What are some of the places to visit near Colosseum?
Hey all, we just got our tickets for the Colosseum (phew, that was stressful!). We have the whole afternoon free after our tour. What else is right there? I know the Forum is nearby, but what are the other can’t-miss spots within easy walking distance? Don’t want to waste time on a bus.
My vote is definitely for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill! They are physically connected to the Colosseum—it’s essentially one massive archaeological park. Honestly, don’t rush it. I remember being blown away by the sheer scale of the Forum; it really felt like walking through ancient Rome’s downtown. Plus, you can’t beat the views from Palatine Hill. Take your time climbing up there, find a bench, and soak in the panorama over the whole complex. It was a great contrast to the indoor feel of the Colosseum.
Palatine Hill is essential for those panoramic shots, but if you’re looking for something that feels a bit more “hidden” and less touristy, walk about 10 minutes past the Forum toward the huge white wedding-cake building. You’ll find the Basilica of San Clemente. This place is incredible because you can go three historical layers deep! We literally walked down through a medieval church, then into a 4th-century basilica, and finally down to a 1st-century Roman house and Mithraic temple. Goosebumps — such a unique way to experience the layers of Roman history.
While you’re near the Forum, don’t forget to pay attention to the street you’re standing on! Just behind the Colosseum (look near Via di San Giovanni in Laterano), you can actually see the remains of the Ludus Magnus — the main gladiator training school. You can’t enter it, but peering down at the ruins you can imagine the gladiators walking through the tunnel to the arena. It really connects the visit.
We went to the Capitoline Museums on our first visit, atop Capitoline Hill — world-class. The piazza was designed by Michelangelo and feels grand. But even if you don’t go inside, follow the path behind the main piazza: there’s a viewing platform with an absolutely stunning view directly over the entire Roman Forum. Perfect photo spot and totally free.
My personal favourite side-trip (nice uphill walk): Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains). This is where you’ll find Michelangelo’s massive Moses — breathtaking in the quiet church setting. The chains of St. Peter are there too, but the statue is the showstopper. A peaceful break from the ruins.
If your legs still have juice after the Forum and Palatine, head to Piazza Venezia and the huge Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (Altare della Patria). It’s newer, yes, but the perspective is unbeatable. Pay a small fee for the glass elevator (Terrazza delle Quadrighe) to the very top — the sunset view over the Forum and Colosseum is unreal.
Tip for combining sites: If your Colosseum slot is in the morning, prioritize the Forum and Palatine for the remaining daylight — they close earlier than the outside areas around the Colosseum. Always double-check same-day closing times so you don’t get stuck at the gate.
Not exactly “nearby” like the Forum, but totally doable the same day: the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s not a walk — hop on Metro Line B from Colosseo to Termini, switch to Line A toward Battistini, and get off at Ottaviano/S. Pietro. We finished the Colosseum by 11:30 AM and made a 2:30 PM Vatican tour. Long day, worth it.