Ancient Rome on foot
A day in Rome — 6 stops, about 2.79 km on foot, 38 minutes walking.
A compact day through the archaeological core, from the Colosseum up Palatine Hill and down into the forums, with a wine bar break in the middle. About 1.5 km of walking in total, though the ruins themselves add plenty more. Suits anyone who wants one dense day of ancient Rome rather than a scattered itinerary.
The route, in order
Colosseum
Opens 08:30
Start here at opening, before the queues build and before the open ground gets hot.
5 min walk — Head east
Arch of Constantine
Opens 00:00
Two minutes from the Colosseum exit, the arch stands on the way toward the hill — worth a pause for the reliefs.
11 min walk — Head west toward Via di S. Gregorio
Palatine Hill
Opens 09:00
The climb up takes you above the ruins, with palace remains and views down over the Forum and Circus Maximus.
11 min walk — Head northeast
Iari The Vino
Opens 12:00
A wine bar break after the hill, timed for when it opens at midday and you have earned the sit-down.
4 min walk — Head southwest on Via Frangipane toward Via del Colosseo
Roman Forum
Opens 09:00
Come back down into the Forum in the afternoon, when the light is lower and the crowds have thinned somewhat.
7 min walk — Head northwest on Via della Salara Vecchia
Trajan's Forum
Opens 09:00
The last stretch, past Trajan's Column, closes the day where the imperial forums end and the modern city begins.