How to Conquer Rome In 72 Hours
Is it possible to conquer Rome in 72 hours or less? As far as I’m concerned, Rome is an awesome tourist hub, and it certainly deserves more than just a quick respite to absorb its grandeur and beauty. After all, it is the capital as well as the largest city in Italy. A city deemed as a living museum, The Eternal City also has a deluge of fascinating sites and landmarks that will remind you of its gripping past.
Rome is known for its stunning architecture, with the Colleseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain as the main attractions. With a beautiful squares, great museums, Renaissance fountains, also such as its medieval buildings and Roman sites. Not to mention, the city has a thriving nightlife scene, as well as boast plenty of chic shopping centers, fine restaurants and cool cafes.
Things to know first before seizing your 72 hr stay in Rome
Invest in a Roma Pass.If you are planning on visiting all the city’s major sites and museums in your 72-hour escapade, make sure to purchase a , which costs 36 Euros (or 28 Euros for a 48-hour pass). With a Roma Pass, you are entitled to enjoy free admissions to the first two archaeological sites or museums visited. Plus, it gives you full access to the city’s public transportation as well as offers discounts to tickets for other museums, theatrical performances, music events and exhibitions.
Tour operators can help you maximize your time. How to beat Rome’s traffic? There are a lot of tour operators within the city that can help you maximize your short Roman retreat. The , for instance, is a leading tour operator that lets you enjoy the beautiful vistas of Rome through a motor coach.
With their guided tour, you will be able to drop by some of the city’s most iconic sites, such as the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman Forum and the Colosseum
Line detailsAddress: P. Esquilino 6, 00185 Roma, Rome, Italy
Contact number: +39 06 487 861
Traffic – One of the biggest hurdles. All roads lead to Italy’s capital, and they all merge into a massive traffic clog of motorbikes, Smart Cars, Mini Coopers and Mercedes. Of course, Rome’s congested streets and highways may seem like an insurmountable hurdle for travelers, especially to those who are aiming to get the best out of their brief three-day visit. But trust me, a savvy and seasoned traveler can discover how to conquer the bustling motorways of Rome like a mighty Roman emperor.
Use the city’s subway. Not a big fan of group tours? Then, take advantage of the city’s Metropolitan, which is a subway system that has been underused by Rome’s out-of-townees. It can transport you to places within the city faster than public buses, which are likely to encounter traffic congestion during rush hour. Stops on this Roman subway include St. Paul’s Basilica, Spain Square and the Colosseum.
Day 1:
Ancient Rome’s Glories
For the first day of your three-day adventure in Rome, you will be getting a taste of the city’s glorious past, by visiting some of the best ruins and monuments of Ancient Rome.
Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Start your trip in Rome with a blast by visiting the world famous Roman Colosseum. Built around 70 AD, this amphitheater is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest works of engineering in Roman history. Not only will the Colosseum wow you with its sheer size, but it is also a reflection of Roman engineering’s architectural beauty. The Palatine Hill is also just a stone throw’s from the Colosseum. Here, you can delve into Rome’s history, with its museum and excavations.
Roman Forum. For your next stop, make your way to the Roman Forum, a massive complex of eye-catching ruined arches, basilicas, and temples. Spend at least a couple of hours wandering around this complex.
A delightful gelato break. Where to find the best tasting gelato in Rome? Head off of Paneterria, and look for San Crispino, a famous gelateria that serves a variety of luscious gelato flavors. Then, take a few snapshots of the breathtaking Trevi Fountain. By the way, don’t forget to toss a coin on the fountain’s water. As they say, tossing a coin on this fountain ensures your return to this city.
The Pantheon. In my book, it is a marvelous can’t-miss historic site in the city of Rome. Dubbed as one of the most scenic places in Rome, this well-preserved building will truly leave its spectators in utter amazement. By the way, access to this site is free.
Day 2:
The amazing architectural and artistic gems of Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica. Be mesmerized with the sheer size and intricate design of the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest Christian church. Home to Michelangelo’s famous Pieta, this basilica also offers sublime views of Rome.
Piazza di San Pietro. Designed by Bernini, the Piazza di San Pietro is by far one of the most stunning and popular squares on the face of the earth.
Vatican Museums. From Piazza di San Pietro, take a short walk to the highly acclaimed Vatican Museums, and feast your eyes on a fascinating collection of paintings, frescoes and exhibits. Spend at least an hour gazing on the striking exhibits and artworks in this treasure trove. Afterwards, take your lunch in any of the restaurants nearby.
Castle Sant’ Angelo. As soon as you are done with your lunch, go to the Castle Sant’ Angelo, a dazzling historic monument. Apart from its magnificent monument, a visit here allows to enjoy spectacular city views.
Piazza Navona. The Piazza Navona is not only one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, but it is also a terrific place to observe people and learn more about the Italian culture.
Campo dei Fioro. An energetic square with a great market and a buzzing evening vibe.
Jewish Ghetto. One of the most overlooked places in Rome, the Jewish Ghetto is an eclectic and charming neighborhood full of surprises and hidden gems.
Day 3:
A day of shopping and catching up
Your third and final day should be used for catching up the things and places you have missed. In addition, it should be a time for some shopping together with your family or love one. Rome, nominated as the ultimate fashion capital of the world, has great shopping opportunities of all sorts, from antiques and art to jewelry and clothing. Likewise, it is home to big shopping centers, outlets and department stores.
The best places to shop in Rome:
• Euroma2
• Cinecitta Due
• La Rinacente
• Valmontone
• Castel Romano
Flea Markets
• Porta Portese
• Sannio
• Portia Pia
Where to party in Rome?
With a thriving nightlife scene, Rome certainly has a load of ritzy clubs, pubs, Roman pub crawls and heart-pounding night-spots to offer to party animals, including:
• Colosseum Pub Crawl
• Almalu Trastevere
• Druid’s Den
• Druid’s Rock
• Scholar’s Lounge Irish pub
• Geronimo
• Fiddler’s Elbow
• Jonathan’s Angels
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