Putting together a 6-day itinerary for first-time visitors to Rome is a fun endeavour because there is so much to see and do in this magnificent city. A example itinerary is provided below to help you make the most of your stay to Rome. Feel free to change it to reflect your interests and tastes. I will put together a wonderful 6-day itinerary in Rome to help you organise your trip.

I will start with my finest time-saving ideas for avoiding long lines in front of Rome’s must-see attractions. Then will provide you a day-by-day schedule that is properly optimised to make the most of your time.

In addition to the greatest sites to visit and activities for each stage of your schedule, I will provide you with all of my best insights and lodging recommendations based on your budget.

So, what are the top 6 things to do in Rome in 6 days? Where should I stay?

How to Save Time and Avoid Queues in Rome’s Popular Attractions?

Rome’s popular attractions, such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and the Roman Forum, can get extremely crowded, leading to long queues and wait times. To save time and avoid queues, consider the following tips:

Rome Tourist Card
Rome Tourist Card can be a convenient option for a 6-day trip to Rome, as it can offer you access to many of the city’s top attractions and public transportation.

Attractions and Inclusions: When considering a tourist card, look for one that includes the attractions you plan to visit. Common inclusions may be the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The more attractions included, the better the value.

The Rome Tourist Card contains the following benefits:

Priority Colosseum admission with audio guide + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill
St Peter’s Basilica guided tour (skip the queue) + audio guide
Ticket to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel with no lines
10% off museums (Castel Sant’Angelo, Borghese Gallery), guided tours (Catacomb Tour, Rome by Bike), and excursions around Rome (Florence, Venice…).

The Omnia Card
The Omnia Card is another excellent option to save time and money during your 6-day trip to Rome.
Although it offers skip-the-line access for the most popular tourist attractions, this card is only good for three days.

As a result, you will have to schedule the Omnia Card visits during the first few days of your vacation.

Fortunately, this schedule has been designed to make the most of the Omnia Card, often known as the “Rome and Vatican Pass.”

During the first three days, you will visit tourist attractions that are included in the Omnia Card.
You can spend the rest of the week exploring free attractions and/or doing day trips around Rome.

The Omnia Card includes the following tourist attractions:

Access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel first.
Priority ticket includes audio guide to St. Peter’s Basilica
Skip-the-line ticket to St. Peter’s Prison + audio guide
Skip-the-line ticket + audio guide to the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Cloister
2 complimentary tickets to the following tourist attractions
The Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum are all worth seeing.
Capitoline Museums Castel Sant’Angelo Borghese Gallery

For three days, all public transport in Rome is free.
Discounts on certain activities and museums
1 Rome train ticket Tourist Hop-On Hop-Off Bus 1 city map

6 Days in Rome: Must-See Attractions:

Six days in Rome allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, art, culture, and cuisine. Here’s a proposed itinerary for each day, along with must-see attractions:

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Colosseum: Start your trip with a visit to this iconic amphitheater, where gladiator battles once took place.
Roman Forum: Explore the ruins of the ancient city center, including the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Septimius Severus, and House of the Vestals.
Palatine Hill: Adjacent to the Roman Forum, this is the legendary birthplace of Rome. Enjoy the panoramic views.


Day 2: Vatican City

Vatican Museums: Spend your morning exploring one of the world’s greatest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter’s Basilica: Marvel at the beauty of this Renaissance masterpiece and climb to the top for stunning views.
St. Peter’s Square: Take a walk in the square and admire the Basilica’s facade.


Day 3: Art and Culture

Galleria Borghese: Explore this art gallery, home to works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Book tickets in advance.
Villa Borghese Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful park surrounding the gallery.
Piazza del Popolo: Visit this lively square, known for its stunning obelisk and impressive twin churches.


Day 4: Pantheon and Piazzas

Pantheon: Admire this well-preserved ancient temple and its magnificent dome.
Piazza Navona: Enjoy the fountains and lively atmosphere, and don’t miss the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Campo de’ Fiori: Explore this vibrant market square and nearby streets with shops and restaurants.


Day 5: Trastevere and Food

Trastevere: Wander through this picturesque neighborhood known for its narrow streets and charming atmosphere.
Santa Maria in Trastevere: Visit this stunning church with beautiful mosaics.
Sample Roman Cuisine: Try some authentic Roman dishes in the local trattorias and osterias.


Day 6: Catacombs and Appian Way

Catacombs of Rome: Explore one of the ancient underground burial sites like the Catacombs of St. Callixtus or San Sebastiano.
Appian Way: Take a leisurely stroll along this ancient Roman road and visit the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella.
Baths of Caracalla: Visit the old Roman baths’ well-preserved remnants.
Remember that walking around Rome’s old streets can be a highlight in and of itself. Try traditional Roman foods such as pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, and suppl (fried rice balls). Also, to avoid long lineups at popular attractions, plan your visits in preparation by purchasing tickets in advance. Enjoy your six days in this magnificent city.

Where should I stay in Rome?
You will need to book a hotel in order to find the top locations to see in Rome in 6 days.
To assist you, I have developed a list of my seven favourite hotels based on your budget.
You should book your hotel as soon as possible because the best offers don’t last long!

Rome is a lovely and historic city with a variety of lodging alternatives to suit all tastes and budgets. Consider your budget, the type of experience you desire, and the sights you intend to visit when deciding where to stay in Rome. Here are a few of my favourite neighbourhoods and regions to consider:

Historic Center (Centro Storico): Staying in the heart of Rome gives you easy access to major attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Accommodation here can be more expensive, but you’ll be close to the action.

Trastevere: This charming and bohemian neighborhood on the west bank of the Tiber River offers a more authentic Roman experience. It’s filled with narrow streets, local restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Vatican City: If you want to be near St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, consider staying in the Vatican area. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury.

Monti: Located near the Colosseum, Monti is a trendy neighborhood with an artistic vibe. It’s known for its vintage shops, art galleries, and a variety of dining options.

Navona and Pantheon: These areas are part of the historic center and are known for their beautiful squares, fountains, and impressive architecture. They offer easy access to major landmarks.

Esquilino and Termini: This area around Rome’s main train station, Termini, is a practical choice if you plan to travel frequently by train. It’s also more budget-friendly and has a diverse selection of restaurants.

Testaccio: This neighborhood is famous for its food scene and the Testaccio Market. It offers a quieter, more residential experience while still being within reach of central Rome.

Aventine Hill: This is a more upscale and peaceful residential area known for its stunning views, quiet streets, and beautiful orange garden (Giardino degli Aranci).

Appian Way: For a quieter, more suburban experience, consider staying near the ancient Appian Way. It’s a historic and picturesque area with several archaeological sites.

Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps): This area is known for its high-end shopping and upscale hotels. It’s also close to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the luxury fashion district.

Remember that Rome is a fairly walkable city, and public transportation is plentiful, so staying slightly outside of the city centre might still be practical. Furthermore, costs might fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year, so prepare ahead of time if you want to travel during peak tourist seasons.

Finally, the best spot to stay in Rome is determined by your interests, budget, and the exact sights you choose to visit while in this historic city.