Experiencing Rome's Heritage: A 3-Day Itinerary from a Student's Perspective

Rome is a city like no other, rich in history, art, and culture. The cobblestone streets and impressive architecture draw millions of visitors each year, and I was one of these in January 2025, visiting with my friend. During my three-day trip, I was not only captivated by its beauty but also intrigued by the heritage and tourism. In this blog post, I hope to share my experiences and detailed itinerary to help fellow students explore Rome with confidence and a budget!

My Itinerary: A Journey Through Rome

Day One: Arrival, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon.

My travels began with an early flight from Gatwick, landing in Rome around 11 AM. We only had carry-ons, so security and passport control were surprisingly quick! We then took the Leonardo Express train, which is the most efficient transportation in my opinion, particularly as it's a lot cheaper than a taxi, costing me individually around 17 euros each way. It goes from the Fiumicino Airport to the Termini Station in around 30 minutes, and we were lucky that it wasn't too busy and also had charging ports for our phones!

Arriving at Termini Station, it took us a few minutes to find our way out, as it was just massive. Stores like Gucci were just in the station, and it took a lot of self-restraint to avoid them! We made our way to check in at my pre-booked hotel (Sacconi Palace Suite Roma, which is linked, not sponsored!) and dropped off our bags, eager to start exploring and making the most of the day. Our first stop was the Spanish Steps, which is a popular tourist attraction consisting of 135 steps that are a favourite gathering spot. We got lucky with the weather, as it had rained until we reached the steps! I feel like that was a blessed break in some way. We trekked up those steps until the top, seeing an absolutely gorgeous view (despite the weather), before deciding to continue. They're a nice tourist attraction, and I would recommend going, but we found them to be simply a pretty view, not something to linger on.

Next, we made our way to the Trevi Fountain, an artistic masterpiece known for its stunning beauty and popularity with tourists and models alike. The typical tradition of tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain is something that supposedly promises a return to Rome, and I happily took part in this! I would love to go back. We decided not to queue for the fountain at that time in the day, and instead we returned later in the evening when it was a lot quieter and the photos could be less interrupted. I found this to be a stunning stop on our trip, and it is one of the most gorgeous things I've seen in all my travels! I'd recommend this to absolutely anyone, and obviously it's free! Just be careful of pickpockets. I was highly aware that this is a popular spot for it, so I made sure my bag was around my front. The whole area is typically busy regardless of weather, and we decided to not stop at a cafe for lunch but simply grabbed an absolutely delicious sandwich from a passing Italian deli! This was also a cheaper option and gave us time to head on to our next attraction.

We then visited the Pantheon, and wow, what a sight! We had booked for 4pm, and the sun was just starting to set, which meant we luckily got to see it lit up! I was absolutely awed by the size of the dome and oculus, and I could have stayed there for hours. After wandering around each viewing section and reading the immense history, we decided to take some photos and just sit and watch the dome/people-watch. We paid 5 euros each on this website, and there are ways to get free tickets if you meet the requirements, so it's worth checking this out!

After a brief visit to the Pantheon, we stumbled upon a modern art gallery in a side street. This blend of historical and contemporary culture was refreshing and added new dimensions to my experience. This was particularly fascinating as the art gallery merged incredibly modern art (as seen in the photo below) with the historical architecture. Entry was approximately 15 euros each, and we spent about an hour in there in total! The gallery was filled with exciting local artists, and we were keen to take part in the immersive exhibitions and make the most of our money!

As the day turned to evening, we decided to venture back towards the Trevi Fountain to properly visit it. Along the way, we discovered a charming little restaurant tucked away in the alleys. It was certainly a semi-tourist trap, but we decided to risk it anyway due to how popular it was with the locals! We lucked out with a most delicious pasta dish (carbonara) and a pizza that was one of the best I've ever had. It was the most perfect way to conclude our first day!

First day spending (not including hotel/flights): £72.30

Day Two: Villa Borghese, Castel Sant'Angelo, Vatican Museums

We woke early on the second day (7:30 am) and enjoyed breakfast at a local café down the road. The Italian coffee was an absolute wonder at that time of morning, and the price was surprisingly low considering how amazing the pastries were!

After breakfast, we ventured to Villa Borghese, a sprawling garden that contains some of the world’s most exquisite art collections. This was one of my most anticipated attractions, and having heard so many wonderful things, it delivered! The park serves as a tranquil oasis within the absolutely bustling city. We were unlucky that we got caught in the rain once again, and any outside pictures were impossible, but I did manage to get a few inside! Our tickets were from GetYourGuide (containing the specific link), and we did not get the audio tour as we prefer to wander at our own pace, although I do think it would have been helpful!

