Ancient Rome in three hours

The route, stop by stop

1. 1
   Piazza del Campidoglio

   Up Michelangelo's ramp, then round the right-hand side of the palace for the terrace over the Forum. Free, and the best orientation in Rome.

   20 min here Walk here →
2. 2
   Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

   Enter from Via dei Fori Imperiali and climb the Palatine first while your legs are fresh — the hill is where the shade and the views are.

   70 min here Read guide → Get tickets on Tiqets → Walk here →
3. 3
   Colosseum

   Your timed slot. The second tier is included in the standard ticket; the arena floor and the underground are a separate, pricier one.

   40 min here Read guide → Get tickets on Tiqets → Walk here →
4. 4
   Basilica di San Clemente

   Seven minutes east and the quietest thing on this walk: a 12th-century church over a 4th-century one over a Mithraic temple, all three walkable.

   25 min here Walk here →