Morning: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Start early, when it is cooler and the queues are shorter. The Colosseum Archaeological Park ticket usually also includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill; it is best to buy it online in advance, especially in high season. On the way out, stop at the Arch of Constantine, right next to the amphitheatre.
Bring water, comfortable shoes and a hat: there is a lot of walking between the Forum and the Palatine, often in the sun.
Lunch 300 metres from the Colosseum
From the Colosseum, simply walk up Via di San Giovanni in Laterano: at number 48, about 300 metres away, is Ristorante Pizzeria Volare, with outdoor tables that still look onto the Colosseum. For a quick lunch there is pizza; to taste Rome, try the carbonara, cacio e pepe or Roman-style artichokes. We are open from 12:00 to 23:00, every day.
Afternoon: San Clemente and St. John Lateran
Further along the same street is the Basilica of San Clemente, one of Rome's surprises: beneath the medieval church you go down into an older basilica and, deeper still, into buildings from Roman times.
At the end of the street stands the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome, with the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa) next to it. If you still have energy, walk up to the green Caelian Hill and Villa Celimontana.
Evening: dinner near the Colosseum
At sunset the illuminated Colosseum is a sight to see. For dinner, head back towards the amphitheatre and take your time at the table: a starter, a Roman pasta, a main course and dessert. All dishes are on the menu; in the evening, especially for an outdoor table, it is best to book.