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03 Dec 2025
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Roma - Top TripAdvisor Landmarks & Activities

Weekend in Rome — Highlights of History, Art & Urban Life

This short itinerary packs Rome’s essential experiences into a compact trip: ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, awe-inspiring religious and artistic sites in Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, world-class museum visits at the Vatican Museums and Galleria Borghese, and atmospheric public spaces such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Expect a mix of immersive history, Renaissance and Baroque art, scenic viewpoints and lively piazza moments—ideal for travelers who enjoy cultural depth with flexible pacing and the option to add fine dining or active exploration between stops.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Colosseum

    Iconic symbol of ancient Rome and one of the world’s largest amphitheaters; visiting lets you step into 2,000 years of history, see where gladiators and public spectacles took place, and appreciate remarkable Roman engineering and architecture up close.
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    Vatican Museums

    Home to one of the world’s greatest art collections spanning millennia, including classical sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo; a visit offers unmatched cultural and artistic insight plus access to the Vatican’s historical and religious treasures.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Pantheon

    Exceptionally well-preserved ancient Roman temple renowned for its massive unreinforced concrete dome and oculus; visiting reveals ancient construction ingenuity, a serene interior used as a church, and a direct connection to Rome’s continuous urban life from antiquity to today.
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    Roman Forum

    Once the political, commercial and social heart of ancient Rome, the Forum offers layered ruins of temples, basilicas and monuments that let you trace Rome’s civic life, law and religion across centuries while walking the streets where senators and citizens once gathered.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    St. Peter's Basilica

    A masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture, St. Peter’s is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church; inside you’ll find monumental sculptures, grandiose interior spaces, Michelangelo’s Pietà and the chance to ascend the dome for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

    An operatic Baroque fountain famed for its dramatic sculpture and scale, the Trevi Fountain is a must-see for its beauty and tradition—tossing a coin into the fountain is said to ensure a return to Rome—plus it’s an atmospheric spot both day and night for photos and people-watching.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)

    Houses a superb collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces by artists like Bernini, Caravaggio and Titian in an intimate villa setting; visiting lets you experience exceptional sculpture and painting up close, set within manicured gardens for a refined cultural outing.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Piazza Navona

    Built on the site of an ancient stadium, this lively Baroque square features striking fountains (including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers), street artists and cafés; it’s a vibrant place to soak up Roman piazza life, architecture and people-watching.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Castel Sant'Angelo

    A multifaceted landmark that served as a mausoleum, fortress and papal residence, offering layered history and dramatic views from its terrace over the Tiber; visitors can explore its defensive ramps, papal apartments and museum exhibits while enjoying a scenic riverside location.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

    An iconic urban landmark linking the lively Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church, the Spanish Steps offer a graceful setting for people-watching, seasonal flower displays and photography; nearby upscale shopping, historic cafés and a central location make it an easy, atmospheric stop to experience Rome’s elegant public life and architecture.
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Restaurants

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    La Pergola, Rome

    4.6
    $$$$

    La Pergola, Rome

    Rome’s three-Michelin-star rooftop fine-dining destination offering refined Mediterranean cuisine, exceptional service and panoramic city views—ideal for a special-occasion dinner during your stay.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    Pipero Roma

    Pipero Roma

    Contemporary Italian tasting menus with precise technique and elegant plating; known for impeccable wine pairings and a polished dining room close to central attractions.
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    Antico Forno Roscioli

    4.5
    $$$$

    Antico Forno Roscioli

    A celebrated deli-restaurant blending traditional Roman dishes with top-quality artisanal ingredients—famous for its carbonara, cured meats and impressive wine selection in a lively, authentic setting.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Il Pagliaccio

    3.8

    Il Pagliaccio

    Two-Michelin-star restaurant offering inventive, artful cuisine that combines Italian tradition with global influences—an intimate tasting-menu experience for adventurous fine-dining travelers.
    3.8
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    Armando al Pantheon

