ROME Travel Guide: All you need to know before you visit the COLOSSEO

Visiting The Colosseum is one place nobody skips when in Rome. It has been included in the New 7 Wonders of the World and stands today as one of the most recognized landmarks of all time! Here’s everything you need to know from how to skip the line, when to go, which ticket to buy, how to get the most of your visit and more!

How to get there…

I woke up so early that day and prayed for a perfect weather! The Colosseum is in Rome’s city centre and getting there was so easy! From Roma Termini, I rode the Metro-Blue Line and stopped at the Colosseo station! You will see the Colosseo immediately upon exit! And yes it’s immensely breathtaking! If you don’t feel like riding the metro that day, Walking from Termini Station to the Colosseum is another option. It will just be a half an hour walk! Google Maps is your bestfriend!

Where to buy tickets…

There are several ways to avoid waiting in a LONG line! Book your Colosseum tour in advance online! It is really very important to definitely pay for a “SKIP THE LINE” tour to save you from the dreaded queues at the ticket desks! You simply go straight to the entrance guard, show your ticket and fall in a short line with people who have bought the tickets for the same entrance time! PRO-TIP: If you haven’t planned ahead, buy your tickets at the entrance to Palatine Hill where lines are shorter… You’re Welcome!

Why go to the Colosseo…

Even if you are not a history buff, Visiting the Colosseo is still worthwhile! There is nothing quite like it in the modern world! It’s the largest amphitheatre ever built and could seat over 50,000 spectators to watch sporting games and events. Do you enjoy watching sports or cheering on your favourite athlete? So did the Ancient Romans! The Ancient World may have been thousands of years ago but we still feel its influences today in so many parts of our lives! And we are so lucky that these days, we can can relive the history of the Colosseum by touring the structure on our own or taking guided tours!

Fun Facts & Intriguing Trivias

I could give you a history lesson, but you can get that from just any other website! But for me it is always worth learning a little about the history and significance of the site before I arrive to major attractions like the Colosseum! To start with, the Colosseo took 10 years to build as a gift to the people and was used to bring the people closer together through entertainment. This brilliant building has 80 entrances and attracts over 6 million tourists in a year! The 2000-year-old amphitheatre has been a symbol of Rome since 80 AD. It was once a hotbed for brutal events where gladiators duelled in bloody battles, where public executions were held and where 10,000 animals got killed in one day! Although the Colosseum projects images of classic civilized early Roman life, the reality is that thousands of animals and gladiators lost their lives within the walls of the Colosseum all in the name of entertainment.

A

FEW REMINDERS BEFORE YOU GO:

1. Avoid the first Sunday of the month; The Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of the month… great, right? You will save 12 EUR per adult, which is great but then again it would be very crowded!

2. As always, go early to beat the big tour groups and hordes of tourists!

3. You can now visit the Colosseum’s restricted underground chambers and Upper Tiers. However, availability is very limited.

4. Timeslot entries are now in place at the Colosseum in Rome. You are required to select your timeslot in advance. Opening hours changes throughout the year.

5. Wear appropriate shoes and bring a hat. This is self-explanatory. Refilling your water bottle is not a problem: Rome drinking fountains continue to provide abundant, clean drinking water to locals and tourists alike!

6. Watch out for people outside who are clearly unofficial tour guides.

7. Peddlers everywhere selling knock off handbags and scarves.

8. Baggage Restrictions: Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not allowed inside.

9. Photography restrictions: Selfie sticks and tripods are banned!

10. Keep an eye on your wallet, beware of pickpockets!

11. Expect to get interrupted a lot during sightseeing.

12. Go twice! From my personal experience, the Colosseum even looks more glorious during the night!

I can still clearly remember the moment I came out of the subway and saw the Colosseo staring back at me! I had to stand back as I was awestruck and dumbfounded by such awesome structure! And by the way, it’s even more amazing in person! Seriously… How can you visit Rome and not visit the Colosseum? I dare you!

Can’t get enough of Rome? Here’s more!
► Legal Cannabis in Italy: Is Rome the next Amsterdam?
► ROME Travel Guide: How to climb St. Peter Basilica’s Dome at the Vatican City

P.S. Follow me on Instagram for more travel updates!

Love from Rome,
The Travel Belle

.