Exploring Ancient Rome

Underground Rome

• Domus Aurea: The opulent palace of Roman emperor Nero, hidden beneath modern Rome. This is an active archaeological site where you can observe ongoing recovery and restoration work. Domus Aurea is accessible exclusively with a guided tour reservation.

• Stadium of Domitian: Escape the crowds at the Colosseum and discover this lesser-known ancient Roman stadium sitting below Piazza Navona, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman sports. Be sure to get the audio guide at entry if exploring on your own.

• Roman Houses of the Celio Hill: Venture off the beaten path to uncover the remarkably preserved remains of these once-grand residences, providing a window into the daily lives of wealthy Romans. Information posted around the archaeological site is not the best, so consider visiting with a guide or opt for the audio guide available on site.

• Catacombs: Journey beneath the city to explore the intricate underground burial sites including the Catacombs of San Sebastián, Catacombs of San Callisto and Catacombs of Domitilla.

Walk Through History

• Appian Way: Rent a bike or walk along the first and most famous of the ancient Roman roads, lined with tombs and ruins, for a scenic journey beyond the usual tourist routes. Join a bike or scooter tour to Parco degli Acquedotti for a full day of adventure along this historic road.

• Largo Di Torre Argentina: Discover this archaeological site, which is rumored to be the location of Julius Caesar’s assassination. The site houses a well-preserved temple complex and serves as a cat sanctuary today amidst Rome’s bustling center.

• Palantine Hill: Ascend the birthplace of Rome and explore the sprawling ruins of palaces inhabited by emperors, offering stunning panoramic views and centuries of Roman history. Entry is included on the same ticket as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, but many visitors skip this site entirely. Information is not readily available, so consider hiring a guide to unlock the history and significance this site offers.

• Teatro di Marcello: Take a step back in time at this impressive ancient theater, providing a lesser-known alternative to the Colosseum for history buffs and architecture lovers.

• Baths of Caracalla: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the sprawling remains of this Roman bath complex, which boasted lavish thermal baths, statues, gardens and ancient wellness activities.

Familiar Favorites

• Colosseum: Step into the famous gladiator arena that awed Ancient Rome. If visiting the Colosseum is on your list, be sure to plan ahead! Pre-purchase tickets online and consider a small group guided tour for skip-the-line access and in-depth historical insights. Arrive early in the day to beat peak crowds.

• Roman Forum: Explore the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. This vast archaeological site is filled with temples, arches and senate buildings. Combine your ticket and guided tour with the Colosseum.

• Pantheon: Marvel at the architectural wonder of the perfectly preserved temple. For a less crowded experience, go right when it opens or near closing time. Since the Pantheon is a religious site, don’t forget to dress appropriately — shoulders and knees should be fully covered for all visitors.

Day Trips

• Ostia Antica: Often considered the “Pompeii of Rome,” this incredibly preserved site offers visitors the opportunity to wander the excavated streets and remnants of daily life of a once-bustling ancient Roman port city. And the best part? Few travelers seem to know about it (yet).

• Hadrian’s Villa: Prepare to be in awe as you explore a Roman emperor’s luxurious retreat, featuring temples, gardens, thermal baths and other architectural wonders.

Ancient Roman Eats

Pancrazio dal 1922: Visitors can dine alongside ancient ruins, as this restaurant houses the archaeological site of the Teatro Di Pompeo built in 66 BC.

Ristorante Spirito DiVino: Famous sculptures, now in the Vatican Museums, were discovered in this wine cellar dating back to 80 BC.

L’Archeologia: Built upon an archaeological site, the restaurant’s wine cellar is housed in a first-century AD tomb.

Ristorante Hostaria Antica Roma: This restaurant serves up dishes from ancient recipes and methods inside of a mausoleum built over 2000 years ago.

McDonalds near Piazza di Spagna: Inside this location of the fast food chain, you can find a colorful ancient Roman mosaic.

Views of Ancient Rome

The Court at Palazzo Manfredi: Cocktail bar on an outdoor terrace with views of the Colosseum.

47 Circus Roof Garden: Restaurant overlooking the Circus Maximus.

NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali - Secret View Bar: Cocktail bar with views of the Roman Forum.