The Colosseum is one of the 7 wonders of the world and welcomes over 7 million visitors annually. This iconic site is on the bucket list of everyone traveling to Italy. However, with such fame, comes complexity.
Hence, it is essential to plan your visit for a delightful and unforgettable experience. In this article, we will share the most important tips for visiting Colosseum and some well-kept insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Always Book Your Colosseum Tickets Online Much Ahead of Your Planned Visit Date
The Colosseum is one of the most popular landmarks in the world, and the tickets sell out weeks in advance. Be it the entry ticket or special access tour, there is always a high demand for Colosseum tickets especially during the peak tourist months in summer.
While entry tickets are available on the day of the visit at the venue, there are long queues and the waiting time can exceed over an hour. Moreover, there is no guarantee that you can secure your tickets after the long wait.
Hence, to skip the waiting time and last-minute disappointment, you should always book your Colosseum tickets online. This makes your trip hassle-free and pleasant.
Online booking also offers you the convenience of going through various ticket options before picking the one that suits you best and the best discounts and deals. In addition, you also get the flexibility to choose your preferred time slot ensuring there is no wait.
2. Book a Guided Tour of the Colosseum for a more informative visit.
Guided tours offer the most comprehensive touring experience. On this tour, a local expert will lead a small group around the Colosseum and share his/her insights on this ancient marvel. They will narrate interesting tales from the time of gladiators, share secrets of Roman engineering and make the tour more engaging and interesting than exploring alone.
If you plan to visit restricted areas like the arena and underground, it is only possible on a guided tour. These licensed guides will help you navigate through these special access areas and offer a complete tour of the Colosseum.
In addition, when you book a guided tour, you get a dedicated entrance. Hence, you do not have to wait to enter the attraction.
There are various types of guided tours available to help you choose the one that suits you best. You can choose from various types of access, group sizes, and also language of the tour.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes and Clothes
A visit to Colosseum involves a lot of walking including climbing stairs and navigating through uneven levels. Hence, opting for comfortable clothing and footwear is an absolute necessity. Wearing suitable footwear makes walking around the different uneven levels of the Colosseum a breezy affair.
Wear comfortable clothes, made of light and breathable material when visiting during the warmer months. During the colder months, carry a jacket or a sweater to cover up as the Colosseum is an open-air monument and thus gets cold during the later times of the day.
4. Plan to spend at least 3 hours exploring the Colosseum
The Colosseum is a huge attraction, with layers of history to explore. Spend at least three hours to appreciate the intricate details of this ancient landmark. During this time you can explore two levels of underground area, an arena, two levels of seating area and the Colosseum museum.
Each floor requires careful attention, especially the special access areas, like the underground and the arena. If you have already booked your tickets, we recommend you arrive 15 minutes before the booked timeslot to enter the area on time after the security checks. If not, then allow an hour or two to get the tickets at the venue.
Once inside, spend 30 to 45 minutes each at the underground and arena. Allow 1 hour for the seating area, and 30 minutes to click pictures and explore the museum. If you wish to cover all the areas in just 2 hours, opt for a guided tour. It is perfect for visitors who are low on time but wish to explore all the areas and gain insights.
We recommend you take your time and don’t rush through the Colosseum, as you might miss some of its interesting details and stories.
5. Always Plan your visit on Weekdays especially from Tuesday to Thursday
Tuesdays and Thursdays are the best days of the week to visit the Colosseum for a crowd-free visit. While weekdays generally see fewer visitors than weekends, these mid-week days witness the least footfall, making it the perfect time for a peaceful experience. The wait time at the entrance is also short during these days.
Visiting early in the morning during Tuesdays and Thursdays lets you have a private touring experience. The crowd does not arrive until 10.30 am giving you almost 2 hours to explore the Colosseum without the buzzing tourists.
6. Avoid the Free Colosseum Visit on the Month’s first Sunday unless you are ready to face a huge crowd
On the first Sunday of every month, you can visit the Colosseum for free. Visiting the Colosseum for free sounds very tempting, but this attracts thousands of visitors on the same day. The waiting lines are extremely long and all the areas inside are stuffed with guests. This means you have less space to move around and enjoy visiting the Colosseum.
Also, the arena and underground tours are closed on the free admission days. Hence, you can only visit a part of the Colosseum and the wait for this might not be worth it. Instead, book your skip-the-line tickets on a weekday and enjoy a private, crowd-free visit.
7. Time your Colosseum Visit Properly: Visit during the early morning or Late afternoon
Early morning or late afternoon visits are perfect for many reasons. The crowd is comparatively less than the rest of the day and the temperature is cool and comfortable, making walking around easy and pleasant.
Book your ticket for the first timeslot of the day and arrive 15 minutes before the Colosseum opens. This way you can be one of the first guests to tour Colosseum. If you can not make it early in the morning, plan your visit after 3 p.m. While crowds during these times are higher than early mornings, it is still relatively free compared to mid-day crowds.
The lighting during these times is a bonus for the photographers as they can capture the Colosseum in its full grandeur and glory.
Read our article on Colosseum Opening Hours to know the best time to visit and the tour duration required.
8. If you are exploring on your own, plan and prioritize what you want to see before you visit.
The Colosseum is a huge site, with 5 different levels to visit. A clear plan is a must if you are planning to explore it on your own, without a guide.
Decide in advance which areas you want to see. The upper levels are famous for the view and the arena is famous for its rich history and the gladiator stories. Having an idea of what your personal preferences are, will help you choose the right ticket and time for your visit, making your experience wholesome and stress-free.
If you plan to visit all the areas, start with the arena, then head to the underground and then the seating areas. You can wrap up the tour with a visit to the museum. After visiting the Colosseum, if you have time you can visit Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Else, come back the next day to visit them.
To make a perfect visit plan before your trip, read our articles on How to reach the Colosseum and Colosseum Entrances.
9. Use the Colosseum Map to navigate your way
With its many pathways, walking through the Colosseum can be slightly overwhelming. That is why having a map handy for the visit is a must. The map will help make sure that you do not miss any important areas like the arena floor, upper floors and the underground.
It also has information on which gate to use for your specific ticket, where the restrooms are located, and where the elevators are. All this information makes your visit much more convenient and well-organized.
Learn more about the Colosseum Map.
10. Do not forget to visit the nearby attractions
The Colosseum is a part of a larger historical area. Other sights included in this area are the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The Roman Forum was where the main political, religious, and cultural activities took place in ancient Rome. It is said that Rome was founded on Palatine Hill, and you can see the city and the Forum from here. Other beautiful landmarks here include the Arch of Constantine, Piazza Venezia and Vittorio Emanuele II Monument.
Visiting all of these attractions will give you a more detailed and wholesome idea of the rich past of Rome.
These attractions are located right near the Colosseum exit gate. You can either visit them on the same day or come back the next day. Most entry ticket to the Colosseum also offers you 48 hours to visit the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Mamertine Prison for a complete experience.
11. Have a light meal before starting your Colosseum tour and bring an empty water bottle with you.
Starting the tour with a small bite will help to build up energy for exploring the Colosseum. As there is a lot of physical strain involved in exploring the area, it is advised to have a quick meal before you arrive.
Carrying an empty water bottle is also important. Outside food and drinks (including water) are not allowed inside the Colosseum. However, there are plenty of water fountains in the Colosseum where you can fill your bottle and stay hydrated throughout your time there.
If you plan to have a meal near the Colosseum, check our restaurant recommendations to find the best dining options, rooftop restaurants, cheap takeout spots, the best gelato near the Colosseum, and more.