Under 5 minutes
- The Arch of Constantine: built in 315 next to the Colosseum, it can be seen freely from the square.
- The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill: the Forum entrance is a couple of steps away, via di San Gregorio for the Palatine. The Colosseum ticket also gives access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill (see Colosseum tickets compared).
- Colle Oppio: a park on the hill north of the amphitheatre, with lawns and benches; a good spot for a picnic.
5 to 10 minutes away
- The Basilica of San Clemente: the Basilica of San Clemente stacks a medieval church, a 4th-century church and a Roman mithraeum, as you go down to the lower levels. An ideal site for understanding the layers of Rome.
- The Domus Aurea: Nero's palace, on the Colle Oppio, must be booked: see the Domus Aurea page.
- San Pietro in Vincoli: the church that holds Michelangelo's Moses; see St Peter in Chains and our article Michelangelo in Rome.
10 minutes or a little more
- The Celio: a quiet district of gardens and churches, with the Roman houses of the Celio and the Villa Celimontana. See also the Celio.
- Trajan's Markets and Trajan's Column: about 15 minutes on foot along via dei Fori Imperiali, with the Imperial Forums Museum and Trajan's Column.
- Monti: the Monti district, with its shops and small squares; see Monti.
- The Circus Maximus: about 15 minutes on foot, at the foot of the Palatine; see Circus Maximus.
A half-day itinerary
- Arrive at the Colosseum at 8:30 (ticket booked).
- Roman Forum and Palatine with the same ticket, until midday.
- Lunch in Monti or the Celio.
- Afternoon: San Clemente, then San Pietro in Vincoli.
- End the day at Colle Oppio, or dine in Monti.
Distance table
| Site | Walk from the Colosseum | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Arch of Constantine | 1 min | Free |
| Roman Forum | 3 min | With the Colosseum ticket |
| Colle Oppio | 5 min | Free |
| San Clemente | 5 min | Basilica free, lower levels paid |
| Domus Aurea | 8 min | Paid, booking |
| San Pietro in Vincoli | 10 min | Free |
| Celio | 10 min | Free |
| Trajan's Markets | 15 min | Paid |
Getting to the Colosseum and away from it
Colosseo metro (lines B and C) opens opposite the monument. For buses, tickets and trips to other districts, read getting around Rome. Note too that around the Colosseum fake gladiators ask for money for photos: see scams to avoid in Rome.
