What to see in Rome in 3 days
You can't see Rome in three days, but you can see it well if you organise by area rather than by a list of must-sees. This is the split that works.
The principle: group by area
The classic mistake is listing monuments and visiting them in order of fame. You end up crossing Rome four times and losing two hours a day. The city divides naturally into three blocks, each fitting a day.
Day 1: ancient Rome
The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine take a long half-day, since the ticket is usually combined and the site is enormous. In the afternoon, climb the Capitoline and walk down to the Pantheon nearby. Finish at Piazza Navona at dusk, when it's at its best.
Day 2: the Vatican and around
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel first thing, then St Peter's Basilica. It's a dense day and more tiring than it looks: these are kilometres of galleries. In the afternoon, Castel Sant'Angelo and cross to Trastevere for dinner.
Day 3: centre and neighbourhoods
Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and the Monti district. The most relaxed day and the one best enjoyed wandering without a fixed plan. With spare time, the Basilica of San Clemente has three superimposed levels from different eras and almost never has a queue.
What you must book
The Colosseum and Vatican Museums sell out weeks ahead in high season, and without a timed ticket you don't get in. Book them as soon as you have flights. The Borghese Gallery also has capped time slots.
Getting around
Rome involves a lot of walking: expect ten or twelve kilometres a day, and wear comfortable shoes because the cobbles punish. The metro has few lines but helps on long stretches. Take taxis only from official ranks.
When to go
April, May and October are best: comfortable temperatures and long light. July and August pass 35 degrees and the centre has no shade. January and February are cold but cheap and queue-free.
Budget
Three days with simple accommodation, the main tickets and eating well without extravagance: 250 to 400 euros per person excluding flights. Eating away from the tourist squares cuts the bill a lot and the food is better.
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