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Visit Rome in 3 Days with Children. Where to Go, What to Do and What to See

If you plan to visit Rome in 3 days with children you will have no problem to arrange a trip. The eternal city, actually, even if has the reputation of being a “destination for acculturated people”, has a lot to offer also to small visitors. Parks, museums, attractions, there are plenty of things to see and have fun with them.

Below we propose our itinerary to visit Rome in 3 days with children. This is a rough itinerary that you can adapt and modify according to the interests and the time that you want to devote to each attraction.

FIRST DAY

  1. Explora
  2. Gardens of Villa Borghese
  3. Carlo Bilotti Museum
  4. Piazza di Siena
In Rome in 3 days with children: the gardens of Villa Borghese

1. EXPLORA

Our itinerary begins with a visit to an attraction that your kids will definitely adore: EXPLORA, a museum dedicated to children from 0 to 12 years old. It is set up as a child-sized miniature city, where everything can be experienced, touched, lived.

It is set up as a child-sized miniature city, where everything can be experienced, touched, lived. The visit (guided) takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Entrance tickets can be purchased online and give the right of direct access to the museum without going to the ticket office.
The museum is very engaging and your kids will love it.

To get to the museum go down to the Flaminio Metro stop and take Via Flaminio. The property is at number 82.
After the visit go back to the metro station.
The gardens of Villa Borghese are a great idea if you need to visit Rome in 3 days with children.

2. GARDENS OF VILLA BORGHESE

By going through Viale Whashington you will find yourself in the beautiful gardens of Villa Borghese. Walk in the park where children can run and play at their leisure and stop there to eat.

After lunch, dedicate a stage for you adults at the Carlo Bilotti Museum. It is small and has only 23 pieces, of which 18 works by Giorgio de Chirico, including the famous sculpture “Hector and Andromaca”, located at the entrance. The free view will not take long.
It will be interesting for you, and your children, unless they are too small, will appreciate it.

Continue the itinerary following the same road until you arrive at Piazza di Siena, where currently horse racing and summer concerts are organized. Near the square there is the Casina di Raffaello, a playhouse located in a beautiful palace of the 500, which offers fun shows and workshops for children from 3 to 10 years.
Finally, you will arrive at the last stop of the day on this trip to visit Rome in three days with children: the Bioparco (HERE FOR THE TICKETS!), which hosts about 1200 animals of 150 different species, it is an attraction to which your little ones will not say No.

TICKETS FOR THE FIRST DAY

SECOND DAY

  1. Colosseum
  2. Venice plaza
  3. Wax museum
  4. Trevi fountain
  5. Piazza del Popolo

The Colosseum, one of the main attractions of Rome. Skip the line tickets

1. COLOSSEUM

The second day of our itinerary to visit Rome in 3 days with children begins with the Colosseum (accessible to the disabled), the attraction that most of all represents the capital.
Opened in the 80 AD by the Emperor Tito, has always had a function of celebrating public events, performances, fights of gladiators, and so on.
It was and still is a show by itself. It can be visited on two levels and most of the structure of the arena is still visible.

Reserve about an hour for the visit. If you have the Roma Pass you can jump the queue.
Continue the itinerary along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, at the end of which you can admire the Trajan’s Market and the beautiful Trajan Column.
Stop there and spend some time looking at the bas-reliefs that, like in a film, describe the emperor’s military campaigns against the Daci population.
Via dei Fori Imperiali ends with the Vittoriano that may be a great destination if you are planning to visit Rome in 3 days with children.


2. PIAZZA VENEZIA

Go up the steps of the Vittoriano (remember that it is forbidden to sit down for respect of the tomb of the unknown soldier to whom the monument is dedicated and that the controls are strict), take the usual pictures, and if you want to enjoy a nice view of the city, go up the terrace with the elevator (HERE FOR THE TICKETS!) located to the side of the monument.

3. WAX MUSEUM

Stay in the area for lunch. After having lunch and taking some rest, reach Piazza Santi Apostoli.
You can bring your children to visit the Wax Museum, the third largest in Europe for the number of characters that have been collected.
It contains a collection of 250 wax figures including, in addition to popes, politicians and poets such as Barack Obama, Francesco Totti and, for the joy of the girls, Biancaneve.
Alternatively, for a “more cultural” visit, you can go to Time Elevator, a 3D cinema inaugurated in 2005, where it is worth seeing the show on three scenic screens of Time Elevator Roma, a virtual trip in a lifetime simulator 45 minutes long through almost 3000 years of Roman history. The show starts every hour.

4. TREVI FOUNTAIN

Going out of the cinema you can reach the Trevi Fountain, another of the attractions of Rome absolutely not to be missed.
Take a moment here and make some pictures in front of this symbol of the capital. Then take the Via del Corso (shopping street) where you can shop for the whole family.

5. PIAZZA DEL POPOLO

Finally come to Piazza del Popolo, where you will find a 23.9 meters obelisk. It is the first obelisk that was transported to Rome at the time of Augustus, to celebrate the Emperor’s victory over Egypt.
Initially it was positioned at the Circus Maximus.