Next, we crossed the Tiber River to visit Castel Sant'Angelo. We did this by bus, and it was surprisingly easy to grab the 490 bus from outside of the villa! The castle was stunning, and the rain thankfully ceased for a few hours. Again, it wasn't too busy, and we decided to buy tickets at the door, seeing as we had plenty of time before the Vatican. Originally a mausoleum, this ancient fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Rome's history, and I was particularly intrigued by it. Walking its floors provided stunning views of the city, highlighting the historical significance of this landmark.

We then left to go and grab a sandwich from a local shop, and we were delighted to see the Vatican police getting their lunch there too. It's typically a good sign if the police are having their lunch near us! We got mozzarella, ham, and tomato sandwiches—delicious!

The highlight of my day was my visit to the Vatican Museums. We had to go through a security line, so make sure you leave time for this, although it only took us 15 minutes. This is something I would recommend to everyone, regardless of the price! We felt as if we did not even see a third, despite being there for hours and wandering through every room. Each room revealed treasures of art and history, culminating in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Standing under Michelangelo's masterful artwork was an awe-inspiring experience that underscored the genius of the Renaissance. No photos were allowed in this chapel, and I feel as if that's for the best; it made it far more tranquil. It seemed as if it were never-ending, walking through all these magnificent halls with their mesmerising ceilings, and I could have stayed in there forever. I'd love to go back in the next year or so!

We ended the night by having dinner in a pasta restaurant just down a few blocks from the Vatican! We didn't stay out at all as we knew we had early mornings and wanted to make the most of it!

Second day spending: £110.10

Day Three: Immersed in Ancient Rome

For our final day, we woke up early to visit the Colosseum. We had prebooked our tickets, which meant it was easy for us to turn up and go through the security checks. The sheer scale and history of this ancient amphitheatre left a lasting impression on both of us, and it's safe to say I don't think writing can convey its beauty. Walking through its iconic arches, I could almost hear the roars of the crowd from centuries ago, and reading all of the historical facts—I felt as if I lived it. We spent approximately an hour wandering through, but due to our bad luck with the rain once again, we didn't feel too keen to just stand out in the rain! This is one of the reasons I'd love to go back in the spring months!

After soaking in the remarkable history, I enjoyed a large pizza at a restaurant situated just opposite the Colosseum! We got a full-on view of the Colosseum and enjoyed a slightly more expensive meal for it! If you have the budget for it, it is well worth spending the money on, and we felt as if we should make the most of the day! The food was also worth it; it was yum! I had a capricciosa, and it was so, so delicious!

Our next stop was the Roman Forum, mere steps from the Colosseum. We explored the remnants of what was once the heart of ancient Rome, and it was fascinating to learn the history of something I had rarely learnt about. The striking ruins made the experience feel like a journey back in time, connecting me with the city’s rich history. This was included in with the entry to the Colosseum, and although there is a separate queue, it is worth spending time wandering around these ruins! The hilly terrain was exhausting for me, but we decided to commit to fully exploring! It was busy, but due to the large land, it really did not feel too bad.

Returning to our hotel later that day, the hostess had thankfully allowed us to leave our bags which meant we didn't have to lug our heavy rucksacks around with us. We then got the train back from the Termini Station to the airport, and sadly checked back in to our flight home. With memories etched in my mind and a camera roll full of pictures, I departed from Rome feeling inspired to return, hopefully very soon!

Third day spending: £77.80

Flights and Accomodation total: £125.23

Total Spending for the entire trip: £384.77

Reflection

My trip to Rome was not only about exploring its incredible heritage, but also exploring the culture. Every corner of this city tells a story, and each monument adds to the narrative of human history. It's fascinating to see the locals who take it for granted living in such a brilliant place, when we tourists visit and find it breathtaking.

Granted, the trip was semi-expensive at approximately £400 for three days, however we did it on as much of a budget as we thought appropriate. We decided to make the most of the attractions and go to all the main ones that had been recommended to us, and in doing so, we achieved the maximum effect of the magic of Rome.

To fellow travellers looking to explore Rome, I encourage you to embrace every moment. It’s a city that genuinely captivates the heart and I look forward to revisiting Rome someday.

Please leave any comments or thoughts below, and safe travels!