Planning a full week in Rome? You’re in for the trip of a lifetime.
This 7-day Rome itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see major landmarks, dive into local neighborhoods, enjoy a bit of downtime, and even take a cooking class or spiritual detour.
We’ve broken it down into themed days to balance history, food, art, and leisure — without overwhelm.
🗓️ Day 1: Welcome to Rome – Historic Center & Sunset Views
Matin:
- Check in and freshen up
- Walk to Place Navone, Panthéon, et Campo de' Fiori
- Grab your first espresso and get your bearings
Après-midi:
- Explorer Via del Governo Vecchio
- Visite Fontaine de Trevi et l'escalier espagnol
Soirée:
- Watch the sunset from Pincian Hill Terrace
- Dîner à Piazza del Popolo ou Tridente area
👉 Book a welcome walking tour of the Historic Centre →
🗓️ Day 2: Ancient Rome – Colosseum, Forum & Palatine
Matin:
- Pre-book a Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill combo ticket
- Join a guided tour or use an audio guide
Après-midi:
- Déjeuner à Monti (great for pizza or pasta)
- Relax with a coffee at La Casetta ou Blackmarket Hall
Soirée:
- Optional: Join an Ancient Rome by night tour
- Dinner near Via dei Serpenti
👉 Grab your skip-the-line Colosseum pass here →
🗓️ Day 3: The Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica
Matin:
- Book early-access entry to Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel
- Walk into Basilique Saint-Pierre (free entry)
- Climb the Dome for 360° views
Après-midi:
- Déjeuner à Prati (try Pizzarium or Pastasciutta)
- Walk back via Château Saint-Ange et Ponte Sant’Angelo
Soirée:
- Enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza Cavour or near the river
👉 Secure early-access Vatican tours + dome climb bundle →
🗓️ Day 4: Art & Gardens – Borghese + Villa Walk
Matin:
- Timed-entry ticket to Borghese Gallery
- Explore masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael
Après-midi:
- Walk or bike through Villa Borghese Gardens
- Visite Temple of Aesculapius and stop at Terrasse du Pincio
Soirée:
- Head to Trastevere for a sunset stroll and dinner
- Optional: Trastevere food and wine walking tour
👉 Book your Borghese Gallery guided visit + garden stroll →
🗓️ Day 5: Spiritual Rome or Optional Rest Day
Option A: Spiritual Rome Theme
- Visite Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
- See the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta)
- Walk to Santa Maria Maggiore
- Afternoon in Jewish Ghetto + Turtle Fountain
Option B: Leisure Day
- Sleep in, shop along Via del Corso
- Book a spa treatment or sip coffee at Antico Caffè Greco
Dinner Ideas:
- Testaccio for traditional Roman cuisine
- Campo de’ Fiori area for something lively
👉 Explore Rome’s sacred sites on a small-group tour →
🗓️ Day 6: Roman Life & Cooking Class
Matin:
- Visit a local market (Campo de’ Fiori or Testaccio)
- Join a cooking class and learn to make fresh pasta or tiramisu
Après-midi:
- Explorer Aventine Hill, Jardin d'Orangers, and the Keyhole View
- Optional: Relax at Giardino degli Aranci
Soirée:
- Enjoy your handmade dinner or head to a local trattoria
👉 Book a hands-on Roman cooking class with market tour →
🗓️ Day 7: Day Trip or Final Exploration
Option A: Day Trip
- Visite Ostia Antica (Roman ruins by the sea)
- Or explore Tivoli (Villa d’Este & Villa Adriana)
Option B: More Rome
- Discover Appian Way + Catacombs
- Explorer MAXXI Museum ou Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Soirée:
- Toast your final night with rooftop cocktails at Zuma ou Terrasse Borromini
👉 Find the top-rated day trips from Rome here →
🎒 What to Pack for 7 Days in Rome
- Light, breathable clothing
- Good walking shoes (you’ll average 15,000+ steps/day)
- Scarf or shawl for churches
- Reusable water bottle
- Pre-booked tickets and offline maps
🎁 Bonus: Free Printable 7-Day Rome Planner
Download your Rome-in-7-Days PDF with checklists, tour links, and walking maps.