Roman history geek? This one’s for you. 🌍
If you’re a history lover – or just someone who appreciates fine architecture – a trip to Rome is a dream come true. Literally the heart of one of the oldest civilizations in the world, many of the ancient Roman structures from centuries ago are still standing today. And the best part is — they’re yours to explore! Lace up your travel boots, get your (Google) maps ready, and keep reading to begin your journey to the world of ancient Rome.
Start at the Colosseum
You can’t explore ancient Roman buildings without starting at the Colosseum. It’s the landmark that probably brought you here in the first place. Built in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, this giant amphitheater could hold over 50,000 spectators for awesome gladiator fights.
Plus, it’s located at the city center right beside other famous monuments, so it’s easy to get from one place to the next. Save energy for the next stops (there are plenty!) and skip the line at the Colosseum by securing your tickets in advance.
Klook Tip: The Colosseum opens as early as 8:30 AM, so we recommend taking an early breakfast and heading straight here to avoid the crowds.
Wander the ancient forum
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash
Once you're inside, walk over to the Roman Forum—a dense cluster of ruins that once buzzed with public speeches, markets, and processions. Think of it as ancient Rome’s main street lined with ancient Roman buildings. Highlights include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
The Forum grew over centuries, starting in the 7th century BC, and remained the city’s center until the fall of the Empire. If this sounds interesting to you, this may be your sign to have a guided tour experience to fully immerse yourself in this world. It’s in the same area as the Palatine Hill, so all you have to do is walk over to your next stop.
Climb Palatine Hill
Legend says Romulus founded Rome on this very hill in 753 BC after (allegedly) killing his twin brother Remus. Today, Palatine Hill is a peaceful green space dotted with the ruins of imperial palaces.
Notable places here are the Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia—massive palaces that once housed emperors. The views overlooking the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum are worth the climb.
Klook Tip: Bring a bottle of water—the hill can be hot and dry, especially midday. You can refill them in the drinking fountains (called “nasoni”) located around the city.
Discover the Baths of Caracalla
This massive, lesser-visited ruin is a little below 20 minutes away on foot, but it feels like a hidden secret. The Baths of Caracalla were completed in 216 AD and could hold 1,600 bathers. Bath houses at this time were full-blown leisure centers with libraries, gyms, and gardens. Today, art or music installations can usually be found inside the ruins.
Now, if you’re interested in Roman art (think painters like Caravaggio and Titian), it’s worth checking out the Doria Pamphilj Gallery at the Piazza d'Aracoeli roughly a 1 km walk away from the Colosseum. It’s an extensive collection of paintings by the greats, and you can easily spend an afternoon there.
Visit the Capitoline Hill and the Tabularium
As you circle back toward the city center, head up Capitoline Hill—one of Rome’s original seven hills. Designed by Michelangelo in the Renaissance, the square itself is stunning. But the real ancient gem here is the Tabularium at the edge of the Capitoline Hill, just near the Capitoline Museums.
Built in 78 BC, the Tabularium once held Rome’s public records and offers one of the best views of the Forum from above.
Explore the Victor Emmanuel II Monument & Piazza Venezia
Nicknamed the “Wedding Cake” for its grand, white marble design, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument is a national symbol of modern Italy. Located in front of Capitoline Hill and just near the Pantheon, it would be a shame to miss out on this elegant piece of architecture. Plus, Piazza Venezia itself has ancient roots—this was once part of the city’s key crossroads. If you’d love a deeper dive into this part of the city, guided walking tours are available.
Climb to the terrace of the monument for sweeping views of Rome. You’ll spot many of the ancient Roman buildings you’ve already visited, plus the dome of the Pantheon from a distance. There’s an elevator to the top (€12 or approximately 13.70 USD), but the lower terrace is free and already offers amazing views.
Snap photos of the unmissable Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the most awe-inspiring buildings in all of Rome—and it’s still standing strong after nearly 2,000 years. Originally built by Agrippa around 27 BC and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD, this temple-turned-church has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
The Oculus at the top is a must-see for any visitor. When it rains, the water just drains through the slightly convex floor—ancient engineering at its finest. One of the most popular landmarks of Rome, it can get crowded pretty easily. You can get your Pantheon tickets online before your trip to explore fuss-free. Trust us, you’ll want the time to admire this!
Head to the final stop: Teatro di Marcello
Many travelers miss this gem even though it’s almost right next to the Tiber River. The Teatro di Marcello was started by Julius Caesar and finished by Augustus in 13 BC. It looks like a baby Colosseum and once held musical performances and plays. It's free to walk around the exterior. Go just before sunset for stunning light and to get those IG-worthy pics.
End the day with dinner at Trastevere
Photo by Daniele Salutari on Unsplash
Cross the nearby Ponte Fabricio (Rome’s oldest bridge, 62 BC) and wander into Trastevere. A cozy neighborhood filled with great eateries, speakeasies, and bars, it’s the perfect place to wrap up your ancient Roman adventure. You can join a Trastevere food tour, unwind with a spritz, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the nightlife in this area.
Take a day trip to Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli
If you’re staying in Rome for a few extra days and want to go beyond the city’s core, Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) in Tivoli is worth considering. It’s about 50 minutes away from Rome by car. Built in the 2nd century AD by Emperor Hadrian, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On this site, you’ll see how the rich and powerful lived and vacationed during Ancient Rome. Covering more than 250 acres, the villa includes palaces, libraries, baths, temples, and even a private version of the Pantheon. Consider this option if you’d like to explore sprawling gardens and ancient architecture away from the crowds.
As the saying goes — Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t rush the process of exploring! If you have the luxury of staying for a few days, take your time to savor the sights, veer off course now and then, and remember: there’s no wrong way to discover the Eternal City.
FAQs
What’s the oldest Roman building still standing?
The Pantheon is often cited as one of the oldest still-functioning ancient Roman buildings, especially since it has been in continuous use for nearly 2,000 years. However, earlier ruins like the Temple of Hercules Victor and remains in the Roman Forum date back to the 2nd–3rd centuries BC.
What was the largest Roman building ever built?
The Circus Maximus was the largest building in ancient Rome. It stretched over 600 meters in length and could hold an estimated 250,000 spectators—nearly a quarter of the city’s population at its peak!
What is the most popular Roman architecture?
The Colosseum easily takes the crown as the most famous piece of ancient Roman buildings, followed closely by the Pantheon for its engineering brilliance. Both are must-sees and perfectly showcase Rome’s architectural innovation.
What are the best Roman ruins?
Top picks include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Hadrian’s Villa, and the Pantheon.
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