3 Days in Rome: Eat Your Way Through the Eternal City

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Advisor - Elise Maguire Ferrara
Curated By

Elise Maguire Ferrara

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Rome

  • Local Food

  • Foodie

  • History

A building in Rome in the Via Cavour stands against an overcast sky on a hazy day.
Curator’s statement

Most Italian vacations typically start or end in Rome (hello multiple non-stop flight options!), but travelers often don’t spend time exploring the ancient city — and what a missed opportunity! Rome has so much to offer by way of history, culture, art and — most notably — food! Whether you want to experience a well-known dining hotspot or seek out a local hidden gem, Rome has something for everyone. With incredible ancient sites to see between meals, it’s the perfect city to kick off your Italian adventure!

The Fora Difference

Book with Elise to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Chapter Roma

The pick for design hounds, with Art Deco touches in the oversized rooms and a ground-floor bar for the style set.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Welcome amenity.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Indigo Rome - St. George

Sleek luxury boutique hotel boasting a rooftop terrace and a full-service spa located on a quaint cobblestone street in Rome.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $50 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Welcome amenity.

  • ★

    Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.

Six Senses Rome

This Six Senses property, once a noble palazzo, is located right in Rome’s center, set back from Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main streets and is now a destination for tourists and locals alike.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Rome EDITION

A contemporary masterpiece in the heart of Italy's capital, redefining luxury with its stylish design, curated experiences and unparalleled views, offering a modern interpretation of la dolce vita.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Welcome amenities.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Lord Byron

Step into timeless luxury at this Art Deco gem, where classic elegance meets modern comfort, providing a sophisticated retreat in the heart of Rome's exclusive Parioli district.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Unlock perks by contacting Elise to book your trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

A view of a street lined with elegant buildings leading up to an impressive domed Pantheon in Rome.

Beat jet lag with a wellness day

Fly into Rome’s FCO airport, which has multiple non-stop options from the U.S. every day. Head to your hotel to drop off your bags (or check-in early, if you booked a Fora Preferred Partner!) and then make your way to the Trastevere neighborhood, where you’ll find the Trilussa Spa. Its three private spa rooms (bookable by the hour) - Maya, Moon and Domus - each offer a unique theme and wellness experience to help ease your jet lag. If you’re looking for more of a bougie experience, book a Roman Baths session at the ultra-luxe Six Senses Rome, which offers an extensive menu of spa and wellness services.

After coming back to life, it's time to explore Rome's Jewish Ghetto neighborhood for lunch; try Nonna Betta or Sora Margherita - both places are popular for their traditional Roman food. Don’t miss out on the Jewish artichokes (deep-fried and delicious!).

Head back to your hotel to check in before grabbing dinner at Salumeria Roscioli, a beloved Roman institution. Book your table weeks (if not months) in advance. We love the wine cellar seating!

Get to bed early for a fully packed day tomorrow!

Day 2: Roman history paired with traditional eats

A front view of the Trevi Fountain and grand building behind in Rome.

Check out the major sites of the Eternal City

After grabbing a quick breakfast and a cappuccino at a local cafe, spend the morning exploring the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps at your leisure. Enjoy lunch al fresco at a restaurant situated outside the main tourist spots for a more authentic Roman experience (try Caffè Ciampini di Marco Ciampini or Angie’s Restaurant if you are near the Spanish Steps, or Taverna Romana or La Nuova Piazzetta if you are near the Colosseum).

After lunch, take a guided tour of the Ancient City, where you will retrace the steps of the Gladiators in the Colosseum and explore Palatine Hill, the most significant of Rome’s great seven hills, and discover the ruins of the Imperial Palace. Finally, you will experience the Roman Forum, the center of day-to-day life in Ancient Rome and the site of triumphal processions and elections.

For dinner, make a reservation at Piperno, a high-end but well-priced staple in the Jewish Ghetto, offering an old-school dining experience.

Day 3: A foodie tour through Rome

A street food market with a small green truck carrying fresh produce in Rome.

Eat your way through the Eternal City

Day three is all about the FOOD! Enjoy a guided street food tour through some of Rome’s most charming and popular foodie-focused neighborhoods. Start off in Campo de' Fiori, visiting its famed market stalls and sampling a variety of meats, cheeses, wine and fruit. Make your way over to the Jewish Ghetto for a glimpse of the Theatre of Pompey ruins and a sampling of pizza and suppli - a traditional Roman street food (it's like a rice ball, but better!). Finish off your tour in Largo Argentina for a taste of homemade gelato at the family-owned Corona Gelateria.

If you have any room left, go to Trastevere for a light dinner at Ditta Trinchetti, Ristorante le Mani in Pasta, La Matriciana or Otello.


Day 4: Arrivaderci

A neon sign reading, "Roma Termini" sits atop a brick building lit up by the bustling crowds and nightlife.

Depart for your next destination

Head to Roma Termini to catch a train to your next Italian destination. If you’re heading to the Amalfi Coast, check out this guide to spending four days on the Divine Coast!

Need to know

Restaurant Recommendations

Advisor - Elise Maguire Ferrara

Travel Advisor

Elise Maguire Ferrara

Get in touch with Elise

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Rome. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Whitney Ellis' guide, A 3-Day Walking Itinerary in Rome.