market is one of Rome’s oldest. It’s open Monday through Saturday and at times some stalls are open on Sundays. Double-check hours during the time of your visit. If you are looking for an authentic market in the city, you can’t miss Campo de’ Fiori Market. 

Trastevere Neighborhood 

If you are looking for the cutest neighborhood in Rome, head to Trastevere. Its cobblestone streets and charming buildings make it the perfect place to get lost and wander. Here, you’ll find some of Rome’s best restaurants, stunning medieval architecture, historic churches, and lively piazzas. 

Janiculum Hill For Panoramic Views

Another great view and sunset spot in Rome is Janiculum Hill. It’s the second tallest hill in the contemporary city of Rome. Visit for a panoramic view of Rome. You can even see St. Peter’s dome from here. 

Night Market at River Tiber 

Check to see if the night market is open during the time of your visit. The schedule varies. Anyway, if you can visit, you should! The market is along the river with bars, restaurants, and small shopping stands.  

Day 6: Ancient Appian Way & Catacombs of Rome

Explore the Ancient Appian Way

The Appian Way is one of the earliest roads, essentially Europe’s first highway. It’s one of the most important Roman roads of the ancient republic. 

The Appian Way connects Rome to the southern regions of Italy. It was built in 312 BC and today it’s a historic road surrounded by picturesque views, ancient monuments, tombs, and ruins. 

Catacombs of Rome 

Next on this 7 day Rome itinerary is to visit the Catacombs of Rome! Several catacombs exist in the city such as the Catacombs of Saint Calixtus, the Catacombs of San Callisto, and the Catacombs of Domitilla. 

Each has its own historical significance. You can book a guided tour below. 

Baths of Caracalla 

These were the city’s second-largest Roman public baths. The Baths of Caracalla are known for their intricate design and beautiful architecture. 

Day 7: Day Trip From Rome

Day trip to Pompeii, Tivoli, or Naples

From Rome, you can visit so many other amazing Italian cities. I suggest using your last day in Rome to take a day trip. 

A few amazing day trips from Rome include Pompeii, Naples, and Tivoli. Pompeii and Naples are a little over 2 hours from Rome and Tivoli is only about 30 minutes or so. 

If you choose to visit Tivoli, you can book a train, a bus, or a full guided tour that includes transportation and a local guide. Tivoli is known for its beautiful villas, gardens, and historical significance. 

Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit around Rome. Visiting Pompeii will take you anywhere from one hour to two and a half hours depending on if you take a train or car. You can also book guided tours to Pompeii from Rome. 

This is the case for Naples as well. Naples is known to be the birthplace of pizza and Naples is only about 20 minutes from Pompeii so you can easily visit both during your day trip. Or at least visit to grab a slice of pizza. 

Transportation in Rome, Italy 

How To Get To Rome 

There are two airports in Rome, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (FCO) is the main airport, and Ciampino Airport (CIA), which is for low-cost airlines. Both FCO and CIA are about 25 to 30 minutes from Rome’s city center.

The easiest way to get to the city center is to hop on public transport to Rome Termini station, which is the city’s main station. If you are traveling by train you will likely arrive at Rome Termini station.

From FCO airport take the Leonardo Express, a train connecting the Fiumicino airport to Termini station. It’s quick, efficient, and affordable. The journey will take about 30 minutes and cost about 14 euros.

Getting Around in Rome

Rome is a good city to explore on foot. I guarantee you will be walking a lot so pack comfortable shoes! The metro is also a great way to get around the city, it costs 7 euros for a 24-hour pass. You can purchase metro tickets at the stations and many convenience stores sell them as well.

7 Day Rome Itinerary – Where to Stay in Rome

Yellow Square Hostel – Budget 

I highly recommend Yellow Square Hostel if you are on a budget. I stayed here during both of my trips to Rome. It’s affordable, in a great location, and it’s so easy to meet people. This is one of my favorite hostels I’ve stayed at while traveling. 

Visit Hostel World for more budget-friendly accommodation in Rome. 

The Romehello – Budget 

The RomeHello is a hostel in Rome. A great place to meet other travelers and it’s close to metro stations for easy access to the city center.  

Elle Boutique Hotel  – Boutique 

This is a nice boutique hotel located close to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican. 

Rome Cavalieri – Luxury

Rome Cavalieri is a luxury property in Rome that offers suites, fine dining, pools, parks, and even a spa.  

Find A Place to Stay in Rome

Eat + Drink in Rome

Rome has some of the best cuisine in the world! There is no shortage of amazing places to dine in this city. Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

• La Famiglia: Delicious and affordable, try the cacio e pepe pasta.
• II Gelato di San Crispino: Hands down the BEST gelato I have ever had. We went here like every day during our time in Rome. It’s also a short walk from the Trevi Fountain.
• Papa Re: Literally the most amazing Italian food! And it’s located in the trendy neighborhood of Trastevere, you can’t miss this place.
• Osteria Angelino dal 1899
• Ristorante Colosseo

One Week in Rome – Map

Safety in Rome

Rome is generally a very safe city. The most common issue is petty theft, like pickpocketing. Always keep your belongings close and wear a belt bag. Like any other major city, avoid isolated areas at night and respect local customs. 

7 Day Rome Itinerary Travel Tips

• Rome is a city to explore by foot – so pack comfy shoes.
• Get the combined ticket that includes entrance to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. Keep in mind you don’t have to visit all three sites in one day with this ticket.
• Don’t get confused when there’s an extra charge on your restaurant bill called a “coperto”. This is a table charge usually for the service and bread. So you technically do not need to tip and it’s mostly not expected.

Rome is such a lively and beautiful city with so much to offer. If you are thinking about planning a trip, do it! Anyway, I hope enjoyed this travel guide full of the best things to see in Rome! As always, if you have any questions about Rome or Italy in general, please reach out! Feel free to DM me on Instagram, comment below, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com.

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