There’s something unforgettable about your last day in Rome, especially when it includes iconic sights like the Borghese Gallery and Trevi Fountain. It’s the kind of Rome itinerary where every cobblestone seems more charming, every espresso more nostalgic, and every moment more meaningful.
For us, this final day was cool, rainy, and beautifully reflective—an unexpectedly romantic way to say goodbye to the Eternal City.
In this guide, I’ll share exactly how we spent our last full day in Rome, from misty early-morning photo stops to a world-class museum visit, all ending with cozy comfort food. You’ll also find tips for visiting the Borghese Gallery, navigating Rome’s famous sights in rainy weather, and enjoying gluten-free dining in the city.
If you’re planning meals along your sightseeing route, I’ve also shared a Gluten Free Guide to Rome with the restaurants we personally ate at—organized by walkable neighborhoods.
Route: Pantheon → Trevi Fountain → Spanish Steps → Villa Borghese → Borghese Gallery → Via dei Condotti → Pantheon
Distance Walked: Approximately 3.5 miles, not including time inside Villa Borghese Park or the Borghese Gallery
Date of Rome Travel: Late March (early spring shoulder season)
Weather on March 27: Cool and rainy; temperatures around 50°F (10–15°C)
Estimated Time: Approx. 7-8 hours including meals and museums.
7:00 AM Visit Trevi Fountain in Rome
Determined to beat the crowds, we left early to visit the iconic Fontana di Trevi in Rome at dawn. Despite the early hour, the fountain was already bustling with photographers and influencers vying for the perfect shot.
Things You Should Know
The Trevi Fountain underwent a major restoration in 2014-2015, funded by the fashion house Fendi, which meticulously cleaned its brilliant white travertine and restored its intricate sculptures and carvings. Today, it sparkles beautifully—even on gray, rainy mornings.
Get in Line
Since this refurbishment, a queuing system has been implemented to control the massive tourist crowds. Between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, the city now limits access to the fountain’s lower basin area to 400 visitors at a time. Visitors line up for a few minutes near the water for unobstructed photos before being rotated out. The upper level, however, remains open for exploration at any time.
What to Wear to Trevi Fountain
Waterproof walking shoes, a rain jacket, and a crossbody bag are essential. Here’s exactly what I wore for spring in Italy.
Want to see how busy the fountain is? See the live Trevi Fountain webcam here.
7:30 AM Italian Cafe Experience at Caffe Accademia
Chilled from the rain, we stopped at Caffe Accademia for a warm cappuccino. In true Roman fashion, we ordered at the bar, enjoyed our drinks quickly, and paid at the counter.
For two drinks, we paid just 3 euros—proof that simple pleasures are often the sweetest.
How to Order Coffee in Rome:
- Order at the counter.
- Sip standing up.
- Pay at the register after drinking.
We used these simple phrases daily in cafés, on the train, and throughout our travels in Italy. (see below)
Bag Tip
Be mindful of bag size restrictions when visiting Rome’s landmarks and museums. The Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, and many other sites enforce strict size policies. To avoid issues at security checkpoints, read my guide on Italy Bag Size Rules for the Colosseum and Vatican.
7:50 AM Vist the Spanish Steps
Next, we walked to the Spanish Steps, which were surprisingly peaceful under the drizzle. The famous staircase connects Piazza di Spagna below with the Trinità dei Monti church above and was originally designed to link these two iconic landmarks.
Although we visited in late March, we missed the vibrant display of azaleas that usually adorns the steps in April and May. Part of the steps were also under construction during our visit, but the sweeping views from the top were still worth the climb.
We briefly stepped inside the Trinità dei Monti church at the summit, which offered a quiet respite from the damp morning weather.
At the base of the steps, you can find the Fontana della Barcaccia, a fountain shaped like a sinking boat, which was unfortunately under restoration while we were there.
8:15 AM Walk Through Villa Borghese Park in Rome
From the Spanish Steps, we entered Villa Borghese Gardens, greeted by mounted Carabinieri patrols—a uniquely Roman sight!
Though the park looked a bit worn in the rain, it offered a quiet, scenic route to our next stop. If you’re visiting in better weather, Villa Borghese is ideal for a leisurely stroll or even a picnic. The park is one of Rome’s largest green spaces and is perfect for renting bikes, paddle boats on the small lake, or simply lounging in the gardens.
Some visitors enjoy the panoramic viewpoint at the Pincian Hill Terrace (Terrazza del Pincio), which offers one of the best views of Rome, especially at sunset. For art lovers, there are also other museums within the park, such as the Museo Carlo Bilotti and the Modern Art Gallery.
8:30 AM Explore Borghese Gallery: Rome’s Best Art Museum
We reached the Galleria Borghese for our pre-booked 9:00 AM time slot.
About the Borghese Gallery
Nestled within Villa Borghese Park and just a short walk from the Spanish Steps, the Borghese Gallery is one of Rome’s most treasured museums. It ranks #10 out of 2,776 things to do in Rome on TripAdvisor, boasting over 18,000 reviews and a stellar 4.6-star rating.
