The Colosseum is such an icon in Rome. You've always wanted to see it in person, and that time has finally come! With new sections opened to the public, now is a great time to go. Here are some tips to follow when you go.
Get there early (or late)
As with many sights, there are two magical times during the day when the line isn't so bad. As long as you get there before it opens or about an hour or two before the site closes, you shouldn't experience a long waiting time. One tidbit about going late in the day, the Colosseum closes at different times throughout the year depending on time the sun sets. Be sure to check closing time before visiting. I'm sure you have heard about the skip-the-line tickets, and they are great, however, there may be a line for the skip-the-line tickets too. You will likely still get in faster than the masses with these tickets but understand that it doesn't always mean you get to walk in front of everyone. This blogger personally waited 45 minutes for Versailles with skip-the-line tickets. It was worth it.
Book in Advance
Booking a tour is a pro's way of skipping the line. No long wait and a knowledgeable guide? Count me in. If decide to book on your own make sure you do it online and in advance. As you arrive you'll find many people offering tours and each one offers "the best" tour. While these people aren't necessarily scammers, they usually charge much more than a tour you can find online. It is last minute after all. We recommend tours rather than doing this on your own because the history behind what you're witnessing is truly fascinating.
Cost
At the time of this writing, the standard admission is 12 euros. If you purchase tickets online in advance, there is an extra fee of 2 euros.
What's included
Standard tickets grant you admission to The Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Make sure you budget time for all three! Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are fascinating and they offer stunning views of the Colosseum.
Free Entry
On the first Sunday of every month, entrance to the Colosseum (and many other government-managed sites in Europe) are free. But, free admission means more crowded and longer lines. Ask yourself which is more important, long lines or a few extra euros, then decide.
How to get there
The Colosseum can easily be reached on foot or by public transportation from anywhere in central Rome.
By metro, take Line B
By bus, take Bus #75
By tram, take Line 3
Another option: if you spring for a hop-on/hop-off bus tour during your trip, it will almost definitely make a stop at the Colosseum. Since it's already embedded in the price of the tour ticket, use it as transportation!
Arrive Prepared
This is no time to risk discomfort. Chances are, you'll probably only see the Colosseum once in your life! We cannot stress this enough: wear comfortable shoes. Don't think "eh, I'll be fine! I wanna look cute, I'm in Italy after all." Been there, done that, never again. The beautiful thing about these sites is that they are ancient. This means the ground is not perfectly flat! In the Colosseum - and especially in the Forum and on Palatine Hill - you'll find rocky, uneven ground that can be challenging at times. The "I broke my ankle at the Colosseum" story isn't that fun.
Be aware large backpacks and luggage are not allowed inside!
Weather
Make sure you keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go. Chance of rain? Bring a poncho. Sunny day? Bring a hat and wear sunblock. You'll be exposed to the elements and sorry if you don't come prepared.
How much time should we spend there?
It usually takes 2 - 4 hours to hit all three ancient sites (the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill). This is another reason to go early - a few hours spent at the Colosseum in the morning means you still have most of the day to explore.
Go on a Full Stomach
While there are a few restaurants in the surrounding area, there is no food served at the Colosseum or in the Forum. You will be doing a good amount of walking, so you want to make sure you've had something substantial before visiting. The last thing you want to remember about visiting an iconic site is how you couldn't wait to leave so you could find lunch.
Watch Your Wallet
The Colosseum is a crowded tourist attraction in one of the world's most visited cities. Just like we'd recommend around any tourist attraction in any big city, be careful.
See the Colosseum at Night
For a completely different experience, simply walk or drive by the Colosseum in the evening as it becomes illuminated against the dark night sky. Maybe find a nice restaurant with a view of it in the distance. Many sites in Rome, especially the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's Basilica, look stunning all lit up at night. Do yourself a favor and experience them in the light and in the dark.
So take these tips to heart and you'll have an amazing trip to the Colesseum in Rome!
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