    4.1
    $$$$

    Armando al Pantheon

    Classic Roman trattoria steps from the Pantheon serving timeless local recipes with a focus on seasonal produce and hearty flavors—perfect for a memorable, traditional meal near major sights.
    4.1
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    Hotel De Russie

    4.6

    Hotel De Russie

    Luxury hotel between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps; known for elegant rooms, a serene secret garden and top-tier service—ideal for fine dining nearby and easy access to major sights.
    4.6
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    Grand Hotel Plaza

    4

    Grand Hotel Plaza

    Historic 5-star hotel on Via del Corso offering classic glamour, rooftop terrace views and a central location for shopping and sightseeing—good choice for travelers wanting luxury and walkability.
    4
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    Hotel Eden (Dorchester Collection)

    4.7

    Hotel Eden (Dorchester Collection)

    Prestigious luxury property near Villa Borghese with refined rooms, Michelin-quality dining options and panoramic city views—excellent for gourmet experiences and upscale comfort.
    4.7
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    Portrait Roma

    4.1

    Portrait Roma

    Boutique luxury hotel overlooking the Spanish Steps area with spacious suites and personalized service; perfect for travelers seeking high-end, apartment-style accommodations close to shopping and attractions.
    4.1
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    NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali

    4.6

    NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali

    Contemporary upscale hotel adjacent to the Roman Forum and Colosseum, offering modern amenities, convenient access to archaeological sites and strong transport connections—great base for exploring ancient Rome.
    4.6
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Bar Hop Around the Colosseum

    Bar Hop Around the Colosseum

    Join us on an amazing Pub Crawl Around the Colosseum. Experience a night out in the Italian Capital like never before. Discover the vibrant nightlife, meet fellow travelers, and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out.
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    Trastevere Bohemian Quarter Tour

    Trastevere Bohemian Quarter Tour

    Together we'll discover one of the most exotic and authentic areas of the city of Marina's hand, a young Spanish woman who has lived in Trastevere for almost 3 years.
    Map IconRome (0 mi)
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    63 votes, 17 comments. Im going to Rome in May with two of my friends for three days. We stupidly didnt reserve tickets for popular attractions

    Must see things in Rome that arent touristy

    63 votes, 17 comments. Im going to Rome in May with two of my friends for three days. We stupidly didnt reserve tickets for popular attractions

    /r/rome
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    My partner and I are taking a cruise in May and have a day in Rome. We were searching for tour times for both the Vatican and the Colosseum and the

    Booking tours for the Vatican and the Colosseum in the same day

    My partner and I are taking a cruise in May and have a day in Rome. We were searching for tour times for both the Vatican and the Colosseum and the

    /r/rome
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  • Reddit Icon

    The Capitoline Museum is also excellent and has more artifacts than you will be able to realistically see in a day. ... Ugh I'm waiting to hear back on my request. Not th...

    Visiting Rome soon - Which Ancient sites should I visit?

    The Capitoline Museum is also excellent and has more artifacts than you will be able to realistically see in a day. ... Ugh I'm waiting to hear back on my request. Not th...

    /r/ancientrome
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  • Reddit Icon

    Im visiting Rome for 2-3 days in mid September. Id like to see the main sights for Rome and Vatican. ... but I would assume you should still be able to follow the 3-day itiner...

    Two full days in Rome, anyone have a good itinerary to share?

    Im visiting Rome for 2-3 days in mid September. Id like to see the main sights for Rome and Vatican. ... but I would assume you should still be able to follow the 3-day itiner...

    /r/rome
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    I didn't know there was stuff on in the Coloseum. Well worth doing things with good interpretive panels and artifacts, if you can't get to Pompeii then this would be...

    I have one day in Rome, what are some must see ancient sites?

    I didn't know there was stuff on in the Coloseum. Well worth doing things with good interpretive panels and artifacts, if you can't get to Pompeii then this would be...

    /r/ancientrome
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  • Reddit Icon

    In terms of ticketed tours Id recommend a Vatican day (Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters) and an Ancient Rome day (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, plus free ruins a...

