Rome was a Dream: My 3-Day Solo Trip to Rome- Visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican City

I started 2026 with a solo trip to Rome, Italy, visiting the city in January. Besides being surrounded with centuries of history and remarkable architecture, the trip was particularly meaningful as it was my first true solo trip.

I spent three days in Rome, which I personally found to be a good amount of time to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. I must, however, add my daily step count went up to 21,000 steps- haha! I got to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican City, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Visiting the Colosseum: Rome’s Most Iconic Landmark

When people think of Rome, the Colosseum is likely the first place to come to mind.

Built more than 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum is one of the most famous monuments in the world and is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The massive amphitheater once served as a venue for entertainment in Ancient Rome, where thousands of spectators gathered to watch gladiator battles, dramatic performances, and other public spectacles. It was truly surreal to walk through the same path gladiators once walked through!

Exploring the Roman Forum: The Heart of Ancient Rome

One of the most fascinating places I visited in Rome was the Roman Forum, which was probably the second most memorable part of my trip after the Vatican.

The Roman Forum was once the center of daily life in Ancient Rome. The site was established around 7 BC and served as a hub for political activity, government meetings, social gatherings, and religious ceremonies. Apparently, many of the empire’s most important temples and government buildings were located here.

A notable historical detail is that Julius Caesar, one of Rome’s most famous leaders, is buried within the Roman Forum, making it an important site for both history enthusiasts and travelers.

Palatine Hill: One of the Best Views in Rome

The Palatine Hill overlooks the Roman Forum and is one of the most historically significant areas in the city.

I learnt that in ancient times, Palatine Hill was considered the most desirable neighborhood in Rome and was home to emperors and wealthy aristocrats. Today, it offers visitors beautiful panoramic views of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the surrounding city.

Visiting the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

The highlight of my trip was visiting Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and one of the most significant religious sites globally. Walking through the Raphael rooms was phenomenal, with ancient remarkable paintings kept through time. The Raphael Rooms are a set of 4 rooms designed for the Pope Julius II between 1508 and 1524.

Entering St. Peter’s Basilica was also a powerful experience - more so as I am Christian and St. Peter stands as a pillar in Christianity. Important detail- the Chapel housing St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest chapel in the world.

Where I Ate in Rome

On my arrival to Rome, I stopped by at Colette cafe, and got to try a good cup of Italian coffee and croissant. I also enjoyed some delicious Italian seafood pasta at Vinsanto Restaurant!

Is 3 Days Enough in Rome?

From my experience, three days in Rome is enough time to see the major landmarks while still enjoying the atmosphere of the city. With a well-planned itinerary, you can comfortably visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Vatican City within that timeframe.

Ps. You will have to purchase inexpensive tickets to visit all these landmarks. In booking my tickets, I made use of Headouts which saved me time and helped me get more organised.

I arrived Friday, and took the day to walk around, try good coffee and rest. Day 2, I visited the Vatican City- including the Vatican Museum and Raphael Rooms. Day 3 was my most packed day - including visits to the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Thankfully my tickets included a tour guide - making the visits more interesting.

Final Thoughts

My trip to Rome was an incredible historical experience. From walking through the ruins of the Roman Forum, enjoying the views from Palatine Hill, admiring the Colosseum structure, and visiting Vatican City, every moment felt like stepping through different chapters of world history.