Ciao, ready to spend 4 days in Rome with me?
- Aube Vandingenen
- Feb 12
- 5 min read
Who doesn’t dream about pizza, pasta, and Italians every now and then? So why not just go for it? That’s
exactly what I did, and trust me, it was everything. I just got back from Rome five months ago, and I’m already counting the days until I can go back. It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited, and it definitely earned a spot on my “favorite places ever” list.
Transport
First things first: figure out your airport situation! Make sure you know which one you’re flying into, how far it is from your hotel or Airbnb, and what kind of transportation you’ll need to take.
We landed at Fiumicino Airport and went for the budget-friendly option: a regional train into the city and then a bus. It took about 20 minutes longer than the direct train but saved us a few euros. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s super easy and worth it. There are ticket machines everywhere, so no need to panic about buying tickets on the spot.
Once in Rome, you’ve got a few options for getting around. We grabbed a 72-hour public transport ticket, but honestly? We didn’t use it as much as we thought. A 10-ticket bundle would’ve been cheaper because we ended up walking pretty much everywhere (and let’s be real, some buses just never showed up).
Taxis are also an option, but they’ll cost you more. Personally, I’d rather spend that money on food or gelato.
Day 1: Views, Gelato & a Cozy Dinner
We stayed at Piazza Cavour Suite, which cost €385 for three people for three nights. Honestly, it was such a good deal for how comfy and well-located it was. It wasn’t right in the middle of the tourist chaos, but still close enough to walk to all the main spots.
After settling in, we kicked things off with some amazing pasta near the hotel (because, duh, it’s Rome). Then we walked over to Piazza Cavour, a cute little square that’s nice for a quick stop. From there, we made our way to Piazza del Popolo, a much bigger and prettier square that’s a great place to start your day.
The real highlight, though, was climbing up to Terrazza del Pincio for some first views of the city. Behind it, there’s a park called Jardins de la Villa Borghese, which is super peaceful if you’re in the mood for a chill stroll.
Next stop: Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. Heads up, this place is swarming with tourists, so watch out for overpriced restaurants and shops.
We wrapped up our day with some legit gelato near our hotel. (OGGI) Pro tip: look for places where the gelato is kept in metal tubs with lids. That’s how you know it’s the real deal! Later, we grabbed a drink at Piazza Navona (the vibes here are so good in the evening) and had dinner at Fiammetta, a cute, cozy spot that felt way more local and authentic than most of the restaurants nearby.
Day 2: Churches, Tiramisu & the Vatican
We started the morning by hopping on a bus to see Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, a stunning baroque church that not many people seem to know about. From there, we walked to Piazza della Rotonda, home of the Pantheon. Quick tip: book your tickets online ahead of time. The visit is short but totally worth it.
Since we were in the area, we spent the rest of the morning visiting some of the beautiful churches nearby. My favorites were:
• Sant’Eustachio
• Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (the ceiling here is insane!)
• Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, which has the most stunning painted ceilings
Make sure to dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees) if you’re planning to visit religious sites.
Next up was the Trevi Fountain. It’s obviously super touristy, but you have to go. If you want a picture, go check out the shop United Colors of Benneton, but make sure you do shop and buy something to respect the shop! We got caught in a random summer downpour, so we ended up eating into a restaurant nearby, it wasn’t great, but at least we stayed dry.
The real highlight of the day was tiramisu from Pompi. Trust me, this place is a must!
In the afternoon, we headed to Vatican City. We checked out Piazza San Pietro, went inside St. Peter’s Basilica (so breathtaking!), and explored the Vatican Museum. It’s huge, so don’t feel pressured to see everything, but what we did see was incredible.
That evening, we went to Trastevere, my favorite neighborhood in Rome. We had dinner at Mimi e Coco Trastevere (amazing food!) and spent the rest of the night soaking up the live music and good vibes at Piazza Trilussa.
Day 3: Hidden Gems & the Colosseum
We let ourselves sleep in a bit before starting the day with breakfast at a local bakery. Then, because dessert isn’t limited to after-dinner in Rome, we stopped at Two Sizes for more tiramisu (no regrets).
After that, we walked to the Knights of Malta Keyhole, which offers this incredible peek-through view of St. Peter’s Basilica. From there, we went to the Giardino degli Aranci, another great spot for panoramic views.
Instead of taking a bus, we decided to walk to Piazza Venezia, stopping at smaller, less touristy monuments like the Forum Boarium, Temple of Janus, and Theatre of Marcellus along the way.
We cooled off with some gelato before visiting Vittoriano, a massive monument with amazing views. It’s not as crowded as other spots, but definitely worth checking out.
Walking to Piazza Venezia and visiting Vittoriano
The grand finale of the day was the Colosseum. We didn’t do a guided tour, but honestly, you should—it’s such a historic site, and I feel like we missed out on a lot of context. The ticket also gave us access to Forum Romanum and Palatine Hill, both of which were stunning.
For dinner, we ate near the Colosseum and stuck around to see it lit up at night. If you have the time, do this. It’s absolutely magical.
Day 4: Castel Sant’Angelo & Goodbye Gelato
We took it easy on our last day. First stop: Castel Sant’Angelo, which has incredible views and is such a cool spot to explore.
For lunch, we treated ourselves to one final Italian feast, complete with Aperol Spritz (when in Rome, right?). Before heading to the airport, we shopped for souvenirs and, of course, had one last gelato. A sweet ending to a perfect trip.
Final Tips
• Book tickets online. It’ll save you so much time and hassle.
• Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking a lot!
• Avoid tourist traps. Do a bit of research, and you’ll find way better food and vibes just a bit further from the main attractions.
Rome totally stole my heart, and I hope this guide helps you plan your own unforgettable trip. You’re going to love it!
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