TICKETS FOR THE SECOND DAY

THIRD DAY

  1. Vatican City
  2. Castel Sant’Angelo
  3. Piazza Navona
  4. Campo dei fiori
Visit Rome in 3 days with children: St. Peter’s Basilica

1. VATICAN CITY

Our advice for the thitd day of your itinerary to visit Rome in 3 days with children is to go and visit the Vatican City.
Take the subway and get off at Ottaviano-San Pietro stop. From there go through via Via Ottaviano and reach Piazza San Pietro, one of the largest public spaces in the world.
Visit Rome in 3 days with children: St. Peter’s Basilica

Take some photos and let yourself be impressed by the vastness and magnificence of the place. Then visit St. Peter’s Basilica (pay attention to the clothes you wear, because shorts, skirts and bare shoulders are not allowed) and allow yourself to be astonished by the enormity and richness of its interior. Stop to admire the moving Pietà of Michelangelo, which is protected behind a bulletproof glass. The artist sculpted it at the age of only 25 and it is the only work to bring his signature (you’ll find it engraved on the band that surrounds Maria’s chest).

2. CASTEL SANT’ANGELO

When you leave the basilica, take Via della Conciliazione until you reach Castel Sant’Angelo and visit it inside. If you have the Roma Pass you can skip the queue by going to the special turnstiles for direct access to the site. We recommend that you do not leave without going through the Terrace of the Angel, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city.

When you finish your visit stop for lunch. Be aware that in the area around the Vatican there are many trattorias and pizzerias that have no problem with serving poor food at prices far from cheap.

3. PIAZZA NAVONA

After having some lunch and resumed some strenght reach Piazza Navona with its beautiful baroque palaces and the wonderful fountains (including the one of the four rivers by Bernini) .The square is characterized by a crowd of tourists, street artists and portrayers invading it every hour of the day and night.

4. CAMPO DEI FIORI

From here keep going along Via del Governo Vecchio until you arrive in Campo dei Fiori with the famous statue of Giordano Bruno, a heretic monk condemned to the stake during the counterreformation period, in the shadow of which the famous market full of colorful stalls is held.
The square is one of the main points of the Roman life, during the day with its market, in the evening as a place to drink something. If children are hungry, there is a bakery called the ”Ancient Oven” in front of the Giordano Bruno’s statue, which offers white pizza and very good focaccia breads.

Our itinerary to visit Rome in 3 days with children ends up here. If you want you can end the day by dining nearby.

TICKETS FOR THE TIRH DAY

Opening times

Explora:
January to July, September to December
1st Round 10:00 am – 11:45am
2nd Round 12:00 am – 1:45 pm
3° Round 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm
4th Round 5:00 pm – 6.45pm

August
1st Round 12:00 am – 1:45 pm
2nd Round 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm
3rd Round 5:00 pm – 6:45 pm

24 and 31 December
1st Round 10:00 – 11:45 am
2nd Round 12:00 am – 1:45 pm
am 3rd Round 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm
www.mdbr.it

Museo Carlo Bilotti:
October – May
from Tuesday to Friday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (entrance allowed until 3.30 pm);
Saturday and Sunday 10.00 am – 7.00 pm (entrance allowed until 6.30)
24 and 31 December 10.00 am- 2.00 pm
Closed Monday, December 25, January 1, May 1.

June – September
from Tuesday to Friday from 1.00 am to 7.00 pm (entrance until 6.30 pm),
Saturday and Sunday 10.00 am – 7.00 (entrance allowed until 6.30 pm).

Casina di Raffaello:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and sunday 2.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Wednesday and Friday from 8.30 am to 3.00 pm.
Closed on Mondays

St. Peter’s Basilica:
1st October – 31st March every day 7.00 am – 6.30 pm
1 April – 30 September every day 7.00 am – 7.00 pm
Castel Sant’Angelo:
daily 9.00 am – 7.30 pm (ticket office closes at 6.30 pm).

Colosseum:
every day except December 25 and January

from 27 march to 31 august
9.00 am – 7.15 pm
from 1st march to 31 august
9.00 am – 7.15 pm
from 1st september to 30 september
9.00 am – 7.00 pm
from1st to 31 october
9.00 am – 6.30 pm
from october 31st to december 31st

9.00 am – 4.30 pm
Included in Omnia Card and in the Roma Pass

The Rome Districts Where You Can Find A Good Hotel

Where would you be able to find a good hotel in Rome? Below we propose an overview of the different areas of Rome so that you can choose the one that is the most convenient to you according to your needs and your budget.

1. Ancient Rome

Here there are the remains of the glorious past of the capital, such as the Colosseum, the Palatine, the Imperial Forum and the Campidoglio. Crowded during the day by day-to-day tourists, after the closure of the monuments it becomes very quiet throughout the night. Here there are are high-end hotels and you will not be able to find many cheap options.

2. Old Town

With its cobbled alleys, lively squares, Renaissance palaces, beautifull cafes and trendy restaurants, this is the most fascinating area of Rome. Piazza Navona and the Pantheon are not far away, and there are many monuments, museums and churches full of art treasures. It is the capital’s most expensive neighborhood and therefore it will not be that simple to find cheap hotels. Please note also that it might be noisy.

3. Tridente, Trevi And The Quirinale

This area, crowded with tourists, is full of glamorous, trendy boutiques and refined hotels. It is an excellent solution if you are looking for mid-range hotels. The neighborhood has a good transport network.

4. Vatican City, Borgo And Prati

The neighborhood is close to the Basilica of Saint Peteir and the Vatican Museums. Here there are hundreds of souvenir shops and restaurants that are often too expensive for what they offer. In the wealthy area of Prati there is a good choice of hotels, shops and restaurants. It is well connected to the subway.

