If you’re planning a trip to Rome, you probably want to visit the iconic Colosseum. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Italy and it’s easy to see why.
The Colosseum has plenty to offer visitors, so it’s important to know how to get the most out of your visit. This ultimate guide will help you avoid queues, skip the security line and enjoy a stress-free day in Rome.
1. Book Your Tickets Online
There is no point in visiting the Colosseum without a ticket, so if you can book them online it's a good idea. This way, you can avoid the long lines at the ticket booths and save yourself time and stress on your visit.
There are also a few different options for accessing the Colosseum, from more basic tickets which just include the main areas to ones that give you access to special areas. This is a great option for anyone who wants to get more out of their visit, as it will give you a greater insight into the Colosseum and its history.
Ticket booking is simple and can be done in English or Italian. You just have to choose the date and time slot you want, and then pick from various ticket types and prices.
2. Be Prepared for Crowds
If you plan on visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum, you should be prepared for crowds. During summer, these two famous monuments are packed to the rafters and you can find yourself waiting in long queues for hours on end, especially during public holidays.
There are different types of tickets that give you access to some or all of the Colosseum's parts. For example, a Full Experience ticket gives you entrance to the arena floor, underground and top tiers of the Colosseum.
These tickets can be booked directly through the Colosseum’s website or from an independent tour company. The latter is a good option if you're looking to skip the line and learn more about the history of the Colosseum.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Colosseum is one of the most popular sites in Rome and it attracts a lot of visitors every day. Like any tourist attraction, it can be very crowded and sometimes difficult to navigate.
In order to avoid waiting in long lines, it is recommended that you book your ticket online in advance. The official website offers a wide variety of options to suit your interests, from general tickets to tours including the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Another tip is to be prepared for rainy days! You’ll need a poncho and sunblock!
4. Arrive Early
Visiting the Colosseum early is the best way to ensure you get the best experience. This is especially true if you plan to visit the Colosseum during a Free First Sunday, when there are usually lots of visitors from around the world.
A new booking system is in place at the Colosseum, as of June 1st 2018, mimicking the Vatican Museums’ ticketing system: you book a timeslot and arrive at the designated time to avoid the long lines that can happen.
It’s also important to remember that the Colosseum’s Underground and Upper Levels are restricted spaces, and you can only access them by purchasing a special ticket or taking an exclusive Colosseum tour. As of June 1, companies like ours are now able to offer incredibly cool and unique tours that visit these areas.
5. Book a Guide
The Colosseum is a big site, and if you want to see all of the areas of it (including arena floor, underground and top tiers) you will need to book a guide. These tours can be booked via third party websites and can be up to 30 days in advance.
A tour will also ensure that you get a lot more out of your visit and that you don’t miss anything, plus they often include skip-the-line access too!
Tickets can be bought on the official site up to 30 days in advance and third party booking sites like Tiqets have an excellent function for early birds that alerts you when tickets become available. You can also buy them from ticket touts if you’re worried about buying online or are in a hurry to arrive and don’t have time to wait for an official seller.
