5-Day Rome Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Rome packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — the eternal city of ancient ruins, renaissance art, and la dolce vita. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Trastevere — cobblestone lanes with trattorias and nightlife. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Colosseum for your first taste of what makes Rome special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Trastevere — cobblestone lanes with trattorias and nightlife area. Try Carbonara — pasta with guanciale, pecorino, egg yolk, and black pepper — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Roman Forum. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Trevi Fountain. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Monti — hip neighborhood with vintage shops and wine bars neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Supplì — fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel — one of Rome's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $15 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Vatican City — St. Peter's, the Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Gelato — artisanal Italian ice cream from shops using fresh ingredients. Expect to spend around $38 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Aventine Keyhole — peek through the Knights of Malta door to see St. Peter's dome perfectly framed — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Non-Catholic Cemetery — Keats and Shelley's resting place in a serene garden. The Testaccio — working-class food district with Rome's best restaurants area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Rome's nightlife scene — Trastevere — buzzy piazzas with outdoor bars and live music.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Quartiere Coppedè — fairy-tale Art Nouveau neighborhood near Villa Borghese or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Via del Corso — mainstream fashion brands and Italian chains — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Rome has only 3 metro lines — walking and buses fill the gaps
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $150 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Bring comfortable broken-in walking shoes for cobblestone streets You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Greet with Buongiorno in the morning and Buonasera in the evening
• Safety: Watch for pickpockets on buses 40 and 64 and at Termini station

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$50	$150	$450
5-Day Total	$250	$750	$2250

Final Thoughts

Five days in Rome is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

---

Planning a trip to Rome? Let TripGenie create your perfect itinerary — it's free and takes just 60 seconds.