Colosseo

The apex of ancient Rome
Tipple of choice: Head to Caffe Propaganda behind the Colosseum (Via Claudia, 15) for a trendy Sicilian lunch away from the crowds.

Passing through this district you are in the working heart of ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, one of the chief marvels of the ancient world, where gladiators met their bloody death for your entertainment. Walking onwards you enter the Roman Forum where political battles were fought in the Senate and punishments were meted out to naked victims. And then up Palantine Hill, where according to myth, Romulus first founded Rome.
That isn't to mention Campidoglio, or Capitoline Hill, Michelangelo's Renaissance piazza or the enormous Vittorio Emanuele Monument Piazza Venezia - also known as the wedding cake - from where Mussolini used to harangue Romans.

Around all of this architectural pomp and ancient spectacle is the rushing, dirty, real world: cars honk and smoke, men trade and banter, and life continues, as if oblivious to the majesty surrounding it.