5. From San Giovanni to Testaccio

It is an area of many facets. Here you can find medieval churches and monumental basilicas such as San Giovanni in Laterano, imposing ruins such as the Baths of Caracalla or quiet villas such as Villa Celimontana. If you love nightlife, you can find the best in Testaccio, with its traditional taverns. Here you can find cheaper hotels than in the center. If you are looking for a quiet and romantic place, choose the Aventino.

5. South Rome (Roma Sud)

It is a large area that extends to the southern limits of the town. The most interesting areas are the ancient Appia road, Via Ostiense and the EUR. It offers many ways to have fun, with trendy places and trendy bars. Here there is also the Quartiere della Garbatella, very quiet and without noise, with low houses, vegetable gardens and gardens. It is the neighborhood where the successful fiction “I Cesaroni” has been set. The metro is quite close (line B stop Garbatella)

6. Villa Borghese and North Rome

It is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Rome. Here there is the most famous park in Rome (Villa Borgese) and the most exclusive residential area (Parioli). Those who love music can not go to the Auditorium park of music. Those who love art can choose between the MAXXI and the Borghese Museum and Gallery. Typically in the evening the area is quiet. There are not many cheap hotels.

7. Monti, Esquilino and San Lorenzo

This is the area that gravitates around Termini station, so its streets are noisy. It has one of the most beautiful museums in Rome, that is the Palazzo Massimo alle terme. If you are looking for a budget hotel in Rome, this neighborhood is for you.

8. Trastevere and Gianicolo

This beautiful area of Rome, with its postcard lanes and its nonconformist atmosphere, is one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Rome. There is always a celebration air and there are hundreds of bars, cafes, restaurants and trattorias. For this reason it can be very noisy. Hotel accommodations are expensive.

PIAZZA NAVONA AND THE SQUARES OF THE HISTORIC CENTER – WALKING ITINERARY

Piazza Navona is one of the many wonderful squares in Rome’s historic center. Each square has its own singular style, and none should be missed. In order to visit them all, we created a walking itinerary you can include in your Rome holiday program, especially if your plan is to stay in Rome for 3 days.

1. PIAZZA COLONNA

The itinerary starts from Piazza Colonna, dominated by the 30-meter column of Marcus Aurelius. This is the heart of Italian politics, featuring the sixteenth-century Palazzo Chigi, which has been the official residence of the President of the Council of Ministers since 1961.

2. PIAZZA MONTECITORIO

Right next to it is Piazza Montecitorio. Here you will find the seat of the House of Deputies, active since 1871. Before the Unification of Italy, the seventeenth-century palace housed the Pontifical Curia and the Ecclesiastical Tribunal. The obelisk in the center of the square was brought from Heliopolis in Egypt by Augustus to celebrate his victory over Cleopatra and Mark Antony in 30 B.C.

3. PIAZZA DI PIETRA

From Piazza Colonna, follow Via dei Bergamaschi to reach Piazza di Pietra, a charming square with the remains of the Tempio di Adriano, dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

4. PIAZZA SANT’IGNAZIO

Walk through Via de’ Burro, past the majestic columns of the temple, and up to Piazza Sant’Ignazio and its eponymous church.

5. PIAZZA DELLA ROTONDA

Then, take Via del Seminario up to Piazza della Rotonda, a crowded square dominated by the amazing Pantheon, one of the most iconic buildings of Western architecture.

Visiting Rome: Piazza della Rotonda
Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, right outside the Pantheon.

6. PIAZZA SANT’EUSTACHIO

After admiring the Pantheon, walk along Via Salita dei Crescenzi, turn left unto Via di Sant’Eustachio, and reach Piazza Sant’Eustachio. Have a break at Caffè Eustachio and enjoy their espresso, considered the best in Rome. Continue through Via degli Staderari until you reach Corso del Rinascimento, then turn left, then immediately turn right.

7. PIAZZA NAVONA

You will finally arrive in the beautiful Piazza Navona, an exhibition of Rome’s historic center, featuring sculpted fountains, gorgeous baroque palaces and outdoor cafes. The square is always crowded with tourists, street performers and vendors. Piazza Navona has been the Rome’s main market place for 300 years. The works of two great Baroque artists can be compared here: Bernini’s Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi and the Church of Sant’Agnes in Agone of Borromini.
After leaving the square, follow Via del Governo Vecchio, a street filled with boutiques, second-hand shops and trattorias. At the end of it turn left unto Via dei Filippini. Then continue up to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a road that splits the historic center in two parts.

Piazza Navona: itinerary through the squares of Rome
Piazza Navona, always crowded with tourists

8. CAMPO DEI FIORI

Cross it, follow Via dei Cartari up to Via del Pellegrino and you will reach Campo dei Fiori. This loud and colorful square is one of the hearts of Roman life. In the daytime it hosts one of the most famous markets of the city. In the evening it turns into an outdoor bar.

The philosopher Giordano Bruno died here as heretic on the stake in 1600.
End the itinerary in Piazza Farnese, a square in the historic center right outside of the eponymous Renaissance-style Palace.

You may also be interested
Visiting Rome in 3 days – Our recommended itinerary 
Visiting Rome in 2 days with children – Where to go and what to do 
Trips outside of Rome – What to see and where to go
The Colosseo (Colosseum) – What is it like?

Visit the Rome Museums in 3 Days. What to See

For art lovers, spend 3 days in Rome to visit the museums can be an incredible experience.
In fact, the capital hosts plenty of museums, some of which are really not to be missed. From the Vatican Museums to the Capitoline Museums, from the Borghese Gallery to the MAXXI, each of them is an attraction that will not disappoint you.
Since you need to spend at least two hours in each museum, we recommend that you visit only one of them each day , and then spend the rest of the day exploring the area around the museum that you have chosen.

