Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum was the centre of public life in ancient Rome: temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and the Senate House, now a field of evocative ruins. Above it, the Palatine Hill, where Rome was said to be founded and the emperors built their palaces, has gardens with views over the Forum and the Circus Maximus.

Entry is included in the Colosseum ticket. There's little shade, so bring water and a hat in summer. For the classic view over the Forum for free, go to the terraces behind the Capitoline Hill.