What to do near the Colosseum in Rome
If you’re thinking about what to do near the Colosseum, you’ve come to the right place. Spend a full day checking out the Roman Forum, Circo Massimo, and other nearby areas for a historic adventure. Just by wandering around, you’ll find ancient temples, buildings, and fountains. You’ll probably spend a full day wandering and exploring all the sites and getting lunch. Visit Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto on your way here and then head over to Piazza Venezia after you’re done with all the sites.
Map
Historic sites near the Colosseum
Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill
It goes without saying that you must see the Colosseum. Palatine Hill is the founding site of the city in Greek mythology. This is where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf, Lupa. The Roman Forum is an excavated area of roman temples, government buildings, and piazzas. These iconic buildings are beautiful at night when spotlights illuminate the site so definitely return for an evening stroll.
Tickets to the Colosseum include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Get them from the official site here. Cost €18
Circo Massimo
The Temple of Hercules Victor is an amazing monument. It’s one of my favorite temples in Rome. It seems simple but I love the circular temple on the banks of the Tiber. It is one of the oldest buildings in Rome and is thought to be the work of the Greek architect Hermodoros of Salamin. Free entrance.
La Bocca della Verita
Stick your hand in the La Bocca della Verità, the Mouth of Truth—a marble sculpture of a man’s face. Legend has it that if you told a lie with your hand in the Mouth of Truth, your hand would be chopped off! The origin of the marble face is unknown, though there are suggestions of it being a part of an ancient fountain, church, or even a manhole cover. You’ll likely stand in line, but it moves quickly as people just want a photo and then leave. Cost €2
Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo
The Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo is a 4th-century church with beautiful artwork and golden rooms. Free entrance.
Basilica of San Clemente
Basilica of San Clemente was built over a pagan temple and features frescos and mosaics. There is an archeological site that will cost you €10, but visiting the church itself is free.
A little out of the way
A 15 minutes walk from the Colosseum will take you to the Lateran Obelisk and the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. The Lateran Obelisk is a 15th century BC Egyptian obelisk that was excavated from Circo Massimo in 1587. The Basilica was founded in the early part of the 4th century and is the first Roman basilica. Free entrance. Modesty wraps are offered if your clothing exposes too much…
Additionally, the Lateran Palace used to be the official residence of popes.
Nibs
If you’re eating around the Colosseum, expect to pay a little more for everything. I’m including the places I’ve dined at around here. Besides the area kinda behind the Colosseum (Via di S. Giovanni and side streets), you can head to Via Cavour for a ton of restaurants aimed at tourists. Via Cavour has not really appealed to me, but you should know it’s there.
Naumachia Ristorante—nautical-themed restaurant with good basic pastas.
Ristorante Colosseo “Luzzi” —staple pizza and pasta dishes.
Cafè Cafè—I’ve stopped here for a coffee break (so I can’t comment on the food!)
Ai Tre Scalini – If you’re up for a light, 10-minute walk, check out Ai Tre Scalini. It’s also a wonderful dinner restaurant so you could end your day here. Book a table because this place fills up! The menu is amazing. I’d had the best buffalo mozzarella of my life here. I recommend this spot for dinner because the vibes are just so on point for a small Italian eatery.