Welcome to Ancient Rome
Making the Most of Your Time
This area is relatively compact, but extremely rich in history with plenty to see. Serious history buffs should allow a full day to do the area justice, including an hour in the Colosseum, a few hours in the Forum and on the Palatine Hill, and a couple more hours in the Musei Capitolini. Even for ancient Rome experts, taking a tour can be helpful, but be sure to book a guide in advance instead of picking up one of those trying to shill their expertise on-site.
The longest line in Rome, aside from the one at the Vatican Museums, is at the Colosseum, so book a timed slot online ahead of time (www.coopculture.it). Even with timed entrances, the security line can be long and the interior crowded. From April through October and on weekends year-round, it's usually best to try and book your visit for before 10 am or for an hour or so before closing, when many tour buses have started to depart. There is little to no shade in the Forum, so it gets very hot and dusty in summertime—another reason to either go early or start late.
Outside of the main tourism area, make sure to give yourself some time to explore the neighborhood of Monti itself, which surrounds the Colosseum, with its artisinal shops, fine trattorias, and high-end boutiques—the best of old and new Rome, all in one tiny, proud rione (district).
Top Reasons to Go
The Colosseum: Clamber up the stands above the imperial box and imagine the gory games as Trajan saw them.
The Roman Forum: Walk through crumbling, romantic ruins—a trip back 2,000 plus years—to the heart of one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen.
The Campidoglio: Watch the sun go down over the Forum from the Campidoglio, the best view in town.
Capitoline Museums: See eye-to-eye with the ancients—the busts of emperors and philosophers are more real than ideal.
Getting Here
The Colosseo Metro station is right across from the Colosseum and a short walk from both the Roman and Imperial forums, as well as the Palatine Hill. Walking from the very heart of the historic center will take about 20 minutes, much of it along the wide Via dei Fori Imperiali. The little electric Bus No. 117 from the center or No. 175 from Termini will also deliver you to the Colosseum's doorstep. Any of the following buses will take you to or near the Roman Forum: Nos. 60, 75, 85, 95, and 175.
Quick Bites
Fatamorgana. A short walk from the Roman Forum, this small Roman chain serves excellent gelato, including familiar favorites and adventurous flavors such as Gorgonzola, olive, and tobacco. A bench outside offers relief after a day of walking. Piazza degli Zingari 5, Monti, Rome, Latium. 06/48906855; www.gelateriafatamorgana.com.
