Intelligence Report January 10, 2026 | 20:53 GMT

The Ultimate 5-Day Rome Itinerary: See the Best of Rome in 2026 (With Budget Breakdown & Hidden Gems)

TripIntel Editorial
Research Team
TL;DR: Rome 5-day itinerary for 2026. Covers key attractions, budget (€750-€1500 per person excluding flights), and lesser-known spots. Practical guide, no filler.

5-Day Rome Itinerary: Key Sights, Budget & Hidden Gems (2026)

A practical guide to Rome in 2026, focusing on efficient sightseeing and cost management.

Day 1: Ancient Rome – Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill

Colosseum: Arrive before 9 am. Pre-book tickets online (€18) to avoid queues. Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (included in the same ticket).

Lunch: Pizza al taglio near the Forum (€3-€5 per slice).

Afternoon: Capitoline Museums (€16). Walk through the Monti neighborhood.

Dinner: Monti trattoria. Cacio e Pepe: €10-€15.

Pro Tip: Roma Pass provides public transport access and museum discounts. Assess if included attractions align with your plans for cost-effectiveness.

Day 2: Vatican City & Trastevere

Morning: Vatican City. St. Peter's Basilica (free, expect queues). Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel guided tour (€30-€40, pre-book to skip line).

Lunch: Cafe near the Vatican. Panini or pasta (€10).

Afternoon: Ponte Sant'Angelo, Trastevere neighborhood.

Dinner: Trastevere. Pizza or pasta (€15-€25).

Day 3: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps & Shopping

Morning: Pantheon (free). Trevi Fountain. Spanish Steps.

Lunch: Supplì near the Pantheon (€2-€3).

Afternoon: Via Condotti (shopping).

Dinner: Near Piazza Navona (€20-€30, avoid main square restaurants).

Day 4: Appian Way & Catacombs

Morning: Appian Way. Bike rental (€10-€15). Catacombs of Callixtus or Domitilla (€8).

Lunch: Picnic along the Appian Way.

Afternoon: Appian Way or Baths of Caracalla (€8).

Dinner: Testaccio neighborhood. Coda alla vaccinara (€15-€20).

Day 5: Hidden Gems & Departure

Morning: Aventine Hill Keyhole view (free). Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners (€5).

Lunch: Trapizzino (€3-€4).

Afternoon: Souvenir shopping or revisit favorite location.

Flights: Check Kiwi.com (

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Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Excluding Flights):

  • Accommodation (5 nights): €300-€750
  • Food & Drink: €250-€500
  • Activities & Entrance Fees: €200-€250
  • Transportation: €50-€100

Total Estimated Cost: €750-€1500

Accommodation Comparison:

Hotel/Expedia Stays Type Average Price Per Night Pros Cons
Budget Hostel €30-€50 Affordable, social Shared rooms, basic
Mid-Range Hotel (3-4 stars) €70-€150 Comfort, location, amenities Can be noisy, less authentic
Expedia Stays Apartment €60-€200 Space, kitchen, local Cleaning fees, communication

Hotels: Expedia (

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Connectivity: SIM Cards vs. eSIMs

Options: physical SIM card or eSIM.

Physical SIM Card: Vodafone, TIM, WindTre. €20 for 20GB. Requires unlocking and SIM swap.

eSIM: Airalo. 5GB eSIM for Italy: $15. Digital activation.

Comparison:

Feature Physical SIM Card eSIM (Airalo)
Ease of Use Physical swap Digital activation
Availability Purchase on arrival Purchase online
Price (20GB) €20 Varies, slightly higher
Flexibility One provider Switch providers

eSIMs: Airalo (

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FAQ

  1. Best time to visit? Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October).
  2. Is Rome safe? Generally safe, be aware of pickpockets.
  3. How much walking? Significant walking. Comfortable shoes required.
  4. Local currency? Euro (€).
  5. Do I need Italian? English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Conclusion

5 days in Rome is possible. This itinerary provides a structure for seeing key sites, managing budget, and finding hidden gems.

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