Three Days In Rome

I have a friend who recently told me she did Rome in one day.  "It was a whirlwind trip and I was exhausted," she said.  Can Rome be done in one day?  Not really, unless you have Superman powers to fly at warp speeds and turbo spin time in reverse (and I really wish I could do that!).  According to my friend, she generated some memorable photos of a few of the city's highlights, but unfortunately didn't get to experience much beyond that. To capture more than a few photos, and to experience a little more of the unique offerings of Rome, you must spend a minimum of three days (and that's with a good itinerary and strong feet). Here are my suggestions on how to do it:

WHERE TO STAY

Albergo del Senato.  You simply cannot beat the location! Sitting next to the Pantheon, this boutique hotel is smack dab in the middle of the historical center, making it one of the most conveniently located hotels in town. With rates starting at 225 euro (including breakfast & taxes), it is not the most economical. Yet, with only three days to cover a whole lot of ground, you may find the price worth it!  It features comfortable rooms, a dramatic rooftop bar overlooking the Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda, and some of the friendliest English-speaking staff you will find anywhere.

WHERE TO EAT 

With only three days, you may be tempted to do lunch in a"grab-and-go" fashion.  However, should you want to rest your feet and experience a little more of the dining scene, good options include:

Armando al Pantheon (located near the Pantheon). This small casual trattoria serves typical regional fare and is surprisingly good despite its touristy location.

Cul de Sac (located near Piazza Navona).  A popular wine bar with an equally popular menu.  

Antico Forno Roscioli (located near Piazza dei Fiori). Walk past the meat and cheese counter and beyond the wine shelves to find a strangely eclectic restaurant.  The menu is equally eclectic, yet, so good you may be tempted to stop in again for dinner!

Some of my top picks for dinner include:

Ditirambo (located near Piazza dei Fiori).  A casual trattoria with a vibrant crowd. The waitstaff is fun and friendly while the food is prepared with a slightly more modern and interesting take on traditional Roman fare. 

L'Archetto (located near Trevi Fountain).  A spaghetti house featuring oodles of options of sauces to choose from. Usually a crowd favorite among my tour groups, this casual restaurant is one of the more wallet-friendly, too.

The Library (located near Piazza Navona).  For a truly romantic and special evening, save this restaurant for your last night in Rome--it will charm your socks off! Follow the candles to find the restaurant sitting at the end of a secluded alley.  The menu is traditional but prepared with more complexity and interest--simply delicious!

WHAT TO DO

Ideally, you need a full week to truly experience Rome.  Nevertheless, in three days you can catch the highlights:

Day 1: Take a self-guided walking tour visiting the Pantheon, Palazzo del Quirinale, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.

Day 2: Start the morning off by strolling through the outdoor market at Campo dei Fiori. When finished, make your way to Ancient Rome: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trajan's Forum.

Day 3: Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.  Relax for the remainder of the day in Piazza Navona.