This timeless quote perfectly captures the essence of exploring the Eternal City, where history and culture come alive at every corner.
The Colosseum, one of the most recognizable symbols of Rome along with the Vatican City, is visited by nearly six million foreign tourists annually (Source: Rome Tourism, 2022).
I had the honor to explore its ancient walls myself, and I guarantee that your visit can be spectacular with just a little bit of planning.
I will help you with how to prepare for the day when you intend to see the Colosseum and go through some of the best sites of Ancient Rome.
I will also give my tips about going on the best Colosseum tours in Rome, so every visitor to the Colosseum gets the most out of the experience. Let’s begin.
Head to the Colosseum Early
When planning a visit to Ancient Rome, including the Ancient Rome Colosseum, it is a good idea to get there early, so you can avoid the heavy population and start enjoying the day in the right manner.
The Ancient Rome Colosseum tours tend to get so many bookings that they can run out quickly.
So if someone wishes to do the following advance preparation is smart:
Explore a globally renowned landmark with the benefit of an expert guide who is always on hand to answer questions.
Enjoy skip-the-line access and spend your time exploring the fine details of a unique cultural attraction
Discover more with a unique underground tour that takes you deep into the Colosseum where you can see the lower chambers
Although the Colosseum is often referred to as an icon, many other icons lay close to it in proximity.
Put on your ‘to-see’ list the center of the Roman Empire and you can picture the structure of the ancient city much better.
Have a glance at a graph representing the sites of Rome most visited by the tourists.
Walk to the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum served as the center of ancient Roman life and served a variety of key functions:
It began life as a bustling marketplace where traders would serve the local population.
Over time it came to be used as a place where politicians would give speeches.
The Forum was also a place where people would meet to discuss the events of the day.
The journey from a bustling marketplace to a pivotal location in the heart of a global empire was a fascinating one.
Over the centuries a variety of key cultural landmarks were added to what was a thriving complex.
Highlights include:
The Temple of Saturn which would later become the Treasury of Rome held the bronze plates on which the foundations of the legal system were written.
The Arch of Septimius Severus was used as a propaganda piece to legitimize the rule of a controversial choice of emperor.
Domitian’s Passage which was installed by the emperor to provide secret access to the heart of the state — is best seen with a trip to Palatine Hill.
Scheduling a short guided tour will allow you to learn more about these key landmarks and leave plenty of time for taking photos.
When Palatine Hill is the most popular choice for getting a memorable view of the Forum, there is another option.
Capitoline Hill and the Tabularium are typically a little less busy and provide a unique vantage point that allows you to appreciate the true scale of the Forum.
Visit Palatine Hill
Thus, to understand the history and the significance of the Colosseum, one must visit the surrounding historical sites as well.
For a moment, take a break from the crowd and admire the incredible scale of the monuments around you.
Here are some recommendations so that your upcoming trip is as memorable as you want it to be:
In the park, you can fully enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and structures that surround you. If it is too hot and sunny outside, there is no need to change the plan.
Walking from Palatine Hill to the Forum will provide the gentlest gradient and easiest choice of terrain if you’re walking with children.
Look across at the Circus Maximus (Rome’s premier chariot racing circuit) from the Temple of Apollo for a memorable view.
Make sure to explore the ruins of Domus Augustana — the primary residence of Caesar Augustus
Now that you’ve seen plenty of the ancient city, it’s time for a short break to maintain your energy.
Stop for Some Lunch Nearby
When you’re ready for a break and some refreshment there are plenty of choices nearby.
Because you want to enjoy the top ancient Rome landmarks at your own pace, here are a couple of eating options that come with incredible views:
Ristoro Della Salute serves freshly baked pizza, traditional main courses, and lighter options for breakfast, all topped off with a view of the Colosseum.
Cafe Roma is a little more relaxed, still offers an inspired view, and is an ideal location for a light bite and a cold drink.
Taking a packed lunch and eating beneath one of the trees on Palatine Hill is also something that comes highly recommended.
It is a great plan in the afternoon when walking in the neighborhood makes you feel hungry, the best place to eat is in the cool shade of the Colosseum.
Once you finish with your meal, your way forward is actually rather simple, and if you are ahead of the busy lunch hour, it means that you will not have to wait.
If you think of ordering dishes, don’t hesitate – your waiters will help you find the best options for the local cuisine.
Soon you’ll be ready to continue your journey into the heart of Roman life.
Do You Know? Rome has a number of fountains with the highest density in Europe and a large number of churches, around 900.
Don’t Forget the Pantheon and Piazza Navona
If you are planning a day in Rome Colosseum and the surrounding area, the Pantheon simply must be on your list.
This ancient place of worship is best visited in the afternoon when you want to have a break from the sunshine.
Step inside and you will be able to gaze in wonder at the largest unsupported concrete dome roof in the world.
Once the site of the Stadium of Domitian in the 1st century AD, today the Piazza Navona is an elegantly appointed square that is home to stunning waterworks.
Chief among them is the iconic Fountain of the Four Rivers which is a must-see for any lover of Italian architecture and design.
Finish With a Stroll Along the Via dei Fori Imperiali
The Via dei Fori Imperiali is an inspired finishing point for a day you and your fellow travelers will never forget.
As you take in the sight of the Colosseum illuminated in all its glory, you get a real sense of what Rome truly means.
Create a timeless memory of the perfect day in Ancient Romeby slowing the shutter speed on your camera so you can fully capture the elegance of the lights.
A bite to eat at one of the many restaurants before you head home would also be an inspired choice.
Final Thoughts
Planning ahead and enjoying the unique insights only a guided tour can provide will help you put together the right Colosseum Roman Forum itinerary.
Make plenty of time for photos, contemplation, and relaxation and the day will fit together exactly how you wish.
