How To Visit The Colosseum in Rome
When you visit the beautiful city of Rome one of the most iconic places to see is the Roman Colosseum. So in this guide, we tell you how to visit the Colosseum in Rome, the best time to go and what to do and not to do when you get there.
The Colosseum is one of the most popular and well-known attractions in the world, not just in Rome. Below we give you tips when you visit this fantastic location. You can see our general guide on visiting Rome here...
Visiting The Colosseum:
- Book Tickets in Advance: To skip long lines, we recommend purchasing tickets online before your visit. As you can imagine crowds can be big and long, especially during peak season.
- Visit Early or Late: The Colosseum is less crowded in the early morning or late afternoon, which provides a more enjoyable experience. exploring the amazing interior is much more atmospheric when other tourists do not crowd you out.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The site involves a lot of walking as there is a lot to explore and sink in, so wear comfortable footwear.
- Stay Hydrated: Rome can get very hot, especially in summer. Bring water to stay hydrated during your visit.
- Learn the History: You can learn the Colosseum's history before visiting to enhance your appreciation of the site. The Colosseum is currently undergoing meticulous restoration and it is fascinating looking at the structure where you can see the before and after.
- Use a Guide or Audio Tour: One option is to use guides or audio tours, these can provide valuable insights into the Colosseum's rich history and architecture.
- Respect the Rules: Follow all posted rules and regulations to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
- Explore the Surrounding Area: Visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill nearby for a complete ancient Roman experience.
- Capture Memories: Don't forget your camera! The Colosseum offers stunning photo opportunities.
How to get to The Colosseum:
The address is Piazza del Colosseo the nearest metro stop is Colosseo, which is just in front. Also, you can get buses 117, 51, 75, 85, 87, 3 (tram). All the buses serving Piazza Venezia are also convenient as it is just a 7-minute walk from the Colosseum.
Opening Hours: According to the official website, the Colosseum opening hours currently for 2023 are:
- 26th March to 31st August: 9 am to 9.15 pm (last entrance at 6.15 pm)
- 1st September to 30th September: 9 am to 7 pm
- 1st October to 30th October: 9.00 am to 6.30 pm
- 31st October to 31st December: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm
Entrance to the Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of each month. On these days, tickets can only be purchased at the Colosseum ticket office, on a first come first served basis.
The Colosseum is also free on the 2nd of June (Republic Day) and the 4th of November, but it is closed on the 25th of December (Christmas Day) and the 1st of January (New Year's Day).
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Not all tickets allow access to all areas: choosing in advance what is and is not interesting for you is important to avoid any disappointment. There are various types of tickets -
General access: this is the most basic ticket, and it allows entrance to the Colosseum and its exhibition. You can see the Colosseum inside but cannot step onto the arena or access the underground area.
Arena floor: this is the main area, the stage of the theatre.
Here you can stand where the gladiators battled, see the original seats and get a glance at the underground area, excavated just below.
The underground: This part of the Colosseum is where props and animals were kept, as well as the area where gladiators used to wait to do battle. Having a guide for these areas is recommended to get all the facts and history involved.
Remember the general admission ticket to the Colosseum doesn’t include access to the arena, the underground area and Level 3 of the Colosseum. To visit these areas, you need to book a special ticket or a guided tour.
Please note: To maximise the chance of getting tickets, I highly recommend you book yours as soon as possible, especially if going to Rome in the busiest months (April to October). Tickets to some areas of the Colosseum such as the underground require you to show ID at the Colosseum entrance.
Also, remember that large backpacks or bags are not allowed in. Small normal-size bags or handbags are fine. All visitors to the Colosseum must pass a security screening so please be patient at the entrance.
A fantastic and historical place to visit The Colosseum in Rome is something you will certainly never forget.