Originally commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century, the gallery was built to showcase his incredible art collection, ranging from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.
We arrived early and took shelter in the cozy onsite cafe before our tour began.
Inside, we were instantly captivated by the ornate marble rooms, gilded ceilings, and breathtaking artwork. Among the highlights were Bernini’s awe-inspiring sculptures:
- Apollo and Daphne: A swirling, dynamic marble piece capturing the climactic moment of the myth.
- The Rape of Proserpina: An astonishing sculpture showcasing Bernini’s mastery of marble textures.
- David: Full of dramatic energy, this sculpture felt alive from every angle.
We also admired Caravaggio’s intense paintings, their moody shadows perfectly suited for a rainy day.
I couldn’t stop photographing the ceilings—each one a masterpiece of its own.
One piece that stood out was the Floor Mosaic with Gladiators and Hunters, a stunning example of ancient Roman mosaic art. This mosaic originally decorated the floor of a cryptoporticus in a suburban villa excavated in 1834 on the Borghese estate at Torrenova. It features detailed hunting scenes (venationes) and gladiator combats (munera), common themes used for self-celebratory decoration in Roman villas.
The mosaic illustrates the climactic moments of arena combat, showing three pairs of gladiators—each identified by name. Scholars date this masterpiece to between the 3rd and 4th century CE.
Read the full commentary here.
This museum wasn’t just another stop on our trip—it was a highlight, easily my favorite museum in Italy. The combination of grandeur, intimacy, and artistry made it unforgettable.
Recommended: Borghese Gallery Guidebook
ANCIENT ROME ITINERARY
For more about Rome’s gladiator history and ancient sites, you can also read about our day exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
11:15 AM Via Dei Condotti
Where to Find Luxury Shopping Near the Spanish Steps?
After leaving the Galleria Borghese, we wandered down Via dei Condotti, Rome’s most famous luxury shopping street located just steps from the Spanish Steps.
This elegant avenue is lined with flagship boutiques from the world’s top designers—think Gucci, Prada, Valentino, and Bulgari. We window-shopped under umbrellas, laughing at the jaw-dropping prices of handbags, jewelry, and accessories.
As we walked, we suddenly noticed a heavy police presence surrounding the Order of Malta and the Embassy of Rhodes. Curious, we soon realized that the President of Poland was visiting the Grand Master of the Order of Malta at that exact time. It was fascinating to stumble upon such a historic and formal event during a casual shopping stroll.
12:00 PM LUnch at Pandali
Where to Find the Best Gluten-Free Lunch Near the Pantheon?
We ended our walk at Pandali Rome, an entirely gluten-free bakery near the Pantheon—a dream for Celiac travelers! It’s one of the spots I highlight in my Gluten Free Guide to Rome, which focuses on safe, walkable dining near major landmarks.
We enjoyed focaccia sandwiches, chickpea salad, and almond cakes.
Gluten-Free Tip: Bring a Celiac Disease restaurant card in Italian. It made ordering effortless here.
1:00 PM Afternoon Errands
How to Prepare for Departure from Rome (Final Day Checklist)
After lunch, we headed back to our hotel near the Pantheon to tackle our final errands before departing Rome the next morning.
We packed our bags, double-checked our train tickets, and arranged a private transfer to the Roma Termini train station. Although the hotel clerk initially encouraged us to take public transport, we insisted on a private transfer for ease and comfort, especially with luggage in tow.
We also stopped by a Coop grocery store nearby to pick up snacks for our upcoming train journey to Sorrento. If you have food restrictions or simply want an easy breakfast option, visiting a local grocery store before leaving the city can be a lifesaver.
Finally, we withdrew cash from a nearby ATM to pay our drivers and tour guides in Sorrento, as many still prefer cash payments.
4:30 PM Dinner at Pasta in Corso
For our final dinner in Rome, we opted for a casual, comforting meal at Pasta in Corso, located just a short walk from our hotel. We were craving something light and nourishing after a long day of walking.
We shared a simple yet satisfying meal of roasted chicken thighs with fresh salad—a warm, healthy option that perfectly capped off our rainy day in the city.
Want to get more out of your Rome itinerary?
BOOKS TO READ BEFORE GOING TO ITALY
Reading SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard before our trip deeply enhanced our experience. The book provided context that brought the art and artifacts to life and also gave greater meaning to our earlier tour of the Colosseum.
Reflections on our Last Day in Rome
Though rainy and chilly, this last day became one of our most cherished travel memories.
The quiet beauty of Rome in the rain, the intimacy of the Borghese Gallery, and the unexpected moments—like watching dignitaries visit the Order of Malta—reminded us that slow, immersive travel is often the most rewarding.
As we packed our bags and prepared for our train journey to Sorrento the next morning, we reflected on how every rainy step through Rome led us to deeper memories. Rome left us with full hearts, full bellies, and a renewed appreciation for savoring every small detail—together.