Here is our proposed route to visit the museums of Rome in 3 days and enjoy unforgettable moments.

FIRST DAY

  • Musei Capitolini
  • Museo e Galleria Doria Panphilj
  • Piazza Venezia
  • Piazza del Campidoglio
  • Pantheon
  • Trastevere

Dying gaul, Capitoline Museums in Rome

1. CAPITOLINE MUSEUM

The attraction from which we propose to begin the itinerary to visit the museums of Rome in 3 days is that of the Capitoline Museum (Musei Capitolini, equipped for the disabled). 
Arrive in Piazza Venezia (Piazza Venezia bus stop) and reach Piazza del Campidoglio by accessing the Cordonata, the staircase from the Ara Coeli square rising to the top of the hill.
Admire the square made by Michelangelo at whose center there is the copy of the equestrian statue of Marco Aurelio (the authentic one is found in the Capitoline Museums).

The square is surrounded by three buildings: Palazzo Senatorio at the bottom, Palazzo Nuovo on the left and Palazzo dei Conservatori on the right.
The museums are located in the last two buildings. The main entrance to the museum complex is in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where the original core of the Statuary collection and a Pinacoteca (on the second floor) are located, with paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, Rubens, Van Dyck and many other great artists.
Palazzo Nuovo instead contains an incredible number of classic sculptures. Not to be missed, among other things, the lupa Capitolina (capitoline wolf), the dying Galata, and the Capitoline Venus.
A good visit will require at least two hours.

2. PIAZZA VENEZIA

After getting out of the museums stop for lunch. Once you have been refreshed and have regained your strenght go back to Piazza Venezia, dominated by the Vittoriano, the immense white marble monument which was erected in 1885 to celebrate Italy’s unity.
Later it has been devoted to the unknown soldier and a torch burns perennially inside, guarded by guardians of honor. We remind you that it is forbidden to sit on both the stairs and inside, the controls are severe.
To enjoy a 360° view of the town go up to the terrace with the glass elevator on the side of the monument. HERE for the tikets!

3. PANTHEON

Walk to the Pantheon, the best preserved ancient monument in Rome and one of the great symbols of the capital. Enter and be amazed by its largest concrete dome in the world and by the marble-covered interiors.

4. TRASTEVERE

From there, head to Largo Argentina and take the tram number 8 to Viale Trastevere. End up the evening in Trastevere, the heart of Rome and today the hub of nightlife and wine and food.

5. PALAZZO E GALLERIA DORIA PANPHILIJ

As an alternative to the Capitoline Museums you can visit the Palazzo e Galleria Doria Panphilj (bus stop: Via del Corso), which contains one of Rome’s richest private art collections.
The galleries consist of ten halls arranged chronologically and full of floor-to-ceiling paintings.
Do not miss Salomé with the head of the Baptist by Titian and the Rest while escaping to Egypt by Caravaggio and again the portrait of Innocent X of Velasquez. When you finish your journey, follow the route described before, also because you are very close to Piazza Venezia.

OPENING TIMES

Capitoline Museum: every day 9.30 am to 7.30 pm, 24 and 31 December 9.30-14. The ticket office closes an hour before. Closed on January 1, May 1, December 31.  Included in the Roma Pass.

Palazzo e Galleria Doria Panphilj: every day from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. Last entry at 6.00 pm. Closing: December 25, January 1, Easter. Also open on November 1, Angel Monday, April 25, May 1, June 2 and August 15.

TICKETS FOR THE FIRST DAY

To save on entry to these attractions, we recommend using one of the many combined packages. You can find some of them below. Alternatively you can buy the Omnia Card

SECOND DAY

  • Piazza San Pietro
  • Musei Vaticani
  • Catel Sant’Angelo
  • Piazza Navona
The statue of the Laocoonte hosted in the Vatican Museums

1. VATICAN MUSEUMS

Start your second day in the capital with a visit to the Vatican Museums (we recommend you to purchase the tickets online to skip the queue). To get there, get off at the Ottaviano San Pietro Metro Station.
Visiting the Vatican Museums is an experience that you will not forget easily: 7 kilometers of exhibition space and more masterpieces than those found in many small countries.
They have one of the largest art collections in the world. Do not you to be able to see them all, you could spend years there!

The statue of the Laocoonte hosted in the Vatican Museums, it is a stop not to be missed if you want to visit Rome in three days

For a panoramic tour (plan no less than two and a half hours) we recommend to visit:

1. the Pinacoteca (do not miss the Raffello’s Transfiguration)
2. the Pio-Clementino museum (for the Apollo of the Belvedere and the magnificent Laocoonte)
3. the Geographic Gallery
4.  the Rooms of Raffaello
5. the unmissable Cappella Sistina (the only room with air conditioning).

2. PIAZZA SAN PIETRO

After terminating the visit, with the Michelangelo’s paintings still in your eyes, stand in St. Peter’s Square (piazza San Pietro) for the unmissable photos and enjoy the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) If you are not yet in an art overdose and the queue is not crazy go and visit it, otherwise you should stop for eating and some rest.