    Which museums, landmarks are must do?

    In terms of ticketed tours Id recommend a Vatican day (Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters) and an Ancient Rome day (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, plus free ruins a...

    /r/rome
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  • Reddit Icon

    Walking from the Vatican to the Coloseum area take about an hour, but the path can take you past Castel D'Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Parthenon, the huge fatherland landmark (f...

    1 morning and 2 evenings in Rome. Should I do morning Vatican and ...

    Walking from the Vatican to the Coloseum area take about an hour, but the path can take you past Castel D'Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Parthenon, the huge fatherland landmark (f...

    /r/rome
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  • Reddit Icon

    34 votes, 99 comments. Well, I booked an early morning Vatican tour (7:30am) months ago with LivTours. This is for late August. The tour is about

    Im doing the Vatican and the Colosseum in one day. Am I crazy?

    34 votes, 99 comments. Well, I booked an early morning Vatican tour (7:30am) months ago with LivTours. This is for late August. The tour is about

    /r/rome
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  • Reddit Icon

    We'll be traveling to Rome at the end of May/beginning of June for two weeks. What do you recommend we see at the Vatican City? Should we space it

    What to see in Vatican City

    We'll be traveling to Rome at the end of May/beginning of June for two weeks. What do you recommend we see at the Vatican City? Should we space it

    /r/rome
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    For general travel enquiries please visit /r/italytravel. For topics to do with the wider ancient Roman republic/empire, please post in /r/ancientrome. If you have a hot take ...

    Vatican City Tips?

    For general travel enquiries please visit /r/italytravel. For topics to do with the wider ancient Roman republic/empire, please post in /r/ancientrome. If you have a hot take ...

    /r/rome
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  • Reddit Icon

    Ciao! r/ItalyTravel is for information and inspiration on travel within Italy. Please make sure to thoroughly read all the sub's Rules below before posting, thank you ......

    3 nights in Rome - Must sees?

    Ciao! r/ItalyTravel is for information and inspiration on travel within Italy. Please make sure to thoroughly read all the sub's Rules below before posting, thank you ......

    /r/ItalyTravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Note that the same ticket gets you into the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine hill, and the line to get tickets is usually shortest at the Palatine. The Circus Maximus is underwh...

    Ancient history buff's first trip to Rome

    Note that the same ticket gets you into the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine hill, and the line to get tickets is usually shortest at the Palatine. The Circus Maximus is underwh...

    /r/classics
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hi everyone, Ciao! I booked a 6 day trip to Rome and not sure how to spend all 6 days. Here is what I have planned so far. Day 1: Doing a walking

    Struggling on what to do in Rome for 1 week

    Hi everyone, Ciao! I booked a 6 day trip to Rome and not sure how to spend all 6 days. Here is what I have planned so far. Day 1: Doing a walking

    /r/rome
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  • Reddit Icon

    We booked tickets in advance for the Museum at 8 am and after went to St. Peters. We moved through things quickly in about 3 1/2 hours. You can book the Colosseum in the after...

    Is it possible to see the vatican and colloseum in one day?

    We booked tickets in advance for the Museum at 8 am and after went to St. Peters. We moved through things quickly in about 3 1/2 hours. You can book the Colosseum in the after...

    /r/ItalyTravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Largo Argentina and the area around the Theater of Marcellus are great and don't require tickets or anything (I heard the Rome government was planning access into Largo A...

    Seeking Advice: Best Way to Experience Historical Sights in Rome Without Feeling Like a Tourist

    Largo Argentina and the area around the Theater of Marcellus are great and don't require tickets or anything (I heard the Rome government was planning access into Largo A...

    /r/ancientrome
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  • Reddit Icon

    First time in Rome - only 2 full days. How to best experience Rome? ... Ciao! r/ItalyTravel is for information and inspiration on travel within Italy. Please make sure to thor...

    Advice on 3 day Rome itinerary

    First time in Rome - only 2 full days. How to best experience Rome? ... Ciao! r/ItalyTravel is for information and inspiration on travel within Italy. Please make sure to thor...

