Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

One of the seven wonders of the world, the Colosseum is the sight to see in Rome…for everyone.

You can imagine what that means, lines and crowds. Don’t fret, heed this pro tip: purchase your ticket at the Palatine Hill ticket booth, right across the way from the line cued up at the Colosseum. I was hesitant, how could this tiny line right across the way be the actual ticket line? It’s not a scam. Tickets are combined for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (12 euro, valid for 2 days) – so you can buy the ticket at any entrance. So head to the short line, don’t waste any time.

Inside there were a lot of people, it felt a bit crowded at times, but then you would find pockets of space to yourself. It really is a shocking structure, the size, the masonry, the history.

I loved reading every tidbit of historical information, it brought back all of the readings and media I have ingested throughout the years. Imagining this place flooded for a naval battle, envisioning elephants, Emperor Nero, the ludi…it all came rushing back and I was learning new and interesting facts.

Make sure to explore all of the levels, see the exhibits within the passageways, bring water, and a hat!

The Roman Forum feels like an ancient pop up book. There are so many unique structures haphazardly pressed into a rectangle, it’s amazing to walk through.

Even without a knowledge or love for history it can be pleasing to walk through the wildflower ridden ruins of Palatine Hill, where Rome was born.

The area is so expansive you can actually find some solitude among the well-preserved structures.

The sweeping views from the top of the hill into the city are stunning.

There is so much to see outside, almost too much, that walking into the museum which houses artifacts from the site was a bit overwhelming.

However, it’s free with admission and great to get out of the sun for a little while, so make of it what you will.

Pane & Vino [Via Ostilia, 10, 00184 Roma, Italy] is a tasty and affordable nearby lunch serving simple sandwiches.

Honestly, I didn’t plan on visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill…but they came with the ticket package and I ended up really enjoying them both. Thoroughly exploring these sites, which are all within a short walking distance of one another, can take up to a half-day.