3. CASTEL SANT’ANGELO
4. PIAZZA NAVONA
5. CAMPO DEI FIORI

Once you have regained strenght walk through via della Conciliazione until Castel Sant’Angelo and admire it only from the outside. Cross Ponte Sant’Angelo and walk through the alleys and squares that will take you to Piazza Navona.
Blend into the crowd of tourists and street artists who fill it every hour of day and night and let yourself be overwhelmed by the beauty of baroque palaces and fountains that characterize it.
Take a break to drink the best coffee in Rome in the nearby Sant’Eustachio square in the homonymous café, and then reach Campo dei Fiori
In the shadow of the statue of the heretical Giordano Bruno, who was burned alive there, the square is one of the central points of the Roman life: during the day a market full of people, in the night a place where to go and drink something.

As an alternative to the Vatican Museums you can visit the Roman National Museum: Palazzo Massimo at the thermal baths (metro stop: Termini). The museum (accessible also by handicapped), often overlooked, is wonderful, large and bright and contains spectacular classical pieces of art (the Resting Boxer, the Sleepy Ermaphrodite) as well as extraordinary paintings and mosaics.
After visiting the museum spend the rest of the day according to the route described above. You can reach Piazza Navona with an half hour walk.

OPENING TIMES

Vatican Museums: Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 6.00pm (last entry at 4.00pm and exit from the halls half an hour before closing). Online tickets

St. Peter’s Basilica: 1st October – 31st March every day from 7.00am to 6:30pm / 1 April – 30 September every day from 7.00am to 7.00pm. Free admission.

Roman National Museum: Palazzo Massimo at the thermal baths Open daily from 9.00 am to 7.45 pm. Closed on Mondays (except Mondays in Albis and during the Culture Week), 1 January, 25 December. The ticket office closes at 7pm. Included in the Omnia Card.

TICKETS FOR THE SECOND DAY

To save on entry to these attractions, we recommend using one of the many combined packages. You can find some of them below. Alternatively you can buy the Omnia Card

THIRD DAY

  • Museo e Galleria Borghese
  • Villa Borghese
  • Piazza del Popolo
  • Piazza di Spagna

 Visit the museums of Rome in 3 days: Galleria Borghese

1. BORGHESE MUSEUM AND GALLERY

If you are in love with art, you can not miss from your trip to discover the museums of Rome in three days, a visit the Borghese Museum and Gallery, called the “Queen of Private Art Collections”. In a single place you will find concentrated works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Botticelli and Raffaello, and the famous Canova statue depicting Paolina Borghese as Venus winner.

To limit the number of visitors people are allowed to enter only at two-hour intervals. It is necessary to book the date and time of the visit. You can do it by phone or online. The entry is in piazzale del Museo Borghese n. 5.

If, however, after the Capitoline and Vatican museums you have gone in an overdose and want a radical change, it’s worth making a visit to the MAXXI (National Museum of the 21st Century Arts). The flagship of contemporary art galleries, designed by the Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, was inaugurated in 2010.

The multi-layer geometric façade hides an interior of gigantic dimensions, full of light and crossed by suspended staircases and structures made of glass, cement and iron.
It consists of two sections, one dedicated to the architecture and one to contemporary art. It is espacially interesting thing is to visit it during exhibitions and installations.
You can reach the place by metro (line A stop Flaminio) by tram and by bus getting off at the Viale Tiziano stop.

2. PIAZZA DEL POPOLO AND PIAZZA DI SPAGNA

Whatever your choice, after your visit, we recommend you to spend the rest of the day walking and strolling in the Villa Borghese park. Keep going in Piazza del Popolo and arrive to Piazza di Spagna, with the spectacular staircase of Trinità dei Monti (recently restored and brought back to its ancient splendor) and the Barcaccia fountain.

Finish the evening by dining in one of the many places of the area.
Our itinerary to see the museums in Rome in three days is just an overall advice. Choose the one that you prefer and dedicate your time to the various attractions as you like.

OPENING TIMES

Borghese Museum and Gallery: Monday closed, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm; Wednesday from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm. Closed on January 1, December 25. The entrance is allowed up to half an hour before the closing time.

MAXXI: Tuesday to Friday from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm, Saturday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm, Sunday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm; Thursday from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. Closed Monday, 25 December and 1 January. The ticket office closes an hour before. 

TICKETS FOR THE THIRD DAY

To save on entry to these attractions, we recommend using one of the many combined packages. You can find some of them below. Alternatively you can buy the Omnia Card

You may also be interested

Visiting Rome in 3 days – Our recommended itinerary 
Visiting Rome in 2 days with children – Where to go and what to do
Visit the Vatican City – What to visit
The Vatican – Curiosities that you might to know
Trips outside of Rome – What to see and where to go
The Colosseum – How it is made?

PARTICIPATE IN THE AUDIENCE OF POPE FRANCIS

If you have decided to visit Rome in 3 days (but not during the weekend) and you are faithful to Pope Francis, do not miss the opportunity to attend his weekly audience. It takes place on Wednesday at 10.30 am in St. Peter’s Square or in the Paul VI Audience Hall, also known as the Sala Nervi. Whenever possible, Pope Francis visits the whole square with the popemobile starting from under the Arco delle Campane, making several stops to greet and embrace the people around.

By booking the tickets with Getyourguide you can also add to the Pope Francis audience a guided tour that will introduce you to the fascinating stories of the papacy and the artists who have contributed to making the Vatican City one of the greatest beauties in the world.
For the tour, which lasts 4 hours, both a smartphone and paper vouchers are accepted and it is possible to cancel until the day before to receive a full refund.