    /r/ItalyTravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Me and a friend are visiting Rome, where we have 1 day and 1 night, no hotel room booked and a flight leaving the next morning. What do you recommend

    1 Day and 1 Night in Rome, what is a must do/ see?

    Me and a friend are visiting Rome, where we have 1 day and 1 night, no hotel room booked and a flight leaving the next morning. What do you recommend

    /r/rome
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  • Reddit Icon

    Allow 3-4 hours for the Vatican and buy your ticket online in advance; allow about 1 1/4 hours for St Peter's, for which you don't need to pay but you do need to line up. If y...

    What places should I visit in 4 days?

    Allow 3-4 hours for the Vatican and buy your ticket online in advance; allow about 1 1/4 hours for St Peter's, for which you don't need to pay but you do need to line up. If y...

    /r/rome
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    Even spending the whole day, you won't be able to cover the whole museum. Then as you are in the Vatican, most people logically continue on next door to St. Peter's ...

    Vatican and Colosseum in 1 day?

    Even spending the whole day, you won't be able to cover the whole museum. Then as you are in the Vatican, most people logically continue on next door to St. Peter's ...

    /r/travel
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  • Reddit Icon

    My partner and I are visiting Italy for the first time in April, we have three days in Rome. Ideally we would like to do a Colosseum day, Vatican

    Tour Recommendations - Colosseum & Vatican

    My partner and I are visiting Italy for the first time in April, we have three days in Rome. Ideally we would like to do a Colosseum day, Vatican

    /r/rome
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Music for Your Journey

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    Tony Renis - Quando, Quando, Quando - 2004 Remaster

    Tony Renis - Quando, Quando, Quando - 2004 Remaster

    A classic Italian pop standard with a warm, romantic vibe—perfect for strolling cobblestone streets at sunset.
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    Luciano Pavarotti - O Sole Mio

    Luciano Pavarotti - O Sole Mio

    An iconic Neapolitan song that evokes Mediterranean sunshine and timeless Italian emotion—suits scenic moments and café breaks.
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    Lucio Dalla - Caruso

    Lucio Dalla - Caruso

    A heartfelt, cinematic ballad by Lucio Dalla that captures longing and the dramatic spirit of Italy—great for reflective pauses at historic sites.
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    Domenico Modugno - Nel blu dipinto di blu

    Domenico Modugno - Nel blu dipinto di blu

    Upbeat and instantly recognizable, this uplifting tune brings joyful energy—ideal for joyful wandering through lively piazzas.
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    Jackie Gleason - La Dolce Vita

    Jackie Gleason - La Dolce Vita

    Instrumental music that conjures the glamour and cinematic romance of Rome—sets a stylish, nostalgic tone as you explore the city.
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    Andrea Bocelli - Con te partirò

    Andrea Bocelli - Con te partirò

    A soaring, elegant song with dramatic vocals that complement sweeping views—works well climbing to viewpoints like St. Peter’s dome.
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  • Music Icon

    Dean Martin - Mambo Italiano

    Dean Martin - Mambo Italiano

    Playful and exuberant, this mid-century tune adds a sense of fun and theatricality—good for lighthearted moments and people-watching.
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  • Music Icon

    Renato Carosone - Tu Vuo Fa 'L'Americano - From "The American" Soundtrack

    Renato Carosone - Tu Vuo Fa 'L'Americano - From "The American" Soundtrack

    A cheeky, upbeat number blending Italian and jazz influences—captures the cosmopolitan, playful side of city life.
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    Nicki Minaj - Roman Holiday

    Nicki Minaj - Roman Holiday

    A romantic instrumental that matches the charm of Rome’s streets and historic backdrops—perfect for evening walks and photo montages.
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    Vic Sage - Estate

    Vic Sage - Estate

    A moody, elegant jazz standard by an Italian composer—its languid, sophisticated mood is ideal for reflective moments in museums or gardens.
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