What to visit in 72 hours in Rome, Italy

The capital of the Roman Empire still stands today as a testimony to a 30-century-old settlement. Rome was the first metropolis.

It is the only city in the world that hosts an independent state within its boundaries: The Vatican City. What can you see and do in 72 hours in Rome? Plenty, and then you have to come back for the rest. If budget is a concern, please check my detailed guide on planning a trip to Europe on a budget.

If you are planning a trip to what I consider to be one of the best cities in the world, make sure to check when the best time is to visit Rome. This can save you lots of time and nerves!

The birth city of the Renaissance, Rome’s successive popes have dedicated their time to making Rome one of the greatest centres of art in the world by engaging the best artists of that time, including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli.

Judging by the many examples of art, some may conclude that the Popes were corrupt people who led an immoral life full of decadence and extravagance. This is how Rome became less religious and was illustrated as a city of parties, scheming and trivial scenes, horse races, and many feasts.

For the first time in Rome, do you need some tips on making the most out of your time there? You can do all the things mentioned below and more in 72 hours in Rome. Bring comfy walking shoes.

Read more on Best Photo Spots in Rome.

Vatican City

Technically, the Vatican is an independent country, but it’s right in the heart of the Italian capital. Probably one of the world’s most impressive pieces of art is a must for any traveller. The very reason for the Renaissance stage lies between the walls of the Vatican.

The corridors of the Vatican Museum are about 7 km long. At the end is the famous Sistine Chapel (no photos allowed), and yet they don’t display everything. The Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican is this huge church, representing the Vatican, and make sure to climb up onto the Basilica. And the Vatican’s Garden, if you go in the summer.

The Vatican is the capital of the Catholic Church, but you don’t need to be religious to contemplate the wonders made by human hands.

Read more on How I planned a 1 Month Trip in Europe – On a Budget

Colosseum

This almost 2 thousand years old amphitheatre is the biggest one ever built from concrete and sand. Having enough space for an average audience of 65,000 people, the Colosseum was a place of gladiatorial contests, drama plays from Classical mythology and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions and re-enactments of famous battles.

The Roman Forum

The Forum is an ancient plaza, where are the ruins of the important buildings of the government. It was the centre of the ancient Roman Forum for centuries.

The Palatine hill

The Palatine Hill is the place where Rome started. It is the most famous hill of the 7 Roma has, and it stands 40m above the Roman Forum.

Trevi Fountain

Fontana di Trevi, in Italian, has a height of 26m and a width of 49 m. It is one of the most famous fountains in the world. After filming here the American movie Three Coins in the Fountain, the people started the habit of throwing coins into the fountain. They estimate that people throw in around 3,000 euros every day.

Spanish Steps

These 135 monumental stairways start from Piazza di Spagna and end in front of the Trinità de Monti church at the top. People gather here to meet with friends, hang out, sit on the stairs and just admire the people. It’s hard to find a place to sit, and going up the stairs could take forever since it’s hard to find a spot to step on.

Trajan’s Column

This is a famous 30 m high Roman triumphal column in Rome, which was built to commemorate the victory of Roman emperor Trajan against the Dacians. It’s famous for its spiral bas-relief, which illustrates the wars between the Roman and the Dacians.

Before you start planning your trip to Rome,  check out these gorgeous Hotels in Rome. 

Read more on 11 Amazing European Cities That Should Be On Your Bucket List