By booking the tour:

  • You will be asked to book and confirm the participation in the hearing
  • You will receive tickets comfortably and you will have the best seats
  • Before the beginning of the Pope’s speech you will be provided with all the necessary information and explanations related to the event
  • You will be given headphones to follow carefully all the speech by Pope Francis
  • You will take part in the papal audience accompanied by the tour staff

Notes:
The tour ends at the beginning of the hearing and the duration of the hearing may vary
It is necessary to wear appropriate clothing (knees, shoulders and back should be covered)
People in wheelchairs or those with reduced mobility must be accompanied or assisted by someone.

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The Vatican Museums
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Roman Divinities – The Names and Their Characteristics

The Temple of Venus Genitrice, the Temple of Minerva, the Temple of Vesta (all in the Roman Forum) are just some of the sacred buildings devoted to the Roman divinities that you can admire when visiting Rome. The whole city was dotted with temples and sacred places to go to pray to the gods to solve social, personal issues, thank them or make the necessary sacrifices.
The Roman pantheon was mainly made up of divinities of ancient Italic origins, which, after the influence of other peoples, assimilated foreign gods, especially Greek ones.

But how were these Roman deities?
Like the Greek ones, they were imagined in human semblance and with life habits similar to those of men with personal stories that often clashed with them not only in love affairs, but also in warlike affairs.
They obviously had over-the-top qualities and powers, but also the characteristic defects of men. They frequently argued and were jealous of each other.

Below you will find a small list of the major Roman divinities, so that you will be able to be prepared when you visit Rome.

1. JUPITER

King of Heaven and the founder of all gods. Juno’s brother and husband was famous for his extramarital adventures from which many heroes were born, such as Hercules, demigods and some monsters. His symbols were the lightning and the eagle (symbol, among other things, also of Rome).
Greek form: Zeus

2. NEPTUNE

God of the sea and the earthquakes, was the brother of Jupiter and Pluto. Married to the Anfitrite nymph, lived in an underwater palace. He had four children from her, including Triton and Cimopolea. He was also the father of many more or less monstrous creatures, such as the legendary cyclops and the legendary Pegasus. His symbols were the trident and the horse, created by himself by the foam of the waves.
Greek Form: Poseidon

3. PLUTON

Brother of Jupiter and Neptune, he was never welcome on the Olympus, so that he did not even have a throne in the gods’ residence. He controlled the Hells, where he lived. In Roman times it also became the divinity of metals, precious stones and everything that is under ground. He kidnappedr Proserpina, daughter of Ceres, and made her his bride. His symbol was the helm of Terror.
Greek form: Ade

4. MARS

God of war, son of Jupiter and Juno, in the Roman era he was very important. He was given the name of Ultore, the Avenger. Protector of the Empire, he lost his ferocious character, typical of the Greek form, to assume a more rigid and demanding personality. He was the lover of Venus, father of Phobos and Deimos. His symbols were the boar and the bloody spear.
Greek Form: Ares

5. VULCAN

Juni’s son, when he was newly born was thrown down from the Olympus by his mother because he did not look good. God of fire, craftsmen and blacksmiths, he was married to Venus. His symbols were the anvil and the quail (which bounces along strangely, just like him).
Greek Form: Hephaestus

6. APOLLO

Diana’s twin was the god of music, poetry, medicine, archery, and bachelors. As the sister represented the moon, he was attributed to the sun.
Greek Form: Apollo

7. MERCURY

God of wayfarers, travelers, thieves, and messengers. He was the courier of the gods, son of Jupiter and Maia. His symbols were the the helmet. the winged sandals and the caduceo.
Greek Form: Ermes

8. BACCUS

Originally he was a demigod, son of Jupiter and a mortal, Semele, but after inventing the wine he was promoted to divinity by taking the throne of Vesta. He was the god of wine and festivities. The symbols were the tiger, the leopard, the grape and the thyrsus, a spear topped by a pine cone.
Greek Form: Dionysus

9. JUNO

Wife and sister of Jupiter, she was the goddess of women, marriage, maternity and fertility. Jupiter gave her a son, Mars, and a daughter, Iuventas, a goddess of youth. Her symbols were the peacock and the cow (a maternal animal).
Greek Form: Era

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10. CERERE

Goddess of Agriculture, sister of Juno and Vesta. Mother of Proserpina, her symbols were poppy and barley.
Greek form: Demetra

11. VESTA

Goddess of the household and home, gave up his throne on the Olympus to Bacco. She was a virgin and very humble goddess. In the Roman period, a group of priests who devoted themselves to the goddess took on a great deal of importance, thanks to the creation of the Order of the Vestals. Its symbol was a crane.
Greek Form: Estia

12. MINERVA

She was the goddess of wisdom and minor arts. She was not much loved by the Romans, because she was the protector of the Greeks, their rivals. She was a virgin goddess born of Jupiter’s mind. Its symbol was the owl.
Greek form: Athens

13. VENUS

Goddess of love born out of the blood of Uranus and the sea foam. She was given a wife to Vulcan, but it was well known that she was in love with Mars. From the union of the two, Phobos and Deimos were born, Fear and Terror. Her symbols were the dove and the magic belt that made anyone fall in love with her.
Greek Form: Aphrodite

15. DIANA

Goddess of hunting, of virgin girls and of childbirth, later of the moon. She never married or had children. She was the twin of Apollo, the sons of Leto and Jupiter. At her service she had some aides, the so-called Hunters of Artemis, virgin girls under her protection.
Greek form: Artemis

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Christmas in Rome – Where to go and what to do

Visiting the Christmas markets in Rome is one of the many things you can do if you are planning to spend the Christmas holidays in the capital. The eternal city is in fact wonderful in all periods of the year, but at Christmas the magic atmosphere created by the markets, the decorations of the shop windows, the lights makes it irresistible.

If you are undecided about what to see or where to go during your Christmas holiday, do not worry: below we will give you some advice to help you to enjoy your holiday without making errors.

THE FIVE THINGS TO DO IN CHRISTMAS IN ROME

1. ADMIRE THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE NATIVITY IN PIAZZA SAN PIETRO

Every year from a different country, the wonderful, large and luminous Christmas tree is placed in the centre of the square, next to the obelisk, creating an evocative setting in which to walk.

Moreover you shouldn’t miss in St. Peter’s Square the beautiful nativity set up near the tree, which every year makes the night special.

2. WATCH THE LIGHTING OF THE LUMINARIES IN VIA DEL CORSO

Among the events that start the Christmas celebrations there is the lighting of the lights in Via del Corso, which changes every year. The lighting is accompanied by the traditional concert of the musical band of the Carabinieri, which proposes classical songs of the Christmas period, but also some military marches.

3. VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ROME

Among the Christmas markets in Rome there is the historical one in Piazza Navona, which is set up every year since the last weekend of November until the Epiphany.
The market is based on the theme of the “Befana”, of which you will be able to find figurines and images, as well as socks full of sweets or charcoal. In addition, in the stalls you can find crafts, decorations, sweets, toys, characters of the Nativity scene.
There will also be a traditional carousel and a puppet theater, the classic Nativity scene and much more.

Christmas market of piazza Mazzini

Since the end of November until the Epiphany it offers Chritmas objects and gift ideas (from pashminas to herbal products, from regional gastronomic specialties to wooden products)

Christmas craft market of Cinecittà

Here you will find on display the works of more than 30 artisans specialized in various techniques: colored fabrics, papier-mâché, ceramics, candles, soaps, metals, air chambers, leather, stones, wood and modeling pastes. it will be an opportunity to find a gift idea to put under the tree!
The square of Cinecittà hosts at Christmas stands, concerts and workshops.

4. SKATE ON THE SKATING TRACK OF CASTEL SANT’ANGELO

Christmas in Rome: skate at Castel Sant’Angelo
Skating together with relatives or friends in one in the breathtaking scenery of Castel Sant’Angelo will be an unforgettable experience that you should try.

5. SEE THE EXHIBITION OF THE 100 NATIVITY SCENES IN PIAZZA DEL POPOLO

Exhibition of 100 nativity scenes in Rome at Christmas

You will find an exhibition in the “Sale del Bramante”,, on a surface of 350 square meters, of about 200 Nativity scenes built with the most various materials (pasta, cork, clay, rice, shells, …) from all regions of Italy with a large Nativity tradition and from many countries of the world, all made in the name of peace, brotherhood and respect for the values of other religious confessions.

VISIT THE MUSEUMS OF ROME IN 2 DAYS – WHERE TO GO

You have only 2 days to visit Rome but are you crazy about museums?
The capital is full of beautiful museums that should all be visited, but since tou have to make a choice, of course, we suggest you to select the most important ones, which represent the main attractions of Rome. Vatican Museums, Capitoline Museums, Galleria Borghese and others are therefore a must to be included in your itinerary if you wish to visit the museums of Rome in 2 days.

To make it easier for you, we can suggest you a choice that you can adapt as you like.
Please note that for every museum it is necessary to dedicate at least two hours, so we suggest you to see only one of them per day. Then you can use the rest of the day to see the areas of the city around the museum that you have decided to visit. 

FIRST DAY

  • Musei Vaticani
  • Piazza San Pietro
  • Castel San’Angelo
  • Piazza Navona
  • Campo dei Fiori (Field of flowers)

 

1. VATICAN MUSEUMS

Sistine Chapel in Roma. The universal judgment

Start your day in the capital with a visit to the Vatican Museums (buy the tickets online to avoid the queue and save time). You will arrive there by stopping at the Ottaviano San Pietro stop.

It will be difficult to forget the experience of having visited this museum which is one of the largest collections of art in the world. It is impossible to see all 7 kilometers of exhibition space where there are more masterpieces than those of many small countries. So you will have to choose what to see.

We advise you to go to:

1. the Pinacoteca (do not miss the Transfiguration of Raffaello)
2. the Pio-Clementino Museum (for the Apollo del Belvedere and the magnificent Laocoonte)
3. the Gallery of Geographical Maps
4.  in the Raffello rooms
5. in the unmissable Sistine Chapel (it is the only room with air conditioning).

2. BASILICA OF SAN PIETRO

At the end of the visit stop in the amazing Piazza San Pietro enjoying the grandeur of the Basilica of San Pietro. Take the usual photos to remember the day and if you wish stop to eat and rest.

3. SANT’ANGELO CASTLE

After resting walk through via della Conciliazione and come up to Castel Sant’Angelo and admire it only from the outside.

The view of San Pietro’s dome from Castel Sant’Angelo

4. PIAZZA NAVONA AND CAMPO DEI FIORI

Cross Ponte Sant’Angelo and stroll through the alleys and squares that will take you to Piazza Navona, characterized by beautiful Baroque palaces and wonderful fountains (including that of the Four Rivers of Bernini)
The square is always crowded with tourists and street artists at every hour of the day and night. If you want to take a break you can go to the nearby Piazza Sant’Eustachio and enter the homonymous café: the place is nothing special but serves the best espresso in the city.
Then return to Piazza Navona and exit the square towards the south by reaching Campo dei Fiori. It is here that the heretic Giordano Bruno was burned alive and in memory of this event there is a statue that represents it. The square is one of the focal points of Roman life: during the day it is a lively market full of people, in the evening a place to go for a drink.

Visit Rome in  2 days: Campo dei Fiori
The statue of Giordano Bruno in Campo dei Fiori

If you do not want to see the Vatican Museums, you can visit alternatively the National Roman Museum: Palazzo Massimo alle terme (metro station: Termini). The museum (accessible to disabled people), is often overlooked, but is wonderful, spacious and bright and contains spectacular classical art pieces (the resting boxer, sleeping Hermaphrodite), as well as extraordinary paintings and mosaics.
After the visit to the museum you can plan the rest of the day according to the itinerary described above. You can arrive in Piazza Navona with a half-hour walk.

TICKETS FOR THE FIRST DAY

To save money on the admission to these attractions we recommend that you use one of the many combined packages, we’ll introduce you to some of them below. Alternatively, you can purchase the Omnia Card.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Vatican Museums: from Monday to Saturday 9.00-18.00 (last admission at 4pm and exit from the rooms half an hour before closing).
Included in the Omnia Card.

St. Peter’s Basilica: October 1 – March 31 every day 7.00-18.30 / 1 April – 30 September every day 7-19.00. Free admission. 

National Roman Museum – Palazzo Massimo alle terme: Open every day from 9 to 19.45. Closed on Mondays (except Monday in Albis and during the cultural week), January 1st, December 25th. The ticket office closes at 19.00. Full ticket € 8 Reduced ticket € 3.50, free under 18 years. Included in the Roma Pass.

SECOND DAY

  • Capitoline Museums
  • Campidoglio square
  • Piazza Venezia

 

1. CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS

the Capitoline Museums in Rome

On your second day of the itinerary to visit the museums of Rome in 2 days we suggest you visit the Capitoline Museums, one of the most popular attractions in the capital (equipped for the disabled).
Arrive in Piazza Venezia (Piazza Venezia bus stop) and reach Piazza del Campidoglio by accessing the Cordonata, the staircase that leads from the Ara Coeli square to the top of the hill.

At the centre of the square, built by Michelangelo, you will find a copy of the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (the authentic one can be found in the Capitoline Museums).

There are three palaces that surround the square: Palazzo Senatorio at the back, Palazzo Nuovo on the left and Palazzo dei Conservatori on the right. The latter two buildings host the Capitoline Museums.

The main entrance to the museum complex is in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where there is the original core of the statuary collection and a Pinacoteca (on the second floor) with paintings by Tiziano, Tintoretto, Rubens, Van Dyck and many other great artists.

Palazzo Nuovo instead contains a considerable number of classical sculptures. Not to be missed, among others, is the Capitoline wolf, the dying Galata and the Capitoline Venus.

For the visit, take into account at least two hours.

2. PIAZZA VENEZIA

When you leave the museums stop for lunch and regain some strength. Once you feel refreshed and rested, return to Piazza Venezia, dominated by the Vittoriano, the immense monument of white marble built in 1885 to celebrate the unity of Italy.

The monument was later dedicated to the unknown soldier and a torch perpetually burns inside it, guarded by guards of honour.
Please note that it is forbidden to sit both on the steps and inside, there are strict controls.
To enjoy a full view of the city, go up to the terrace with the glass elevator that is on the side of the monument.

TICKETS FOR THE SECOND DAY

To save money on the admission to these attractions we recommend that you use one of the many combined packages, that we describe below. Alternatively, you can purchase the Omnia Card.

 
PRATICAL INFORMATION

Capitoline Museums: every day 9.30-19.30, 24 and 31 December 9.30-14. The ticket office closes an hour earlier. Closed on January 1st, May 1st, December 31st.  Included in the Omnia Card.

Doria Panphilj Palace and Gallery: every day from 9.00 to 19.00. Last entry at 18.00. Closing on: December 25th, January 1st, Easter. Also open on November 1st, Easter Monday, April 25th, May 1st, June 2nd and August 15th.

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TOURIST BUSES IN ROME

A tour on the tourist buses in Rome can be an optimal idea if you plan to visit Rome in 3 days and you want to see all the attractions that the eternal city has to offer. You can enjoy the main places that made it immortal while being comfortably seated listening to the explanations of the audio guide: the churches, monuments, palaces, squares and streets of Rome will no longer be a secret to you. With the formula “Hop on – Hop off”, which characterizes the tourist buses in Rome, you will be able to get on and off the sightseeing buses whenever you want, so you can visit the attractions, take a break to eat something or shop for souvenirs .

The offer of tourist buses in Rome is vast. So you will have no problem choosing the company that suits you according to your needs.
Here are our tips:

1. BIG BUS TOURS

Big Bus Tours offers scenic tours on open buses with audio guides. The “hop on – hop off bus” service allows you to get on and off the bus as often as you want within the hours of validity of the ticket. So you can visit all the attractions of Rome according to your interest and the time you have available. The buses are equipped with air conditioning. Electronic tickets will be sent directly to your Smartphone.

More information and tickets for the tour with Big Bus Tours

 

2. CITY SIGHTSEEING ROMA

City Sightseeing Rome offers scenic buses for a tour of the capital with audio guide and hop on hop off service that will allow you to get on and off at any of the 8 stops on the itinerary when you want and for the time that you want. The buses are equipped with free WIFI and the ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours.

More information and tickets for the tour with City Sightseeing Roma

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